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King Stud
Danielle’s got three months to make her grandmother’s rundown Craftsman house livable. Her game plan is to get in, get grubby, and get back home to L.A. She needs a carpenter, and her best friend’s younger brother is a good one. It’s hard to ignore the buffed body under Ryan’s paint-splattered sweatshirts, but her friend declares he’s off-limits so Danielle reluctantly agrees.
Ryan doesn’t have the cleanest record, anyway. His recently ex-ed girlfriend wants him back, and he has a reputation for brawling. He’s also had a crush on Danielle since he was a kid. Despite their nine-year age difference, he knows she’s worth pursuing.
Soon the paint under Danielle’s fingernails starts feeling more natural than the L.A. sunshine. She’ll have to navigate plumbing disasters, money problems, and one seriously cranky best friend to find something she hasn’t had a real home, and a man who loves her.
Ryan doesn’t have the cleanest record, anyway. His recently ex-ed girlfriend wants him back, and he has a reputation for brawling. He’s also had a crush on Danielle since he was a kid. Despite their nine-year age difference, he knows she’s worth pursuing.
Soon the paint under Danielle’s fingernails starts feeling more natural than the L.A. sunshine. She’ll have to navigate plumbing disasters, money problems, and one seriously cranky best friend to find something she hasn’t had a real home, and a man who loves her.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2015
About the author
Liv Rancourt
49 books178 followersLiv Rancourt writes romance of all kinds. Because love is love, even with fangs.
Liv is a huge fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy and loves history just as much, so her stories often feature vampires or magic or they’re set in the past…or all of the above. When Liv isn’t writing she takes care of tiny premature babies in the NICU. Her husband is a soul of patience, her kids are her pride and joy, and her dogs – Trash Panda and The Boy Genius – are endlessly entertaining.
Liv is a huge fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy and loves history just as much, so her stories often feature vampires or magic or they’re set in the past…or all of the above. When Liv isn’t writing she takes care of tiny premature babies in the NICU. Her husband is a soul of patience, her kids are her pride and joy, and her dogs – Trash Panda and The Boy Genius – are endlessly entertaining.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 24, 2015
King Stud had all the things I love in a novel: A hot handyman, a big, eccentric family, a fun locale with neighborhoods I'm familiar with and a hot handyman. Wait...did I say that one already? It bears repeating. I loved that Dani had to contend, not just with the age difference between her and Ryan but his sister/her best friend disapproving of their being together. Their chemistry was scorching, in and out of bed. I love that she originally took on the house project out of a sense of guilt and it led to her discovering a new path in life that she didn't even realize she was searching for. Every single character in this book is unique and adds a little more depth to the story (even Chubbs and his cat).
SO happy to see this is the beginning of a series. I can't wait to see who gets their book next. Maeve... nah, too obvious. Niall...poor guy needs a loving woman. Rancourt has so much to work with here, and she has laid down some fabulous hints to get us hooked. When is the next installment?
SO happy to see this is the beginning of a series. I can't wait to see who gets their book next. Maeve... nah, too obvious. Niall...poor guy needs a loving woman. Rancourt has so much to work with here, and she has laid down some fabulous hints to get us hooked. When is the next installment?
September 2, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
With such a kitschy title, this could have been such a porn book but it totally wasn’t! Love the title, Liv! It was a completely engrossing read about an older woman with a younger man relationship complete with angst-y family issues, sobriety problems, and job problems–the perfect triumvirate to round out any real-world romance. Loved it and appreciated all the aspects that made it the great book it is.
Dani’s bitten off more than she can chew in trying to renovate her grandmother’s house in a beautiful section of Seattle. First clue? The big hole in the floor in the kitchen! How is she going to do what needs to be done to get it finished and sold before the end of her leave of absence from her very demanding job of managing the NICU in the hospital in L.A.? Her uncle’s counting on her, but she’s not sure if she’s going to be able to get the job done. And since she’s not talking to her mother, she’s not sure where she’ll get more money if she needs it.
Ryan’s been dealing with a lot lately. His ex-girlfriend is hard to break up with–but he knows it’s what he needs to do. Her growing alcoholism is not only wearing HIM down but it’s taking his sister Maeve down too. But when Maeve refuses to help him and only hinders the process, what’s he going to do? Maybe get help from his childhood crush and new client, Danielle. She’s just as beautiful as he remembers, and if he can get her to mix business and pleasure, it would be perfect. Who cares about the nine years difference in their ages? He sure doesn’t! But Maeve has forbidden both of them from being with each other–since she says friends and family don’t mix–so they’re just going to have to work around it…
I really enjoyed this book and the characters in it. At first the title made me think it was going to be something completely different, but I really loved where it took me. The family dynamics were realistic and complicated, and the plot line developed the relationships in a believable direction. I felt like I was watching something real develop, and everything that happened felt natural and necessary. There were a lot of complex issues because of all the different people involved and their personalities–just like in my world–and everything hinged on so many factors. It sounded like me describing something that happened in my family! I can’t wait to read more stories about this world and the people in it. P.S. Great sexy times as well. Thanks!
With such a kitschy title, this could have been such a porn book but it totally wasn’t! Love the title, Liv! It was a completely engrossing read about an older woman with a younger man relationship complete with angst-y family issues, sobriety problems, and job problems–the perfect triumvirate to round out any real-world romance. Loved it and appreciated all the aspects that made it the great book it is.
Dani’s bitten off more than she can chew in trying to renovate her grandmother’s house in a beautiful section of Seattle. First clue? The big hole in the floor in the kitchen! How is she going to do what needs to be done to get it finished and sold before the end of her leave of absence from her very demanding job of managing the NICU in the hospital in L.A.? Her uncle’s counting on her, but she’s not sure if she’s going to be able to get the job done. And since she’s not talking to her mother, she’s not sure where she’ll get more money if she needs it.
Ryan’s been dealing with a lot lately. His ex-girlfriend is hard to break up with–but he knows it’s what he needs to do. Her growing alcoholism is not only wearing HIM down but it’s taking his sister Maeve down too. But when Maeve refuses to help him and only hinders the process, what’s he going to do? Maybe get help from his childhood crush and new client, Danielle. She’s just as beautiful as he remembers, and if he can get her to mix business and pleasure, it would be perfect. Who cares about the nine years difference in their ages? He sure doesn’t! But Maeve has forbidden both of them from being with each other–since she says friends and family don’t mix–so they’re just going to have to work around it…
I really enjoyed this book and the characters in it. At first the title made me think it was going to be something completely different, but I really loved where it took me. The family dynamics were realistic and complicated, and the plot line developed the relationships in a believable direction. I felt like I was watching something real develop, and everything that happened felt natural and necessary. There were a lot of complex issues because of all the different people involved and their personalities–just like in my world–and everything hinged on so many factors. It sounded like me describing something that happened in my family! I can’t wait to read more stories about this world and the people in it. P.S. Great sexy times as well. Thanks!
August 22, 2015
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review
“He exhaled, low and throaty, and his shoulders relaxed. She tipped her face up, and he angled down to meet her lips. Their kiss was light and cautious, dipping in and testing the waters. She parted her lips, flicked him with the tip of her tongue.”
5 super sexy stars!! This book was fun and so sexy to read!! Definitely a different read than other books I’ve read.
Danielle’s got three months to make her grandmother’s rundown Craftsman house livable. Her game plan is to get in, get grubby, and get back home to L.A. She needs a carpenter, and her best friend’s younger brother is a good one. It’s hard to ignore the buffed body under Ryan’s paint-splattered sweatshirts, but her friend declares he’s off-limits so Danielle reluctantly agrees.
Ryan doesn’t have the cleanest record, anyway. His recently ex-ed girlfriend wants him back, and he has a reputation for brawling. He’s also had a crush on Danielle since he was a kid. Despite their nine-year age difference, he knows she’s worth pursuing.
Soon the paint under Danielle’s fingernails starts feeling more natural than the L.A. sunshine. She’ll have to navigate plumbing disasters, money problems, and one seriously cranky best friend to find something she hasn’t had before: a real home, and a man who loves her.
This book is scorching hot and so sexy to read. Ryan is super sexy and you instantly fall in love with him as you read this book. Danielle is the girl he has a crush on as a kid and now that she’s back in town he’s determined to get her in his life. Such a great, great book!!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
“He exhaled, low and throaty, and his shoulders relaxed. She tipped her face up, and he angled down to meet her lips. Their kiss was light and cautious, dipping in and testing the waters. She parted her lips, flicked him with the tip of her tongue.”
5 super sexy stars!! This book was fun and so sexy to read!! Definitely a different read than other books I’ve read.
Danielle’s got three months to make her grandmother’s rundown Craftsman house livable. Her game plan is to get in, get grubby, and get back home to L.A. She needs a carpenter, and her best friend’s younger brother is a good one. It’s hard to ignore the buffed body under Ryan’s paint-splattered sweatshirts, but her friend declares he’s off-limits so Danielle reluctantly agrees.
Ryan doesn’t have the cleanest record, anyway. His recently ex-ed girlfriend wants him back, and he has a reputation for brawling. He’s also had a crush on Danielle since he was a kid. Despite their nine-year age difference, he knows she’s worth pursuing.
Soon the paint under Danielle’s fingernails starts feeling more natural than the L.A. sunshine. She’ll have to navigate plumbing disasters, money problems, and one seriously cranky best friend to find something she hasn’t had before: a real home, and a man who loves her.
This book is scorching hot and so sexy to read. Ryan is super sexy and you instantly fall in love with him as you read this book. Danielle is the girl he has a crush on as a kid and now that she’s back in town he’s determined to get her in his life. Such a great, great book!!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
June 25, 2016
3.5 Stars!
The book blurb and the amusing title drew me into requesting King Stud by Liv Rancourt. I found the pace to be a bit on the slow side, however, the interesting characters and appealing plot kept me engaged.
This is the story about Danielle Jacobsen, a thirty-three year-old NICU supervisor from Los Angeles. She inherited her late grandmother's coastal cottage and tasked herself with fixing it up within three months. Danielle spent most of her childhood in her grandmother's home, so spending some time on the coast of Washington State and getting her hands dirty is not a hardship, although her boss isn't to happy about it. The house is in disrepair, so Dani hires her best friend's brother to do the more difficult work. Ryan O'Connor is a well-skilled carpenter and contractor, in addition to being hunky and only twenty-four. Danielle and Ryan have a ton of chemistry, both in and out of the bedroom.
There were a few things that kept me from truly enjoying this book. To start with, Dani is extremely immature for her age, which I found to be quite distracting and unnatural. Despite that, I felt her pain when her world came crashing down. Maeve, Ryan's older sister and Dani's best friend, is immature as well. She is also mean-spirited, and her antics almost cause Dani and Ryan to stop seeing each other. However, I think the author really wanted the reader to feel her wrath, which makes for good writing. I liked Ryan and the way he handled whatever was thrown his way, almost always being able to roll with the punches. His maturity stood out in all of his relationships.
Overall, this is an okay read with some very steamy encounters and an ending that will make you smile.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
The book blurb and the amusing title drew me into requesting King Stud by Liv Rancourt. I found the pace to be a bit on the slow side, however, the interesting characters and appealing plot kept me engaged.
This is the story about Danielle Jacobsen, a thirty-three year-old NICU supervisor from Los Angeles. She inherited her late grandmother's coastal cottage and tasked herself with fixing it up within three months. Danielle spent most of her childhood in her grandmother's home, so spending some time on the coast of Washington State and getting her hands dirty is not a hardship, although her boss isn't to happy about it. The house is in disrepair, so Dani hires her best friend's brother to do the more difficult work. Ryan O'Connor is a well-skilled carpenter and contractor, in addition to being hunky and only twenty-four. Danielle and Ryan have a ton of chemistry, both in and out of the bedroom.
There were a few things that kept me from truly enjoying this book. To start with, Dani is extremely immature for her age, which I found to be quite distracting and unnatural. Despite that, I felt her pain when her world came crashing down. Maeve, Ryan's older sister and Dani's best friend, is immature as well. She is also mean-spirited, and her antics almost cause Dani and Ryan to stop seeing each other. However, I think the author really wanted the reader to feel her wrath, which makes for good writing. I liked Ryan and the way he handled whatever was thrown his way, almost always being able to roll with the punches. His maturity stood out in all of his relationships.
Overall, this is an okay read with some very steamy encounters and an ending that will make you smile.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
August 3, 2015
Danielle is on a mission. Her grandmother left her old, run down house to her in a Will and she needs to get it beautiful and liveable in a short time so she can put it on the market, sell it, and get back to her life. She's got attachments to the place, emotional ones that run deep, but she's determined to see her plan through. Unfortunately, that means she needs a carpenter. Enter Ryan. A gorgeous, young man with taste for good work-work and older women. He also happens to be a hands-off kind of deal for Danielle, considering he's her best friend's brother. But how long will that plan last?
Liv Rancourt wrote an amazing tale, let me just start by saying that. She wrote it in such a way that while it was forefront and center the age thing was an issue, a huge one for Danielle's issues, but at the same time, you didn't *feel* the age gap. The two main characters were at the same level emotionally, which was due in part to both of their experiences, I suppose.
There are a lot of heavy undertones to Kind Stud. Family issues, addiction issues, and so forth. It really gives this romance a deeper feel than what's just on the surface. It also makes you seriously want to get the second book as fast as possible and find out what will be happening for the next characters.
I loved Ryan. He's charming, sexy, relentless and intelligent. You can't ask for much more than that when it comes to a hero. Danielle is fierce, determined and relentless. Their chemistry is fantastically done from start to finish. I wouldn't say graphic, but very sensual and I like that.
Well done to Ms. Rancourt. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
Merged review:
Review to come.
Liv Rancourt wrote an amazing tale, let me just start by saying that. She wrote it in such a way that while it was forefront and center the age thing was an issue, a huge one for Danielle's issues, but at the same time, you didn't *feel* the age gap. The two main characters were at the same level emotionally, which was due in part to both of their experiences, I suppose.
There are a lot of heavy undertones to Kind Stud. Family issues, addiction issues, and so forth. It really gives this romance a deeper feel than what's just on the surface. It also makes you seriously want to get the second book as fast as possible and find out what will be happening for the next characters.
I loved Ryan. He's charming, sexy, relentless and intelligent. You can't ask for much more than that when it comes to a hero. Danielle is fierce, determined and relentless. Their chemistry is fantastically done from start to finish. I wouldn't say graphic, but very sensual and I like that.
Well done to Ms. Rancourt. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
Merged review:
Review to come.
August 14, 2015
Danielle inherited her Grandmother's house. She is back in Seattle for 3 months, on leave from her job in L.A. to quickly flip the house. It is in worse shape than she remembered however and she needs help. Her best friend's younger brother is the perfect carpenter for the job.
This book had a good foundation, the idea of the story interested me but the construction and finishing touches were not as polished as I would have liked. For a successful woman Dani seemed to have little confidence. Her dating past seemed to hang over her too much. To overcome it all she needed a big "Ahh - I don't care moment" and I just didn't feel it, her decision to change her life's path seemed to be rather impulsive to me. Ryan had qualities I liked but I question his maturity. As a couple I question their connection; I felt the lust but I really didn't feel anything that bordered around LOVE between these two. Once the steamy scenes start there are many, and at times I didn't think they necessarily moved the plot or added to the story.
This is the first book in a series and I am on the fence if I will read more. The plot had a few subplots. All the plots were dealt with quickly, so quickly sometimes I was sort of blindsided and felt some of the resolutions were too convenient. The writing was okay, not fantastic and there was only one character I had strong feelings about. Maeve, Ryan's sister, was a character I actually wanted to strangle. I have to think the author is setting her up for a major conversion of character when Maeve is the heroine of her own book.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
This book had a good foundation, the idea of the story interested me but the construction and finishing touches were not as polished as I would have liked. For a successful woman Dani seemed to have little confidence. Her dating past seemed to hang over her too much. To overcome it all she needed a big "Ahh - I don't care moment" and I just didn't feel it, her decision to change her life's path seemed to be rather impulsive to me. Ryan had qualities I liked but I question his maturity. As a couple I question their connection; I felt the lust but I really didn't feel anything that bordered around LOVE between these two. Once the steamy scenes start there are many, and at times I didn't think they necessarily moved the plot or added to the story.
This is the first book in a series and I am on the fence if I will read more. The plot had a few subplots. All the plots were dealt with quickly, so quickly sometimes I was sort of blindsided and felt some of the resolutions were too convenient. The writing was okay, not fantastic and there was only one character I had strong feelings about. Maeve, Ryan's sister, was a character I actually wanted to strangle. I have to think the author is setting her up for a major conversion of character when Maeve is the heroine of her own book.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
August 26, 2015
Reading King Stud is like watching a reality television show with tons of drama. All made-up, unnecessary drama that has you screaming at the television screen for the main parties to just get it together already! There are all the requisite characters as well. The sister that’s a total b*tch, the alcoholic ex-girlfriend that keeps trying to get back together with the main man, and the would-be boyfriend with a temper from hell and issues he refuses to deal with. There’s even a gay uncle who is basically the only character that’s likeable. I did like Danielle, even though it seemed like Rancourt didn't want us to. I think she got a total bad rap by everyone. She’s basically at a cross-roads in her life and dealing with that plus a best friend who is a total b*tch (why are they friends?) and a boyfriend with a temper and a crazy ex-girlfriend. Though her language seemed a bit strange for her age - 'dude' and 'cool' - really? And she really needed to grow a backbone about her work situation.
Despite my best attempts not to like the book (see above), I did enjoy it in the end. Thankfully, Danielle calls Ryan on his crap in the end and things are resolved nicely. I liked the O'Conner family as well and it's obvious that Rancourt is setting the scene for several novels about the brothers and the sister (I won't be reading Mauve's book though. She's really not a nice person.) I thought Danielle's interaction with the family was a bit strange if she really was best friend's with Mauve throughout high school and spent a lot of time at the O'Conner house.
Despite my best attempts not to like the book (see above), I did enjoy it in the end. Thankfully, Danielle calls Ryan on his crap in the end and things are resolved nicely. I liked the O'Conner family as well and it's obvious that Rancourt is setting the scene for several novels about the brothers and the sister (I won't be reading Mauve's book though. She's really not a nice person.) I thought Danielle's interaction with the family was a bit strange if she really was best friend's with Mauve throughout high school and spent a lot of time at the O'Conner house.
August 23, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
Danielle and Maeve have been friends since grade school growing up in Seattle together. Dani is now living in L.A. working as a NICU nurse. She has inherited her grandmother's house back in Seattle and when her boyfriend unexpectantly breaks up with her she decides she needs a vacationt o regroup so her takes some time and off and travels to Seattle to get her grandmother's house cleaned up and ready to sell. However, once she sees the house she realizes it is going to be more work than she can possibly do by herself. Her friend Maeve suggests she talk with her brother Ryan, who is a carpenter, and ask for his help. Ryan agrees to help her after all he has had a crush on Danielle since her was in kindergarten, she is 8 years older than him and though she is attracted to him feels the age difference too much not to mention Ryan has had the same girlfriend off and on for over 10 years. This story is full of humor and romance with a bit of spiciness through in. I really loved this story and would love to see another book about the two picking up where this book left off.
After and her boyfriend breaking up with her she decides to take a vacation to get her grandmother's house ready to sell. inheriting her grandmother's house
Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
Danielle and Maeve have been friends since grade school growing up in Seattle together. Dani is now living in L.A. working as a NICU nurse. She has inherited her grandmother's house back in Seattle and when her boyfriend unexpectantly breaks up with her she decides she needs a vacationt o regroup so her takes some time and off and travels to Seattle to get her grandmother's house cleaned up and ready to sell. However, once she sees the house she realizes it is going to be more work than she can possibly do by herself. Her friend Maeve suggests she talk with her brother Ryan, who is a carpenter, and ask for his help. Ryan agrees to help her after all he has had a crush on Danielle since her was in kindergarten, she is 8 years older than him and though she is attracted to him feels the age difference too much not to mention Ryan has had the same girlfriend off and on for over 10 years. This story is full of humor and romance with a bit of spiciness through in. I really loved this story and would love to see another book about the two picking up where this book left off.
After and her boyfriend breaking up with her she decides to take a vacation to get her grandmother's house ready to sell. inheriting her grandmother's house
Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
October 24, 2015
"3.5 out of 5 stars! Not long after an unexpected breakup Danielle (Dani) is informed that her grandmother left her childhood home to her in the will so, with hopes to get some space, she takes off a couple of months from work and goes home. Dani’s plans are to upgrade the house and put it on the market during the time that she’s there but that is before she realizes that the house is in need of a whole lot more TLC than she can give on her own. Therefore, she enlists the help of her “best friend,” Maeve’s, younger brother Ryan to help. During their time together, their relationship goes from platonic to friends to lovers very quickly. Yet with the cards fate has stacked against them, will they be able to work through their issues so they can have something good together? Or will it be only a brief affair for them after all?
This compelling novel reels you in with all of its drama. It was hard not to be hooked! Dani is a sweet 33-year-old, who is dealing with a lot of issues and not sure how to fit back into the town she grew up. Though Ryan is nine years younger than Dani, he has had a crush on since he was a little boy and their time together has just matured those feelings..."
Read more of this review and 3+ TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/10/made-grade-oconnor-family-series-book-1.html
This compelling novel reels you in with all of its drama. It was hard not to be hooked! Dani is a sweet 33-year-old, who is dealing with a lot of issues and not sure how to fit back into the town she grew up. Though Ryan is nine years younger than Dani, he has had a crush on since he was a little boy and their time together has just matured those feelings..."
Read more of this review and 3+ TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/10/made-grade-oconnor-family-series-book-1.html
August 27, 2015
I think King Stud is the perfect title for this contemporary romance. There is of course the Stud Ryan, and there is a woman Dani. Dani inherited her Grandmother’s home, which is Dani’s childhood home. She takes a leave of Absence from her job as an Assistant Manager of a NICU nursing staff, to go back home and get the home ready to be placed on the market. What she didn’t know was how much work this house needed. Dani met up with her best friend and was telling her she needed to get someone out there to help. Her BFF’s Brother Ryan is a construction worker and loves working on old homes. So Dani hires Ryan, the stud and the story begins. Ryan Is nine years younger than Dani, and age can make a difference and so can it be with Ryan being the younger brother of her BFF.
