In this sequel to Wallbanger, fan favorites Caroline Reynolds and Simon Parker negotiate the rollercoaster of their new relationship while house-sitting in Sausalito. Playing house was never so much fun–or so confusing. With her boss on an extended honeymoon, Caroline’s working crazy-long hours to keep the interior design company running–especially since she’s also the lead designer for the … designer for the renovation of a gorgeous old hotel. And with Simon, her hotshot photographer boyfriend, gallivanting all over the world for his job, the couple is heavy-duty into “absence makes the heart grow fonder” mode. No complaints about the great reunion sex, though
Then a trip back east to his childhood home has Simon questioning his nomadic lifestyle. He decides to be home more. A lot more. And he wants Caroline home more, too. Though their friends’ romantic lives provide plenty of welcome distraction, eventually Caroline and Simon have to sort out their relationship. Sure, more togetherness is a good thing–but does less traveling and working have to mean the other extreme? Apple pie and picket fences? With this second book in the Cocktail series, USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton delivers another delicious, frothy confection of a book, shaking up her characters, stirring in laugh-out-loud humor, and serving sizzling romance straight upmore
Some of the books in Alice Clayton’s Cocktail series feature different couples and different storylines, but Rusty Nailed is a direct sequel to the first installment: Wallbanger and continues following lead characters Caroline and Simon. After the hilarity of Wallbanger, this sequel was fairly disappointing in comparison, but the newness of the characters’ romance has passed and watching relationships progress can get a bit rocky at times. I love this series and had previously skipped over this sequel but after watching a friend recently meet Caroline and Simon for the first time, I thought it was about time to finish their story. If you are a fan of this series, make sure to include this one in the mix.
My favorite quote:
“…sometimes you have to pretend to be feeling better to actually feel better. It’s why new workout clothes make you feel like you want to work out. I was still waiting for that one to turn out to be true…”
h: Caroline (POV)
H: Simon
I appreciated the realistic look at a couple navigating through the first year or so of their relationship. Every couple argues and has their ups and downs. I wasn’t exactly certain where the climax of the story was..
Favorite Quotes:
Not all men can handle the P-word. And boy, is that a mouthful. Ahem. Some say it all the time, some use it in common conversation. But a good P-word is all about placement: when to say it, where to say it, how to say it. Dirty talk is an art. Do it too often, it becomes routine. Never do it, and you’re missing something. pg 75
“Anything. You can have anything you want. Don’t you know that?” He groaned, scooping under my back and pulling me closer into him, … “I just need you.” His eyes burned into mine, stormy and full of want. “You-I need you.” pg 208
A good, easy, feel-good read that focuses on what happens after the initial romantic flare. There’s not a lot of suspense or conflict in this one, but I enjoyed reading the next phase of Caroline and Simon’s romance, as well as getting reacquainted with their friends. Looking forward to the next in the series.
another great book by Alice Clayton. Entertaining and couldn’t put the book down
Very fun read! I love the author’s use of Clive to keep things light and entertaining.
I LOVED Wallbanger, so when I discovered that there was a sequel, I jumped on it!
Several reviewers said they didn’t particularly like the sequel and would have preferred there not to have been one at all. This surprises me, as is in real life, our stories don’t end once we start a committed relationship. It’s just the beginning. And I was incredibly happy to read about how Caroline and Simon were making it work a year after they officially got together!
My favorite thing about Wallbanger and Rusty Nailed is how realistic Ms. Clayton is about the ins and outs of a relationship. Just because Simon is super hot, wealthy and has a great job, doesn’t make him Mr. Perfect. He makes mistakes just like everyone else. I loved how well Ms. Clayton wrote the ideal, “not perfect, but perfect for each other.” They loved each other so much, but were also individuals who were willing to “settle in, but not settle.” (That’s a line from Caroline’s mind and I thought it was brilliant.) Both willing and wanting to make compromises and sacrifices for each other so they could make each other happy and be happy themselves.
If anything could be taken away from this story it’s that communication is the most important thing about a relationship. You can love someone til you’re blue in the face, but if you dont communicate your feelings and day to day activities, the love won’t be enough.
I know there’s one more novella to end the Wallbanger/s story and I can’t wait!
Love this writer.