Last call! At the end of the night, a clean-cut hunk and a rebellious bartender act on their unlikely chemistry in this frisky standalone novel from the author of Eye Candy. Davis: I’ve had my eye on Grace Buchanan for a while now. Unlike the bubbly blondes I usually date, the feisty, flame-haired bartender both intrigues and bewilders me. Something about Grace—the tattoos? the nose ring?—makes … about Grace—the tattoos? the nose ring?—makes every part of me sit up and beg. There’s only one problem: She hates me. Trading insults and one-liners has become our M.O. But when Grace bets me that I can’t get a date with a non-blonde if my life depends on it, I’m determined to prove her wrong by landing the ultimate non-blonde: her.
Grace: I’m used to regulars hitting on me, and I’ve turned them all down, except for one: Davis Price. I like giving him a hard time, and he’s kind of cute in his suit and tie—if you’re into that kind of thing. Anyway, I don’t care how many blondes he takes home . . . until one of them sidles up to him in my bar. Nuh-uh. But after my little bet with Davis backfires, our first date lands us in the sack. So does the second. And the third. Neither of us wants more than the best sex of our lives. The trouble is, it’s not a question of what I want. It’s what I need. And what I need is Davis.
Look for Jessica Lemmon’s standalone romances with heartfelt HEAs:
FIGHTING FOR DEVLIN | FORGOTTEN PROMISES | SHUT UP AND KISS ME | EYE CANDY | ARM CANDY | MAN CANDY | RUMOR HAS IT
Praise for Arm Candy
“Arm Candy is sexy and fun. Jessica Lemmon created an entertaining opposites-attract story with a great balance in the funny, sexy, sweet, and serious moments. Ms. Lemmon provided a rich cast of supporting characters.”—Harlequin Junkie
“Arm Candy is a sexy romance that is going on my re-read shelf, with a sigh of envy for Grace having found a partner like Davis.”—All About Romance
“Lemmon puts a twist on the friends to lovers theme . . . the perfect balance of humor and emotion with characters that are easy to fall for.”—Smexy Books
“I highly recommend this book. . . . Arm Candy is charming and sweet . . . I love the fact that it can be read as a standalone.”—The Clever Bookworm (five stars)
“Bartending is the perfect background for a tangled romance that leaves you aching and filled, and Arm Candy 100% delivers.”—Sarah Robinson, bestselling author of the Kavanagh Legends series
“One of the sexiest romantic comedies I’ve read in a long time—Arm Candy is a perfect laugh-out-loud, seriously steamy opposites attract story, with just the right amount of sweetness.”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne
This standalone novel includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
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Arm Candy is a sweet, sexy romance. Grace and Davis (from Eye Candy) have been eyeing each other ever since they met. But Grace knows she’s not Davis’ type – he sticks to blondes and they never stick around for long. He was damaged by an ex and Grace is a kindred soul, only she was damaged by her parents’ divorce. So she never gets past date 3. How can two such damaged souls make a relationship work?
At first everything is OK in their world. They flirt, they banter, they eye each other over the bar where she works and Davis is a regular. When she bets him that he can’t get a date with a non-blonde, Davis is determined to get one particular non-blonde in particular, (Grace is a redhead) into his bed. As they fall into a relationship, it’s sweet and it’s sexy, but she’s got walls that Davis will need to be the man of steel to tear down. When she backs off, Davis is devastated and I was devastated for him. She’s so damaged that I am honestly surprised that Davis ever managed to win her over, even a little bit. It’s here where Arm Candy sort of lost me, because I couldn’t connect with Grace. Her walls and damage make her into a vaguely unlikable person, and I just couldn’t get past my dislike of her. I adore Davis because he’s a big sweetheart, but Grace just bugged me. If she had been a little more likable I would have been much happier with Arm Candy.
Still, aside from that minor quibble I had with Grace, the rest of Arm Candy was entertaining and sweet, especially Davis. I’m looking forward to more of this series.
“Her eyes sparkle. I see my future reflected in them.”
Jessica Lemmon is one of my favorites. I loved the first book in this series, but this one? I fell in love with both characters, and I was able to relate to them in different ways, which only made the experience more enjoyable. Also, it’s written in first POV – what’s not to love?
“You’re different, Gracie. I didn’t want to be attracted to you. The moment I laid eyes on you, I couldn’t tear them away from you.”
Grace. Gracie. She’s awesome. Coming from a broken family as well, because my parents got divorced too, I understood Grace. She had no role models for a happy relationship, and all her life she’s been told love isn’t worth it, and that it all ends anyway, so she wants to save herself the trouble (BTW, parents, please don’t tell your children that!). I love that she’s a bartender, that she has tattoos and piercings and that she doesn’t have a model-like body. She feels… normal, you know? Whatever ‘normal’ means, anyway.
“Can I confess something? Whenever he adds that “-ie” to my name, I melt. It’s the way he says it. Like I’m his and his alone.”
I have quite a few quotes about Davis, but this one stood out for me. Because, from the start, he’s into Grace. The fact that he calls her Gracie when no one else does kind of made him even sweeter for me. Davis is an overachiever. He’s a finance analyst with a very organized life, who works from home and still puts on a suit every day. He has no room in his life for a relationship. Also, he’s been burned before – and I mean burned big time.
“I took your rejection like a man. I stood firm while you peppered me with buckshot. While you delivered a waking nightmare at my feet. I loved you, but you didn’t love me back.” (…) “I don’t want you to fade. I never want to forget the exact way you look when you say my name.”
Grace watches him as he charms the ladies at the bar, and sometimes takes them home with him. Women who are so very different from her. Davis watches the redhead bartender and feels the pull, but he wants to avoid that, and to avoid her. The banter between them is feisty and fun. The chemistry between them even before they give in to each other is electrifying.
““I can be demanding, Davis. I’m not sure you could handle me.” I shut my mouth so hard my teeth clack.
Then, through the tension humming around us, reply with, “Say the word and you’ll find out.”
It was hilarious that Davis has “packages” he offers women, sort of like an escort, just for you to have an idea of how detached he is (or wants to seem). And when they dare each other to go on a date you just know how this is gonna play out.
The thing is… they’re both bent. Life, and people in their lives, bent them. They just need to realize they’re not broken.
“Here, in my bed, in my kitchen—in my life, is…Well. She makes everything full instead of empty.”
Despite having been chewed up and spit out, it’s Davis who gives in first. I don’t think he means to, but Grace really is something else. I think it’s refreshing that they didn’t let things fester and that they actually talked about things. And even though Davis’ story is definitely grimmer, it’s Grace who can’t believe what they have, and questions and doubts everything. And ultimately lies to him, and to herself.
“She smiles and I smile, and when neither of us looks away for a very long time, I know we’re going to be okay.”
It was beautiful to see them opening up to each other, bit by bit, big steps and smaller steps. Slowly, but surely. Until things that seemed like a big deal really weren’t a big deal after all when compared to the two of them, together.
I really need to get the following books in this series.
I finished this book a while ago and I am just noticing that I didn’t leave my review, so lets fix that. I had so much fun reading this book, there were so many LOL moments because the banter between Grace and Davis was great.
Davis and Grace were both introduced in the first book, Eye Candy, where Davis’ best friend Vince’s gets his HEA and I’m thrilled to say we get to see Vince and Jackie in Arm Candy. Grace is one of the bartenders at the guys favorite bar and lets just say this feisty, tatted, non-blond is soooo not Davis’ type It’s actually kinda comical when you put her next to his usual conquests. But wow do opposites attract it’s like magnetic chemistry or something. These two really do know how to heat up the sheets!
I really enjoyed this book and it was a great addition to the series, I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for us next. Happy Reading!!!
Slow-moving, boring, predictable. Characters always misunderstood each other, as if they couldn’t be open and honest . Sleeping together but can’t communicate their real feelings for each other? Come on!
Great great great book!!!!
Clever approach for matchmaking.
3.5 bumped to 4 because of the snarky banter. This is another fun, quick rom-com in the Real Love series. You met Grace and Davis in the first book, Eye Candy. They were fun then, they’re more fun now!
Both have been burned in relationships in the past. Both have sworn off absolutely anything more than a few dates with the opposite sex. Who needs more than that? Grace’s parents had a rocky marriage, to say the least. She has no idea what a real relationship looks like. She just knows that she’s not made for one. It’s a fallacy. There’s no such thing as happily ever after, forever, or true love. Nope. No such thing. Davis was left at the altar six years ago…by a redhead. Since then, he’s only looked at blondes. He knows first hand that real relationships don’t exist. They’re a fallacy. There’s no such thing as happily ever after, forever, or true love. Nope. No such thing.
Grace and Davis end up going out on a date because of a bet that Grace makes. That’s when all the fun begins. That’s when they start to question what they know to be true. Join Grace and Davis as they wade their way through relationship nightmare. It’s a hilarious journey!
Arm Candy is another excellent story from Jessica Lemmon!
Davis and Grace are absolutely perfect together and I loved their witty, sexy dialogue throughout the entire book. While I thought Davis may rub me the wrong way in this book, I was very pleasantly surprised that he turned out to be the quintessential book boyfriend! I adore Grace, full of life, sexy and can take as good as she gets. She knows what she wants! Arm Candy is fun, spicy and will definitely warm your heart! I truly loved this book and highly recommend it!!
I totally enjoyed reading Arm Candy by Jessica Lemmon, the second book in her new series, Real Love. This story features Davis Price and Grace Buchanan who we met in Eye Candy, the first book of the series. Davis was jilted at the altar by a red-head and has since become a serial dater, dating only blondes. He loves his routine, has a good heart, and is a great friend. Grace is a beautiful red-head bartender at McGeevey’s Pub, where Davis hangs out and flirts with her. Grace has shied away from marriage after witnessing the divorce of her lawyer parents. Despite it all, Grace and Davis have a strong chemistry and need to work through their fears toward marriage and commitment.
I really loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms. Lemmon wove a wonderful story, with lots of humor, charm and smexy. She drew me in and did not let go until I turned the last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers and I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
** I received a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
4.5 stars!
This is the second book in the Real Love series and it can be read as a standalone. I actually enjoyed this book more than I did the first book. This story was sweet and the chemistry between the characters was undeniable. I finished this story in within a few hours. I was totally hooked once I started reading it and I loved this story from beginning to end. Grace “Gracie” and Davis are still emotionally hurt from things that happened in their life, and it makes them question what they have and if what they have is worth fight for. I loved the way their story played out because it wasn’t instant lust and it wasn’t predictable. The only thing I disliked was how Grace let her mom get in her head and make her question things going on in her life. However, this was a sweet romance read that I think a lot of readers will enjoy. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
Arm Candy surprised me. When I sat down to read, I expected humor and I got that. What I didn’t expect was the sweet story that unfolded in this romance. Davis and Grace each have their own issues about relationships and the one thing they agree on is that neither of them want one – until they do. The story has a good, steady pace and while their is some angst, the levity throughout lightens things up. The characters are interesting and so well developed, even the secondary characters were likable and made me want to know more about them. Davis and Grace have great chemistry and are so good together and their banter was witty and fun. I found myself at least chuckling and even laughing out right, but I have to say that my favorite part of the dialogue was Davis’ speech at the end. When I have big, happy tears rolling, the author has certainly done her job. This is my first read by Jessica Lemmon, but it certainly won’t be my last. She’s woven a romantic tale that made me laugh, cry, and even had me fuming at a couple of characters. Arm Candy is emotional, funny, sweet, and oh so sexy. It’s one that I can easily recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre.
Arm Candy takes a less conventional but realistic route on the road to romance. Lust + Laughter = Love. Temptation is the draw, but laughter sweetens the pot and I’m a sucker for an awesome love match. Ms. Lemmon left her mark with Grace and Davis’ tango into love. She knows his type. He wants her heart. This time around, it’s the bad girl that holds all the cards and Mr. Straight Laced, may have just met his match. Jessica Lemmon knows how to create a tasty, tempting treat. Arm Candy is a beautiful surprise.
I’ve read quite a few books by Jessica Lemmon and one thing I know that I can always count on with one of her books is that it will keep me entertained and I’ll enjoy my reading experience. Once again, Lemmon delivered. Not that I expected her not to, but it’s always a pleasant surprise when a book is awesome.
I liked Arm Candy. Was it my favorite book by Lemmon? No. But it also wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read. I think that my only issue with it was how slow it was. There’s nothing wrong with a book that is at a slower pace … it’s just not something I had experienced with this author before, so I was a little taken aback. Now all of that being said, I think that the pace really matched up with the characters – especially Davis. Our leading man, Davis, is some sort of day trader or stock something-or-other. He goes to the bar that Grace works out to decompress a little bit. I think that the pace of the book was really just the pace of Davis as he sits on that bar stool a few times a week. I liked Davis … he wasn’t one of those characters that made me fan myself, but I liked him.
Now Grace … this chick is awesome. I really liked her character and just the way that she presented herself. She’s sassy and doesn’t really care what you think about it. I think we could all use a little inner Grace sometimes. And Grace and Davis together … he changed a little bit when the sparks started flying between them. I enjoyed the little transformation that he went through.
The story itself was great. I liked the direction that the book went in and I really have no complaints about it. Everything was stellar, even if the pace was a little slow for my liking – it seemed perfect for the characters though and that’s really what counts. It seems that it doesn’t matter what Lemmon writes, I’ll be picking it up. Guaranteed good time with her stuff.
*I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
The instant Davis Price’s eyes land on the feisty little redhead behind the bar he is completely enamored with her, but as appealing as she may be, he doesn’t date redheads. The last one left a mile long scar on his heart and since then he has veered completely away from them, cause frankly it just hurts to damn much to want to go there again. But, the more time he spends with Grace, and the more sex infused one liners they trade, the more he starts to realize his attraction to her isn’t going away anytime soon. So, when she issues a challenge, he can’t help but want to take it, what harm could there be in one little date?
When you work in a bar you become accustom to being hit on, hell Grace Buchanan has come to expect it every shift she’s behind the bar, and she has become quite good at deflecting it too… that is until Davis Price sidles up to the bar. Something about his suit and tie attire intrigues her, then he opens his mouth and the feisty banter ensues and she can’t help but start to fall for him a little. But Mr. Suit and Tie has a type, petite, plain, blondes, and it’s quite evident she is about as far away from that as she could get. Her bright red hair, tight sexy attire, and tattoos are surely not his thing… or are they?
The moment I started Arm Candy I was hooked, it was SO GOOD, I just couldn’t put it down, so I wound up staying up until the wee hours of the morning just to finish, and damn was it worth the loss of Zzz’s!! Davis wandered onto the page and I completely lost my ability to think, there is just something about a dirty talking sharp dressed man, in a suit, that I cannot deny, and apparently I wasn’t the only one he had this effect on, cause he got Grace pretty good too!! They were about as opposite as two people could be, but that didn’t seem to matter at all when they were near one another, the heat swirling between them would take over and all that mattered was their need for one another… and boy did things get hot!! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these two, their story warmed my heart, gave me the feels, and left me aching for more… I really can’t wait for Man Candy!! I have to say this is by far one of my favorite series from Ms. Lemmon to date, and I am certain if you give it a try her endearing characters are sure to win you over too, highly recommend this series!!