This was a fun story to read. I loved how the author developed Ryan and Dani. I Felt their story was good, the emotions were there, the issues were real and just thought it was a good story.
I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. This sounds like it will be a great series to read and I can’t to how all the characters develop through the series.
I did receive this book in an exchange for an honest review. I really did enjoy this story.
Check out more info on my blog
:http://dianasbookreviews.com/king-stu...
This was a fun story to read. I loved how the author developed Ryan and Dani. I Felt their story was good, the emotions were there, the issues were real and just thought it was a good story.
I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. This sounds like it will be a great series to read and I can’t to how all the characters develop through the series.
I did receive this book in an exchange for an honest review. I really did enjoy this story.
Check out more info on my blog
:http://dianasbookreviews.com/king-stu...
August 22, 2015
2,5 stars for me but someone might like it better.
I won this book at a Facebook party. I was looking forward to reading about a home restoration turned big love affair. And I really wanted to like the book, but sometimes it is the book for one kind of reader and not for another. This was just not my book.
Dani, for all the talk of being an older woman in the new relationship, often acted immature - she lied, or avoided serious conversations, and she let other people treat her as a door mat (whether it was her friend Maeve telling her who to date, what clothes to buy, or her work bosses making her work for free while she was on vacation).
Ryan, with his temper and anger problems, as well as the constant desire to hit something is a perfect recipe for domestic violence to happen. I found that rather disturbing.
Then, there're two alcoholic friends in complete denial, making everyone else take their bs.
I do not know... the scorching level of sex did not help.
The only parts that actually kept my interest were the description of house restoration and the disaster and cleaning up after it.
I won this book at a Facebook party. I was looking forward to reading about a home restoration turned big love affair. And I really wanted to like the book, but sometimes it is the book for one kind of reader and not for another. This was just not my book.
Dani, for all the talk of being an older woman in the new relationship, often acted immature - she lied, or avoided serious conversations, and she let other people treat her as a door mat (whether it was her friend Maeve telling her who to date, what clothes to buy, or her work bosses making her work for free while she was on vacation).
Ryan, with his temper and anger problems, as well as the constant desire to hit something is a perfect recipe for domestic violence to happen. I found that rather disturbing.
Then, there're two alcoholic friends in complete denial, making everyone else take their bs.
I do not know... the scorching level of sex did not help.
The only parts that actually kept my interest were the description of house restoration and the disaster and cleaning up after it.
August 10, 2015
I haven’t read a romance like King Stud in a long time. I’m talking one of the old time romance novels. The kind where the attraction is red hot and they want to hook up, but they don’t for one reason or another. The back and forth, the almost, then not, builds the tension so high that when they do get together, it’s explosive.
I loved it
.
I’m not sure which character I liked more. Danielle with her practical, organized, rationalizing ways and sharp wit. She’s a woman of strength and intelligence who didn’t let the hard times of her past or present break her. Or Ryan who is just all around wonderful with his hot body, talented carpentry skills, huge heart, and amazing sense of humor. I could do without his off the wall temper, though.
I’ll warn you about the snark in this book. If you don’t like laughing then don’t read it.
The secondary characters pulled the novel together. Ms. Rancourt has set us up for an extraordinary series. Now she has me wondering who’s next. I hope she comes out with the next book sooner rather than later.
I purchased this book from All Romance e-books.
I loved it
.
I’m not sure which character I liked more. Danielle with her practical, organized, rationalizing ways and sharp wit. She’s a woman of strength and intelligence who didn’t let the hard times of her past or present break her. Or Ryan who is just all around wonderful with his hot body, talented carpentry skills, huge heart, and amazing sense of humor. I could do without his off the wall temper, though.
I’ll warn you about the snark in this book. If you don’t like laughing then don’t read it.
The secondary characters pulled the novel together. Ms. Rancourt has set us up for an extraordinary series. Now she has me wondering who’s next. I hope she comes out with the next book sooner rather than later.
I purchased this book from All Romance e-books.
August 26, 2015
I just finished King Stud and it was an amazingly good and fun read. I could not put the book down as it was like reading about the at forbidden fruit ...
Danielle and Maeve have been BFF's forever and with that territory comes knowing all of Maeve's brothers ... even her younger brother who is nine years younger. Lets move to about fifteen years later, when they are suddenly working together on a project ... he's young and hot and suddenly single, she is in a strange city, working on a project that stirs up emotions ... soon they will be forever entangled ...
Sounds good, eh? Liv Rancourt does a wonderful job in creating chemistry and sizzling scenes between Danielle and Ryan. It is beyond smoking hot .... it is a sure fire way to get you heated up and ready, as Rancourt is no stranger in the way she writes the sexy love scenes ... The chemistry between Ryan and Danielle is out of this world, and draws the reader in ... There is no way that Danielle and Ryan can resist each other.
I absolutely loved this first book in the O'Connor Family Series and cannot wait to read more from Rancourt. King Stud is a definite must add addition to your To-Be-Read Shelf. Great book!
Danielle and Maeve have been BFF's forever and with that territory comes knowing all of Maeve's brothers ... even her younger brother who is nine years younger. Lets move to about fifteen years later, when they are suddenly working together on a project ... he's young and hot and suddenly single, she is in a strange city, working on a project that stirs up emotions ... soon they will be forever entangled ...
Sounds good, eh? Liv Rancourt does a wonderful job in creating chemistry and sizzling scenes between Danielle and Ryan. It is beyond smoking hot .... it is a sure fire way to get you heated up and ready, as Rancourt is no stranger in the way she writes the sexy love scenes ... The chemistry between Ryan and Danielle is out of this world, and draws the reader in ... There is no way that Danielle and Ryan can resist each other.
I absolutely loved this first book in the O'Connor Family Series and cannot wait to read more from Rancourt. King Stud is a definite must add addition to your To-Be-Read Shelf. Great book!
August 27, 2015
***ARC provided through NetGalley by Evernight Publishing****
I really wanted to love this book but I didn't. It was just ok for me with a side of annoying. The beginning was good for me. I enjoyed the tension between Dani and Ryan. I was ok that his ex was a little crazy and wanted him back. I was ok with Dani having a little issue with her being 9 years older than Ryan. But I was not ok with that more than halfway through the book all this still was going on. Dani kept harping on the age difference between her and Ryan. Get over it! Date him or don't date him. All the mind games annoyed the heck out me. She kept lying to her best friend and Ryan's sister Maeve about whether or not she was dating him. Speaking of Maeve, she needed to mind her own business and Dani needed to grow up at times. She was too wishy washy for me. I was happy Ryan grew a backbone towards the end. Got tried of seeing him get stepped on and being a doormat at times. All in all I was happy to see this story end. Again this was not my cup of tea but maybe you would love this.
I really wanted to love this book but I didn't. It was just ok for me with a side of annoying. The beginning was good for me. I enjoyed the tension between Dani and Ryan. I was ok that his ex was a little crazy and wanted him back. I was ok with Dani having a little issue with her being 9 years older than Ryan. But I was not ok with that more than halfway through the book all this still was going on. Dani kept harping on the age difference between her and Ryan. Get over it! Date him or don't date him. All the mind games annoyed the heck out me. She kept lying to her best friend and Ryan's sister Maeve about whether or not she was dating him. Speaking of Maeve, she needed to mind her own business and Dani needed to grow up at times. She was too wishy washy for me. I was happy Ryan grew a backbone towards the end. Got tried of seeing him get stepped on and being a doormat at times. All in all I was happy to see this story end. Again this was not my cup of tea but maybe you would love this.
October 4, 2015
I was gifted a copy by Author Groupies in exchange for an honest review.
Stud muffin meets Cougar?! LOL ....Not at all .
Ryan and Danielle may have an age gap and history but they're on fire together!
Ryan's been dating his ex girlfriend for the last 10 years but she seems to love the liquor more and he has enough so he decided to call it a day .
Danielle's boyfriend breaks up with her or rather he just walks away? ! So both are nursing wounds but those are soon forgotten when Ryan helps Danielle restore her grandmother's house that she inherited.
"Little brother Ryan" is now "buff handyman Ryan" that has set her ladybits on fire!
I like Ryan and Danielle together and they have their ups and downs but in the end they get what seems to be their HEA♥
Something I must commend Liv Rancourt for is the way she took the "subtlety " of alcoholism and made it real and how this monster sneaks up! Thank you and well done sweets ♥
I must say the O'Connor boys are all appealing in their own way and the family as a whole rocks !
I'm looking forward to spending more time with them ♥
Stud muffin meets Cougar?! LOL ....Not at all .
Ryan and Danielle may have an age gap and history but they're on fire together!
Ryan's been dating his ex girlfriend for the last 10 years but she seems to love the liquor more and he has enough so he decided to call it a day .
Danielle's boyfriend breaks up with her or rather he just walks away? ! So both are nursing wounds but those are soon forgotten when Ryan helps Danielle restore her grandmother's house that she inherited.
"Little brother Ryan" is now "buff handyman Ryan" that has set her ladybits on fire!
I like Ryan and Danielle together and they have their ups and downs but in the end they get what seems to be their HEA♥
Something I must commend Liv Rancourt for is the way she took the "subtlety " of alcoholism and made it real and how this monster sneaks up! Thank you and well done sweets ♥
I must say the O'Connor boys are all appealing in their own way and the family as a whole rocks !
I'm looking forward to spending more time with them ♥
September 22, 2015
(request submitted by author for an honest critique)
I understand the "no dating my brother" rule when you're in high school, but when you reach your 30's, shouldn't you have put that childish behavior behind you. It's time to act like adults. Right?
Unfortunately, I found Danielle, Ryan, Maeve, and Cherry acting more like teenagers than the mature adults.
Maybe if I ever coveted any of my friends' siblings or had one covet mine I would understand their behavior better. For me, it all seemed ridiculous.
Now, I could see where the age gap might be a factor. It is for some, but the real issue stemmed from the rule.
As for Danielle and Ryan's exes, I didn't feel anything was truly resolved there. Maybe in a follow-up story, we shall see the resolution or maybe more drama will unfold.
Only time will tell.
www.superkambrook.com
I understand the "no dating my brother" rule when you're in high school, but when you reach your 30's, shouldn't you have put that childish behavior behind you. It's time to act like adults. Right?
Unfortunately, I found Danielle, Ryan, Maeve, and Cherry acting more like teenagers than the mature adults.
Maybe if I ever coveted any of my friends' siblings or had one covet mine I would understand their behavior better. For me, it all seemed ridiculous.
Now, I could see where the age gap might be a factor. It is for some, but the real issue stemmed from the rule.
As for Danielle and Ryan's exes, I didn't feel anything was truly resolved there. Maybe in a follow-up story, we shall see the resolution or maybe more drama will unfold.
Only time will tell.
www.superkambrook.com
April 22, 2016
What a great story! I have to admit I didn't read the synopsis before I started and just got hooked on the title and cover. But silly me. No hot porn star/god here but a hot handyman who knew his way around just about any problem in a house and a bed room. And a young woman who happens to own a run down home that needs his help desperately, including the extras. There's great fun and chemistry between them but family and friends are a little disapproving about the age difference between them as Dani is older. But she has to make her own decisions and will staying with Ryan be one of them?.
I enjoyed the start to this new series and look forward to the next book. There's plenty of great secondary characters, I wonder who it will be?
I enjoyed the start to this new series and look forward to the next book. There's plenty of great secondary characters, I wonder who it will be?
August 4, 2015
Dani sometimes has to ask Ryan those hard questions, “you’re standing there mostly naked and you want to talk about food?” Sometimes Ryan has to be the firm hand in the relationship, his woman has no self control, “do that again and I’m likely to drive off the road.” He drew his hand away. It was that or pull over and jump her." He's a considerate man, "he rocked his hips up and pushed down on her thigh, pinning his ***k between his belly and her leg. “I don’t have to put it in you if you’re sore. We can find other ways to play.” I liked this book Ryan was sweet, caring, and considerate.
August 18, 2015
Luv Rancour is a new author to me her book was a awesome book. You have the hot handy man Ryan. Then you have Dani she is older than Ryan which she has issues with their ages but not just that she has to contend with her best friend Ryan's sister Mauve. Well Dani contend to their age difference and also well Mauve be okay with them dating. Dani and Ryan's chemistry is scorching hot. Only time well tell if dani leaves or well she fall for the hot handy man Ryan. So go ahead and one click this awesome book you well love it.
August 28, 2015
Struggled getting into the book at the start, but once I kept reading it started picking up and becoming a nice little romance with a hot man! Oh who am I kidding, an extremely HOT man! The plot of the story takes you places perfectly enough to escape the reality of life! Way to spice things up Liv Rancourt!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
January 24, 2017
Yay
5 stars
I was so happy when I received this book as a gift from one of my friends. This book is one of this authors EPIC books that will go down in the books to read and read again.
I loved loved it.
Not my normal kind of review but I ain't giving anything away..woohoo hotness
Happy SEXY Reading
5 stars
I was so happy when I received this book as a gift from one of my friends. This book is one of this authors EPIC books that will go down in the books to read and read again.
I loved loved it.
Not my normal kind of review but I ain't giving anything away..woohoo hotness
Happy SEXY Reading
August 27, 2015
This story was not at all what I expected based solely on the cover. I thought it would be your basic Contemporary Romance. Ha! There is so much more to this story than anything average!
Full Review: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
Full Review: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
November 7, 2015
This is the story of Danielle and Ryan and a great one I may add. I love how the author switched things around making Danielle older than Ryan and what an awesome treat this story was.
I really enjoyed getting to know Danielle and Ryan and most of all seeing how their love flourished under the circumstances. It tells you that you never know what can happen and love can be waiting for you even many years later.
I really liked some of the sexy inner dialogue of the main characters,
“Her rational mind appreciated his restraint. The rest of her wanted to claw his clothes off. “You know how good you feel, right?” she said.
He worked his way down the side of her neck, his lips and tongue tasting, teasing, drawing out a gasp that was almost a whimper. “
And who wouldn’t love read “I feel like I should wear leopard print and growl like a jungle cat when I’m with you.” See? This is why we shouldn’t mix sex and sheet rock.”
I absolutely loved the last part. But I didn’t like the delaying of what we all knew was going to happened.
I also didn’t like that the author referred to her screaming during sex to wailing. “She wailed his name, but he couldn’t stop, wouldn’t stop. “ WTF, why not say it as it is. And let’s not go too far with the below:
“his bruising grip on her hips and the whirlpool of velvet heat he plunged into again and again and again. “
Overall a great story and I’ll give it 4 diamonds because it is a good read, but only 2 flames because of some of the words used to describe sexual interaction.
I really enjoyed getting to know Danielle and Ryan and most of all seeing how their love flourished under the circumstances. It tells you that you never know what can happen and love can be waiting for you even many years later.
I really liked some of the sexy inner dialogue of the main characters,
“Her rational mind appreciated his restraint. The rest of her wanted to claw his clothes off. “You know how good you feel, right?” she said.
He worked his way down the side of her neck, his lips and tongue tasting, teasing, drawing out a gasp that was almost a whimper. “
And who wouldn’t love read “I feel like I should wear leopard print and growl like a jungle cat when I’m with you.” See? This is why we shouldn’t mix sex and sheet rock.”
I absolutely loved the last part. But I didn’t like the delaying of what we all knew was going to happened.
I also didn’t like that the author referred to her screaming during sex to wailing. “She wailed his name, but he couldn’t stop, wouldn’t stop. “ WTF, why not say it as it is. And let’s not go too far with the below:
“his bruising grip on her hips and the whirlpool of velvet heat he plunged into again and again and again. “
Overall a great story and I’ll give it 4 diamonds because it is a good read, but only 2 flames because of some of the words used to describe sexual interaction.
August 28, 2015
King Stud has all the makings for a romance, an attractive hero that's good with his hands, a pleasant heroine that has got her life under control, a charming locale and the supporting but crazy sidekicks. The opening flirty banter between Danielle and Ryan was on point, but then all that goodness goes by the wayside with juvenile dialogue and meandering focus on the main characters. Ryan lost points when he declared actresses and models as the epitome of class. Plus he comes off as insensitive when referencing another character's cognitive makeup and numerous references to his "blue balls" doesn't help him seem like able let alone mature. These two hookup before the first chapter is over and while I don't mind that I never got any sense of emotional connection between them. Lust? Sure but feelings? Nope. I felt that way throughout the rest of the story, like I was missing some connection. Or emo buildup. The author tells us much of their connection ("Danielle told him things she usually didn't talk about," and "she listened to his stories too.") but she never shows us. Why not share this with the reader? Why not let us see the heroine fall for the hero? (She doesn't hesitate to mention his hot bod and that's all good, but it would have been nice to delve a little deeper.) It would have killed two birds with one stone, she falls in love the same time the reader does. Good bones, but not much going on inside. Disappointing.
September 4, 2015
King Stud, sketchy title so I was a little leery but it was a good story. The blurb pulled me in and the idea around the story was a very good one, but
I had a few issues with this book. I was so disappointed that the book just abruptly ended like it did. We got the HEA, but another couple chapters wrapping it up like finding out more job details would have been nice. There were a lot of small details that seemed contradictory and disrupted the flow.
Overall, it had a great story-line. I liked that Danielle was a little older and seemed to know what she wanted even though she tried to deny it. I felt like I could connect with her hesitation to move back home after her life was in LA as well as the hang-up with the age difference. She felt real to me and although Ryan was portrayed as mature he still came off kind of green. It was a good story, but the unfinished and contradictory details left me needing more.
I had a few issues with this book. I was so disappointed that the book just abruptly ended like it did. We got the HEA, but another couple chapters wrapping it up like finding out more job details would have been nice. There were a lot of small details that seemed contradictory and disrupted the flow.
Overall, it had a great story-line. I liked that Danielle was a little older and seemed to know what she wanted even though she tried to deny it. I felt like I could connect with her hesitation to move back home after her life was in LA as well as the hang-up with the age difference. She felt real to me and although Ryan was portrayed as mature he still came off kind of green. It was a good story, but the unfinished and contradictory details left me needing more.
September 22, 2015
I don't rehash the plot in my reviews. I feel that is what the blurb is for. Having said that, King Stud is a fun and sexy romance. It has a great couple, Ryan who happens to be 9 years Dani's junior - which I love - and the brother of Dani's best friend.
The writing is good - fast paced and interesting. It had just enough family conflict, not so much it bogged down the whole story, and was humorous in the right places. The back drop is beautiful Seattle shows the emotional side of remodeling of a family home of departed loved one. Oh, and sex sizzles, which is how I like it!
I've been a fan of Ms. Rancourt and her writing for awhile and this is going to a great new series. Ryan is the first O'Connor brother to get his story told and I can't wait for the others to follow.
Summer is slowly fading, so grab this book, curl up by the fire and enjoy!
The writing is good - fast paced and interesting. It had just enough family conflict, not so much it bogged down the whole story, and was humorous in the right places. The back drop is beautiful Seattle shows the emotional side of remodeling of a family home of departed loved one. Oh, and sex sizzles, which is how I like it!
I've been a fan of Ms. Rancourt and her writing for awhile and this is going to a great new series. Ryan is the first O'Connor brother to get his story told and I can't wait for the others to follow.
Summer is slowly fading, so grab this book, curl up by the fire and enjoy!
February 20, 2016
Received an ARC from Net Galley for an honest review.
This one had so much potential, but really feel flat for me. I appreciated where Dani was coming from, but honestly, the back and forth about whether or not she wanted Ryan really annoyed me. And the fact that Maeve, who was supposed to be her friend, was so quick to throw her over in favor of Cherry? Talk about dishonoring the sisterhood code. And why did Dani keep talking about Braden? Clearly he was the worst and that random reappearance was super frustrating. Honestly, the only person in this book I could stand was Ryan...I'll take a few more of him...leave everyone else out.
This one had so much potential, but really feel flat for me. I appreciated where Dani was coming from, but honestly, the back and forth about whether or not she wanted Ryan really annoyed me. And the fact that Maeve, who was supposed to be her friend, was so quick to throw her over in favor of Cherry? Talk about dishonoring the sisterhood code. And why did Dani keep talking about Braden? Clearly he was the worst and that random reappearance was super frustrating. Honestly, the only person in this book I could stand was Ryan...I'll take a few more of him...leave everyone else out.
August 25, 2016
*ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Younger stud muffin (yeah, pun intended) with a tool belt? Count me in!
Danielle inherits a bet-up house from her Grandmother's that she needs to make livable in three months. Enter Ryan, her younger brothers best friend...equipped with the tools, the experience and the brawn she needs. Not to mention HOT!
The interactions, both dialogue and ahem, intimacies are interesting, hot and definitely engaging. I love a heroine who can hold her own and not be the simpering damsel in distress type and Danielle is definitely opinionated! Snark and fabulous wit keep you turning the page.
Definite recommend.
Younger stud muffin (yeah, pun intended) with a tool belt? Count me in!
Danielle inherits a bet-up house from her Grandmother's that she needs to make livable in three months. Enter Ryan, her younger brothers best friend...equipped with the tools, the experience and the brawn she needs. Not to mention HOT!
The interactions, both dialogue and ahem, intimacies are interesting, hot and definitely engaging. I love a heroine who can hold her own and not be the simpering damsel in distress type and Danielle is definitely opinionated! Snark and fabulous wit keep you turning the page.
Definite recommend.
August 13, 2015
I liked the characters but I don't feel we got enough development on any of them except the MC. Maybe another book?? I did not like how mature Maeve and Dani were supposed to be but they were weird and played games (lied and dithered) whereas Ryan knew what he wanted, tired of Cherry's alcoholic issues and a long time crush on Danielle. Overall, a decent read. ARC NetGalley for honest review.
November 6, 2015
“King Stud” has it all: sarcastic fun, sexy romance and real passion!
Read full review in the 2015 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
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