| Title | : | Craft (The Gibson Boys, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Kindle , Hardcover , Paperback , Audiobook & More |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | First published March 12, 2018 |
Lance Gibson drives Mariah Malarkey absolutely crazy. He uses her office like a phone booth, takes cupcakes from the corner of her desk like she baked them just for him. She didn’t. Maybe she knew the history teacher happened to love peanut butter icing, but that was purely a coincidence. All sixteen times.
Mariah has a way of getting under Lance’s skin too. She calls him out on his crap, spoils him even if inadvertently, and seeing the librarian in skirts drives him wild. She won’t give in. It’s for the best, really, considering there’s no way he could lie to a woman like that and he’s not about to tell her the truth about himself. Not in a million years.
These two don’t hate each other. They don’t really like each other. But for this to be a friends-to-lovers story, they have to start somewhere, right?
Note: This can be read as a standalone novel.
Will be available in Kindle Unlimited. Releases on March 14th.
Craft (The Gibson Boys, #2) Reviews
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4.5 stars!!
Craft was such a fun and fantastic book! Lance and Mariah were both amazing and their banter was the best! It was sweet, romantic, snarky, emotional, and all around a great read.
Lance Gibson is a history teacher who doesn't do commitment. Mariah Malarkey is the librarian at the high school Lance teaches at. He loves nothing more than stealing the sweets she bakes daily and giving her a hard time. I'll say it again- the banter between these two was EVERYTHING! I loved the back and forth between them!
"Do you live to annoy me?"
"No, but watching you get all hot and bothered does turn me on."
At first these two have a fun, care free, frenimes relationship, but then there are turn of events that change things between them. Things naturally develop and progress and even though both try to fight the feelings, they can't. I adored these two together. I was completely enamored by their coupling. I loved how fresh and fun it was, but it also had moments that pulled at my heart strings and hit me in the feels. I loved that it gave me both sides.
Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott narrated this book, and they make quite the narrating duo. I especially loved the way Lance was voiced. It was perfection! I think these two read together so well and always love when they both narrate a book.
Even though this is book 2 in The Gibson Boys series, I'm confident it can be read as a stand-alone as I have not read the first book and I wasn't lost. I'll definitely be checking it out, though! I can't wait for more from these characters. This book was fabulous and I highly recommend the audio! -
Live now! :)
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NOW LIVE!
Amazon US *
Amazon UK
Lance Gibson can steal my cupcakes any day!
Lance quickly became my favorite Gibson brother (that title will change as the series goes on since I'm an unashamed fictional hero ho). I loved the playful banter between him and Mariah and they had that type of close relationship that makes my heart grow warm. I just adored seeing how they were so close even as they bickered about almost everything.
This author snuck in some emotional moments that I wasn't really expecting, but that I ended up loving. Those moments brought me closer to these characters and I felt like I was living their love story right along with them.
Craft can easily be read as a standalone, there are only a few glimpses at secondary characters and none that will leave you confused if you haven't read the previous book. Though, if you haven't anything from these Gibson's yet, they are highly recommended by me.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. -
“If I wasn’t completely clear, I want you. Only you. For as long as you’ll have me.”
OMG! OMG! OMG! Lance Gibson and Mariah Malarkey are two of the BEST characters that Adriana Locke has ever created! They are so freaking adorable, it hurts! Their relationship was such a fun, sexy, and emotional rollercoaster ride…I never wanted it to end! CRAFT made me want to shout from the rooftops my insane love for this author and her ridiculously fantastic talent! I knew going into this enemies-to-lovers / friends-to-lovers romance, that I was going to fall head over heels…I just didn’t realize how extremely fast or extremely HARD it was going to happen. This author has my number, and she will have YOURS if you love sexy, charming, and entertaining love stories.
You know, Walker was my favorite Gibson boy going into this, but Lance, that charming bastard, he has wiggled his way past Walker in my heart. I know Machlan is next, and the way that this series is going…I can probably say with the upmost certainty, there will be a fight within my heart to see who comes out on top. You try and pick a favorite Gibson boy…I DARE YOU!
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OMGGGG! I’m feeling MAJOR friggin FEELS right now. That was lush, dreamy, decadently romantic. My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. I am absolutely ENCHANTED with Craft! I knew I was going to love Lance Gibson (I fell for him while reading Crank) but holy books, I had NO IDEA that I was going to be practically vibrating with ADORATION for him. He is irresistible. The sexiest, funniest, most captivating and charming hero Adriana Locke has given us to date. From start to finish I CRUSHED on him! I could not get enough. Could. not. get. enough.
