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***A USA TODAY BESTSELLER*** The SHAMELESS ebook is FREE for a limited time.

Brady… What the hell do I know about raising a baby? Nothing. Not a goddamn thing.

Yet here I am, the sole guardian of my niece. I’d be lost if it weren’t for Katherine, the beautiful girl who seems to have all the answers. Katherine, who’s slowly finding her way into my cynical heart.

I keep reminding myself that I can’t fall for someone when we don’t have a future. But telling myself this lie and believing it are two different things.

Katherine… When Brady shows up on a Harley, looking like an avenging angel—six feet, three inches of chiseled muscle, eyes the color of wild sage, and sun-kissed skin emblazoned with tattoos—I’m not sure if I should fall at his feet or run like hell. Because if I tell him what happened the night his family died, he might hate me.

What I don’t count on are the nights we spend together trying to forget the heartache that brought us here. I promise him it won’t mean anything, that I won’t fall in love.

I shouldn’t make promises I can’t keep.

SHAMELESS is a standalone companion novel in the Texas Nights series. BREATHLESS, Joey and Logan's book, releases Feb. 18, 2020!

394 pages, ebook

First published April 26, 2016

2224 people are currently reading
12659 people want to read

About the author

Lex Martin

35 books5,658 followers
Lex Martin is the USA Today bestselling author of Varsity Dads, Texas Nights, and the Dearest series. She writes contemporary romance novels, the steamy kind she hopes her readers love but her parents avoid. A former high school English teacher and freelance journalist, she resides in Texas with her husband and twin daughters. Drop her a line. She loves hearing from readers.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,268 reviews
Profile Image for CristiinaReads୨ৎ.
597 reviews3,498 followers
February 21, 2018
➳Can Lex Martin stop breaking my heart? Please? This novel has everything that you are looking for when it comes down to finding your true soulmate and mending hearts together...



➳I think my book slump is slowly diminishing because I am now certain that Lex Martin has captivated my heart and soul with her unique writing that brings me to my knees with admiration towards all the characters she writes. She is soul-minded, a heart breaker, a heart mender, and also someone who knows how to properly write a plot twist without there being so much drama. She knows how to apply a mixture of sadness, happiness, love, and passion at the same time to a romance novel that has so much sensitivity and love towards the reader connecting with the characters.

➳I shed a few tears here and there, I won't deny that, but the reason being is because there is an abundance of emotions that run everywhere in a way that makes you cry one second and be happy the next. This is a mini review because I don't really want to talk much about the characters and the story plot, I just wanted to hop right in and say how much I adore this book and with Reckless releasing, my love for this untitled series has grown more and more. I highly recommend this book for those seeking a broody, tattooed, biker man who has a heart that breaks every time he is next to his niece and the admiration for a female protagonist that has so much power and love for those around her...



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Profile Image for ren ♡ .
401 reviews1,003 followers
May 17, 2021
Shameless was such a cute (but somewhat frustrating) read! There were tons of feel-good moments but also a lot of heart-breaking ones. It’s hard to believe that this was my first Lexi Martin book because I have been missing out… The way Martin writes such believable characters and capture nuances that other authors struggle to deliver, is pretty amazing! I also really liked the writing style and ended up breezing through this book pretty fast.

Plot:

When Brady Shepherd’s (26) brother and sister in-law, Cal and Mel, are killed in a horrific freak accident, he becomes the sole guardian of his baby niece, Izzy. Dropping everything in Boston, he heads off to his late-brother’s farm in Texas. And that's when he meets Mel’s best friend/babysitter, Katherine Duran (23). They're instantly attracted to each other and what's more, they find solace in each other amidst the grief and heartache they share.

As they test the waters and fall deeply in love with each other, they both hold back due to the prospects of Brady returning to Boston.

Characters

I loved Brady and Katherine so much! They were both such well-rounded characters with convincing backstories and awesome dreams. Katherine was such a sweetheart. Everything about her was just so lovely and endearing!

Brady was such an honourable man with a big heart of gold. Look, I have a thing for tattoo artists and tatt’d men anyways, so I had no problem liking Brady from the get-go. He’s different from the alpha heroes I tend to gravitate towards, but he was enigmatic in his own way. I loved how all-in he was the moment he met Katherine and Izzy. He pulled his weight around the farm and in their home. And even in the midst of dealing with his grief, shame and guilt, he was still so dependable.

“The baby crawls into my lap, and I hook my arm around her and hug her closer, vowing to do my best to take care of her. Her chubby little cheek drops to my shoulder, and it’s all I can do to keep from breaking down.”


Izzy was such an adorable baby! I wanted to her hug to bits. Seeing the way she was taken care of by Brady and Katherine made me smile so hard.

The Romance

Brady and Katherine were such an adorable pair! They were honestly so perfect for each other - both so hardworking, selfless and loving. I really enjoyed their banter and flirting, and I loved their pizza and movie dates. The author didn’t try to romanticize the farm life at all but instead, highlighted the little moments of domesticity and joy they found in their daily lives.

I really loved their conversations – especially the way they could talk about everything. One of my favourite moments between them was when Katherine was sharing her backstory about growing up poor and being the daughter of migrant workers. The way Brady responded WITH SUCH HUMBLENESS made me so emotional!

Other thoughts / Criticisms:

I really loved the farm setting. I never expected to get so attached to random farm animals, especially the pet raccoon!

The first half of the book was heading towards 5 stars, however, I do think the middle dragged on a lot more than I would’ve liked. It got very repetitive as Brady and Katherine were both holding back their feelings due to circumstances seemingly out of their control. And the dual perspective only reinforced a lot of the repetition. This book definitely could’ve been a lot shorter! I just felt like a lot of their problems could’ve been easily resolved if Brady had been more decisive about staying or leaving. (Also… I’m not American but can someone please tell me if Texas and Boston are really that far apart. I literally just looked at Google Maps and checked out the flights and I don’t see what the big deal is… They’re literally in the same country.)

Unfortunately, a lot of really sweet moments just felt very bogged down because of these unsaid feelings. Also, when the problems were resolved at the end, it almost happened a bit too quickly and conveniently in my opinion.

Overall, Shameless was a pretty emotional yet hopeful read. Despite its faults, I really enjoyed this one and I’d recommend this book for readers who are looking for a sweet romance with many heartfelt moments.

(FYI – this is a spin-off to the Dearest series but this book can be read as a standalone as I have done)

Rating: 3.75/5
Profile Image for Gi's Spot Reviews.
1,144 reviews1,366 followers
April 29, 2016
4.5 Stars

"Don't grieve. Anything you lose comes around in another form." (Rumi)

This quote represents perfectly this beautiful story, in my opinion, where something amazing blossomed from a world of sadness.
Brady was already drowning in his life with all the responsibilities of the family lying in his shoulders, but when he got the news of his younger brother's sudden death, he sunk under.
The brother for whom he felt resentment, for throwing away his expected role in the family business (forcing Brady to assume the position) and choosing to live his own life, suddenly was gone, and on top of all the grief, Brady felt immeasurable guilt.
Katherine has some guilt of her own... She was completely devastated by the loss of her best friend, her anchor in the most difficult time in her life. She blames herself for their early departure, and can't let it go...
When Brady arrives to his brother's home to make all arrangements, he didn't expect to find his one year niece, who he thought deceased in the accident, and even let the beautiful woman who was taking care of her, and just as hunted, if not more, by the tragic event as he was.



They are immediately attracted to one another, but they also see the pain and grief in each others eyes, because it's just like looking in a mirror.

At night, she and I bump around each other in our own private little hell, like two stars that orbit a black hole, both afraid to move in the wrong direction.

But grief and loss aren't the only elements of this beautiful story...
With a baby girl to raise, Brady needs to learn everything about a baby, and Kat is there to guide him every steep of the way.
This is one of my absolute favorite plots, the big man, new father falling for the little baby, Izzy, and us sharing this experience or witnessing all these special bonding moments with them, that left Katherine (and me) swooning and sighing.

When I glance up, Brady brushes a wisp of hair out of the baby’s eyes and kisses her forehead, and I swear my ovaries throb. On one hand, Brady is gruff and rough around the edges, and on the other, there’s a tenderness about him that screams husband material.

Kat didn't stand a chance to resist him, I mean, what woman could?! Like she says, Brady fits to a T to the biker image, of talk, dark and dangerous vibe, but also calm and so sweet, that is the perfect balance for Katherine's own brand of caring and energetic personality.

“What I didn’t understand is that when you find your own little slice of heaven on Earth, you do everything you can to preserve it. To protect it. To nurture it. The way you would your lavender fields.”

Their sexy banter and off the charts chemistry, made it very hard to resist their pull, even with all their fears and self imposed obstacles. But when they decided to stop fighting the attraction and give in to their desires, we got some sizzling hot sex scenes.




Of course that even after letting themselves explore this sexual tension, so many others elements are in question which make them keep fighting their feelings and assume they have no future together, even if deep down that's what they both wanted...

I want to tell him I’ve changed my mind about our arrangement. I want to tell him I want more. That I want us to be together. That I want him to stay.
But I don’t because I promised.
No expectations. No demands.
And I’ll keep that promise.
Even if it ends up breaking my heart.
(Kat's thoughts)


Her slender arms wrap around me before she nestles her body to mine and sighs against my chest. And an ache in the deepest part of me makes me wish I didn’t have to let her go. (Brady's thoughts)


I couldn't have asked for more perfect (even in their imperfections) MCs. Brady was so loyal, responsible and dedicated to his family, and giving to the Izzy and Kat. Katherine is smart, caring and supportive, she irradiates love for all things, even baby racoons. LOL
The slow-burn character of the story allows us to see their relationship evolve and their friendship cement which allows their love for surface. I adored that all throughout the story, even in their biggest moments of fear, they always thought of the other, and how it would hurt then, or how they would react. Even with this relative distance they always were each other's rock. Given all this, love was only natural to occur...



Lex Martin created a truly beautiful story, that had me hooked from the first page. I had already loved her Dearest series (where we meet Brady), but this book is definitely my favorites. Her writing style is captivating and her characters' depth shines trough. Even if the base/start of the story is grief and sadness, the author transports us through so many other feelings that complete and balance each other. Shameless have the perfect amount of angst, humour and love!
The author showed us how something uniquely beautiful can blossom from a sea of grief, not only Kat and Brady's love but also their unconditional love for Isabella.

Kat’s the light at the end of this dark tunnel, one I’ve been traveling since before my brother died. I hadn’t realized it, but I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t complete. In fact, at the time I couldn’t even tell you what I was missing.



