I’ve spent my whole life guarding the family’s biggest secrets. Too bad this one won’t leave my guest room. Let’s blame that inconvenient distraction for the questionable choices I make at my brother’s wedding. Thank God for Lily Archer, who saves my rep and melts my heart in one fell swoop. It’s damn humbling for a controlling jerk like me accustomed to being in charge of everything. But … in charge of everything.
But something about Lily has me unraveling like the cuffs on a cheap suit. She’s sexy and smart as hell, and makes no secret she wants me for a no-strings fling. What guy in his right mind would say no?
I’m clearly not in my right mind because I suddenly can’t stop thinking about long-term with Lily. It’s not ideal, since the family’s worst skeleton is ready to tumble from the closet in a big, dusty heap. Who the hell is in charge around here?
It’s me. And before this is over, I’ll have some explaining to do.
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Favorite Quotes:
When footsteps click closer, I freeze like a pervert shoplifting in a porn shop.
Come to think of it, there’s not much warmth in the whole Bracelyn family tree. Just endless rows of icicle-covered branches.
Things are so far from what I expected that I can’t even remember my expectations anymore.
James Bracelyn is sealed up tighter than a clam with lockjaw.
My Review:
I have enjoyed every book in this cleverly amusing series that I’ve had the chance to pick up. I adored these characters, they were smart and endearing and given to smirk-worthy banter and wordplay that snapped with irreverent levity and sizzle while their storylines were engaging and quickly paced with a few extra spicy bits and unexpected twists. All of which were expertly combined to result in an entertaining, effortless, and pleasurable reading experience that left me smiling with satisfaction and looking forward to the next installment.
The best romantic comedy I’ve read this year! If you want a book that will make you laugh so hard, your sides ache the next day, this is the one for you! With just enough drama, secrets and mystery, I guarantee you won’t be able to put this one down. Wanting to discover what secrets are being kept, will keep you turning the page as fast as you can read. There are twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, and that’s always a pleasant surprise for me. I have three words for you: READ IT NOW.
“I’m the one the with the man-eater rep, the woman known for addressing sex stuff head-on and asking for what I want. How the hell is Iceman Bracelyn beating me at my own game?” Lily Archer has always known what she wants when it comes to men. No strings attached, good times and on to the next. Then along came James Bracelyn. Simply not what she expected. He’s cool, organized and everything is as it should be in his life. So people think…
James has a lot on his plate. His cool exterior is what he uses to cover all of the secrets that are his to keep. Those secrets are getting more and more difficult to keep under wraps. Now, with Lily in the picture, he finds he wants to unburden himself with her. This is not how it’s supposed to work in his life – but Lily brings out so much in him that is not his norm.
I fell I love with Lily earlier in the Ponderosa Series. I’m so glad to have her story. And James is her perfect match!
James is the serious oldest brother of the Bracelyn family. Lily is an outspoken firecracker. But together their chemistry is off the charts. I love these two, there is no lack of steam between them. And the secrets that James has been hiding…Wow!
The Ponderosa Resort series is incredible. When I am reading these books, I feel that Tawna Fenske is transporting me into the Bracelyn’s world and that of their extended friends and family. I can not wait for the next one to come out so I can go back for a visit.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
And, honestly, this is probably my favorite Ponderosa Resort book yet, and that’s saying a lot! This book was such a fast read, I think I finish it in an evening. I couldn’t put it down. I’m going to be purposely vague, as I don’t want to spoil the amazing twists and turns this book takes.
Uncovering James’s secrets, which, dang…. I did not see that twist coming, kept me turning the pages. James felt like a relatively flat character in previous books in the series. He was the stereotypical oldest, stuffy, stoic, uptight and always “on”. He really blossomed in this book, and I loved how there really was a lot of depth and reason behind how he behaves; it’s not just presented as, “That’s just how he is.”
Lily is James’s perfect foil too. She’s strong and sassy and sexually free without coming off as a ditzy tramp. Her own issues played well off of James’s and I loved watching the two of them struggle and learn together.
I will say, while I know all the books in the Ponderosa Resort series are meant to be stand alone, I definitely would wait to read this one until you’ve read the others. The whole series is amazing, so you can’t go wrong at all, but this one might feel a bit out of place if you read it first. Get started on the series though! It’s one of the best. Funny, sexy, and always beautifully written!
I enjoyed this book just like the rest of the books in the Ponderosa Resort series. I loved seeing two completely opposite people come together. The fun things Lily gets Jonathan to do has you laughing. I was hooked after a huge secret that Jonathan was keeping was revealed and there is more than one. This is a stand alone but you do get a glimpse into what Jonathan’s brothers and sister’s are doing. If you want to laugh out loud while the stiff suit figures out how to do crazy pranks this book is for you. Follow Lily and Jonathan on their path to love and self discovery.
