Member Reviews
The story continues and we see the couple getting adapted to their new life in London. There are some problems they have to deal with and these problems will affect them, especially his new reality and her past.
Honestly, I was stuck around the middle of the book for so many days and I really wanted to DNF it. I don't want to blame the book, since probably I wasn't in the right mind, but still I didn't care much about the story and I thought it was kind of predictable at times.
However, I think someone else may enjoy it more than I did and you should give it a chance :)
She's a Spitfire is the second book in Chloe Liese's Tough Love series, which follows Nairne and Zed as they work to figure out how their relationship is going to work (or even if it's going to work) with everything going on in their lives. This is definitely a series where you have to read the first book since it follows the same characters and picks up right where the first book ended.
I loved reading about a STEM heroine, it's not something I see much in novels, so it was exciting to see Nairne in her element in the lab. I love how her education and work isn't just background information to the story, we actually get to read about her talking about her work/school and see her in the lab, and it's a pretty big part of the story. I especially love how she doesn't put her work or school behind her love for Zed. She wants to be with him, but she also wants to continue her higher education and helping people, and she doesn't let the complications of their relationship affect her decisions education-wise.
There's going to be a third book in the series, so this second one is more about Zed and Nairne overcoming the obstacles we first learned about in book one, so they can have a happy ending in book three. It felt like there was more action in this novel than romance, so just a heads up if that's not what you're expecting.
My one complaint with the novel is that too much seemed to happen off page for me. The first book ended with Zed trying to come up with a plan to leave and destroy the mafia, and in the second book I thought we'd get to see more of him working on ways for that to happen. Instead we get a few comments here and there about how progress is going, and then we see the outcome of it. I wish we were able to see more of the planning
Like book one, She's a Spitfire ends on kind of a cliffhanger, and made me immediately want to pick up book three to see how everything is resolved!
How do you feel about romance series that follow the same couple over multiple books?
I will be honest here, I would not have read this book if I had not be given a free copy by Netgalley. The first book in this series was not my cup of tea, and neither is this one.
I am afraid my opinion is against the popular opinion, and I didn't find this as hot and steamy as others. The s*x scenes were very similar to the first book, and the main problem I had was that their relationship did not evolve.
The relationship was the same, and the characters were the same. There is no character development that would be expected from a couple that is going through difficult times. I would have hoped for some change, maybe evolution of their relationship dynamics or even change in characters.
Again, I found the heroine immature and the hero not really likeable. They didn't solve their problems with trust and love, they choose to walk the way of irrational fights and arguments. They would have solved half their problems by communication. But then, drama was the main part of the story. Actually, too much drama. There were so many things going about, it was difficult to focus on one thing.
Overall, the plot was crazy, characters two dimensional and the writing okayish.
This is the end of the road for me. I don't think I will be pursuing this series.
#ShesAspitfire #NetGalley
I liked this one better than the first book. It showed a lot of growth in the writing and character development.
In She's a Spitfire, the second book in the Tough Love series by Chloe Liese, the attraction between Nairne and Zed is still as strong as ever.
I'm still as in love with this couple as I was in the beginning. There is just something about Nairne and Zed that speaks to me. And I can't wait to read the conclusion to their dramatic and engrossing journey.
Nevertheless this book didn't captivate me as much as He's a Brute did and I can't really put my finger on it.
One thing is for sure, I was missing a little bit of their banter which I loved so much in the first book. Nairne's sassy attitude and her habit of pushing Zed's buttons was missing and it did make a big difference to me. Especially for someone that loves banter as much as I do.
And I would have loved more relationship growth between Nairne and Zed, and for them to have more time as a couple instead of all the many plot lines. There was so much going on, I had the feeling as if some of their love story was swallowed by all the drama happening around them.
Unfortunately because of this, I wasn't as invested in She's a Spitfire as I was in He's a Brute. And I think that's mostly because Nairne and Zed's relationship was overshadowed. For me their relationship was what made me fall in love with them in the first place, and I felt it took a back seat in She's a Spitfire.
Besides a couple things that didn't make as much sense to me, She's a Spitfire was still a solid performance by the author. There is no doubt in my mind that I'll be reading whatever the author is writing next.
Book two starts right where book one left off. The author doesn’t waste time catapulting us right back into some serious suspenseful drama.
Nairne left because she loved him, she left to keep him safe. But now that means trying to rebuild her life in London and rebuild her heart.
Zed is trying desperately to separate from the dangerous double life he is living. But he has to stay until he can get his family safely out of the U.S. Then he can end things once and for all and be free to join Nairne in England. If she will still have him.
Once Zed finds Nairne they try desperately to work out a relationship despite their differences.
“We’d sparked and grated, met and shocked, and formed a dynamic I now couldn’t imagine loosing.”
“I loved her paradoxes. How she was proud yet bashful, powerful while vulnerable.”
These two are finally finding their footing and free from their nightmare only to discover there is another hiding in the shadows. This time it’s coming for Nairne. Her past comes to haunt her and tries to obliterate any chances at happiness.
But Nairne’s strength isn’t something to be ignored. She isn’t going to let anything stand in the way. To protect those she loves she will fight to the end, even if it means putting herself in extreme danger and risking everything.
The author once again gives us a suspenseful story with intelligent writing. I absolutely loved Nairne's strength to solve her own problem. I equally loved that at the end of book two Zed understands and accepts Nairne's strength and independence and seems to come to terms with it even though as the alpha protector, it goes against his nature. Even more beautiful is his realization that that is what he loves about her. Um.... swoon! The plot for book two did have some predictable parts, but it was no less entertaining or suspenseful. I’ve enjoyed the series so far and am looking forward to book three.
After all this drama, I need a stiff drink. Not whiskey! Going into this, I understood that Zed and Nairne were clear that what should have been casual and temporary between them was so much more. They had acknowledged that they loved each other and wanted a future together. But how could they make that possible? Nairne was destined for a fellowship in London and Zed was stuck running the Boston mafia (into the ground). Well, where there's will there's a way. And love really can conquer all!
As much as I adored this story and am completely in love with this couple, I did have a few issues...
✳ the theory that Nairne's $10,000 could leave an impact with a capo. This is the mafia. 10k is a drop in the ocean, especially with someone who is used to power and money. Shoot, I know regular people who would scoff at ten grand to do anything unseemly. That kind of money wouldn't make me take out a mafia don, much less someone firmly entrenched in the organization.
✳ if Nairne had spoken up, Zed would have been prepared. I get that this was mentioned in the story, but I dont think it was given enough air time. What she did was wrong and NO ONE held her accountable.
✳ Nairne's 21 years old. It's hard to remember that. She wants to be taken seriously, be commended for her independence, to be able to put her nose in people's business, but doesn't appreciate when the tables are turned. She jumped in with both feet to 'help' Zed, but wouldn't allow him to do the same. Annoying. Girl is smart, but not so wise.
Again, Chloe Liese gave me a story I could really sink my teeth into. There were plenty of moving parts, Zed and Nairne with their similar motives and differing methods, and even a couple of really bad people. This book was heavy on the love and heat that breathed life into this couple, with suspenseful moments to break up the monotony of what could be a happily ever after. While these two haven't reached their happy ending yet, I'm satisfied with where this story is going and I look forward to seeing how it all unfolds in They're a Match.
She's a Spitfire is a bit of something new and fresh in the new adult mold of contemporary romance. Author Chloe Liese does a deft job of combining the common fake friends with benefits turned serious formula with suspense. In addition to the usual growing pains that go along with a new and evolving relationship between two headstrong individuals, there are not one but two subplots involving dangerous adversaries from the' past that threaten their future. The story is over the top given the age of those involved (early twenties) but fun. One thing that's refreshing about this book, especially given its likely young adult, heavily female target audience, is that the lovers are real equals no matter how alpha the guy may be, and the heroine, Nairne, is genuinely confident and not plagued with the clumsy insecurity all to common in the genre. I'd recommend this as a sweet and cute and slightly steamy bit of escape even if some the writing is both rough around the edges and awkward at times.
She's A Spitfire - Chloe Liese, Book 2 in the Tough Love Series
OK, typically my favorite book in a series is the first one, especially in romance. I love anticipation and build up, the will they/won't they bits of a new relationship. She's A Spitfire has turned that upside down, I loved this one even more than the first. Chloe did an amazing job writing in suspense and thrill that really kept me captivated through the whole book. I was cheering for Zed and Nairne completely, you can just feel the epic love they have for each other through the words. I love these diverse characters, I truly cannot wait to see where this story goes next. I am so excited for book 3!
She’s a Spitfire is book two of the Tough Love series by Chloe Liese. I’m in the mood for some fun hot romance and this one delivers. What I like about this series is that Nairne is strong, independent, intelligent but still vulnerable. She protects just as hard as Zed protects her. It also has more drama and suspense which I enjoy because I have to have some suspense. The chemistry between them continues and their relationship has shifted where they put each other’s needs before their own. The character development is deeper, the writing is on point, you actually breeze through rather quickly. Looking forward to reading They’re A Match book 3 in this series.
Thank You Netgalley and Chloe Liese for a copy to review in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
It is a 2nd book of the series, it is still as exciting as the first one and I love how author vividly portray the scene and the character.
At first I think it will be the male p.o.v from He's a brute but it is the story continuation taking place in Britain and centered in the life of our Heroine. And finally we could read her backstory.
I really enjoy the book and recommend it to you for an exciting afternoon read.
Thank you netgalley for providing the arc.
She's a Spitfire blew my mind. It is my favorite book so far in the Tough Love series.
If you enjoyed He's a Brute, then you will LOVE this book so much. It continued the story of Nairne and Zed and their struggle at balancing life and love.
Nairne is a just like the title says a SPITFIRE. She challenges Zed every chance she gets. In this book, Nairne is still trying to find a way to get Zed out of the mafia life he was brought up in. She makes a deal that backfires. Now, she is forced to leave everything and everyone she loved behind in order to protect them.
Zed is still the brute we loved so much. He too is trying to find a way out so that he and Nairne can lead the life they envision. He always knows how to keep it together, but when Nairne leaves he is completely lost.
Zed vows to find his love again and give her the world they deserve.
Even if and when they are together again, will they be able to have happiness? Will there always be someone/something standing in their way?
I give She's a Spitfire 5 stars. It had so much more suspense that heightened the situations in the story. Chloe Liese made me feel so many emotions throughout this book and I love it. I think this series needs to be on everyone's must-read list this summer.
After reading book one and enjoying it, I moved straight on to she's a spitfire. The story of Nairne and Zed, their steamy relationship and how they fall in love. I enjoyed the story of Nairne's past coming back to haunt her, and how Zed does everything in his power to protect her but there's only so much he can do when there's a obsessed man after Nairne. I enjoyed reading this on holiday, it kept me gripped throughout and am looking forward to reading book 3 when it's available.
He’s A Brute was definitely a great story and a delightful start to this series about two totally different people from essentially opposite walks of life. But while book one was great, I really loved She’s A Spitfire, and the fabulous depiction of Nairne as a fierce and courageous individual, with a personality that was off the charts! Tough Love is a funny, addictive and totally Hot read!
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one. Nairne and Zed are great main characters. They're passionate, interesting, and fun. I liked the twists and the reveals that this instalment had. A lot happens in this book, but it's never overwhelming. I'm looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.
Similar to the first book in the series, I enjoyed the writing style. The chapters flew by, but I feel like Liese tried, once again, to put too much into one book. I feel like it would have been a full story if only half of the crazy things happened, and thought the stalker storyline was a bit overkill. Overall, another quick read.
4.5/5
There are so many things I want to say about this book, but I don't want to give anything away. So I'll start by saying how much adore Nairne and Zed's relationship. Their chemistry is reactive and their bedroom scenes are 🔥🔥🔥. While I found the beginning of this book a bit slower, it quickly picked up and I finished in one sitting. We all know romance books come with a guaranteed happy ending 😉, but the drama along the way was addictive. As this book unfolds you'll be laughing one minute and fanning yourself the next. There are explosions, threats, and drunken singing, and you seriously don't want to miss any of it.
What I love about this book:
1. A strong, independent female lead that seriously kicks butt.
2. A male lead that knows what he wants and isn't even slightly temped by any other woman. (Infidelity is the worst and I hate reading about it)
3. A positive female friendship without jealousy or put-downs.
4. Positive family relationships that make you swoon for all of the Salvatore men.
Overall this was a fun, but suspenseful romance read that kept me saying just one more chapter until I had finished the entire book (I'm not the slightest bit ashamed to admit that I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish). I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out and can only hope that leads to a spinoff about some of the other characters in the book (Luke, Elodie, or Tao would be wonderful).
Thank You Netgalley and Chloe Liese for a copy to review in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this second book! The romance was HOT and the character development has really progressed nicely. Can't wait to read the third book!
I want to thank NetGalley for the Arc of the second book in the tough love series. Dare I say I loved this one even better then the first. I was so excited to continue Zed and Nairne's story because there chemistry is out of this world. I loved the cover and title of the last book but this one is amazing. I love Nairne and this the title spitfire is so perfect for her.
I would say this story has quite a bit of drama in it. Zeds decides he wants to leave the mafia for good and spend his life with Nairne but that turns out to be easier said then done and Nairne does not really make things easy. Nairne is also very secretive about her past and Zed wants to know why. This book was so fun and I can't wait for the next book in their story. I also found myself loving some of the other characters in these books and it would be fun to hear their stories as well.
Adored this continuation of the previous book he’s a brute, I think this was even better, kept you turning each page. I didn’t want to put it down. The characters were well written and the story just gets better
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion