While Stinger started out fast paced and wonderful, the second half seemed as if it was a completely different story. I enjoyed a chance encounter changing the lives of two individuals and sending them on a very different trajectory than the one set before them. But while the initial start had a lot of promise, the second half gave me whiplash with its multiple time jumps. Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Bloom Books and Netgalley for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

MIA SHERIDAN CAN DO NO WRONG. I loved the plot and premise of this book. It hit on some tough topics between the two characters. Both Grace and Carson are great. I felt their instant connection, which didn't feel unrealistic. They shared an emotional weekend, and when it was time for it to end, I felt their heart breaks. I enjoyed how the book was over a span of time. It really gave the characters room to develop and mature before they met again.

I would read anything Mia Sheridan writes and HIGHLY recommend this book to readers.

4.5/5 | 🌶️ 3.5/5

If you’d seen the texts I sent during the first half of this book, you would probably assume that I’d DNF’ed. But at about 50% my commentary went from eek to EEK.

I was 100% down for this plot line - male adult film performer finds love with an uptight(ish) woman while in Vegas for a weekend? Sold. But the thing that kept this from being a 5 star read for me, even after it all, was the writing.

It’s been ten years since this was written, and somehow there are moments of the writing that still made me cringe. Maybe I’m just being particular. But truly, it was a little distracting.

This book was filled with plot twist after plot twist that had me screaming, snorting, lots of other feels that had my dogs concerned. And the steamy scenes were just as dazzling as the rest of the storyline. I was reminded of the actual plot parts of Haunting Adeline that were, IMHO, the only redeeming moments in that book. This one had them in spades, with a character I didn’t want to see behind bars.

I’m thankful I stuck it out to see Carson and Grace’s story through, because they are adorable.

Thank you, Netgalley, Mia Sheridan, and Bloom Books for the ARC

*SPOILER REVIEW AHEAD*

I’ve read a couple other of this author’s books and enjoyed them, but I was a bit disappointed with this one. I think the premise is great, and could have been fodder for a lot of humor as well as awesome sexy times. Instead we get shaming of sex work. Which, don’t get me wrong, realistically I can understand it from the heroine’s point of view. She’s says things like “ewww”, “it’s indecent”, “you’re ashamed of yourself”. And if the average American met a sex worker then yes they might have these thoughts. But I just hoped for higher ground, you know?

About 40% in the book takes a hard left turn. Carson leaves the industry, joins the military, then after being discharged goes into security with a side plot of rescuing trafficked women and children. At this point is when he reconnects with Grace. And, I’m sorry, but I think this really sends a message that he wasn’t worthy of her when he was a sex worker. But now that he is a “hero“ then he can have the girl. This message just seems so judgmental to me and I was not a fan.

Thank you to NetGalley & Sourcebooks Bloom Books for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

I like that this story is about two people who aren't initially on the paths that they really want for themselves in the long run, but when they reconnect five years later they are. Carson could have stayed in his initial industry and I would have been 100% on board with that, because it's what drew me into the book in the first place, but it's interesting to see the new path he takes and how much it's in line with his former life. It's also interesting to see that Grace has changed, but it still the same. Being with someone who she clearly doesn't love in a romantic way and vice versa instead of going after what she really wants. Or I suppose I should say the kind of love she really wants and just like before we get to see how Carson helps to see her pull herself out of that.

For me I just think this book felt like a lot. I enjoy books of this length often, but for me it feels like things could have been a little more condensed. And the chapter lengths were overwhelming as well. As I read it I was confused as to why the author didn't just alternate POVs instead of giving up pages of Grace and then pages of Carson before ending the chapter.

I’m pretty sure at this point that I will love anything Mia Sheridan writes - just always a gripping drama with the most swoony romance stories. I adored the instant connection with these two MCs and the whole idea of fate. Also, 10/10 epilogue. It has a bit of everything:

-enemies to lovers
-opposites attract
-insta love
-second chance romance

Grace and Carson meet in Las Vegas one weekend when they both happened to be at the same hotel for conventions in their respective industries. Grace is a law student, while Carson is a adult film star. While Grace can admit that she finds Carson very sexy, she finds him obnoxious and cocky and definitely pre-judges him because of his profession. When they get stuck in an elevator together and Grace has a panic attack, she learns that she was wrong to judge Carson by first impressions. He's actually quite sweet, as well as very determined to take care of her until help arrives. It becomes clear there's mutual attraction there and they both decide to blow off their conventions and spend an unforgettable weekend together before going their separate ways.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between Grace and Carson and quickly became invested in them as a couple. I especially liked that even though both characters had less than stellar pasts, their encounter with one another, even though it was only one weekend with no guarantee they would ever see each other again, inspired them both make major changes in their lives. What happens in Vegas did not stay in Vegas in this case.

Sheridan got me in the feels during their time apart, and then she got me all over again when they eventually do find their way back to one another.

Stinger is both moving and sexy. It’s angsty yet also has a healthy dose of humor, and was just an overall very satisfying read that has me wanting to read more of Sheridan's novels.

The book was slow at times but overall I loved the romance between the two characters. Falling in love with a porn star may just be a new favorite trope of mine. Loved the steamy sex scenes. I preferred the chapters that were from Carson's point of view. I did find several typos throughout the book though that could have easily been fixed. These things happen though. Overall, I enjoyed this romance.

this book is the perfect example of why I never DNF. grace hamilton is a law student and carson stinger is in the adult entertainment industry. both are in vegas for separate conferences at the same hotel. after a couple run ins, they get trapped in an elevator together.

this book is divided into 3 parts… part 1 was NOT for me. it was overly vulgar, the sexual innuendos made me cringe and I just hated it. for someone who always finishes a book, no matter how much I don’t want to, I almost put this down for good multiple times. I hated it. i’m all for a romance scene here and there, but I don’t need to read constant sex. the wording and descriptions… I was texting my friends and sending screenshots laughing at how bad they were. it was just awful.

parts 2 & 3 were like a totally different book, in all the best ways. it follows our characters over the next couple years, after their weekend conference in Vegas. it reminded me a bit of Things We Never Got Over. I loved it.

i’ve never been so torn on a rating. part 1 would be 1 star because that’s the lowest I can do. part 2-3 would be at least 4 stars… at least. i’ve settled on 3 stars since it ended on a high note for me. I would recommend this, as long as y’all know what you’re getting into for the first third of the book. once you push through that, it’s really good!

thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Holy smokes. This book was hot as sin and took an expected twist I wasn’t expecting but loved.

When Grace Hamilton goes to Vegas for a law conference the last thing she expects is to get stuck in an elevator with Carson Stinger, Straight Male Performer, who’s there for his own convention. The chemistry between them is too strong to ignore so they end up spending the weekend together, until Grace realizes she caught feels and leaves sooner than expected. Cue 5 years later, while Grace and Carson are in different places in their lives than when they first met, fate put them in the same town so they could run into each other again to see what happens.

I loved that each chapter had both of their POV’s, especially the glimpses of what was happening in their lives as the years progressed until we got up to present day. Carson started out as a showboating porn star but Grace knew that wasn’t the whole story and got him to reveal his true self and never took him at face value, well after they got stuck in the elevator. The positive changes both characters made before reuniting lead to them being even more perfect for each other when they reconnected.

Thank you Bloom Books, Mia Sheridan and netgalley for an ARC!

Well, my first Mia Sheridan book was a huge hit, I absolutely loved this book! The writing was fantastic and I loved the story.

This book was written in dual POV's with a few time-jumps but was very easy to follow and get completely sucked in to and the characters were incredibly easy to love. I couldn't help but root for this couple who dislike each other from the start but then randomly connect so deeply after one elevator malfunction forces them together that they end up spending the weekend wrapped up in each other. Literally and figuratively!

I was thrilled to follow along and learn that Carson Stinger, Straight Male Performer has way more substance to him than he lets on at the beginning. I love how one brief encounter between he and Grace leads to such an incredible love story filled with just the right amount of angst, drama, and tons of spice. I mean it's to be expected from a porn star, right? But as spicy as some of these scenes were, they were equally beautiful and intimate.

Both characters have such an impact on the other that their entire lives are changed after one weekend together, but this connection between them never fades over the years. The character development that follows was so lovely, especially for Carson, and I loved every minute of it.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and can't wait to read more by this author!

Thank you to Bloom Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A part of the Sign of Love collection, inspired by the astrological sign of Scorpio, Stinger is the epitome of meeting your person at the wrong time.

Having read two books from the collection, I wasn't sure what to expect but I can tell you that the beginning of this book definitely differed from Archer's Voice and Kyland. Divided into three parts, we meet Grace, a law school student, and Carson, a porn star, in Las Vegas for conferences both at the age of 23 years-old. While they have a fun-filled weekend together, they both impact the other in a way that forces them to evaluate their lives.

In the first half of the book, I thought there was personally too much sex and found the time jumps to be a bit jarring. The second part was intriguing as we begin to see more depth and substance from the characters. But the best part of the book was the third section. That's what really made this book for me. When we jump ahead in time once more, we see Grace and Carson are doing different things with their lives (no spoilers, just loved the mystery aspect). It was interesting, captivating, and I couldn't be happier with it.

If I haven't said it before, Mia Sheridan truly has the ability to not only make a person engrossed with her works but also feel for the characters written. While this may not have been my favourite (that spot belongs to Archer's Voice), Stinger was truly an amazing and moving book to read.


eARC was kindly provided by Bloom Books in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!

My first Mia Sheridan book was Archer's voice and like most, I totally loved it. Going into Stinger, I thought there is no way it will be as great. Well, I was wrong! It is just as wonderful. Both books are 5 stars reads. Each take you on an beautiful emotional journey.
When a guy introduces himself as, Carson Stinger, straight male performer....you can't help but laugh and think this is going to be interesting! Immediately, you think typical playboy player but don't be so quick to judge this book by it's cover. Carson may come off that way but he is soooo much more. After a not so pleasant meeting and then a chance encounter with straight lace, Grace.... He let's his mask slip and she sees the wonders beneath it.
To know Carson is to love him. Too bad he doesn't see it for himself. Grace is as prudish and controlled as they get. A pre-law student. These opposites sure do attract and their chemistry can not be denied. Their chance meeting turned into a no strings attached, fun filled weekend…... The heat between them was so erotic yet intimate. Not dirty, just beautiful. In getting to know each other feelings do develop. They also realize they want more out of their lives.... both on the wrong path.
Sometimes, it takes someone else seeing into your soul to make you truly see yourself. But they said it was just for a weekend. Just for fun... could it be more? How? Can a weekend or a chance meeting change the course of your life??? Is it fate?
Life is wild
Anything is possible.
The story matured as it went on. What started out as something sexy and entertaining morphed into something deep and substantial. I loved the slow transformation... the story evolved right along with the characters. Which I found very refreshing. The level of emotions I felt in this book were so intense. Every thing from joy to sorrow. I found myself tearing up quite a few times. Such an amazing journey with brilliant characters. Carson and Grace will always have a place in my heart. You need to experience this book!
Mia Sheridan writes unique and poignant stories. Her characters will stay with you forever. Nothing cookie cutter with her. She is truly talented. I can not wait to devour the rest of her books….... hmmmm I think Leo will be up next!!

This was the perfect spicy second chance romance I didn’t know I needed.

Hitting on some tough topics like sex trafficking but following the adult entertainment industry. I loved the forced proximity and alternating POVs.

Spicy, wild male love interest meets girl next door and they make the perfect couple!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this novel!! It was as sad as Archer’s Voice so it was definitely a change of pace!

Stinger
By: Mia Sheridan

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Second chance or Vegas bust?

First let me start by say that I’m a huge fan of the author. This released and re-edited book definitely had some huge misses for me but overall good. The beginning was drawn out and part unnecessary and not needed. But in the second half the development of Grace and Carson was very good and I was able to finish it pretty fast. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: Sometimes, it seems you don't even realize anything is wrong until someone comes along and changes you, and makes you want more.

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. That is, until him.

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. No direction, no plan. He knows what women want from him, and in his eyes, it's all he has to offer…until her.

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 book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

mia sheridan does it once again! i swear everything she writes, i will devour it & this was no different! grace & carson are absolutely amazing. this was my first romance book that the mmc was in the adult industry but i loooved that aspect so much! i was rooting for them the entire time. i want more with them because wow, i loved them.

Whoa! This book was a rollercoaster! The love story here spans over 10 years which is fated mates that I love! This love story for me was great not because it was fated mates but because of the way it evolved. Las Vegas was definitely a main character and very important to this story. I really enjoy when authors do this, it adds a different element to their books. Also, the side characters were so important to this story it shows so much depth to the characters.

There was also such an important story going along parallel to the love story which was great. It kept me intrigued the entire time. I felt like I got multiple stories in one.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review, as always all words are my own.

I am just so in looove with the way Mia writes!! My review is already on Goodreads and the edit will be up later this week!! I apologize for being late life has hard! :(

Mia Sheridan is a wonderful storyteller and her stories reflect that. This one is no different. It was interesting and dynamic and kept me rapt from the beginning to end.