Monday, December 15, 2014

REVIEW: FORKED BY MELANIE HARLOW

Book Details:
Title:    Forked (Frenched Series Book #2)
Author:   Melanie Harlow
Genre:   NA, Contemporary Romance, Humor
Release Day:         October 20, 2014    

Synopsis:
Twenty-eight year old Coco Thomas knows the recipe for disaster:

1) Agree to plan last-minute engagement blowout for spoiled Mafia princess before you realize her choice of caterer is Nick Lupo, a despicably gorgeous young chef with a hot new restaurant in town, a reality TV show victory, and a romantic past with you—one that did not end well.

2) Strike a deal with Nick in which you agree to spend a weekend with him in exchange for his services, under the strict conditions there will be no talking about the past, no second chances, and definitely no sex.

3) Violate all three conditions within 24 hours and spend two glorious days remembering what made you fall for the sexy, egotistical bastard in the first place, and why it hurt so much when he broke your heart.

Add one road trip, plenty of good scotch, and endless spoonfuls of chocolate cake batter drizzled over your body and licked off inch by oh-my-God-yes-right-there inch, then just admit it.
You’re totally FORKED.

Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo


Shel: Forked is so much fun and if you haven't picked up Frenched and Forked,  I really think it's a perfect holiday read. It's fun and funny and sexy (Melanie can write characters with the BEST filthy mouths) and not so angsty that you want to kill someone--it's very well balanced. Court: I completely agree. I wasn't sure what to expect, since the first book is a destination...but I loved this story...and especially the characters history. It wasn't awkward between them, thanks to Nick, and they are both a serious, ridiculous amount of fun!! 

Shel: So what's it about? Well, the synopsis covers most of the major bits but I guess what I'd say is that this is perhaps unintentionally (?) more than a light-hearted romp. There are definitely hurt feelings and withheld truths and emotions that one can expect in this genre but I found myself thinking about Coco and how undervalued she felt. No one ever gave her credit for being who she was. Her parents expected certain things, Nick assumed certain things, and even though she was willing to step up to challenges at work and in her personal life, many times people underestimated her ability to get shit done. And so while I thought the novel was fun and sexy and really great..I couldn't help but appreciate Coco and all of her heart and desire to be who she was and try hard to do the best that she could--whether anyone thought she could or not. Court: I couldn't have said it better myself. Another kindred spirit in a character, and I love her name first. Lol. I loved how she took her gut feelings, and signs from the universe seriously, but it also was awesome how great this group of friends is to call her on it and make her stand up for her self. I love when characters take us on a journey and then cause feels, and the dialogue and writing and plot and pace are so spot on that it is effortless to read. Effortless, y'all. And fun. Lots and lots of fun. And as Shel said, dirty talking galore, and an amazing amount of hot sex. Holiday fun for all. 

Shel: In addition to the Nick + Coco storyline, I loved that we got to see how the other characters were doing in this series..and the tie in to Melanie's other novels (see the special excerpt at the end). Court: I loved our old characters we met, but can we get a special honorable mention for the Grandmothers. SO FREAKING CUTE!!!! Habibi is one of my favorite endearments said by an Iraqi woman that I met a few years ago (Love her), so yay for Lebanese people using that term too. So awesome. 

Shel: Grab this book and snuggle up by the fireplace during your holiday break; I think you'll be happy you did. Court: Agree. Feel good novel, and did I mention...effortless to read. Fun. You won't regret it. 

Also by Melanie Harlow

Title:    Frenched (Frenched Series Book #1)
Author:   Melanie Harlow
Genre:   NA, Contemporary Romance, Humor

Synopsis:
When Tucker Branch, playboy heir to Branch Bolt and Screw, screws and bolts a week before their wedding, Mia Devine wants nothing more than to crawl under her newly monogrammed sheets and plan a funeral for her dignity. But her friends convince her that bitter tastes better when it’s drowned in Bordeaux, so Mia grits her teeth and packs her bags, determined to make the best of her luxurious Paris honeymoon—alone.

She never planned on meeting Lucas Fournier.

The easygoing bartender’s scruffy good looks and less-than-sympathetic ear annoy her at first, but when she takes him up on his offer to show her around the city, she discovers that the romance of Paris isn’t just a myth.

Nor is the simultaneous O.

The last thing Mia needs is another doomed love affair, but since she only has a week, she figures she might as well enjoy la vie en O with Lucas while she can. But each day—and night—with Lucas is better than the last, and suddenly her heart is telling her this is more than a rebound fling.

Is it just the seduction of Paris…or could this be the real thing?


Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo




Title:   Yanked (Frenched Series Book #1.5)
Author:   Melanie Harlow
Genre:   NA, Contemporary Romance, Humor

Synopsis:
Mia Devine fell hard for Lucas Fournier after their magical week in Paris. But eight months later, the free-spirited half-French musician still hasn't made any promises about their future. And as magnifique as long-distance phone sex is, nothing compares to the real thing.

Fed up with stolen weekends and lonely nights, Mia flies to New York armed with a list of reasons why they should take the next step, but an unexpected guest in Lucas's apartment derails her plans. He’s been keeping secrets--worse, he claims he's happy with the way things are.

Without the magic of Paris, can their mismatched love survive?



Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N

About the Author:
Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. She lifts her glass to readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI.

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