Book Review: The Cad and the Co-Ed
This is the third book in this series co-written by Penny Reid (I love her Knitting in the City series!) and L.H. Cosway (her book Painted Faces was so, so good!). I really, really enjoyed the first two and was very much looking forward to the third installment.
The Blurb
Keeping a secret this big is going to take lots of balls. Specifically, rugby balls.
THE CAD
Bryan Leech is a cad.
Or, he *was* a cad.
No one is quite certain.
Once the quintessential playboy, Bryan claims he’s done with wild parties and weekend benders. No more one night stands leading to mornings he can’t remember; no more binges and blackouts; no more exploits plastered all over the tabloids and rag sheets. According to Bryan, he’s cleaning up his act.
The only problem is, no one believes him.
THE CO-ED
Eilish Cassidy never thought she’d be a mother at nineteen or still in college at twenty-four. Cut off from every member of her family except her favorite cousin, she’s finally managed to put her life back together. Stronger and wiser, Eilish enters her last semester of university determined to stand on her own. Now she just needs to find an internship.
The only problem is, her best option—by far—places her directly in the path of her son’s father, and he doesn’t remember her at all.
THE PLAN
Bryan is determined to prove he’s changed. Eager to settle down with the right woman, he’s got his sights set on the gorgeous redhead who seems terribly familiar.
Eilish is determined to hide her secret. She’ll do anything to keep her child safe, even if that means ignoring her own wishes and desires.
But what happens when Bryan starts to remember? And what will it take for Bryan to convince the girl he forgot that she’s unforgettable?
The Cover
I love the covers for this series. They are fantastic.
The Review
I can’t remember the last time a contemporary romance made me tear up. But you guys! Single mum of a 4.5-year-old boy who loves Pokemon? MAYBE I identified with that a bit. Also, the part where the dad was a hot Irish rugby player? Well, wishful thinking happens from time to time…
(Aside: When I was reading the book, I expressed to the Beer Guy that I’d been neglecting my Bean’s education as he doesn’t yet know how to tie a “full wizard knot” (Windsor! ha!), and the Beer Guy immediately pulled out a tie-tying app that he had already conveniently downloaded and told me the reasons why a half-Windsor was often more versatile.)
This book was the sexy romance novel that I’d expected in the series (special thanks to L.H. & Penny for writing decent sex scenes – the scenes in the book I’d read immediately previously made me cringe), but the single mum (SECRET BABY!) angle just really hit home for me. (Not the secret baby part. Pretty sure Bean’s dad knows about him. At least I hope so. Kid’s supposed to be there right now.)
The way the child was woven into the story and wasn’t just a plot device but an actual developed character was wonderfully real.
I’d happily have sex with him again. Right now. On a boat. Or on a train. Or in the rain.
‘Man, I really need to read something other than Dr. Seuss.’
I have a real problem with that book. I find it nearly impossible to read because it sounds like some kind of dirty, dirty sex book. (With a goat? HOW DARE YOU?!)
The story was satisfying. The characters were well-developed. The sex was good. Really good. Eilish is a strong woman. A stubborn woman. I don’t know anyone like that. (I personally always ask for help when I need it and don’t try to out-stubborn anyone. I certainly always tell people when things aren’t going well.)
There was enough tension and twisting to keep the pages turning until the end. I also felt like punching no fewer than three characters, which makes me feel like I’m really part of the narrative arc.
The Quote
I would not think about Bryan Leech adulting. I would not think about him walking into the hardware store in his sensible shoes and plain gray T-shirt–that would of course pull tightly over is impressive pectoral muscles–and then peruse the aisles for…a screw.
I. Would. Not.
…
I’d like to organize your closet.
Cocks on chicks and chicks on cocks. Cocks on clocks on bricks and blocks. Bricks and blocks on Knox in box…
DAMN YOU, DR. SEUSS!
(I didn’t go with the results I got before I turned on ‘safe search.’ You’re welcome. To try that search out yourself.)
The Verdict
Buy the series. You will love it. Probably. Unless you hate children and rugby and hot guys and a good HEA. (Did I mention that I cried!? I never cry during romance novels.)
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