After Hours

by Cara McKenna

A dangerous infatuation with a rough and ready man…

Erin Coffey has been a nurse for years, but nothing’s prepared her for the physical and emotional demands of her new position. Needing to move closer to her dysfunctional family, she takes a dangerous job at Larkhaven Psychiatric Hospital, where she quickly learns that she needs protection—and she meets the strong, over-confident coworker who’s more than willing to provide it.

Kelly Robak is the type of guy that Erin has sworn she’d never get involved with. She’s seen firsthand, via her mess of a sister, what chaos guys like him can bring into a woman’s life. But she finds herself drawn to him anyway, even when he shows up at her door, not eager to take no for an answer.

What Erin finds even more shocking than Kelly’s indecent proposal is how much she enjoys submitting to his every command. But he can’t play the tough guy indefinitely. If they want to have more than just an affair, both will have to open up and reveal what they truly need.

Genres: Romance, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, BDSM, Erotic Romance, Adult

281 pages, ebook

First published April 16, 2013

About the author

Since she began writing in 2008, Cara McKenna has published nearly forty romances and erotic novels with a variety of publishers, sometimes under the pen names Meg Maguire and C.M. McKenna. Her stories have been acclaimed for their smart, modern voice and defiance of convention. She was a 2015 RITA Award finalist, a 2014 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award winner, a 2012 and 2011 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award nominee, and a 2010 Golden Heart Award finalist. She lives with her husband and baby son in the Pacific Northwest, though she’ll always be a Boston girl at heart.

For release-day alerts: http://bit.ly/1KBzUZM

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Reread May 2016. Review edited May 8, 2016



I enjoyed Willing Victim very much, but I think that After Hours is better. Much better, that is. There is more meat to the bone and the story is longer and also better developed. Though I think that Flynn is superior when it comes to dirty talk.

After a somewhat bumpy beginning, I really did warm up to Kelly. I love his smile, his motivation for working as an orderly in a psychiatric ward and his irresistible skills as a lover. Let's face it: the man doesn't beat around the bush between the sheets. About halfway through, there is a superb and long sex scene that's intensely erotic and fu%%ing amazing. Yum. Kelly Robak can do me anytime six ways from sunday. It's kinda strange, though After Hours did remind me a little bit of Willing Victim, even though the stories and characters are different. I'm not sure, but maybe it was the controlling sex or the bossy hero. Be that as it may, I absolutely enjoy Cara's voice and engaging writing. Witty and bold dialogue as well as interesting characters did complete a compelling picture.

Kelly Sexy-As-Sin Robak, come on over here to Baba! We need to have a little heart-to-heart. Hold your horses, and stop right now. Don't growl and get it into your thick head of yours. You can't boss me around. Nope, I'm in charge now. I wanna look into your intriguing eyes while having a serious chat. I promise to be very nice. *crosses fingers behind back* Please scroll down…

He leaned his elbow on the bar and looked me square in the face. "I got exes who might try to tell you I treated them like servants. They were all fond of telling me a smuch, anyhow. But I work hard. I've got needs. If they don't get me to my satisfaction, I get grouchy."
"Charming."

"And I'm not. But I spend forty to fifty hours a week at everybody's beck and call. When I'm off, I want what I want, the way I want it."

"This is your room, so I'm letting you get your way--"
"Letting me?"
"Come by my place some weekend and maybe I'll show you mine."
"Your way doesn't sound like it takes no for an answer."
"You're welcome to find out."
"Good night, Kelly."
He straightened. "See you beneath me on the gym floor tomorrow."

"More what?" Another kiss, another hot exhalation.
I spoke from some thoughtless, honest place. "I don't trust myself around you. This way."
"There's something between us," he murmured. "We're just doing what it's asking."
"It feels like I'm just doing what you ask."
"And you don't like that?" As he said it, his fingers traced my lips through my panties, cock pressing close. Heat flashed, dizzying me.
I swallowed a moan, scrabbling for words. "I like it now. I'm afraid I'll wish I hadn't done so much in the morning. It feels good, but it won't last."
"That's what pleasure is."

He spoke right against my neck, lips tickling my skin.
"Feel that?"
"Yeah."
"Feel how bad I want you?"
He pressed roughly against me, a thrust that would've made us lovers if not for my last stitch of clothing. I answered with a little moan.
"You're so wet," he whispered. He rubbed my clit, letting his length tease my lips with the friction of wet cotton. I felt the flex of his hips as he thrust, muscle as hdd as his dick. "I can't wait to feel you."

"Six thirty," he said, slamming the passenger door. "We'll grab dinner."
"Yeah, sure. We'll grab dinner. We'll grab one drink, and nothing else will get grabbed for the rest of the night."
"Fine."

He leaned on the bar, arm flexed, head resting on his hand. "I know you feel this, too."
"If everyone acted on every impulse they had, we'd all be obese and syphilitic and a hundred grand in debt from the home-shopping channel."
"When's the last time you spent a whole weekend just fucking?"
I laughed. "Never. Who does that?"
"We could."
"That sounds very…abrasive."
"Sex doesn't have to be some chore you do on Saturday nights after your husband rubs your feet. Come over, and let me show you a good time. Lemme have my way with you, like in your bed the other night. Was that really so bad?"

"Listen. I like you. And I want you. I'm inviting you to come over so we can explore the thing that's between us. I know you feel it, same as me. I'm offering you a chance to shut your brain off for a weekend, so we can spoil each other's bodies rotten. Let me boss you around and I promise you'll find out I give twice as good as I get. I'm not gonna try to fuck your ass or dress you up like a hooker--"
"Be still my heart. Kelly Robak, you charmer, you."
"There's four things a real man has to be able to do for a woman."
"Exactly how many man-lists do you have?"
He let my wrist go and ticked the items off on his fingers. "Fix her car. Grill her a steak. Kick the ass of any guy who makes her cry. And fuck her so hard she wakes up half-crippled."
"Oh my God." For a moment I just blinked at the gall of him. "You're…You are ridiculous. Goodnight, Kelly." I got up, heading for the exit. I realized my mistake a millisecond before he called me on it.
"Said I can fix your car, not teleport it from two towns over."
I swiveled. "I'm sure a real man can call a woman a cab, can't he?"

Dear Kelly,

When I first met you at Larkhaven I was not psyched. I saw a tall, self-controlled and utterly imposing man displaying muscled arms and a chest dressed in dull gray, sporting bruises and scars and a mean face. You seemed to be untouchable and very remote. Truth be told, the beginning did not wow me and I was reluctant to see where we'd go from there. And even though the start was slow-paced, I did warm up to you eventually. Boy, did I almost burn my fingers. Also, your smile truly knocked my socks off. After all, still waters run deep, and I enjoyed the unraveling of Kelly Paul Robak. Shut it, Kel, I'm holding the reins now.

You found your perfect match in nurse, Erin Coffey. Aside from being extremely compatible in the bedroom, both of you have an unbending will to control your lives. Erin craves steadiness above and beyond, and she fears the consequences of a casual sexual encounter. For both of you it's almost a physical impossibility to hand over the reins to someone else or to ask for help. But. If this person is trustworthy, it's worth a try. Doesn't it feel amazing to open up a little bit? It's nice to have someone to lean on and share some of your problems. Do you remember the saying, 'A sorrow shared is a sorrow halved?'

And just remember that sadness is like rain. Keep reminding yourself it'll pass.

Kel, you're pushy and tenacious as hell. Un-freakin-believable. But there's no getting around it to admit that I dug your general bossy assholery. I hope you're proud that your obstinacy paid off big time. Holy crappity crap! About halfway through there was a first class sex-a-thon and Baba was a goner. Devour me! The sensation was so intensely erotic, I had to remind myself to breathe from time to time. And I was thinking, 'Hot damn, this is panty-melting hot!' You sure made my lady-parts tingle. Dude, stop grinning, you showoff. Yeah, yeah, I gotta admit I was close to jumping into your story, sitting on your lap and telling you to grab my hair, my ass, and my boobs. Plus, I wanted you to put your.Mouth.On.Me. Pathetic, I know. Oh, please, spare me your smug smile. *grumbles* Hmm…though you know revenge is sweet. Anyway, it's a thing of beauty to see a man who is usually so in control to come undone. Yup, where is your complacent smile now, huh?

"Whatever happened to you being Mr. Control, and me just keeping my pretty mouth shut?"
"Guess I like what comes out of your mouth, as much as I care about what might go in."

An intriguing aspect of your story was the different and unique setting. Granted, I wouldn't want to work in a psychologic ward, but I found the insight interesting and it was sensitively executed. All in all, the special setting enhanced the plot very nicely. Besides, I appreciated your motivation why you chose the job you do. Behind your scary face lies so much kindness, and you have a heart of gold. You really do care, and you want to help human beings everybody else has given up on. It's good to know that some people want to make a difference.

Yeah, I can feel it too, we got a little something between us…in my dreams.

I wish you and Erin all the best and much love!

Take care.

Baba xxx



P.S. Tell Cara it would have been nice to read an epilogue.


As a side note
After Hours contains explicit sex including oral but no anal. Even though there is some spanking (no bondage, no toys), this is not a BDSM story.

[Isabella. R · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 We Got a Little Something Between Us Stars ⭐

~Milionth read! Because there is no Cara McKenna replacement since I'm still searching.~

"I like it rough, but not any more than a woman wants. I just like doing what I want, when I want. Without permission, in the moment."

We first meet Erin Coffey as she’s having a meltdown before starting her new job at Larkhaven Psychiatric Hospital. Although out of her depth, there’s no room for failure as she desperately needs this nursing role.

Kelly Robak is one of the orderly’s in charge. From first glance, Erin is fascinated by this man who resembles a thug due to his big and brutish persona. However, it’s evident that he is well respected by his colleagues and patients. Very quickly Erin and Kelly form an unlikely friendship outside of work.

Where neither are blind to the chemistry that is all consuming, Erin has no interest in pursuing it. Truth be told, she is intimidated by the way Kelly makes her feel. But Kelly is tenacious in getting what he wants.

He told me things without uttering a syllable. The kisses behind my ear said, you’ll give me anything I want tonight. The palm heating my sex added, and anything you don’t offer, I’ll take. Promises, not warnings.

As Kelly wears her down, Erin wants to resist but he’s too potent. His offer to explore whatever this is. One weekend of sexual gratification. She could say no, but does she really want to?

Oh gawd, Kelly is direct, controlling and all fucking man. Where the modern gal should be up in in arms with all this protectiveness, who are you fooling. Because at the root of it, he’s just a gentleman with caveman tendencies.

Rough, Blue Collar Heroes with hearts of gold are my catnip. And Kelly Robak was dreamy, stoic, dirty and upstanding. Combined with a heroine that was witty and had a backbone, After Hours was marvelous.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 Real Man Stars! Kelly Robak...RAWRRRRR!! I loved it!

“There’s four things a real man has to be able to do for a woman.”
“Exactly how many man-lists do you have?”
He let my wrist go and ticked the items off on his fingers. “Fix her car. Grill her a steak. Kick the ass of any guy who makes her cry. And fuck her so hard she wakes up half-crippled.”

I have a flat tire (I punctured it myself)...check, I'm hungry...check, I know just the man who needs an ass kickin' ...check, and I have a pair of crutches laying around somewhere...check! I'm good to go, come and get me Kelly!

Did this book have some sexy, steamy fun? Yes, but it was Erin and Kelly’s complex characters that captivated me and drew me into this simple, yet full story.

The setting is unique, a psychiatric hospital, and Cara McKenna took the delicate subject of mental illness and created a story around it. In the first few pages, through Erin’s thoughts, she paints the picture of the horror we all imagine, and then the author shatters that image. It was informative, sensitive, and she doesn’t depict the patients in the usual stereotypical way, instead she gave a face to the millions who suffer from this multi-faceted disease. It was a face we could sympathize with and gave us a better understanding how distressing life can be for these patients and their caretakers.

Kelly Robak is an orderly at Larkhaven, he is observant, quiet and a soothing figure to the patients. But when things get out of control, he is the man the nurses look too, to calm and subdue the patients if necessary. Erin Coffey is an LPN, whose only real work experience was as caretaker for her grandmother who suffered from dementia. She walks in Larkhaven out of need, a job and benefits, never imagining that man she initially pegged as a patient, would become such a big part of her life, and teach her so much about the people she was caring for and herself.

“Just know that whatever anyone in there says to you when they’re having an episode, it’s not personal. You’re the just the face that was closest to theirs when the impulse hit.”

The connection between Erin and Kelly is immediately evident, but no over the top fireworks and insta-love, more a slow build and a questioning of what it is that they are feeling. Kelly offers her a weekend of mind-blowing sex, but he wants total control. Erin evades him at first, but then gives into her desire and curiosity. The passionate sex they have fills a need within them. It then leads them both on a journey of self-discovery, they find out how much alike they are, and what really led them to Larkhaven. This is what I most enjoyed about the book, how they revealed themselves through intimate, somewhat therapeutic conversations. Neither is what the other one bargained for, and traveling that path with them, was the beauty of this book.

This is a serious, sensual, passionate read. At times it is humorous and light-hearted, and filled with amazing dialogue. I was wholly involved with the two main characters from the moment they graced the pages and curious as to how their story would play out. Erin’s sister, Amber and her son, Jack, added another very interesting element to the story, and played a big part in some realizations for both Kelly and Erin. If I had one issue it would be that in one scene in particular, the sex and talking on the part of Kelly, was too much for my liking and probably won’t have the same affect on other readers. The ending is well done, subtly sweet, satisfying, and painted a bright future, but I would have enjoyed an epilogue.

Overall though, one of the best books I’ve read by this author, the top spot is held by the Shivaree series. I highly recommend this book for fans of Cara McKenna, and readers who love a sensual, passionate journey to self-discovery, definitely worth reading!


*A copy of the book was kindly provided by Penguin Group Berkley via NetGalley*

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

"We got a little something between us, don't we?"



I’ve come to realize that Cara McKenna never delivers the typical simple smut read. Her stories always have such depth with complex characters and in this one believe it or not, the couple meets working at a psych hospital! She even ties in Cousin’s Correctional Facility into the story from her book Hard Time. The hero in this book is a dominant personality but not to the extreme.



Erin Coffey is a independent big sister who has raised and still takes care of her younger sister and young nephew. She takes a position at Larkhaven Psychiatric Hospital, and is intrigued by the hard ass orderly Kelly Robak, who seems more like her mother and sister’s type than her own.



Kelly’s honest and blunt manner was refreshing for Erin and the two were pretty funny at times.

”What else do women find troublesome about you?” Kelly shrugged.

“Just general bossy assholery.”

“Ah. Well, nice that you’re self-aware, I suppose.”



Kelly is a bit closed off, however it’s Erin who must see that they have so much more than just sex between them. The biggest hurdle for Erin is learning to let someone help her for a change. The story has a lot of going on at the hospital, with her sister and nephew, and between the couple navigating new territory for both of them.



The sex scenes are off the charts hot as is the case with each of the books that I have read by this author.



Kelly and Erin were actually perfectly matched and together made one sexy, solid couple leaving me getting to report that this one’s yet another winner by Ms. McKenna!

”If I fall in love with you, it’ll be because I know you inside and out, and because you’re somebody I want to be a better person for – instead of in spite of.”

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★1/2! A reflective & captivating journey of personal growth & sexual explorations with a memorable, in control & sexy hero, Kelly.

“Right now, though, the world spun on Kelly’s c~ck. The sun rose and set around it, and I wanted it like I’d never known I could want anything.”

After Hours is the second book I have read by Cara McKenna. She does an excellent job of capturing real characters -genuine and tangible people with self-reflection and a non-perfect past. Though very much erotic tales, they also portray inner growth and the impact of the impending relationship. I very much enjoyed Kelly’s and Erin’s journey in After Hours and hope you will to.



Erin Coffey had grown up fast, due to a neglectful mother, from age ten she had taken on the role of raising her sister. She had spent the last six years caring for her grandmother while attending school part-time to become a certified LPN. After her grandmother passed away and she graduated she decided to take a job at Larkhaven, a facility for people with various stages of mental illness. Story opens up with her arrival at Larkhaven. There she meets Kelly who works as an orderly. They have an instant attraction to each other and so their story begins.



Kelly Robak was an amazing hero. If I were to describe him in three words it would be: genuine, reliable and in control. Just like Erin, Kelly has risen from a difficult childhood. In the story you will learn more of his upbringing and why he ended up at Larkhaven; Glimpses into the enigma of Kelly:

“I watched him go, a tower of lean muscle and scar tissue camouflaging more secrets than I’d realized.”

His way of dealing has been to be in control and dominant in his sexual relationships. He was very much in touch with himself and made no apologies:

“I spend forty to fifty hours a week at everybody’s beck and call. When I’m off, I want what I want, the way I want it.”

But he had a sense of humor about it as well:

“He smiled back. “I’m not awake enough to be a bossy dick yet.”

And sex with Kelly did not disappoint, Erin nor me:

“He was the best lover I’d ever had. So far ahead of the competition, I couldn’t even recall their names or faces.”

***
“My mouth could deny my interest in Kelly all day long, but my pussy didn’t lie. He felt like more than a single person. Two hands, a hard body, a mean voice. A one-man orgy. I’d leave here limping, just as he’d promised.”

***
“You ever been f~cked by a man’s mouth?” The way he said it, I knew he wasn’t talking about any kind of oral I’d experienced. I’d been teased and spoiled and serviced by guys’ mouths, but no, I hadn’t been f~cked…”

Just like Erin I was mesmerized by Kelly’s moody pale grey eyes. These quotes are in tribute thereof:

“His irises were pale with a dark ring, gray like his self-designed uniform…”

“…his eyes looked different outside. Nearly blue, like a thick, antique glass bottle.”

“I studied his eyes. They were nearly a color today, a frozen lake reflecting a clear blue...”

“His eyes looked pale green this afternoon, the color of corroded copper.”

“Behind narrowed lids his eyes were ice, and they followed my every motion

“His mood-ring eyes were neutral gray, summer clouds that threatened no rain.”

A very enjoyable read; Different storyline, excellent character development and a hero to remember. My only gripe would be that after reading a full length book the ending was a bit rushed and I would have liked an epilogue – fast forward a few years. Ms. McKenna please!

***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 4 stars
Story ending rating: 3 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

[Stacia (the 2010 club) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9 stars. Yes, I'm being difficult with going so close to the solid 4 and not giving that extra tenth of a point. While I found myself fully immersed in this dark, quiet, sinful story with no major complaints, I felt like something was a hair off kilter and I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was.

Could it have been the fact that this couple seemed like an improved-upon version of Daisy (that was the guy, believe it or not) and what's-her-face (FFS, I can't remember her name now, the young one) from Skin Game? Kelly reminded me of Daisy for some reason. I don't even know why, but something about the two characters kept running together for me.

Or...could it have been that we had hard-edged sex then were dropped back into Erin's (wow, I had to go look her name up too because I don't think it was stated more than a couple of times in the book) career and this side story she had with a patient which wasn't related to the main crux of the entire premise? I actually liked the interactions with Erin and her patient, but thought the push toward a career rethink was out of place for the context of what was trying to be accomplished between Kelly and Erin. There was a lack of focus when the plot veered in another direction.

I remember back when I'd read Willing Victim and wished for more info on the characters because it was just that good. Now, I'm realizing that WV really did a great job of getting to the point without making us sit through extraneous info dumps which were unnecessary.

As an erotic book, this was SMOKING. As a romance book, this was melancholy. The notion of two people meeting in a psych ward (as co-workers, not doctor and patient) is a new and different take on the tired office romance. The majority of the world isn't playing secretary and boss, so I'm glad someone decided to pony up on how the other 99% lives. In the case of After Hours the melancholy tone didn't bother me. These were the lives of the characters and we got to see it.

Back on the erotic front, let's address why Cara McKenna has got the gift of sex writing. For the people in the world who want to read about strong, dominant men but can't get around the entire pain and submission concept of BDSM, McKenna offers something which appeals to the kink of letting a man be alpha without all of the staging and routine which can make BDSM almost tedious to read at times. This type of sexual play feels more organic and attainable for the average person, which ups the fascination tenfold.

There's a market for in-between books like this - stories which let the man get rough and aggressive, without making this about ownership and props and how far you can push a person.

As well, there's a lovely strength in the women that McKenna writes. They allow themselves to be guided, but also know when to fight back for control. There's a brilliant play on give-and-take in this writing. Not everything is about giving up control. Sometimes control is earned; sometimes it's taken back.

What we have between us is strong and stupid.

What makes this a book worth reading is watching two people learn to come to terms with what makes them tick, and figuring out how to find themselves within the boundaries of an unexpected relationship. There is heat, there is compassion, there is revelation. And I love when something which starts out as "just hot sex" turns into something far deeper than what you'd initially expect. Raw can evolve into real beauty.

Just us two, stripped and spent, hearts beating together in the dark.

This book provided from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy.

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Something in his touch told me to trust him, so I let him hold me, feeling warm and fragile and protected, a captured bird."



After Hours is my first Cara McKenna read. It was highly recommended by several GR buddies. I was definitely looking forward to meeting the infamous "Alpha of all Alphas" Kelly. I can say with complete certainty the rumors are true. This book is fantastic and Kelly is one hero that I will never forget!

Kelly Robak is a 38 year old "good ole' boy". He has made a simple life for himself. He works as an orderly at Larkhaven (an institution for the mentally insane). He has endured significant pain in his past and yet he has learned to overcome adversity. He is a friend to his patients and quite the lover in the sack. He likes to be in control. Little did he know that trouble was coming his way in the form of a brown haired, blue eyed beauty named Erin.

Erin Coffey is one strong heroine. She has spent her entire life caring for her wayward sister and ailing grandmother. When her grandmother passed away, she found a job as an LPN at Larkhaven. She is attracted to Kelly and through the haze of her doubts and insecurities she finds a slice of solace being in his company.

Kelly and Erin begin to develop a friendship that quickly turns into something more. Kelly is a force to be reckoned with. I thoroughly enjoyed the easy rapport between the two. Every time Kelly pushes, Erin pulls away. He is adamant about taking Erin home and getting to know every part of her.

“I told you no,” I said, plainly aiming myself toward the steps. “And I’m telling you get in.”

Sometimes in a read this dance can be repetitive and angst ridden. Yet, I found Kelly and Erin's transformation to be an enjoyable journey full of smiles made complete by a pleasant exploration of sexual tension (and release).

“Someday you’ll give yourself to me,” he said matter-of-factly. “Let me have whatever I want, do whatever I say.”-Kelly



When Kelly and Erin come together, it is explosive between the two. Kelly is quite the dominant in the bedroom. Erin, although inexperienced, is happy to follow his every command.

“Don’t look at me like that,” I warned him, the beer making me bold. “Look at you how?” “Like I’m wearing edible underwear, and there’s a place card in my panties with your name on it.”

Erin is so accustomed to taking care of everyone around her. She has never had a man want to take care of her.



What was most surprising in this read was how much I enjoyed getting to know Kelly. Instead of being offended by his "macho moves", it sparked more interest from me. I found myself swooning over him and laughing at the same time.

“There’s four things a real man has to be able to do for a woman.”
“Fix her car. Grill her a steak. Kick the ass of any guy who makes her cry. And f*** her so hard she wakes up half-crippled.”-Kelly

As the relationship continues to develop between the two, Erin is still supporting her sister and all of the emotional baggage that comes with it. Erin is blissfully happy with Kelly and yet she is cautious and tries to keep her heart guarded from hurt. Kelly comes to realize what it might mean for Erin to be more then just his weekend playmate.

"Caring was all about surrender, in the end. The opposite of control. The difference between strangling someone and embracing them."



Overall, After Hours was a great read. There is deep character development, focus on the family, and plenty of steam. The setting of the book certainly enhanced the interest of the story and represented an underlying theme: anyone can heal. Everyone can overcome the pains and pitfalls in their lives. On a side note, I can honestly say this book contains one of the longest and hottest sex scenes I have ever read. It was smoking! If you are a fan of the emotional connection (versus the physical), be forewarned Kelly and Erin have a bit of a slow burn. However, once the emotional connection was made, it was beautiful. After Hours is a definite for alpha hero lovers. I am so glad that I read this book and I look forward to many more Cara McKenna reads. I highly recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a domineering Alpha with a lot of heart.

[Sammy Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 "Fuck Me till I'm Cripple" Stars
Kelly's an Alpha Male with a Heart of Gold



Erin is a new LPN starting a job at a hospital for the mentally disturbed, crazy, sometimes violent patients. She is nervous, dealing with insecurities of being a new hire yet she is a strong independent woman that has never had to rely on anyone other than herself. The last thing she needs is to find herself in a sexual relationship with a co-worker in the first week on the job. So what if she can't keep her eyes off of him. It's just that Kelly's hot, hard body begs for attention. And Erin soon learns that the sparks are mutual, as Kelly pursues her.

"We got a little something between us, don't we?"
...Behind whatever blank expression I'd managed to slap on my face, my common sense and my libido were rolling around pulling each other's hair, slapping and spitting and fighting to come out on top. Or underneath Kelly Robak, in the case of my libido.

Kelly is a rough around the edges kind of guy. He had to grow up with a drunk dad, became a bouncer at an early age, and now works as an orderly in a loony bin. I love how Erin describes his expression as his "mean face". I can just see him, with his intense stare and his hot muscular bod. I loved Kelly because he was a straight forward, honest guy. He never played games and was never shy about what he wanted from Erin. Kelly is an alpha that likes things his way, or the highway. That also filters over into his sex life.



Kelly confronts Erin on why she is so distant after they have been intimate. As a female, I could totally relate to her trying to protect her heart.

"I just felt like... Like, shit, this sex is insane. And if I don't remind myself constantly that it's just sex, I'll start trying to make it mean something more. It's hard to not get attached to someone, when they can make you feel that good. And you're so attracted to them. Plus a part of me didn't want to like you, that way. You make me feel weaker than I'm comfortable feeling..."

I love the brutal honesty between these two. They communicate well and are beyond intense in bed!! Erin struggles with her desire for Kelly vs her need to not be dependent on him. You can't be disappointed, if you have no expectations from the start.

I trusted Kelly, and that scared me a little. Skeptiscm and distrust had been the walls keeping my heart safe, keeping falling for him a convient impossibility. If I trusted him, was attracted to him, respected him and felt respected in return...Fuck, what else did a woman need?

How could a woman not fall for Kelly. I sure did.

Kelly laughed and his smile caught me off guard, It changed his face, like clouds had broken and a big beam if Jesus-light had shot down from heaven to paint the world gold.

This is a beautiful love story with two very likable characters. Kelly turns out to be nothing of what Erin assumes he will be and I loved that. He wasn't just a hot guy looking to get laid. He had a heart that he was willing to share with the right woman.

" I just want to feel needed by somebody who deserves whatever I got to offer."

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cara McKenna's alpha men are hard working, ordinary, down to earth guys, that are extraordinary in how they love and how they treat those that they love. I can't get enough of her heros and I have now added Kelly to my list of fictional boyfriends!!

ARC provided by Netgalley

Follow my reviews at www.readinghaven.me

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, first of all the cover alone deserves a star. This was a hot, intense read, especially the first half of the book... when Kelly and Erin got together at his place I thought I was going to explode! But is was much more than sex. Firstly the setting, a Psychiatric Ward - interesting... Erin is a nurse and Kelly is an orderly - nice to get away from the Super Rich Badass Billionaire for a while. They had a connection from the first off. It started off being just about sex but as the storyline moved along, the could admit things to each other and eventually it was also about emotions and feelings. Would have liked to see a bit further down the with an epilogue but we can't have everything I suppose. A good solid read.

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught me by complete and utter surprise. I have never read anything by Cara McKenna before, a mistake that I will be rectifying immediately.

Anyone that knows me and follows my reviews, knows that I am all about the sexy, controlling alpha heroes…and Ms. McKenna writes one hell of a hero with Kelly.

I was intrigued from the mere description of him.

His irises were pale with a dark ring, gray like his self-designed uniform. Clear eyes, pretty and cold as ice.

”You don’t look like a Kelly.”
One of his eyebrows twitched. “No? What do I look like?”
A Lance, maybe a Butch. Brutus. Killer. “I dunno. Just not a Kelly.”

And when I found out what Kelly was like?

”I’m real my-way-or-the-highway. Got no patience when things don’t go how I want them to.”
“How so?”
He leaned his elbow on the bar and looked me square in the face. “I got exes who might try to tell you I treated them like servants. They were all fond of telling me as much, anyhow. But I work hard. I’ve got needs. If they don’t get met to my satisfaction, I get grouchy.”
“Charming.”

I really enjoyed Erin’s internal monologue, as the story is told from her POV. However, somewhere around the 20% mark, she began to irritate me with her constant push and pull, I want him but I can’t have him. She was hesitant to start anything with Kelly for fear of getting too involved and hurt since Kelly was simply interested in a physical relationship. I found her to be a little too judgmental and almost bitchy at times. She would jump to many erroneous conclusions about Kelly based on her history with “men like him” that she had come to know through her very irresponsible sister and mother.

Kelly doesn’t play around with what he wants.

“Come to my place, some weekend.” His voice was low and deadly serious.
“What for?”
“Sex.”

Erin kept pushing Kelly away, but he was undeterred. He was determined to get her beneath him and the way he went about getting that was just plain hot.

“There’s something between us,” he murmured. “We’re just doing what it’s asking.”
“It feels like I’m just doing what you ask.”
“And you don’t like that?” As he said it, his fingers traced my lips through my panties, cock pressing close. Heat flashed, dizzying me.

Kelly was seriously hot in his pursuit.

My breath was shallow, cheeks fevered, lips swollen. Drunk again. Drunk on Kelly.
“Jesus,” I muttered.
“Got a better name you can say, if you want.”

“I’m gonna make you come,” he said. “Tell me.”
“You are.” Oh, he was. His bossy words alone had me close.
“I’m what?”
“You’re going to make me come.”
A smug hmm at my ear, wet fingertips at my clit, hungry cock begging for entrance. He pulled my panties aside. I froze. But it was his fingers that taunted my folds, not his cock.
“So tempting,” he muttered.
“Someday you’ll give yourself to me,” he said matter-of-factly. “Let me have whatever I want, do whatever I say.”
It would’ve been a pretty pompous announcement if I hadn’t suspected it was completely true.
“I’ll have you pleading for my cock.” He pumped me with his fingers, hips mirroring the rhythm. “Can’t wait to hear you beg.”

When Erin finally gives into the inevitable, and takes Kelly up on his offer the book really takes off…and IT.IS.SCORCHING!

“I’m gonna make you so wet.”
The words alone were realizing his promise.
He fanned his fingers, thumbs tracing the uppermost creases of my thighs and the hems of my panties.
“I’m gonna make you want me so bad it’ll hurt,” Kelly whispered. “Make you want me so much, you’ll come the second my cock sinks inside you.”

“Oh God.”
“Say my name.”
“Kelly.”
“Good. You got permission to say that anytime you like. Now tell me what you want from my cock.”
“Whatever you’ll give me.”
Another of those nasty chuckles hummed in my ear, and his fucking fingers slowed. “Good answer, sweetheart.”

Both Kelly and Erin are damaged by their past and guarded because of it. We only get to see Erin’s perspective on things, and see glimpse of Kelly through her eyes.

Though their relationship mainly starts off with sex, they slowly move towards a somewhat friendship. This is largely in part of Erin’s assumptions of Kelly and her utter refusal to see past her misconceptions.

I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this author.
The one thing that I wished we got was an epilogue. There was a very realistic HEA that I found to be fitting given how the story went and the two characters. But I felt that an epilogue would have nicely wrapped everything up. I was left with a few questions; what happened with Jack? What about Erin’s sister? And of course it would have been nice to get more Kelly and Erin.

Still a very solid 4 scorching hot star read.

[Lana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it was a completely different story with totally different characters, it still reminded me of Willing Victim with it's mood of realness and normality.

You will probably hate the hero, gruff and unapologetic Kelly, at the beginning. It also took me some time to warm up to the heroine, Erin. Yet after getting to know them better, I ended up liking both.

It occured to me then that Kelly and I were friends. Actual friends who were genuinely interested in each other's lives. A perfectly platonic scene... if not for the fact that we wanted desperately to fuck each other.
- Isn't it one of the most perfect beginnings of a relationship?

The characters turned out to be caring, unexpectedly funny - and had some really good chemistry.

"When I say I want to possess a woman for a day, maybe a whole weekend, it's like I'm inviting her to a dinner party. I'm making exactly the food I want, serving the drinks I like, planning everything. But she's a guest. Just because I'm in charge doesn't mean I won't serve her a damn good meal."
- Yes, please!

I understand why some people couldn't finish the book though. It took me some effort to get through the first third too. Too much backstory? Too many inner musings? I can't even put my finger on it. Somehow it felt like going through water where I expected air... But after I got in, I couldn't put it down.

Because McKenna created authentic and real characters one can't help but care about.

"I want to fill in the gaps, fight all the battles you can't, because of whatever - your size or your gender. Maybe that's sexist, but it's what I want. I just want to feel needed by somebody who deserves whatever I got to offer."

I fell in love with them. With strong, yet vulnerable Kelly; with lost and overworked Erin, who landed a job in a mental institution just for the good salary, yet found not only a calling there, but someone to love and to lean on - in her co-worker.

"There's always something broken. No need to make trouble when there's plenty already waiting. Just lemme fix what I can, when you can't do the job yourself."

"I will," I promised. He already was. Fixing that ache in my chest, just being there, holding me. Chiseling a few bricks out of his cold gray tower, just enough for me to slip inside and feel shielded from the wind and rain.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re read May 2024

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 "We Have Something Here" Stars * * * *

My first experience with Cara McKenna was her book, Willing Captive. The read was strong; her way of presenting the relationship between the main characters fresh and was handled well. I saw my buddy Ⓐlleskelle reading this and she was loving it.... so, I decided to as well.

This was another type of character study... you have the classic need for control in both the main characters; one due to the drunken father and weak mother. The other due to the mother's history of bad judgement with men and the character's need to make sure the baby sister was cared for.

These circumstances nurtured the need to always be in control... to always make sure things were handled and both did that... but differently.

Kelly figured out how to compartmentalize everything... his build and presence made perfect the work history of prison guard and then mental hospital orderly. He is like a wall but has a grace in his movements... going about his workday watching, making sure things flow without altercation....and if they happen... he handles them easily. He has been doing it now for 4 years.

Erin has been the caretaker... her grandmother needed her so she handled the decline and dementia for the last 6 years. She got her LVN to learn how to deal properly with it all and to also have something to do after. Her sister has followed in the mother's footsteps with need for men who never treat women right.... this time coming away with a beautiful son, Jack. Erin being Erin and knowing her sister will need her, looks for employment close to by .... landing at the same mental hospital and ward where Kelly works.

Right away there is this push pull in Erin's head. She see this man... on the outside he looks like all of the other men she is familiar with... who have all been shit either with her mother or sister. Yet... there is more and she can't really figure it out. As she goes about her first day, learning the ropes and understanding all she has taken on... an incident happens... an outburst directed at her from a patient... he becomes violent in a flash... measures are taken, he is restrained and then the day goes on as usual. Erin is shaken; doubting her ability to hold onto this job... it is her first with a facility and could give her a career...

Kelly seeks her out at the end of shift and offers to take her out for a drink. He blocks all of her protests with real reasons as to why she should just do it... and she does. This first experience alone with Kelly is revealing. He plainly states his "man" style of living...he likes things his way, when he wants it, how he wants it. They drink, chat and then he takes her to the dorm where she is staying. The seed, though, has been planted... as the banter and push pull between them took place...

We get to see how these two people connect in a very unique environment. There is so much happening... yet nothing at all. As those who are working with patients who could at any moment have an outburst... it is the careful talk... the counting of meds and the distribution of them... it is the maintaining separation of those who agitate others... all of this can be exhausting for 12 straight hours. The patients also play a huge factor.... those who may have been miss-diagnosed; those who are trying to just make some sense of their lives and need the structure of the hospital to survive.

This was not a light book...this was a book which in the reading makes you think about your own life and your place in it. It is laced with serious concepts of family; when is enabling a crutch rather than a help and most importantly... how do we let ourselves just be... learn what works and yet be open to others and possible caring... how to not make assumptions about what the other is thinking, doing or reacting to "protect yourself"... to just talk to the person and find out... it is a risk... but isn't living everyday a risk?

I would be remiss if I did not address the chemistry and writing which has Kelly and Erin together. The blatant, direct way of making Kelly approach Erin with the offer of 2 days... under his hand... taking what he wants, when he wants it... was genius... Ms. McKenna planted the seed... she nurtured it with meals together... with Erin wanting it so bad she couldn't sleep... with Kelly talking to her in the way a man confident in his manliness can... seductively, yet not cheesy. It took time for it to happen but when it did... it was an eye opener for us as readers and conversely for Erin and Kelly, equally.

Cara McKenna has a special touch in how she thinks of stories... she gives the reader so much more to contemplate than the usual... she makes you think of bigger pictures than HEA... and I for one appreciate the skill.

For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Elizabeth (Liz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance


What do I love about After Hours by Cara McKenna?! A better question would be, what *don't* I love about After Hours by Cara McKenna! The answer to that is NOTHING. There isn't one single thing that I don't love! I love the setting. I love the story line. I love the dialog. I love the secondary characters. I love the main characters. I love Cara McKenna's 'voice' and gift for writing. Seriously. I love it ALL!! I've been a fan of this author for a while now, and I can safely say that After Hours has claimed the top spot as my favorite Cara McKenna book!

Nurse Erin Coffey takes a job at Larkhaven Psychiatric Hospital in order to be closer to her younger sister and nephew. It's a job with the potential for danger as she's stationed in the ward where those with the capacity for violence are treated. The man tasked with the protection of staff and patients alike is Kelly Robak. Kelly is strong, over-confident, and attracts Erin unlike anyone else she's ever met. Erin believes him to be exactly like the men her sister has so often been involved with, and she's promised herself that she would steer clear of the kind of chaos relationships like that ultimately bring. But, Kelly is determined to have her in his bed, in exactly the way he likes best. Erin finds she can't and, even more so, doesn't want to resist. She agrees to a purely sexual encounter, which turns into more, physically and emotionally. The question becomes, how *much* more do they both want?


Wow! I mean....WOW!! This story had me utterly absorbed and, as I probably made clear above, LOVING every single second of it!

The characters just....I don't even know. They 'spoke' to me. Erin was so real and practical and...like people I know. Kelly, for all his dominance, was also incredibly real and straightforward. Yet, they both had an edge, as well. They're attractive, without being totally perfect. Their interaction at work was as interesting to me as their After Hours interaction;) I can't find words to describe it. They both had such a way about them, and their chemistry was OFF. THE. CHARTS.

I found myself absolutely fascinated by the psychiatric-hospital setting and the patients. It was handled deftly by Cara McKenna. There was no lack of sensitivity, but there was also no preaching one side or another. It simply was what it actually *is*. Very well done by the author.

I will say, the sex scenes are incredibly hot, but for those not into BDSM/dominance and submission, there's very little of that here, even though the book summary sort of makes it sound like that's what you're getting. Kelly is dominant, he likes it a little rough, and he wants what he wants when he wants it, but that's about as far as it goes. Frankly, as someone who is becoming a wee bit tired of the whole BDSM frenzy, I loved, loved, loved the physical relationship in this book! These two are ON FIRE!!

Cara McKenna writes with an unapologetic realism and pragmatism, no matter how creative the plot may be. I truly believe this only makes her books that much more compelling and edgy. This is a writer who deserves more attention, and I'm hopeful her audience will continue to grow as more people discover her unique 'voice'. I, for one, fervently wish to see more full-length books, like this one, from the author in the very near future! After Hours has my 5-Star recommendation, for whatever that's worth, and, if you need a place to start with this author, look no further!!


**ARC courtesy of InterMix (Penguin) via NetGalley**

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

TMI Warning: I'm sorry, but being grabbed by the hair *down there* is not even remotely appealing or sexy to me and I winced just reading about it. I know what you're thinking - surely, that wasn't actually in the book. YES. IT. WAS. TWICE!! Here's the two examples of this hidden behind a spoiler tag for prudence:

#1 - "He slid his fingers over my mounds and fisted the hair there, rough enough to pull a little yelp from my lungs."
#2 - "I like this,' Kelly murmured, stroking his fingertips through the hair on my mound. Then they tightened, fisting my curls, and I choked on a moan, bucking forward....His grip on my hair tightened and held, ten times as arousing as it was painful."

So needless to say the "romance" of the book wasn't my cup of tea even though I have read 'worse' in other books that are further along on the BDSM spectrum, which I also don't find personally appealing in real life. But something about this specific act just seemed so wrong to me! *shudder* And there were other things too - like Erin repeatedly describing Kelly's eyes as looking cold and mean during the deed, which again, no thanks.

Concentrating on the plot, there's not much to that either. The book primarily takes places in a psychiatric ward and I was hoping for a more haunting atmosphere or a more nuanced and emotional look at people who suffer from mental illness that linger in the system. Instead it felt a bit like filler and the whole book could have just as easily taken place in factory warehouse or science lab requiring big heavy machinery without impacting the plot much at all. The plot was just the main two characters hooking up, and a little bit involving their backstories/families. The setting really never played into any of it.

And all this complaining makes it sounds like I hated this book, but I just thought it was ok, thus with the 2 stars.

[Anne Boleyn's Ghost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Begone billionaires! YES for a romance that features leads who work for a living, who have real problems, who lead sometimes difficult lives...and still have absolutely filthy and fulfilling sex, and laugh, and open themselves to love.

After Hours is an erotic, light yet complex, fun yet poignant story. It explores the burgeoning relationship between nurse Erin and orderly Kelly, co-workers in a high-security psychiatric facility. The sexual attraction is the initial draw, but their connection deepens as they bond over similarly painful family situations. Both built walls to protect themselves. As they begin to support and rely on each other, their walls begin to fall. But it's not an easy fall. Not at all.

Kelly is uber-alpha, bordering on alpha-hole at times, and that type of hero is hit-and-miss for me. Ultimately, he won me over with displays of vulnerability and admiration for Erin's strength. Meanwhile, Erin realized that accepting help didn't make her less strong. All in all, I was a fan of their relationship evolution.

Gripes? Well, nothing major. The first portion of the book was absorbing, but the pacing lagged in the middle. And while I didn't love that the story ended on a HFN as opposed to a HEA, I appreciated the realism. Life rarely, if ever, is tied up with a pretty bow. Plus I had faith in the sustainability of their relationship.

I may be late to the Cara McKenna train, but the good news? I have a backlist to explore!

Read for SBTB April - June 2019 Quarterly Challenge: A book with a character in a medical field.

[Melanie A.]

Audio DNF @ 27% - no rating.

I thought the narrator gave the heroine's words a sarcastic tone that I couldn't find a lot of evidence for in the story.

Also, while the writing was fine, this author's style of alpha/hero is just not for me. But if you're a fan of Harper Sloan or Aurora Rose Reynolds, I think this would be a good fit for you.

Happy reading!

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

ETA: Hey! Badass Book Reviews
is hosting an interview of Cara McKenna -- stop by to read a fabulous interview (very juicy)!

Read for the first time in March 2013. Re-read by audio November 2014.

After Hours is categorized by Cara as erotica and it definitely is that. There are explicit and beautifully detailed sex scenes to justify this category. Readers looking for this will not be disappointed. But After Hours is more than that, it is a romance. Yet, After Hours doesn't neatly fit into the romance category either. It is a romance without store-bought roses; it is a romance without courting; it is romance with very detailed and dominating sex scenes. After Hours tells the story of a real life romance, it isn't idealistic or fantastical. There is no millionaire hero that sweeps the heroine off her feet and at the end of the book, the heroine still has to go into to work to make a living. It is real life, but told in a very sexy (very sexy) way.

How does Cara McKenna do it? She seems to write characters I want to read about in settings that feel so real that I know I have lived there. (and yeah, I have lived there). The main character, Erin, is young inexperienced but not feeling so young anymore. She has spent six years taking care of an ailing relative and is now facing the job market for the first time in her adult years. She gets a job at a mental institution in a small town in Michigan and moves there. As described in the book, this town could be so many communities in the Midwest – factories and jobs have left, its residents are struggling with unemployment and the town is shrinking, not expanding. Instead, the town seems centered around a major institution, the mental institution where Erin and Kelly work. The setting plays a part in establishing that while this is a romantic erotica novel, the characters aren't offering us an escape from reality. Instead, the characters in After Hours are living reality - - cars break down, a sister needs help, characters are tired for work, bad choices are made and characters regret things they have said and done.

Erin’s character is slowly introduced to readers; we see her at work and we see her with her family struggling with their issues. By the end of the book, Erin’s family’s problems aren't solved but they have been lived. And the fact that the author did not feel the need to solve every problem and wrap it up with a bow is rewarding. I prefer to read gritty books and you may ask, who wants gritty romance? I do! I also think that you do too, there just isn't a lot of gritty romance out there. Cara McKenna is forging a new path in romance and thank goodness for that. I have trouble suspending reality in books enough to accept that a millionaire/billionaire/movie star is right around the corner to sweep a perfect heroine just temporarily down on her luck off the streets. I get why that brand of romance has been popular and has such staying power, but it is just so separated from my real life that I cannot settle down and truly enjoy a book if that is the theme. Cara McKenna is not writing about that theme.

Enter Kelly. Kelly is the “hero” of this book. He is an orderly at the mental institution and assists Erin in her new job. He is an established resident of the town and much older than Erin. Set in his ways and knowing what he likes, he pursues Erin. Relentlessly. Kelly is exactly the type of man that Erin does not want to be with (or so she believes). Erin looks at Kelly and categorizes him; she believes she knows who he is by his appearance. After Hours is about Erin and Kelly learning about each other and through the characters, the readers learn about them too. Cara McKenna delivers complexly written characters that defy stereotypes. Erin is not just-the-down on her luck nurse; Kelly is not as simple as Erin believes. Erin and Kelly orbit around each other out of caution, but ultimately they are pulled together due to their sexual attraction. Each resists the romance part of the relationship for their own reasons. The growth of the characters and the resolution of their issues over being together feel real and not forced. Cara McKenna is excellent at writing “happily for now”. We know at the end of the book that Erin and Kelly have to go to work. So what if they aren't married and Erin isn't pregnant. So what if Erin never had the appearance of a magical inheritance? But isn't that okay? Isn't that real life? It is real life delivered to us in the package of a deliciously sexy story.

To read this and other reviews like it check out BadAssBook Reviews

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥Kelly Robak is a keeper!!!:)

and I loved him to pieces♥♥♥ He is just the perfect example of the quote 'don't judge the book by its cover' and honestly if I doubt him the first time I read his part and how Erin describe him, I should have had hide myself on my cute shell cos' I put assumptions on him.
at first glance you might thought of him as the same as other Alpha males out there but he's not, he's an exception and I mean that he has a good heart, a kind heart even,well okay other heroes have good hearts too but Kelly was just a rare character, a one in a million, you can't find someone like him on today's books so far, I really like him to be out of the book and be human, did I find some flaws on him, none...
He's just a responsible, mature guy who was raised by not so decent parents and still, he wasn't like them and that's what I love about him:)
and you know what's great about him, his expertise in bed became just a bonus part of him because even without that you'll still gonna love him because of his beautiful character:)

I loved Erin, she didn't annoy me when I'm on her head, actually I'm feeling the same way like her, like I want to stole some glances over Kelly, if ever he notices me or something, waiting for a move *sigh*
that thump thump thump on the heart kind of feeling *swoon*
and if ever Kelly's gonna come close and just merely talk, or smile *melts*
I felt like Erin too, I thought Kelly would be the same as other guys, the bad-ass jerk type guys because "that's" the stereotype of Alphas, like I said don't make assumptions on him...again he's a good man!:) don't ever think otherwise.

I loved both characters determination and perseverance towards life, even though both their families became a burden to them, they still work hard and do their their best to become a better person..they strive and succeed, they don't back down, and that went into both of them having power struggles in their relationship but in the end it work as they they both became anchor and storm to each other:)

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly Robak is the kind of hero that really makes me weak at the knees. He’s quiet, intense and domineering, but who doesn’t need to make a song and dance about it. His confidence is present and oozes out in spades.

Erin is the strong independent heroine who has played the matriarch of the family and tries not to fall for the hot and bad boy type, who is Kelly. Until one day he propositions her to spend a weekend with him and that’s when the story heats up. Boy, I definitely put my desk fan at work to good use at lunchtime.

Everything about this book goes outside the romance novel type of format we all know and have read. There’s a lot of focus on the heroine Erin’s experiences in a psychiatric hospital and also touches on mental illness. But all that being said it didn’t take away from the story and the romance. I enjoyed the chemistry and connection between H/h and thought the story flowed well. All in all a great read.

Thanks for the recommend Jilly, loved it.

[Kimberly Carrington-Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro

Entre 3'5 y 4 🌟, así que tiro por lo bajo, aunque la novela está bastante bien. Cara McKenna pasa a la lista de autoras que me llegan especialmente (aunque lo que me debería llegar son sus maromos, a la puerta! 👅)

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

Love this author! Big price drop to $0.99, 6/1/15!

[captain raccoon. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly good. With the added (and very welcome) bonus of a heroine that never once made me want to punch her in the face Chuck Norris style because of her TSTL tendencies. And that last chapter? Specifically the pillow talk? It turned me into such a swooning, gooey mess that I read it all over again just because I wanted to keep experiencing the loveliness I felt from it for a little bit longer.

[Sammie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, that was one of the most realistic, down to earth, relatable romances that I’ve ever read! And with such a unique setting, too. Erin starts her first ever career as an LPN at Larkhaven Psychiatric Hospital and she’s nervous as all get out. When she meets big, brooding orderly Kelly, she’s even more nervous. She’s accosted by a patient on day one, and Kelly invites her out for a drink to reassure her that she can get past the nerves and continue. He seems pretty cocky, but not in a terrible way, and these two needle each other in the cutest way. He eventually propositions her and she passes. She knows guys like this, they’re her sister’s type and that never ends well. She’s really attracted to Kelly though, so she eventually caved after a while.

Kelly is used to getting his way, but he’s got baggage just like Erin, and he doesn’t let just anyone in. So when she realizes that Kelly wants to keep her at arms length, she’s hesitant to get too fully involved. The result is two days of hotness (his MOUTH) and then a week of her playing it cool. They come together again, but then Erin ruins the evening by blurting out that she looked up something from Kelly’s past and forced a conversation that he wasn’t prepared to have. So it seemed like things were ruined before they even fully started. But then Erin’s adorable nephew is rushed to the ER and Kelly shows up when no one else does. Sigh!

I admit, it was hard to like Kelly at first but then I LOVED HIM! Erin was totally relatable and I got her hesitation. It’s hard to put your feelings on the line when it seems that they’re not a factor for the other person. I really enjoyed all of the interactions with the patients, especially the insights into their conditions and their pasts. I feel like it was handled so well, and Kelly’s compassion was such a huge turn on for my heart.

“I want to fill in the gaps, fight all the battles that you can’t, because of whatever-your size, your gender. Maybe that’s sexist, but it’s what I want. I just want to feel needed by somebody who deserves whatever I got to offer.”

There were no “I love yous” since this was a story of two people coming together, and there was no HEA epilogue. But there was hope for the future and genuine care and feelings, and one of the loveliest scenes of forgiveness and decision to be together that I’ve ever read, which was the ending. I loved this book!!!

[Lise *friends don't flag* · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 solid Kelly Robak stars!

Well… I did not love this book, but I did like it. I liked that the two imperfect main characters worked in professions that suited them, that they had realistic troubled childhoods, that they were not described as stunningly gorgeous and that they were guarded in letting anyone get too close to them yet very protective of others in their lives.

I liked Kelly’s no nonsense ‘wall-like’ attitude toward life “You can fight a man and maybe win, but you can’t fight a wall”
and his criteria for taking care of a woman “Fix her car. Grill her a steak. Kick the ass of any guy who makes her cry. And fuck her so hard she wakes up half-crippled.”

Right off the bat Kelly and Erin have an attraction to one another and Kelly describes it as-
“There’s something between us. We’re just doing what it’s asking”

I enjoyed the pretty intense first scene when Kelly goes to Erin’s room and I was thinking whoa… if this is any indication of things to come- I am all in. Sadly, I was a bit disappointed in their relationship for the rest of the story. The big weekend was fairly tame and uneventful in my opinion especially after page after page of Kelly talking up how Erin should come by his place for one weekend and he would really show her a good time. I expected to have my socks knocked off… but I did not. I did like seeing Kelly’s vulnerable side and how he opened up, but that was short-lived.

Anyway, this was a solid story of two people that finally were able to let their walls fall down and help each other instead of always being the one that others relied on for help.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so hard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gloria · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Update:

After DNFing this, I read a few other reviews and many were positive so I relented and returned to continue reading. The FMC kept having trouble with her warm lady parts and vacillated between “avoid him” and “f*ck him” until I didn’t care which she chose as long as she stopped boring me with her dilemma. Natch, she eventually let her girly parts take her to a weekend of mindless, submissive sex at his house, 50-shades-of-gray style.

The book truly lost me for good, though, when this nurse in charge of patients at a psychiatric hospital lost her temper with her sister’s boyfriend and keyed his truck and spit on his windshield, provoking a violent response. If a 28-year-old woman can do something that stupid, immature, and irresponsible, I wouldn’t want her anywhere near a Pomeranian, let alone a patient. I began skimming after that.

So the whole thing is just a fancied up excuse for sex scenes, with an admittedly nice ending tucked on for the sake of romance. Yes, as a salve to the romantics among us, at the end the MMC reveals his vulnerability and the “feminist” (snort) FMC reveals her vulnerability and they decide to be together.

I shouldn’t have second-guessed my 18% DNF decision.

Original remarks:

DNF at 18%. The setting, a psychiatric hospital, is interesting and unusual, so I thought, “Cool. That’ll be different.” But the fact that I’m trapped with a woman who’s struggling with warm lady parts and a caveman with control issues is my own fault. I only read the blurb and not the shelves this has been filed under so the blame is on me.

[❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 4 Talk Dirty To Me Stars **

This is a new author to me, my first read by Cara McKenna but definitely not my last!! I loved both the main and secondary characters involved.

Erin is a LPN nurse at a mental institution and Kelly is an orderly in the same hospital. You see an instant but subtle attraction between them that slowly grows as they get to know one another. They finally get together after Kelly ask Erin to give him a weekend....what a weekend!!!!

From there their relationship progresses much to the dismay of Erin. Erin is stubborn, independent, and proud. She has trouble depending on or trusting anyone especially men. Kelly has his own issues from a rough childhood. He's very overprotective and definitely an Alpha!! We do get an HEA and a glimpse into Kelly & Erin's future....however I would have liked to have an epilogue, this would have been 5 Stars had I gotten a epilogue.


❤ ️My Favorite Quote ❤️

“There’s four things a real man has to be able to do for a woman.”

“Exactly how many man-lists do you have?”

He let my wrist go and ticked the items off on his fingers. “Fix her car. Grill her a steak. Kick the ass of any guy who makes her cry. And fuck her so hard she wakes up half-crippled.”

[Olga therebelreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5~3 stars
Silly romance, silly plot, but...with the hottest sex scenes.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to begin by saying that there has not been a book by Cara McKenna that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. I get so excited when a new one comes out because they are such awesome reads!! If you have ever read her you know what I mean, if not, what exactly are you waiting for??!

Erin Coffey is a nurse and she takes a job at a Psychiatric Hospital after her grandmother, for whom she was the sole caregiver, passes away. She takes the job for not only the money but to be near her sister and nephew. Her sister who is a hot mess I might add!! Since Erin has become self-appointed protector of the family that she has left, she feels she needs to be nearby.

Her first day she meets Kelly Roback. Kelly is an orderly whose task is pretty much the protection of the staff and the patients. Erin is wildly drawn to the big, strong, super confident man but knows that she needs to steer clear. She gives herself a lot of pep talks, they don’t really work after a while though! She knows she cannot get involved, because even though she really doesn’t know Kelly she has already pegged him as the bossy love ‘em and leave ‘em types that have repeatedly come in and out of her mother’s and sister’s lives and Erin is bound and determined she is not going to be like them!

Holy Crap! Erin is a better woman than me because the moment sexy ass Kelly rumbled ‘come home with me’ I would have been on him like white on rice baby!! And if that didn’t do it, this would have…

There’s four things a real man has to be able to do for a woman. Fix her car. Grill her a steak. Kick the ass of any guy who makes her cry. And fuck her so hard she wakes up half crippled~ Kelly

Needless to say, after a little persuading Kelly gets Erin to give him a chance, albeit begrudgingly, because Kelly is dominant with a capital D and Erin is not into that. Until she tries it, of course! Holy Hot Sex! Kelly likes it like this – “I like it rough, but nothing more than a woman wants. I like doing what I want, when I want. Without permission, in the moment.” As Erin begins to trust him the relationship grows, but not without some complications of course. Honestly people, we really need to communicate more and not make assumptions based on our own insecurities!! But I really think that is what makes me love this authors writing so much! It is raw, real and sometimes gritty. The people are not perfect and everything isn’t always all hearts and flowers! But never fear, they do get a real life HEA!

There was something about this particular paragraph that stuck with me from the whole book, I reread it about a dozen times because to me it said so much that I just have to share. For some reason it speaks to the ‘realness’ of the story!

We got a little something between us.
So little. No thicker than a layer of cotton now. The thinnest membrane of latex when I’d welcome his body inside mine. Barely anything at all, with those stubborn barriers demolished, just us two, lying here as the dust settled.
Just the two of us, stripped and spent, hearts beating together in the dark.