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snoopydoo77's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't expect much picking up this book but it surprised me in a good way….
It is so much more than your cut and dry romance book.
You can find my full review here:
http://myreads.booklikes.com/post/904660/between-the-sheets-by-molly-o-keefe
It is so much more than your cut and dry romance book.
You can find my full review here:
http://myreads.booklikes.com/post/904660/between-the-sheets-by-molly-o-keefe
jackiehorne's review against another edition
4.0
Inverting the gender of the emotionally-closed-off protagonist from book #2 in the Boys of Bishop series, BETWEEN THE SHEETS' heroine, Shelby, is the one who has difficulty accepting love or allowing others in. Having grown up with an evangelical-preacher father who would allow no one but himself to be successful, Shelby shut off her emotions so as to avoid being hurt by his verbal attacks. Unable to get a reaction out of his daughter, father turned even more abusive toward his wife, Shelby's mother. Jump to the present day, where, even though dear old dad is long-dead, Shelby is struggling, trying to care for a mother slowly declining from Alzheimer's disease and feeling tons of guilt for allowing her mother to take so much of the abuse.
With a background like that, is it surprising that every so often, good-girl Shelby just needs to let off some steam? In book #1 in the series, Shelby's method of stress-reduction—wild, anonymous sex—becomes horrifyingly, embarrassingly public when her part-time lover denounces her on national TV (read the excellent WILD CHILD, book one in the series, for the details). She's kept herself under wraps since then, glad—sort of—that most of the town believes the guy must have been lying about buttoned-up Shelby. But when new neighbor Wyatt (Ty), struggling to cope with early adolescent son he never knew he had who recently arrived on his doorstep after being placed in foster care, calls on teacher Shelby for help, the two agree to engage in some mutual stress-reducing sex.
Building any sort of relationship proves far harder, though, than shucking all their clothes, even though Ty's becoming increasingly certain that a relationship is just what he wants from Shelby. Ty's never been one for the long-term, while Shelby's self-protectiveness is harder to crack than a turtle's shell. Yet Ty keeps trying, even after Shelby insists it's simply not in her to love him, or anybody.
Shelby and Ty's flip-flopping during the novel's final scenes is really annoying, but perhaps more true to life than many a fantasy romance novel ending is.
Favorite line: Ty to Shelby, "I can play any kind of game you want, but it's got to be an equal thing" (163)
With a background like that, is it surprising that every so often, good-girl Shelby just needs to let off some steam? In book #1 in the series, Shelby's method of stress-reduction—wild, anonymous sex—becomes horrifyingly, embarrassingly public when her part-time lover denounces her on national TV (read the excellent WILD CHILD, book one in the series, for the details). She's kept herself under wraps since then, glad—sort of—that most of the town believes the guy must have been lying about buttoned-up Shelby. But when new neighbor Wyatt (Ty), struggling to cope with early adolescent son he never knew he had who recently arrived on his doorstep after being placed in foster care, calls on teacher Shelby for help, the two agree to engage in some mutual stress-reducing sex.
Building any sort of relationship proves far harder, though, than shucking all their clothes, even though Ty's becoming increasingly certain that a relationship is just what he wants from Shelby. Ty's never been one for the long-term, while Shelby's self-protectiveness is harder to crack than a turtle's shell. Yet Ty keeps trying, even after Shelby insists it's simply not in her to love him, or anybody.
Shelby and Ty's flip-flopping during the novel's final scenes is really annoying, but perhaps more true to life than many a fantasy romance novel ending is.
Favorite line: Ty to Shelby, "I can play any kind of game you want, but it's got to be an equal thing" (163)
bookloverchelle's review against another edition
4.0
A really great continuation of the Boys of Bishop series by Molly O’Keefe. We met Shelby in book one when she entered in to a very unhealthy relationship that was splashed over the tabloids. She had spent her life trying to blend in to the background but was thrown in the spotlight. As her life begins to calm down in some areas it heats up in others when she meets her new neighbor, Wyatt. Wyatt has been years thinking of no one but himself but when a son he doesn’t know shows up on his doorstep he knows he has to change his life around. But he needs help. Shelby isn’t trained as a therapist but she finds a connection with Wyatt’s son in art, and a heated connection with Wyatt. Shelby does not want anything more than a physical relationship but Wyatt is just too charming to resist. But with her mother’s condition getting worse will Shelby be able to make room in her life for a relationship? Really good story of a woman trying to accept herself after years of mental abuse. I thought Wyatt and Shelby were great together. Good read!
theravenqueen's review against another edition
FYI - This is the paperback that Harley Quinn was reading at the end of Suicide Squad. Totally on my TBR.
inmyhumbleopinion's review against another edition
4.0
Break out the tissues. This is an emotionally tough read. Shelby & Ty have each made poor decisions in the past and they are now dictating their future. Ty is trying to be a dad to his 11yo son. A son he didn’t even know about till a couple of months ago. Shelby has issues and is also dealing with a mother suffering from Alzheimer’s. Ty and Shelby start out using each other as an escape valve from their problems. When feelings enter the picture it gets downright harsh. This book is a roller coaster that will have you laughing, crying and sighing. I’ll admit there were times I didn’t know if I could stand it anymore but then I’d read on in hopes for a happy ending.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
4.0
Good book about two people who found healing in each other's arms. Ty was new to Bishop, looking for a place to settle and raise the son he just found out about. Ty had a rough childhood and youth and spent years trying to outrun the memories of the mistakes he'd made. He felt completely inadequate as a father and struggled to connect with Casey, but was determined to do the best he could. His way of relaxing and de-stressing was to work on the motorcycle he was refurbishing, and he frequently lost track of time working late into the night. That came to a screeching end when his neighbor showed up to chew him out about the noise.
Shelby has lived in Bishop all her life. She spent her childhood under the thumb of her abusive, narcissistic father, who hid his abuse behind his role as a spiritual leader. He did his best to destroy her self-worth and that of her mother. Shelby survived by closing herself off to all emotion and keeping people at a distance. Since her father's death, Shelby's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Unwilling or unable to ask for help, Shelby hid behind a cool and unruffled façade while feeling overwhelmed by her life. Ty's arrival turned that safe life on its head.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ty and Shelby, even though I frequently wanted to shake her. Their first meeting was very antagonistic, as Shelby's uptight attitude rubbed Ty the wrong way. He was surprised to discover that she was Casey's art teacher at school, and the only one willing to help his troubled son. While meeting to discuss Casey's needs, there was no denying the attraction that flared between them. While Ty wanted to date and get to know her, Shelby was only interested in a physical relationship, and a secret one at that. The more time Ty spent with her, the more he realized that he wanted more. I ached for Ty as every attempt he made to get closer to her was shut down. There were times I wanted to shake Shelby for not opening her eyes to what Ty offered her, but I also hurt for her belief that she was incapable of loving anyone. She very nearly succeeded in pushing Ty so far away that they couldn't recover. It took a crisis with her mother for Shelby to realize that she wanted to change and that Ty was the one who could help her do it.
Another vital part of the story was the relationship between Ty and Casey. They struggled so much in the beginning. Casey went through so much during his early years, with a drug-addicted and negligent mother. His desperation was obvious in the way that he searched for Ty. Though Ty was shocked and overwhelmed, I loved his determination to be the best father he could. I hurt for Casey, who found it difficult to believe that happiness could last and self-sabotaged when things went well. I loved how Ty's consistent presence in his life helped Casey realize that he could trust Ty. Ty's support of Casey over the fight at school was a turning point in their relationship, and I loved how they began to connect better during Casey's suspension. The part involving the bike auction was heartbreaking for Ty as he got a good look at what Casey's early life was like. I loved how he immediately took steps to change things because of it.
I loved the epilogue and seeing the progress that all three made toward giving and accepting love in their lives. Ty's surprise for Shelby was pretty sweet, as was the help of all their friends.
Shelby has lived in Bishop all her life. She spent her childhood under the thumb of her abusive, narcissistic father, who hid his abuse behind his role as a spiritual leader. He did his best to destroy her self-worth and that of her mother. Shelby survived by closing herself off to all emotion and keeping people at a distance. Since her father's death, Shelby's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Unwilling or unable to ask for help, Shelby hid behind a cool and unruffled façade while feeling overwhelmed by her life. Ty's arrival turned that safe life on its head.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ty and Shelby, even though I frequently wanted to shake her. Their first meeting was very antagonistic, as Shelby's uptight attitude rubbed Ty the wrong way. He was surprised to discover that she was Casey's art teacher at school, and the only one willing to help his troubled son. While meeting to discuss Casey's needs, there was no denying the attraction that flared between them. While Ty wanted to date and get to know her, Shelby was only interested in a physical relationship, and a secret one at that. The more time Ty spent with her, the more he realized that he wanted more. I ached for Ty as every attempt he made to get closer to her was shut down. There were times I wanted to shake Shelby for not opening her eyes to what Ty offered her, but I also hurt for her belief that she was incapable of loving anyone. She very nearly succeeded in pushing Ty so far away that they couldn't recover. It took a crisis with her mother for Shelby to realize that she wanted to change and that Ty was the one who could help her do it.
Another vital part of the story was the relationship between Ty and Casey. They struggled so much in the beginning. Casey went through so much during his early years, with a drug-addicted and negligent mother. His desperation was obvious in the way that he searched for Ty. Though Ty was shocked and overwhelmed, I loved his determination to be the best father he could. I hurt for Casey, who found it difficult to believe that happiness could last and self-sabotaged when things went well. I loved how Ty's consistent presence in his life helped Casey realize that he could trust Ty. Ty's support of Casey over the fight at school was a turning point in their relationship, and I loved how they began to connect better during Casey's suspension. The part involving the bike auction was heartbreaking for Ty as he got a good look at what Casey's early life was like. I loved how he immediately took steps to change things because of it.
I loved the epilogue and seeing the progress that all three made toward giving and accepting love in their lives. Ty's surprise for Shelby was pretty sweet, as was the help of all their friends.
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
4.0
*I received a free ARC of Between the Sheets from Bantam via Edelweiss in exchange of an honest review*
Between the Sheets is a very profound story, where the romance took the back-seat and finding themselves became the characters’ main purpose.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Between the Sheets is a very profound story, where the romance took the back-seat and finding themselves became the characters’ main purpose.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
s_books's review against another edition
2.25
I chose to read this because it’s the book Harley Quinn is reading at the end of Suicide Squad (2016) right before the Joker breaks her out of prison and I find their relationship interesting but terrible . I wondered if perhaps the filmmakers were trying to say something with their choice of book. If they were, I don’t see it. I also don’t see what people who like this book see, the best part of the book for me was how real and earnest Ty is at trying to be a good father to Casey and the ending/epilogue. The rest of the book just felt ‘meh’ to me.
kbranfield's review
4.0
4.5 stars.
Between the Sheets by Molly O'Keefe is an intense, heartbreaking and poignant novel that is also insanely hot and incredibly passionate. In this third installment of her marvelous Boys of Bishop series, neighbors Shelby Monroe and Wyatt "Ty" Svenson's first meeting is a bit contentious. However, they easily set aside their differences for the sake of Ty's troubled son, Casey. What they find impossible to resist is their sizzling attraction to one another, but when Ty wants more from Shelby than explosive sex, her troubled past makes it virtually impossible for her commit to a real relationship.
Shelby is a likable character but she is so closed off that getting to know her takes a lot of grit and determination. Everything she is, everything she does, stems from her dysfunctional and abusive childhood. Peeling back her many layers is painful and watching her try to cope with her mother's worsening Alzheimer's is beyond heartbreaking. Shelby does not lack sexual experience but since she has never had a serious relationship, she is rather awkward when it comes to flirting and dating. Even after a very public sex scandal, no one sees Shelby as anything but sweet, prim and proper. So the fact that she uses rough, angry sex to cope with her frustrations comes as a huge shock.
Ty is a former bad boy who is struggling to be a good dad to his newly discovered son. Moving to Bishop is supposed to be a clean slate for both of them, but eleven year old Casey continues to act out and Ty is fighting his old urge to run from his problems. Ty is clearly out of his element with Casey but he does not allow his discomfort deter him from trying to get through to his emotionally damaged son.
While Ty is clearly surprised by Shelby's aggressive approach to sex, he is an eager participant. Their sex scenes are raw and gritty and there is very little tenderness between them. Both use sex as their release valve and escape from real life, but Ty wants more from their encounters than Shelby but she quickly shuts down his efforts to get to know her. Ty definitely gives more to the relationship than Shelby and no matter how many times she pushes him away, he never gives up hope that things will work out between them.
Between the Sheets is an emotional, complicated and messy romance that is unique and engrossing. Ty and Shelby are complex, vibrantly developed characters whose smoldering attraction leads to fiery, explicitly detailed sex scenes. It is another powerful novel of love and healing by Molly O'Keefe that old and new fans of the Boys of Bishop series do not want to miss.
Between the Sheets by Molly O'Keefe is an intense, heartbreaking and poignant novel that is also insanely hot and incredibly passionate. In this third installment of her marvelous Boys of Bishop series, neighbors Shelby Monroe and Wyatt "Ty" Svenson's first meeting is a bit contentious. However, they easily set aside their differences for the sake of Ty's troubled son, Casey. What they find impossible to resist is their sizzling attraction to one another, but when Ty wants more from Shelby than explosive sex, her troubled past makes it virtually impossible for her commit to a real relationship.
Shelby is a likable character but she is so closed off that getting to know her takes a lot of grit and determination. Everything she is, everything she does, stems from her dysfunctional and abusive childhood. Peeling back her many layers is painful and watching her try to cope with her mother's worsening Alzheimer's is beyond heartbreaking. Shelby does not lack sexual experience but since she has never had a serious relationship, she is rather awkward when it comes to flirting and dating. Even after a very public sex scandal, no one sees Shelby as anything but sweet, prim and proper. So the fact that she uses rough, angry sex to cope with her frustrations comes as a huge shock.
Ty is a former bad boy who is struggling to be a good dad to his newly discovered son. Moving to Bishop is supposed to be a clean slate for both of them, but eleven year old Casey continues to act out and Ty is fighting his old urge to run from his problems. Ty is clearly out of his element with Casey but he does not allow his discomfort deter him from trying to get through to his emotionally damaged son.
While Ty is clearly surprised by Shelby's aggressive approach to sex, he is an eager participant. Their sex scenes are raw and gritty and there is very little tenderness between them. Both use sex as their release valve and escape from real life, but Ty wants more from their encounters than Shelby but she quickly shuts down his efforts to get to know her. Ty definitely gives more to the relationship than Shelby and no matter how many times she pushes him away, he never gives up hope that things will work out between them.
Between the Sheets is an emotional, complicated and messy romance that is unique and engrossing. Ty and Shelby are complex, vibrantly developed characters whose smoldering attraction leads to fiery, explicitly detailed sex scenes. It is another powerful novel of love and healing by Molly O'Keefe that old and new fans of the Boys of Bishop series do not want to miss.