This a simply an easy, smutty novel. The set up is pretty simple and like many other novellas of the same genre. There’s forced proximity which we all love. I took off two stars because the handling of the conversation around sex workers was appalling. If you can’t write about sex workers in a realistic and appropriate manner, don’t make your main character a sex worker.

I wanted to love this book after reading my first book by the author before this one, but I found that it lacked depth overall. I liked the premise and really enjoyed the first connection with Grace and Carson - their banter was snarky and full of fire. The tension and chemistry pulled me in and their actual relationship made me stay. I was a bit disappointed by the time jump, even though the author made it make sense. They both had a lot of growing to do before they were ready for each other. While I was okay with the difficult talk (TW) of sex trafficking and PTSD, I wanted more from it. It overall felt a bit surface level and left me wanting.

The book is super spicy when they are together and it's almost but not quite instalove both times they meet one another. I felt the ending was rushed and didn't do Grace and Carson justice! I also was hoping for a more sex positive view, but I understand this is a rerelease from a 2013 book. So just adjust your expectations around that and you'll be okay!

It was an entertaining read and I do recommend even if it wasn't my favorite!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book i have read by Mia Sheridan and i really loved it! It kicks off right from the start and has the perfect balance off romance, plot, and thrill. The author did an outstanding job of giving Carson and Grace their own storylines that contains amazing arcs and character growth, alongside a “meant-to-be” type love story. I really enjoyed the timeframes and the time jumps that were made throughout the chapters. It made the story and plot progress well and it was so fun to see the changes in Grace and Carson’s lives.

This book was soo good. Like seriously I did not anticipate it to be as good as it was. Like male performer turned military man?? Plus I want more books of his friends. Def one to add to the TBR!

The book felt really disjointed to me. It had such heaviness at times and then nitty gritty intimacy. It didn’t connect or move smoothly into a story. I didn’t enjoy it, and stopped 3-4 times and had to force myself to finish.

Oof, this book just did not work for me at all. I'm sorry. I just don't think the romance was developed at all. It was incredibly insta-love, and I can be okay with that if you show me a big emotional connection, but this book didn't do that. Most of their relationship was purely sexual, and their intense emotions came completely out of nowhere. I also just thought the first half it was a bit boring. It was just them having sex, and them internal monologuing about how they shouldn't be having feelings for the other person. It got a bit exhausting. Also, for a book that has a porn star as a main character, this book really shit on sex work, and makes it seem like the only people in the industry would rather be anywhere else. I know, bad stuff does go on in the porn industry in particular, but this book made it seem like no person with self respect would actually be in the industry. It left a bad taste in my mouth, especially because it went very much into the misogyny zone sometimes. Anyway, then their weekend together ends, and we have a time jump for the second half. The second half feels like a completely different book. All of the sudden we get a suspense second storyline, and absolutely no connection between the main characters at all even though they get back together within like an hour of them meeting each other again. No offense, but when you haven't seen each other in 5 years, and your entire thing is how much both of you have changed since you last saw each other, you can't just say "I've been in love with you this entire time" without any new developement, and expect me to be okay with it (especially since there was barely any developement in the first place). So yeah, was not invested in the romance AT ALL. Also, this book has cheating, and the absolute ease they cheat with, is not fun to read. There's like no internal conflict around it AT ALL. The suspense in this second half is also shit. It felt like a complete afterthought. I do think it deals with an important topic, and if it was executed a bit better I think I would like it. Now I just felt like whenever we brought it up it felt like a complete tonal shift, and like I said before it also felt like an afterthought and a bit forced in rather than a natural part of the story. So yeah, this did not work for me. I didn't absolutely hate it though (despite all my ranting). I am open to read more by Mia Sheridan as well though, because I just need to understand why other people love her books so much, as this did not show me that at all.

I CAN ABSOLUTELY SAY I’M OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK
Grace Hamilton is the girl with a plan. She knows exactly where her life is going, and prides herself on always achieving her goals. She's never stepped outside the lines she draws for herself, and never considered what her heart truly wants. Carson Stinger doesn't play by any rules except his own. Working in the adult entertainment industry, he doesn't care what others think of his choices, and takes each day as it comes. When unexpected circumstances force them together, Grace and Carson are swept up into the electric chemistry between them, surrendering to a steamy Las Vegas weekend in each other's arms. But for two people whose worlds could never coexist, they know their time is short. That is, until their hearts get involved without their permission…
This is my first experience with Mia Sheridan and OMG THIS BOOK!!! I adore the time they spent together in Vegas and the way that experience changes both lives. Grace is an amazing character: sweet, resilient, hardworking and committed. Carson had a difficult childhood and thinks he is not good enough for anything that’s not sexual related.
They will realize that they both have many things to learn about themselves. And years later, when they find each other again, with new lives and new people in it, they are going to need to fight for a new opportunity.
This story is full of aghast, sexual tension, deep engaging moments and pretty emotional ones. The writing is flawless and addictive. Great sexy times! I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

I waffled back and forth with my feelings for Grace and Carson as an OTP. At their meet-cute, they seemed to be very shallow one-note characters. However, as they began to converse, they gained depth. But I felt we lost some of that once the spice started. Then their angst story arc went around and around for the rest of the story. It got a bit frustrating at times. There were some great conversations between the two, but I'm unsure if that was enough to make me invested in their romance. All in all, it was an OK read, but this book will not be one I think of in the future. I give this book 3/5 stars.

First, thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I liked this book. It kept me engaged and hooked. I resonated a lot with the main character, Grace, and the struggles she went through and her character development. It thought the writing was good (Mia Sheridan is always a good writer), and even the slow parts of the book kept me engaged. It's was an entertaining book! Mia Sheridan always brings heart and humor in everything she writes.

There were some negatives, though, that I would be remiss to not mention. First, it kind of paints people who work in the sex trade in a negative light and frowned upon. I think it was meant to be more of a personal issue with the MMC, but the way both the main characters discuss the issue was kind of off-putting for me. I think sex positivity is important in the romance genre, and this didn't seem to be sex positive. Second, it kind of felt like two books in one. The beginning is like a rom com-type, "teach me" trope which then turns into a military romance. It wasn't poorly done, but it did feel awkward at first.

Overall, I'd give this a 3.5 rating.

A cute yet emotional read! I am starting to get familiar with Mia Sheridans work and how she can write cute, sweet, and sexy romances with tons of emotion. I loved Grace and Carsons “meet cute”. Carsons back story made you really feel and empathize for him. Grace was awkward but funny and her getting to know Carson in the short time she did was sweet. Them coming together by the end was so sweet and I really enjoyed their story. I also loved how Carsons background in sex work didn’t hinder them falling in love and eventually Carson finding out what he truly loved and wants for his life. This was another enjoyable read by Mia and I can’t wait to read more of her back log. 4/5 ⭐️

This book is one of the VERY firsts I've read from Mia Sheridan and for sure, it started my love for her writting style. I love how she builds her stories and characters, because they always deliver tons of unexpected all, breathtaking moments and emotions.

I'm not sure if I've ever read more beautiful love story, that had based ...on porn star business. I still remember when I've first read this book. I was more than curious how author will lead everything thru the pages. I was expecting good chemistry, but the emotional part of this book did shake me hard. Love between Carson and Grace hit them hard, and even if it's not typical insta love - the feelings was undeniable from the beginning.

From the first chapters until the end, author kept me on the edge. Stinger is steamy but also show the way how young people are growing up, how certain choices or mistakes can define future, but also how to find strength and fight about what we love the most. I finished this book with my mouth open wide and big book hangover. Stinger is THIS book , that You cannot forget easily because it takes a piece of Your heart too.

Must read alert.

I typically love Mia Sheridan’s books, but Stinger just wasn’t for me. I can see a lot of people loving this book, so don't let my review discourage you from reading this book if the synopsis sounds like something you would enjoy! But I personally just have a hard time buying into romance books where the characters spend a few days together and then spend the next 5 or so years unable to move on from each other. It’s something I’m not a fan of in romance books. For that reason, I really struggled with Stinger and I just didn’t enjoy it unfortunately!

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

I liked the premise of the book, but didn’t love the execution as much. I especially liked that the weekend together changed them both enough to alter their life’s path. The book takes place over six years, which I typically don’t mind but the book felt disjointed. I also didn’t connect with either MC’s. Carson was so cheesy and cliche, and Grace was completely unrelatable. I know this is a re-release of a book written 10 years ago, and it felt that way— Mia’s writing has come a long way.

Wow, let me tell you about the Mia Sheridan masterpiece that is Stinger! From the moment I started reading, I was completely hooked. The writing was impeccable, and the story had me captivated from start to finish.

The dual points of view and occasional time jumps added a unique flavor to the narrative, making it even more intriguing. But it was the characters that stole my heart. Grace and Carson, despite their initial dislike for each other, shared an intense connection that unfolded in the most unexpected way. After a chance encounter due to an elevator mishap, they found themselves entangled in a steamy weekend together. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, both inside and outside the bedroom!

Carson, a straight male performer in the adult entertainment industry, turned out to have so much more depth than I initially thought. The way his character evolved throughout the story was beautiful to witness. The love story that unfolded between him and Grace was filled with just the right amount of angst, drama, and passion. Sheridan crafted their connection in a way that felt both spicy and intimate, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

Stinger was an absolute delight to read, and it has definitely made me eager to explore more of Mia Sheridan's works. The book was a perfect blend of romance, character development, and sizzling chemistry. If you're looking for a captivating and unforgettable love story, I highly recommend diving into the pages of Stinger..

This was a reread for me and I still enjoyed it just as much the second time! A perfect second chance romance.

Grace Hamilton is a planner, as in, she has her life mapped out and that is that. She's at a law conference in Vegas when she meets Carson Stinger, of the adult entertainment industry. They get stuck with each other and their lives are changed. It's only a weekend, right? And with a porn star, you've got to expect some steam and there is plenty of that, so much so that an impact is made that carries forward through the years.

Grace and Carson are separated for a few years, but they've never forgotten each other. There are some hurdles when they are reunited, but that is to be expected. As a matter of fact, there weren't any big surprises along the way.

Overall, I enjoyed this. It's what I expect from this author and I wasn't disappointed.

I was excited to read this book because of the setting (I'd just visited Las Vegas!) and the characters (currently very interested in reading about sex workers), but I struggled too much with not liking both MCs to continue. I know Mia Sheridan is a staple, and I look forward to reading another book that might pique my interest more than this one.

Stinger by Mia Sheridan

My rating:
4/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely love Mia Sheridan’s books. She always is such an emotional, spicy and smart author. I REALLLY was invested in this one until around 75% of the book. I had to knock of a star because of where the book went. I obviously understand why it went the way it did and should mention this book brings up awareness to a specific problem in the world (trigger warning)

The first part of this book takes place in a Vegas hotel where two people are attending difference conferences and get stuck in the hotel elevator. What starts out as two strangers who are annoyed with eachother turns into a steamy weekend.
The book then flashforwards to 5 years later and you see where life takes the two characters.

The initial spicy parts of this book between the two main characters just absolutely hooked me. I loved Grace and Carson so much. Overall I would give this one a read for sure but it did feel like a completely separate story after around halfway through the book.

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC! You can read this one now!

I am a big fan of Mia Sheridan, and I’m grateful for the arc from NetGalley.

This wasn’t my favorite book by Mia, but I’ll still look forward to anything she comes out with! I felt it was a little disjointed at times with the storyline, and the plot had a lot going on that could’ve been edited down. I appreciate her writing on heavier topics, though!