ARC kindly provided by the author via Give Me Books Blog in exchange for an honest review

Check out this review in the Release Blitz on my blog,
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Profile Image for Sabrina.
4,284 reviews2,388 followers
April 30, 2016
Shameless is the story of Brady, who you met in Finding Dandelion, and follows him as his whole life changes and takes a turn he never expected.

After a tragic accident kills Brady's brother and sister in-law he travels down to Texas to take care all of the arrangements. When he shows up he gets the shock of his life when he finds Katherine, the sweetest looking girl, at his brothers house taking care of his niece. He knows he shouldn't mess with Katherine, not when she's just as fragile as him over the deaths, but damn if he can stay away.



I can't get over how beautiful this story was. The author wrote the points of grief so well and made them really realistic. The slow build between Katherine and Brady drew me into the story and I couldn't stop once I got to know each of them. They both dealt with the death in different ways, but were also able to do that together which I thought was great.



I have to say, Brady is one those secondary characters that I never forgot. I read Finding Dandelion awhile ago and yet when I started this book all of those things about Brady came right back to the front of my mind. He was just that great of a character. I loved getting to find out more about him and everything I learned just made me love him more and swoon all over the place.

Katherine intrigued me very much, and her secrets had me captivated. She was a mystery for so much of the book but I liked that we had to read more to figure out what she was hiding, and that it wasn't very predictable. She was that kind of heroine that I wanted to be my best friend, she was just so fun and loving and the way she was so supportive of Brady was really amazing.



Bottom line, this book is amazing and I would recommend it for anyone that liked a beautiful story of two people finding themselves in one another. And I can't forget to mention how darn cute Katherine and Brady were with the baby, it was frigging adorable.
Profile Image for Lex Martin.
Author 35 books5,658 followers
Read
January 10, 2018
***A USA TODAY BESTSELLER***
Shameless is now widely available and on SALE for a limited time for 99 cents!

I can't wait for you to read Brady's book! You might remember him from Finding Dandelion. Although Shameless is a spin-off of The Dearest Series, it's can be read as an absolute standalone. It's also an adult contemporary romance, so it's steamier!

Reckless, which features Tori and Ethan and is a companion novel to Shameless, is now available for pre-order. It releases Feb. 20.
 Both books are complete standalones.

Stop by my Facebook group to chat about my books:
--> https://www.facebook.com/groups/LexMa...
Profile Image for • Jodi Bibliophile •.
311 reviews1,172 followers
May 24, 2016
 photo 1464048437011_zpsqwnlhs2m.jpg

If someone could see me right now they would say ‘Jodi, you look like a massive twat’, because I’m just sitting here with biggest smile on my face and tears running down my cheeks that I can't seem to stop.

This book! OMG THIS BOOK! It was just AMAZING!

My heart is so happy right now!

Brady, you sexy fucking beast of a man! How I wanted to lick you all over and cup your balls!

You had that mixture of sweet and fucking dirty! And your bedroom skills had me panting like a bitch in heat!

Also I would like to add in - sexy tattooist + he rides a bike + he has a filthy mouth + holding a baby = OVARIES!

Seriously this beautiful man with his baby niece, Izzy, was just fucking SWOON WORTHY!

And Katherine! You are the definition of my favourite heroines. So bloody sweet who loves with her whole heart. I love heroines that don’t hold back how they feel and you totally made this book for me, as well as Brady of course ;)

I loved everything about this story, not one thing I didn’t like. It just flew beautifully and the way the characters interacted with each other just make this book all the more fun.

The writing was fucking FLAWLESS and Lex Martin has a new fangirl as there are no way on this fucking earth that I’m not going to devour every fucking book she writes.

This is hands down one of my top 10 favourite reads of this year.

It was hot, funny, sweet, filthy, fucking sad with a perfect HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

I had so much fucking fun reading it and would happily read it all over again.

I cannot stress it enough, IT. WAS. FUCKING. AMAZING and I loved every single minute of it ♡
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,548 reviews1,679 followers
January 20, 2019
Sweet but frustrating!
3 out of 2,5 stars


*********************************************

Here is what I think:

1. This is a long (370 pages) book that is incredibly uneventful. It is slow and there is no plot twist or anything that makes you wonder. You know what will happen and you have to wait for it to happen for so many pages.

*********************************************

2. The title of this book is ridiculous. There is nothing SHAMELESS about it. The heroine, Katherine, calls herself shameless 3 or 4 times in the book for lusting and wanting a hot and single guy. There is nothing wrong about it IMO. Although their affair seems to be one with a deadline to it, I would never call her “shameless” for wanting to be with him even if it is for a short time. Long story short, I hated the name of the book after I read the book. She is one of the sweetest and lovable heroines ever, not someone to be called "shameless"!

*********************************************

3. The hero, Brady, is the one who drove me crazy although he is a good and hot guy. All along the book, he was like this:

- Oh, I shouldn’t start anything with this girl, she deserves better, I will leave this place in a few months.

- Oh, if we are going to enjoy our time together, it shouldn’t be called a relationship, it will be two friends comforting each other. So, I shouldn’t ask any personal questions or I should never express my feelings for her because then, she will take this seriously and she will have a hope about a future together, which is impossible because ours is a hopeless case.

- I feel so much for this amazing girl. What we have is “special” but we cannot be together forever because we live in different states, me in Boston, and she lives in Texas.

- Thinking of the time I am going to leave her makes my heart ache. How will I ever do without her?

- She is the kind of woman I would want if we lived in the same state, she would be “the one” ... oh, but we don’t live in the same state, what a pity!


Many more inner monologues similar to the ones above... I believe you got the idea!



Now... Can someone please tell me why on earth this relationship is impossible? Is it impossible to change the state you live in for the love of your life? I would change continents!

*********************************************

If you believe that you have met the woman that would make you happy, if you have met “the one”, why don’t you move to Texas, or why don’t you ask her to go to Boston with you, you dumb-ass?

I hate men who decide the best for a woman, those ones who don't give a woman the chance of making their own decision.

Our heroine Katherine gives a similar rant to him once, saying that she is smart enough to decide what is good and what is bad for herself and that he doesn’t have to make decisions on her behalf (such a lovable heroine, I said, right?), but our annoying hero continues to annoy, insisting that theirs is an “impossible relationship” until one day she leaves him before he leaves her.

The idiot comes to realize that home is where she is only at that moment! Grrr, so frustrating. The title of the book should in fact be “UNDECIDED”!

And of course, there is no groveling if you wanna know!

*********************************************

4. Brady’s one-year old niece is so cute and lovable but when Brady utters 3 or 4 sentences full of words, it is interesting that the little girl chooses words like “naked” to repeat. It is so clear that the writer chooses to do this to make the baby look cuter and to add fun to the story but it is so forced and so unconvincing! How on earth does the little one (1 year old) choose the “one and only obscene or swear word” out of the 20 or more words he utters? I say BS!

*********************************************

All in all, there are sad, sweet, happy, emotional and hot moments in the book but the hero comes to his senses only at the end of the book and it is borderline annoying.
Profile Image for Megan✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦.
293 reviews491 followers
May 17, 2016
*****5 Stars*****

description

“Because I have never in my life felt like this. Never wanted to throw caution to the wind to see what happens. But Brady makes me want to put everything on the line. Even my heart.”

I am embarrassed to say this is the first novel I have read by Lex Martin and I found it an absolute pleasure to read. The story had me captivated from the first page and I couldn’t get enough. It had everything I look for in a story, a bit of angst, emotion, humour and a hot tattooed hero.

Devastating circumstances bring Brady to a farm in Texas from Boston, where he gains full custody of his beautiful niece Isabella. He doesn’t know the first thing about raising a baby but thankfully he has Katherine there to help him. I loved Katherine instantly. She has such a beautiful nurturing quality and works so hard to keep her friends dreams alive. She’s a beautiful caring soul who would do anything for anyone. Her and Brady come together to help with the running of the farm and taking care of Isabella.

“I’m pretty sure little hearts are popping out of my eyes right now. Here is this hot man, tattoos decorating his rugged arms, muscles tugging at the fabric, asking me about the baby’s binkie while he holds her close to his chest. Hello, ovary explosion.”

There is absolutely nothing not to love about Brady. He’s hot, tattooed and cares for his family a great deal. There is nothing he would not do for the people he loves. He has an absolute heart of gold with a slight bad boy vibe. The way he deals with the enormity of the responsibilities that have been thrust upon him is inspiring. The way he loves Izzy instantly is seriously swoon-worthy and makes you fall even harder for him. He handles all challenges thrown at him with grace, determination and persistence. I absolutely loved him and found him the perfect hero.

description

The attraction and chemistry between Brady and Katherine was powerful. There were definitely some really amazing steamy scenes that had me fanning myself at times. Even though their feelings for each other were intense they took a little while to finally give in to their attraction but once they did it was both sizzling and exquisite. I found myself say at times “make out already, you know you want to.” They were perfect for each other and they had a real natural banter from their first encounter. They were both two really likeable characters.

“If you were mine, I’d take such good care of you, Brady. I would tell you how your touch lights me on fire. How your scent makes me wild. How your sarcastic mouth make my heart hum.”

I am so happy to have finally read my first Lex Martin book and what a great one to start with. I highly recommend this touching story about love, loss, family and forgiveness. My next stop on the Lex Martin band wagon is her Dearest series.

”I’ve always known this moment was coming. Always known our time together would end. And I told him I wouldn’t fall in love. I wonder if he knows I’ve broken my promise.”


Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
April 27, 2016
This was my first Lex Martin book and…well, I’m a believer now.

Let’s talk about what she just did to my feels:

Heartbreak—and lots of it. Big heartbreak, and little heartbreak, and teeny tiny heartbreaks in between. There’s some heavy, sad stuff in this book, but rest assured, it never felt over the top. I never felt like my emotions were being manipulated (and man, I’m super sensitive to that), and I would not come close to classifying this as a sad or ugly cry book. It’s just…my heart did not escape unbruised, but I appreciate that about this book, because it made the happy pieces that much sweeter.

Swoons—good grief you guys, the swoons! First of all, big bad tatted biker dude…with a baby? Hold on to your ovaries, ladies. Beyond that, Brady and Katherine are adorably awkward together…until they’re not. And once they’re not, they’re sizzling hot, loaded down with sexual tension, and fun, flirty banter. It didn’t take much to buy into their love story, and I assure you—I fully invested.

Happiness—made so much sweeter by all that heartbreak. My eyes welled up with the happiest tears you can imagine at the ending. There’s so much joy here, laced between and woven within all the other emotional moments of this book. There’s a lot of beauty here. There are a lot of unexpectedly adorable moments—highlighting the heart and soul of Kat and Brady, and making their love story that much more meaningful.

I loved it. I think I felt every emotion under the sun while reading, but was left with this bubbly, happy feeling and a giant lovesick smile on my face. If you’re already a fan? I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. If you’re new like I was, don’t hesitate to grab it! Now I just need to carve out some time to binge read some more Lex Martin… ~ Shelly, 5 stars

~~~

Just one more chapter, I told myself.

Just one.

Yeah, right. I’m barely able to do that at the best of times, and when the book I’m reading just one more chapter of is by one of my favorite authors—and features a hot, tatted man with a baby—there is basically NO WAY I can stop.

So…I didn’t. I read and read and read, ignoring children, laundry, food, exercise—everything, essentially—until I closed Shameless. And even then, I wanted ONE MORE CHAPTER—but that was because I wasn’t ready for it to be over.

This book was…wonderful. Flawlessly written, it was intense and emotional; heartbreaking, heartfelt and, in its own way, heart-pounding. I adored Brady and Katherine, together and separately. I liked Brady in Finding Dandelion, and I felt like he needed deserved a HEA (although, Jax and Dani BELONG together, so… all good), but here he was off the charts.

I mentioned hot, tatted and with a baby right? What I didn’t mention was the shattering way he became guardian to his precious niece (tears, y’all—be warned). Or the fact that he stepped up and did what he needed to for his family, which caused an earthquake of feels and swoons in my house (and my panties, let’s be real here). And the way he treated Kat? PERFECTION.

They were so right together. I loved that she wanted to care for him, but wasn’t a wallflower. She didn’t let him run roughshod over her—she gave back and looked after Brady because she wanted to, not because of some archaic idea that she should. She had wit and sass, and when she broke out the dirty, well, let’s just say, I could see why a certain tattoo artist would want more with her…

I really couldn’t have loved this book more. It was all I was hoping it would be, and reminded me again why I’ve read and re-read Lex Martin’s books. They’re funny, smart, beautiful and sexy (and the covers? *dead*). While Shameless CAN be read standalone, I would urge anyone that hasn’t yet experienced her amazing Dearest series to get their hands on it ASAFP. (Yes, the ‘f’ stands for what you think it stands for…)

Just be prepared to want to read one more chapter—over and over and over again. ~ Beth, 5 stars

~~~

Yee-haw!! This book. THIS BOOK! It was EVERYTHING! I have been a huge fan of Lex Martin since I read her first book, Dearest Clementine, but she absolutely blew me away with Shameless! It is by far her best work yet!

Oh Brady, Brady, Brady. A tatted up man with a baby, who is trying to do right by his family. I am mean seriously! *ovaries explode*

“Yeah, I’m officially a dumbass. She’s this tempting dessert I’m not supposed to eat, but I really fucking want to. You know, maybe lick the frosting off the top.”

And Katherine, what a kind-hearted, sassy, amazing woman! She is the perfect woman for Brady.

“But with Brady, every female instinct is dialed up. I want to take care of him. Feed him. Love him…”

I loved absolutely everything about this book! It was hot as hell; it was laugh out loud funny; it was sweet and loving; it was emotional. It is everything I have loved about Lex’s writing and more. I seriously can’t tell you anything more than READ THIS BOOK! You will not be disappointed! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars
Profile Image for Eliza.
661 reviews847 followers
April 30, 2016


What happened to the good girl who made a guy take her on several dates before she even considered going to first base? Yeah, she took a hike the moment Brady blazed into my life like a wildfire.

As a huge fan of Lex and her fantastic new adult Dearest Series , the prospect of Shameless was an enticing one on two accounts. Firstly, the excitement of new novel and secondly, the knowledge that it would be a foray into adult contemporary.

As always, as well as an engaging plot, it’s her characters that always seem to elevate it from a good novel to a great one. Brady Shepherd is what tattoo having, motorbike-riding dreams are made of. Although a character initially introduced in Finding Dandelion, it’s here in Shameless that he really comes into his own. As the sole guardian to niece, we journey with him as he navigates the huge responsibility thrust upon him. I have to say I was ill prepared for the genuine admiration, affection (and lust) I would harbour for him.

On one hand, Brady is gruff and rough around the edges, and on the other, there’s a tenderness about him that screams husband material.



His aide and support comes in the form of the wonderfully charming, Katherine. As the only link to what he has lost, she becomes more than a confidant and their easy friendship develops into finding solace by other means. Shameless features some of the sexiest scenes I’ve ever reads from Mrs Martin and I can’t help but send a virtual *ass smack* in gratitude. Pardon the pun but I'm shameless in my adoration for this book. Lex Martin delivers a romance with great heart, soul and steam, it was truly my delight to read.





Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,594 reviews1,326 followers
February 15, 2019
Brady Shepherd is a tattooist who also does body piercing at a parlor in Boston. He’s also temporarily helping out his parents with their landscaping business, hoping his brother returns from Texas to take over. However, when he gets a phone call that his brother and sister-in-law were killed in a terrible accident, Brady’s life is turned upside down as he goes to Texas to to gain control of their farm and one-year old orphan, Isabella. She’s being taken care of in the meantime by Katherine Duran, her young and beautiful nanny who also has many other business talents.

The tragedy that brings Brady to Texas underscores the entire story. He’s not only burdened by his grief over the loss of his brother but guilt over having argued with him about not returning to Boston and helping their parents. As he works tirelessly to keep the farm and business afloat, he’s also struggling with his attraction to Katherine, who is also receptive. In reality, she’s the backbone of the business, supplementing it with her line of natural body products she’s formulated. They work extremely well as a team so when their relationship turns personal, that feels natural as well despite the short timeframe.

There’s not a lot of drama, simply a slow buildup to the development of Brady and Katherine’s relationship as he finds himself moving further away from a return to Boston and the potential sale of the farm. It was lovely and sensual with baby Isabelle providing some adorable moments and comic relief as the three of them bond. I liked this couple who could have communicated better with each other about their true concerns (my one annoyance with the story) but never failed to express their true feelings about each other. I also loved the narrators as they so wonderfully captured the spirits and personalities of both Brady and Katherine and told the story nicely.

Overall, I enjoyed the story but you should know that it’s a spinoff of the Dearest series where Brady first appears. I would have loved getting his backstory but didn’t feel in the dark by not having read it first.

Originally appearing on Blue Mood Café

(I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
Profile Image for Jacqueline's Reads.
3,100 reviews1,527 followers
April 26, 2016
4.5 Sweet Home Stars

I love all of Lex Martin’s books. I’ve been dying for another read from her for a while. Shameless has Brady from Finding Dandelion, in her Dearest series, but you do not need to read the series prior to reading Shameless. Shameless is a standalone.

It’s not a single Daddy book, but Brady does take care of his niece. You all know how much I love a single Daddy book, so I was REALLY excited for this one. Brady’s brother dies in a car accident in Texas. Brady, living in Boston, goes down to Texas to settle the estate and see his niece.

Katherine is the family friend and is taking care of the little one while she waits for Brady’s arrival. Kat is super awesome in this book. If you ever wanted to love a Heroine, she is your girl. She’s kind, supportive and really level-headed. At times I wanted her to be a bit selfish because she is so darn wonderful. It made me wonder if there are actually people as nice as her, but I am sure there are.

Kat loves Brady’s brother family “farm” where she currently lives as a nanny. She helps out where she can and she doesn’t want to leave until Brady figures what to do with the place.

Brady is the young twenty-something single guy and he has no clue on how to raise a one year old or manage a farm with several animals. He’s out of his element and he needs Kat to help him.

What I really enjoyed most about this book is that it’s mainly about the two main characters, there weren’t many side additional characters to distract me and I didn’t really read any fluff. I liked that you got a lot of character development from Kat and Brady.

I also really enjoyed the slow build up between the main characters and it added a little tension to the read. I would say Shameless is angst free and a NA read, it reads a little steamier than Dearest Clementine and Finding Dandelion, but has less tension than Kissing Madeline. I love a sweet novel and Shameless hits that spot, but you get plenty of tension.

As Kat and Brady get closer, they both know there can’t be anything in the future for the both of them. Brady plans to go back to Boston and Kat wants to stay in Texas as she figures out her life. I enjoyed the little sweet moments Brady and Kat shared, but Brady pushes Kat a bunch of times because he knows his stay isn’t permanent. It will keep you in knots.

I’m also from Texas, so I enjoy the references it put a smile on my face. The baby is also cute and I could have had tons more of Bella in the book. Also, I wish my daughter at one talked that much!

Overall, Shameless is a sweet read about finding love when you least expect it.

An ARC was provided

Shameless by Lex Martin AMAZON





Profile Image for NMmomof4.
1,787 reviews5,028 followers
July 27, 2017
3.5 Stars

Overall Opinion: This was a cute, and relatively light read. I wanted exactly this type of story after reading a darker series. We get some drama, but not that much -- we get some sexy and sweet times -- AND we get a pretty easy ending. While I did like it for what it was, I don't think it'll go down as one of my favorites or be all that memorable in the long run. It didn't get that deep into the characters, or even really tap into my emotions. Even though I'm giving it 3.5 stars, I'm sure lots of people will love this!

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Katherine and Brady's story. They meet when Brady heads down to Texas to take care of things at his brothers farm after hearing the news of his brother and wife dying in a car accident. Brady is shocked to find out that their baby wasn't with them, and that he has a niece that now needs him to take care of her. Luckily Katherine, his brother's wife's best friend and nanny, was there to help him out. With the whirlwind of dealing with the painful deaths, they end up leaning on each other in ways that strongly bond them. Even though they both know that their time is limited, they eventually start up a relationship and fall in love. There is some financial issues, some ex and family drama, some sexy times, and some sweet moments...and they get their HFN ending.

POV: This alternated between Katherine and Brady's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part. There were times that I got a little distracted by other things because I was a little bored waiting for things to happen (but it was not that much of the book that this happened). Otherwise it flowed well, and I never actually skimmed.

Instalove: Kind of. They move really quickly, but they spend 24/7 together at first so this might be the reason. I didn't get annoyed with this type of instalove though.

