Off Base

I generally enjoy Tessa Bailey's stories because I love jealous, possessive, protective alpha men. While Beck the hero was a little less so and more insecure than most of her heroes, he was still very likable. The fact that he was a virgin was hot and the main reason for his insecurity along with the that fact he was broken up with the secondary reason. I did not like Kenna too much. She was pushy, also insecure, and at times seemed more alpha then him. She made the first move and pursued him. Call me old skool but I like the men to do all of the chasing, which is what typically happens in Tessa Bailey's stories. Beck did step up his game but for awhile Bailey took the lead. If I rated this story separately then I would have given it 4 stars.

The second story was hard for me to finish. Here while Huntley did not make the first move other than to insist in staying at Cullen's place, she crushed on Cullen for a lot longer than he liked her. Another thing that is not my preference. I want the heroes to see the heroines and instantly want them above all others. This was not the case here. While Cullen noticed Huntley, he easily put her out of his mind and was a player, having sex with a lot of woman. Also the fact that Cullen was depressed throughout a good portion of the story because something bad happened to a friend, was a downer. In fact, the first time he had sex with Huntley he was drunk. I was not expecting or wanting a depressed main character in a romance book unless I am in the mood, (which rarely happens that I am) and I wasn't in this case. If I rated this story separately then I would have given it 2 stars.

Tessa Bailey is known for knocking your socks off (ok, lots of other clothing items too) with her strong men and sexy scenes. Even though this was a novella, she did it again with Beck and Kenna. I didn't know how she would pull off the premise and make it believable so quickly, but boy did she. AMAZING!
"Respectfully, darlin', it might have only been once for me, but if I counted correctly, it was three times for you."
Yup, Beck and Kenna stole the show in a few short pages. So hot. And I kind of want a Beck for myself ;)
And then we get Huntley and Cullen by Sophie Jordan. Sister of Beck and Best Friend to Beck. And actually quite nice that this story is told by another author, another voice. While it is still hot and there is that pull of back and forth between 2 friends that have known one another for years, it follows suit to Kenna and Beck's story (plus we get a little of them in there too...BONUS). It flows quite well.
I did enjoy Kenna and Beck's story more, but Huntley and Cullen definitely had a story to tell and the fact that it is all told in the same "world" makes the story flow and makes it believable. I liked the concept of the book in having 2 short stories with interconnecting characters, but told by 2 different authors. It just all made sense.
So, if you are looking for a quick, but steamy read, check this one out. Well worth it and totally recommend it

Tessa Bailey and Sophie Jordan’s erotic military romance Off Base is the best-kept secret this spring. These authors collaborated on a top-secret, digital project they only revealed the week of release, featuring two intertwined novellas about two separate couples all set on the fictional Fort Black Rock Army Base. Jordan’s story features the beloved best friend/little sister trope, and Bailey’s story can be summed up in three words: Army virgin hero. And more than anything, this is the hottest stuff they’ve written yet.

Bailey’s Beck and Kenna are up first, and it’s a winner from the start. Beck’s returning to base alone and the feisty, unattainable lieutenant general’s daughter is sent to pick him up. Kenna’s had her fair share of experience, but she doesn’t date military guys after growing up with one. And Beck… well, prepare to meet quite possibly the first alpha virgin hero. It’s a great concept: Army guy away in service who made a commitment when he was young to his high school sweetheart waiting back home, and when that falls apart, there isn’t much opportunity as he’s busy serving his country. Because no doubt about it, Beck is upstanding. At the same time, because virgin heroes are rare, we also don’t always see that level of pent-up enthusiasm rearing to go in a man. But once he gets going, you’d never think Beck was new at it. It makes for some over-the-top, all-in love scenes where Kenna and Beck seal the deal for good, whether they know it yet or not. This story is bold, intense, and hits all the marks.

Complimenting and contrasting well to Bailey's combustible strangers-cum-lovers Beck and Kenna is Jordan’s sweet and sexy best friend/little sister coupling of Cullen and Huntley. We already love Beck, and it isn’t so much his role that’s the problem, but them getting out of their own way. Watching over his best friend’s twin sister while he was deployed is a responsibility Cullen’s taken very seriously, but Huntley doesn’t want life passing her by. And when she sees how much her brother’s life has changed for the better in just a matter of days, it’s clear that life is just too short not to go for the things you want.

Cullen and Huntley’s story ramps up a little differently, the sexual tension building through foreplay while their history and established relationship lends a deep quality to the new developments between them. He’s a protective soldier, she’s always been a good girl, and all those wonderful elements are here. There’s a lot of promise if they’ll just. give. in.

Everything’s so on fire in this inter-connected novella anthology, we can only hope for more stories to come from this duo. We don’t see much beyond the perspective of these two couples—but they’re so compelling we’re not complaining. There could easily be a world here and a wealth of stories to come about big soldiers, complex women, and the many nuances contained on and off base.

A dirty talking alpha virgin? Uuummm yes please!!! Tessa Bailey has brought a whole new level of hotness! She's my favorite author, and a definite one click for me. Beck and Kenna's chemistry jumped off the page from the get-go, and they were explosive in all the best ways!! The instant connection was believeable and didn't feel rushed or forced. Beck is a sweet southern gentleman who knew exactly when to bad :) and Kenna is a strong, independent woman just needing someone who understands her and accepts her for who she is. This was a beautiful story with a steamy edge, and I could not put it down! Tessa--your work NEVER disappoints! Keep the heat coming! :)

So this was the first book that I've read by Sophie Jordan, and I will DEFINITELY be checking out more of her work. Wowee Cullen and Huntley were sexy like WHOA!!! An excellent friends to lovers story, this book was well written and hot, hot, HOT!! I devoured both of these stories, and I hated to see it end! You will NOT regret reading this book!

Who needs sleep when you have hot military alpha men to keep you company? I must admit that Tessa Bailey is my absolute favorite author but who can blame me, when you find an author who you have read every piece they have written (multiples times), who continues to surprise you with their witty banter, amazing alpha males and strong female characters that you connect with and make you feel like you could be best friends (that's just how wonderful her writing is).

I digress...I had to be honest and say Tessa is my favorite because I went into reading this story without even knowing what it was about. She is the kind of author you feel confident buying a book and starting without preknowing the journey she is about to take you on.

Beck & Kenna's story is a novella that will leave you wanting more in the best way possible. It has a different story line setup than most romances you pick up which helps it to stand out from the beginning. You can't help but fall in love with Beck instantly and root for him to be comfortable in who he is. And let me tell you that is a discovery well worth reading about.

Review to come on part two tomorrow...after some sleep!

I loved both these stories! Beck and Kenna were off the chart smokin! My favorite part was when Kenna was making Beck tell her all the "dirty" things he what he wanted to do her! And after he unleashes on her and rocks her world he tells her " you're so beautiful.So sweet Kenna" I didn't mean to say those bad things to you...." Omg... I was dying laughing!

Oh and Cullen and Huntley were perfect too! I loved seeing Cullen finally giving in to his feeling for Huntley. Their relationship was so sweet and felt real to me and also smokin hot!

I just finished reading this novella, and I think I might have spontaneously combusted! There's nothing like love (or lust) at first sight... one of my favorite storylines. Beck is home from deployment after 6 years away and is met at the airport by our heroine...instant attraction!! The two connect...the love scenes are HOT!!! There are a couple of issues keeping them apart; her not wanting to get involved emotionally, and him leaving in 2 days to go home. But...HE WILL NOT LET HER GO! He will not play any games and is open and honest with what he feels for her. Amazing beyond belief! Tessa Bailey, you are my goddess of love stories and are permanently on my one-click/preorder list!

In Beck & Kenna, Tessa Bailey brings us a male virgin story. WHAT?!? Tessa Bailey the Queen of Dirty Talk is bringing a male virgin to life? Is she abandoning her signature style? Oh NO! She's inventing a brand new hero type. The Alpha Virgin! Kenna unleashes the BEAST in Beck and Tessa keeps it fun and believable. ★★★★★ Sophie Jordan's installment, Huntley & Cullen is a sweet friends-to-lovers tale that fits nicely in the Off Base package. ★★★★

Gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review, see more reviews at shamelessbookclub.com

As usual Tessa Bailey did not disappoint. I loved Kenna and Beck's story. A virgin soldier. Hot damn. Didn't think that would work. But all he needed was a strong women to bring out the alpha in him. Awesome!!

Sophie Jordan's Huntley and Cullen was another awesome story. I haven't read a lot of books by her, but This one was awesome. I loved their story best friends falling in love is the best story ever!

Definitely a good combination.

Would love some more Kenna and Beck and Cullen and Huntley...
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So many feels inside these two novellas! In my opinion, Tessa Bailey can do no wrong, but there are times when she's more right than others and this is one of those times! Sexy sexy sexy with all the warmth and heart that makes her stories stand out and beg to be read more than once. Yes, Beck is an alpha male, but Kenna is a bad ass in her own right, and, in my opinion the one who saves the day in the end. Cullen and Huntley are fabulous as well. This should definitely go to the top of your TBR list!!

I have to admit I was apprehensive about the virgin alpha hero in the first story, but Tessa Bailey once again blows the roof off this story. The chemistry between Beck and Kenna was off the charts smokin' hot! You will fall in love with these characters and love the ride! Tessa - you just keep keep outdoing yourself!

The second story featuring Beck's twin sister Huntley and their best friend Cullen was equally as amazing and crazy hot. This is my first experience reading Sophie Jordan's work but I am now a fan!

Do yourself a favor, buy this now! You won't regret it!

Great collaboration on two couples. Liked the dynamic of a strong, Alpha soldier getting in touch with his sensitive side at the hands (and other body parts) of the right woman. Well written, fast paced. Highly recommend.