To say I LOVED this book would be an understatement. It was a joy to read. Mariah and Lance are ALL FEELS. They make me melty and gushy and warm and so incredibly happy. This romance is delicious, light and easy, scorchingly hot and so undeniably beautiful. I lost myself to these characters. And I truly can’t stop swooning. Adriana Locke slayed the second installment in the Gibson Boys series (a standalone, btw) and I can’t see how you won’t love it. Craft was BEYOND good and I’m delighted that it came to life the way it did. A perfect romance, filled with pure sweetness that I could spend ALL DAY gushing over. One you absolutely have to read.
Lance Gibson is a charmer, a high-school history teacher whose way with woman is notorious. Lance has no desire for relationship, doesn’t want the responsibility of someone else’s happiness, but loves woman, respects them, and enjoys their company as often as he can.
Mariah is a high-school librarian that dreams of a committed relationship with a man who can love and nurture her. She wants someone who accepts her for exactly who she is. Betrayed by family, Mariah needs someone who can promise her loyalty, be good to her.
Lance and Mariah seem to be on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to love and relationships, but their chemistry is a force to be reckoned with and my goodness, is it ever explosively hot.
Once you start reading, it’ll be impossible to put down. I guarantee it. No one can write small town romance like Adriana Locke. When it comes to scene setting, developing characters, and hitting dialogue, she reigns supreme. The conversations are hilarious and dynamic and whip smart. I could picture everything—all the smirks, the grins, the giggles, the moments. It felt real and God, I got lost in the pages. Overall, The Gibson Boys series is alive with romance. It’s BEYOND great. And I’m a MASSIVELY big fan. I recommend this to anyone and everyone. If you’re a lover of alpha - hot country boys with big hearts and filthy minds then this is for you! It is so good, you won’t be able to put it down. -
Love.... unconditional or otherwise. What does it mean exactly? You might think you know but let me tell you, Lance and Mariah will give you one heck of an answer if you need to know and then some!
Lance, we’ve met him and I love him. What’s not to love? He’s a nerd in the best way possible, a teacher which is just sexy as all get out, and a guy who cares about the kids he’s around every day and his family without a second thought. Again, what’s not to love?!?
Mariah, she’s feisty, she’s kind, has a heart of gold, and can banter and keep up with the best of Lance Gibson. So perfect for our guy right? And plus she’s a librarian and I’m so insanely jealous of that! Being surrounded by books all day and then add in Lance and I mean can I be her?
Together these two are a force to be reckoned with. Their journey may not be easy but when it’s Love is it ever? What matters at the end of the day is the love they have for each other, their friendship, their banter, and just them. I laughed at these two, I cried with them, I got ticked off at them, but most importantly I fell in love with them!
One of the things I love most about Ms. Locke’s books is how it’s so easy to relate to her characters. I feel like it I ran into Lance, Mariah, and the rest of the Gibson clan I’d fit right in. I love getting lost in and. Locke’s books because it feels like I’m actually there each and every time. And her secondary characters? Whitney, Tish, the elderly patients at the nursing home? They put a smile on my face as well. Linton can I come visit you and my favorite family? Nothing would make me happier!
And once again, Ms. Locke has done it. Each time I think hmmmm, this one is my favorite and every single time she proves me wrong. And you know what? Being proven wrong is why I love her and her books so much! Keep ‘me coming because I’ll keep reading forever and ever! -
CRAFT is an example of "small town romance" at its very finest. Lance and Mariah are romantic perfection from beginning to end, with so much heat and humor they had me burning through the pages far too quickly. I loved this story so much.
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Absolutely amazing. I devoured this book in 3 hours, it was that perfect. Just- wow.
They aren't quite friends. They aren't quite enemies. They're more like magnets that are complete opposites of each other- but they work so well together, it's nearly impossible to stay apart for too long.
Lance Gibson knows exactly what to do to press Mariah Malarkey's buttons- use her office as a phone booth? Check. Come into her office uninvited? Check. Steal any of her sweet treats, especially ones that have that tantalizing peanut butter icing he loves? Absolutely CHECK. Though Mariah claims that the icing thing isn't on purpose, Lance expects it from her. He adores her in the skirts she wears and the way she lets her hair fall in waves around her shoulders, but Mariah is firmly against Mr. Gibson and his actions. But Lance has his dating apps- and he's okay with that until Mariah comes around to his devilishly good looks and his sweet charm.
Mariah Malarkey is a simple librarian who doesn't ask for much, and loves to bake. After getting burned in a previous relationship, she has sworn off dating. So why is Lance Gibson a tall, cool drink of water that she desperately wants, acting as if she hasn't had any relief in years? Oh sure, she knows how to tease him- certain skirts and heels paired together, a sweet yet subtly floral perfume she wears, and of COURSE her cupcakes with peanut butter icing; sixteen times of her making the sweet treat for him isn't too excessive, right? ;) Mariah won't give in, however; men have never really been her forte, though Lance Gibson may prove to be her only exception...
But one thing is for certain- Lance Gibson and Mariah Malarkey have secrets that they don't want anyone to know about. While they don't hate each other, they aren't really liking each other. But for a story labeled as a "chance at romance" and a "friends-to-lovers" story, it has to start somewhere.
Believe me, this is a home run of a story. Adriana Locke has done it again with "Craft," and I eagerly await the next book in this series. Well done, Ms. Locke; well done. <3 -
#manwhore + #shyheroine + #librarian
I confess I did not like the hero. He is a very annoying hero.
He marks sex dates with other women in our heroine's office and also makes calls to these women in front of her. I found that disgusting.
But gradually he redeems himself and I find him acceptable.
It's a sad day for us readers when we settle for an okay hero.
But that's what's happening lately.
Our heroine has mom issues and suffered a great betrayal by her sister who is a bitch.
Overall it was an okay reading.
I was disappointed.“Yes. He’s single. His goal in life is to be single.”
She’s prettier than ever and I realize that’s probably some sex-deprived colored glasses kind of thing.
“You can’t choose how people treat you or the actions they take. They get up in the morning and have to see the ugly things they do reflected in their face.”
“You live your life and you fill it with all those people who make you feel like getting up in the morning. The ones who give you life. And the rest of them?” She blows a breath. “The rest of them you just let go.”
“Anyway, I’m going to assume she likes you.” This is enough to get me to lift my head. “Of course she does. Everyone likes me.”
“So you love her.” “Hell no.”
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Mariah and Lance are healing each other in ways they didn't even know they needed in this sharp, funny, and sexy tale of life, love, and cupcakes. Mariah has always been the girl left in the corner. It's been easy for everyone in her life to leave her feeling slightly inadequate. If a childhood filled with her mother constantly playing favorite with her sister wasn't enough to give her a complex, her boyfriend choosing to marry and start a family with her perfect sister was enough to seal the deal. The only somewhat bright spot in her life is her fun fantasy flirt life. Flirting with the handsome Lance Gibson and baking him treats makes her heart go pitter patter. It's a safe way to feel wanted without the risk really exposing her heart again. Lance is the king of the hookup. He always is up front and never promises picket fences or happily ever afters and until lately it has always been enough. Usually lite banter followed by the deed is enough of interaction for him, but now all of sudden his feelings are starting to get involved. He has his reasons for keeping his heart out of equation, but that options seems to no longer be in the cards especially as he finds a woman tailor made to fit him.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book. -
Craft was an unexpected rollercoaster of the Love train. Lance’s will he or won’t he fall made you love him even more. Elizabeth @ White Hot Reads
Adriana Locke’s crafty way that she makes you interested and fall in love with her characters makes you never want to miss a release.
Lance and Mariah’s sexy banter was hot, sweet and sassy! They were pulled together from the start. The love app was absolutely hilarious and unexpected! #moregibsonbrothers -
Title: Craft ( The Gibson Boys #2)
Author: Adriana Locke
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: March 14, 2018
Craft is brilliant. End Of.
This is a contemporary romance reader's dream book. Two headstrong characters you can't help but fall in love, an incorrigible naughty history teacher (excuse me but how come we didn't have one when we were in high school?), a female protagonist after my own heart - a librarian who bakes! (hmmm hello!)
It's safe to say that the chemistry between Lance and Mariah is passionate and explosive!Adriana Locke has written a stupendously good book with just the right amount humour and sexiness. She was able to write a book that was equally naughty/sexy and humorous at the same time... the pace of the book was a perfect blend of fast paced and slow burn.
Lance and Mariah has stolen my heart!
Craft can be read as a standalone but since it's part of The Gibson Boys series.... here's hoping to cameos from them in the near future (fingers crossed).
Craft was an absolute delight to read. I hope you give this book a try...
For more ...
www.jemimajamir.com
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Sweet and pretty low angst.
Sweet and simple. There’s a bit of angst, but overall this is a small town teacher and librarian romance. There is a bit of omission angst, but it’s resolved sort of quickly once it’s out in the universe. I sort of liked that the hero in this book is the one who felt inadequate in ways. The heroine has her own issues to work through, but hers felt smaller than the hero. Good read. -
English / Português
4 stars
I met Adriana's work at CRANK. I found her writing very nice to read. The first book of this series had more drama, in this one she got a little lighter. Both Lance and Mariah wasn't looking for anything serious. The two of them knew each other because they work together on a high school. He, a professor. She, a librarian. Their relationship was more like a frienenemy type. This second book in the Gibson Boys series was a quick and sexy read about two people who ended up finding more than they were looking for: an incredible connection that took them straight to love.
CRAFT was a really good story to read. It was fun and romantic. I love strong characters and both were very determined and sometimes stubborn. Lance act sometimes like he was cocky, but it was in a playful way, it was visible when the things got serious, he was focused and also selfless. A nerd and, at the same time, an irresistible playboy. Mariah represented me several times. I confess that sometimes I feel like her and it was nice to see that when she least expected it she found a guy like Lance.
This book only made me like the author even more and now I want the book of the younger brother. For me, it was love at first sight for the Gibson brothers. I loved Walker, I loved Lance and can't wait to love Mclhan even more. I highly recommend it!
*I received and ARC of this book. Thank you!
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English / Português
4 estrelas
Conheci o trabalho da Adriana em CRANK. Achei a escrita dela muito gostosa de ler. O primeiro livro dessa série teve mais drama, nesse ela pegou um pouco mais leve. Tanto Lance quanto Mariah não procuravam algo sério. Os dois se conheciam do trabalho em uma escola. Ele, professor. Ela, bibliotecária. O relacionamento dos dois era do tipo amigo/inimigo. Esse segundo livro da série Gibson Boys, foi uma leitura gostosa e rápida sobre duas pessoas que acabaram encontrando mais do que procuravam: uma conexão incrível que os levou direto ao amor.
CRAFT foi uma história bem gostosa de ler. Foi divertido e romântico. Eu amo personagens fortes, ambos eram bem decididos e, as vezes teimosos. Lance se mostrava como o gostosão, mas era de uma maneira brincalhona, era visível como quando o assunto era sério, ele era focado e também altruísta. Um nerd e, ao mesmo tempo, playboy irresistível. Mariah me representou por diversas vezes. Confesso que ás vezes me sinto como ela e foi legal ver que quando ela menos esperava ela encontrou uma cara como Lance.
Esse livro só me faz curtir mais ainda a autora e agora eu quero logo o livro do irmão mais novo. Pra mim, foi paixão a primeira vista pelos irmãos Gibson. Amei o Walker, amei o Lance e mal posso esperar para amar mais ainda o Mclhan. Recomendo demais.
* Recebi um ARC desse livro. Obrigada!
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There is a special place in my heart devoted to irreverent, incorrigible, irresistible rascals.
So, welcome home Lance Gibson. You’ll find yourself in good company in this little chamber of my heart.
Seriously, y’all. What kind of magic exists in Lance Gibson? I found myself wanting to slap him and kiss him (and slap kiss him) throughout almost this entire book. He’s the perfect bad boy shielding that brilliant soft underbelly and – my God, I just want to get lost in that soft underbelly.
Is that weird?
You know what, I don’t even care. Because I adored him. And I adored Mariah. And together – these two wonderfully flawed people who don’t appear to make any sense together - they were sheer perfection.
Also, speaking of magic – I feel like a lot of the magic of this story lies in the little things. These little throwaway moments that maybe shouldn’t even be romantic, but still took my breath away. These little snippets of dialogue that tugged at my heartstrings and pulled me in deeper and deeper. This is romance at its finest and can I just say how excited I am that there are more Gibson Boys to come? Because I’m not sure I’ll ever get enough of this crazy (hot) family. ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
***
There’s just something about a bad boy who’s not really so bad under that smirk and sarcasm and penchant for one-night-stands. Yeah, Lance Gibson, I’m looking at you. Directly at you.
You’re an amazing man underneath that veil of aloofness and attempts at taking yourself and life not too seriously. You love your family. You love your job and your students. And maybe, just maybe, there’s some room in that heart of yours for one Mariah Malarkey. You already know you love her goodies . . . err . . . her baked goodies.
And Mariah. I see you too. You’ve spent enough time sitting, hiding in the library. It’s time for your inner vixen to show up—in person, if you know what I’m saying. It’s time to take a chance on life and love again. Time to see what happens. To see what happens when you stop resisting Lance.
And it’s time for me to let out my swoons. Lots of swoons. Lots of swoons because I absolutely loved Craft and all its magic. Loved how Mariah and Lance flirted and sexily bantered. Loved how Lance adored his family and all their interactions—especially those with his Nana. Seriously. The romance between Mariah and Lance was quick but slow at the same time—it felt real because of their friendship. And it was adult, well, for the most part because you know siblings have a way of needling their way under the skin and making anyone act like their five years old again. *grin*
Craft is a sexy, sweet, swoony read and I cannot wait until Crave releases! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars -
DNF @ 8%. Can’t stand manwhores. Or too flirtatious men in general. And the texts taking up pages and pages with generous spacing and large font is a rip off.
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Lance Gibson (with glasses, totally with glasses) is everything you'll need!
And as usual, here is a 5 star review. I'm not slightly surprised by that. Since the first time I read a book by Adriana Locke (Sacrifice), I was a goner for her writing.
She is a story teller, an awesome one, her writing is impecable, her characters are solid and addicting, her plots are involving and so full of emotions, many different emotions: love, lust, sadness, happiness, anger, hatred, angst, fear, longing, joy, hope, faith. You'll always find a little bit (or a lot) of all those feelings and so much more on her books.
I love all of her characters. They are memorable, each one at their own rythim and accord. They are all different, real, one of a kind, and they all touch you some way or another.
This book, its characters, were so close to me. They touched me so deeply, I had tears in my eyes for so many times, even if it is not an angsty book per si. But it was touching. And oh so funny!
The same way I had tears, I also laughed out loud so many times. It was the perfect balance, it was blissful.
This is a standalone that is also a part of The Gibson Boys series. It's about Lance - a history teacher totally manwhore that, believe me or not, had his reasons to be like that - and Mariah - a sweet, brilliant, introspective librarian that was waiting for true love and found so much more in Lance.
He is so amazing, loyal, honest, laid back and to the point. But he is also sweet, a family guy, a man with a huge grief and a big baggage that he carries silently. A man vulnerable inside, so full of love.
"I went into teaching because I love kids"
You see, when you read that from a man as sexy, as handsome, as funny, as brilliant, as glasses-y as he is, you have to melt a little (or a lot!).
Mariah has her own baggage too, a big one, actually. But she is mature, an adult now, and even with so many things she wishes were different, she is stronger now for all of them. She is only not that strong about Lance.
"Lance's heart thumps steadily, his chest rising and falling in a way that could put me to sleep if I let it. Every time I want to be with him, I just want to be with him more. Every time I want to be with him more, I know I better watch myself because if the rug gets pulled out from under me, it's going to hurt like hell."
They both have their own reasons to fear their feelings, to want to take a step back and see things through, but no matter how hard they try, how afraid they get, how scared they are for all the feelings, love always speaks louder, or at least more empathically.
"Before I step inside, I rethink (...) how you only come across true love once in your life, the kind of love that sets your world on fire. Love that makes you happily lose yourself in the smoke because you'd rather die from the fumes than live without it.
That's Mariah for me."
Lance and Mariah, as he said, were like onions, taking layer after layer for each other, breaking down their walls, letting each other in despite all voices in their head that told differently, because being with each other made life so easier, so much brighter, so much more filled with love.
"For the first time in my adult life, a relationship is not just about the sex. With her, it's more than the conversations we have, or the way she looks at me, or the way she makes me want to consider what impact my actions have on the world. She doesn't just make me want to be better for her. She makes me better in every way."
Love can surprise you. It gets you when you least expect it, it gets you in the form of the sexy untamable (but actually sweet) history teacher, it gets you in the form of the introspective, funny and smart librarian. No matter how, no matter when, it just gets you.
"Here she sits, at the very apex without me ever having seen it coming. I was head over heels for this crazy girl before I even realized what love felt like."
I've been saying this from the start: Max Quinn (from The Perception) is my favorite. One of my favorites ever! But Lance, with all his cocky way, all his flirty smile and sweet words, and attentiveness, with all his sexy ways and great heart (and Peck, because that's always a plus), being all vulnerable, and family guy, and supportive and amazing, oh Lance...he might be able to give Max a run for his money.
"There have been a lot of dark times in my life, I prayed for a lot of things and didn't get many of them. Now I see why."
"Why is that?"
"They were all a path to get me to you, so I'd be the right man for you when I met you." -
Gah...this book!!! Craft is the flawless story of Lance and Mariah, two co-workers who are not quite friends but sure do have a thing for each other, whether they’d like to admit it or not!
Lance, I just don’t even know where to begin. A sexy, nerdy teacher who is all heart when it comes to his students and his family. With sexual innuendos for DAYS (which was hilarious), Lance is smitten with the librarian, Mariah, in his school and loves to push her buttons, especially since he know she can definitely handle her own.
Mariah is fun and sweet, but yet her sassy side comes out in full force when Lance is around. She can handle Lance like it's nobody's business but she’d like to do it in more ways than one ;) However, you do see a softer side to Mariah, a broken side because of family and past relationships that makes your heart just hurt for her.
I am delighted with this story. I felt as though Lance and Mariah’s story was so simple, yet so complicated at the same time. Their banter, the way the brought out the best in each other and even the way their relationship takes on different meanings at times, Lance and Mariah’s journey evolved into something so perfect.
Just when I thought I knew what direction the book was going to take, I truly was surprised at a couple different times throughout the story. Also, the little tidbits of wisdom thrown in throughout the book that make you sit back and really think, well, I loved them.
With every single book Adriana Locke puts out into the world, you just can’t help but think can this one be any better than the last book? Truth is, she’s a master at her Craft and it shows. -
First person, Dual-POV, HAE. Can be read as standalone.
Okay. I just need a minute because the feelings... the feels experienced reading this book were too damn strong.
I loved it. All of it. I'm talking abandon-your-responsibilities-to-read-it kind of love.
Both characters were lovable, believable and their chemistry was OFF the charts. Sexy, sarcastic librarian? A hot history teacher that likes her as a bookish recluse, or the vixen messaging him via a dating app? It's such a great set up for a story that I genuinely believe that anyone who enjoys contemporary romance will be swept away by these two.
"Do you live to annoy me?"
"No, but watching you get all hot and bothered does turn me on."
Craft is the second installment in the
Gibson Boys series (can be read as standalone, but honestly, you should read the first too), and it's difficult not to fall in love with the Gibson crew. After losing their parents, they look out for each other, though they might razz each other at the same time. I can NOT wait for
Machlan's story.
Lance is the man-whore, history-teaching, big-hearted hero of our story. He looks forward to his days at school, when he can banter back and forth with the beautiful librarian (but usually just steal her cupcakes). I hate that modern society thinks nerds can't be alphas. Who runs the world? Who wields the true power in the universe? Nerds. We just don't go flexing around about it.
He's also in a 'textual' situation with a woman online, but thus far they've refused to meet. Can you see where this is going? I'm not giving too much away since it shows messages from the start between the two, yet they have no idea they're talking (or sexting) with each other. Hilarious reveal, by the way. It was sexy before, but paired with the proper librarian I know from my nine-to-five makes it perfection.
This is the things songs are written about.
Dirty, raunchy, hip-hop songs.
Maybe sweet country ones too.
This is my problem.
Mariah likes her life. She has her dream job, she bakes all the time, and though she tries to deny it, she gets to lust over Lance while they play-argue.
Lance is relentless. He makes it obvious that he'd be more than happy to rock Mariah's world, but she sees down that rabbit hole... she'd fall for him, and she can't bear to go through another heart break.
When the truth is revealed, get ready for angsty ride folks because oh my god. My stomach was in knots. I was weepy. I was fanning myself. Just a whole MYRIAD of emotions happening.
There are a lot of different nuances to the two characters' personalities, why the way they are, and I don't want to give too much away. But I couldn't put it down. Like Lance says, people have layers, and revealing their's was such a great experience. You only come across true love once in your life, the kind of love that sets your world on fire. Love that makes you happily lose yourself in the smoke because you'd rather die from the fumes than live without it.
That's Mariah for me.
The ending felt so good. And what a lead-up to the next book! Second chance love with sexy bar-tending Machlan? Yes please.
'Til next time cuties ;) -
That was huge DNF.
I think it was some months ago.
H was a ManWhore, cheap one: eating chocolate cupcakes from one girl for free every day and f#cking many others meanwhile....
The Heroine was weak and doormat. -
Brilliant! Another brilliant Gibson brother to swoon over! I love all the twists and turns packed into this amazing book! The issues raised and how beautifully they were handled!
Mariah is a girl who hasn’t been shown what love feels like but has so much of it to give! Lance isn’t your typical alpha male! He’s a sexy teacher who loves his history! He’s smart and confident (maybe too confident at times lol) but he has a heart of gold!
When Mariah and lance come together it’s a push and pull that neither will ever admit they enjoy! They’re frenemies who have a crazy chemistry but neither wants to tip the scales! But fate always has a way of making things happen!
I also want to add that as a teacher I love how charismatic Lance and Mariah are and the issues brought to light! Oh and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the Gibson’s again! -
Small town romance with a sexy librarian, and smart mouthed sexy history teacher. This book had all the things I love, but what struck me the most was how laugh out loud fun it was. These two, the banter, the obvious feels had me racing to the finish line.
In fact, I read so fast I forgot to highlight all my favorite parts but that’s ok. I’m late to this series but it didn’t matter this story can be read as a complete standalone. The pages sizzle between these two in all the chapters. The tension and additive flow makes this a must read book immediately.
I loved the immediate connection and execution of a small town romance meets, well meets, all the boxes any die hard reader asks for.
Reading this book reminded me how much I’ve missed Adriana Locke’s words. She’s an author, a creator of all addictive ness you just don’t want to miss.
I’m missing these characters already. -
“I have to break my own heart, so that I won’t ever break hers.”
Is that my cheeks that are all flushed and blushed? *fans self* Move over Walker because the oldest Gibson boy is finally here in all his lip-biting, squeal-inducing sexiness. In only her second installment of the Gibson Boys Series, Adriana Locke delivers another all-consuming, steamy standalone that will leave readers soul’s melting.
We first meet the oh-so-naughty high school history teacher Lance Gibson in Crank, book one of the Gibson Boys series, and, honestly, I wasn’t his biggest fan; however, those thoughts were quickly replaced the second he was written on the pages of his own book. He’s playful, frisky, and flirty, but held a secret serious side to him that I wasn’t prepared for. Mariah Malarkey is the sweet and beautiful high school librarian that holds Lance’s attention like no other. He knows just how to press her buttons, and she always knows the perfect witty retort to fire back. I love that she’s naturally a kind, old soul with a book-loving heart, but when Lance is near she turns into this witty, spit-fire of a women that stands up for herself. He brings out the bold, sassy, and frisky kitty in her which only amplifies the underlying sexual chemistry.
The lines of their flirty friendship have always been a bit fuzzy. The constant push and pull, the ANGST, and the need these two have for each other is obvious even to the most oblivious of characters. Both are a little damaged. Both feel as if they don’t deserve the others love and happiness, but somewhere deep in their core, their souls yearn for the other. The build-up to their relationship was simple and intense, but the way in which it was written made the little things, the big things. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how I know an author is truly gifted. When they can turn something like eating a cupcake or a simple look into a moment filled with heat, heart, and angst.
Craft was such so much more than I ever expected from a story about a playboy bachelor and a quiet librarian. The love, loss, heartbreak, witty banter, and playful feel of this book sucked me in from page one. I did not put down my kindle until the very last page. I can’t wait for the next novel!
XX,
Jennifer -
Hot for Teacher anyone? Lance Gibson can school me any-day. We know he’s got the looks , the brains did I mention dirty mouth and that sense of humor! Well one problem he doesn’t do relationships! Oh Lance . Mariah our subtle sexy Librarian (do you see where I’m going here?) well yeah catch up people! Yes they have chemistry to bad Mr. Gibson is into History maybe he could figure this out ! I loved it witty funny and when we get into some serious subject matter you need a moment . Well done . I loved we get the gang we see the Gibson boys and Nana too love her.
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i’m still waiting for the day adriana locke writes a “5 years later” epilogue.
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Lance Gibson flirts with librarian Mariah, stealing her baked goods and the banter between these two is hot. But Lance also flirts with Nerdy Nurse on a dating app he has on his phone. The banter here though is downright dirty! He's the more laid back of the Gibson boys. But he has a secret. One he hides behind with his dirty thoughts and mind.
Mariah can't help but have baked goods for Lance, not that she lets him know that she bakes them just for him. She has had a crush on the history teacher for a while. But is not willing to let him know that. Nope, she's content with the texting flirting she's doing with hot and outrageous guy she met on a dating app. She can be free here, and damn does she let her mind and her smart mouth out.
When these two realise that they are one in the same, that their alter egos are the ones texting on this app, it surprises both of them. Mariah just wants to crawl into a hole. Not Lance though he owns it.
The chemistry between these two is hot. The banter will have you laughing. But what happens when Lance's secret is revealed will have you teary.
A great read and a fantastic follow up to the first book in this series. -
Lance Gibson is the nerdy one of the Gibson boys. I say "nerdy" but he's also a play boy with zero remorse about his need to never have anything that ends with "ship". He is ridiculously hot. Like ovaries melt on sight regardless of marital status, kind of hot. But he is also smart, kind, and caring- in short he's freaking kryptonite to every woman on the planet and even some floating in space. This intelligent, cocky man has it all figured out or he did before Mariah.
There are plenty of things to squeal about. There are "awwwwe" moments. There are smack him upside the head moments. There are even shake some sense into her moments. My favorite moments, though, are the ones that make your insides smile. Oh and anything with Nana. Nana is d-bomb diggity!
I love the Gibson boys and I will forever be curious and begging for more. Ms. Locke is going to have her hands full with these trouble makers but I look forward to every word.
Reviewed for Naughty Book Blog -
A sexy, sweet, hilarious and sometimes serious romance book! Lance doesn’t do relationships he uses a app and just screws around never anything serious. Mariah is a strong woman but Lance annoys the heck out of her but she can’t deny the sexy appeal he does to her but of course Mariah keeps it to herself. When everything collides will Lance open up or close himself forever. I love this book, many times I laughed out loud at the bickering. Even broke my heart at times and then made me swoon! 5/5 stars ****Reviewed by Sweet & Spicy Reads a voluntarily Advanced Reader Copy of this book ****
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This was so much fun to read! A great romance story between a sexy self proclaimed manwhore history teacher and a school librarian.
Lance and Mariah start out as bickering colleagues. Lance sneaks into Mariah's office to hide and make phone calls to his "many girlfriends" and ends up stealing her sweet treats that shedoes notmake for him.
These two hook up in the cutest way. I won't expand to avoid spoiling it for you. Mariah has a lot of insecurites because of her mother and sister that have always put her down as well as a douchebag ex-boyfriend that dumped her under seriously shameful circumstances. However, with Lance, Mariah felt more confident, sexier and even brazen at times. I loved how he brought out this side of her.
Lance was an amazing hero! He is definitely sexy. Definitely cocky and arrogant too. However he had such compassion for his students and he just had the biggest heart. I loved how he defended Mariah to her family and he was just the sweetest guy. There was so much more to him than he initially appears. He made Mariah feel special, that she was perfect the way she was."Some people have to peel away their layers to get to the good stuff... You're already there."
I loved the banter and sexual tension of this couple! The plot was solid and both characters have their own unique backstory that just added that much more to the overall FEELS of this book! Best of all for me was realizing this dirty talking cocky manwhore had a heart of gold.
4 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Moderate
POV: Dual
HEA
COME FIND ME!
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5 Fabulous Lance and Mariah Stars
This Series just gets better and better. I loved Walker' s story but Lance knocks it all into an entirely different ball park. Where Walker is a gruff, brooding, alpha hero, Lance is charming, funny, and a total ladies man. I loved his character from the start and he is the perfect fit for Mariah. As a heroine she is immediately likeable and I thought her character development was really well done.
The secondary characters are beautifully written. From the baddies you love to hate to the rest of the Gibson family who are adorable and so funny. I want a Grandma like Nana!! Then there are the townspeople and the students at the school. I really hope that further down the line, Ollie gets a story.
If you relish a sexy romance set in small town America that is filled with humour, love, family, tenderness and will leave you feeling really good about life then you absolutely should read this book.
HEA? Yes- not a very far ahead epilogue but there is at least one more book to come about Machlan.
Cheating? No
Heat? Moderate heat....One or two Kindle freezer moments required.
Standalone? Yes, it doesn't matter if you haven't read Crank, but you really should because it's awesome.