The prologue starts with our favorite Bracelyn siblings sitting in on a group therapy session with Dr Hooter. Yes that’s her name. The good Dr is trying to get the siblings to share their “secrets” and James “Iceman” Bracelyn knows all the secrets since he’s the CEO of the Ponderosa Luxury Ranch Resort.
We begin the chapter with Amber & Sean’s wedding. Ambers best friend is Lily Archer ;the firerey red -head volcanologist is also known as a “man-eater”. On the way to the reception Lily takes James by the arm and heads to the bar, where they have a very usual conversation.
James finds himself on edge during the reception and continues to drink heavily and finds himself waking up at Lily’s home the next morning.
Lily has some fun by telling him the “things” he did last night, but then reassures him nothing happened.
He seems relieved but she goes as far telling him she caught the bouquet and that they were planning a June wedding. But then again comes clean and tells him she avoids relationships, marriage etc.. I loved this response she gave him because he continues to freak out.
“No offense, Iceman, but you could get down on one knee juggling watermelons with a six-carat diamond between your teeth and a twelve-inch salami in your pants, and I’d politely decline your heartfelt—albeit, very weird -proposal “
This all happens in chapters 1-2 and then chapter 2 ending with a huge reveal! SECRETS!
We are also introduced to a couple new characters; Jonathan Bracelyn ( another brother) and Dr. Bradley Parker.
James and Lily find they are very attracted to each other and decide on a “no-strings attached” relationship.
There’s carousel zebras, learning how to TP inside a home, a very large dog named Magma and a sweet but tough grandmother. Many other things in this story along with many more reveals and secrets. Trust me you be shocked.
Tawna continues this wonderful series with humor, passion and a tiny bit of angst.
I love that she continues to bring in most of the characters from previous books and introducing new ones.
James and Lily are two complicated people, but you’ll enjoy their love story
Stiff Suit
What a sweet, sexy, and sassy story!! Absolutely loved I couldn’t stop reading! Surely didn’t leave me disappointed!
“Some secrets you don’t put in writing. Some secrets you share with no one. Some secrets you swear on all that’s holy you will take to your goddamned grave.”
Highly recommend AND the series!!
Each book in the Ponderosa Resort series is better than the last, in this reader’s opinion! Strong, mostly silent James, or Iceman, as some call him, takes his role as oldest Bracelyn sibling very seriously. He’s the keeper of the secrets, and that weighs very heavily on him. Lily Archer has a firm grasp on her sexuality and isn’t afraid of using it, or how people perceive her. But she’s taken by surprise by not only her interest in a James, but his in her.
I love stoic, slightly uptight, and pop culture naive James! Watching him grow into his own with the help of Lily was such an uplifting story but had all the humor I’ve come to love in Fenske’s books. Interactions between James and his siblings helped drive the storyline and give us a peak at James role as oldest brother.
I didn’t think James would replace his brother Mark’s place in my heart…I obviously underestimated how hard I would fall for him and Lily! Read the whole series, but if you need to limit yourself to one, make it Stiff Suit!
What do you get when you cross an ultra-conservative, stick up his booty guy with a carefree, fun, free-spirited gal? Yup, you guessed it. Adventures galore. Lily is determined to loosen James up. James just wants to bed Lily. Both will succeed, but it will cost them.
And let us not forget the secrets that have been festering. James is the keeper of these secrets and when they come out it will be explosive. How will all of the players deal with the aftermath?
With the exception of the zebra, this story was realistic. James is in a precarious position and Lily just wants to help. She is a very strong woman and she speaks her mind. She does not shrink back in the face of adversity. And let’s not forget about Gramma. Her rock. The one person she can rely on no matter what.
This book ranks up there as my favorite in the series. I enjoyed Studmuffin Santa with the message on childhood bullying. And now this one on learning to live and love and let loose.
This book was awesome! From the minute these two meet, to the morning after, and everything in between, these two are definitely meant to be together. I really felt for James and all of his secrets he has to keep but I must admit, I wasn’t prepared for that huge twist to happen. I’m glad that James could at least get rid of some of his secrets and become a less burdened man. I really liked these two together and how could you not love Lily as the heroine especially when she has her own mini welding torch, plus her dog Magma (which I totally love the name) and her grandma, are both a perfect addition to this book. James and Lily and the ending, was perfect! I really loved this book!!!!
I received an ARC of this book and am so excited to review it!! I started it this morning and was not able to put it down! I loved James and Lily together!! I loved the way that their entire relationship starts! Neither one wanting to get into a “relationship” the chemistry there between the two of them is just oh wow. There were definitely times that I was like “OMG” and “are you kidding me”! I love the way that Tawna pulls all the characters from previous books back through this one. I can honestly say that I would recommend the entire Ponderosa Resort Series!! If you haven’t ready any of them yet go get Studmuffin Santa and go from there. I can’t wait to find out what might be in store for Jonathan.
I really enjoy this series. Getting to learn more about each one of the Bracelyn members is great. I love how supportive the siblings are and how much love there is with one another. They are a wealthy family, but they have their own problems and secrets. I was surprised, though, as to how much James was actually holding in as the family secret keeper. You may think you know what’s going on…but maybe not. I think Lily was the perfect person to help thaw James’ Iceman image, and I think he was a good balance to her independent side.
It amazes me that every single book in this series is so much better than the last one. Since the books before this were absolutely fantastic, it doesn’t even make sense.
I went into this book thinking there couldn’t be two more mismatched people than James and Lily but after reading their story, they are so unbelievably perfect for each other. I need to learn to trust the process!!
James couldn’t get more uptight if he tried. Lily is fun and smart and goes for what she wants. When these two get together, it’s pure magic. This story had some twists that I definitely didn’t see coming and it kept me glued to the story to see how everything was going to work out.
I love visits to Ponderosa Resort and I can’t wait to go back!!
This is hands down one of my favorite series ever, and this book didn’t disappoint.
Words can’t describe how much I loved James in this book. I especially liked when he was trying to sound smart and use big words and that it just lit Lily’s fire. From their first kiss to them discussing the terms of becoming friends with benefits had me laughing out loud.
“Mutually Satisfying arrangement?? Behooves us both?? Lily wasn’t the only one on the floor when James pulls out the proper terminology. 🙂
Lily is the type of woman I wish some day I could be more like. She is open, warm, kind and owns her sexuality. She isn’t afraid to admit who she is and what she likes. She is someone I think I could be friends with.
I loved this book and hope for more in this series.
Get ready for a trip back to the Ponderosa Resort and this time we get to watch James “Iceman” Bracelyn lose his cool. Poor James, being the oldest sibling of all the Bracelyn children he was always put in the position of keeping the family secrets and being the stone cold face in a crisis. He took that role to heart and unfortunately for him, it has ruled his entire life. When he is faced with Lily “Man-Eater” Archer at his brothers wedding his cool starts to heat up quickly. Too quickly in fact, to the point he can’t even remember what happened and how on earth did he wind up in her bed without his clothes on.
This book, oh lord where to begin with everything that is going on in this 5 star book. I won’t give any spoilers away, trust me you don’t want to know what is happening until you read the book for yourself, but I will say I love this series and this is by far my favorite of the 5 books. There are so many surprises, so much humor I laughed out loud on numerous occasions causing my hubby to give me funny looks, and there is heartbreaking emotions throughout. Tawna Fenske ran the gambit with this one and covered all the emotions. It’s so good. I received an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I loved it! I highly recommend it! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Hot, fun and emotional – the romantic trifecta!
I couldn’t wait to start the Iceman’s story! All the siblings have been interesting and fun in their own way yet James has always kept himself aloof from most of the shenanigans. I never doubted his love for his family, not at all, but his story dove into the whys and wherefores of his standoffishness – and it was awesome!
Secrets. Stomach-churning secrets and loyalty were behind James’s stoic façade. When Lily helped him in his moment of need, she saw beneath the surface and started the cracks that would blow those secrets sky high. I LOVED the chemistry between these two. Lily was sexy, hilarious and flirty, in direct contrast to her very serious career. She was a bit defensive about her reputation. She would never say sorry for her love of love (including good sex) and she didn’t need to. That they could both agree on. Now if they could only work out the details…
Funny, sexy and full of sibling heart and soul, James and Lily’s romance was everything I wanted it to be! Awkward and earnest, and hot as he**, the emotional honesty in their courtship was… EVERYTHING! If you haven’t read the Ponderosa stories you need to start at the beginning and hang on for the ride!
*I happily reviewed this story
Absolutely loved this book-couldn’t stop reading once I started. A sweet, sexy and sassy read with twists I definitely didn’t see coming. I loved how James and Lily found in each other something they didn’t know they needed or wanted. Can’t wait for another visit to the Ponderosa Resort.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
I know I say this every time but Tawna Fenske is the queen of rom coms. I have loved getting to know each character in this series. They are all funny books, but also have some serious issues going on. James is a lawyer and there is a reason for his ‘iceman’ nickname. Lily is very much a free spirit and neither of them wants a relationship, just some fun. But what happens when they both want more? I really liked this one with the characters being opposites. Unfortunately James has been keeping a lot of family secrets and he is afraid of what Lily might think of him if they come out.
Some quotes I liked:
“Be afraid of what could happen if you don’t give this a shot.”
“That when the shit hit the fan, he wanted me gone instead of there by his side.”
“We all have an inner wild man,” she says. “Or woman. You’re just scared to death of yours.”
Oh, James… So far, he’s probably my favorite Bracelyn (although I might have felt that way about each of them in their respective books – do I detect a pattern here?), and I’m in awe at the scale he manages to mess things up – and still gets to pull off his HEA.
To be fair, if it weren’t for the equally amazeballs Lily, who excels at pushing just the right stuck-up-lawyer buttons, this story wouldn’t be half as heartbreaking, or hilarious, or sexy.
Can’t wait to read the next book in this wonderful series!