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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4.5 Stars
Amelia Hall is a painfully shy book blogger who lives life sticking with the things that make her feel safe. Determined to work on her inability to converse with strangers or spend too long in crowds, her first assignment is to meet the infamous author, Thomas Bane. The very same author that she has written some no-so-stellar reviews of his work…
Bad boy author Thomas Bane lives his life in the spotlight. From his league of adoring fans to his plethora of gorgeous ex-girlfriends, his life is charmed beyond belief. Except his career is struggling, and his latest deadline is quickly approaching… with no new work to show for it. And then he meets Amelia, with her passion for his work and all the reasons why it could be better… and he comes up with the most brilliant idea…
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Work In Progress was an incredibly sweet story, it was sexy, funny and had just enough drama to keep the storyline always flowing and engaging. From their fake marriage to the slow burn progression to being each others everything, Amelia and Thomas find the perfect working relationship… and the kind of love that they have only ever dreamed of..
Amelia has spent most of her life being a shadow of the woman she is on the inside. With her issues with making conversation or her incredible lack of confidence, she needs to work on doing the things that frighten her. And then she meets Tommy, who needs her help, and Amelia dives head first into the greatest challenge of her life.
Tommy is usually an expert at controlling the narrative of his life, from his dating escapades to his unfortunate tendency to get into fights that have nothing to do with him, lately his image has been suffering quite the blow. Asking Amelia to help him with his next book jump starts his recently dormant creativity, but when he asks her to marry him, they embark on something uncharted, that has a whole new set of rules.
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Amelia starts off as a shy virgin, who has never been kissed, and under Tommy’s tutelage, she finds the comfort to try things she was once too nervous to even contemplate trying. Although she was inexperienced and fairly naive, she was such a genuine woman who knew herself and had such an amazing inner strength that eventually shines out of her.
Tommy was such a surprisingly different man than his public persona has made him out to be. With the love he shows for his family and the gentle and patient way he treats Amelia, he was a completely swoon-worthy hero.
I loved everything about this book and the adorable relationship between Amelia and Tommy! With all of their sexy encounters, and their deep and unfailing connection, this book was such a refreshing and heartfelt read, and another great addition to the stories of the uniquely strong women of the RLC.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
This book had me snorting within the first chapter. A few chapters later I really wanted to screenshot a scene and send it to a few friends (I didn’t. They’ll have to wait until they buy their own copies). This series just keeps getting better with each book. I read this one in one day. I don’t remember ever laughing so much during a book. At first I was afraid there was no way I would like Thomas Bane. He checks off all the things I don’t like in a guy but within a few chapters I found myself falling for him. Out of all the girls in the series I relate most to Amelia (although I have a feeling I’ll have a lot in common with Katherine since we have the same profession. Her book is next). I don’t think I’m quite as quiet as Amelia is but in some situations I’m exactly her.
I love that Staci drops hints about the next book. I noticed that in book 2. Now I want to re-read book 1 and see if there’s a hint.
I also love the little tributes to her previous series. I want to go to Wasted Words!!!
Amelia is quiet and doesn’t like crowds or leaving the comfort of her home unless she has to. She’s also passionate about books and writing, loves her friends, and has rated every one of Thomas Bane’s books three stars or less.
I loved Rin and Val’s books, but Amelia and Tommy are hands down my absolute favorite. From their first meeting at his book signing to working together on his book to their fake marriage to help his career and her job prospects, they were so well matched.
Tommy is kind and cares about Amelia and her opinion of him and his writing. He was surprisingly sweet and thoughtful. I loved getting to see his perspective.
The plot flows at the perfect pace, and I love the little touches that are thrown in as Amelia and Tommy get to know each other better and move from acquaintances, to friends, and finally to more.
Staci Hart has another fabulous book with Work in Progress, and I already want to go back and read it again.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
”I’d never had a muse, but I’d always wanted one. And today, with Amelia Hall shooting down my heroes like tin cans, I felt like she might become mine.”
GAH! Another Staci Hart MASTERPIECE! What wasn’t there to love about Tommy and Amelia?! This romance is LITERALLY every blogger/avid readers fairytale! I told myself I would take my time with this read because I already knew from the first sentence read how much I’d love it. HA! Soooo didn’t take my time!
This book has so many amazing layers to it! Rom Com, Fake Marriage, Red Lipstick Coalition, Never Been Kissed, and SO much more that made it into the dynamic is was.
Work in Progress is THE Staci Hart book to read. You get every facet of the type of writer she is through the characters and I dare you to read it and not instantly fall in love with her work!
I think Amelia and Thomas may be my favorite characters. Work in Progress is a story filled with humor, witty banter, and emotional moments that take you for one enjoyable roller coaster ride. Amelia is shy, quiet, and brilliant. Thomas is confident, charming, and makes you swoon. These two balance each other out and you can’t help but root for these two as you read. Amelia is what drew me into this story, I connected with her as well as her connection and chemistry with Thomas was a cherry on top. I couldn’t put this book down. I loved all the emotional moments between Amelia and Thomas, I couldn’t get enough of them. It’s a wonderful story that will pull at the heart-strings.
5 “Can I have you?” Stars
I AM A MESS AND ITS ALL BECAUSE OF STACI AND HER BRILLIANCE! I’m giddy af and the cheesiest and goofiest smile is plastered on my face. My heart is filled with all the ooey-gooey feel good feelings I get when reading one of Staci’s rom-coms. I’m swooning like crazy and I can’t stop. UGH, this book. This. Book. It was so freaking good. Is it too early for a re-read?
THOMAS. TOMMY. BANE. Where the hell did you come from? Gahhhh, I can’t, I absolutely cant! I am so gone for this out-of-this-world fantasy author. He makes my heart go pitter patter. There is so much to him than what he lets others see. He doesn’t give his trust freely, but that comes with being famous and knowing there are those few who want to expose him. This bad boy is so much more than meets the eye. He has the biggest heart of gold. My gosh, Tommy is kind, funny, caring and loving and just an all-around good person. Seriously, he’s everything!
AMELIA!!!! OMFG SHE IS MY SPIRIT ANIMAL! Honestly, we are the same person. She is real and had me living. She’s so pure and innocent and I just loved her quirkiness. Her inner monologue was A+ and she had me laughing nonstop. And when she started coming out of her shell little by little was fan-freakin-tastic. I love her, I love her so much!
Tommy and Amelia, oh boy, from their first encounter, it was the start of something so good. Not knowing it at the time that they were both going to need each other in a big way. These two were the freaking cutest. Thomas and his protectiveness over Amelia had me swooning. I couldn’t get enough of these two to save my life. I desperately wanted and needed more, more, more.
Work in Progress was poetic and beautiful. It was funny, heartfelt and sexy. Everything that Staci is known for. How? How Staci does it I have no idea. Every book in this series just gets better and better. And it’s getting harder and harder to pick a favorite.
I am so head over everything in love with this series! This group of women that make up the RLC are AH-MAZ-ING! I feel as though I can be friends with all of them. I see myself in each and every one of them. They feel so real to me and I just adore them. I don’t even want to think about the end and having to say goodbye.
STACI, WHAT EVEN WITH THAT TEASE!!! That sneak peek of Katherine’s book just has me jumping off the walls. I NEED, I NEED, I NEED!!!
The Red Lipstick Coalition comes to order again!! I absolutely love this series! Each story has such an uplifting feeling!
Work In Progress is the long anticipated (at least for me) story of Amelia and her “husband” Thomas.
First off, I absolutely f-loved Amelia! I have never connected more to a character as I did her! She was awkwardly adorkable, she is a book blogger, and she has a fierce loyalty to those she loves. Her honesty throughout this story is refreshing and made me love her all the more.
Thomas Bane is the master of his own destiny. His fierce protective streak is a double edged sword. When he meets the blogger that doesn’t like his books, well he’s smitten with her!
The chemistry of Amelia and Thomas is uh-mazing! I could understand Amelia’s trepidation and Thomas’ lust to go for more! Their moments together are not only smoking hot, but so sweet and sensual as well. I fell in love with Thomas’ patience and care for Amelia.
What I love about Ms. Hart’s books is that they are fantastically funny. This series is especially endearing to me because of the quirkiness of the heroines. The deep and abiding friendships and feeling of girl power throughout!
And oh sweet heavens!! Katherine’s story cannot come soon enough!
This is definitely in the running for one of my best reads of 2019!! Once you read it, you are going to agree with me!!
“I had no answers. I had no thoughts of the past or the future, of my fate or the world, or anything beyond Thomas Bane’s lips and hands and arms.”
“I knew the second the universe put you in my path that would change everything.”
“She’s a wish I didn’t know I had.”
“He didn’t smile. He didn’t speak. He didn’t ask questions or need clarification. All he did was kiss me, kiss me with a hundred promises and a sigh drunk with love.”
From the little tastes and tidbits that we’ve been getting from author Staci Hart in regards to Work in Progress, I just knew she was going to have another hit on her hands and boy was I not disappointed. Work in Progress hit all the marks and left me begging and pleading for more.
From the moment I dove into Work in Progress, I was hooked. I couldn’t get enough of Amelia and Thomas. Amelia was so adorable, so quiet and shy. But, when you hit a topic she was passionate about, she somehow found the strength to just let you have it. So, when Thomas presents her with an opportunity to help out with his next book, she’d be a fool to let that chance pass her by. Sure she hates his books, but he’s a great writer with a ton of potential. Not to mention he’s ridiculously good looking and a notorious bad boy. They are the total opposite, but somehow their friendship works. That is until Thomas needs another favor. Amelia goes from never being kissed to suddenly married to Thomas Bane. Everything she could ever want is at her finger tips. She’s just got to survive their fake relationship…
I absolutely adored Work in Progress. I couldn’t help but devour it in one sitting. The characters are fun and entertaining. It’s impossible to not fall in love with them. Thomas and Amelia’s story hooked me from page one and had me dying to see how it would play out. I loved the ease of their relationship. Despite Amelia’s shyness and Thomas’s experience they somehow just meshed well together. Their pull was instant and I loved the banter that they shared. And of course, you can’t forget the sparks. These two had some amazing sparks. Just another reason why I was so glued to the pages.
Work in Progress is a terrific and swoon-worthy read. It’s incredibly well written and will entertain you in many ways. You can never go wrong with a fake relationship that turns into more and this one certainly hit all my marks. From opposites attract to a romance neither one of them saw coming to taking chances and learning who and how to trust….Ugh! I just couldn’t get enough. This series just keeps getting better and better and I can’t help but be hopelessly addicted to it.
3.5 Stars
This was a difficult review to write I’ve gone back and forth several times trying to put my thoughts down. The synopsis appealed to me, sexy bad boy author meets shy blogger and a fake marriage thrown in too.
I liked the story however it took me a while to get into it. I’m fact for a large portion of the book I felt disconnected to the characters and the story. I actually took a break from the book then started from the beginning again but I felt the same. I want to make clear it’s not the writing because there is nothing wrong with it. There is no problem with the plot and the story timeline flows.
I came to the realisation it was me and that’s ok. Not all readers will feel the same about every book sometimes we click with characters and sometimes we don’t. Don’t let my feelings put you off just because it wasn’t a WOW book for me doesn’t mean it won’t be a book you’ll love.
Sometimes you read a book that just leaves you speechless and this is just that book for me. Staci Hart is the absolute best storyteller with her original characters and storylines. I have read and loved every book in this series but this story is by far my favorite so far!! This group of girls the Red Lipstick Coalition that make up this series are so very special, I can see myself in parts of each of them.
What a lead in this line was “I never thought my first kiss would be on my wedding day.”
Amelia Hall is a very popular and passionate book blogger, but she is very shy, doesn’t talk much and is socially awkward. She is given an assignment to go to a signing for Thomas Bane a bestselling author whom Amelia has written negative reviews for his books. So, putting it mildly she is terrified and a nervous wreck, but as soon as Thomas realizes who she is something changes, and Amelia comes out of her shell. Thomas is not what he appears, in the public he has been labeled a bad boy, but he is so not one in his private life. Thomas asks Amelia if she would help him make his stories better because he agrees that she is not wrong about his books. She finds herself saying that she would help. They are complete opposites and neither of them know that this would change everything in their lives forever!
As the story unfolds and their connection builds, they have some extreme chemistry and I love the banter.
The secondary characters Amelia’s closest girlfriends AKA the Red Lipstick Coalition, and Tommy’s brother and mother deepen this story so very much.
This was a perfect marriage of convenience romantic comedy with a sweet slow burn.
That sneak peek of Katherine’s book wow I am wishing that Staci writes fast. I hope that you will one-click Work in Progress you will not regret it.
As an introvert myself, I found Amelia to be relatable. Life is challenging for an introvert and Staci did a great job writing those challenges out on paper and making this a highly enjoyable story.
I really love how Staci can make dialogue seem so realistic in her stories, that is something that has always impressed me. In my opinion, the dialogue in Work in Progress was some of her best work yet.
This book can be read as a standalone, however I would say that it has been fun reading each book because her ability to write unique characters and stories for each of them shines through from book to book.
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Have you ever wanted to grab onto certain characters and never let go? Have you ever wanted to immerse yourself so deep into an author’s world that you never wanted to come back to reality? My answer to both questions is when it comes to Staci Hart’s work. In her latest UNPUTDOWNABLE standalone romantic comedy, , you get to fall HEAD OVER HEELS in love with Amelia and Tommy. These two, you guys…FREAKING EPIC chemistry, undeniable connection, and amazing banter that will have you reading pages over and over again!
Once again, Ms. Hart pulls together the Red Lipstick Coalition and reminds us the importance of friendship, courage, and self-worth. Trust, love, and loyalty is the name of the game in this fabulous rom-com and Staci Hart delivers absolute GREATNESS with every turn of the page! It’s no surprise that Staci’s first release of the year ended up on my TOP FAVORITES list. I have a feeling that it won’t be the only one by her.
>⃣ https://amzn.to/2RYNB2l
This was one of the most original stories I have read. The meeting, how they ended up together, and everything that happens afterwards was like a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed how their story evolved and the obstacles they went through to get their happily ever after. All of it was fantastic!
I loved the bad boy hero. But I tend to like most of those. I wasn’t too keen on the super innocent heroine. I just wasn’t feeling it. That is the only thing I wish that was different. Overall, I did enjoy the story. A Staci Hart novel never disappoints!
Oh my Tommy. And Amelia. And.. WORDS! They have absconded.
This book was pure delight. It had clashes of stubborn heads, and soft touches of hands. Exploration of all things human and society. How we hide and why, and how to preserve our truth.
Gah. I freaking adored shy, inexperienced Amelia. She was never cowardly, and took it all in stride. And Tommy. Always the protector, standing for his truth.
And together. What a beautiful, genuine couple. Fake becomes real.
Now, I really need Katherine’s book. PRONTO.
Rate: 6/ 5 stars
Y’all should know by now this series was one of my favorite things of 2018 and although I haven’t read that many of Staci Hart’s books, this series cemented my love for SH forever!!! And this just proved WHY again. Because it was every-fucking-thing guys!! I loved book 1 so much. I loved book 2 so much too but I think book three has taken the cake! Like, I’ll forever love the other girls and Sam omg Sam (I’m so glad he still appears from time to time in the books) but Work In Progress might just have been my favorite so far. Thomas Bane y’all. But it wasn’t just him, it was Amelia too and the whole world of the story *heart eyes* and Theo, ohmygod. The only thing I could complain about is the insta love thing but even that didn’t bother me because it worked in the context of their story and it was honestly perfect. I could be here gushing about this book for forever.
This book was adorable. I loved Amelia’s quirkiness and purity. And in the beginning I could relate to her so much. Staci has always managed to do that in this series, I always relate to a part of the RLC girls and that makes me love these books even more. But Amelia was me in a nutshell and then she started blooming and coming out of her shell and it was awesome to watch. Tommy brought out the best in her as she brought out the best in him. They worked so well together, it was impossible to deny that these two were made for each other. And I just loved their story so much.
Besides the RLC girls, the other secondary characters were pretty amazing too, Tommy’s family was the best and his twin Theo was pretty special. I honestly loved everything about this book – The chemistry, the friendships, the love, even the bitchy characters and the fight – it all added up to make the perfect recipe. I just loved Tommy and Melia and they are my new fav RLC couple ( I’m saying this and I feel like I’m cheating on my children omg).
But the series isn’t over yet, there’s one couple left and from that major and epic teaser at the end of WIP, I know the last book will be freaking EPIC and I’m so dying to read it already. It wil be hilarious and fiery and I will be here waiting for it.
This is my fourth Staci Hart ARC and probably my most favorite…
I have to admit, the blurb lured me in and I was so excited to start it. From the first page to the last, I was hooked! Nothing like an anxious, blubbering bookworm and a playboy star author that would get your curious juices going.
I can relate to both main characters. As a reader and a book blogger, I can relate to Amelia… I can also relate to the fact that she’s not a fan of people and she’s only comfortable being around with only a select few… With Thomas Bane.. well I can relate with regards to having trust issues with practically everybody except for his family… that he keeps his true self hidden from the public. Some people will always take whatever they can from you if the opportunity arises.
This is your normal contemporary romance… getting fake married to save someone’s butt isn’t something I haven’t read before but I had so much fun reading it. I had butterflies in my tummy! Their banter, the awkwardness… falling in love for real… I loved it! I love everything!
Yet another book hangover from reading Work in Progress by Staci Hart! I was already teary-eyed just reading the Dedication, and completely smitten with the characters from the first Chapter.
Amelia is a shy, soft-spoken, introvert book blogger who finds herself in the right place at the right time. As her story unfolds after meeting charming bad-boy author Thomas Bane you will want to become her best friend, cheer her on, and get out your red lipstick! Not to mention you will swoon and sigh at everything Tommy. Oh this man took my breath away!!! This book will give you all the feels and you won’t come down from it for quite some time!
I have loved getting to know these girls and characters in the Red Lipstick Coalition, and Amelia was no different. They each shine in their own way, and although I was a bit apprehensive of Amelia’s quiet demeanor and personality – boy did she surprise me! It was so exciting to read how Tommy brought out the sparkle in her, challenged her, and helped her believe in herself. Having the rest of the RLC girls step in and out of the story (and their men) was so fun and refreshing as well – they are so loyal to each other that at times I had tears in my eyes from their “drop everything for one another” approach to their friendship.
The chemistry between Tommy & Amelia was apparent from the start – the banter, the way they challenged one another, how he pulled her out of comfort zone and she helped him focus when he needed it. They are the epitome of why opposites attract and it was yet another fun roller coaster ride from S Hart! I love these girls, and love Amelia so much more now! Well done once again S Hart! Can’t wait for the next one
I can’t even tell you how much I adore Work in Progress. It is everything, and you will want to savor every moment of this beautiful, funny and insightful romantic comedy. A shy, quiet book blogger finds herself in a marriage of convenience with a famous bad-boy author in an effort to repair his reputation and save his career. Amelia and Tommy are opposites in many ways – from their looks to their personalities – but they absolutely perfect for one another, and they’re coming together feels incredibly romantic and extraordinarily sexy. This is the ultimate feel-good, heartwarming story, and you will be equally charmed and entertained while reading it. There is no doubt in that Work in Progress will be on my Best of 2019 list.
OMG! I loved everything about this story!
I am head over heels in love with these girls in the Red Lipstick Coalition. Their stories are so sweet, emotional, and full of love . Amelia is my favorite so far! She was so sweet and innocent but could stand her ground when she needed to. She’s my favorite kind of heroine. The heroes are also perfect in these stories but Thomas “Tommy” Bane is EVERYTHING! He takes the cake! He’s a fantasy writer with a bad boy reputation to uphold. He has a heart of gold though, doing everything he can to care for his family. He is the full package!
These two captured my heart from the get-go and still haven’t let go. I completely caught up in their world, their relationship, and everything about them. Thomas was so incredibly sweet with Amelia and knew just what she needed. She was the perfect missing half for Tommy. I still have butterflies in my stomach because of these two!
I couldn’t get enough of this marriage of convenience romance and OH BOY that ending! I can’t believe it! Katherine gets the next book and it’s sure to be amazing! I can’t wait!
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
When I pick up a Staci Hart book, I know I am in for all the very best feels. In Work In Progress we get a story about a marriage of convenience between two great characters, Tommy and Amelia. Tommy is a bestselling author and Amelia the shy and quiet bookworm who helps him when he needs it.
Amelia was so likeable, sweet and a bit on the awkward side. But Tommy brought out a different side of her. Tommy was so much more than he portrayed to the public. He stole my heart right from the start! After meeting at a book signing, Tommy decides she is the muse he needs and so their story begins!
I loved Work In Progress by Staci Hart. It was such a sweet and touching story. I loved the characters and their story so much. This was a great read and one I highly recommend!
4.5-stars. Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.