OFF COURSE
Off Series #2
by Sawyer Bennett
Publisher: Big Dog Books (Aug. 4, 2013)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Format: eARC (Novel length)
Source: Free book from author for honest review
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Rating: ★★★½☆ ( 3.5 stars)
Renner Caldwell has her life perfectly mapped out. She has the ideal relationship, the perfect job and all is right in her world. When a shameful turn of events happens, she boards the first plane bound for Ireland to lick her wounds and get her head back on straight.
Cillian O’Braidagh is the sexy, front man to the Irish rock band, Over The Edge. His rising fame and sultry voice make him every woman’s fantasy come true. Not to mention his single-minded determination. To put it simply: what Cillian wants, Cillian always gets. And he wants Renner, because there’s just something about the flame-haired beauty he has to possess.
If their relationship was just about sex and rock n’ roll, it would be easy for them to get lost in their desires. Only their relationship is anything but a hook-up. Will lies, deceit and hidden tragedy get in the way, making the path to true love uncertain? Or will the girl whose been knocked Off Course, find her footing with the man who is teaching her it’s okay to lose control?
At A Glance
Though nothing spectacular, Off Course was still a fun and emotional read that was hard to put down.
The Good
Off Course is just one of those entertaining contemporary romance reads. The whole lead singer of a rock band and Ireland location made things that much more interesting. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but it wasn’t needed. Each book has a new couple and reads as a stand alone. But I am interested to see what else Bennett has to offer, see where it all started sort of a thing.
Renner was a little boring for my tastes, but she really grew on me. She has had some bad luck with love. Which is why I was nervous when Cillian started in on his obsession with sleeping with her. He never denies that he wants her only for his bed, but that was also the reason Renner resists for so long. But Renner was no match for a singer with an Irish accent. I loved how Cillian brought out the fun, flirty side of Renner. She really opened up and found pleasure in things more often. And I was happy to see that “just sex” turned into so much more without either of them even realizing it. Like they were meant to be together.
Cillian was an arrogant, cocky sex God. He had his way of making you hate him and love him at the same time. He’s so outrageous sometimes, but so sweet too. I loved his honesty, and fierce personality. He’s loyal and caring to a fault. His friendship/relationship with his band mate Maeve was obviously warped because of Maeve being a psycho biotch! I couldn’t believe how much he let her get away with. But sometimes we have to learn the hard way which people are good or bad for us. Cillian sure did.
I felt all the emotions while reading Off Course. I was almost heartbroken near the end. Bennett really went all out with that. But she ended it well. Bennett has a way with making us truly care for characters that are very flawed. The plot was pretty good, as well as the storyline. The dialogue was witty and flirty. I loved Renner and Cillian’s banter. I am interested in reading the rest of this series for sure.
The Bad
Though I ended up loving Cillian, he was hard to love in the beginning. He was so cocky, arrogant, and bossy. Why Renner liked him with his attitude, I still don’t know. However, once you get to know him and learn why he is this way, he’s easier to take. And his attitude gets more sexy. 😉 Renner started out boring but I also liked her in the end.
I also felt like I was told what Cillian and Renner were like instead of having the pleasure to find out myself. Over and over again, Renner kept saying how boring she is and how she liked order. I don’t need to be told this, show me.
The Snuggly
Though I wasn’t sure about this couple in the beginning, they ended up being a great pair. They fit each other so well, which I wasn’t expecting since they couldn’t be more opposite. Renner was a relaxing haven for Cillian, and Cillian was an exciting adventure for Renner.
The sex scenes were STEAMY! Bordering new adult to adult. I love how sexually compatible they were. He was a dominate and she liked to be led. She liked the excitement of being told what to do. I got to admit, if Cillian was telling me what to do, I would hop to it too. Especially with that accent.
Final Thoughts
Though not perfect, Off Course was still a fun story with interesting characters. I have to get my hands on the first book of the series so I can be introduced to the rest of the crew. If you are looking for a fun but emotional read, this is the book for you. Very recommended.
“First, I’m not pestering you. I’m trying to make it clear that I want to f*ck you into oblivion. Second, there is no other woman that I’m interested in. Clear enough for you?”
“How about I cook you breakfast…
You cook?
How about I take you out for breakfast….”
“In all my life…I’ll never forget the way you look right now.”
“You’re all grown up now, Renner. I’m bettin’ you could handle me now.”
“It’s hard for me to describe what Cillian’s words do to me. They touch something that lives in a dark place, deep inside of me. They awaken something in my body that I didn’t know was sleeping.”
“I’m so f*cking in love with you, it physically hurts that we’re not together. I only want to exist with you. I think the only way I can exist is with you.”
Author Bio
USA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.
Mary Preston
A very helpful review thank you. I have a soft spot for heroes I both love & hate at the same time.
Jennifer Bielman
Thanks. Hope you get a chance to read and love it.
Rhonda D
I can’t wait to read this book. It sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer Bielman
It was pretty awesome. Thanks for stopping by.
Imel Cullen
this book sounds good and I Loved book cover, want to read this
Jennifer Bielman
Such a cute but hot book cover.
Sarah Elizabeth
might have to read this one just for the steamy sex scenes!
Jennifer Bielman
Hehe, they would be worth it.
laurie
might have to read this one just for the steamy sex scenes!
Jennifer Bielman
🙂
Elisa
oh this sounds super fun! I love the rock n roll theme, and throw in Irish singer, mmmmm, sound delish 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
I know, it was so delish. I love when music plays a part in books.
Brandi Kosiner
Fun but emotional with rock sounds right up my alley
Jennifer Bielman
I really think you would like it.
Em
Sounds like another good one.
Jennifer Bielman
Yup, on a roll right now. 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh I like that you read out of order, but still enjoyed it. I’m going to have to check out this series. I could use fun. 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, no need to go in order with these at all. I like to live dangerously anyways. 😉
Jaclyn Canada
There is something about Irish/Scottish men. He sounds yummy. I love the mention of witty dialogue, and glad that even though it’s emotional it ends well. Great review! Jaclyn @ JC’s Book Haven.
Jennifer Bielman
I know, Irish and Scottish men are my weakness. It’s hard not to love a book or movie with them in it.