by Sophie Jordan
Series: The Ivy Chronicles #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
What happens when a girl who always calls the shots meets a guy who's too wild for even her? A born flirt and good-time party girl, Emerson has never had a problem finding a willing guy. She's always chosen her hookups carefully, and she's never broken her three cardinal rules: Never let them see the real you.
Never fall in love. Always leave them begging for more. Then Shaw comes along. A hottie from the wrong side of the tracks, he's immune to her flirtatious banter and come-hither smile. After rescuing her from a disastrous night at a biker bar, he doesn't even try to take her to bed—he calls her a tease and sends her home instead. Unable to resist a challenge, or forget the sexy, dark-eyed, bad-boy biker, she vows to bring him to his knees. But instead of making Shaw beg, Emerson finds herself craving him. For the first time in her life, she's throwing out her rule book. Suddenly, she's the one panting for a guy she can't control—a guy who won't settle for anything less than the real Emerson and who forces her to do things she's never imagined, including facing a past she thought she'd buried. A guy who just might leave her wanting more. . .
I adored Foreplay the first book in the Ivy Chronicles by Sophie Jordan and found it to be a refreshing, low-angst tale in sea of drama filled new adult titles. As you can imagine I was excited to get my hands on Tease the second book. While I enjoyed myself and Jordan writes fleshed out characters, I was left disappointed that it had all of the trappings of a typical new adult novel.
We are back at college and this time we are getting Emerson’s story. I liked Emerson and felt for her. She has quite the back-story, and I can see why she puts on this “flirting act” and tries to be in control all of the time. She is a good kid, well grounded in her goals but afraid at the same time. Shaw is a sweetie! A hot ex-marine motorcycle mechanic who has big plans for opening up his own custom shop. He is emotionally scarred from a tour overseas, and I easily connected with him.
The romance was hot, and sweet. The sexy time was oh-la-la hawt! Their interaction had all the elements I loved -sweet moments, heat, and wicked banter. Shaw handles all of Emerson’s complicated signals well and even sees past the mask she has created. He breaks down her walls and holds her accountable. He supports her and never pushes. At times he was a tad possessive especially if someone is trying to hurt her. This would have been an issue but he respects her feelings and wishes which I appreciated it.
The plot is where Tease fell apart for me. Tease was filled with drama, intense scenes, and angst. It was extremely predictable and while that can be fun it wasn’t the freshness I expected. There were twists and turns on the road to our HEA but Jordan offered nothing new. Gone was the freshness of Foreplay and sadly Tease delivered more or less the same formula I have read in countless new adult novels. What saved Tease for me is Jordan herself; she writes likeable fleshed out characters and juicy loved scenes. The connection she gave me with the characters kept me from setting this down.
Despite my disappointment with Tease, I did enjoy aspects of it. I am hoping Wild the final book in the Ivy Chronicles delivers more of the unique content we found in Foreplay.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Michelle
I enjoyed reading Foreplay! It’s kind of disappointing to hear from many sources that Tease doesn’t really live up to the expectation. I’ll still be reading the book and hope that the next book will be even better. Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
It wasn’t bad Michelle, it just wanted memorable in a sea of NA books and Foreplay cast a long shadow.
Michelle
I really, really want to read foreplay. I think that book looks awesome. I am sad that the plot on this one fell a little short for you, but glad that the romance and dynamic between the two of them was sexy and great. Her first rule in the summary makes me sad though- never let them see the real you. I can already tell this one will be drama filled. I hope the third book lives up to the first one for you Kimba.
Great review. I hope to get to this series someday.
kimbacaffeinate
Thankfully these all work as standalone and I hope you read Foreplay since it was wonderful.
aurian
I am sorry you are disappointed in this one, especially as you loved the first book in the series.