H rating: 4.5 stars. Brady. I loved how he was loyal and caring for his family. He worked himself to the bone for others, and he was hot too ;). My only complaint is that I wanted him to communicate better at times. I also loved how he was with Izzy!

h rating: 3.5 stars. Katherine. I liked her up until the end when she ticked me off (see separation spoiler below). She was a cute character otherwise.

Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.

Push/Pull: Yes

Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes.

Descriptive sex: Yes

Safe sex: Yes. Condoms are used as well as birth control. Std status is mentioned. They do go without condoms a few times, but both mention that they've never been without before.

OW/OM drama: Mild

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes

Possible Triggers: Mild

Closure: This had a cute epilogue, but I would still call it a HFN ending. There is some commitment, but not enough for me to call it a HEA (but others might).

How I got it: I paid the $0.99 on Amazon.

Safety: Safe with exception
Profile Image for Jayme.
430 reviews464 followers
April 29, 2016
Really beautiful, well-told story. It is very easy to fall in love with the heroes and caught in their life. Not only sad but also funny and heart warming. My very first Lex Martin's book is definitely a positive experience.



About the plot: Brady is angry at his brother Cal, who left everything in their hometown Boston and married a girl from Texas, where they have a child and live peaceful on the farm. When Brady is forced to give up his own path and help their parents on his own with landscaping business. Then the tragedy happens.

Cal and his wife Melissa died in a car accident, the consequence of which was their father serious heart attack. Brady goes alone to Texas to organize the funeral and take care of business. However, he doesn't expect what actually waiting there for him. His one year old niece Isabella is alive and a friend of his dead family takes care of her. The case of adoption and the farm sale prolongs his stay in Texas more than he wanted. He must also deal with the guilt and grief he carries for his brother.

Katherine was living with Cal and Mel for a few months at the farm. She was helping them there and took care of Isabella. She blames herself for the accident and decides to stay and help Cal's brother take care of his niece and with things at the farm. She herself has a past to which doesn't want to go back. The farm was her beloved shelter.

“At night, she and I bump around each other in our own private little hell, like two stars that orbit a black hole, both afraid to move in the wrong direction.”


Kate and Brady immediately felt attractions for each other. But didn't want to do anything with this because of the circumstances. They decided to remain on friendly terms. However, the strong chemistry couldn't end up in other way. Just if they will be able to admit their feelings and desires to each other and look into the future in a similar way.

Final thoughts: It is very beautiful story. Even though theme of the book is an emotional and sad, it isn't made that the book is grim and somber. Quite the opposite. Here and there appearing jokes, teasing and sweet moments discharged atmosphere of the story and caused that it was emotional but very heartening. Of course, all the scenes with little Izzy were wonderful and totally heart melting.

“She holds up a spoon of homemade stuffing. “Wanna bite, baby?”
“Uh, yeaaah.” Is it weird that she just called me baby? It doesn’t stop me from charging toward the food. Kat gives me a deadpan look.
“I meant the actual baby.””


I easily caught contact with the characters. Very slowly built up tension between them created an intense and electrifying aura in the book. You could die while waiting until they have allowed themselves for something more. The tension between them was held to the limit. It was a bit of a rollercoaster. They dance around each other and it may lead the reader to madness. Their relationship has been developed in an absorbing way and shared moments in bed are sexy, full of passion and combined with the naughty talk.

“Being held down by his muscular body heats me in a way I’ve never experienced before. Because I’m at his mercy. And I like it. His hold on my wrists is tight, like I’m his little plaything. His possession. All I can do is moan against his mouth and hope he doesn’t stop.”


I really got involved in the story. Maybe that was why certain things irritate me. It was frustrating when they say something else, but quite different were their actions and yet another inner thoughts. Not once I'd like to shake or yell at them. Now it's funny when I write about it, but when reading... Lord help me. Amazingly that they are so easy to like. But how to resist a moody Brady when he is so loving to his niece and funny and caring Kate? Love and affection you can feel it in this story in tones, no matter what they say.

“I can’t dance this close to the fire and not get burned. And he’s all flame, a raging inferno that makes my skin heat and heart race.”


It was my first Lex Martin's book, but I know that's not my last one. It is effortlessly and well-written. I have a lot of sensational quotes. Quick to read and easy to get caught up in the story. Definitely author for the tracking and catch up.

***Quick Review:***

Series: Stand-alone. Finding Dandelion Spin-off .
Grade/Tag Tabs: New Adult.
Release Date: April 26th 2016
Main characters: Katherine Duran, twenty-three, she gave up her job in Austin and found calm at her friends lavender farm. Brady Shepherd, twenty-six, tattoo artist, he must take care of his father's company when he learns that his brother was dead and became a full-fledged guardian of his niece.
Secondary characters: Mainly the action revolves around the main characters.
Location: Texas.
Steamy:
Sensitive topic:
Love triangle:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Next in the series? No. Stand-alone.

If I'd recommend? Yes. Especially if you like emotional stories with sweet, funny and heart-melting moments.

***
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Profile Image for Lyndy Ann ♫.
672 reviews
May 6, 2016
*****5 tragedy turns to love stars*****

After reading Gi's wonderful review for Shameless I decided that this would be my next read as I was in the mood to discover a new author and a different kind of story. I was not disappointed I fell in love with this beautifully written heartbreaking love story and the author Lex Martin, I will definitely be reading more from her in the future.

