Amy Andrews (1)

Amy Andrews is one of the authors on my ‘must try’ list – so many people within my social media spectrum reckon her writing is awesome – but I’d never got around to it. After kicking myself thoroughly for waiting so long, I’d suggest that you jump into reading Risky Business quick-sticks if you enjoy witty romantic comedies with great characters, loads of sexual tension and of course, a happily ever after. There are many nods to popular rom-coms like Sleepless in Seattle and When show more Harry Met Sally and more than enough Hugh Jackman references to keep you happy.

The heroine in Risky Business is Samantha – she’s a stressed out accountant who has woken up to find herself blocked on the corporate ladder by the boss’s nephew. Sam knows that he’s useless and unworthy, but unfortunately the boss thinks otherwise. Suddenly the corner office may not be here – and what’s the point anyway? Sam’s eggs are beginning to chirp desperately for some sperm company and in a fit, quits for a job at a second-hand romance bookstore. Birdie’s has always been salvation amongst pirate romances for Sam, but now that grandson Nick has taken it over, could it be a place for…romance? Nick’s an adventure junkie, biding time before climbing Everest. He’s not the kind of man Sam’s eggs want…really…maybe…kinda.

I loved the setting of Risky Business amongst the bookshelves – not only does it give Nick and Sam a lot of chances for conversation amongst the shelves, but we get to meet a variety of secondary characters as well, who are both funny and sweet. The bookshop also allows a quiet place for Sam and Nick to have some really deep and meaningful discussions, as well as develop a strong friendship (the best basis for a romantic relationship according to my father). Plus, because Nick and Sam really can’t get too far away from each other, there’s a lot of teasing and funny moments. A lot of teasing centres around Sam’s eggs (Nick knows that they’re squealing for attention) and the disastrous blind dates she goes on in an attempt to find ‘The One’. The characters Andrews makes up are amazing – I will never look at a plastic surgeon again without appraising his teeth!

There are a lot of hilarious scenes that will have you giggling as Nick casually springs Sam buying a vibrator and Sam’s condom shopping expedition. In contrast, there are some seriously sweet moments that show the caring side of Nick as he attempts to make Sam feel better about her body. Sam rejects him several times, but his perseverance is what really sold him for me. Not only is he a gorgeous Hugh Jackman lookalike, he’s a lovely bloke underneath who is willing to stand by Sam no matter what. I felt the length of time that it took for Sam to realise that was just right – it wasn’t too drawn out or too quick. The ending was sweet, but not over the top and keeping in line with the quirks of the characters. I could easily see Risky Business being a great movie.

Aside from the romance, there was a continuing thread about lamingtons which had me craving them and a subplot involving the tearoom that makes the lamingtons. Add to that a friend of Sam’s wanting more and Nick’s fondness for Westerns and you’ve got a winner. The setting of Brisbane was beautifully rendered (made me want to visit again) and the conversation cracking.

A wonderfully funny story!

Thank you to Escape Publishing for the eARC.

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Laugh, swoon and sigh
5 stars

Gah! How does Amy Andrews do it? She writes such complex, compelling characters that are so worthy of finding their happily ever afters, that you fall in love with them as they fall in love with each other.

This is the third book in the Credence Colorado series although it completely stands alone. In fact, while the couples from the first 2 books (Nothing But Trouble and The Trouble with Christmas) are name-checked, they don’t appear in this book. Although many show more other characters - and many new ones - from the quirky town do feature. But fear not if you, like me, hate a name dump of characters - it’s not like that. And the people of Credence are ‘real’ people with quirks - not ridiculous parodies of irritating schmucks that sometimes appear in novels as the meddling townsfolk.

But our book isn’t about them - it’s about Della and Tucker.

Della has had a hard life; Harrowing in many respects. While there’s never any truly gory detail - and the book happens 4 years after her rescue from her abusive situation - I can imagine that this detail may be triggering to some. For me, it just made me like Della all the more. Seeing how far she’d come and how strong she was - even if she didn’t know it herself. She was such an inspiration and I was her biggest cheerleader from the first page to the last. She put me to shame with her bravery and I admired her big time!

Tucker. *Sighs* What can I say - I’m a sucker for a Tucker. I can imagine all the girls sighing as he strides by in his checked shirt, boots and cowboy hat, looking like a deliciously dirty lumberjack. But he’s got a heart of gold. And how he loves and cares for Della… If it wasn’t so beautiful - I might cry. I probably did cry, if I’m honest.

Della and Tucker are just perfect together - and more than just sexually. But sexually they are hotter than the red spot on Jupiter. There was definitely some pearl clutching and face-fanning going on as I read the steamy scenes. It might take a while for the pair to take the plunge - but by God they more than make up for it when they finally do get going.

There’s definitely a build-up to the full-on sex scenes but there’s also no scrimping on the hot moments even before that. I’m trying to forget about dirty Rosemary, the saucy 80-year old, but the trip to the sex shop was both hilarious and really interesting. I’m thinking I need to up my game some. But maybe not to full-on Tinder. While that was also illuminating and hilarious - it was also down-right terrifying!

Other things to love about this book - apart from the awesomely swoony love story - the triple bromance of Arlo, Drew and Tucker. Who doesn’t love some boy banter? Betty the Cavalier King Charles - my own ovaries nearly exploded when Tuck arrived at the door with her tucked under his arm; I’m getting overheated just remembering it. But best of all is the humour. No, best of all is Ms Andrews’ writing in general. How she manages to make me feel like I’m not reading, but sitting down to catch-up with my bestest friend while she tells me a love story - is something I’m not quite sure how she manages. And as with hanging out with your girls, you’ll laugh, cry and tell each other all the juicy, dirty details. It’s utter perfection.

Whether you’re new to Credence, Colorado, or you’re like me and planning to move there - you will fall in love with this book and more importantly, Della and Tucker. Please give it a go - you will not be disappointed. 5 swoony stars. show less

Will get your tinsel in a tangle
5 stars

No-one combines the feels and the funny quite like Amy Andrews; as such she’s fast becoming one of my favourite authors.

And then she wrote a Christmas book.

This is the second book in the Credence, Colorado series. While the couple from the first book (CC and Wade from Nothing But Trouble) are mentioned in this one, they don’t make an appearance themselves. Although many of the townsfolk are back again - along with all their crazy ways! You show more definitely don’t need to have read the first book to read this one although it’s such a good book I would obviously suggest that you do!

From their first meeting, Suzanne and Grady light sparks off each other. At first it’s annoyance and anger. Then lust-fueled anger. Then just lust. And then the whole damn place ignites! The pair have a chemistry that’s so exciting to read. Normally I find I favour one character over another in a pairing, and want my favourite to “win” while falling in love. I wanted them both to “win” as they were just so darn perfect for each other - and they needed each other to make the other whole!

There was something so relatable about Suzanne. She was successful, sophisticated and worldly - yet she was missing something in her life. It was heartbreaking in its own way. She was honest about her feelings and emotions and just an all round nice person. I loved her.

Joshua Grady is my jam. Ovaries exploding all over the place! He’s a strong, silent rancher with a little bit of boy sass about him in that he’s so damn grumpy. Mmm hmm hmm. But with all that surliness comes a past that is so tragic that it explains him and his behaviours. While we learn about the long-past incident and see how it's affected Grady - Ms Andrews’ never goes too deep so as to drag the book down. But still deep enough to make an impact.

And I have to mention the funny in this book. But can’t do that without first mentioning the writing itself. It’s so flawlessly effortless (which probably takes mountains of work and effort!) and the writing just flows. You almost forget you’re reading as you’re sucked into Credence and this snowy wonderland. That’s why the humour works so well as it just appears in the book organically. Meaning you’re just as often surprised by a big laugh as you are at finding a whole scene amusing or just plain hilarious! The paintings, the penis cookies, the wrecking ball decorations. It was awesome!

Christmas threw up in this book for sure - and that’s exactly what Suzy wanted. She goes full-on ridiculous with her Christmas theme and that just added a special touch to the book - not least because I myself love a tacky Christmas!

Along with the sparks comes a full dose of sexy between Grady and Suzy. Yum! And during a blizzard? Slow clap for Christmas effect!

This was a really fun book with a dose of the feels and a huge dump of Christmas cheer. It’s exactly what I’ve come to expect from Ms Andrews and cannot wait for this wonderful series to continue. 5 stars and Christmas lover or not, I would highly recommend this book. show less

Funny, sexy and clever
5 stars

I have newly discovered Amy Andrews and hugely enjoyed her last book (Nothing But Trouble). However, I’m going to be honest and say that this worried me slightly when I started this book - would I enjoy this one as much as I did the last, and would it live up to expectations?

The answer to that is oh my god, yes!

Amy Andrews just has a way with words that pulls me in and makes me 100% absorbed in the story she’s telling and the characters she’s writing. show more She’s also so damn funny. I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud while reading this book. And I mean proper laughing out loud as well as those very ladylike snorts of laughter!

While the underlying story of saving the bunnies may sound slightly silly, the book certainly isn’t. While it’s definitely light, fun and very humorous, it’s got smarts, is interesting and has depth as well as heart. Oh, and I forgot to mention it’s sexy as hell.

Which is surprising given that our main couple don’t have sex for the majority of the book due to said kissing contract they initiate after finding themselves on opposing sides yet irritatingly attracted to each other! Everyone else is humping like bunnies - including the bunnies - but not Gus and Marshall. But when they do…boy oh boy! This book is a masterclass in how you do sexual tension!

I really liked Marshall. I mean really liked him. He’s a bit of a guy - he does alright with ladies and he’s sexy as hell. But he’s also a good man. And for a girl like Gus who has been judged and objectified for her looks for most of her life - he’s a surprising godsend and exactly the right match for her. I want a Marshall for my very own. Dirty mind, dirty mouth, a good body and a good heart!

Gus was also a character I could really root for and get behind. She was passionate and down to earth…until she was provoked which is when she turned haughty. And the way it riled up Marshall just made so happy. I love a bit of annoyance in a love story! And I have to admit that I liked how Gus handled the pair’s reconciliation. It made me appreciate her as a character as well as making me believe that this couple would stay together after I closed the book!

I want to keep going and tell you all the things I loved about this book - all the scenes, all the jokes, all the sexy bits and all the genius writing. But instead I’ll just tell you again how much I loved this book and recommend that if you like your love stories with a humour and fun (and bunnies) then you’ll love this book, too. 5 stars from me. show less