Chyna
for me, I could’t understand why she had that whole facade. Her reasons weren’t reasonable to me, I grew frustrated with her and also the romance. The guy only kisses her when they’re arguing gaaah! LOL Anyways, lovely review and I love your blog design! Super adorable! <3 Def gonna stop by again.
kimbacaffeinate
I understood the wall and fake confidence and need for control given her history, but agree about the frustration and angry kisses. Thanks Chyna, so glad you love the blog and look forward to hearing from you again 🙂
Naomi
It’s a shame you were kind of disappointed with this one. I know how much you enjoyed Foreplay. I am intrigued by Shaw… sounds yummy! Nice review.
kimbacaffeinate
I adored Foreplay and this was good and I liked Shaw 🙂
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
2nd book in a series slump ;( hopefully book 3 delivers.
kimbacaffeinate
Thankfully each is a standalone. Foreplay was fantastic 🙂
Lauren
I’m hearing that this one isn’t as good as Foreplay from so many trusted bloggers, I’m also tempted to skip it and read Wild. But I’m sure I’ll cave and give it a go anyway. I loved Foreplay and I know I’m going to be disappointed, but I can’t help myself. Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, it wasn’t bad just don’t read them back to back. Foreplay cast a long shadow!
Lupdilup
I have the first book on my TBR, but I think I’ll wait for the next book to be out and to hear your thoughts about it. I hear you 🙂
Thank you Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
No need to wait, each is a standalone and Foreplay rocked it!
ShootingStarsMag
Sorry this one fell into the typical NA plot lines these days. I hate reading so many reviews for NA books where they all sound the same; it’s nice to get something a bit more unique.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lauren, thankfully each work as a standalone so you can enjoy the uniqueness of Foreplay 🙂
Melliane
Oh I’m sorry it wasn’t as good as the first one. It’s always difficult when the plot is like that but it’s nice to see that you had some great things too. I just remember that she write YA books. But never tried any.
kimbacaffeinate
She writes YA, NA and Adult. Foreplay works as a standalone and was wonderful
emaginette
Ah, you always give me the best advice. I’ll watching and waiting to see out this turns out.
Have a great day, kiddo 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Anna 🙂
Christy
Typical trappings, eh? Hmm. That’s too bad. But, sometimes I’m in the mood for typical. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Did you read Foreplay? I think you would adore it. They work as standalone.
Katherine
Sounds like this book has some potential but it’s too bad it got angsty. I hate angst! Foreplay definitely sounds like it’s worth a read and if I enjoy that one it sounds like this one readable just not quite as great. Thanks for the review and as usual giving me ANOTHER book to try!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes Katherine. Foreplay is one you will remember and Tease is a good, quick, forgettable beach read.
Debbie Haupt
Hey Kimba, Loved your quotable on Foreplay sorry Tease didn’t rock your boat.
Angst or no angst that usually depends on my mood, but usually not too much.
Deb
kimbacaffeinate
If it is fresh and well done I enjoy angst. Thanks Debbie 🙂
Candace
That’s too bad that this one wasn’t as good. I remember seeing lots of good reviews for the first book. I hate when things get all drama’y.
kimbacaffeinate
I adored Foreplay, the first book and thankfully they work as standalone
Trish
Aw, all the drama fests have led to me being very selective with my NA books these days. I’ll def pick up Foreplay sometime but won’t be in a rush to this one.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I am glad you still plan to read Foreplay.
Lorna
Do the books stand alone? Cause I am thinking I should try Foreplay and just not worry about the second one 🙂 Thanks for an honest review!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes Lorna they totally work as standalone and I so hope you read Foreplay. I loved it.
Lorna
Just wanted to say, I bought and read Foreplay and loved it. It was one of those books that made it to the top of my TBR list the day I bought it. Thanks for the recommendation!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, I am delighted to hear that. I loved it and felt it really stood out from the crowd. Thanks for letting me know Lorna. Positive feedback just makes me smile 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
I had avoided the first book because I just felt that it did have all the trappings, but with so many good reviews, I really need to try it. Sorry this one didn’t rock your socks off, but it does sound enjoyable enough. I’m just not sure I would like the angst. I don’t like too much of it in my stories.
kimbacaffeinate
The first book was exceptional! I totally recommend Foreplay.
Jenea
It’s too bad about the plot itself. I have had a hard time finding the NA one’s that are all the same type of story for the characters too. I’m glad you still enjoyed it though. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jenea, if you haven’t read Foreplay I totally recommend it. Each works as standalone and it is well worth it.
Rashika
I actually just read Nick’s review for this 😛 I am sorry this disappointed you but hopefully the next/last book in the series will meet your expectations 😀
Great review, Kimba!! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Rashika, I adored Foreplay so this was a let down, but I love the author and will cross my fingers that book three rocks my world.
Andrea
Sigh. Well, I\’m not quite as excited now. This seems like a nice enough story but the lack of freshness does make it underwhelming. Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
It wasn’t bad, and I liked the characters. Sadly it is not a standout book like Foreplay was.
Diana Leigh
New Adult angst, oy. Pass me the ibuprofen. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
ha, if it isn’t overdone it can be quite good:)
Lisa
Lots of reviews for this around lately, and they all seem to agree with you – Foreplay was better. I really want to read Foreplay, and maybe I still will. I’m glad you overall enjoyed this though, even if it wasn’t AS amazing as you had hoped. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you read Foreplay it was a favorite of mine.
kindlemom1
I am trying so hard to place the first book and for whatever reason I just can’t.
It sounds like this was a good read but not a stand out one darn it. I need to look up the first book now though, it is driving me nuts that I can’t remember it.
kimbacaffeinate
Anytime that happens you can click on the series link at top of my post and go right to the previous reviews. 🙂 Foreplay rocked my face off.
kindlemom1
Oh I didn’t even realize that Kim, thanks for letting me know. I am sure I will be using it tons now. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
i am glad I said something. Most WordPress blogs with UBB are indexed like that. So each link in our book information will show you all books in each subject line. For example clicking the author will show her YA, NA and Adult books that I have reviewed here at Caffeinated so you can read other reviews. 🙂
Jessica
Drat . . . I have both of these now, but I’m going to have to wait until the next (last?) book before reading them, b/c if I’m disappointed like you were, I’ll never get around to reading the next book. I’ll be watching for that review 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Each book is a standalone and you so need to read Foreplay!
Nick
Kim, we’re review twins today! 🙂 And we felt exactly the same way about the book. I liked it enough, especially the romance and Sophie Jordan’s writing, but I struggled with Emerson a little bit and her back story. Like you said, it was so typical NA. I think I’ve grown numb to those kinds of topics in books these days. Although if you’re looking for a good angsty novel try, Clipped Wings if you haven’t yet! It’s such a great book and I’m in love atm! 🙂
Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I just read your review Nick and wow did we ever feel the same way. Will look at Clipped Wings. I have no issue with angst provided it isn’t over done or stupid like miscommunication.
tonyalee
Yeah, I am a little over the predictable NA trend. I haven’t read any of her romance novels, so I might give Foreplay a shot.
kimbacaffeinate
Loved, loved Foreplay Tonyalee. It was wonderful.
Mary
Even though the plot wasn’t there, at least the interaction and banter between the characters was! Maybe she just hit a little slump — she has been putting out books pretty steadily. Fingers crossed for the last one!
kimbacaffeinate
She really has, but even the cover of this one is typical YA. I adore Jordan and she has wonderful characters so let’s hope this was indeed a blip.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
We have the same thoughts about this book Kimba. Its such a shame because Foreplay was so amazing; I am hoping the last book is a good one.
A great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It is nice to hear it wasn’t just me. Foreplay was so good and I really hope we see more of that in book three.
Jennifer Bielman
I am finally getting tired of the cookie cutter new adult plot. It was fun while it was new but I need a new kind of new adult to catch my interest.
kimbacaffeinate
That is why I loved Foreplay so much, it was fresh. I do love this author though.
blodeuedd
Gods, angst? No thank you
kimbacaffeinate
:snort: