Playing Dirty by Susan Andersen

Enjoyable but not as good as the first two
4 stars

Back in high school, Cade Gallari slept with “fat girl” Ava Spencer to win a bet and proceeded to break her heart, dent her confidence and make her vow to hate him forever. Now, 13 years later, Cade, hotter than ever, is back and about to make an offer Ava can’t refuse.

Now a documentary film producer, Cade needs Ava to work closely with him on his newest project and if she manages to forgive him at the same time then he’ll be happy. But he won’t be completely satisfied until Ava gives him another chance and he’s not above playing dirty to get what he really wants.


This is the third book in the Sisterhood Diaries trilogy after Cutting Loose and Bending the Rules and I probably would suggest that you read the books in order for everything to make sense.

This book was a long time coming and I was so excited to receive it and read it. Perhaps my high expectations were part of the reason that I failed to be completely blown away by this novel.

It’s not bad by any stretch of the imagination and Susan Andersen’s wit, style of writing and humour are there in spades. Both Cade and Ava were lovely characters and had the kind of ‘hate turning to love’ storyline that I really enjoy. They had good chemistry and I was really happy for them and rooting for them on their path to the happily ever after.

I would have liked to see a little bit more interaction between Ava, Jane and Poppy (especially as the scenes when they were together were so sweet!) and perhaps a few more scenes with Jase and Dev but that’s probably just personal preference and didn’t necessarily distract from the actual love story. The baddie wasn’t scary (and I’m a total wimp) and was dispatched so easily that there really hadn’t been much danger.

Overall, if you like Susan Andersen and are reading the Sisterhood trilogy then this isn’t a book you’d want to miss. I wasn’t sure how to rate this one as although it’s not nearly as good as the first two in the series, it’s still much better than other books I’ve read so I’ve stuck with 4 stars and Susan Andersen continues to be one of my favourite authors.

Burning Up by Susan Andersen

Engaging and exciting contemporary romance

4 stars

It’s been years since Macy O’James left small town Sugarville, Washington and never looked back. But now both she, and the wild child reputation that she can’t get rid of, are back in town to help out her family and attend her school reunion. As soon as that’s done – she’s hot footing right back to California.

Fire Chief, Gabriel Donovan is none too pleased that he can’t seem to help his reaction to Macy – the pair generate enough sparks to burn down the town. Gabe left Denver for a quiet life in Sugarville and he doesn’t need Macy making him crazy. But sometimes a spark turns into something a whole lot more, especially when you’re not expecting it.

I love Susan Andersen and have been eagerly awaiting this book. This book doesn’t fit into any series (unless it’s the start of a new one) so it can be read completely on its own without worrying that you’ve missed something.

I wasn’t sure that I’d like wild child Macy but I ended up really identifying with her, rooting for her and also wishing that I was as strong as she was. Gabe was the best type of hero – strong and sexy and the chemistry between the pair was scorching. I felt that this book was more sexy than Susan Andersen’s other books.

I loved the small town setting although I wanted a bit more closure with certain aspects of the story. I’m assuming that this is the beginning of a new series so storylines might get picked up and completed in later books.

My biggest gripe about this book was regarding the secondary romance. Firstly, it was focussed on and then dropped as soon as it was done. Secondly, the male was an Irish rocker and my God, the accent and Irishisms were completely OTT. I’m not suggesting that the words he used aren’t used by the Irish but it seemed both stereotypical and made me cringe on more than one occasion.

Overall, Susan Andersen always writes an engaging, exciting story that you can’t bear to put down. Despite its faults, this is a great book and one I would highly recommend if you’re looking for a sexy contemporary romance.

Bending The Rules by Susan Andersen

Another fabulous romance

5 stars

Tall, dark and sinfully delicious Detective Jason de Sanges is Poppy Calloway’s sheik fantasy come to life. Unfortunately, he’s also the man who’s been told to help out with Poppy’s programme to help some delinquent teens who’ve been caught spray-painting their Seattle neighbourhood. He’s not happy about it and boy does it show.

The men in Jase’s family were always on the wrong side of the law and he is determined not to give in to his baser instincts. However he can’t seem to stay away from sexy, free-spirited Poppy and she’s wearing him down with every step he takes.

This is the second in Susan Andersen’s Sisterhood Diaries trilogy that follows three friends, Jane, Poppy and Ava. This book does stand alone although I would still recommend Jane’s story in the first book in the series Cutting Loose.

There are lots of characters in the book and although we do focus on more than just the main couple, it’s definitely Poppy and Jase that capture your attention. Jase is such a man’s man – sexy, dangerous and tough but with a real need for the love of a good woman. Poppy is a real woman to aspire to. She’s sweet, feisty, loyal and perfect for Jason. The pair had chemistry to make your stomach flip over and the whole book was sexy, fun and upbeat.

There is a slight suspense element to this book but it isn’t the whole point to the story and it’s not scary or violent.

Susan Anderson always manages to write books that really make you feel good. There are wonderful characters, hot sex and a great plot and this book is no exception. Definitely recommended and worth 5 stars.

Cutting Loose by Susan Andersen

Passionate, exciting and fun romance

4 Stars

Jane Kaplinski is very proud of her cool, calm and collected persona – she grew up with drama and theatrics and she will not let that into her life as an adult. But all that goes out the window when she meets Devlin Kavanagh, the man that’s just been hired to work on the mansion Jane and her friends have just inherited.

Dev knows that uptight Jane is not as prim as she appears, despite the conservative way she dresses. The pair virtually shoot sparks off each other and soon they are embarking on a passionate affair. But Jane thinks passion isn’t for her, and Devlin doesn’t do commitment – so it’s probably time for them both to cut loose!

I am a huge fan of Susan Andersen and I’m really happy to see her back with the start of a new trilogy of books. This series, The Sisterhood Diaries, focuses on three friends, Jane, Poppy and Ava, who have just inherited a mansion.

In this book we get to meet all the girls, as well as Dev’s family, but it really is Jane and Dev that stand out. Jane is an independent, modern girl with enough faults and hang-ups that you can really support and love her. Dev is a typical Susan Andersen hero – strong, alpha, rugged and deliciously sexy. Together the pair are passionate, fun and burn up the pages.

As always with Susan Andersen, there is an element of suspense/danger in the story but it is minor enough to not eclipse the main story yet is interesting enough to keep the pages turning.

I wouldn’t say that this was Susan Andersen’s best book but it was still a fun, interesting and passionate read. The characters really stand out and I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the Sisterhood Diaries. 4 stars.

Coming Undone by Susan Andersen

Thrilling, Sexy Romance

5 stars

Bright new singing sensation Priscilla Jayne Morgan should be having the time of her life. Her country music career has finally hit the big time and she's selling out concerts across America. But she's just had to fire her crooked manager mother and the press have gone crazy. Now her record label have decided to hire a watchdog to escort her on her summer tour and who should they hire for the job but Jared Hamilton - the guy from her past that she's never been able to get out of her head.

Jared's here to do a job and although he remembers just how headstrong little P.J. can be - he's not going to let her damage his legendary self control. But he didn't factor in how much P.J. has grown up or how much she drives him crazy.

So being stuck with the hottest girl in show-business for five weeks is going to be bad enough but when her very life is threatened he decides he needs to stick even closer - he just doesn't know if that's going to be a problem or not!

If you are a fan of Susan Andersen you will be happy to finally see a story for Jared (Tori's runaway brother from Hot and Bothered) and his street-wise runaway friend, P.J.. Although this book probably does stand alone, I would really suggest you've read Hot & Bothered before reading this one as otherwise you'll miss out on quite a lot of back story that is essential to the plot.

Both Jared and P.J. are wonderful characters. P.J. is feisty, fun and strong while Jared is a delicious former marine with a tough exterior and a lovely soft centre! The pair together are fiery, sexy and perfect for each other.

As is often the case with Susan Andersen - there is an element of suspense/danger in this book with the addition of a deranged stalker. This works well within the book while never overshadowing the plot and it's interesting enough to keep you involved without being scary or disturbing.

Overall, I am so glad that P.J. and Jared finally got their own story and Susan Andersen has created a book filled with her own brand of humour, edge and sexiness. This is a book that you will not want to put down and one I would highly recommend if you like your romance with a little bit extra. 5 stars.