lifeinthebooklane's review
3.0
I'd give this 4 stars on Amazon and 3.5 on here
I would almost describe this book as sweet not as in a 'clean' romance (because it has some very steamy scenes) but one that doesn't have a lot of angst or conflict. I love a second-chance romance but usually because there has been a lot of misunderstanding that takes some time to get over, or there is hurt to move past. Carson and Tawny picked up their relationship far too easily for my reading tastes. I spent most of the book waiting for some huge catastrophe to happen, but when all we got was a very brief storm in a teacup that was quickly dealt with.
The writing was good quality, the book was easy to read and the narrative flowed smoothly whilst the editing had been done to a high standard. The characters were well written , believable and most importantly likeable and I have no issues at all with either Carson or Tawny in this book. I felt the passion between them and totally believed in their love. For me what let this down was pace - they got back together too quickly and so smoothly that it felt that, beyond the blurb, there was no real plot. I needed more drama and angst, more will they/won't they, more conflict and emotion.
I would almost describe this book as sweet not as in a 'clean' romance (because it has some very steamy scenes) but one that doesn't have a lot of angst or conflict. I love a second-chance romance but usually because there has been a lot of misunderstanding that takes some time to get over, or there is hurt to move past. Carson and Tawny picked up their relationship far too easily for my reading tastes. I spent most of the book waiting for some huge catastrophe to happen, but when all we got was a very brief storm in a teacup that was quickly dealt with.
The writing was good quality, the book was easy to read and the narrative flowed smoothly whilst the editing had been done to a high standard. The characters were well written , believable and most importantly likeable and I have no issues at all with either Carson or Tawny in this book. I felt the passion between them and totally believed in their love. For me what let this down was pace - they got back together too quickly and so smoothly that it felt that, beyond the blurb, there was no real plot. I needed more drama and angst, more will they/won't they, more conflict and emotion.
lauraanne9's review
3.0
***ARC Provided by the Author and Tasty Book Tours***
3.5 Stars
Tawny and Carson were interesting together. I definitely believed there was an attraction bewteen them in the past, and one that could be built on in the future. That said, I was not sure if they would have been able to get past the reasons they split years ago quite so easily.
I liked the idea that both of them still carried a torch for the other, that both of them were still drawn to one another, and that they were still both feeling like they had unfinished business. They definitely did. The heat and genuine affection they had for one another made the story work fairly well.
My issue, as I mentioned, was that the thing that separated them never felt fully resolved to me. She says she no longer sees it that way, and that she has changed, but there was not enough there for me to totally believe in the happily ever after. Do I think they will get there? Yes, I do...but I think there was a conversation the reader was left out of that was important to fully resolve the story. I never say this, but I think I would have liked more character and slightly less sexy time, as I think there was something lost with all of the sex being what was used to drive the story.
Don't get me wrong, the sex was hot and there was nothing wrong with it...it just felt like it was in place of a conversation or 2 that I think they needed to have to really, fully, move forward.
I do recommend this overall, while there were things that didn't totally work, I did enjoy it.
3.5 Stars
Tawny and Carson were interesting together. I definitely believed there was an attraction bewteen them in the past, and one that could be built on in the future. That said, I was not sure if they would have been able to get past the reasons they split years ago quite so easily.
I liked the idea that both of them still carried a torch for the other, that both of them were still drawn to one another, and that they were still both feeling like they had unfinished business. They definitely did. The heat and genuine affection they had for one another made the story work fairly well.
My issue, as I mentioned, was that the thing that separated them never felt fully resolved to me. She says she no longer sees it that way, and that she has changed, but there was not enough there for me to totally believe in the happily ever after. Do I think they will get there? Yes, I do...but I think there was a conversation the reader was left out of that was important to fully resolve the story. I never say this, but I think I would have liked more character and slightly less sexy time, as I think there was something lost with all of the sex being what was used to drive the story.
Don't get me wrong, the sex was hot and there was nothing wrong with it...it just felt like it was in place of a conversation or 2 that I think they needed to have to really, fully, move forward.
I do recommend this overall, while there were things that didn't totally work, I did enjoy it.
emmascr's review
5.0
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Lisa for letting me take part in this tour. I am a big fan of Melissa so I as soon as I saw the tour I knew I had to sign up. If you have read the other books in the After Dark Series then you would have already met Carson, however this book can be read as a standalone.
In college Tawny and Carson were best friends but they were also secret lovers. After Tawny broke things off Carson was heartbroken but, 10 years on and it's her biggest regret. After gathering all her courage Tawny arrived back in New York, to see if second changes really exist.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the dynamics between Tawny and Carson. These two are perfect for each other but they needed that decade apart. I can't express how much I loved Carson. He is extremely kind, caring and thoughtful.
I think I spent the last 20% of the book with tears rolling down my face. The scene with the journal and the letters was so sweet, as was the epilogue. Melissa really captured my heart with this story and I look forward to reading Brett's story.
In college Tawny and Carson were best friends but they were also secret lovers. After Tawny broke things off Carson was heartbroken but, 10 years on and it's her biggest regret. After gathering all her courage Tawny arrived back in New York, to see if second changes really exist.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the dynamics between Tawny and Carson. These two are perfect for each other but they needed that decade apart. I can't express how much I loved Carson. He is extremely kind, caring and thoughtful.
I think I spent the last 20% of the book with tears rolling down my face. The scene with the journal and the letters was so sweet, as was the epilogue. Melissa really captured my heart with this story and I look forward to reading Brett's story.
nadenetotallyaddictedtoreading's review
4.0
Bad Boys After Dark: Carson is the third book in Bad Boys After Dark series. It is a stand-alone read and due to its sexual content is suitable for mature readers.
What The Story Is About
The focus of this story in on Carson Bad and Tawny Bishop. Carson is the third eldest of the Bad brothers. He is the owner and CEO of an International security firm. His job is to expose secrets, which is ironic since he has kept one for the last ten years. This secret haunts him and he avoids dating and long-term relationships as a result. Tawny Bishop is the one woman he has ever loved and now she is back in his life, he does not intend to let her go.
Tawny Bishop has only ever loved only one man, but a misunderstanding ten years ago led to her walking away from him. She chose a life she considered safe, but ten years later, she has not forgotten the love of her life. She needs to move forward with her life, but the only way to do that was to confront her past. However, what she never counted on was that her feelings would burn hotter than it did a decade ago.
As I am familiar with the author’s work and the series, I went into this story with high expectations. Now if I were to rate this book based on the premise, the writing, the characters and the scorching love scenes, then this would be a five-star read. Unfortunately, some issues prevented me from giving it such a high rating. It was not a bad story, but I believe it could have better executed.
I thought Carson and Tawny were great together. They cared for each other. I enjoyed their banter and the manner in which they related to each other.
I liked that the story provided me with flashbacks to their past as it provided insight into their lives while in college. It helped me to understand what led to their separation, not only as friends but as lovers too.
Now I am a firm believer in true love and its ability to endure the passage of time, so I had no doubts about Carson and Tawny’s love for each other. What I had problems with was how their relationship picked up as if nothing had happened. The pace at which their relationship rekindled it would make it seem they were separated for one week instead of ten years.
Based on their history, I expected drama and a little angst, but none of this occurred. I am still trying to figure out the purpose of featuring Tawny’s ex-husband. I don't think his character added any value to the story. In addition, I thought the issues that led to their separations were not adequately resolved. It is my belief that this time around the author’s focus was on the sexy times between the characters and the rekindling of the relationship, without giving much thought to the underlying issues.
The story highlighted the impact that lack of communication has on any relationship. This is a major problem for relationships since the dawn of time.
Conclusion/Recommendation
In spite of the issues I had, I still found the story to be an enjoyable read and one that I would recommend to readers who love steamy contemporary romance. I am looking forward to reading Brett Bad’s story as soon it is released.
What The Story Is About
The focus of this story in on Carson Bad and Tawny Bishop. Carson is the third eldest of the Bad brothers. He is the owner and CEO of an International security firm. His job is to expose secrets, which is ironic since he has kept one for the last ten years. This secret haunts him and he avoids dating and long-term relationships as a result. Tawny Bishop is the one woman he has ever loved and now she is back in his life, he does not intend to let her go.
Tawny Bishop has only ever loved only one man, but a misunderstanding ten years ago led to her walking away from him. She chose a life she considered safe, but ten years later, she has not forgotten the love of her life. She needs to move forward with her life, but the only way to do that was to confront her past. However, what she never counted on was that her feelings would burn hotter than it did a decade ago.
As I am familiar with the author’s work and the series, I went into this story with high expectations. Now if I were to rate this book based on the premise, the writing, the characters and the scorching love scenes, then this would be a five-star read. Unfortunately, some issues prevented me from giving it such a high rating. It was not a bad story, but I believe it could have better executed.
I thought Carson and Tawny were great together. They cared for each other. I enjoyed their banter and the manner in which they related to each other.
I liked that the story provided me with flashbacks to their past as it provided insight into their lives while in college. It helped me to understand what led to their separation, not only as friends but as lovers too.
Now I am a firm believer in true love and its ability to endure the passage of time, so I had no doubts about Carson and Tawny’s love for each other. What I had problems with was how their relationship picked up as if nothing had happened. The pace at which their relationship rekindled it would make it seem they were separated for one week instead of ten years.
Based on their history, I expected drama and a little angst, but none of this occurred. I am still trying to figure out the purpose of featuring Tawny’s ex-husband. I don't think his character added any value to the story. In addition, I thought the issues that led to their separations were not adequately resolved. It is my belief that this time around the author’s focus was on the sexy times between the characters and the rekindling of the relationship, without giving much thought to the underlying issues.
The story highlighted the impact that lack of communication has on any relationship. This is a major problem for relationships since the dawn of time.
Conclusion/Recommendation
In spite of the issues I had, I still found the story to be an enjoyable read and one that I would recommend to readers who love steamy contemporary romance. I am looking forward to reading Brett Bad’s story as soon it is released.
ellesea's review
5.0
I've thoroughly enjoyed the previous novels in this series and eagerly anticipated Carson's story. Verdict? It doesn't disappoint.
Ten years ago, Tawny Bishop made a decision which she instantly regretted. Now, she's back, clinging to hope that the man she rejected all those years ago is still free. On a whim she turns up at a fund-raiser he's attending and devastated because she's arrived too late. Fortunately, the man she seeks is stood chatting in the hotel foyer. Their eyes meet. Giving renewed hope of a reconciliation.
Carson Bad was left reeling after his college best friend and secret lover left and married someone else straight after graduation. Since then, he's concentrated on building up his security business as well as keeping his heart safely intact from further heartache. When the woman he has always loved makes a surprising appearance, Carson instinctively seeks her out. Only he needs to know the reasons for her departure ten years ago before he can think about moving on with the woman he still loves.
The pace and feel of this novel very much reflect the quiet personalities and calm characters of the protagonists. Like his brothers; Mick and Dylan, Carson, is a sexy, alpha male. Unlike his brothers, he prefers to live his life more discreetly, keeping his private life under the radar. Tawny, after years of regret and the death of her father, has a sense of determination she's never had before with no idea if her courage will be enough.
The time-line for this novel is short, yet a lot is packed into the pages as Carson and Tawny begin to unravel the past. They must satisfy their need for closure for old, emotional wounds before moving forward. These are two people with a second chance, who already love each other, and thankfully, the narrative doesn't deliver an insta-love vibe. I appreciated Carson's cautious manner and his sense of honour as he tries to make sense of Tawny's return into his life before his physical desires take over. The sparks between them are combustible, igniting urges Tawny has subdued since she walked out of Carson's life. Only now she's frustrated until neither can resist temptation.
Part of the joy of reading a Melissa Foster novel is getting re-acquainted with familiar faces and getting introduced to new ones. The camaraderie and playful banter add a fun contrast to the hot and steamy romance between relatable and likeable protagonists. Carson can be read as a standalone, but with equally sexy brothers, why stick with just one!
4.5 stars
***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher World Literary Press***
Ten years ago, Tawny Bishop made a decision which she instantly regretted. Now, she's back, clinging to hope that the man she rejected all those years ago is still free. On a whim she turns up at a fund-raiser he's attending and devastated because she's arrived too late. Fortunately, the man she seeks is stood chatting in the hotel foyer. Their eyes meet. Giving renewed hope of a reconciliation.
Carson Bad was left reeling after his college best friend and secret lover left and married someone else straight after graduation. Since then, he's concentrated on building up his security business as well as keeping his heart safely intact from further heartache. When the woman he has always loved makes a surprising appearance, Carson instinctively seeks her out. Only he needs to know the reasons for her departure ten years ago before he can think about moving on with the woman he still loves.
The pace and feel of this novel very much reflect the quiet personalities and calm characters of the protagonists. Like his brothers; Mick and Dylan, Carson, is a sexy, alpha male. Unlike his brothers, he prefers to live his life more discreetly, keeping his private life under the radar. Tawny, after years of regret and the death of her father, has a sense of determination she's never had before with no idea if her courage will be enough.
The time-line for this novel is short, yet a lot is packed into the pages as Carson and Tawny begin to unravel the past. They must satisfy their need for closure for old, emotional wounds before moving forward. These are two people with a second chance, who already love each other, and thankfully, the narrative doesn't deliver an insta-love vibe. I appreciated Carson's cautious manner and his sense of honour as he tries to make sense of Tawny's return into his life before his physical desires take over. The sparks between them are combustible, igniting urges Tawny has subdued since she walked out of Carson's life. Only now she's frustrated until neither can resist temptation.
Part of the joy of reading a Melissa Foster novel is getting re-acquainted with familiar faces and getting introduced to new ones. The camaraderie and playful banter add a fun contrast to the hot and steamy romance between relatable and likeable protagonists. Carson can be read as a standalone, but with equally sexy brothers, why stick with just one!
4.5 stars
***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher World Literary Press***
More...