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The Walshes #1
Underneath It All
Meet Lauren Halsted. It's all the little things--the action plans, the long-kept promises--that started falling apart when my life slipped into controlled chaos. After I fell ass-over-elbow into Matthew Walsh's arms, I couldn't decide whether I wanted to run screaming or rip his pants off, and most days I wanted a little of both. If I was being honest with myself, it was rip his pants off, ride him like a workhorse, and then run screaming. Meet Matthew Walsh. A rebellious streak ran through Lauren Halsted. It was fierce and unrelentingly beautiful, and she wasn't letting anyone tell her what to do--unless, of course, she was naked. She wasn't looking for me and I sure as shit wasn't looking for her, but we found each other anyway, and now we were locked in a battle of wills, waiting for the other to blink.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2014
About the author
Kate Canterbary
43 books5,067 followersUSA Today Bestseller Kate Canterbary writes smart, steamy contemporary romances loaded with heat, heart, and happy ever afters. Kate lives on the New England coast with her husband and daughter.
To get in touch with Kate, please email [email protected]
To get in touch with Kate, please email [email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,136 reviews
October 29, 2014
4 stars!
When I start a book and the very first line is-
Lauren has spent the last year of her life working non-stop to follow her dream. Opening her own school. It’s been tireless and never-ending, but she’s almost there. She just needs to find a location. That’s where Matthew enters. He’s an architect and willing to help Lauren. Matt is also a workaholic. His family runs their own business and he’s busy as ever. When Matt meets Lauren, he’s taken back by his reaction to her. Matt usually doesn’t go for curvy blondes, but Lauren has this naughty schoolteacher thing going on. It’s driving him wild.
Lauren and Matt really hit it off. One of their first meetings turns into more than just a meeting and sends Lauren running for the hills. But Matt won’t let her get too far. He is so attracted to Lauren. It’s more than just her body, it’s her drive, her mind, and her feistiness.
Matt was damn near perfection. He’s a workaholic, sure. His family is a hot mess, yes. But he is so sweet, funny and sexy. I found him to be completely endearing. He saw something in Lauren and I liked how he worked for it. He didn’t let go when she pushed, he just pushed harder. Because he knew. Knew there was more there than she was letting on.
And I can’t review this book without mentioning the sex… it was crazy hot. And there was plenty of it!
Obviously I liked this book a lot, so why not 5 stars? Honestly, I think it took way too long for the heroine to get it together. I understand being hesitant to get into a relationship and that work/following your dream is important but for the love of all things holy! She took too long to get it together (for me). I also would have loved at least one scene with Lauren’t parents or brothers… but that’s just me! Still, there was a lot I loved about this book, and even a lot I loved about Lauren. She wasn’t an annoying heroine. I liked her determination, how funny she was and her relationship with Matt’s family. She really stepped it up when they needed her.
Overall, I enjoyed this sweet, sexy and light read. It was one of those books that was an easy read, an entertaining and fun read, but had just enough emotion to balance it out. It was also hella hot! I like this author’s writing style and I’m looking forward to reading about some of Matt’s siblings! Especially Riley <3
When I start a book and the very first line is-
If I had known I’d have a hot architect balls deep inside of me before the end of the weekend, I’d have made time for a pedicure.It’s always a good sign!
Lauren has spent the last year of her life working non-stop to follow her dream. Opening her own school. It’s been tireless and never-ending, but she’s almost there. She just needs to find a location. That’s where Matthew enters. He’s an architect and willing to help Lauren. Matt is also a workaholic. His family runs their own business and he’s busy as ever. When Matt meets Lauren, he’s taken back by his reaction to her. Matt usually doesn’t go for curvy blondes, but Lauren has this naughty schoolteacher thing going on. It’s driving him wild.
Lauren and Matt really hit it off. One of their first meetings turns into more than just a meeting and sends Lauren running for the hills. But Matt won’t let her get too far. He is so attracted to Lauren. It’s more than just her body, it’s her drive, her mind, and her feistiness.
“You’re a mouthy little thing, you know that? I don’t know why, but I like it a lot.”Lauren doesn’t do relationships. Not even no strings attached ones. She’s attracted to Matt, she likes him as a person, but she doesn’t have the time for any distractions, any complications. Matt tries to show her otherwise.
Matt was damn near perfection. He’s a workaholic, sure. His family is a hot mess, yes. But he is so sweet, funny and sexy. I found him to be completely endearing. He saw something in Lauren and I liked how he worked for it. He didn’t let go when she pushed, he just pushed harder. Because he knew. Knew there was more there than she was letting on.
I wanted this place we created. Where she stopped caring about everything else, where the only thing that mattered was how we fit together. Where we could get lost in each other.
And I can’t review this book without mentioning the sex… it was crazy hot. And there was plenty of it!
Obviously I liked this book a lot, so why not 5 stars? Honestly, I think it took way too long for the heroine to get it together. I understand being hesitant to get into a relationship and that work/following your dream is important but for the love of all things holy! She took too long to get it together (for me). I also would have loved at least one scene with Lauren’t parents or brothers… but that’s just me! Still, there was a lot I loved about this book, and even a lot I loved about Lauren. She wasn’t an annoying heroine. I liked her determination, how funny she was and her relationship with Matt’s family. She really stepped it up when they needed her.
Overall, I enjoyed this sweet, sexy and light read. It was one of those books that was an easy read, an entertaining and fun read, but had just enough emotion to balance it out. It was also hella hot! I like this author’s writing style and I’m looking forward to reading about some of Matt’s siblings! Especially Riley <3
March 12, 2021
A hero to die for and a heroine who is as annoying as f*ck!
Pardon my French but I've lost count of the times I wanted to strangle her. I didn't want her to end up with our hero because he deserved someone so much better than her!
All along the book, she is like that: "Oh I have plans, I will rise in my career first, I will achieve this and I will achieve that and when the right time comes, I will have time and place for a husband in my life. So now, you can't be my priority, I don't need a distraction like you. I can't open a space for you in my very busy life, blah bla bla..."
Basically %80 of the book is her pushing him away, and him chasing her. Poor guy! When they have sex, they are passionate with each other but then, she pushes him away again until she gives in to her body's reaction to him.
It is such a frustrating book, "They have sex, she pushes him away, he chases her and they repeat the cycle", and there is nothing else!
I mean, if you don't want a relationship, don't repeat the cycle; or if you need him and want him that much, change your f*cking plans, rearrange things in your life and open a space for him. Why torture him, why play with him? She was being ridiculous and evil!
***********************************************
I also hated her OTT dirty talk during sex but our pathetic hero, who is deeply in love with her, found it arousing... Hmm, maybe he deserved her, I don't know...
"I want you to f*ck me like I’m your dirty little slut.”
***
“Matthew,” she moaned. “Get your c*ck and f*ck me with it now .”
***
“I want to be your f*ck toy."
***
“Lick my p*ssy. I want to hear how good it tastes.”
On the other hand, he is so sweet all the time:
“I licked it and now it’s mine”
***********************************************
The other %20 of the book is boring business talk and some family problems. Also, there is too much time devoted to introducing the siblings of our hero so that we can get acquainted with them before reading their book in the series.
Shortly, it could have been a mediocre read with a decent heroine but I fiercely hated her guts so it was a frustrating reading experience for me!
2 stars for the sake of the hero!
*********************************************
You can follow my Instagram page from here
Pardon my French but I've lost count of the times I wanted to strangle her. I didn't want her to end up with our hero because he deserved someone so much better than her!
All along the book, she is like that: "Oh I have plans, I will rise in my career first, I will achieve this and I will achieve that and when the right time comes, I will have time and place for a husband in my life. So now, you can't be my priority, I don't need a distraction like you. I can't open a space for you in my very busy life, blah bla bla..."
Basically %80 of the book is her pushing him away, and him chasing her. Poor guy! When they have sex, they are passionate with each other but then, she pushes him away again until she gives in to her body's reaction to him.
It is such a frustrating book, "They have sex, she pushes him away, he chases her and they repeat the cycle", and there is nothing else!
I mean, if you don't want a relationship, don't repeat the cycle; or if you need him and want him that much, change your f*cking plans, rearrange things in your life and open a space for him. Why torture him, why play with him? She was being ridiculous and evil!
***********************************************
I also hated her OTT dirty talk during sex but our pathetic hero, who is deeply in love with her, found it arousing... Hmm, maybe he deserved her, I don't know...
"I want you to f*ck me like I’m your dirty little slut.”
***
“Matthew,” she moaned. “Get your c*ck and f*ck me with it now .”
***
“I want to be your f*ck toy."
***
“Lick my p*ssy. I want to hear how good it tastes.”
On the other hand, he is so sweet all the time:
“I licked it and now it’s mine”
***********************************************
The other %20 of the book is boring business talk and some family problems. Also, there is too much time devoted to introducing the siblings of our hero so that we can get acquainted with them before reading their book in the series.
Shortly, it could have been a mediocre read with a decent heroine but I fiercely hated her guts so it was a frustrating reading experience for me!
2 stars for the sake of the hero!
*********************************************
You can follow my Instagram page from here
January 23, 2015
"Before you say no," he said, holding up a hand. "Just say yes instead."
Lauren is a curvy 28 years old woman who is ready to do anything to make her biggest dream come true. She wants to open a school and she needs a location and an architect. And Matthew is the man for her. Matthew and his family runs their own business. He’s successful, good looking and like Lauren a workaholic. When Matthew meets Lauren he is drawn to her immediately, even if she’s not his type at all. There’s something about this sexy school teacher and she intrigues him like no other, She’s sexy, but at the same time she’s seems innocent and warm. He’s not the relationship type, finding The One is the least of his worries, but he can tell Lauren is different. She has everything; she’s smart, beautiful, sexy and feisty.
“Matthew. You’re looking at me as though you’re the big bad wolf and you intend to eat me whole.”
Lauren is attracted to Matthew too, but the last thing she wants is a relationship, any type of relationship. Opening her school is her only priority right now. Too bad Matthew is insistent and knows what he wants.
“I couldn’t explain any of it; I just knew I wanted to leave my mark on her. Bites, scratches, swollen lips, messy hair. I wanted to see it all.”
After one hot one-night-stand, Lauren is determined to stay away, but Matthew has other plans. He wants Lauren and he wants her for more than one night. Lauren tries to convince herself spending the night with the sexy architect was a moment of weekness, but she knows the truth. She can’t stay away from him.
Slowly, both of them realize that something change between them. Matthew is ok with that, but Lauren freaks out. She is scared to depend on and to be responsible for someone. Matthew will have to convince Lauren to him a chance and to believe in them in order to be happy together.
“He bent his head to my level and found my lips, and it wasn’t a kiss—it was an experience. Kissing involved lips and tongues, but this was teeth and growls, fingers carving notches into my ass and impatient hips bumping against mine for more friction. This was my heart crawling all the way up my throat and pounding there, suffocating me in these breathless seconds.”
This was such an enjoyable read. For some reason I expected something sweet and cheesy. I’m glad I was wrong. It has of course some sweet moments, but it wasn’t cheesy at all.
Both Lauren and Matthew are great characters. I loved Matthew. He is perfect. He’s sweet and funny and at times he acted like a caveman. I liked that this side of him wasn’t exaggerated. He knows what to say, he’s supportive and attentive. He’s a God in bad and a dirty talker and most of all, he wants Lauren for him. So, yeah, he's pretty great! I enjoyed the way he chase Lauren. I liked that he never gave up and that he knew from the start that Lauren is the woman for him. I also liked Lauren. She’s smart and independent. She’s strong and know what she wants. At least in one department. When it comes to Matthew she's very hesitant. She doesn’t know what she wants half of the time. I must admit she was a little frustrating.
I loved their chemistry and the sexual tension and the sex scenes were hot as hell and well written. Also their banter is fantastic and I enjoyed their interaction from the start. They were really good together. Their lines are fantastic and I enjoyed the writing.
The angst is very low and there’s no overwhelming drama. I enjoyed the dual POV and the side characters, Matthew’s family were entertaining.
Overall, a very enjoyable read with a nice and sweet storyline and likeable characters.
January 28, 2016
4.5 STARS!! AND CURRENTLY FREE ON KOBO, BARNES AND NOBLE, AND ITUNES!!!!!!!!!!!! oNE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SERIES
"Before you say no," he said, holding up a hand. "Just say yes instead."
Books like this should be read...they should make their way through the piles of junk that come through the feeds and clog the home pages. Kate Canterbary has a fresh, lively, and above all...unique voice. Her characters are unapologetically themselves. They don't conform to whatever FSoG castoff is currently popular.
Lauren and Matthew find a sort of kindred soul in each other, even thought they're really each looking for different things. I love a good romance in which the man does the chasing. LOVE. IT. Matthew figures out pretty early on that Lauren is the one for him, the one to make him forget the other women, the only one who has been able to make him focus on anything but his family's architecture firm in...well, forever. The Walsh family is amazing and diverse, and I am so completely stoked to get to the rest of their stories.
Lauren does some slick evading, that's for sure. She's not trying to play coy. This wasn't an ultra angsty and overly dramatic book. The girl seriously doesn't want anything stepping in the way of her dreams, and that includes a hot love affair.
And I do mean hot. These two love their dirty talk. Let me rephrase...filthy talk. Mmmmm hmmmm....
"I licked it and now it's mine."
There was also ample room for humor and downtime.
"I just want to hold you because I said supremely douchey shit and you don't deserve that. Snugglenap?"
Above all, both characters felt genuine and not at all superficial. It's tough for me to find a new author who writes like this. I'm so glad I caught a friend's awesome review (curtsies to Vallsykes) and that I decided to take the plunge. I'm reading the next book after my current read. I need more Walshes!
Let's review:
Super duper sexy dirty talk...and lots of it!
Check!!
Laugh out loud humor
Check!!
Relatable, likeable characters
Check!!
Room for series growth
Check, check!!
Leaving you with a fantastic quote...
"I'm willing to compromise on just about anything. I'm not willing to compromise on you."
Copy provided for review
"Before you say no," he said, holding up a hand. "Just say yes instead."
Books like this should be read...they should make their way through the piles of junk that come through the feeds and clog the home pages. Kate Canterbary has a fresh, lively, and above all...unique voice. Her characters are unapologetically themselves. They don't conform to whatever FSoG castoff is currently popular.
Lauren and Matthew find a sort of kindred soul in each other, even thought they're really each looking for different things. I love a good romance in which the man does the chasing. LOVE. IT. Matthew figures out pretty early on that Lauren is the one for him, the one to make him forget the other women, the only one who has been able to make him focus on anything but his family's architecture firm in...well, forever. The Walsh family is amazing and diverse, and I am so completely stoked to get to the rest of their stories.
Lauren does some slick evading, that's for sure. She's not trying to play coy. This wasn't an ultra angsty and overly dramatic book. The girl seriously doesn't want anything stepping in the way of her dreams, and that includes a hot love affair.
And I do mean hot. These two love their dirty talk. Let me rephrase...filthy talk. Mmmmm hmmmm....
"I licked it and now it's mine."
There was also ample room for humor and downtime.
"I just want to hold you because I said supremely douchey shit and you don't deserve that. Snugglenap?"
Above all, both characters felt genuine and not at all superficial. It's tough for me to find a new author who writes like this. I'm so glad I caught a friend's awesome review (curtsies to Vallsykes) and that I decided to take the plunge. I'm reading the next book after my current read. I need more Walshes!
Let's review:
Super duper sexy dirty talk...and lots of it!
Check!!
Laugh out loud humor
Check!!
Relatable, likeable characters
Check!!
Room for series growth
Check, check!!
Leaving you with a fantastic quote...
"I'm willing to compromise on just about anything. I'm not willing to compromise on you."
Copy provided for review
December 8, 2014
4 Sweet Stars.
Lauren has no time for a relationship. She is busy building and creating her own private school and she has no time for anything else, so even less for someone else. But then she meets Matthew, the architect she hired for creating her school. And immediately attracted to each other, they soon fall in each other's arms. She claims having no time even for casual relationships. He claims she's wrong. And could the sexy architect make the busy teacher cange her mind about love?
Okay this book was steamy, sweet, had a great hero, funny moments and was a pretty good reading. If you're in need of a light and sweet book with low angst and, fast to read and with an easy flowing writing, this is good option.
Why not five then? First was the heroine (see below), the second was a personal itch of mine: One of the hero's sister is on Azores (For those who don't know, is a portuguese island and well... I'm Portuguese!), and first: I understand that was probably something that was badly explained in the book, but you can't go from Azores to Italy on a bullet train. IT'S A DAMN ISLAND!!! Portugal doesn't even have bullet trains. And second, when she says: "My Portuguese is no bueno", "No Bueno" is SPANISH. Okay, they're similar languages, but they're not the same. A little previous research, does wonders.
Rating: 4 Stars
Characters Development: Matthew was a really sweet guy. He knew what he wanted and he have gone after it. My biggest problem was Lauren. I get that she was worried about her job and had little time free... but she had literally NO REASON AT ALL to be commitment phobic and yet, she was. And as the cherry on top of the cake, she even was stubborn about it. Seriously, she is the (main) reason I didn't gave this book more stars. It was a strange group of brothers as supporting characters, but I'm still curious about their stories.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Lauren has no time for a relationship. She is busy building and creating her own private school and she has no time for anything else, so even less for someone else. But then she meets Matthew, the architect she hired for creating her school. And immediately attracted to each other, they soon fall in each other's arms. She claims having no time even for casual relationships. He claims she's wrong. And could the sexy architect make the busy teacher cange her mind about love?
Okay this book was steamy, sweet, had a great hero, funny moments and was a pretty good reading. If you're in need of a light and sweet book with low angst and, fast to read and with an easy flowing writing, this is good option.
Why not five then? First was the heroine (see below), the second was a personal itch of mine: One of the hero's sister is on Azores (For those who don't know, is a portuguese island and well... I'm Portuguese!), and first: I understand that was probably something that was badly explained in the book, but you can't go from Azores to Italy on a bullet train. IT'S A DAMN ISLAND!!! Portugal doesn't even have bullet trains. And second, when she says: "My Portuguese is no bueno", "No Bueno" is SPANISH. Okay, they're similar languages, but they're not the same. A little previous research, does wonders.
Rating: 4 Stars
Characters Development: Matthew was a really sweet guy. He knew what he wanted and he have gone after it. My biggest problem was Lauren. I get that she was worried about her job and had little time free... but she had literally NO REASON AT ALL to be commitment phobic and yet, she was. And as the cherry on top of the cake, she even was stubborn about it. Seriously, she is the (main) reason I didn't gave this book more stars. It was a strange group of brothers as supporting characters, but I'm still curious about their stories.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
November 21, 2016
I loved this one for the most part. Matthew Walsh is all sorts of amazing, definitely an instant favorite book boyfriends!!! It's not a 5 star because of Lauren. She annoyed me and frustrated the heck out of me at times. Matthew and his family made the book. I loved the ending! I can't wait to read more books in this series!!!
May 17, 2023
I really liked the two main characters. Like LOVED them!
I feel like the author could have done more with them but instead, she kept them in a tight box and never elaborated or pursued anything particularly exciting with them.☹️
I still enjoyed the plot, although it was a bit confusing a lot of the times, the two characters and their chemistry saved this book from getting a one-star from me.
Another thing I enjoyed while listening to this book, were the locations mentioned throughout.
I live in Boston, so I found myself all giddy when I listened to the narrator mention places I either live in or had been to in the past days or weeks before.
Places not far from me at all, places I could literally walk to right now if I wanted to. So that was kind of cool.
(I wonder if the author also lives in Boston. Hehe.)
I feel like the author could have done more with them but instead, she kept them in a tight box and never elaborated or pursued anything particularly exciting with them.☹️
I still enjoyed the plot, although it was a bit confusing a lot of the times, the two characters and their chemistry saved this book from getting a one-star from me.
Another thing I enjoyed while listening to this book, were the locations mentioned throughout.
I live in Boston, so I found myself all giddy when I listened to the narrator mention places I either live in or had been to in the past days or weeks before.
Places not far from me at all, places I could literally walk to right now if I wanted to. So that was kind of cool.
(I wonder if the author also lives in Boston. Hehe.)
January 3, 2021
January 2021,It's FREE!!!!!
4 Dysfunction That Works Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
Well, I did this backward... but it still worked for me. I read the second book in the series first and was so taken by the experience... had to read this, the first book about this complicated Walsh Family.
Each of the siblings is distinct and has suffered an abusive father and the loss of their loving mother. Yet, somehow the children have primarily banded together and made their path in the world of architecture.
The main thing to express is the smart way the story is told ... there is so much to share in the first book of a series, yet it never felt forced or contrived. I felt like a fly on the wall learning all the intricacies of why and how they came to be.
The two main characters in this first book are Matt and Lauren. Both are driven, have no time for a relationship, and yet they are hit by recognition of their time together is more than something minor. We are in their heads... we are feeling everything as it happens and a lot happens... sexy, hot, wonderful things happen.
So, here is the thing... if you like to think while being entertained, like to feel as if you are involved, and watching friends fall in love with all of the hurdles of real life getting in the way... but knowing they belong together...then this is for you. It certainly was for me.
Underneath It All (The Walshes, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Space Between (The Walshes, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Necessary Restorations (The Walshes, #3)
The Cornerstone (The Walshes, #4)
Restored (The Walshes, #5)
The Spire (The Walshes, #6)
Preservation (The Walshes, #7)
Thresholds (The Walshes, #8)
Foundations (The Walshes, #9)
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
4 Dysfunction That Works Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
Well, I did this backward... but it still worked for me. I read the second book in the series first and was so taken by the experience... had to read this, the first book about this complicated Walsh Family.
Each of the siblings is distinct and has suffered an abusive father and the loss of their loving mother. Yet, somehow the children have primarily banded together and made their path in the world of architecture.
The main thing to express is the smart way the story is told ... there is so much to share in the first book of a series, yet it never felt forced or contrived. I felt like a fly on the wall learning all the intricacies of why and how they came to be.
The two main characters in this first book are Matt and Lauren. Both are driven, have no time for a relationship, and yet they are hit by recognition of their time together is more than something minor. We are in their heads... we are feeling everything as it happens and a lot happens... sexy, hot, wonderful things happen.
So, here is the thing... if you like to think while being entertained, like to feel as if you are involved, and watching friends fall in love with all of the hurdles of real life getting in the way... but knowing they belong together...then this is for you. It certainly was for me.
Underneath It All (The Walshes, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Space Between (The Walshes, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Necessary Restorations (The Walshes, #3) The Cornerstone (The Walshes, #4) Restored (The Walshes, #5) The Spire (The Walshes, #6) Preservation (The Walshes, #7) Thresholds (The Walshes, #8) Foundations (The Walshes, #9)For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 30, 2014
3.5**Happy Dance**Stars
What do you get when a bossy/naughty schoolteacher and a dirty talking/sexy architect paths cross...one HOT and witty story thats guaranteed to keep you entertained. I absolutely adored this one and cant wait to read the next installment in this series!!
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
What do you get when a bossy/naughty schoolteacher and a dirty talking/sexy architect paths cross...one HOT and witty story thats guaranteed to keep you entertained. I absolutely adored this one and cant wait to read the next installment in this series!!
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 21, 2023
REREAD 4.5⭐️
I’m in shock this time around how annoyed Lauren made me. I had no problem during my first read through 2.5 years ago, but this time there were times I wanted to choke her over how she treated my man Matthew. One thing is clear—I love that man fiercely and his deliciously dirty mouth..he can definitely back it up too.
"You sound like a caveman. I should not like that so much." Trust me Lauren, I get it. I love him for it.
5 “Caveman” stars!
I can’t believe this is my first Kate Canterbary book!! What rock have I been living under. I am addicted to her writing, the banter back & forth between the characters, the family dynamic, the instalust between the main characters. Can we talk about the steam, dirty talk and the scorching hot scenes in this book? I am truly head over feet for Matthew & Lauren. They are everything!!
She drove her fingers through my hair, scraping her nails along my scalp until I shivered under her hands. I wasn't ready for this. I didn't know how to handle the dizzy sensation wrapping around my brain. I wasn't even sure I could stay standing. "I don't think I can behave, Mr. Walsh." I heard everything she wasn't saying—her desire for something raw and real, something that didn't require definition—and I swallowed it all.
I know this feeling because it’s exactly what happened to me while I was reading. Onto book 2!!
I’m in shock this time around how annoyed Lauren made me. I had no problem during my first read through 2.5 years ago, but this time there were times I wanted to choke her over how she treated my man Matthew. One thing is clear—I love that man fiercely and his deliciously dirty mouth..he can definitely back it up too.
"You sound like a caveman. I should not like that so much." Trust me Lauren, I get it. I love him for it.
5 “Caveman” stars!
I can’t believe this is my first Kate Canterbary book!! What rock have I been living under. I am addicted to her writing, the banter back & forth between the characters, the family dynamic, the instalust between the main characters. Can we talk about the steam, dirty talk and the scorching hot scenes in this book? I am truly head over feet for Matthew & Lauren. They are everything!!
She drove her fingers through my hair, scraping her nails along my scalp until I shivered under her hands. I wasn't ready for this. I didn't know how to handle the dizzy sensation wrapping around my brain. I wasn't even sure I could stay standing. "I don't think I can behave, Mr. Walsh." I heard everything she wasn't saying—her desire for something raw and real, something that didn't require definition—and I swallowed it all.
I know this feeling because it’s exactly what happened to me while I was reading. Onto book 2!!
May 7, 2017
I really liked the two main characters. Like LOVED them!
I feel like the author could have done more with them but instead she kept a them in a tight box and never elaborated or pursued anything particularly exciting with them.☹️
I still enjoyed the plot, although it was a bit confusing a lot of the times, the two characters and their chemistry saved this book from getting a one-star from me.
Another thing I enjoyed while reading/listening to this book, were the locations mentioned throughout.
I live in Boston and I found myself all giddy when I listened to the narrator mention places I either live in or had been to in the past days or weeks before.
Places not far from me at all, places I could literally walk to. So that was kind of cool.
(I wonder if the author also love in Boston. Hehe.)
I feel like the author could have done more with them but instead she kept a them in a tight box and never elaborated or pursued anything particularly exciting with them.☹️
I still enjoyed the plot, although it was a bit confusing a lot of the times, the two characters and their chemistry saved this book from getting a one-star from me.
Another thing I enjoyed while reading/listening to this book, were the locations mentioned throughout.
I live in Boston and I found myself all giddy when I listened to the narrator mention places I either live in or had been to in the past days or weeks before.
Places not far from me at all, places I could literally walk to. So that was kind of cool.
(I wonder if the author also love in Boston. Hehe.)
October 28, 2014
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
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All I can think right now is the phrase “thank you , thank you, thank you” . I needed this type of read like you can’t even imagine. I went in expecting maybe something witty and funny and a whole lot of sexy with that synopsis. What I got was that an so freaking much more. Matthew had me as putty in his hands from the moment he started having x-rated thoughts about Lauren. For this guy she was the total opposite of what he usually went after but it didn’t stop her from knocking him to his knees. From their first night together it was pure fireworks.
The banter between these two was sizzling and sexy but also funny and fierce. Like two tornadoes trying to see who could cause the most havoc. They just fed off of each other with intense electricity. Lauren's dirty inner vixen fed the alpha male over the top caveman in Matt and I adored every single moment they spent together.
This intense attraction sent Matt and Lauren both on a tailspin. Matt knew from the first moment and didn’t hide that he wanted more from Lauren. His thoughts had me swooning so many times.
Lauren was the mystery in this story. Why she did and thought the way she did have me so confused most of the time. I started understanding her more by the end and even with her little push pull routine I felt her struggle the entire time. It’s like her mind was saying one thing and her body and heart a whole different song was being sung.
Matt he was perfection with a genius brain and still I wanted to picture him with a tool belt even if I know that he’s the one telling those guys what to do with said tools.
I can’t say enough how much I adored this amazing story.
I can already tell that I'm anxiously awaiting Patrick’s book. I've added Underneath it All to my favorites of all times shelf and I am so happy I spent this day with Matt and Lauren and this crazy and passionate cast of characters.
February 6, 2017
“If I had known I’d have a hot architect balls deep inside of me before the end of the weekend, I’d have made time for a pedicure.”
4 stars
From the very first line of this book, I knew I was in for a great read! It’s smart, funny, romantic and super sexy. It’s the first book in The Walshes series, and I am already completely hooked.
Lauren is a dedicated, hard-working and career driven woman who is completely caught up in her dream of opening a new school. She needs an architect to help her with the actual building part of her project, and that’s how she meets Matt Walsh.
Matt is a skilled architect and structural engineer. He and his siblings run their own architectural firm, and like Lauren, he is a workaholic and completely dedicated to his career. Tall, gorgeous and sexy, he has no time for relationships and indulges in brief hook ups with women who are only after the same thing he is – sex with no strings and no expectations.
From the moment these two lays eyes on each other, they are crazy attracted. Lauren is small, feminine and curvy and definitely not Matt’s usual type, but he can’t stop thinking about her.
Although neither of them have time for a relationship with the enormous pressure that they are under with their work, they can’t ignore the mad lust between them, and their inevitable hook up is sizzling!
OMG, this book is really smutty! Don’t let that sweet-looking book cover fool you! Their one night together is nowhere near enough for either of them, and leads to just one more…. and just one more…. and just one more... you see where this is going. The sex is hot, frequent and very descriptive with lots of dirty talk, and not just from Matt. Lauren is a devious girl underneath her many layers (WTF is with that necklace?!?! it was never explained), and when she gets naked, she gets nasty!
But what they have between them is more than just sex. From the very first time, their connection is intense, and the sex is just an extension of that.
I really enjoyed these two together. They have fantastic chemistry, a great dynamic and the banter is fantastic.
But it’s the ‘relationship’ part of things is complicated. Matt is an alpha and he knows he wants Lauren, but Lauren is so dedicated to her career that she can’t see anything beyond that, so she ignores her growing feelings for Matt and tries to keep things strictly casual. Yes, it’s annoying and there is A LOT of push and pull as their figure themselves out, but it’s handled well and it never felt overly angsty and I never got to the stage where I wanted to hurl my kindle. Matt’s patience and persistence just makes him even more amazing.
The love story drama plays out alongside the drama that is Matt’s family. They are definitely not a conventional bunch! He is one of six siblings – five of which work at the architectural firm with him, and one is working overseas. They have a very different dynamic, and it’s not all best friends and lovey dovey stuff, they fight and argue, they’re mean at times and criticize and insult each other, but you can tell that their bond is a strong one, and that they love each other dearly. They’ve been through a lot as a family, and I really enjoyed getting to meet them and see them all together. It’s a great set up for future books of the series and I’m looking forward to getting to know them all better.
I really enjoyed Kate Canterbary’s writing. It’s in dual POV, which I love, and I was sucked into the story really quickly and didn’t want to put it down. It’s smart, fun and sexy, it’s got a good amount of drama that never overwhelms the story although still made me feel, and the love story was gorgeous. I’ll be picking up the next book in the series very soon.
I loved it - 4 stars.
4 stars
From the very first line of this book, I knew I was in for a great read! It’s smart, funny, romantic and super sexy. It’s the first book in The Walshes series, and I am already completely hooked.
Lauren is a dedicated, hard-working and career driven woman who is completely caught up in her dream of opening a new school. She needs an architect to help her with the actual building part of her project, and that’s how she meets Matt Walsh.
Matt is a skilled architect and structural engineer. He and his siblings run their own architectural firm, and like Lauren, he is a workaholic and completely dedicated to his career. Tall, gorgeous and sexy, he has no time for relationships and indulges in brief hook ups with women who are only after the same thing he is – sex with no strings and no expectations.
From the moment these two lays eyes on each other, they are crazy attracted. Lauren is small, feminine and curvy and definitely not Matt’s usual type, but he can’t stop thinking about her.
I saw myself bending her over the desk, hiking up her dress, and taking her right now. And I saw her liking it.
I spent a full minute on that thought before groaning inwardly. I was a dick. An unprofessional, single-minded dick and I didn’t like small, curvy girls who left their mojo all over me.
Although neither of them have time for a relationship with the enormous pressure that they are under with their work, they can’t ignore the mad lust between them, and their inevitable hook up is sizzling!
“Oh my God,” she gasped, her hands seizing my hair.
I leaned back and aimed a hard gaze at her. “God has nothing to do with this. You want to thank someone, I’ll be right here, worshipping you and your outrageous body for the foreseeable future. God isn’t involved.”
OMG, this book is really smutty! Don’t let that sweet-looking book cover fool you! Their one night together is nowhere near enough for either of them, and leads to just one more…. and just one more…. and just one more... you see where this is going. The sex is hot, frequent and very descriptive with lots of dirty talk, and not just from Matt. Lauren is a devious girl underneath her many layers (WTF is with that necklace?!?! it was never explained), and when she gets naked, she gets nasty!
“Fuck me until I can’t walk, I can’t breathe, I can’t do anything but ask for more. Fuck me until I’m yours.”
But what they have between them is more than just sex. From the very first time, their connection is intense, and the sex is just an extension of that.
Though I probably couldn’t spell my own name, I knew with absolute certainty this wasn’t straight-up p-in-the-v sex. This was a spiritual experience, and I, for one, wouldn’t have been surprised if some druids started chanting behind us.
I really enjoyed these two together. They have fantastic chemistry, a great dynamic and the banter is fantastic.
“You’re such a caveman,” she hissed. “Why do I like that so fucking much?”
“It doesn’t have to make sense, sweetness. Just enjoy it.”
But it’s the ‘relationship’ part of things is complicated. Matt is an alpha and he knows he wants Lauren, but Lauren is so dedicated to her career that she can’t see anything beyond that, so she ignores her growing feelings for Matt and tries to keep things strictly casual. Yes, it’s annoying and there is A LOT of push and pull as their figure themselves out, but it’s handled well and it never felt overly angsty and I never got to the stage where I wanted to hurl my kindle. Matt’s patience and persistence just makes him even more amazing.
“I want this, whatever it takes, but I need you to stop pushing me away.”
The love story drama plays out alongside the drama that is Matt’s family. They are definitely not a conventional bunch! He is one of six siblings – five of which work at the architectural firm with him, and one is working overseas. They have a very different dynamic, and it’s not all best friends and lovey dovey stuff, they fight and argue, they’re mean at times and criticize and insult each other, but you can tell that their bond is a strong one, and that they love each other dearly. They’ve been through a lot as a family, and I really enjoyed getting to meet them and see them all together. It’s a great set up for future books of the series and I’m looking forward to getting to know them all better.
I really enjoyed Kate Canterbary’s writing. It’s in dual POV, which I love, and I was sucked into the story really quickly and didn’t want to put it down. It’s smart, fun and sexy, it’s got a good amount of drama that never overwhelms the story although still made me feel, and the love story was gorgeous. I’ll be picking up the next book in the series very soon.
I loved it - 4 stars.
March 26, 2019
4 stelle -
“Chinò la testa per portarla a livello della mia e trovò le mie labbra, e non fu un bacio… fu un’esperienza. I baci coinvolgono labbra e lingue, ma questo era denti e ringhi, dita che scavavano solchi nel mio sedere e fianchi impazienti che urtavano i miei per aumentare l’attrito. Era il cuore che mi risaliva lungo la gola e martellava lì, soffocandomi in quei secondi senza fiato.”
Lauren Halsted ha una vita scandita da progetti e scadenze, una mentalità molto impostata dovuta dalla vicinanza della sua famiglia di stampo militare. È in procinto di realizzare il suo sogno di aprire una scuola elementare quando la sua strada si imbatterà in Matthew Walsh l’architetto incaricato di seguirne i lavori è tutta la sua organizzazione ed i suoi piani andranno in fumo. L’attrazione e la chimica che scoppieranno tra di loro saranno devastanti ed assolutamente coinvolgenti.
“Lo definivamo un rapporto senza impegno, dicevamo ad amici e famiglia che era senza impegno, andavamo avanti con le nostre vite come se fosse senza impegno, ma era potente, magnetico, e le parole necessarie per descrivere quello che ci stava accadendo non erano ancora state inventate.”
Allora posso dire che dopo mesi, o forse anni, ritroviamo grazie a Kate Canterbary un romanzo erotico coi fiocchi, di quelli assolutamente focosi ed un pochino sconci, ed anche se all’inizio ero stata leggermente confusa da tutta questa passione fine solo a se stessa, proseguendo l’autrice è stata in grado, a mio parere anche con un ottimo risultato, di costruirci intorno una valida storia d’amore, di quelle un po’ sofferte, ma che portano un egregio lieto fine.
“Nonostante qualunque improbabilità matematica, ci eravamo aspettati l’un l’altra. Ci eravamo incrociati in caffetterie, sulle strade di Beacon Hill e sulle spiagge di Cape Cod, attendendo il momento in cui i nostri universi si sarebbero scontrati. Finché non mi era caduta tra le braccia.
Ci appartenevamo.”
Matt è uno splendido esemplare maschile, ovviamente sexy e volitivo, sa quello che vuole e non perde mai di vista la sua “preda” e nonostante un passato non proprio felice, non ho riscontrato in lui alcun segno di autocommiserazione. Lauren a dire la verità mi ha dato sui nervi per un buon 80% della lettura con i suoi continui tentennamenti, per riscattarsi alla fine e comunque nel momento in cui davvero conta.
“Sentii il freddo metallo dell’anello al suo dito mentre mi passava la mano sulla spalla fino alla nuca. La sensazione primitiva di sapere che glielo avevo dato io superava di gran lunga qualunque cosa avessi mai provato, e mi portai la sua mano al petto.
«Ti amo», ansimai. «E hai aspettato tuo marito».
«Lo so, lo so, lo so», rispose lei, le parole che si trasformavano in un gemito mentre mi avvolgevo le sue gambe attorno alla vita e penetravo a fondo dentro di lei. «Penso di averlo sempre saputo. Sei sempre stato tu».
Ero perso in lei, ma in notti come quella mi sentivo come se mi fossi ritrovato.”
“Chinò la testa per portarla a livello della mia e trovò le mie labbra, e non fu un bacio… fu un’esperienza. I baci coinvolgono labbra e lingue, ma questo era denti e ringhi, dita che scavavano solchi nel mio sedere e fianchi impazienti che urtavano i miei per aumentare l’attrito. Era il cuore che mi risaliva lungo la gola e martellava lì, soffocandomi in quei secondi senza fiato.”
Lauren Halsted ha una vita scandita da progetti e scadenze, una mentalità molto impostata dovuta dalla vicinanza della sua famiglia di stampo militare. È in procinto di realizzare il suo sogno di aprire una scuola elementare quando la sua strada si imbatterà in Matthew Walsh l’architetto incaricato di seguirne i lavori è tutta la sua organizzazione ed i suoi piani andranno in fumo. L’attrazione e la chimica che scoppieranno tra di loro saranno devastanti ed assolutamente coinvolgenti.
“Lo definivamo un rapporto senza impegno, dicevamo ad amici e famiglia che era senza impegno, andavamo avanti con le nostre vite come se fosse senza impegno, ma era potente, magnetico, e le parole necessarie per descrivere quello che ci stava accadendo non erano ancora state inventate.”
Allora posso dire che dopo mesi, o forse anni, ritroviamo grazie a Kate Canterbary un romanzo erotico coi fiocchi, di quelli assolutamente focosi ed un pochino sconci, ed anche se all’inizio ero stata leggermente confusa da tutta questa passione fine solo a se stessa, proseguendo l’autrice è stata in grado, a mio parere anche con un ottimo risultato, di costruirci intorno una valida storia d’amore, di quelle un po’ sofferte, ma che portano un egregio lieto fine.
“Nonostante qualunque improbabilità matematica, ci eravamo aspettati l’un l’altra. Ci eravamo incrociati in caffetterie, sulle strade di Beacon Hill e sulle spiagge di Cape Cod, attendendo il momento in cui i nostri universi si sarebbero scontrati. Finché non mi era caduta tra le braccia.
Ci appartenevamo.”
Matt è uno splendido esemplare maschile, ovviamente sexy e volitivo, sa quello che vuole e non perde mai di vista la sua “preda” e nonostante un passato non proprio felice, non ho riscontrato in lui alcun segno di autocommiserazione. Lauren a dire la verità mi ha dato sui nervi per un buon 80% della lettura con i suoi continui tentennamenti, per riscattarsi alla fine e comunque nel momento in cui davvero conta.
“Sentii il freddo metallo dell’anello al suo dito mentre mi passava la mano sulla spalla fino alla nuca. La sensazione primitiva di sapere che glielo avevo dato io superava di gran lunga qualunque cosa avessi mai provato, e mi portai la sua mano al petto.
«Ti amo», ansimai. «E hai aspettato tuo marito».
«Lo so, lo so, lo so», rispose lei, le parole che si trasformavano in un gemito mentre mi avvolgevo le sue gambe attorno alla vita e penetravo a fondo dentro di lei. «Penso di averlo sempre saputo. Sei sempre stato tu».
Ero perso in lei, ma in notti come quella mi sentivo come se mi fossi ritrovato.”
March 16, 2019
Okay, I liked these two and the smut shoved towards my ears but something was missing.
Underneath It All was an okay book. The two MC's had obvious chemistry but they were unbearable at times. They were frustratingly annoying when it came to certain situations. Plus, once they were catching feelings they were like - nope, let's just back it up right now. Ugh, it was annoying.
Now even though I liked the romance coming my way, I just feel like something was missing between these two. Maybe it was the communication problem they had or maybe something else that I just haven't found. I feel like I've read so many romance books that they have the same thing in them. Maybe I need something new in these kinds of books that keeps me on my toes? No idea but I wish I enjoyed this more than I did.
Underneath It All was an okay book. The two MC's had obvious chemistry but they were unbearable at times. They were frustratingly annoying when it came to certain situations. Plus, once they were catching feelings they were like - nope, let's just back it up right now. Ugh, it was annoying.
Now even though I liked the romance coming my way, I just feel like something was missing between these two. Maybe it was the communication problem they had or maybe something else that I just haven't found. I feel like I've read so many romance books that they have the same thing in them. Maybe I need something new in these kinds of books that keeps me on my toes? No idea but I wish I enjoyed this more than I did.
December 2, 2017
I can't recommend this book enough!! I've only read one Kate Canterbary book, but I am hooked and will be reading every book she ever writes!
If you love romance series that centre around a family, this is the series for you. The Walsh's will make their way into your heart and you'll be hanging off every word they say. Kate has an awesome writing style and weaves character quirks throughout the story. Each character stands out! I can't wait to get to know them all better.
If you love romance series that centre around a family, this is the series for you. The Walsh's will make their way into your heart and you'll be hanging off every word they say. Kate has an awesome writing style and weaves character quirks throughout the story. Each character stands out! I can't wait to get to know them all better.
February 26, 2015
I usually love a good lad chases the girl story but this just didn't work for me. I have no idea why he was so hung up on her. She was a right pain in the arse.
November 30, 2014
“You’re a caveman.”**excuse typos
“You’re bossy. I have to keep up.”
I had no qualms about giving this novel a 4-star rating. Its formula was simple. Its supporting cast was a cross between hilarious and intriguing. Its conflict was run-of-the-mill, and its hero and heroine's chemistry rockets off the page from the start.
I say that this is contemporary romance, with extra hot sauce, at it's medium-to-high best!
First: Tiny blond dynamite, Lauren Halsted, is driven with a passion to open a school. This leads her to hot architect, closet geek, -can't-help-but-be-handsome caveman heartthrob, Matthew Walsh.
Oh, it was fun, like I was watching a TV drama or romantic comedy when Matt first ogled Lauren, when they exchanged personally created pleasantries, and when these two control freaks ended up in lust with each other.
Second: Lauren, who is living in Boston (alone due to friends moving on and family far away) falls easily and unwittingly into a semblance of a relationship with her caveman and his uncanny group of brothers and sister(s). The plot unfolds and this family unit becomes another character unto itself, seasoned rather controversially by Matt's surly patriarch father.
Third: As Lauren and Matt's relationship traverses the terrain of accumulated sleepovers, some family moments, interrupted goals and just plain...iffy-ness, the reader gets awesome conversations, arguments and encounters.
The dash of uniqueness?:
Well, the heroine was strong and pulled off being a straight-shooter, despite her clichéd commitment-phobe runaway act(I had just a tad bit of frustration with her btw).
Furthermore, it was refreshing to see the hero, chasing the heroine as he should, investing in the idea of "forever" more quickly than his heroine, though he was not emasculated by it. He was a caveman, but in a very curtailed and/or latent way, if that makes any sense.
It was fun to be inside of Matthew Walsh[there is a dual POV, in first person].
"I’ve lived alone even longer, but I’m willing to compromise on just about anything. I’m not willing to compromise on you.”Bottom Line: I really recommend this book for a book-of-the-night. It's made up of that old contemporary or domestic fiction staple (kinda-mix between Nora Roberts and Linda Howard, but lighter than both, if I had to describe it), where you can definitely predict, but also be pleasantly satisfied.
Happy Reading.
August 17, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️3 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️
I discovered Canterbary with her Talbott's Cove series (hit or miss, loved books one and two, the third one was a miss) and always wanted to catch up with her backlist. Especially her Walshes series, which often comes up in book recommendations for steamy family saga.
Overall I enjoyed Helen and Matthew's book. Smart and witty dialogues kept the story engaging when the insta/extra lust failed to keep my interest at times. I could have done without the hero's obsession to feed the heroine's mouth with his cock in pretty much every chapter for example, although not finding his fixation much a turn on, force is to admit that repetitiveness made it funny. If that was the goal then, okay, well done, author.
I loved the family dynamics of the story, enough that I'm very much looking forward to read about the rest of the Walshes's family. Especially Erin, Shannon and Riley (you'll meet them)!
I really liked Lauren's character, the dichotomy of her nice and sweet exterior and her persona when she engages with Matthew(The smart and witty dialogues I was talking about earlier). Matthew was a sweet and dirty one, I loved his confidence, his totally OTT crazy dirty talk in the bedroom and how relentlessy he chased for Lauren's attention even if it often made him look desperate (Borderline pathetic to be honest).
I eventually I became frustrated with the heroine's constant avoidance strategy whenever Matthew tried to get ahold of her. The more she hurt Matthew by giving him the cold shoulder, the more my interest to see them together faltered. Granted the guy was one step from clingy—not to say stalkerish—but the recurring pushing away of his big man feelings was aggravating!
The sex scenes were hella sexy, both heroes shared an intense chemistry and I ultimately do believe it kept me turning the pages!
PS: The whole series (8 books if I'm not mistaken) is currently enrolled in #KU!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
I discovered Canterbary with her Talbott's Cove series (hit or miss, loved books one and two, the third one was a miss) and always wanted to catch up with her backlist. Especially her Walshes series, which often comes up in book recommendations for steamy family saga.
Overall I enjoyed Helen and Matthew's book. Smart and witty dialogues kept the story engaging when the insta/extra lust failed to keep my interest at times. I could have done without the hero's obsession to feed the heroine's mouth with his cock in pretty much every chapter for example, although not finding his fixation much a turn on, force is to admit that repetitiveness made it funny. If that was the goal then, okay, well done, author.
I loved the family dynamics of the story, enough that I'm very much looking forward to read about the rest of the Walshes's family. Especially Erin, Shannon and Riley (you'll meet them)!
I really liked Lauren's character, the dichotomy of her nice and sweet exterior and her persona when she engages with Matthew(The smart and witty dialogues I was talking about earlier). Matthew was a sweet and dirty one, I loved his confidence, his totally OTT crazy dirty talk in the bedroom and how relentlessy he chased for Lauren's attention even if it often made him look desperate (Borderline pathetic to be honest).
I eventually I became frustrated with the heroine's constant avoidance strategy whenever Matthew tried to get ahold of her. The more she hurt Matthew by giving him the cold shoulder, the more my interest to see them together faltered. Granted the guy was one step from clingy—not to say stalkerish—but the recurring pushing away of his big man feelings was aggravating!
The sex scenes were hella sexy, both heroes shared an intense chemistry and I ultimately do believe it kept me turning the pages!
PS: The whole series (8 books if I'm not mistaken) is currently enrolled in #KU!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
October 11, 2015
This story had such potential. Unusual family dynamics, sibling's who could be amazing, an awesome male lead, hot somewhat alpha, well to everyone but Lauren except in the bedroom. Matthew was every girls dream man to fall in love with, sexy successful man, hot sexcapades, dirty talking male, dependable did I mention hot?!. Lauren to me made him weak, made him grovel and chase her to the point of humiliation. Lauren was a single minded, selfish h. I really disliked her the majority of this book. I'm not saying playing hard to get is bad, but she was just cruel, she didn't return, text, calls, she would make him wait to even know if they were meeting for dinners, she would skip out in the middle of the night, leave the state for weeks at a time and ignore him. When he showed up in NOLA I wanted to punch him and say...dude have some pride and stop chasing her so much, if she doesn't know a good thing standing right in front of her, then see ya!!! Laurens character sucked. It was all about her and her time line and her being to busy for a relationship, while stringing Matthew on. There really wasn't any redeeming qualities to her character until basically the last chapter or so. Matthew and his siblings have lead a hard unloved life since their mother died, having an alcoholic, verbally and physically abusive father they deserve unconditional love support and an equal they can count on. Not someone like Lauren who in my opinion is emotionally challenged and unfit for a love Matthew so eagerly wants to give and receive.
Free standalone with somewhat HEA, but to me a little to late to redeem this book all because of the female lead. Such potential with the dynamics of the book but ruined by an annoying lead!!!
Free standalone with somewhat HEA, but to me a little to late to redeem this book all because of the female lead. Such potential with the dynamics of the book but ruined by an annoying lead!!!
April 11, 2019
Scritto molto bene...piacevole...nonostante la trama non avesse particolarità o colpi di scena degni di nota l'ho letto volentieri...e leggerò anche gli altri sicuramente...😊
March 26, 2015
Title: Underneath it all (The Walshes#1)
Author: Kate Canterbary
Rating: 5 stars!
POV: Dual
HEA:
Heat/Steam 4/5
Cliffhanger: . No.
Intolerable Heroine .No.
Über Douchebagery .NO WAY.
Taboo Subject Matter .No.
Cheating:
Love Triangle
Everyone that knows me on goodreads knows I rarely give out 5 stars. I'm just so damn happy I finally found one after months of mediocre reads.
I loved every damn thing about this book. I need to give this book the proper review it deserves.
Matthew,
You're my dream man.
Marry me.
October 12, 2017
So with most romance novels, it's obvious that the author is going to take you from Point A to Point B. Point A is the where the H/h meet and Point B is where the H/h live happily ever after. It's what's in between those two points that really makes a story. And this one had all the elements to make it a solid 5 star read. The characters, both main and supporting, had depth and were well-developed, the sex was smoking hot, the writing was definitely above average, and best of all, the heroine (Lauren) matched the hero's (Matt) intensity.
And Point A, the meeting, was wonderfully done. It had me laughing out loud and I completely bought their attraction to one another. The beginnings of their relationship nicely laid out their 'issues' and how the author would move the plot forward. I was all set to sit back and enjoy the ride. So why the 4 stars? Aargh, I took exception to the way Lauren treated Matt. And even if I recognize it as a plot driver, in my opinion, it went on way too long. Without going into spoilers, every time she wounded him (which was a lot), the less I wanted Lauren and Matt together. But this is only my personal opinion, and since there's so much to recommend in this book, I'm going to do just that.
And Point A, the meeting, was wonderfully done. It had me laughing out loud and I completely bought their attraction to one another. The beginnings of their relationship nicely laid out their 'issues' and how the author would move the plot forward. I was all set to sit back and enjoy the ride. So why the 4 stars? Aargh, I took exception to the way Lauren treated Matt. And even if I recognize it as a plot driver, in my opinion, it went on way too long. Without going into spoilers, every time she wounded him (which was a lot), the less I wanted Lauren and Matt together. But this is only my personal opinion, and since there's so much to recommend in this book, I'm going to do just that.
March 10, 2015
I love this author's writing style. The flow is just perfect. Dual First person POV. love it.
This love story was a big switch up from the norm- the heroine, Lauren had a BIG problem with being tied down. Usually, it's the man that doesn't want to be tied down. Matthew meets Lauren when she is looking for an architectural firm to build her charter school. Matthew and his siblings have a successful firm in Boston. Matthew is immediately attracted to Lauren. She is also attracted to Matthew, but Lauren is very difficult to pin down. She is very focused on her goal of building her school. Early in the book, she admits to being Type A. She is also assertive, single minded in her goal, and bossy (he calls her that & she calls him a caveman).
Matthew has had plenty of (previous) experience with women, but when he meets Lauren-he is so focused on building a relationship with her. Lauren has had very limited experience with men since she has finished college and built her career. She has it in her mind that she can't be committed to one person while she is still building and starting her school. I really loved Matthew in this book-he was bordering on needy though. He absolutely knows that Lauren is the one for him.Their sexual chemistry is fantastic- their most successful way of communicating! Lauren is very uptight and stubborn about meeting her goals before she can enjoy her personal life. Matthew tries to be patient throughout a huge majority of the book. One of my friends thought she was a bit of a bitch. I don't think that she is a bitch. She is very caring with her friends and Matthew. She also makes friends with his siblings. Lauren does do a bitch move- make that a few bitch moves, in my opinion. This is not what she is, it's what she does- a bitchy move. There are some funny lines and scenes in the book.
Matthew's brothers and sisters are close, but his dad is a major villain in this book. There were some tears for me near the last 20-25%. I am so happy that I go to read this book.
THANK YOU JLC FOR THE RECCO!
Thanks also to Chele for posting the epilogue on Ms Canterbary's website. (most necessary & should be included in the book.
NOW, onto book 2 for Patrick's book. The Space Between
This love story was a big switch up from the norm- the heroine, Lauren had a BIG problem with being tied down. Usually, it's the man that doesn't want to be tied down. Matthew meets Lauren when she is looking for an architectural firm to build her charter school. Matthew and his siblings have a successful firm in Boston. Matthew is immediately attracted to Lauren. She is also attracted to Matthew, but Lauren is very difficult to pin down. She is very focused on her goal of building her school. Early in the book, she admits to being Type A. She is also assertive, single minded in her goal, and bossy (he calls her that & she calls him a caveman).
Matthew has had plenty of (previous) experience with women, but when he meets Lauren-he is so focused on building a relationship with her. Lauren has had very limited experience with men since she has finished college and built her career. She has it in her mind that she can't be committed to one person while she is still building and starting her school. I really loved Matthew in this book-he was bordering on needy though. He absolutely knows that Lauren is the one for him.Their sexual chemistry is fantastic- their most successful way of communicating! Lauren is very uptight and stubborn about meeting her goals before she can enjoy her personal life. Matthew tries to be patient throughout a huge majority of the book. One of my friends thought she was a bit of a bitch. I don't think that she is a bitch. She is very caring with her friends and Matthew. She also makes friends with his siblings. Lauren does do a bitch move- make that a few bitch moves, in my opinion. This is not what she is, it's what she does- a bitchy move. There are some funny lines and scenes in the book.
Matthew's brothers and sisters are close, but his dad is a major villain in this book. There were some tears for me near the last 20-25%. I am so happy that I go to read this book.
THANK YOU JLC FOR THE RECCO!
Thanks also to Chele for posting the epilogue on Ms Canterbary's website. (most necessary & should be included in the book.
NOW, onto book 2 for Patrick's book. The Space Between
July 16, 2019
A brilliant start to the series. I’m looking forward to finding out more about the rest of the Walsh family.
August 19, 2015
This was so damn good.
Matt's an architect specializing in the restoration of older buildings and Lauren is an ambitious teacher with a naughty side. She's looking for a building convert into a school and so she goes to Matt's family architecture firm for advice.
I loved so many things in this. First the sexual tension between them was off the charts, they talked dirty and the smut was deliciously intense. The pacing worked, the banter was witty and the voyeur in me relished experiencing all of those feels along with them. Another thing that really worked in this was Matt's siblings, also architects, who worked with him. The ribbing they gave each other really brought this to life and made me chuckle and was almost as enjoyable as the smut. I know! The older buildings nerd in me was soaking up the restoration deets too. It made for an unusual and fabulously vivid backdrop to this story.
The writing flowed well and for the most part I was completely swept up in this. I must admit that Lauren' s dithering began to wind me up towards the end and I wasn't quite on board with what her problem actually was, but I went along with it and enjoyed this story in spite of the slightly annoying heroine. She would've benefited from a slap just to bring her to her senses a little sooner methinks, but that's just me.
This is a complete story with more in the series centering on Matt's siblings. They're all on ku so I'm going in.
A cracking read if you're looking for romance, wit and sizzling smut. Recommended.
Matt's an architect specializing in the restoration of older buildings and Lauren is an ambitious teacher with a naughty side. She's looking for a building convert into a school and so she goes to Matt's family architecture firm for advice.
I loved so many things in this. First the sexual tension between them was off the charts, they talked dirty and the smut was deliciously intense. The pacing worked, the banter was witty and the voyeur in me relished experiencing all of those feels along with them. Another thing that really worked in this was Matt's siblings, also architects, who worked with him. The ribbing they gave each other really brought this to life and made me chuckle and was almost as enjoyable as the smut. I know! The older buildings nerd in me was soaking up the restoration deets too. It made for an unusual and fabulously vivid backdrop to this story.
The writing flowed well and for the most part I was completely swept up in this. I must admit that Lauren' s dithering began to wind me up towards the end and I wasn't quite on board with what her problem actually was, but I went along with it and enjoyed this story in spite of the slightly annoying heroine. She would've benefited from a slap just to bring her to her senses a little sooner methinks, but that's just me.
This is a complete story with more in the series centering on Matt's siblings. They're all on ku so I'm going in.
A cracking read if you're looking for romance, wit and sizzling smut. Recommended.
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February 6, 2016
02/04/2016 - 4 Stars
Well, I finally read the first book -- the one that started it all. I enjoyed it. I loved this series and this author and will be looking for anything she writes. She really is that enjoyable.
I like how she isn't afraid to write a vulnerable, alpha -- does that make sense? She tells an intelligent story that has an angsty backstory, but she doesn't let this outshine her character development. Her stories really are about these incredible characters.
I like how, when you read these books, they run parallel to each other. They stagger the start and stop dates, but much of the story transpires for each parallel to the other stories in a series. Why is this important? Not sure it is, but more series you read have the stories evolve one after the other. She writes a bit more of a complicated story because you have the story in one book transpire from another viewpoint in another book. Makes for interesting reading and allows the story to stand by itself very easily. It also keeps the reader engaged by not reading the same few story elements again and again. We get them, but we get them from a totally different POV, so it is interesting all over again.
If this is the first book by this author you are reading, what I just said won't make any sense :)
She is a new "auto-buy" author for me.
Happy Reading!
Well, I finally read the first book -- the one that started it all. I enjoyed it. I loved this series and this author and will be looking for anything she writes. She really is that enjoyable.
I like how she isn't afraid to write a vulnerable, alpha -- does that make sense? She tells an intelligent story that has an angsty backstory, but she doesn't let this outshine her character development. Her stories really are about these incredible characters.
I like how, when you read these books, they run parallel to each other. They stagger the start and stop dates, but much of the story transpires for each parallel to the other stories in a series. Why is this important? Not sure it is, but more series you read have the stories evolve one after the other. She writes a bit more of a complicated story because you have the story in one book transpire from another viewpoint in another book. Makes for interesting reading and allows the story to stand by itself very easily. It also keeps the reader engaged by not reading the same few story elements again and again. We get them, but we get them from a totally different POV, so it is interesting all over again.
If this is the first book by this author you are reading, what I just said won't make any sense :)
She is a new "auto-buy" author for me.
Happy Reading!
November 12, 2022
Matthew and Lauren. The young, high achieving teacher whose current life plan doesn't include falling in love. In a few years, maybe, but not now when she's working to open her own school. But there's an instant connection when she meets up-and-coming architect Matthew Walsh. Matthew wasn't expecting this either. Lauren is not his usual 'type'. Both are surprised by the power of their connection.
This book is a good introduction to a cast of characters whose future relationships are explored in other books in the series. They are a very interesting crowd. I also enjoyed the Boston setting with the family business of Walsh siblings showing respect for the city's traditional architecture, and establishing a reputation as they restore and revitalise old buildings.
As in all of the books of this series, the relationship between the MCs is fully explored, with all its joy and angst. The sexual side of the relationships is also depicted quite openly in these books, so not a recommended read if that's not your thing. There are some funny moments too, for example with Lauren's father who is a navy man and a trainer of Navy SEALS, and has some extreme views on his daughter's personal safety.
I enjoy Canterbury's writing style, and I like the characters she creates. They are realistic and believable. This book is a good intro to the Walshes series. Well worth a read.
This book is a good introduction to a cast of characters whose future relationships are explored in other books in the series. They are a very interesting crowd. I also enjoyed the Boston setting with the family business of Walsh siblings showing respect for the city's traditional architecture, and establishing a reputation as they restore and revitalise old buildings.
As in all of the books of this series, the relationship between the MCs is fully explored, with all its joy and angst. The sexual side of the relationships is also depicted quite openly in these books, so not a recommended read if that's not your thing. There are some funny moments too, for example with Lauren's father who is a navy man and a trainer of Navy SEALS, and has some extreme views on his daughter's personal safety.
I enjoy Canterbury's writing style, and I like the characters she creates. They are realistic and believable. This book is a good intro to the Walshes series. Well worth a read.
October 31, 2017
I just didn't get it. I don't think there's another way for me to say it, but I don't get it. It was flat, I didn't really understand their spark other than being spoon fed that there was one because they couldn't contain themselves, and the hero talks too much about stuffing his cock in the heroine's mouth for my taste.
I did like the family and the family business aspect, just couldn't get on board romance-wise. And I guess that's the main reason for romance so there you go...
DNF @ 42%
I did like the family and the family business aspect, just couldn't get on board romance-wise. And I guess that's the main reason for romance so there you go...
DNF @ 42%
March 18, 2019
Audiobook Review
Holy!! I’m not sure I ever blushed as much listening to an audiobook! Matt Walsh has DIIIRRTTTYY MOUTH! Lord, have mercy!
I enjoyed the characters and their chemistry is insane. The heroine annoyed me at moments, and her idea of not being able to have a relationship and her dreams was annoying, as the conflict centered around this. It just rubbed the feminist in my the wrong way, because we can have it all.
It was still fun and enjoyable! I LOVE THE WALSH FMAILY
Holy!! I’m not sure I ever blushed as much listening to an audiobook! Matt Walsh has DIIIRRTTTYY MOUTH! Lord, have mercy!
I enjoyed the characters and their chemistry is insane. The heroine annoyed me at moments, and her idea of not being able to have a relationship and her dreams was annoying, as the conflict centered around this. It just rubbed the feminist in my the wrong way, because we can have it all.
It was still fun and enjoyable! I LOVE THE WALSH FMAILY
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