Book Shelf: Rusty Nailed (Cocktail #2) by Alice Clayton

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 travelling, 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!

More into on Goodreads.....

Review:

Rusty Nailed is the electric follow up to Alice Clayton’s sensational rom-com Wallbanger, and is as easily as good as the first novel; drawing her readers back into the lives of Caroline, Simon and well….Clive. Rich in romance, sexual chemistry and laugh-out-loud moments, Rusty Nailed is a superb sequel that you just won’t want to miss!

After the amazing story that was Wallbanger, Alice Clayton certainly managed to captivate this reader’s attention once more; from the opening chapter of Rusty Nailed I was once more hooked! Caroline and Simon are as steamy, charismatic and adorable as ever and I certainly couldn’t get enough of them and their hilarious lives as the events of Rusty Nailed unfolded.

Now having been together for more than a year, Caroline and Simon are as strong, and as sexy, as ever, but a bunch of changes—including Jillian’s prolonged departure on her honeymoon, Simon’s extended time home and a duo of friends whose break-up are cause for a lot of awkward, albeit hilarious moments—to their lives see Caroline and Simon take big steps in their relationship. They’ll struggle, snuggle and prove just how amazing and perfect they are together in this new stage of their story…….

Honestly, Simon and Caroline are just so perfect for each other. Not only do I adore them as individuals, but Rusty Nailed only showcased how excellently they complement and strengthen each other. Caroline is a strong and independent woman and that hasn’t changed now that she is with Simon, and Simon is still his cheeky and smooth self, although a monogamous relationship with Caroline has actually seen him happier than he has been in many years.

Simon and Caroline have an incredible chemistry and ease with each other. They just fit so well. They understand and accept the other for exactly who they are and although they have the expected fights and issues you expect with all relationships, they manage to grow and flourish along the way—something both helped and hindered by their best friends Mimi and Ryan and Neil and Sophia, as well as their mentors/friends Jillian and Benjamin who finally tie the knot!

Clive is also back and slowly bonding with Simon in Rusty Nailed, something that certainly brought a smile to my face. The continued balance that is exhibited by Clayton through her delicious writing, cheeky moments, sensual romance and sex scenes between her characters make for some terrific reading. The friendships are as wonderful as ever between Caroline and her girls, and Simon and his boys and personally I can’t get enough of them all!

Sensual, sexy and just down right fun, Rusty Nailed is an incredible follow up to its predecessor that hits every nail on the head and then some!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster (Thank you Jennifer!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: A brilliant and sassy rom-com in a series that bridges the gap between NA and chick-lit perfectly!
Cover: As sexy as the first one.....
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES!