He’s the quiet brooding guy who’s owned my heart since I was sixteen but has refused to claim it.
I’m the naïve woman who believes that someday our time will come.
I just didn’t realize that someday would include waking up in Vegas with a raging hangover and a ring on my finger.
If we believed in fate, maybe one of us would’ve trusted that something more powerful than ourselves interceded … ourselves interceded because our love is one of tangled vines. As twisted and frayed as they’ve become over the years, they’ve never broken.
An annulment seemed like the easy way out. We should’ve known it wouldn’t be fate that intervened, but our Italian Mamas. They can deliver Oscar-worthy performances when heaping on the guilt.
We thought it’d be easy to pretend to be a happily married couple in front of our families for three months and then say we gave it our best shot and go our separate ways.
But nothing is easy when it comes to Dominic Mancini and me. Nothing.
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New release from Piper Rayne!
I desperately wanted Dom’s story!
Wild Steamy Hookup picked right where Dirty Flirty Enemy ended.
Ughh.. one second I was in love with him and Val the next I wanted punched them.
Dom is a workaholic ~ manwhore.
Val is a divorcee with a teenage son. She runs her own dance companies.
Vegas brings these two fated lovers together!
Up and down roller coaster ride to finally find their happiness.
I absolutely love this series..the Mancini brothers rock…I can’t wait for little sister, Blanca’s story.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 5/5 the families are FANTASTIC!
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Angst~ 5/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5
Book Cover~ Swoon worthy
Series~ White Collar Brothers – Book 3
Source~ Kindle eBook – ARC for honest review
Would I read more from the authors? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Dominic and Valentina have known each other since childhood. Val has had a crush on Dom since the age of sixteen and believes they will be a couple one day. Dom doesn’t feel the same way. A drunken night in Vegas leaves the two waking up with more than a hangover. They discover they are married, now to annul it before their families find out. As most things tend to go for this couple, the mothers on both sides throw that Italian guilt on the couple to try to make things work. Will the relationship work out or will they end up going their separate ways? Another awesome read from Piper Rayne!
OH My Freaking Lord!!!
Domanic Mancini?? Why is there never men like him in real life?? He’s so addictive, and broody and my word. Is he hot… and cold. He’s so madly in love with his high school sweetheart but he lost her years ago. Now, Valentina is back, and she’s all he can think about. The will she, won’t she and will he, won’t he almost drove me to distraction with these two. Hot doesn’t even come close to how they are together and of course, add in some guilt-tripping in-laws and ‘helpful siblings’ and you have a classic Piper Rayne 2nd chance romance.
I loved Dom. He was sharp, broody and took charge. Valentina kept things close to her chest, but so did Dom. If they’d talked more at the start they could have saved us all some heartache, but then where would the story be? LOL.
Get your next Mancini dose when you One-Click this beauty, you won’t be sorry you did.
I’ve been excited for Dom’s story since getting a sneak peek at the end of Dirty Flirty Enemy and this book was one that had me consumed from beginning to end. This was not the typical romcom Piper Rayne book, this was an emotional second chance romance that definitely pulled on the heartstrings. Dom and Val have loved each other since they were kids but when you’re young life never goes as planned and their paths took different turns. Their story is one that will have you yelling at your kindle, laughing at the Mancini Men, Blanca, Lulu, Gia and frustrated with Dom and Val that you’ll want to throttle them. I can honestly say that this book had me on edge the entire time and realizing by the end I didn’t want to let go! Such a beautiful story about second chances, finding the one and not letting them go!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Oh how I’ve been looking forward to Wild Steamy Hook-Up, as I had to know what Piper Rayne had in store for the final unattached Mancini brother, Dominic. They definitely didn’t disappoint!
Dom and Val have known one another since they were kids and they were one another’s first loves when they were teenagers. Things happened and they went their separate ways even though it was fairly clear that they were still number one in each other’s hearts.
Fast forward to now, when they both happen to be in Vegas for the weekend and after a night of enjoying a bit too much alcohol, they find themselves hitched. They figure the easiest thing to do is to get an annulment, but before that can happen, things don’t quite go as planned. There is absolutely no doubt that the feelings are still strong and that the chemistry is off the charts. The question is, is the timing finally right for them?
I loved this story, but it is definitely an emotional roller coaster. While I loved both Dom and Val, there were times I wanted to throttle them both. They are both stubborn and also fearful of being hurt again and that becomes crystal clear as you move through the book. I love a good second chance love story and I am glad I was drawn into this one from the outset. I also loved how the Mancini family was so involved, just like a good Italian family would be! Do yourself a favor and don’t just pick up this book, make sure you read the whole series…it’s worth it!
I love this series and couldn’t wait to read Dom’s story. This is a great second chance story. Through the first two books, Dom has been involved with a mysterious hook-up. Nine months ago, they ended their relationship, and Dom’s response seemed to indicate that this was more than a booty call to him. This book opens in Vegas where the Mancini brothers are attending their cousin’s bachelor party. What happened in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas since Dom and his first love, Valentina, get drunk and married. Of course, their plans to annul the marriage are thwarted by their meddling Italian mothers. I loved Dom, it was clear that he has always loved Val, but life got in the way. This story had so many ups ands downs and there were times I was so frustrated that Dom and Val couldn’t get out of their own way. As always, Piper Rayne gives the reader a thoroughly enjoyable read. I received an ARC of this book from the author for my honest review.
iper and Rayne have totally outdone themselves with this book. Get ready to go on an emotional rollcoaster with Dom and Val. Throughout the book, you get glimpses into their back story and seeing a side of Dom that you’ll love one minute and hate the next. Literally you will want to throttle Dom one minute and then you are swooning with how sweet he is the next. Dom just seems to flip a switch and go back to his arrogant self that is only considered about money, success and himself.
Not only do we get an amazing story with Dom and Val but we hear more from the other Mancini siblings again as well. I’m so excited to see what Piper Rayne does for the only Mancini sister with Blanca in her book.
I would definitely recommend this book! Note: This is the third book in the series but you do not have to have read the other 2 books to enjoy and understand this story but if you are like me, you’ll be going back and picking up the first 2.
I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
I just read an arc of this book. It was so amazing! I did want to smack Dom and Val through most of the book. I love true love romances, and this one was a big hit. Dom and Val were meant to be and were made for each other. The flashback scenes were great. I don’t really like them, but these were not over the top. A great book overall!
After seeing a quick glimpse of what was to come for Dom at the end of the previous book I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! Absolutely loved Dom and Val and was the perfect ending to the series! I say it every time I read another Piper Rayne book but with every book I read I love it more than the last one.
I am emotionally drained! I don’t think I’ve ever loved or been more frustrated by a Piper Rayne couple! Dom and Val will have you hugging your kindle one moment and stomping on it the next! Excellent final installment of the White Collar Brothers!
The last Mancini brother’s story is Dom’s and Val. They’ve known each other since high school and have had an on and off again relationship with neither one of them letting the other know exactly how they feel. Everyone else around them can tell that they love each other but they don’t see it themselves. When they meet up in Las Vegas, they end up drinking too much and end up married. The plan is to get an annulment but their parents want them to give the marriage a try. Dom and Val decide to give it until after his cousin’s wedding. They have to live together in order for the parents to think that they are giving it a real try. I went between loving their relationship and wanting to hit both of them to get them to see what they love they have for each other. I liked the flashbacks that give an insight into their previous interactions with each other. This wasn’t as hilarious as the previous Piper Rayne books, but we still get to see the other brothers and their partners that give some humor to the book. I did like the story a lot even without a lot of the humor between Dom and Val. From the end of the book, we find out that the Mancini sister, Blanca, will be getting her story next year. I can’t wait.
This book is funny, and sweet and all the things a good romance book should be. I really enjoyed it!
I was not expecting Dom to be the one who would take the plunge & marry. I loved how they had been on & off since teenagers . Sometimes love is meant to be the third time around. I have getting to know the Mancini family .
“Times like this, it feels as if I was made for him and he was made for me. But if that’s the case, how come we’re so wrong for each other?”
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Not if you have a brother who can’t keep secrets, another nosey brother, and an Italian mother who loves to intrude. Gamble? No problems. Drink? Okay. Have fun at your cousin’s bachelor party? Acceptable. Marrying a woman who is part of your life for years but you kept her a secret, who is divorced and also Italian, with a mother who also loves to intrude? Absolutely impossible for this story not to be discovered.
Dominic and Valentina have known each other forever. And their story is complicated. Between back and forth, unsaid things, hurt, these two managed to make so much confusion when it comes to their feelings, that they almost put everything to lose.
Dom wanted to settle down, go to college, make money. By the way, money is a key piece for him. Success and financial security is such an important goal that he will give up the woman he loves in pursuit of that dream. Valentina just wanted to be loved. But she does not accept to stand aside while Dom seeks what he needs. And by trying to move on with her life, fate eventually irrevocably changes her life, and ends up with their chances to be together again.
Years later, they are reunited. He got everything he dreamed. He has a good job, a nice apartment and the money he always wanted. She has a son, is divorced, and her career after hard work is bearing fruit. And even after so long, chemistry is still present. Just like the feelings that never disappeared. But the period together will be brief. Dom will let her go, so she can have what she always dreamed of. Even if that decision hurts him one more time.
When they meet again, Las Vegas kicks in. And with both of them drunk, waking up the next day married is no wonder. A mistake because of alcohol, but one that can be easily undone, only one lawyer is needed. But they didn’t count on their mothers and all the Italian guilt they play on the couple. And so, they get married, with an agreement between them that as soon as his cousin’s marriage passes, they will get a divorce. Or so they thought …
If Dom in the other books was a mystery, being able to follow his trajectory was a pleasant surprise. I understand his reasons for wanting to push Valentina away in the past, although I don’t agree. But what can’t be denied is how much he loves this woman, and how much being “dumped” both times hurt him.
