Asking for Trouble
3 Stars

For NYPD explosives expert, Brent Mason, and charity organizer, Hayden Winstead, it was hate at first sight. To him, she is a snooty, spoiled socialite while to her, he is a sexist, brutish neanderthal. Sadly for Brent and Hayden, their best friends are head over heels, so they have no choice but to tolerate each other. That is until the night a dare goes too far and they find themselves re-evaluating their preconceptions. Can these two sworn enemies overcome their prejudices to see the truth staring them in the face?

The first half of the book is an absolute delight with an excellent "Pride and Prejudice" vibe. Brent and Hayden's snarky comments and snappy comebacks are fantastic, and their intimacy is both scorching and sweet once they begin to look beyond surface appearances.

The problem starts with Hayden's dilemma concerning her family's dire financial circumstances, which can be easily resolved if she marries a smarmy git - this is so 19th century! While this is not a secret per see, Bailey writes it in this style, so the reader is constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. It is so tiresome!

Thankfully, this is quite short-lived and the ending and epilogue are heartwarming.

The final book in the series focuses on Brent's sister, Lucy, and his friend, Matt. It will be interesting to see how this works out. ( )

4.5 stars

This book took me back to what I felt reading the first book of this series. Loved the characters. Very well done in regards to enemies to lovers. The ending seemed to be rushed a tad but the six months into the future helped ease that. ( )

Sexy, addictive and romantic.

Just listened to the audio book. It's better than I remember. ( )

Do you like Alpha males? Do you like enemies to lovers romances? Do you like sex scenes that are deliciously down, dirty and smokin' hawt? If you answered yes, then you are going to LOVE Tessa Bailey's Asking for Trouble. This fourth novel in the Line of Duty series is a fast paced and engaging opposites attract romance that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.

Brent Mason and Hayden Winstead barely tolerate each other but since their mutual friends are in love, they are forced to spend lots of time together. They are from completely different backgrounds and they have (unfairly) judged each other based on their social standing. When Hayden decides it is time to firmly put Brent in his place, she issues a sexual gauntlet that Brent gladly accepts. Their night together leads to an explosive and extremely passionate encounter that leaves them with more questions than answers. Brent and Hayden continue to alternately fight and give into their smoldering attraction but will Hayden's family obligations stand in the way of this volatile couple's future?

Neither Hayden nor Brent has bothered to look beyond the surface of the other. Hayden is convinced Brent is a knuckle dragging Neanderthal while Brent thinks Hayden is a pampered princess who spends her days shopping. So it comes as a big surprise to both of them what they uncover once they look past superficial appearances. Brent is hardworking and loyal to his family whereas Hayden is just as dedicated to her charity work. Brent is secure in who he and what he wants but Hayden is nursing a few insecurities. Brent is more than happy to let Hayden explore her dominant side and they take turns giving up control to the other.

This lust-filled story borders on the erotic and nothing is off limits as Brent and Hayden explore their attraction. Dirty talking, a little bondage and spanking are just a few of the things this couple bring into the bedroom. There is no shortage of sexual tension between them and their sex scenes are scorching hot.

Witty banter, charming characters and delectably steamy sex scenes make Asking for Trouble a must read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romances. Although it is the fourth installment in Tessa Bailey's Line of Duty series, it can be read as a standalone story. ( )

Really, really liked it. Loved that things progressed quickly and it resolved itself pretty damn fast too. The chemistry between the characters felt a little forced to me, but in the end I was used to them. The sex scenes were damn hot and believable. ( )