I never thought my first kiss would be on my wedding day.But here I stand, clutching a bouquet of pale pink roses behind the doors of a Las Vegas chapel, and at the end of the aisle is the absolute last man I imagined would be waiting for me.Thomas Bane.Bestselling author. Notorious bad boy. Savagely handsome, dark as sin, chiseled as stone. And somehow, my soon-to-be husband.Marry him, and I’ll … husband.
Marry him, and I’ll land my dream job. Save him, and I’ll walk away with everything I’ve ever wanted. All I have to do is remember it’s all for show. None of it is real, no matter how real it feels.
But first, I have to survive the kiss.
And with lips like his, I don’t stand a chance.
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You can’t read Work in Progress without falling in love.
This story is endearing, swoony, quirky, and downright unputdownable. By the time we reached the end, we couldn’t swipe the big smiles off our faces.
Bravo, Staci Hart!
Staci Hart ALWAYS surprises me. She is able to weave an amazing story, often drawing from art or other literary references. This time, she gave us Tommy…who happens to be an author. One of the things I love most about Hart’s writing is how she draws us into her fictional world, which doesn’t feel fictional at all. Amelia is a blogger (hello, I totally love Amelia and get where’s she’s coming from as both a blogger an editor…can we be friends??) and her insight into Tommy’s world is unparalleled. Add in that she’s got a sassypants side to her (yes, she’s shy, but in the right context her lady balls come out), and she is just plain awesome. What’s more is how she manages to knock Tommy off his feet…until he does the exact same thing to her. Even when Amelia goes along with Tommy’s ruse, you know it’s because she has a pure heart rather than her trying to take advantage of a situation (even if there are all kinds of, ahem, perks).
And that’s the center of these characters and story: heart. Staci Hart gets it and brings it to a whole other level. You want to cheer for people who have a soul, see the world as you want to see it, and when they come together, magic happens. Tommy and Amelia are really nothing short of that. In fact, there were times that I caught a beauty and the beast vibe (even if the beast was hot as sin). Amelia is the innocent savior and Tommy is the hot beast rife with sins (see what I mean about weaving in literary references??)
I could talk about the cadence and development of the plot or characters, but rather than bore you with mundane details of how well written I find the story to be, I shall simply say that each flaw, each imperfection, and twist made this story come to life. If I could pull Amelia out of this book, I’d make her come hang out with me. And if an author can make you say that? Then you know every box has been checked. Simply put, the juice is worth the squeeze.
Amelia is passionate about books, and her huge collection is proof of that. Since a very young age, a speech impediment has caused her to suffer bullying from other children, and because of this she has always avoided talking. Growing up alone in her private world, the books were her faithful company, her friends at all times. Today an adult woman, Amelia is extremely shy and introverted, has real social phobia. Conciliating her passion with her work, she is a successful blogger who works on reviewing books. Because of her blog, she got a job at USA TImes and hopes to one day become a publisher.
Attending a book launch event from a famous author, Amelia has to deal with more than she expected. The crowded atmosphere, the chatter of people, the fact that she will have to interact with the author, all this is already a problem for her. But it can get worse. Thomas Bane is a publishing sensation, a bad boy who lives up to his fame as a troublemaker. The only problem is that Amelia’s reviews of his books were not favorable. And he knows it. And one night whose steps were already scheduled and the work would be relatively easy, it ends with a heated interaction, an unbelieving author, a timid girl standing for herself, and an unexpected partnership proposal.
And with this new approach, Amelia will discover that the bad boy hides several secrets, and that the facet shown to the world is just pure illusion. When a scandal is flung open in the media, Amelia is Thomas’s only chance for salvation. And a fake marriage is arranged. But in the midst of so many lies, the more elaborate one will become true.
Work in Progress is really a romantic comedy. All clichés are present. We have the incredibly handsome guy, bad boy but deep down with a good heart. We have the beautiful but shy girl, who does not know the potential and strength she possesses. We have romance, cute and laughable pets, secondary interesting characters, a dose of drama, antagonists who want to harm the couple and above all, we have a couple with chemistry, passion and a good plot.
