Review: Mai Tai'd Up by Alice Clayton
Mai Tai'd Up (Cocktail #4)
by: Alice Clayton
Publication Date: Dec. 2, 2014
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 320 pages
Order Links: Amazon
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Looking for the perfect mix of smart, sexy, and sassy? Mai Tai’d Up continues New York Times bestselling author Alice Clayton’s Cocktail series, which began with Wallbanger and continued with Rusty Nailed and Screwdrivered.
The gossip mill in the seaside community of Monterey is churning about Chloe Patterson, the newcomer who is starting a sanctuary for rescued pit bulls. It’s rumored that she’s a former beauty queen (true) who ditched her fiancé the morning of their wedding (also true). And that while she’s not looking for a new man, the good-looking local veterinarian has his eye on her. Absolutely, positively true.
When Lucas Campbell isn’t at the family veterinary clinic, he’s paddle boarding in Monterey Bay. Recently single, he’s definitely not in the market for a new relationship, but he still can’t resist taking a second, third, and fourth look at the recent arrival of Miss Golden State.
Neither Lucas nor Chloe has any interest in being tied down. Being tied up, however—now there’s a thought. But are a few Mai Tais, a moonlit night, and the music of Frank Sinatra enough to allow them both to forget their past? Let’s hope Ol’ Blue Eyes knows what he’s doing.
Mix one part tiki, one part kinky, and a splash of old black magic matchmaking, and it’s time to be... Mai Tai’d Up.
The gossip mill in the seaside community of Monterey is churning about Chloe Patterson, the newcomer who is starting a sanctuary for rescued pit bulls. It’s rumored that she’s a former beauty queen (true) who ditched her fiancé the morning of their wedding (also true). And that while she’s not looking for a new man, the good-looking local veterinarian has his eye on her. Absolutely, positively true.
When Lucas Campbell isn’t at the family veterinary clinic, he’s paddle boarding in Monterey Bay. Recently single, he’s definitely not in the market for a new relationship, but he still can’t resist taking a second, third, and fourth look at the recent arrival of Miss Golden State.
Neither Lucas nor Chloe has any interest in being tied down. Being tied up, however—now there’s a thought. But are a few Mai Tais, a moonlit night, and the music of Frank Sinatra enough to allow them both to forget their past? Let’s hope Ol’ Blue Eyes knows what he’s doing.
Mix one part tiki, one part kinky, and a splash of old black magic matchmaking, and it’s time to be... Mai Tai’d Up.
This is my first Alice Clayton book and I can definitely say- it will NOT be my last! I really loved this one! Not only was the book infused with humor, but the storyline was close to my heart (rescuing and rehabilitating dogs), our main character (Chloe) was great, and the love interest (Lucas) was uber swoony! And the epilogue? I was dying laughing, it was so fitting. This is definitely one that I'd recommend for those of you looking for an actual friends first then to lovers romance.
The romance is actually pretty subtle in this one. (Don't worry- it's definitely there!) There's some great tension between Lucas and Chloe, but neither one wants to make the other their 'rebounder', thus creating a seriously fantastic, flirty friendship. When the two finally let the magic happen, it's downright steamy! And who knew such a sweet animal doctor could be such a dirty talker?!
Chloe's brain is a great one to see inside. She cracked me up with her inner monologue! Having just escaped nearly biting the marriage bullet, she heads to Monterey as a free woman to be on her own for the first time. No overbearing mother or fiancé to dictate her life- for once it's just her and it feels good! She is going to do extreme good by starting up her own branch of Our Gang, an organization that helps rehabilitate pit bulls and works to find them an adopted home. It is through this she ends up meeting Dr. Lucas Campbell, a local veterinarian who works with his father in the small town. Chloe might not actively be seeking out a relationship, but what do you do when a tall, sexy ginger who loves animals just drops into your life?
Lucas is a great guy, but he has been hurt before and is not looking for a repeat performance. However, he finds himself wanting to spend time with Chloe and help her get everything ready for the dogs. With Lucas, she isn't afraid to try new things and finds herself loving how easy it is to be with him. All her life, her mother has hovered over her, making sure she's acting the right way, eating the proper foods, being seen with the right people... Chloe has reached the point where enough is enough. I wanted to dislike her mom for acting so pretentious, but she does eventually come around and I'm glad that Clayton included Chloe's relationships with her parents in this one. Her dad was really supportive of his daughter and he encouraged her rather than belittled her, which made such a big difference.
This is definitely Chloe's story of how she took her life back and made it her own. With humor, romance, precious pups, a little Sinatra and a little Dino, this book really did it for me and I am super excited to go back and get caught up on the series!
4 comments
I'm struggling with this one. I find it very far fetched that he was also left at the alter by a beauty pageant. I might try it out on audio...
ReplyDeleteThat was one coincidence I didn't particularly care for, or the fact that Chloe looked like his ex.... otherwise I really enjoyed the lightness of this one. I hope you enjoy it more on audio!
DeleteThis series sounds like so much fun! I have Wallbanger and Rusty Nailed and I really cannot wait to start them. Love this review!
ReplyDeleteI have not read anything by Alice Clayton, I actually thought this was part of the series until I read your review. I love humor in romance/new adult books, I just do not handle the serious ones that well, not for me. Sounds like I will have to add this to my tbr!
ReplyDeleteAshley @ The Quiet Concert
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