Lucinda has come to this island in paradise with only one goal: to get playboy Jason Kaoki to allow her company to put in a luxury hotel on his island. She's not above using her feminine wiles (blech) to get him to do things her way, either. Um yeah...

And that right there, ladies and gentlemen, is where this book lost me and never got me back. In this day and age, in the era of #MeToo and this author has the gall to throw this crap in?! Just no. Not that I don't appreciate a woman's sexuality, because everyone's sexuality is important, and everyone should be allowed to express it. But to use it to get ahead or to use it against someone else? Nope. Make that HELL NO!

But still, I had to read ahead and find out if it got better - newsflash: it didn't. Because a) insta-love, b) Lucinda never becomes likable and c) basing Jason's character on Jason Momoa is not exactly a good way to show him tribute as Jason Momoa is a happily married man, not a manwhore, and nothing like the character here.

So, yeah, this book did not work for me in any way, shape or form. Bad leads, insta-love at its worst, and before I forget to mention it, Jason was willing to throw away his beautiful, untouched island to a disgusting developer all for the chance an unlikable woman like Lucinda would give him the heart she didn't have. He didn't give a toss about the island's natural inhabitants apparently. That's pretty shitty if you ask me.

Quick sexy read

Caitlin Crews’ Untamed is the latest addition to her Hotel Temptation series. While the book reads well enough as a stand-alone I wonder if reading the first book in the series might have given more insight into Jason. I felt I needed more information to understand him and Lucinda, neither of who I warmed up to. The story was well written and definitely steamy.
I received an advance reader copy via netgalley.

What if the heat between the two characters isn’t a slow burn, it is a fiery inferno that surrounds them and takes their breath away? What if you are so put together, you become your true self once you stop being what you think you need to be. What if you become everything you swore, you’d never be, by trying to hard to be what you think you need to be

What If….. you stopped overthinking, overacting, and let your self be free to be the you in your soul, the one that makes you happy. And what if, the person standing next you does the same. And what if, that gives a life you never dreamed you could have, and is everything you never dared dreamed you could have

Hang on for this untamed romance!

Lucinda is not above using every weapon in her arsenal, especially when the target is as deliciously sexy as Jason. Jason has been running off suits intent on developing his island for quite some time, but she's the first one that looks like she might be worth entertaining ... for a while, at least. Mutual attraction soon explodes in passion, and that's when everything goes wildly beyond expectations.

Jason and Lucinda are both knocked off kilter by the intense intimacy they shared. Lucinda's reaction is to retreat over her firmly-erected walls, while Jason has another plan entirely. The action within their hearts is far more important than the storyline that surrounds them. For a somewhat short novella, this story packs a huge emotional wallop as they each delve deep into their own past hurts to find the courage to take a risk for love.

This story was wonderfully captivating right from the start. These are characters you'll care about, and it's a rare find to read a book that so completely dissects the emotional baggage without becoming a trite exercise in psychoanalysis. I highly recommend this story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Untamed by Caitlin Crews
Hotel Temptation #3

I like this author’s books...I really do...but...this one was not my favorite. I wanted more...more depth to the characters, more backstory for both Jason and Lucinda, more to make me see the connection between the two, a way to believe Jason would make the decision he did about the island he owns, more responsibility in discussion of developing a pristine island, more...just more. The writing was well done but I had trouble believing the story could happen as it did...now….that said… If you are looking for an island romance with a hot guy and steamy scenes but don’t care if what you are reading is believable then this book might be for you.

Will I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalleyl and Harlequin Dare for the ARC – This is my honest review

2-3 Stars

I’ve had a hit or miss time with categories, but this blurb sounded so good and I’ve heard great things about the new Dare line, I just had to try it out. And while it wasn’t precisely my cup of tea, I did enjoy it. This is the third in a series, but I read it as a standalone without any issues.

Lucinda has clawed her way to the top of the hotel business through pure tenacity and strength. The latest target in her sights? Jason Kaoki, heir to a small Pacific island, who’s already sent a handful of businessmen packing. When she finally meets him (after 40 hours of travel) she begins to think she may have miscalculated. For his part, Jason’s intrigued by the prim and proper businesswoman – a black suit in the tropics? – and her refusal to back down from his challenges. But as the spark he feels for her turns into something more, are Jason and Lucinda prepared to risk it all?

“I just want to make you a rich man.”
“I’m already a rich man.”
“You can always be richer.”
[…]
“White people always want to get richer,” he observed. “It’s just money, Lucinda.”
“Spoken like someone who has too much of it, Jason,” she fired back.
And he saw her, then. The real woman tucked away behind the prim and the proper, and she was bright. Sharp and wild. All teeth and snarl, and Jason wanted to tangle himself up in her and see if she left marks.


Lucinda’s a bit of a prickly character, not exactly unlikeable, but very set in her ways, moulded by her childhood trauma (which, honestly, I felt beat over the head with the number of times it was mentioned). There’s no place in her life for feelings, only success, and she’ll use any tools at her disposal to achieve that. Lucinda has no issue using her body to entice Jason into a deal, her reasoning being that since everyone already assumes she’s already slept her way to the top, she may as well actually do it. I’m not sure I agree with that, but I liked her ruthlessness! What I wasn’t so sure of was how Jason handled that. Jason purposefully cultivates this sort of barbarian predator image, meant to fend off sweaty businessmen and nosey women alike. Underneath, though, he’s reeling from a comparison to his father, a billionaire who thought nothing of knocking women up all over the globe and not bothering with them except to leave them hotel properties in his will. Through sheer tenacity and a talent for football, he’d already clawed his way out of poverty as the child of a single mom in Hawaii.

“She kept making connections between them and Jason didn’t want any part of that. There was only one part of him that liked connecting, and his dick didn’t talk.”


Despite initial appearances – Lucinda in a prim black suit and a shirtless and tattooed Jason – they actually have a lot in common. Both came from poor origins and worked their way up through grit and talent, and both sacrificed some part of themselves along the way. Lucinda hides her working class Scottish accent, which Jason empathizes with, as he had to lose a lot of his surfer language and Hawaiian-isms when he moved to the mainland. So besides the insta-lust, I could definitely see that they had the solid beginnings of a relationship. The problem for me is that the book only covers up to a few days after their one night stand, then skips ahead quite a bit of time to an epilogue. Sure, I love the initial buzz of love (or lust, in this case), but a big part of reading romance for me is also watching the characters learn to navigate a relationship. It felt like the book quite right when I was getting to the good part! And, frankly, I had serious doubts about the HEA based on how quickly both of them changed their long-held defense mechanisms based on a couple of orgasms. The other part that didn’t sit well with me was the whole dare bit. I didn’t mind that he challenged her to go surfing with him, but that, when she says she has nothing appropriate to wear, he pulls out an itsy bitsy teeny weenie (not yellow polka dot) bikini, and when she protests that her redheaded fair-skinned self will burn, offers to rub her all over with sunscreen. Would he have pulled out a speedo and made the same offer if one of the male businessmen had actually had the same amount of chutzpah at Lucinda? On a lesser note, I was disappointed that the environmental impact of the resort on the pristine, nearly untouched island wasn’t addressed, even if it had only been a line or two about eco-tourism or whatever.

Overall, it was fun and certainly sexier than I’d expect from a category, but I think the shorter length was a problem in terms of some of the plot development. I’d definitely recommend it, however, if you’re looking for a surfer billionaire and like categories.

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A thoroughly enjoyable read. I really did enjoy this story the whole way through. Both the hero and heroine were well developed as characters, the setting provided a nice container for their interaction, and the sexual chemistry was steamy enough to keep the reader interested. I liked how the relationship caused both the hero and heroine to develop as individuals. I'll definitely be seeking out other books by this author.

This book had a lot of potential. I liked the idea of a laid back island guy who has no plans to develop the land. When a parade of men are sent to try and get him to sell and develop the land he refuses until Lucinda comes to try. She is buttoned up, wearing a black suit, and her hair slicked back into a bun. All that buttoned up persona provides is a flame to Jason. He wants to push her to lighten up, while also giving up. He doesn't expect her to meet his every dare. They light up the heat in chemistry.

There are some huge plot points and dialogue that i took issue with, which made me like this book less. There is a point of inner dialogue that talked about me too movement and the lack of prudishness. I found this offensive and downplays the real issues of the movement. It could have been left out. Also one night seems to be enough for Jason to throw every issue out the window and give it a go with Lucinda. It seemed a little ridiculous. The backhanded way they both seem to blackmail each other was a little much. The heat was high and while I enjoyed that part the rest was a little flat and not very enlightened.

Highly enjoyable, I’ll fight for you romance. Lucinda appears rather cold at first and Jason (swoon) is struck, hard, by her beauty and he senses her strength. Loved the sexy times, a strong, emotional storyline and an epilogue that had me smiling

Brody and Phebe’s relationship was easy to follow as they faced problems many do in life! Brody was your typical stubborn prideful man that wanted to overcome stigma placed on him by his father! Phebe was trying to help and be the savior she believed he needed in life!

A great edition to the hotel temptation series and it can be read as a stand alone even though previous characters are mentioned throughout

Lucinda Graves works for a hotel chain and it is her job to get Jason Kaoki a millionaire to allow her chain to build an exclusive hotel on his private island even though every one else has failed with him. Yes it would make him even richer but how much wealth do you really need. When the combustible chemistry between them ignites she will have to rethink what she wants in life and the plans she has made for he future. Jason has retreated to his island to prove that he is a better man than the one who sired him he will not chase after every piece of skirt he sees but he can't resist baiting the prim and proper Lucinda but he has no idea what he has started between them.

This story flows well and I thoroughly enjoyed it there is enough spice and steam to keep you engaged

Jason is an international playboy that inherits an island, hotel chains are dying to acquire. Lucinda believes herself to be the one who can get Jason to finally sign on the dotted line. The story starts a bit slow, then takes off as Jason takes the very uptight Lucinda and gets under her armor. He tosses out challenges and she keeps picking up the gauntlet and running with it. They've both came from poor childhoods and had crappy fathers, becoming successful despite where they came from. Lucinda runs hard from all the feelings Jason stirs within her, but I like how he refused to give up.

There's moments within the story that could have gone awry with the 'Me Too!' issues that are swirling in todays climate, but I felt the author handled it really well. Great read even though there are a few repetitive spots. I didn't realize this wasn't the first in the series and the little bits of the others' stories I gleaned from this book make me think they are going to be just as good as this one. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, the above is my honest review.

I've enjoyed reading a few books from Harlequin's Dare line, and was delighted to find this one on NetGalley and receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review. While I haven't read anything else by Caitlin Crews, I found it worked well as a standalone novel. I'm guessing the earlier stories are about the hero's half-siblings, and that's great, but reading them wasn't necessary to enjoy this book.

As the three stars indicate, I liked this book. I liked it, but something held me back from loving it. Partially is probably that I'm not a Jason Momoa fan, and this book is clearly an ode to him. But, there are a few other issues.

First off, I didn't realize this was about developing a luxury resort on a relatively uninhabited tropical island. Just the idea that it wasn't going to be an eco-lodge type place, and what would be the impact on the flora & fauna of the island didn't sit well with me. Not to mention any reefs nearby, the gas used to fly to and from the island, and all the resources that would go into building the resort. In this day and age, not even mentioning the environmental concerns seems out of touch with readers - younger readers, in particular - and makes you wonder what sort of guy the hero really is. A devoted surfer would care about the eco-system of the island.

Another thing that didn't really work for me was the love scenes. This book is all about the insta-lust and magic vag. Because we really didn't get enough character interaction or development to merit this level of commitment. They were together ONE night and he's willing to hand over the island for development. No, but really. Does her vagina shoot rainbows, cook a perfect steak, and brew beer? Because otherwise, I just don't get it.

And, speaking of the heroine, I was really, REALLY not ok with her being just fine using her body to get what she wanted from her career. Yeah, her co-workers might suspect she'd slept her way to where she was, but in this story, she literally sleeps her way into the job she wants. I just can't endorse that in any way.

In general, the book is well written and a fast read, but if you're a devoted environmentalist or a feminist, I'd skip this one.

There was soooo much inner monologue that went no where, revealed no further character depth and was all internal warring (i.e., he's attractive, but I got to mask it). It was frustrating to continually read about their insta-lust and very superficial of their characters. Not a whole lot about them to like.

"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet, sexy romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

Caitlin Crews writes sexy, swoon worthy and vivid romance that will have you so lost in her stories and this book is a prime example of this. Page turner, perfect cocktail of sexy, steamy and romantic romance that I absolutely loved from start to finish. Could not recommend this book. Pick up your copy today

First book I've read by this author and this series. Overall though, I wasn't lost, but at times felt like I was missing a few details. The story is set around Lucinda, a Scottish lassie based out of London, who goes to a private island in the Pacific to talk Jason into allowing her to bring a resort to his island. Many have tried, but she is convinced she can make him agree. I liked the story overall, and the characters, although to be honest I do not see what the obsession was that he should change his island anyway. Besides that though, I liked the story and would recommend it.

I found this story to be silly, immature, and something I would have read as a teenager. The story line was predictable and the characters quite unlikable. I don't think that I will be leaving reviews on publishing sites as they would not be positive.

I am so addicted to Caitlin Crews stories and have loved the Hotel Temptation series immensely! This novel was so powerfully sexy and I could not stop reading!

When Lucinda Graves makes it her mission to convince millionaire Jason Kaoki to turn his undeveloped private island into an elite luxury resort, she had no idea the amount of combustible chemistry that would erupt between them.  But when the connection to Jason forces Lucinda to reevaluate her own long term wants and desires, she realizes how untamed and predatory Jason really is in getting what he wants.

I really loved this story as Lucinda and Jason were so deliciously sexy. But I felt that their emotional backstories were glossed over and almost rushed. I would have preferred them to be fleshed out more in depth. Furthermore, I felt like the story had SO much internal monologue that I found myself at times skipping pages to where they would be speaking again. It felt almost excessive at times. All in all, this was a great story. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. 

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.  4 stars! ~Ratula

Favourite Quote:
“You don’t look for the point in surfing, you just surf. The point finds you when you’re ready.” (Jason)

Lucinda Graves shows up at Jason’s island, determined to succeed where five men before her have failed—convincing Jason to let her develop an exclusive resort at the island. Jason is on the island in an effort to prove to himself that he’s nothing like the man who sired him—a selfish hedonist who chased everything in a skirt—but when prim and proper Lucinda shows up, he can’t resist baiting her. He never expected Lucinda to actually take the bait, but when she does… Well, needless to say it gets hot.

This is the third and final instalment of Caitlin Crew’s Hotel Temptation series in Harlequin’s Dare line, but it can be perfectly read as a standalone.

My feelings about this books are a bit mixed. Caitlin Crews writes angsty heroes and heroines very well—she writes for the Harlequin Presents line (Presents has a high level of angst) as well, and I think though that’s not a hindrance, it’s definitely noticeable—but sometimes with this story, things just got a little bit too angsty and the plot suffers for it. There’s a lot of rehashing of Lucinda’s wound, and at certain points that really slowed down the plot progression.

Jason was a swoon-worthy hero, but Lucinda was a lot harder to warm up to (to be honest, I’m not sure that I really did). She’s strong and confident, she isn’t afraid to use what she has to get what she wants but the walls around here are so high and thick, that even as a reader I felt like I was kept at arm’s bay all the time.

What I did like was how Crews managed to breathe life into the setting she described. Even though it’s January and we have below zero temperatures here at the moment, I could easily imagine myself stranded on a desert island with a yummy Jason Momoa lookalike.

SPOILER:
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To discuss one of my main dislikes, I have to give some kind of spoilers. Even though I’m fully aware that this is probably my hippie tendencies, there is one thing at the end of the story that gave me a very long pause.

In the end, Jason goes after Lucinda, fully willing to hand over his perfect, nearly untouched island to her so she can build her resort in exchange for her living with him. What Jason then says, really, really bothered me: “if I wake up morning filled with regret that I developed this one (meaning his island), guess what? I can buy myself another one. As you pointed out, the place itself has no sentimental value to me. But it does to you.” Yes, Jason, you CAN buy another island. However, the wildlife and the plants and the trees on the island that will suffer because of the development of some luxury resort, do not have to luxury. They will suffer because you want to get your girl. Like I said, I hated this part. It might not bother anyone else, but it really did bother me, even though I know this is fiction.

All in all, this was an okay read. I would’ve preferred for the plot to progress a bit more evenly, but the writing in itself is quite enjoyable.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.