Getting Rough: Monkey Business Trio

This story takes place in Cassidy’s hometown of Maine. It is a very close knit lobster community. Because the author did a good job describing the setting, it was easy to picture it in your head. In the beginning it was hard for me to relate to the characters. I think it was because this was the second book in a series. While the author does give you some background on Cassidy and Shaw, I think it would have been better if I had read the first book. I just didn’t feel the connection between these two. However as the story progressed though, I was able to feel a better connection between Shaw and Cassidy. When Shaw arrived at the bed and breakfast Cassidy’s family owns he was intense. He was very angry. It’s like they jumped on each other the minute he arrived. I thought that was a little bit much but again I think if I knew a little more of their dynamics it would have helped. There are a number of secondary characters that are an integral part of the story (Casey, Mia). Shaw is quick to pick up on the fact Casey, Cassidy’s best friend, is in love with her. This of course brings out the dominance between the two, wanting to stake their claim. So can you imagine all the chest thumping that goes on between these two? In the beginning Shaw was a little rough around the edges but as the story progressed he became really sweet. He easily became part of Cassidy’s and Casey’s family. Overall, it turned out to be a good story. Little slow in the beginning but then picked up. The only issue I have is it ended on a cliffhanger.

If Playing Dirty was Shaw's story, Getting Rough is Cassidy's through and through. Shaw and Cassidy are their own worst enemies. They thrive on being the best and although that is not a bad thing the way they go about achieving that title is. If each took a minute to really examine what drives them to succeed, the similarities would far outshine their different backgrounds. If the objective was to prove that a reader can fall in love with unlikable characters this author was a success. I received an ARC of Getting Rough in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in this series and picks up from where the previous one left off. Shaw Matthews is on his way to Maine to find out why Cassidy Whalen left. He is not sure why he is doing this....he thinks it's so he can tell her off. I loved seeing Stonington through his eyes. He was so funny while he was driving. Of course the only place in the tiny town that had a room available was Cassidy's mom's bed and breakfast. I just adored the people in Stonington. I love how Shaw quickly clung to the fairy tail of it all. When Shaw finally confronts Cassidy as to why she left, he realizes even more about this woman that he cannot seem to get his mind off of. I loved their chemistry. It seemed like it even exploded more from the first book. I really enjoyed when Shaw met Casey, Cassidy's first love, who is obviously still in love with her! Talk about alpha vs. alpha! Testosterone City! While Shaw is egotistical, arrogant and cocky, Casey is sweet and kind. and this just makes Shaw extremely jealous. I loved the interaction Shaw had with everyone, especially Abby. He found something in her that he never had growing up. I loved how Duff scared the crap out of Shaw....so true in real life! The part where Duff takes Shaw out on his boat was great! Wow....such a story line. You are just recovering from that when the hurricane hits. You think that is going to be the worst part of the storm, but no....all the confrontations between Shaw, Cassidy, Casey and Mia were eye opening. I loved the next day after the hurricane. I can't even begin to imagine having to go through that but I loved how everyone was helping out. Then the surprising phone call from Shaw's assistant, Ben was a great finish! I hope to see more of these characters in the next book.