Thomas was enthralling. His sense of loyalty and his way of always wanting to protect others gave the character a human touch. The way he looks after, encourages, and venerates Amelia was the deciding factor for the couple works out. Amelia is so delicate, so innocent, that this vulnerability overflows through the pages. All the building of friendship, respect, trust, and finally their love was incredible.
The misunderstanding of the ending was a bit exaggerated but pertinent to the story. The surprise surrounding Katherine made me curious about the next book. In the end, the costumes used by the couple at a party set the plot perfectly. Thomas may be the bad wolf for the press, imposing fear, but deep down he has a protective instinct and a good heart. Amelia with her hood needs a cover to hide herself, but with the right person at her side, she knows how to impose herself and find her voice. Always with her famous red lipstick.
I am enjoying the Red Lipstick Coalition series more and more with each new story. Amelia and Tommy’s story is my favorite so far. Tommy is hiding in plain sight. His public persona is a construct to keep people out of his true personal life. Amelia appears painfully shy, but as you get to know her, you realize that she is not so much shy as uncomfortable in crowds. A speech impediment that she had as a child also contributes to her aversion to people. When these two cross paths, sparks fly!
see my full review on bookcravers.blogspot.com
“It was a sweet, reckless feeling to let her in. I didn’t remember ever making a choice on the matter—she’d slipped into my heart so naturally, so easily.”
Shy, sweet, awkward bookworm Amelia and notorious bad boy author Thomas are completely fantastic together! She’s the angel to his devil, the altruistic counterbalance to his wild beast, and she’s the only one that can save him.
Work in Progress is absolutely my favorite of the Red Lipstick Coalition series thus far. It’s swoony, romantic and evocative, with just a smidge of angsty tension, fantastic characters, great humor and witty dialogue. Reading it just gives you the best feeling; it’s one of those books you could sit down and re-read over and over again.
I absolutely cannot wait for Katherine’s story in Well Suited!!! What a phenomenal teaser at the end of Work in Progress!
4.5 stars
Wow! What an amazing book! If I could give more than 5 stars, it’d get a million! I enjoyed this story like nothing else before. I don’t even understand how it was only my first ever Staci Hart book. Work in Progress is not just a book – it’s a whole experience!
I guess there’s only a few books out there that can capture your whole existence. I can easily say that Work in Progress is totally one of these books. I’ve fallen in love with Tommy & Amelia immediately, and believe me, I’m not easy to be wooed. But these two – and Hart’s mind-blowing writing, of course – captured me in a way I couldn’t ignore. This story has a real charm and you won’t be able to resist it, either.
Gosh, I’m trying so hard to say something cool and fabulous about this book, but my mind keeps running back to the story and I can’t concentrate.
So, a bit about the characters. Tommy has my undying love. This man is the full package and I totally want a copy of him for myself. That’s the deal here. And Amelia! This girl is pure flipping joy! She’s my ideal heroine of romance novels.
I’m running out of words here, so let me sum it up for you. Work in Progress is already a top read of this year!
Amelia Hall is afraid of everything, she has no desire to leave her home, the comfort of her books, or the companionship of her friends. She does not do well in public, requiring her friends to be a buffer while she stands back in silence. She has a goal though, a dream job that requires her to be comfortable among her peers, comfortable enough to speak up. Her first requirement in her new role blogging for the Times is to speak with Thomas Bane at his signing. She doesn’t expect to spill all her thoughts about the novel out to him and she certainly doesn’t expect his plea for help. Save him, marry him, and she’ll get her dream job in the end for her efforts. Who could say no? Except Amelia is as innocent as they come and the kiss at the end of the aisle is just the beginning.
“I’ve got to admit, I’m usually asking for a yes, especially where women are concerned.
Oh my word, Staci Hart you made me cry. With love, my fellow readers, not in anguish, but the sort of tears that comes with smiles and butterflies. Thomas Bane is the hero you dream about when you think of love, he romances Amelia, wines and dines her, falls for her even when he’s best known for thinking romance is fake. Amelia might just be my favorite RLC girl, though I wouldn’t have said that before I got to know her in Work in Progress. She’s a shy bookworm that sometimes has over-the-top, naive reactions to situations. She is incredibly socially awkward, but Thomas (Tommy) brings out a side of her that was unexpected. For all her awkwardness, her reading has made her incredibly aware, she handles herself with smart comments, giggling, and a brave face when she must. Plus, it helps that she secretly harbored some like for Tommy even when she was tearing his novels to shreds on her blog. He’s the bad boy, known best for his romps with socialites and good looks, but inside he’s a sweetheart and he reveals that to Amelia. She saves him from destruction, but he saves her just as much.
“Something in me had come unfettered. And damn him for letting it loose. I wasn’t sure how I’d ever bottle it back up.”
If I could give Work in Progress more stars, I would. It’s the best RLC novel, Tommy and Amelia are a couple you can’t help but love, and the story is, in my opinion, perfect. The characters are fleshed out, the pacing is just right, and the drama fits the story line rather than being 100% angst driven. It was one amazing break from reality for me, one I was sad to walk away from, because I will admit I am so invested in Tommy and Amelia and the life they created. What started based on a lie out of necessity became a love affair that makes you believe in true, off-the-deep-end romance.
“I wore my lipstick in solidarity, and I liked to think they would have been proud.”
ARC provided.
4 Stars!
I loved the idea of this story . Tommy and Amelia are great characters . Tommy is this bad boy author who has run out of chances with his publisher . Amelia is a book blogger , who hasn’t been nice about Tommy’s books in the past. She is innocent in every way . In comes this plan that Amelia can fix Tommy’s problem with his publisher . They decided to get married . What happens when they two start having more feelings for each other . Will they believe what the paparazzi puts out there or will they trust each other. This book had funny parts and many serious parts . It was a great easy read . I loved Tommy’s character , how misunderstood he really is . I’m telling you , you will all fall in love with Tommy . I can’t wait to read Kathrine’s story .
Inspirational 10+++ stars!!
Tommy & Amelia’s story is woven with such beauty and love right from the beginning! We’re treated to the vision of Tommy being inspired from their first meeting. His thoughts are pure poetry after they speak. I adored reading about each character and how they fit, how they help each other grow, how their relationship is written with such lyrical quality!
It can be difficult to write a story about writers. Especially when you’re including the story your character is writing. You don’t just have one plot to write – you have two, the story within the story. This author does that with such grace and beauty, it’s a testament to her own talent.
I love love LOVED this story, the sweetness and romance, the emotion and all the feelings invoked!! It was the perfect story I needed right now, and I’m so happy I read it when I did! One of my top reads, and I’m looking forward to the next story in the series – I’m happy to see, from the snippet given at the end – that it is featuring exactly who I wanted it to feature!! Highly, highly recommend this story!! : )
What a FABULOUS story! This book has made me an INSTANT Staci Hart fan. I could kick myself for not reading her work sooner. I mean, I have so many of her books and NOW I know I HAVE to get started on everyone of them.
I instantly connected with Amelia Hall. She was such a sweetheart and an extremely introverted book blogger/reviewer. Outside of her little bubble of friends speaking to anyone else practically equates to a pending anxiety attack.
When she comes face to face with the super sexy and famous writer of fantasy, Thomas Bane, there’s something about him that gives her a tiny spark that will change her life forever.
Both characters were beyond relatable and easy to fall in love with. Amelia with her pure heart and Tommy with his protectiveness and sense of rightness. They truly completed the other and it made each of them that much stronger together. In their isolated bubble everything was perfect.
I just adored everything about this story from start to finish and can’t wait to read more from Staci Hart.
When I first dived into this book, I was a little unsure it was a book for me, but boy was I wrong and I got deeper into the plot the more I fell in love with the main characters, Thomas and Amelia.
Thomas Bane was a bad boy that oozed sex appeal, he was perfection, the sort of guy you’d willing surrender yourself cover to. But is it truly him? Beyond closed doors and away from the public, the guy is down to earth, not at all as the person he portrays himself to be to the public eye.
Amelia Hall is sweet yet quirky and sassy, and certainly one of a kind, she’s shy and normally tries to stay in the back ground but as the story develops, the more I saw her come out of her shell.
The two of the together, well the aren’t exactly made for each other, and considering it was an arranged marriage and you would think the two wouldn’t stand chance, they were opposites, and boy did they give me ALL THE FEELS! There was heat and intensity and it just continued to grow throughout the book and I find myself completely in love with these two as a couple.
5 stars
Amelia Hall is the sweet timid one amongst her friends. She’s socially awkward and doesn’t tall to people she doesn’t know.
Thomas Bane is a bestselling author. He’s a bad boy, the complete opposite of Amelia.
At the end of The Player I was intrigued by Amelia and Thomas. How did the bad boy author end up with the shy bookworm?
Marriage of convenience tropes are my favorite. They are like catnip, and this book was bo different.
Thomas needs an image change. He’s been suffering from writer’s block and his “bad boy” image could use a clean up.
Enter Amelia.
What starts off as a chance encounter between the two becomes so much more. Amelia comes alive in those few minutes of interaction with Thomas, and he looks past her shy interior to the fiery woman underneath.
What begins as a convenient set up between the two evolves into so much more. I really enjoyed the growth of the characters and the fact they brought out the best in each other. Alot of Thomas’s bad boy reputation is due to unfortunate circumstances. He is so much more than that reputation. A caring son and brother, and then Amelia’s husband.
Amelia has always wanted a safe place to belong to and Thomas becomes that place for her. She can tell him how she feels withour having to be afraid.
These two slowly grow together, and although the basic storyline is one that has been done many times before, Staci Hart brings her own spin to the story.
I love reading about the ladies in this eccentric group. Each own has their own quirks.
And that ending! Cannot wait for the second book!!
4.5 stars!
Amelia, the shy and fiercely private bookworm, meets her match when she is thrust upon covering a book signing; in turn meeting the infamous and renowned author, Thomas Bane.
Thomas has had his share of misconceptions from being in the public eye and constantly getting into trouble isn’t helping matters. So when he lands himself in trouble yet again, putting his career into limbo, it sparks an idea better than any fiction that he could have ever written.
Thomas, making Amelia an offer she can’t refuse, hopes that they can mutually benefit one another behind the scenes. Only neither one knows the depth that this undertaking will lead them both on and the salvation that they might find in one another.
If you are looking for a charming read with an original story, this book is for you.
As Always, Happy Reading!
“4/5 Beaming Brains!” – Lit-Up My Mind
Work In Progress, the title of Staci Hart’s newest release, is a fitting name for Amelia and Tommy’s book, not only because of their respective careers, blogger/reviewer and writer, but also due to the fact that they themselves are transforming and growing as people, as a married couple, and as two people who strive to be the best versions of themselves regardless of their past mistakes or current predicaments.
The Red Lipstick Coalition world is one filled with strong women, unique in their personalities but similar in the ways that their friendships…their bonds lift them up and allow them to lean on each other and receive as much support as they need in order to maneuver in this thing called life.
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen so much of myself before in a story’s heroine, but the woman who Amelia is and who she becomes resonates with me, so much so, that I became her biggest cheerleader, hoping that she would realize just how amazing she is and all that she has to offer the people in her life. Like Amelia, most women are a work-in-progress, searching for people who ‘get’ them and fighting for what they deserve despite their feelings of inadequacy or fear. Amelia’s insecurities, her shyness, her innocence are what makes her special…makes her unique and they are what allow her to see beneath Tommy’s badboy, hot head persona to the core of who he is…to the man who can help her just as much as she can help him.
Thomas Bane is in quite a predicament due to the bad press he’s received and the major case of writer’s block that weighs on him. So, in a way, Amelia coming into his life makes her his guardian angel of sorts – the one person who can help him find his words again and help restore his image. But what his marriage of convenience with Amelia does for both of them is offer them a chance for love…a chance to be who they are meant to be, in their personal and professional lives and the way that Hart shows this part of their story illustrates just how perfect these two are for each other, making their ‘pretend marriage’ everything they never knew they wanted and quite possibly needed.
Staci Hart is an incredible storyteller – one who crafts scenes full of heart, passion, and humor and one whose characters are constructed in such realistic ways that readers can’t help but see themselves in these fictional men and women, which makes the time spent reading these stories that much more rewarding and uplifting.
Katherine’s story is up next, and I can’t wait to see what Hart has in store for her because Katherine deserves her happily ever after just like the ones who best friends have.
4.5 Poison Apples
Staci Hart published another amazing story.
That was my first thought after I closed my Kindle app and sighed happily after reading the last sentence of Work In Progress.
I swooned whenever Thomas ‘Tommy’ Bane talked to Amelia, I cheered for Amelia when she went beyond her comfort zone, I sighed dreamily when their love grew and turned into something that could only bring a smile to my face.
Staci Hart wrote the kind of story that warms your heart, and as an author myself, it makes me wish to write a story that would be as emotionally fulfilling as this one is.
Don’t miss this novel, and if you enjoyed Piece of Work and Player, both books in which you see the same group of young women, you won’t regret it.
Oh, and let’s say that I can’t wait to get my little hands on Katherine’s story.
5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review
I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book. Staci Hart blew me away with her incredible story and amazing words. This book is different in that it’s a story within a story. I loved how well developed and thought out the plot was as well the characters has depth. I felt I could relate to them on so many levels.
I loved Tommy. I loved that he really wanted Amelia’s help. I loved that he was so much more than he appeared to be. I loved that he stood up for what he believed in. While he might have gone about some things the wrong way, I loved that he wasn’t afraid to fight and defend those he loved. I love that something so pure and innocent turned out to be so much more for both of them. I loved Amelia. I know she seemed young and inexperienced at times, but she was the best thing to ever happen to Tommy. I don’t want to give to much away, but I loved the fall. I loved watching them get to know each other, grow as individuals as well as a couple. I loved Amelia’s strength and her vulnerability. I loved Tommy and how protective he was.
Staci Hart did an amazing job with this story. I can’t begin to express how much I loved this book and look forward to the next. Please check out Work in Progress. It’s a must read!
5 Bad Boy Filled Stars!!
Whenever I find out the release date to Staci Hart’s next release I’m blocking my day bc I know it’s going to be another must read. Work In Progress is definitely a MUST READ!!!
Amelia is not a people person. If you’re outside of her tight small circle you’re lucky if she speaks. Amelia doesn’t leave her house unless her friends drag her somewhere. She lives in between the pages of her books.
Amelia’s a blogger. Her blog blew up after a review for a book by author Thomas Bane. She makes a living doing it. When her boss sends her to a book signing for Thomas Bane, Amelia’s not happy. She’s shocked that he knows exactly who she is when she says her name. After they get into it over his male characters he ends up flipping her mind bc he offers her a job.
Thomas AKA Tommy to those closest to him. He’s got that bad boy reputation. Between his ex girlfriends and him walking into situations where he’s at the wrong place at the wrong time. Bc of all that the only two people Tommy trusts are his mom and twin brother Theo. Everybody else has to sign a NDA so he can make sure him, his family and their secrets are safe.
Tommy waits for Amelia to review his latest books. Their honest and to the point. She’s also always right. He’s past his deadline to his publisher for his upcoming release. His publisher doesn’t know Tommy is having writers block.
Tommy gets a rush meeting her. After talking to her he instantly knows in order for him to finish his book he needs Amelia to help. Amelia gives him amazing advice and help immediately.
Before he can finish his book Tommy gets himself into trouble yet again. When his publisher wants to drop him. Now Tommy and Theo are trying to do damage control. Tommy gets his publisher to agree not to drop him. But, he must make an image change. He’s gotta finish his book in a month and have his image do a 180 degree change.
Again Tommy looks to Amelia for help. He’s not 100% sure what it is about her but he trusts her. Together they realize they can help each other. Tommy needs his book done and image change. Amelia needs to get out more. Needs to be able to socialize and speak with strangers. Together it’s a win win.
Except there’s people looking to get inside their relationship. To know the nitty gritty details. Tommy and Amelia are handling the people as they come.
These two realize they understand each other. Bring out the best in each other. They still have to get to really know each other. Before Tommy and Amelia get their HEA they must get thru everybody breathing down their backs.
OMG this book was amazing!!! Tommy is swoon worthy and all around amazing guy. He truly wants to take care of his mom. But, there’s always something in the way of him being able to just do what he wants. Amelia makes him feel things he’s never felt before.
Amelia is another amazing person. From the very beginning all she wants to do is help Tommy. She knew he was an amazing author but was in a funk. She’d do anything to help him. Including loosing her dream job.
