Author: Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby
Series: Man Hands
Series: Man Hands
Publication Date: January 15, 2018
Rating: ★★★★
Synopsis via Goodreads: Nothing ventured, nothing banged...
Ash
I still don't know how it happened. One minute I was arguing with my arrogant competitor--our usual trash-talk over who deserves the larger commission. But somehow I went from throwing down to kneeling down...
It can never happen again. I don't even like Braht. He's too slick. He's a manipulating mansplaining party boy in preppy clothes.
So why can't I get him out of my head?
Braht
There are two things I know without question. One: Ash and I are destined for each other. Two: never trust a man with a unibrow.
Ash is my missing my piece. She's the sweet cream to my gourmet espresso. And nothing gets me going faster than her contempt for me. They don't call her the Ashkicker for nothing.
Eventually I'll win her over...if my past doesn't ruin everything first.
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby are back with more romantic funnies in Man Card, the second installment in the Man Hands series. Ashley Power is a real estate agent who is all work and no play. But that doesn't stop her competitor, Braht, from turning on the charm and laying it on thick. The two are constantly butting heads and trying to one up each other and things become even more complicated when Braht is transferred to Ashley's branch. Having been burned by love before, Ashley is hesitant to give into Braht's charm, but when a blast from her past comes back to cause trouble, Braht may be the only guy who can help her out.
Just like with Man Hands, Man Card had me cackling from the start! Sarina and Tanya started the realtor shenanigans right from the first page and I was completely entertained by them. Ash and Braht were willing to pull some wild stunts on each other and it was mostly all fun and games (although I think Ash may have been more serious when it came to closing the deal). I liked the writing a lot more in Man Card and thought the transition from Ash's POV to Braht's POV was more seamless than in the previous book. Also, there wasn't any "talking dick" scenarios this time around which I liked.
Since a relationship between Ash and Braht was somewhat already established in the previous book, I was so here for seeing these two take their relationship to the next level. The romance starts out very light with a lot of sexual tension and back and forth banter, but unlike the first book, things take a more serious turn in Man Card. That is one of the things I liked about this book. I felt like the connection between Ash and Braht was more deeper and there were more moments with these getting to know each other. I totally was feeling all the feels when Ash and Braht were both being so sweet to one another!! Those were some of my favorite moments.
I already loved Ash when we met her in the Man Hands and I love her just the same in Man Card. She's so relatable and I enjoyed seeing her let her walls down and allow herself to trust someone with her heart again. Braht is hands-down one of the most interesting heroes I've ever read about. I mean let's be honest, his personality can be a bit much at first. He's very into his appearance and making sure he's on point every time he steps out his front door. It took me a while to get on board with his character, but I gotta say the guy knows what he's talking about. It's very refreshing to see a hero who is so secure in his masculinity that he literally gives no fucks about what others have to say. Also, can I just say I'm surprised at how Braht took control in the bedroom. I was totally expecting Ash to have her way with him, but Braht was like let me show you how it's done, lol.
Man Card was a hilariously fun and entertaining read that every rom-com lover should add to their to-be-read pile if they haven't done so already. I'm very curious to see what Sarina and Tanya have in store for us next. I'm hoping that they give Sadie the happpily-ever-after she deserves because damn does she need one.
Just like with Man Hands, Man Card had me cackling from the start! Sarina and Tanya started the realtor shenanigans right from the first page and I was completely entertained by them. Ash and Braht were willing to pull some wild stunts on each other and it was mostly all fun and games (although I think Ash may have been more serious when it came to closing the deal). I liked the writing a lot more in Man Card and thought the transition from Ash's POV to Braht's POV was more seamless than in the previous book. Also, there wasn't any "talking dick" scenarios this time around which I liked.
Since a relationship between Ash and Braht was somewhat already established in the previous book, I was so here for seeing these two take their relationship to the next level. The romance starts out very light with a lot of sexual tension and back and forth banter, but unlike the first book, things take a more serious turn in Man Card. That is one of the things I liked about this book. I felt like the connection between Ash and Braht was more deeper and there were more moments with these getting to know each other. I totally was feeling all the feels when Ash and Braht were both being so sweet to one another!! Those were some of my favorite moments.
I already loved Ash when we met her in the Man Hands and I love her just the same in Man Card. She's so relatable and I enjoyed seeing her let her walls down and allow herself to trust someone with her heart again. Braht is hands-down one of the most interesting heroes I've ever read about. I mean let's be honest, his personality can be a bit much at first. He's very into his appearance and making sure he's on point every time he steps out his front door. It took me a while to get on board with his character, but I gotta say the guy knows what he's talking about. It's very refreshing to see a hero who is so secure in his masculinity that he literally gives no fucks about what others have to say. Also, can I just say I'm surprised at how Braht took control in the bedroom. I was totally expecting Ash to have her way with him, but Braht was like let me show you how it's done, lol.
Man Card was a hilariously fun and entertaining read that every rom-com lover should add to their to-be-read pile if they haven't done so already. I'm very curious to see what Sarina and Tanya have in store for us next. I'm hoping that they give Sadie the happpily-ever-after she deserves because damn does she need one.
E X C E R P T
“Name your other favorite movies,” I challenge Braht.
“All of them?” He chugs his margarita.
“Hmm. Top ten? Top five?”
“That’s totally easy,” he says. Somehow I’ve gotten closer to him on the floor. When he sits back, I actually snuggle in beside him. He’s wearing a ridiculously soft shirt that feels good against my skin. And I watch with fascination as he ticks off the names of films on his fingers. “When Harry Met Sally. The Devil Wears Prada. Roman Holiday. Clueless. And Working Girl.”
I burst out laughing. I can’t help it. “Those are all chick flicks. You should just hand over your man card right now.”
“Not a chance.” Braht’s expression grows intense. “In the first place, I gave you a very thorough demonstration of my man card last week. I don’t remember hearing any complaints.”
I swallow hard, because this is certainly true.
“And secondly, you’re looking at this all backward.”
“I…am?” And why can’t I look away? He has the most beautiful, intelligent eyes.
“Yeah, you are,” he whispers. “It’s the guy who has a firm grip on his man card that can hold your purse. He’s not afraid to be seen with that Tory Burch you like to carry—nice color, by the way. He’ll free up your hands because he likes your hands, and he remembers all the terrific things you can use them for.”
“Oh,” I say slowly. Now my fingers itch to reach out for him. I have to make fists with both hands so I won’t do it.
“Furthermore, he’s not afraid to quote Working Girl. Because Joan Cusack is a genius. And who wouldn’t want to say Melanie Griffith’s best line out loud?”
I can’t help saying it with him, and together we sound like the world’s horniest Greek chorus: “I have a head for business and a body for sin.”
Sin sounds pretty good right now, actually. But Braht’s not done with his speech. “Any man who tells you that chick flicks are for pussies can’t be any good in bed. Because that man does not speak the language of women. He doesn’t know that a little luxury can erase a shitty day of worrying about your ex…”
Braht takes my hand in his and begins to massage it. He has a great technique, applying gentle pressure between each joint. I relax just a little bit more against him.
“…That man doesn’t speak the language because he’s afraid of sounding like a girl. But fuck that noise, honey bear. If a man doesn’t have the vocabulary to describe a satin teddy with peekaboo lace and mother-of-pearl snaps at the crotch, he can’t buy it for you and then strategically ask you to wear it. He can’t plan ahead to blow your mind sometime by lifting your skirt somewhere semi-public and dangerous. And he can’t get down on his knees and kiss that lace and then pop open those snaps while you bite your own hand to keep from screaming when you climax.” Braht takes a deep breath and lets it out in one hot gust. “Fuck. What was the point of this speech?”
“Um…” My voice is hoarse, and my face is suddenly very hot. Let’s not even mention my nipples. “Man cards, I think.” But I’m not sure, because everything tingles.
“Right,” he says with a sigh. “Still got mine. Shall we watch Working Girl next?”
“Okay,” I breathe, sinking a little further into his comforting embrace.
“All of them?” He chugs his margarita.
“Hmm. Top ten? Top five?”
“That’s totally easy,” he says. Somehow I’ve gotten closer to him on the floor. When he sits back, I actually snuggle in beside him. He’s wearing a ridiculously soft shirt that feels good against my skin. And I watch with fascination as he ticks off the names of films on his fingers. “When Harry Met Sally. The Devil Wears Prada. Roman Holiday. Clueless. And Working Girl.”
I burst out laughing. I can’t help it. “Those are all chick flicks. You should just hand over your man card right now.”
“Not a chance.” Braht’s expression grows intense. “In the first place, I gave you a very thorough demonstration of my man card last week. I don’t remember hearing any complaints.”
I swallow hard, because this is certainly true.
“And secondly, you’re looking at this all backward.”
“I…am?” And why can’t I look away? He has the most beautiful, intelligent eyes.
“Yeah, you are,” he whispers. “It’s the guy who has a firm grip on his man card that can hold your purse. He’s not afraid to be seen with that Tory Burch you like to carry—nice color, by the way. He’ll free up your hands because he likes your hands, and he remembers all the terrific things you can use them for.”
“Oh,” I say slowly. Now my fingers itch to reach out for him. I have to make fists with both hands so I won’t do it.
“Furthermore, he’s not afraid to quote Working Girl. Because Joan Cusack is a genius. And who wouldn’t want to say Melanie Griffith’s best line out loud?”
I can’t help saying it with him, and together we sound like the world’s horniest Greek chorus: “I have a head for business and a body for sin.”
Sin sounds pretty good right now, actually. But Braht’s not done with his speech. “Any man who tells you that chick flicks are for pussies can’t be any good in bed. Because that man does not speak the language of women. He doesn’t know that a little luxury can erase a shitty day of worrying about your ex…”
Braht takes my hand in his and begins to massage it. He has a great technique, applying gentle pressure between each joint. I relax just a little bit more against him.
“…That man doesn’t speak the language because he’s afraid of sounding like a girl. But fuck that noise, honey bear. If a man doesn’t have the vocabulary to describe a satin teddy with peekaboo lace and mother-of-pearl snaps at the crotch, he can’t buy it for you and then strategically ask you to wear it. He can’t plan ahead to blow your mind sometime by lifting your skirt somewhere semi-public and dangerous. And he can’t get down on his knees and kiss that lace and then pop open those snaps while you bite your own hand to keep from screaming when you climax.” Braht takes a deep breath and lets it out in one hot gust. “Fuck. What was the point of this speech?”
“Um…” My voice is hoarse, and my face is suddenly very hot. Let’s not even mention my nipples. “Man cards, I think.” But I’m not sure, because everything tingles.
“Right,” he says with a sigh. “Still got mine. Shall we watch Working Girl next?”
“Okay,” I breathe, sinking a little further into his comforting embrace.
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