Man Card by Sarina Bowen, Tanya Eby Series: Man Hands #2
Published by Rennie Road Books on January 15th 2018
Pages: 242
Format: ARC
Genres: Romantic Comedy
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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.
Sabrina Bowen and Tanya Eby have combined their formidable forces once again to bring readers a wildly entertaining mother of all romantic comedies. I liked Man Hands a lot, but I loved Man Card.
Ashley and Braht were introduced in Man Hands. Ash is a tough-as-nails real estate agent who has hate/lust feelings towards her main competitor, Braht. Braht (I still can’t get over his name) loves a feisty woman, and he has a major thing for Ash. It seems like the more shade she throws, the more into her Braht becomes.
I thought I wouldn’t like Braht. In the previous book he comes across as too pretentious and his nicknames as super annoying. To my surprise, I absolutely adored him in this look. Somehow, his egotistical, metrosexual nature—complete with pedicures, top of the line facial products, and designer everything—only helped endear him more. Well, those things as well as his sense of humor and devotion.
We get to see that there’s a lot more underneath Ash’s tough exterior. She may be an awesome badass, but I love that Braht, of all people, allows her to safely show her vulnerable side. Whether they’re fighting or sexing it up—sometimes both at the same time—there’s a wonderful connection between them. These two are freaking hilarious together, and I enjoyed the evolution of their romance.
If you’re looking for a sexy little story that will have you laughing out loud one minute and swooning the next, be sure to check out Man Card.
Recommended for fans of:
Romantic comedy
Metrosexuals
Tacos
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
Excerpt from Man Card
“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.
About Sarina Bowen
Sarina Bowen is the award-winning author of more than thirty contemporary novels. She has hit the USA Today bestseller’s list nineteen times and counting. Formerly a derivatives trader on Wall Street, Sarina holds a BA in economics from Yale University.
Sarina is a New Englander whose Vermont ancestors cut timber and farmed the north country since the 1760s. Sarina is grateful for the invention of indoor plumbing and wi-fi during the intervening 250 years. She lives with her family on a few wooded acres in New Hampshire.
Sarina’s books are published in over a dozen languages on five continents.
About Tanya Eby
Tanya Eby is the Audie Award-winning narrator of over 500 diverse titles. She’s the voice of books from every big-5 publishing house as well as Audible, Brilliance, Blackstone and Tantor. She also narrates under the name of Tatiana Sokolov for books that are particularly saucy (AKA erotica books). When not narrating, she’s working on her own writing. Check out her books: Easy Does It, Blunder Woman, Pepper Wellington and the Case of the Missing Sausage, Foodies Rush In, Tunnel Vision, and Synchronicity. She also has a food blog at dips.tanyaeby.com.
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