Shaken and Stirred (Blaze) [Paperback]

Kathleen Reilly (Author)

Book Description

Series: Blaze | Publication Date: July 17, 2009

As a student and part-time bartender in Manhattan, Tessa Hart has found that a succession of roomies and cramped apartments are necessary evils in her life. Until she's out on the street and Gabe O'Sullivan, her mentor, boss and certified babe-magnet, steps in.

Any other woman would die to share his apartment--not to mention his bed--but Tessa's determined that they should stay just friends. The fiercely independent mixologist has to prove to their skeptical coworkers at Prime--the O'Sullivans' hot Manhattan bar--that the arrangement is strictly hands-off! But Tessa has trouble adhering to her own "no touching" rule when the actual sharing of close quarters day and night leaves her shaken and stirred....

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Mills Boon (July 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0263874893
• ISBN-13: 978-0263874891
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,200,989 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

It's such a strange twist of fate that I ended up as a writer. I swore up and down that I would never write, but everyone always shook their head and said, "Kathleen, you're going to be a writer." As fate would have it, they were right, and I wasn't (don't you hate that?)

My favorite part of writing is creating my characters. I fall in love with everyone in each book, and it's pure magic when it all comes to life.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart-warming, fun and a great start to new series!, March 4, 2008

By 

Tracey West "Avidreader" (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shaken And Stirred (Harlequin Blaze) (Mass Market Paperback)

Kathleen O'Reilly's latest gem, SHAKEN & STIRRED, Book 1: "Those Sexy O'Sullivans" whets a reader's palate and warms the soul. Gabe and Tessa are intriguing, charming and lighthearted characters who are easy to fall in love with. Tessa has had difficult times and wishes to rise above the bad memories and make something of herself.

For four years, Gabe O'Sullivan has been her friend, her greatest support and she would be lost without him. Upon needing a place to stay and Gabe's friendly offer of his spare bedroom, Tessa fights herself every step of the way, trying not to fall into his arms...or his bed. Her lifeplan doesn't include falling for anyone, least of all Gabe and while she believes she has everything figured out, her heart feels otherwise.

Kathleen O'Reilly once again pens wonderful characters--complete with a sexy trio of brothers--a sense of family that is not only intertwined but the atmosphere of "Prime" (Gabe's family bar) consists of regulars who are equally charming and memorable. Ms. O'Reilly writes with a master's pen and a gives her readers everything they could ask for.

SHAKEN & STIRRED makes one laugh out loud, warms the heart and it's a liquid high from start to finish.

I look forward to book two in April '08, Daniel's story in "Sex, Straight Up".

4.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable, November 6, 2008

By 

Sidney's mom - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shaken And Stirred (Harlequin Blaze) (Mass Market Paperback)

This was simply a fun, fast, enjoyable read. Loved the hero and the great chemistry between the characters. This won't be the last book I read by Kathleen O'Reilly.

4.0 out of 5 stars Shaken and Stirred, March 21, 2008

By 

M. Nix - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shaken And Stirred (Harlequin Blaze) (Mass Market Paperback)

Tessa Hart has a plan. Just a few more months of saving and scrimping and she will finally be able to achieve her dream of living on her own without a roommate in the apartment complex she has fallen in love with. A bartender for Gabe O'Sullivan, Tessa enjoys her work and her friendship with the three O'Sullivan brothers. Gabe is the one who holds her interest and while she secretly craves his touch, nothing or no one is going to stand in her way of getting that apartment.

Gabriel Cormac Silas O'Sullivan is the owner of Prime, a Manhattan bar that has been in his family for close to eighty years. He loves bartending and he loves the people. Helping them is his pleasure and when his best bartender needs a temporary place to stay, he can't help but offer his extra room to her. Much to his dismay, Tessa turns him down flat, but with a bit of pressure and teasing, he is able to get her to agree. Gabe has been attracted to Tessa for years and it is only a matter of time before he succumbs to her charms. In fact, there is a betting pool on it saying the exact same thing.

In Shaken and Stirred, Gabe O'Sullivan was a knight in shining armor, Manhattan style. He was good looking, charming, and seriously attracted to Tessa. His mannerisms were cute and in my opinion, very good boyfriend and possibly husband material. These reasons are why I did not care for Tessa's character at all. She was materialistic, she often hurt Gabe's feelings, and quite frankly, I wanted him to find someone else. Every time Gabe would get the vibes that Tessa gave off, she would lead him on a bit more and more than once I just wanted to shake her. Did she love him? I believe she did. Was she scared to death to depend on him? Yes she was. Would this have influenced her behavior and how she handled Gabe? Definitely. With that said, I found myself understanding Tessa a bit better, grudgingly, but I can't lie. By the book's end, I felt better that my man Gabe would be loved like he needed.

Kathleen O'Reilly has written the first of a trilogy of books set around these enigmatic O'Sullivan brothers. The next book, Sex, Straight Up, features Daniel O'Sullivan and I am happy to find that it releases in April so the wait won't be very long. As for Shaken and Stirred, the sex was over the top hot and very sensuous. I just wish I could have adored Tessa as much as Gabe.

Talia
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed