Rusty Nailed Review

Synopsis:

In this sequel to Wallbanger, the second book in the Cocktail series, fan favorites Caroline and Simon negotiate the rollercoaster of their new relationship while house-sitting in San Francisco.

Playing house was never so much fun—or so confusing. With her boss on her honeymoon, Caroline’s working crazy long hours to keep the interior design company running—especially since she’s also the lead designer for the renovation of a gorgeous old hotel on Sausalito. So with her hotshot photographer boyfriend gallivanting all over the world for his job, she and Simon are heavy-duty into “absence makes the heart grow fonder” mode. Neither has any complaints about the great reunion sex, though! Then Simon decides he’s tired of so much traveling, and he’s suddenly home more. A lot more. And wanting Caroline home more, too. Though their friends’ romantic lives provide plenty of welcome distraction, eventually Caroline and Simon have to sort their relationship out. Neither wants “out of sight, out of mind,” but can they create their own happy mid-ground cliché?

USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton delivers another delicious, frothy cocktail of a book, shaking up her characters, stirring in laugh-out-loud humor, and serving sizzling romance straight up!

My Review:

I'll start by saying I loved Wallbanger.  It was funny, snarky, sexy - just a fun, light read.  I loved the characters including Clive, the cat as he was hilarious.  Clayton delivered the story is a delightful, humorous way...we even get Clive's POV!  I looked forward to continuing with Caroline & Simon and the rest of the gang in Rusty Nailed expecting to once again be charmed.  While I had anticipated getting the story of one of the other couples, I was okay with the continuing saga of Caroline, Simon & Clive, the cat.

In Rusty Nailed, we find them house sitting, purchasing their own house, remodeling and adjusting to living together as a couple.  Their friends are interwoven throughout the story with a lot of drama and some laughs.  There are some really funny scenes and of course, some smoking hot scenes.  But after awhile, it just seemed to get a little repetitive to me - a little too sweet & cutesy mixed with a lot of girlie drama.  The things that were funny in Wallbanger weren't so funny in Rusty Banged...at least not over & over.  It began to remind me a bit of a slapstick comedy routine or a night of one-liners that aren't funny the second time around.  I even found myself skimming through Clive's scenes.  How sad is that?  Apparently, a little sugar really does go a long ways.  

As I continued reading, I began looking for more depth, something to sink my teeth in and build my anticipation.  Sadly, I didn't find it in Rusty Nailed.  By then, I was even skimming the sex scenes.  I enjoy these characters but just wanted and expected more from this book.  Fans of Wallbanger should read it and form their own opinion.  I'm sure many will love it.  For me, it just fell short of the mark.  Wallbanger was a much better book.  

My Rating:  3 Pretty  ♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra