The Cherry on Top (Vegas Firsts #1) by Arielle Hudson
Meet Kayla Sharp - whip smart with nerves of steel, she’s a no-nonsense New Yorker who’s built herself the (almost) perfect life. The only problem? Kayla’s twenty-fifth birthday is on the horizon and she’s never had sex. Never. Not once. Well…fantasies don’t count, right?
Men love Kayla…as a friend. They love working with her and talking with her and hanging with her. But when she’s looking to get down and dirty, the guys are looking for introductions to Kayla’s cuter friends.
A business trip to sinful Las Vegas presents her with the opportunity she’s been waiting for. With characteristic verve, Kayla orders herself a gorgeous male escort to get her over this little hump and on the track to her ideal life. But when there’s a mix up and Fitz bangs on her door instead, Kayla realizes she might be getting way more than she bargained for…
It doesn’t take more than a few moments with confident, compelling Kayla before Fitz starts spinning plans of his own. Plans of an extremely sexual nature. But when Kayla and Fitz get tangled up outside the sheets, what was meant to be a one-off night might become an affair to remember.
Sexy to the point of explicit and funny to the point of hysterical, The Cherry on Top is the story of an ugly duckling who realizes she doesn’t need a transformation to be the most desirable woman in the room.
When I read the blurb, I was skeptical. I thought, not another “pure” heroine please! But, Kayla is funny, and brave and I loved rooting for her. Arielle somehow managed to make Kayla real on top of entertaining. Kayla struggles with her appearance and lack of experience in such an authentic way…. I really felt for her. Here she is this successful and strong woman and she can’t seem to catch a guy’s eye. It was great to read as she evolved, learned how to truly accept herself and also have a great time in bed!
At first glance, Fitz is like every other Romance hero, but he’s sooo much more and not at all cliche. He’s strong, but domineering. He’s not a bully and he never pushes Kayla too hard. He’s just a guy, who works hard for what he wants. Fitz is HAWT, smooth and a breath of fresh air. I loved that he was confident and yet was still nervous before a date. Authors of romance sometimes forget that men are people, too. They get nervous, they try too hard and they mess up! That doesn’t prevent them from making a woman feel special and knowing how to kiss a woman breathless, because Fitz is all that and more. Seriously, I found myself sighing and wishing I had a Fitz I could call!
I love that while Kayla’s evolution as a character is wrapped up in Fitz, it’s not all about him. He doesn’t make her love herself. He doesn’t make her see the attractive, strong, confident woman inside. He simply holds up the mirror and it’s Kayla who makes herself look. That’s what love does. It makes you your best self.
Another aspect that the author just did brilliantly is give her characters things to do. Kayla and Fitz have fun together. Their conversations are entertaining and lively. More, Kayla has one of the most entertaining and hilarious best friend ever! Sabrina is funny and just added that extra bit of spice that had me laughing soo hard, I was in stitches. Who knew that a book could be this funny and hot? Before this book, I would have thought you had to pick one. I’m so glad that The Cherry on Top gave me love, romance and smexy moments.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to laugh, fall in love and read about some really steamy times!
For more info: Goodreads page and author website.
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