Let’s not forget the last few sentences. The last paragraph had my heart in my throat. I need Katherine’s story like yesterday!!
A story about a hot sexy author and a book blogger…yes please! Staci Hart brings us the third book about another one of the girls in the Red Lipstick Coalition. In case you don’t know, they’re four friends who are roommates and wallflowers who make a pact…start wearing red lipstick, be brave, be bold, be better. I love these girls!
Amelia is so incredibly shy, she finds herself mute in most social situations. She hides herself behind her books and her laptop while she reads and reviews books. Meeting Thomas Bane, one of the sexiest bestselling authors, would be intimidating for most people, but because of her shyness and the fact that she’s written negative reviews for his books, it’s downright terrifying. Thomas ends up asking the unexpected…help him with his next book! Then, for mutually beneficial reasons, they then end up “fake married” but it doesn’t take long for real feelings to find their way into the fake relationship.
I giggled, smiled and swooned through most of the book. Although, it wasn’t without heartbreak too…soul crushing, gut wrenching heartbreak, and through Staci’s writing, I felt every shattering crack, every aching drop in my stomach. Her words in this book are just that good, eliciting strong emotional responses from me. But thankfully after closing the book, I just couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, and that to me is the best feeling of all.
We also get a glimpse of the next and final book in this series, and that just has me thinking one thing…GET WRITING STACI!
Amelia has always been the shyest and quiet of the friends of the Red Lipstick Coalition. A blogger and a hunger reader with strong opinions, she finds herself faced with a dilemma when she is summoned by the new boss to appear at an autograph session of a writer she has always criticized.
Thomas Bane is a quarrelsome bad boy writer who has a writing block and urgently needs ideas for a new book. When he sees his nemesis, Amelia, he decides to ask the girl to exchange ideas for the book.
What these two they did not realize that from these brainstorming sessions many other situations would come up with an explosive and engaging appeal.
I love Staci Hart’s writing and, in Work at Progress, she has conquered my heart with a fun, sexy plot full of romantic moments. Thomas is cute in bad boy skin, he conquers us from the very first pages, from the first interactions with the twin brother Theo, his mother and Amelia.
Amelia’s friends as well as in the other books whenever they appear steal the scene and made me laugh a lot.
I loved the cover that already causes delicious shivers in me and the model, so sex. It could not surpass the one of Player but it came very close.
NO SPOILERS!
Work In Progress has been Staci Hart’s BEST romantic comedy to date! It was a sweet, sexy, funny, charming, and swoon-worthy standalone romantic comedy, and I absolutely loved it! Staci Hart blew me away with the storyline, characters, and her wonderful prose, and I fell head over heels in love with Tommy and Amelia’s story. Staci Hart has quickly become a top favorite author, and I can’t wait to devour her next standalone romantic comedy, Well Suited!
The storyline was incredibly unique and I loved it with all of my heart. As an extreme book lover, the plot of Work In Progress was right up my alley, and I fell in love from page one. Staci Hart immediately drew me into the amazing and addictive world she has created in the Red Lipstick Coalition series, and I couldn’t get enough of Tommy and Amelia’s story. I laughed, I smiled, I swooned, and so much more while reading this book, and I couldn’t have been more ecstatic with the conclusion. Work In Progress made my heart happy and full, and I can’t wait to get my hands on Katherine’s story in Well Suited!
The characters, gah, the characters! Tommy and Amelia completely stole my heart, and I never want it back. Tommy and Amelia have been my favorite characters that Staci Hart has written so far, and I absolutely adored them and their story. I loved Tommy and Amelia’s personalities and red-hot chemistry together, and how their relationship progressed throughout. I loved reading the book from both Tommy and Amelia’s point of view, and all of their banter and interactions with each other. Tommy and Amelia were a perfect match, and it was an absolute pleasure going on their incredibly unique and unforgettable love story.
Work In Progress was a funny, sexy, heartwarming, swoon-worthy, feel-good standalone romantic comedy, and I would HIGHLY recommend it! Staci Hart blew my mind with Tommy and Amelia’s MUST READ love story, and I am so excited to get my hands on Katherine’s story in Well Suited!