Nothing ventured, nothing banged...
ASH
I still don't know how it happened. One minute I was arguing with my arrogant competitor—our usual trash-talk over who deserves the larger commission. But somehow I went from throwing down to kneeling down...
It can never happen again. I don't even like Braht. He's too slick. He's a manipulating mansplaining party boy in preppy clothes.
So why can't I get him out of my head?
BRAHT
There are two things I know without question. One: Ash and I are destined for each other. Two: never trust a man with a unibrow.
Ash is my missing my piece. She's the sweet cream to my gourmet espresso. And nothing gets me going faster than her contempt for me. They don't call her the Ashkicker for nothing.
Eventually I'll win her over... if my past doesn't ruin everything first.
Book 2
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ASH
I still don't know how it happened. One minute I was arguing with my arrogant competitor—our usual trash-talk over who deserves the larger commission. But somehow I went from throwing down to kneeling down...
It can never happen again. I don't even like Braht. He's too slick. He's a manipulating mansplaining party boy in preppy clothes.
So why can't I get him out of my head?
BRAHT
There are two things I know without question. One: Ash and I are destined for each other. Two: never trust a man with a unibrow.
Ash is my missing my piece. She's the sweet cream to my gourmet espresso. And nothing gets me going faster than her contempt for me. They don't call her the Ashkicker for nothing.
Eventually I'll win her over... if my past doesn't ruin everything first.
Book 2
Buy Links
Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon Au ~ Amazon Ca
B&N ~ iTunes ~ Kobo
“Name your other favorite movies,” I challenge Braht.
“All of them?” He chugs his margarita.
“Hmm. Top ten? Top five?”
“That’s totally easy,” he says. Somehow I’ve gotten closer to him on the floor. When he sits back, I actually snuggle in beside him. He’s wearing a ridiculously soft shirt that feels good against my skin. And I watch with fascination as he ticks off the names of films on his fingers. “When Harry Met Sally. The Devil Wears Prada. Roman Holiday. Clueless. And Working Girl.”
I burst out laughing. I can’t help it. “Those are all chick flicks. You should just hand over your man card right now.”
“Not a chance.” Braht’s expression grows intense. “In the first place, I gave you a very thorough demonstration of my man card last week. I don’t remember hearing any complaints.”
I swallow hard, because this is certainly true.
“And secondly, you’re looking at this all backward.”
“I… am?” And why can’t I look away? He has the most beautiful, intelligent eyes.
“Yeah, you are,” he whispers. “It’s the guy who has a firm grip on his man card that can hold your purse. He’s not afraid to be seen with that Tory Burch you like to carry—nice color, by the way. He’ll free up your hands because he likes your hands, and he remembers all the terrific things you can use them for.”
“Oh,” I say slowly. Now my fingers itch to reach out for him. I have to make fists with both hands so I won’t do it.
“Furthermore, he’s not afraid to quote Working Girl. Because Joan Cusack is a genius. And who wouldn’t want to say Melanie Griffith’s best line out loud?”
I can’t help saying it with him, and together we sound like the world’s horniest Greek chorus: “I have a head for business and a body for sin.”
Sin sounds pretty good right now, actually. But Braht’s not done with his speech. “Any man who tells you that chick flicks are for pussies can’t be any good in bed. Because that man does not speak the language of women. He doesn’t know that a little luxury can erase a shitty day of worrying about your ex…”
Braht takes my hand in his and begins to massage it. He has a great technique, applying gentle pressure between each joint. I relax just a little bit more against him.
“…That man doesn’t speak the language because he’s afraid of sounding like a girl. But fuck that noise, honey bear. If a man doesn’t have the vocabulary to describe a satin teddy with peekaboo lace and mother-of-pearl snaps at the crotch, he can’t buy it for you and then strategically ask you to wear it. He can’t plan ahead to blow your mind sometime by lifting your skirt somewhere semi-public and dangerous. And he can’t get down on his knees and kiss that lace and then pop open those snaps while you bite your own hand to keep from screaming when you climax.” Braht takes a deep breath and lets it out in one hot gust. “Fuck. What was the point of this speech?”
“Um…” My voice is hoarse, and my face is suddenly very hot. Let’s not even mention my nipples. “Man cards, I think.” But I’m not sure, because everything tingles.
“Right,” he says with a sigh. “Still got mine. Shall we watch Working Girl next?”
“Okay,” I breathe, sinking a little further into his comforting embrace.
Shelby – ☆☆☆
Man Card is the second book in the Man Hands series. This can be read as a standalone, but the characters are featured in the first book.
I will start with a bit of a summary, not a complete run-down, but just touch on the characters. Ash is a strong, independent woman. She takes no BS, and expects none in return. She's the consummate business woman. Braht is a metrosexual man who is completely secure in himself. These characters are the complete opposite of one another, yet have many similarities.
They are explosive together, and I was happy to see them come together but...
The humor seemed force, it wasn't as natural as in the first book. I felt like most of the story was spent explaining Ash and Braht's past (which was necessary, but it just seemed excessive).
Overall, I didn't love this story, but I didn't hate it either – it was okay. I chuckled a few times, but nothing like in Man Hands.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
This is the second in the series, and I would recommend that you read Man Hands first as this follows on directly, and you will understand the state of the (non)relationship between Braht and Ash far better that way. It is also a funny story, which it would be a shame to miss.
Somehow this is less comedic than the first book, perhaps because life seems to get a little more serious and the issues feel more significant. There are still some little gems, like the arranging of the stationery, and the photos in Tom's house. We still get some girl crazy time with Brynn, Sadie, and Ash, but Bramly (Braht's brother) is probably the real joker this time around. It is though, another chemistry-laden romance, which following the pantry incident is not really a great surprise!
I still really enjoyed the book, and was so happy that they could see beyond the issues that could otherwise have kept them apart. In fact, their communication skills did them proud when it was really necessary, and they had worked out the differences between control and trust in particular.
Looking forward to where this series will go next... and hopefully soon, hint, hint!
Also Available in the Man Hands Series
Book 1
Buy Links
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B&N ~ iTunes ~ Kobo
For reviews & more info, check out our Man Hands post.
Sarina Bowen
Sarina Bowen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance, including the Brooklyn Bruisers series, the Ivy Years series, and the Gravity series. She lives in Vermont’s Green Mountains with her family, six chickens and too much ski gear and hockey equipment.
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Tanya Eby
Tanya Eby is the author of Foodies Rush In, Easy Does It, Blunder Woman, Pepper Wellington and the Case of the Missing Sausage, Tunnel Vision and Other Stories from the Edge, Synchronicity, and In the Garden Room; as well as the editor and publisher of Nevertheless We Persisted. Her new romantic comedy series is written with Sarina Bowen: Man Hands and Man Card.
Tanya was born in Lansing, Michigan, moved to Traverse City, went to high school in Coopersville and spent time living in Detroit, Miami and eventually New York City. Michigan is now her home (and setting for all of her novels) and where she lives with her two children. Her work, though genre-crossing, has the same elements of quirky characters in strange situations. At times comedic, at times heartfelt, and even at times downright creepy, Tanya Eby seeks to write stories that are engaging and resonate with the reader. She is also a professional narrator and you can find her audiobooks by doing a search on her name here.
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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Man Card (Man Hands #2) by Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby to read and review.
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