Single Sundays: While this blog may be focused on reviewing book series as a whole, we can’t forget about the good ole’ standalone novel! On Sundays, I will review a novel that is considered to be a standalone novel. Here is this week’s offering:
Synopsis for Play Me (from Goodreads):
Recipe For:
A Roll In The Hay Hot Crossed BunsLoveIngredients:
1 Chef (equal parts sexy and carefree)
1 Pianist (equal parts uptight and endearing)
1/8 inch of drywall between their apartments
2 opinions on everythingCombine all ingredients, mix vigorously, and be prepared for an explosion of heat.
Pianist Ella Thomas is training for the competition of her life. Finally in an apartment of her own, she can practice from dawn till dusk.
But she didn’t bet on the sexy and frustrating neighbor keeping her up all night – even if he does cook like a maestro and kiss like it’s his job.Jake Matson is living his dream as Head Chef at one of the most popular restaurants in San Francisco. He’s easy going, flirtatious and not looking for love. He didn’t expect to be completely distracted by the girl next door, whose buttoned-up appearance hides the seductive firecracker underneath.
What happens when opposites attract? As their tension fires up, can they create a new kind of music together or will everything boil over?
SERIESous’ Top Picks: Must Read Author
Author: Katie McCoy
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Humour
Heat Rating: hot
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: January 27, 2016
Source & Format: Author–eARC | Thank you so much Katie McCoy!
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
When I was asked if I would be interesting in reading Katie McCoy’s latest novel, I literally jumped for the chance. I really enjoyed her debut novel Game On for its sexual tension and its plot development. I quickly put her on my radar for authors to watch once I finished. It was just so much fun to read and when I saw what the synopsis would be for this new novel, I figured this one would be even better than its predecessor!
The Plot:
What I liked about the plot for this novel was it was equal parts romance and character development. It really is about Jake and Ella falling in love but I liked how their romance didn’t take away from their individual character growth. Their relationship is a catalyst for their own personal story and that made it a lot of fun to read. If you want a book that will give you positive vibes, this is one for you!
The Characters:
Ella was a very interesting character and one I grew to truly like the more I read. I thought her growth was fantastic as a character. I liked that she didn’t loose herself in her relationship with Jake. Like I said before, their relationship is more of a catalyst to make positive changes in their lives without becoming solely dependent upon a consuming need to be with the other person.
Both Jake and Ella had great back stories and flaws so it made them relatable and made you want to root for them. Jake is also a super sweet guy who could honestly cook for me any time; especially if it’s brownies!
I loved the fact that Jake has a best friend who is a girl and that it is completely platonic! I wish more books had these platonic friendships. Not all best friends are in love with each other and I hate books that perpetuate that. So not the case here!
The Romance:
This one was brimming with sexual tension but also had a strong emotional development. These two just complimented each other so well and I liked how they brought out the best of each other and challenged each other to change their perceptions of things. As I said before, they didn’t have this consuming need to be with each other at all times or lose themselves to who they were as people. It was so much fun to watch them fall in love.
My Rating: 5/5
Simple put: I loved this novel from start to finish. It was everything I thought it was going to be: a sweet romance, strong characters and lots of sexual tension. I also failed to mention that it had its funny moments too. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this one if you enjoy fun adult contemporary romances.
Read if You Like: Adult contemporary romances, fun/quick reads
Avoid if You: want more drama, want a tragedy
This sounds like such a fun read.
However I have worked many a waitressing job and I have never met a chef with a body like that. NO FAIR.
I know…seems too good to be true!