4+ Stars

Always well-written, Tawna Fenske's books are a must-read. Not only for the creative story lines, but the multi-faceted characters, humor, and whip-smart banter. Even in this shorter-length title, Fenske delivered a well developed story with moments of poignancy that I'm familiar with in her longer books. I'm always surprised with the empathy she draws from me in those poignant moments. Dax was a wonderful hero. Not an ott alpha, but still strong and outwardly self-confident. At the same time, as his back-story and hidden vulnerabilities are slowly revealed, it's those traits that become more attractive than his exterior. At first, Lisa appears high maintenance, but therein lies her own vulnerabilities. She wants to empower herself by trying things outside that pretentious box. I enjoyed her new experiences right alongside her her, but was even more impressed with how she embraced both the "nicer" things in life and her new experiences with Dax. Although, The Test was a quick read with a stronger focus on the sexy times, Tawna Fenske still had me caring for the characters and outcome.

"I've had plenty of martinis, as you well know. Is it really so peculiar that I've never tried it dirty?" Lisa Michaels is all about doing the right thing. Doing what is expected of her. What would people think if she didn't? Then she runs into tall, dark and hot Dax Kensington. Dax is the epitome of doing the wrong thing. The Test is the perfect excuse for Lisa to do all the things she "shouldn't" do. Dax is the perfect person to do those things with.

Dax has been down this road, so he thought, with a socialite. But Lisa is not what she appears to be at first glance. He sees the real her.

The Test turns into more. Neither one wants this test to end!

Great story with wonderful characters. Tawna Fenske makes me smile, yet again!

I loved The List so when I saw The Test, I knew I had to read it!! This book is hilarious and a little heartbreaking but it kept me glued to my kindle from the second I started.

Lisa's fiancee left her at the altar and ever since, she's wondering not only where she went wrong in life but how she can make a change. When she meets Dax in a bar, she figures what she needs is a break from all of the things she would normally do- starting with taking home a tattooed bad boy. Out of this crazy encounter is born 'The Test'- Lisa making the opposite decision of what she would normally do for an entire month. Dax was left behind by a woman very similar to Lisa so when she asks him to help her with the test, he agrees if only to get revenge on his ex through another woman.

This book had me laughing so much!! Lisa and Dax, while on the surface seem like opposites, actually had a lot in common. Watching them discover all of their similarities is one of my favorite things about this book. There were definitely some moments that I felt the same gut punch heartbreak that the characters felt but seeing them come back from difficulty was beautiful. I absolutely love this series and I can't wait to see what comes next.

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

The Test by Tawna Fenske is the Second Book in the "The List" series. This is the story of Dax Kensington and Lisa Michaels.
I haven't yet read the previous book so this was easily a standalone book for me.
Lisa was a strict by the book women who ended up with a cheating fiancé. So Lisa decided to stop doing things by the book and start having fun. This brings her to Dax who goes along with her and helping her along the way.
This was actually a really sweet book.

Thoroughly enjoyed this laugh out sexy read where opposites attract. Lisa has been left at the alter, and now has met Dax at the bar. She devises "The Test" with Dax. Thirty days of stepping out of your comfort zone and fun filled sex with no strings attached for the next thirty days. But can they say good bye after the test.

Great sexual chemistry between Dax and Lisa. Off the charts sex, oh my the museum! They both learn from each other, how to make the most of their life styles. We all can learn to step out of our comfort zone.

I simply adored this book! Lisa find herself in a position she never thought she would be in; having an ex-fiance. Now she's rethinking everything. Lisa is out for a girls night with her sisters. When she locks eyes with a guy at the bar. She thinks that maybe she should do the opposite of what she would normally do, then she starts the test. And the chemistry between Lisa and Dax is HOTT! I really enjoyed their banter. I liked how Lisa was attracted to him, in that he looked different from her usual "type" and he was also a different kind of guy. She let her hormones lead her and wasn't up in her head about things. Dax had his own preconceived notions about her as well. But I liked how Dax encouraged her. Despite how things should have been, feelings got involved. I was completely lost in the story and didn't want to put this book down. In typical Tawna fashion, I found myself laughing out loud and swooning so hard while reading this book! Go grab your copy today!

What starts out as one night of reckless fun turns into so much more as Lisa and Dax decide to test out her theory: change her life by doing exactly opposite of what she would normally do. Including having scorching hot sex with a guy like Dax. In a museum. And an ally. And a tent. (Don't ask...just read the book!)

I really liked both of these characters! They had great chemistry and I liked that they had fun together. They complemented each other nicely. I especially liked how Lisa was willing to take chances and do things way out of her comfort zone. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

The Test is funny and steamy, with a big dollop of sweetness. Lisa decides to take a walk on the wild side with Dax. And they both find themselves educated.

In true Fenske style, you are going to laugh out loud quite often. And with this one, probably blush a bit. I had to contain my giggles when I was reading at the doctor’s office.

I love that we see the same characters from the previous story, The List. But you can enjoy this book without having read that one. It just gives you an inside scoop.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I first heard about Tawna Fenske in August of 2015 when her book "About That Fling" was featured as a "Kindle First." I kind of feel in love with the way that she tells a story. Her characters are fun, and even ones you may not like at first tend to grow on you. Since then, I have read anything that I have found by Tawna.

When I first read "The List," I absolutely loved the main character of the story, but I wasn't too fond of her sisters. When I found out about "The Test" which is the sequel to "The List" and that the main character was Lisa, I didn't know what to expect. Although I know from experience that Tawna has not written a book that I didn't like, I was still a little apprehensive. Shame on me!

I have to admit, at the very beginning of the book, I still was not a fan of the character, but she absolutely progressed as the story went one. Tawna took a character who I just didn't care for in "The List" and made me adore her in "The Test." Trust me, Lisa will definitely become a character that you will truly root for. I cannot wait to read what comes next for these characters. I'm hoping Sarah's story will be next!

A charming romance with fun characters and scorching hot sex scenes that were very well written.

Favorite Quotes:

I can’t see his face, but his shoulders look like he spends his spare time bench-pressing SUVs.

Is this foreplay? I have no idea. Gary’s idea of foreplay was muting the ten o’clock news and patting the mattress beside him. Don’t think I didn’t notice how he’d peer at the stock market crawl over my shoulder.

Did I ever tell you I used to volunteer at this museum?… There’s an exhibit on the third floor called Oregon Adventure… My first month here, I caught a couple going at it on one of the bunks in the Lewis and Clark exhibit… They were buck naked, right there between the bearskin rug and the display of nineteenth-century muskets.

Does anyone else feel self-conscious shopping for cucumbers? Like you’re standing there squeezing them and checking out the length and girth to make sure you get the best one, and you look over to see every creepy guy in the produce section is staring at you.

Her T-shirt is emblazoned with an electric guitar, the logo for the National Down Syndrome Association, and the words, “I’m rockin’ this extra chromosome.”

For future reference, most people bring cans of beer and Dinty Moore stew when they camp… Not an entire Riedel stemware set and an eighty-dollar bottle of port.

My Review:

I smirked and gasped my way through this delightfully naughty and amusing clever and steamy tale of opposites. The premise was interesting, the storylines were entertaining, the characters were appealing and enticing, and the writing was witty and engaging. And if you just heard someone yell, “Home run!” - that would be me.

Lisa was a fussy and pretentious socialite wannabe who was overly concerned about appearances and having or being the best. However, she felt an itch to sample or “test” the grittier or less refined sides of life, which included experimenting with the many unfulfilled items on her sexual bucket list by going against her instincts and doing the exact opposite of what she had or would have considered doing for the next thirty days. It was to be sex only with no relationship or emotional involvement, and she found the perfect specimen with which to do so.

Dax was a heavily tattooed and dirty-talking hottie who Lisa had met in a bar, although she had no idea he was also a wealthy and successful business owner, as being a shallow snob, Lisa hadn’t taken the time to look past his delectable and colorfully inked surface. I adored the witty and profane Dax; although I couldn’t quote much of his dialogue as he words were typically laced with obscenities. His sexual dynamics, lubricity, and bawdy banter were some of the many turn-ons for Lisa, who was quickly softening during their association with a blooming relationship thoughts working their way in, which wasn’t supposed to be part of the plan.

copy furnished through Netgalley and Entangled Pub
Opposites attract in this sexy cute story. Lisa is a interior designer who was recently left at the alter. She self describes herself as pretentious and predictable. She needed a change and wanted to spice up her life. Dax is a big tattooed hunk of a man. A first sight he is the opposite of any man Lisa as ever dated. they come up with The Test. Lisa will do things without overthinking and opposite of anything she would normally do. That includes inside and outside of the bedroom. I loved both characters and had fun with all their adventures. Even though Lisa tried new things, she still was Lisa. The camping adventure says it all. Dax had secrets and self doubts that he allowed to get the best of him at times. Lisa and Dax although opposites had a lot in common. Great story with believable characters.

Sex in a museum ... with Lewis and Clark jokes!

Sweet and fun, and a lot of dirty. I enjoyed Lisa's story far more than I expected after she came across as snobby and uptight in sister Cassie's book The List. Once Lisa let loose and turned herself over to the 30 day Test, she fully revealed herself as a sweet, fun, strong, caring person. I loved that while Dax was her accomplice in doing unexpectedly fun (read: dirty) things, she didn't really need him to "complete" her.

Sex in an alley, the shower, while camping, and in a museum (!!!) made their 30 day Test such delicious fun, but the true sweetness came from the hidden emotions bubbling inside Lisa and Dax. Watching them shyly and slowly come to love each other was just as much a part of their story as the dirty bits.

I had a harder time accepting Dax's judgmental and bitterly sensitive side, and I really wanted him to grovel big time. But in the end, their HEA felt light and romantic and true, which brought a nice conclusion to the Michaels sisters' saga. Now, how about Sarah's story?

I have read two books by this author. One I really enjoyed, the other I didn’t. After reading a review of this book by a Goodreads friend, I decided to take a chance. I’m glad I did!

Lisa Michaels is an Interior Designer. She comes from money, enjoys the finer things in life and has a successful career. It’s also fair to say she’s a bit of an uppity snob. She lives in an expensive condo, wears designer clothes, and gets expensive haircuts and mani/pedis. She is extremely persnickety when ordering drinks and food. The kind of person every waiter/waitress hates to serve. She hobnobs with the elite for her business. Her world hits the wall when her stockbroker fiancé leaves her at the altar.

She and her two sisters are having a night out when she spots a big, rough looking, broad shouldered, muscular, very tattooed hottie with a “granite ass” and “icy blue eyes.” The exact opposite of her fiancé. She’s intrigued.

Dax Kensington is a diamond in the rough with a penchant for “polished blondes.” He’s had a difficult life growing up. His mom left when he was little, his dad died three years ago, his sister died of a heroin overdose at 19 and his brother is in prison for armed robbery. He barely graduated high school. His fiancé left him because he wasn’t successful enough. Unfortunately for her, he became extremely successful soon after she left.

Lisa wants a walk on the wild side and decides Dax is her ticket to that. Dax decides what the hell because he isn’t doing relationships any more. Talk about opposites attracting! They surprise each other when they discover their perceptions of the other aren’t exactly spot on.

I laughed out loud several times at their bantering. Yes, they actually spend time talking and getting to know each other! You could see and feel the evolving of their “relationship.” I shook my head at both of them at times. Lisa for her highbrow ways of looking at things and Dax for his inability to let go of his insecurities about being the kid from the wrong side of the tracks. Lots of great sex.

This is a fun, sweet (at times), sexy read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

This was an enjoyable story. That had me engaged throughout. As it was sweet, easy to read and angst free. Not to mention there were a few fun moments, and some hot ones too. As for the characters I liked them both. Although it took me a while to warm up to Lisa if I'm honest. Yet I thought they worked well together and certainly shared some chemistry. And I liked the whole idea of opposites attracting. Which in this case they definitely did. And certainly the story had enough about it to hold my interest. Plus, I never once felt like I was missing out having not read The List, the first book in this series. And so I'd happily recommend this story to others.

The Test is another fun and sexy installment into The List series. It brings together a sophisticated, elegant socialite and the unlikely but sexy tattooed guy she picks up at a bar. Sparks fly as they explore their mutual desires while introducing Lisa to the rougher side of life.
This story starts with Lisa commiserating over her love life and how she needs to do something completely different than what she's used to. In fact, she needs to do the complete opposite and go against all her instincts. Hence, The Test was born. A test to see if Lisa can live on the wild side of life. I liked Lisa a great deal. Under her sophisticated veneer is a kind and caring person with a good heart. She has a lot more depth to her than she originally lets on. As she lets loose with Dax, she learns things about herself and also what's important. Some of the things she considered important lose some of their meaning and while she doesn't do a complete 180° on herself, she embraces things that she never would have previously. She also sees beyond the shallowness of some of the things around her to what's meaningful. Most importantly though, Dax helps her experience sensuality and fun as they burn up the sheets (and other things) while experimenting for The Test.
Dax is a great guy. There's so much more to him than his rough and ready demeanor if one takes the time to look. Sure, he's hot and sexy, but beyond that he's kind and giving - c'mon the guy volunteers at a dog shelter! and he's smarter and more creative than he lets on. Of course, coming from the wrong side of the tracks, and having a rough and difficult childhood, Dax also has some of his own insecurities and issues. At one point, this does get in the way because Dax is afraid of things being too good to be true. For all his success, his past still haunts him and doesn't entirely allow him to open himself up and let go. It takes someone close to help him see he needs to take a chance in order to have a happy and fulfilling life that he deserves.
I am enjoying this series by Ms Fenske. It's fun but it's also sizzling hot. I kind you not, this is super sexy. Your Kindle might melt, so keep a fan handy, or better yet, turn your air conditioner on high. I'm not sure if there's going to be another book in the series, but if there is, I'd read it.

Tawna Fenske is one of those rare authors I know I can count on to always write a great book. She’s never disappointed me, and her latest in no exception. “The List” features two people, Lisa and Dax, who grew up on opposite sides of the economic spectrum. I was much more drawn to Dax than Lisa, simply because of my own past, but Lisa is a woman able to learn and change. Her willingness to try new things had me kind of envious, actually. And Dax is this big guy with a big heart and a great intuition about what Lisa really needs. His sensitivity to perceived slights seemed a bit too harsh, but it turns out he had reason to behave the way he did and it all made so much sense. (Trying not to spoil anything here!) And the emotional connection between the two was amazing, not to mention the incredibly hot encounters they had. Yow! I feel like my reviews for Tawna’s books might seem a bit repetitious, but I can’t help saying again that she just somehow manages to get the combination of sweet/sexy/funny/emotional perfectly in her work. Her characters feel honest and grounded in reality. You connect with them and their stories all the more because she gives them such dimensions. And she infuses it all with a slightly wicked, slightly wacky sense of humor. She’s simply a damn good writer. Needless to say, I highly recommend this book and this author.

“I needed to break out of my shell. To try new things. I never realized that until I met you.”

The Test is one of those books I feel like could have gone either way—a hot mess, or a hot, messy, sexy, simmering love story.

Guys, it’s definitely number two. Hands down. In the care of Tawna Fenske—who always seems to write the exact book I want at the exact moment I want it—Dax and Lisa’s story was perfection. Sexy, you betcha. Seriously, that alley scene? I may never recover from it . . . And funny? Absolutely—a blend of awkward moments and flirty back-and-forths that are more foreplay than playful at times. I mean, nerdy welding and history dirty talk, who knew?!

But it’s more than that. As is often the case with Ms. Fenske, her humor and heat hide a depth that is rewarding, engaging and topical. In this case, the value of self, and what it means to be who you are, with no apologies. For Lisa and Dax, that discovery *comes* (heh, pun intended—did you really think it wouldn’t be?!) with a tension and an emotion that kicks the ol’ heart rate up a notch or five.

The Test tested the limits of my ability to smile and swoon and get really flippin’ frustrated at characters that I just wanted to see believe in themselves and their choices. In a good way, FYI. Needless to say, now I’m done, my cheeks are hurting from the grin I sported through the very last page, and my heart is light. As it should be after reading something so perfectly messy, sexy and real.

“Pretty sure that’s the first time anyone’s said scurvy ro me during sex.”
“How about blunderbuss?”

~ FIVE Deathmetal STARS ~

Sexy, funny, smart love story

This is the first book I've read by Tawna Fenske but I'll definately be checking out her backlist and future books.
I absolutely loved this book.
Lisa and Dax were the perfect opposites attract couple. Somehow their difference softened all their edges. The writing was on point, prompting an assortment of emotions. The plot line had me turning the pages to see what the next "test" would be. I thought the secondary characters brought a fullness to the story and I'll be looking for their stories. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

What can I say about this book? I freaking loved it. Tawna hits this one so far out of the park...
Lisa and her sisters are having drinks at some craft cocktail bar, Lisa is trying to blow off her sisters comments about her being left at the altar some six months prior by a dickless wonder, while wedding chatter ensues the elder sister is getting married in a few months.

Lisa becomes distracted by a man at the bar who she describes as having a well chiseled abs, two fully tatted arms and is huge. When he catches her staring, he suddenly finds himself sitting next to her making conversation. So unlike him, so unlike her. But Lisa had just decided that she needed to start doing the opposite of what she would normally do. That said, she stands up and takes this man Dax home with her. Lisa is wound way to tight. She's so bound up by doing the right thing, fussing over little things and by all means appearances. Dax, unbeknownst to Lisa has just made a fortune developing a cup made from steel that is double insulated. Dax has his own history and still thinks of himself as the boy from the other side of town, poor, abusive drunk father and the unworthy. Despite his success. His relationship with Lisa helps him see things differently. She calls this the Test. Kind of throws out there that maybe they could do this for a month and he'll teach her to challenge herself to do things she normally wouldn't do. Hot damn, the chemistry between these two was insane. I loved how they learned little bits about each other, Dax volunteering at the dog rescue and Lisa rising to his challenges, despite her penchant for high heels. He loved her brain and wit, she loved his compassion and talent. There was so much between these two to love. The story had a nice flow and I felt like I was sailing right along with them in it. Especially when the crap hit the fan. I just made a face at that one. Yeah, not happy. Dax for one thing Lisa didn't know totally blew himself out of the water and left Lisa there to save herself.
I really wasn't sure there would be any coming back from that one. Clearly you know Dax and Lisa belong together, but who knows what will become of this mess Dax made. Gotta read the book to find out.

The book is a must read and as usual Tawna never disappoints. I'd give it 10 stars.

**advanced reader copy form NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review. Review contains my opinions and mine alone.**