I had one job. Show up and rock his world. So, I did just that. I left him panting and begging for more. Mission complete. The next day, however, I’m told he was the wrong guy. If that’s the case, why did it feel so right? I had one job, and I blew it…literally.
Crowd Pleaser
By mariejames
“Sin is no fun if it’s done with a frown.”
Holy Hotness, Batman! Let’s all agree that the synopsis is very intriguing and purposely vague. I want so badly to tell you about my experience of going into this story blind… it was an eye-opener. But I must respect the author’s decision to, not share more than she did. All I can tell you is that she had me turning up my A/C, in the winter.
I also have to share that I really loved the colorful support characters as well, including the four-legged variety. Crowd Pleaser put me on sensory overload in the very best of ways. I got caught up in the character’s lives and mentally meddled in their personal business. I was matchmaking, career planning, pet-sitting, and plotting their futures a page at a time. Though I didn’t always feel that way, after careful consideration, I’ve determined that I can’t narrow it down any further, so I am #TeamJERK & #TeamHAVOC. Both of those guys had me melting into a puddle of goo and I’m not willing to give up either.
Being inside the head of the two main characters was exhausting and exhilarating. They shared things with me that they didn’t tell each other. So knowing what I knew, and what they didn’t know about each other had me wanting to whisper in their ears to help them avoid all the things I saw heading their way. It was like anticipating a trainwreck I saw coming and had no way to stop.
Was all that as clear as mud? Yeah, that’s what I figured. But all I can tell you is that I loved it and I think that you will too. I’m looking forward to seeing what the author has for us next. The line forms here…
Glad Jake and Randi came to their senses. I loved the book.
This story had me from the very beginning. The story is unique, and Jake and Randi’s back and forth had me doing my own back and forth between absolutely frustrated to laughing my ass off. The best part, though, belongs to the Queens!! Hunter, Jas, and Ellis rocked my freaking world!! They took a four story, and soared it right into a five. The ending is beautiful, and offers you all the closure you need. Overall, this is a fresh must read, with enough steam to melt your panties clear off!!
Loved it
This book was not what I expected. It was such a great original story. So glad I read it. Great characters and story development. A hot and steamy read.
Did that amazing blurb get your attention? I sure hope so because that is only the beginning…..
Randi is not your typical girl next door. In fact – she is the girl you wish you could be. One that takes the bull by the horns and turns that intensity into a means to an end. What Randi didn’t count on was crossing paths with Jake. Everything about Jake makes Randi want to break her own rules. Who knew a mistaken identity could be so ‘all consuming’? Then there is the realization that Jake isn’t going to step back into the shadows. Something that intrigues Randi when she knows it shouldn’t. Jake knows this is just the beginning….now he just needs to convince Randi of the same thing.
Holy HOTNESS!!!! Whew…..let me change my underwear before I get started on this review…… Did I say that??? Oh yes I did!! Crowd Pleaser is one of the most UNIQUE and interesting story plots that I have read this year. In a field of stagnant tropes, Crowd Pleaser will pull you by the hair, grab you by the heart, and leave you panting for more!!
From the very first chapter, you will realize that Crowd Pleaser isn’t your typical sugary sweet romance. In fact – it’s probably the complete opposite of that! The creativity begins from the very beginning….a treat from author Marie James that was completely unexpected, but thoroughly enjoyed.
Randi and Jake are so engaging as a couple. Nothing about them is ‘ordinary’ in the least little bit. Adding to this erotic tale is a mix of secondary characters that will pull you deeper into the saga that surrounds being a Crowd Pleaser. Each adding another layer to the story that will leave you so invested that you will not want to stop reading. Trust me on this….the story is THAT good!!
What else can I say to convince you to stop what you are doing and pick up your copy of Crowd Pleaser? Just read the blurb…then you can thank me later!!
Making your female lead a porn star is one heck of a big risk, but Marie James certainly pulled it off. I loved the anti ‘slut shaming’ feel of this book and the bravery of making the heroine someone who owns her sexuality.
” “I’m merely pointing out that slut-shaming just because she’s female is ridiculous. So she f**ks for money? Sounds like a smart plan considering all of us that do it for free.” ”
” Men can go around and stick their dicks in anything, and they’re ‘just being boys’. But, when a woman owns her sexuality and wants to sleep around she’s a whore. ”
In some ways I wish Randi didn’t have such an emotionally damaging past, as this felt a little like an excuse for her behaviour. However her emotional immaturity was a necessary part of the plot.
I liked both Randi and Jake, though I didn’t feel as though I really connected with Jake. I did get a little confused about some of his reasons for ignoring Randi, later in the book. He seemed to be wanting her to show a commitment but he hadn’t really made this clear to her as far as I could see. He was whinging about Randi’s poor communication and how she blew hot and cold, yet could not see how he was exactly the same.
I’m beyond possessive of her to the point of rage when I think of her with anyone else. Yet, I treat her exactly like everyone else. If my mother was alive, she’d slap my damn face for how I’ve been acting.
There was a lot of playing childish games or struggling to know how to communicate with the other person. I would have liked to see them develop emotionally throughout the story but instead it felt a little rushed, right at the very end of the book.
The excellent writing, plot, pace and wonderful support characters more than made this a good read. It kept my attention and I pretty much read it in one sitting.
Marie James’ Crowd Pleaser was definitely a hit! Sex sells. That is what you might think would be the only theme in Marie James’ Crowd Pleaser, however it is more than that. She talks about the societal stereotypes that women have to deal with in regards to their sexual self. For Randi Simms, she owns her sexuality and isn’t afraid of it. That being said, Randi does see that her worth is more than just the sex and sometimes you have to walk away in order to win in the long run.
I have missed reading Marie’s work so much!!! I ABSOLUTELY devoured this book!!! I read it in only about 3 hours! Randy and Jake were such a great non-traditonal couple. I love how Randi was doing whatever she had to do to be on her own and how Jake did whatever he could to have her. I love when couples get super hardheaded and totally miss every clue.
The supporting characters were equally amazing! I think Hunter, Ellis and Jas made all the difference! They were such a great support system for Jake and Randi, and I love how they worked together to help them come to their senses. Speaking of coming to their senses, holy cow!!! These two were so blind! If it weren’t for these three we definitely wouldn’t have had the ending we did!
Despite the drama and insecurities I’m so glad this book played out how it did. It was so non-traditional of a relationship and it made it that much better!!!
Seriously this is a one click right now book. I loved the premise of this book and the characters were incredibly easy to relate to and step into their minds. Marie James has written a treasure here that has everything in it from humor, banter, some heart pulls and some definite heat. (Not sure you can be surprised by the heat knowing the blurb in advance). I absolutely loved what a strong character Randi was and there was no wishy washy from her. Jake is such a well written character I am not sure how you can’t fall for him
Marie James has stepped out for this write and it absolutely does not disappoint!
Do not read this book alone — haha
From the very beginning, Crowd Pleaser is absolutely panty-melting, turn up the A/C, scorching hot. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect after reading the blurb for this one, but this fast-paced and original romance pulled me in and didn’t let go. The characters, even minor ones, were all so interesting and colorful that I couldn’t help but want to know more about them and Randi and Jake are so good together, even when they’re resisting anything leading toward a serious relationship. This is my first read by this author and I found myself quite impressed with the writing style. It’s a perfect example of drawing a reader into the story so that I felt like I was right there, watching it all go down.
This is a funny read and it’s a stand alone. You will get some good laughs out of it.
Two words pretty much sum this book up… Daddy Issues. For both characters.
Both Characters do things to piss their father’s off and not to be what they want them to be.
I didn’t really feel the connection between Jake and Randi outside of them having sex. Which, that was hot. And there were a lot of steamy scenes.
I actually liked the three secondary characters better. Hunter, Jas, and Elis were awesome.
This was still enjoyable and funny.
I give this a 3.5
James never fails to deliver the heat and with Crowd Pleaser she cranks it all the way up! It was so much more than I expected it to be but everything I never knew I wanted. Holy Hell! I am still fanning myself. I could not put this one down. I started the book and the next thing I knew it was 1:30 am and I was left speechless and completely in love.
I absolutely lobed this one. It was so different from anything I have read recently, that it felt like a breath of fresh air. If you are looking for a unique story that is sure to heat up the pages of your ereader, then this is the one for you!
LOVED IT!
This book was one of the hottest books I’ve ever read. It was melt your kindle HOT. Yet had lots of laugh out loud moments and such great storyline.
This is not your traditional love story of girl meets boy, they kind of dance around each other then finally hook up and live happily ever after. Randi is called a crowd pleaser, the company she works for has her going to certain parties and there she and another crowd pleaser put on a bit of a “show” to get the crowd amped up. These shows are also filmed and put on a web site; see Randi is a porn star. When she goes to a party and ends up putting on a show with the wrong man, she is at risk of being fired, she has to somehow find this stranger and get him to sign the forms so that the film can be used.
Jake has done his best to do anything that will alienate his father more, and this is just the thing he needs to get under his fathers skin. When Randi comes back, Jake strikes up a deal, this way he gets Randi and the time he needs to convince her to give him a chance. Just when Jake thinks he has made some progress, he ends up taking two steps back. Is there any hope of getting Randi to give him more than just what the contract says, or is this really just for the sex?
This was freaking amazing! Marie James is an automatic read for me, and this blurb had me a bit on the fence, but I shouldn’t have been nervous! This has all the dirty delicious sexy times you can want, with some drama, and some really freaking funny moments. I loved that this was different from the norm. I give this 5 stars!
I couldn’t get past the first chapter. I deleted the book.
Very hot public sex!!!
Interesting book concept. Not super realistic and really just kind of odd if you think about it. It was definitely full of hot sex but the whole book seemed to be basically ways to tell really hot sex scenes even though they didn’t quite make sense. I guess I just didn’t understand her thinking on why she would start being a porn star to begin with when she kept saying how she hadn’t slept with many people but then also seemed to have no problems sleeping with any random dude with an audience. Just not super normal behavior for any woman, in my opu
Steamy page turner! I think this is the first book I read by her and I wasn’t disappointed. Got a little aggravated at how dumb the 2 could be, but it was a situation that can happen in real life and they eventually got smart. Not going to give it away as you why I say this, so you’ll just have to get it and read it. Great love story.
Unique plot. LOVED it. It was just the read I needed at just the right time.