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In this sequel to Wallbanger, fan favorites Caroline Reynolds and Simon Parker negotiate the rollercoaster of their new relationship while house-sitting in Sausalito.
Playing house was never so much fun—or so confusing. With her boss on an extended honeymoon, Caroline’s working crazy-long hours to keep the interior design company running—especially since she’s also the lead designer for the renovation of a gorgeous old hotel. And with Simon, her hotshot photographer boyfriend, gallivanting all over the world for his job, the couple is heavy-duty into "absence makes the heart grow fonder" mode. No complaints about the great reunion sex, though!
Then a trip back east to his childhood home has Simon questioning his nomadic lifestyle. He decides to be home more. A lot more. And he wants Caroline home more, too. Though their friends’ romantic lives provide plenty of welcome distraction, eventually Caroline and Simon have to sort out their relationship. Sure, more togetherness is a good thing—but does less traveling and working have to mean the other extreme? Apple pie and picket fences? With this second book in the Cocktail series, USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton delivers another delicious, frothy confection of a book, shaking up her characters, stirring in laugh-out-loud humor, and serving sizzling romance straight up!
Rusty Nailed
Thump
“Oh, God.”
Thump thump
“Caroline, don’t say those things to me when I’m so far away.” Simon chuckled, his voice low. And still as thrilling as it ever was.
“Silly Simon, I’m simply reacting to the banging on the other side of the wall.”
“Who’s on the other side of the wall?”
“The guy with the hammer. You should see it. It’s huge.”
“I’m going to have to ask you not to talk about some other guy’s hammer.”
“Then get home and wow me with yours.” I laughed, closing the door to my office to reduce the noise. It wouldn’t be my office much longer, though. I was moving up in the world—or at least down the hall. That was the cause of the banging: renovating my new space. Bigger office, corner office, thank you very much, right next to Jillian’s, my boss and owner of. Better view of the bay and almost twice the size of my old office, with a small anteroom for a possible future intern.
I might one day have an intern. How was this my life?
“I’ll be home tomorrow. Think you can keep your thoughts on my hammer until then?” he asked. I glanced at the calendar on my desk, Simon’s arrival home circled.
“I’m gonna do my best, babe, but you should see how thick that tool belt is. No promises.” Simon groaned and I laughed harder. I loved torturing him across multiple time zones. “And don’t forget my present.”
“Do I ever?”
“No, you’re a thoughtful one, aren’t you?”
“Don’t forget my present either,” he said, his voice going low again.
“Pink nightie is ready to go; I’ll be in it when you get home.”
“And then I’ll be in it, on it, under it, I’ll—oops, gotta go, taxi’s here.”
“We’ll continue the nightie talk in person. Love you,” I said.
“Love you too, babe,” he said, and hung up.
I stared at the phone for a moment, imagining him halfway across the world in Tokyo. This year alone he’d logged more frequent-flier miles than most people accrued in a lifetime, and he was booked solid for the rest of the year.
I was still smiling at the phone when Jillian knocked and breezed in, then sat on the corner of my desk.
“Something on your mind, Jillian?” I asked, pulling a browned petal from the vase of coral tinged roses next to where she was resting her cashmere-clad bum.
“I can see something is on your mind. Was that Simon on the phone?” she asked as I grinned. “Only he can make your face light up like that.”
“I say again—something on your mind, Jillian?” I repeated, poking her ever so slightly with my pencil.
“I have something on my mind that might make your face light up even brighter—although it is an interesting tomato-soup color right now,” she teased.
“Does your fiancé find you as annoying as everyone who works for you does?”
“Way more, way way more. You ready to hear the big news, or did you want to keep sassing me?”
“Hit me,” I said with a sigh.
I love my boss, but she does have a flair for the dramatic. Like when she played matchmaker last year for Simon and me, playing dumb the entire time. But her heart was in the right place. It also belonged 100 percent totally and completely to Benjamin, a venture capitalist. They’d been together for years and were finally tying the knot in a few weeks, in a wedding that all of San Francisco was talking about. Benjamin was a certifiable dreamboat who made my best friends and me giddy and word-trippy whenever he was around. Jillian knew we all had a not-so-secret crush on her man, and teasingly used it against us as often as possible. Now she was finally marrying our dream man, and heading off for a dream honeymoon all over Europe.