Valentina caused me mixed feelings. I understand her frustration, but the succession of mistakes she made, made it difficult for me to connect with the character.
With all the Mancini together, the book has funny moments, great siblings interaction, lots of romantic moments, a bit of drama and lots of love. Dom may be more reserved, but his heart knows no bounds. Loved the character.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
Wild Steamy Hook-Up by Piper Rayne is the third book in their White Collar Brothers series. By far the more emotionally charged, deeper story of the three brothers – this is a story of second chances for two people who didn’t think they could ever be together. With the help of their guilt-tripping Italian mothers Dom & Val have no choice BUT to make it work. The problem is – there are moments in their joined past that are beyond difficult for each of them to get over leaving the two of them trying desperately to move forward without having dealt with their issues. Emotional, a little-heartbreaking, but ultimately with a hard-won happily ever after this story was fantastic! Enjoy!
Lord I just absolutely love Piper Rayne’s books!!! Every single time I start one whether its starting a new series or continuing one I always fall straight in head first. And I continue to think about the book days later. They write the types of books that just stick with you. And they make you feel like you have come home. Dom and Val’s story is no different. Although it is to me a bittersweet story. But I love it just the same. I love how whether it’s a dynamic between actual family by blood or by choice you have that family love and care in their books. They are definitely two of my most favorite authors and I love reading them and can read their books over and over and never tire of it. And I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!!! I highly highly recommend this book and all of their books. By Tina
4.5 Stars – What a fabulous story.
I loved Dom, he’s my favorite of the Mancini brothers and this book was even better than the previous two in this series.
Dom and Val had history. Not just the few months they slept with each other but all the way back to school when they were still kids. But their plans for the future and his outlined steps to success differed from each other. While he was driven to make a career and earn a lot of money for a stable lifestyle without having to struggle financially, she yearned to have a family with her forever love.
My heart ached when I saw how much Dom hurt. He obviously loved Val but considering their complicated past it was no wonder that he was cautious of opening up his heart again because she kept pushing him away. He was such a good guy. Who would have known? In the previous books he was quiet and always working. Talk about silent waters running deep. He had a big heart, was generous, selfless in so many regards and had a lot of love to give.
Val was meant to be his forever but life doesn’t always pan out the way we’d like it to. She ended up pregnant and married to another guy but even years later, raising a teenager and being divorced, they couldn’t forget their past. And Dom was still the same workaholic, a determined and closed off person who always put his work first.
I loved this Italian family including Dom’s cousins’ and Val’s family. They all had such a great dynamic and relationship with each other. Their matchmaking was hilarious and I loved how they helped one another out.
The chemistry between the characters was off the charts and I was a bit tense for them to finally talk about everything and move on from what happened. They were old enough to figure out their feelings and problems on their own but still needed a kick in their butts. It was a shame it took them so long, thinking of all the lost years where they could have been together already.
Although the ending was super sweet I didn’t think that they were outspoken. There was still enough for them to work out but the epilogue seemed as if they made it safely to the other – the happy – side. Finally. They deserved their HEA.
I loved that Val’s kid was already a teenager and not a small child anymore who was dependent on his mom. So he wasn’t as big a deal in this story as a baby would have been. He had his own mind and I loved the few scenes with him.
Dom and Val made some mistakes and their foolish behavior was bound to bite them in the ass. Because what goes around comes back around, right?!
The story had a great pace, was written in dual POV and gave a few peeks into the past to certain turning points of the characters’ lives. This gave a better understanding of their complicated relationship because I wondered for quite some time on how they ever veered so far off their paths and why they couldn’t seem to let go of their past. Both characters were dickheads because they both wanted and loved each other but since they didn’t talk about their emotions, they just assumed that their feelings were one sided. It was yet another example on why communication is so important.
OMG! I don’t think I have enjoyed a funny, romantic read as much as this one in a very long time. And of course, having lived in Italy for several years, gave this book even more flavor for me. I am still relatively new to Piper Rayne, but such a lasting impression has been made.
Imagine after one night of hard-core partying you wake up with a ring on your finger and a husband by your side. Yep, a husband. Not any random stranger, but the one you have crushed on since you were a teenager. Now, imagine have a large Italian family that believes in the sanctity of marriage. And once an Italian mom grabs ahold of something or someone there is no letting go.
Val and Dom are not your 20-something looking for love. They are a mature couple that must deal with mature real-life issues. Parents and kids and friends and exes and that everyday thing we call life. They must dig their way through the trenches. Sometimes together, sometimes separately. But the question is will they come together in the end or is this just a bit too much for anyone to handle?
What made this book so amazing was the seamlessly way these two authors compiled this story. Never knowing where one started and the other left off. Great job and all the stars.
Love Dominic
This is such a well written story about second chances at love. Don and Val’s story brings you on a rollercoaster ride of feelings starting with a drunk in Vegas wedding. This story hooked me from the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down.