“So remember the job we did last spring for Max Camden? The waterfront Victorian we did, before his daughter got married?”
“Yeah, he gave it to her as a wedding present. Who does that?”
“Max Camden, that’s who. Anyway, he owns the old Claremont Hotel in Sausalito, and he’s looking for a new design firm to update it and give it a modern twist.”
“Fantastic! Did you do your proposal already?” I asked, picturing the property. Right off the main drag in Sausalito, the Claremont had been there since the turn of the last century, one of the few to survive the Big Quake.
“No, because you’re doing the proposal. You’ll be the lead designer on this project if you get it,” she clarified. “You think I can take something like this on? Right before my wedding? I’m not giving up my honeymoon for work—I’ve given up too many vacations over the years as it is.”
“Me? No no no, I’m not ready for that, you’re not ready for that, what are you thinking?” I stammered, my heart leaping into my throat. This was big-time, baby.
“Please, you got this.” She kicked me gently. “Feel that? That’s my foot, kicking you out of the nest.”
“Um, yeah, I’ve been out of the nest awhile now, but this is different,” I protested, chewing on my pencil.
Which she plucked out of my mouth. “You really think I’d give this to you if you weren’t ready? And tell me the truth, aren’t you even the slightest bit intrigued?”
She had me there. I’d always wanted to do a project this big. But to actually be the lead designer on an entire hotel redesign?
“I realize I’m asking a lot—you’re already going to be running the show around here while I’m on my honeymoon. Do you truly think this is too much to bite off at one time?”
“Wow—I just—wow,” I answered, taking a deep breath. When she’d initially asked me if I’d keep things running while she was on her honeymoon, it was things like making sure the alarm was set each night and that Ashley made sure to order coffee creamer. The list had steadily grown larger as projects stacked up, but still very much manageable. Now this?
I let the idea sit for a moment. Could I do this? Jillian seemed to think so.
“Hmm . . .”
I pictured the hotel: great light, great location, but needed a major overhaul. I was already thinking about potential palettes when she tapped me on the head with her pencil.
“Come in, Caroline. Hello,” she said, waving her hand in front of my face.
I grinned at her. “I’m in, let’s go for it,” I said, my head already full of ideas.
She grinned back and offered me a fist bump. “I’ll let the team know you’ll be presenting.”
“Presenting my vomit, most likely,” I said, only half kidding.
“Just make sure it matches the drapes and we’re in the clear. Now, let’s celebrate by choosing a song to walk down the aisle to.” She pulled her iPod out of her pocket and started scrolling through.
“Is that in my job description?”
“That you indulge me? Yes, check your contract. So when I walk down the aisle, which song should I . . .”
There was no stopping her once she’d put on her Wedding Hat, so I relaxed a bit, even though my mind was spinning. This was big-time baby, but I had this.
Right?
• • •
I spent the afternoon framing out the beginnings of a pitch to Max Camden. As I pulled archival photos of the hotel and the surrounding area, ideas were beginning to present themselves. Not fully formed yet, but hinting at what might be an approach interesting enough to take a chance on a young designer. I knew that the strength of my ideas would be bolstered by Jillian’s reputation; anyone who was good enough to work for her was usually granted wider berth. However, it still came down to whose ideas were best—and I wanted this concept to be epic.
Still musing over the project as I turned my key in my front door, I heard a distinct thump, followed by a click click click padding toward me.
Clive.
Pushing through the door, I was greeted by my wonder cat, my own little piece of feline heaven. In a burst of gray fur, my ankles were surrounded by purrs and insistent nudges.
“Hi there, sweet boy, were you a good boy today?” I asked, leaning down to scratch his silky fur.
Arching up into my hand, he assured me that yes, he was in fact a sweet boy, and also a good boy. Berating me for leaving him alone for a thousand years, he cooed and chirped, herding me toward the kitchen.
We talked as I readied his dinner for him, which of course I’d been put on earth expressly to do, and our conversation covered the normal subjects. What birds he’d seen from the window today, whether any dust bunnies had emerged from under the bed, and whether I’d find any toys buried in the toe of my slippers. He was noncommittal on this last question.
Once his kibble was in his bowl he ignored me completely, and I headed back to the bedroom to put on some comfy clothes. Untucking my turtleneck, I went to the mirrored dresser to grab some yoga pants. While pulling my arms out of my shirt, my heart leapt into my throat when I saw the reflection of someone sitting on my bed. Instinct kicked in and I whirled, fists clenched, a scream ready to let loose.
My brain only processed that it was Simon after my fist was flung.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa! What the hell, Caroline!” he yelled as he grabbed his jaw.
“What the hell, Caroline? What the hell, Simon! What the hell are you doing here?” I yelled back. Good to know if I was ever actually attacked, I wouldn’t freeze.
“I came home early to surprise you,” he managed, rubbing his jaw and grimacing.
My heart was still racing in my chest, and as I tried to calm down, I noticed the suitcase in the corner. The one I’d missed when I’d come into the room. I looked down and saw the turtleneck still hanging around my neck like a scarf.
“I could just kill you!” I yelled again, charging him and pushing him back onto the bed. “You scared me to death, you idiot!”
“I was planning on calling out to let you know I was here, but then I would’ve missed that entire conversation with Clive. I didn’t want to interrupt.” He grinned underneath me, threading his hands around my waist and in and out of my belt loops.
I blushed. “Traitor!” I yelled down the hallway. “You could have let me know someone was here—you’re a terrible watch-cat!”
A disinterested meow floated back.
“I’m hardly just someone. I think I rate a little higher than that,” he told the side of my neck, which he was now feathering with the tiniest of kisses. “So, are you going to say hi to your boyfriend who flew all the way across the globe just to show you his hammer, or are you going to punch me again?”
“Not sure yet; I’m still a little freaked out. My heart is literally racing, can you feel that?” I asked, pressing his hand over the left side of my chest.
Only so he could feel my heart. Yep. That’s the only reason. Heart was in fact delighted to have Simon home early; she loved a good romantic reunion. Other areas were delighted as well.
“See now, I thought it was racing because of me,” he said with a low chuckle, dipping his nose along my collarbone as he “felt my heart.”
“Dream on, Wallbanger,” I said, feigning indifference. The truth? My heart was now in Simon mode, and it was pounding for him. And speaking of pounding.
“So you came home early just to see little ol’ me?” I breathed into his ear, sneaking a wet kiss just underneath it. His hands dug a little deeper into my hips as he shifted on the bed.
“I did.”
“Think you can help me with this turtleneck?”
“I do.”
“And then after that, you wanna show me your hammer?” I asked the front of his T-shirt, nuzzling at him, positioning my legs on either side of him. In answer, he thrust up and let me feel that very hammer. I chuckled. “Mmm, am I gonna get nailed?”
He lifted my turtleneck off, then unsnapped my bra and my breasts tumbled out, causing his eyes to flare, then focus with precision. “No more questions,” he directed, sitting up underneath me as he pulled me closer.
I mimed zipping my lips just before he flipped me over onto my back. God, I loved this man.
His lips danced along my collarbone, nipping occasionally with his teeth in a way he always knew got me warm, fast. I got it; I’d missed him too. Arching my back, I pressed my breasts against him, twisting and turning to bring me into contact with him as much as I could be, my skin needing to feel his. After a year, he could still bring me to my knees in seconds with one touch, one kiss, one look.
I pushed back against him, flipping us once more and pulling at his jeans. “Off, now,” I instructed.
When his belt was gone, his buttons unbuttoned, I pulled apart his jeans to find that once more my man had gone commando.
It’s like he was put on earth just to make me come out of my skin.
I snuck one hand inside, grasping him firmly, feeling how warm he was; ready to take me on my own trip around the world.
“Fuck, I missed you,” he breathed, his body lean and taut. I slid down the bed, kissing and licking at his skin hungrily. His hands came up to my face, fingers fluttering along my cheekbones, sweeping my hair back. So he could watch.
I took him into my mouth, entirely. His hands clutched at my hair, freezing me in place, holding me exactly how he wanted me. “Mmm, Caroline,” he moaned, thrusting ever so slightly. Slightly, my ass—that wasn’t how this show was going down.
I pulled back then took him in again, hard. Using my hands I caressed him, alternating my touch so he never knew quite where I was coming from, using my tongue and mouth to tease and tempt him, coaxing the sweetest dirty words out of that sent-from-heaven-mouth of his. That mouth that I knew would exact the sweetest dirty revenge all over my body.
I loved him this way, loved that I could make him this insane. But just before he got too far gone, he pulled me up his body and took my panties off before I could say, hey, those are my panties.
Then he pushed up my skirt, nudging my knees apart with his own. Gazing down at me with those piercing sapphire eyes, he ran his fingers over me, through me, making me groan and moan and shake and shimmy. “So gorgeous like this,” he breathed as I cried out.
“Need you, Simon—need you, please!” I was ready to tear my hair off my head and throw it at him, if I thought that would get him inside any faster.
Any further thoughts vanished as he slid home. Thick, hard, and ten kinds of fantastic were all I knew the second Simon pressed inside me. “God, that’s amazing,” I moaned, the feeling of him filling me overwhelming me.
And when he rolled us so I was on top, and he thrust up hard inside me, it was perfection.
Until afterward, when we lay in a heap of sweaty limbs, and he asked me how I liked his hammer.
Then it was beyond perfection.
Rusty Nailed is the follow-up book to Wallbanger and I REALLY insist you read Wallbanger first before you dive into Rusty Nailed. If you have read Wallbanger, then you are in for a treat... more Simon, Caroline and Clive! When I read Wallbanger last year, I never dreamed we would get more from this couple and I am very glad Alice Clayton created Rusty Nailed to give us the "what happens now" that I crave from favorite characters!
My expectations for Rusty Nailed were very high since Wallbanger is one of the books I recommend constantly and while Alice Clayton did deliver a great story, it just didn't give me ALL that I wanted. (I said my expectations were stupid high, didn't I?) Alice Clayton gave us more Simon and Caroline that I have been missing and they did deliver the humor and heat! We get to dive into what the reality of their relationship is like and watch them grow into their roles as boyfriend/girlfriend. I loved that we got to dig deep with Simon in this book and really start to understand his character. Caroline got a bit high strung in this book, for good reasons and it is was entertaining to watch how "pickles" got resolved.
Alice Clayton has a magic way with telling a story that is witty, funny, sweet, romantic and hot! I love the cast of characters she created in this series and the interactions they all have with one another. In Rusty Nailed the secondary characters did start to take over parts of the story, but since I enjoy them all it was fine for me. While I am not sure this book was absolutely necessary, I did love catching up with "old friends", seeing how they are doing and learning new things about these characters. My wish for the books to come in this series is that we do get to visit Simon and Caroline again, just to keep tabs on them while meeting the new characters.
If you have been missing the Alice Clayton wit from Wallbanger and her fun, lovable and crazy characters (Clive even gets to tell part of the story in his POV), then Rusty Nailed is a great way for you to kick of your summer reading! If you have not read Wallbanger I beg you, go read it, it truly is one of the funniest, sexiest books I have read in a long time (then read Rusty Nailed).
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Jul 05 00:00:00 EDT 2014
When I began this book, I was nervous for the first thirty pages or so because it did not seem to be as good as Wallbanger. Just as I was feeling a bit sad and disappointed, the rythm and sass came back and I could not put the book down. Definitely all the attributes of the first and made me fall for the cast even more if that is possible. Excellent sequel. Love this author!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Jun 29 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I was reluctant to read a sequel to the Wallbanger, concerned it would kill the great memory. But I could not have been more wrong. This is like a long epilogue where Caroline and Simon take their relationship to a new level, while still keeping the unconventional couple dynamics that made this story so unique. The dialogs are fresh and funny, and the story is entertaining from beginning to end. Loved it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Jun 25 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Loved Loved Loved it!!!
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Jun 25 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Bartender Rating: Top Shelf “Pure, naked joy.” < That would make a good band name!
This and more reviews at The Book Bar.co
Caroline and Simon are back and perfectly imperfect, just the way we left them. I love this couple and their hilarious real-to-life drama.
I read Wallbanger Jan. 2013, and immediately fell in love with this author's writing style and her characters. I told Jen that we needed to move to San Fran. immediately because it sounded absolutely magical. Wallbanger and Rusty Nailed have a fantastic mix of smart humor, hot bedroom (and kitchen counter) scenarios, and food... ahhh the food. The food plays such an important role that Ms. Clayton actually gave away a Kitchen Aid mixer for her Rusty Nailed blitz!
"Need you, Simon - need you, please!" I was ready to tear my hair off my head and throw it at him, if I thought that would get him inside any faster.
Clayton, Alice. Rusty Nailed (Cocktail #2), 2014. ARC provided by Publisher/Author.
What I love most about these books is that they could be a crazy phone conversation you are having with a best friend. You can feel the emotion and visualize the environment. You're there with Caroline as she's freaking out about her work load or walking into her first home that's in desperate need of a makeover. Details are not left out and everything is a beautifully painted scene.
If I thought every candle in San Francisco was at the chapel, then every candle in the rest of the entire Bay Area was lit inside this ballroom. Add to that the golden chandeliers, the crystals dripping from every sconce, the mirrors reflecting and dancing back every flicker and twinkle, and the effect was not of this world.
It was of the planet Money. Which was within the galaxy Ridiculous.
Clayton, Alice. Rusty Nailed (Cocktail #2), 2014. ARC provided by Publisher/Author.
Simon is not just a hot boy toy, he has great lines too (hip hip hooray for a smart, well thought out male character!). He and Caroline are truly two perfectly matched puzzle pieces. Simon has his own issues to work through as these two both embrace becoming 'grown-ups'.
The way he looked at me. Like I was the prettiest girl in the room.
"Hey, babe."
The man was a poet.
"Hey."
I was too.
Clayton, Alice. Rusty Nailed (Cocktail #2), 2014. ARC provided by Publisher/Author.
Caroline's best girlfriends are just as supportive and outspoken as Caroline, and together they can conquer any issues with take-out, game-night, or a full bar. And it's not always about Caroline. She has great advice for her friends when they need it most.
Damn. Powwow in the toilet.
"I'll be back; don't let them cut the cake without me."
"Yes, I'll be sure to explain to the bride and groom, as well as all these good people here, that they have to wait on cake because of chitchat in the henhouse," Simon responded drily.
Clayton, Alice. Rusty Nailed (Cocktail #2), 2014. ARC provided by Publisher/Author.
In Rusty Nailed, Caroline's boss lady, Jillian, is hosting the wedding of the century and Jillian needs Caroline's help beyond the wedding. Caroline is overcome with taking on a huge, new project all on her own, as well as running the office. This is a wonderful example of how you get handed the baton; not everyone feels like they are ready, it just matters if they step up to take it.
She was always calm under pressure, always the cucumber when everything else was jalapeños.
Clayton, Alice. Rusty Nailed (Cocktail #2), 2014. ARC provided by Publisher/Author.
The Alice Clayton Cocktail series is bound to be a big hit based on these two books alone and I would highly recommend them to my friends when they are looking for a fun, fast, hot read!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Jun 25 00:00:00 EDT 2014
4.5 Wallbanging Stars!!!
Alice has done it again!
I could not wait to get my hands on more Caroline and her Wallbanger (Simon). Their dynamic as individuals and as a couple is so much fun!
We take a quick ride through their relationship in the beginning of the book, then things start to get interesting…
Caroline finds out what it’s like to be the boss of her friends design firm and Simon goes back to his home town. You can't help but fall a little more in love with Caroline and her Wallbanger through it all.
Alice takes us through all this, while making me laugh my butt off throughout the entire book. I even started singing a Wizard of Oz song because of a line she inserted. :) We get tons of Clive action... I LOVE that cat. We get to spend some times with their friends too!
I absolutely love all of Alice's works and Rusty Nailed did not disappoint! Oh, and wait until you get to the Epilogue!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Jun 24 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Love this author's writing style.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Jun 24 00:00:00 EDT 2014
What a fantastic book! I love Caroline and Simon (mmmm, Simon) are together. It's the kind of funny, easy going relationship everyone wants to be in that can only be told by Alice Clayton. Can't wait to hear the rest of their story, and so glad that Clive finally got the lovin' he deserved :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Jun 24 00:00:00 EDT 2014
You know what to read now? No?
Rusty Nailed, of course! If not for our wallbanger, then do it for Clive. He really needs to for us to read his story... ahem... Simon and Caroline's story.
So... this is the second instalment in Alice Clayton’s contemporary adult Cocktail romance series that began with Wallbanger. Girls... seriously, don't miss it, because it has everything you want to find - romance, witty banter, hotsot neighbor, ex-master of THE HAREM. This is the man who can make you drop your panties in a second with his hotness and charm. But most importantly, he's a man who wouldn't suffocate you, but also be with you in a heartbeat if you need him. Sounds like the perfect prince charming of our modern times, right?
Well... he is... until he's not. But let me explain... Carolines working crazy long hours to keep the interior design company running, especially since she's also the lead designer for the renovation of a gorgeous old hotel on Sausalito. So with her hotshot photographer boyfriend photografing the world for his job, she and Simon are heavy-duty into 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' mode and for her this is the perfect relationship. This was an aspeect I could easily relate to, because God knows how some of my relationships has ended because of my priorities, so I had known from the first moment when Simon decides to be home more, that this was going to be a problem for them.
But like always, Alice Clayton's writing makes you forget about the drama in the instant you reconnect with the group, because Neil and Sophia, Ryan and Mimi, and Jillian and Benjamin are here. And Clive. Of course there he is. Sincerely it's the first time when I go nuts everythime a cat is in the scene. Of course, it's not just any cat... he is Clive... hilarious, badass, smart-meowing Clive- like always I ADORED him and laughed at the antics and dinamics of our group. But, how could I not?
Because this time, one of the guys does something wrong in the eyes of our girls, and now we have another World War on our hands (and prepare yourself of battle girls, because they don't give up easily). More than that... like I anticipated, pur favorite couple finds themselves facing dificult times with Simon being more home than far away, and Caroline has to find a way to cope with this situation. If it was me in her place... I don't know if I would find my way in his arms again, and not thrown him to the curb, but then again that's Simon that we're talking about, so after all their history (and how sweet, caring and gorgeous Simon is) I did wanted her to chose him over everything and everyone... and she did.
I'm not going to lie... sometimes I hate dramas with all my heart, but this wasn't the case. My opinion on this matter is that if you combine the angst and fury, resentment with humor and do it well... then you have a golden mind on your hands, and Alice Clayton delivers that...
Obviously, we don't have Simon's point of view, but for a man who had a harem at his disposal, he is the perfect boyfriend a girl could want, and I didn't expect that. I thought that I would myself being disappointed about him, but I'm more than happy that it wasn't this case. More than that, Simon and Caroline's chemistry is sizzling hot with witty banter and scenes that it makes you laugh and hot in the same time. And even though that I would've wanted more Simon and Caroline's time, after everything I'm more happy that she dedicated a good portion of this book to the other characters, because in the first book I wanted more about Neil and Sophia, Ryan and Mimi.
Final Decision- If you want a book about hot neighbors, or a book about sexy photographers, or about witty and crazy designers, or about crazy couples, or about wars between members of the opposite sex, or about a cat named Clive who wants to find true love. Or if you want just a really good book, then you're in the right place. Run, don't walk and buy it! Do it for Clive!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Jun 24 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I fell in love with Wallbanger, and this sequel did not fail in my love for Simon and Caroline; thrilling and beautiful
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Alice Clayton has become one of my favorite authors, ever since Wallbanger, well Rusty Nailed was an amazing surprise, I thought it couldn’t beet the first book, but this one got me on edge the whole book until I finished it. It is just that good.
Simon and Caroline relationship is strong but has it’s struggles with Simon traveling all over the world. But this made them grow as individuals and couple. I love Alice’s humor and this book has it.
What I loved the most is that we get to see more about other characters life and struggles.
The story plot is excellent; the flow of it all is perfect. You just fall in love with all the characters and will be looking forward for the next book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Rusty Nailed by Alice Clayton is the second book in her Cocktail Series. This is the continuing story of Caroline and Simon. To me it was like a behind the scenes all access to pass to what happens AFTER the happily ever after in romances, in this case, after Wallbanger.
Things are still going strong between these two lovers. Caroline's boss Jillian is leaving her in charge while on her honeymoon and she is already anticipating being busy but throw in house-sitting in Sausalito and these two are busy at playing house. We slowly learn more about Simon's past and we get to see these two move from new to comfortable in their relationship and we also get a whole lot more of Clive, bless his little cat soul.
Anonymous
Posted Mon Oct 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Very fun. Loved it.
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Posted Thu Sep 25 00:00:00 EDT 2014
.
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Posted Tue Sep 16 00:00:00 EDT 2014
This book rocked but not as hard as the first book in this series. I enjoyed the crazies of Pink nightie girl and my favorite Wallbanger. Looking forward to book three.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MMRNY
Posted Wed Sep 10 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Great sequel to Wallbanger
Rusty Nailed is the continuation of Simon and Caroline's story. I really enjoyed it, but I will say that it was not hilariously funny like Wallbanger was, and I did enjoy Wallbanger more. Overall, a wonderful edition to the Cocktail series, and I cannot wait to read Screwdrivered.
Anonymous
Posted Tue Aug 26 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Wow. This book was horrible lacking what I have been used to. I could just skip pages. Not very funny, which her books usually are. Point is don't waste your money. Book was written to introduce Viv Franklin, which is the next storyline. Nothing else really happens. Save your money.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.RUSTY NAILED is the second instalment in Alice Clayton’s contemporary adult Cocktail romance series that began with Wallbanger. As far as most readers knew Wallbanger was a stand alone based a piece of the author’s fan fiction she wrote several years earlier. Wallbanger was a runaway hit and RUSTY NAILED is the continuing story of Caroline (Pink Nightie) and Simon (Wallbanging).
The focus of the storyline is the continuing relationship between our leading couple. From exasperated neighbors to lovers, RUSTY NAILED follows Caroline’s expanding interior design position within her best friend’s firm and Simon’s busy life as a globetrotting photographer for many well know magazines. Along the way, the reader is pulled into the upheaval of a best friend’s wedding, the dissolution of a relationship, and the beginning of a future for two people who never thought beyond that night or the next day.
RUSTY NAILED pulls together all of the previous storyline characters-friends, co-workers and Clive- who drive a good portion of the storyline. There is a stand off and misunderstanding when one couple’s relationship disaster follows the stuff of teenage angst; while another couple move forward and make Caroline an offer-she may have to refuse.
The relationship between Caroline and Simon is very sensual; very hot and yet most of the sex is implied. There is nothing sexually graphic as the author leaves much to the reader’s imagination and in this is was a refreshing read. Much of the sexual innuendo stylizing from the first storyline is absent. RUSTY NAILED is not as humorous as WALLBANGER but then again, Caroline and Simon’s lives are getting more complicated, and their friend’s lives and adventures add a degree of anxiety and stress to what is already a busy time.
Alice Clayton writes a story that is sure to please. There are no hidden or dark secrets. RUSTY NAILED, like its predecessor, is a romantic storyline where our couple must navigate the minefield that is everyday life. Problems will present themselves and our couple will learn that negotiation and conflict are all a part of being in love. Caroline’s love of baking and Simon’s love of everything she bakes is one theme that continues in this instalment.
asgoodrich
Posted Sat Aug 16 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I Also Recommend:
5 stars = I freaking LOVED this book
In Rusty Nailed we get to catch up Caroline, Simon and the gang. Because this is a sequel and we’ve already been through a lot with Caroline and Simon through the relationship they developed in Wallbanger, this book is a lot like catching up with and hanging out with old friends. And because they’re fabulous old friends, it makes it hard for me to write a review.
Seriously, I love this book and it is an excellent sequel to Wallbanger but it’s difficult to articulate just how much I enjoyed the book while refraining from specific details because so much occurs that I would hate to ruin the reading experience for potential readers. And regurgitating the blurb is a waste of time as you’ve likely read it already – I mean, why would you bother reading my review if you hadn’t read the blurb? So, I’ll go with my rollercoaster ride of emotions I experienced while reading. I laughed (A LOT and LOUDLY), I teared up, I cringed, I got frustrated, I just got that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you spend time with great friends, and I got turned on – seriously, Simon is HOT and he knows how to work his and Caroline’s body.
If you loved Wallbanger, you’ll love Rusty Nailed. Getting to spend more time with a great cast of characters while they navigate new stages in their relationships and new hurdles – both professionally and personally – what’s not to love? Ms. Clayton’s writing kept me engrossed from beginning to end and my only regret is that I’ve finished the book and now must wait for the next book in the Cocktail series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
Anonymous
Posted Tue Aug 12 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Boring repeative
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Overview
In this sequel to Wallbanger, fan favorites Caroline Reynolds and Simon Parker negotiate the rollercoaster of their new relationship while house-sitting in Sausalito.
Playing house was never so much fun—or so confusing. With her boss on an extended honeymoon, Caroline’s working crazy-long hours to keep the interior design company running—especially since she’s also the lead designer for the renovation of a gorgeous old hotel. And with Simon, her hotshot photographer boyfriend, ...