Brady leaves Boston for Texas after his younger brother Cal, his wife Mel and his little niece dies in a freak accident. When he arrives at the farm he is shocked to discover his niece Isabella is alive and being cared for by Katherine Mel's best friend who has been living on the farm for the last six months.

Katherine left her life behind and has been working on the lavender farm, helping take care of baby Isabella, taking care of all the animals and running a business for next to no wages plus she supports her family back home as well.

Due to ill health Brady's parents can't travel to Texas so Katherine helps him with all the arrangements for the funerals, shows him how to take care of his niece and how to run the farm day to day before he sells and goes home to Boston back to the family business and his life.

Both Brady and Kat are struggling with their grief and sadness, both also feel guilty about the deaths they have their own reasons for this. The banter and sexual chemistry is off the charts between them and it becomes harder and harder to resist each other so they give in to desire and spend nights in each other's arms after some sizzling hot sex and then comes some sweet pillow talk.

What does the future have in store for Brady, Kat and Izzy?

I loved everything about this story I could go on FOREVER, here are a few reasons why I loved it so much
Brady the sexy tattooed tough biker with a heart of gold who melts when he has Izzy in his arms.
Kat who has the biggest heart who takes care of everything and everyone even a baby raccoon.
Baby Izzy with all her cute baby babble and baby swear words SO CUTE and the time they spend together HEART MELTING
The slow burn of their relationship taking time to get to know each other before the passion.


I loved the epilogue so much a perfect ending and something Izzy says to Brady had tears streaming down my cheeks.

Shameless is definitely one of the best books I have read so far this year. I was hooked from the first page I took my time reading this as I wanted to adsorb the story properly. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves a beautifully written love story.

Lavender farm photo: Photogrsphy lavender_1.jpg
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,415 followers
April 26, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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I admit it. There’s no shame here. I A-D-O-R-E Lex Martin and of course her books. So if you are familiar with her Dearest Series then you are all well aware that Lex has a knack for weaving raw emotions, sensuality, angst, romance, and sexy times into one amazing and heartfelt story. And in her newest release, Shameless, Lex Martin once again delivers a love story that packs an extra punch of angst and sweetness. That’s right, you know when a baby is involved and there is a hot sexy tattoo uncle who has a special soft spot for his niece, ovaries explosion!!!

 photo 72ccc0869e7847810c4ea333538840_zpshg38o0fp.gif “My heart is pounding in my chest. Fuck, I want this girl. ”

Brady is a young twenty-five year old guy, living day to day and doing his best to support his family. Finances are tight but he gets by. His life seems to be an endless cycle of work and family obligations that is until he gets a phone call that rocked his world. This one call upended the lives of Brady and his family when they learned that Brady’s younger brother and his wife were in a deadly car accident. Now, Brady must step up to the plate and handle his brother’s affairs in Texas while his father had to have emergency surgery after hearing the death of his son and his family.

#Shameless1

Brady knew his agenda was to wrap up his brother’s affairs and bring home his niece back from Texas. But what Brady never intended was to stay long, that is until he had a reason to.

 photo 72ccc0869e7847810c4ea333538840_zpshg38o0fp.gif “The moment our mouths crash into each other, the only thing I can think is, Thank fucking God.”

Katherine Duran is a family friend of Melissa and her husband, Cal and has been living in their house, managing the farm and taking care of baby Isabella. Katherine knew Cal spoke very highly of his brother and so when she first meets Brady, she never expected to be so deeply attracted to him.

#Sh

Right off the bat, Kat and Brady easily forms a friendship. As Kat informs Brady of what needs to be done with the farm, Brady begins to feel overwhelmed on what needs to be done and why his brother choose this life in Texas but luckily for him he has Kat by his side helping him. As Kat and Brady gets to know each other, sparks of attraction soon begins to ignite. The lines of friendship begins to blur when they finally act on their sexual attraction to one another. One kiss lead to another and the next thing you know, Brady and Kat find themselves tangled in the sheets. But what happens when Kat knows her time with Brady might come to an end when he moves back to Boston with Izzy?

 photo 72ccc0869e7847810c4ea333538840_zpshg38o0fp.gif “I’m a pale canvas next to his tattoos. Something about our juxtaposition makes me feel bland. Like I’m whatever nameless piece of art that’s mounted next to the Mona Lisa. I’m a little girl from Texas, and he’s this beautiful tattoo artist from Boston. He’s edgy and biting and brisk, and I’m all Southern hospitality and polite welcomes. Except nothing about my legs dangling open on either side of his face is polite.”

In this heartfelt love story, Lex Martin allows her readers to feel the love and the palpable connection brewing between Brady and Kat. It was one of those meetings where you know instantly that this person is different. The game changer. And for Kat and Brady, they were each other’s game changer. Their love was pure. Simple. Honest. Raw. And most importantly, real. And in true Lex Martin fashion, she allowed her readers to experience the love and tangible bond.

#Shameless

 photo 72ccc0869e7847810c4ea333538840_zpshg38o0fp.gif “This kiss , though, this kiss blooms the seed in my chest, the one that I’ve been trying to stamp out— the seed of hope. Of hope for more than just one night. For more than a sexy fling. For more than something casual and meaningless. Even though that’s what I promised him.Kat’s the light at the end of this dark tunnel, one I’ve been traveling since before my brother died. I hadn’t realized it, but I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t complete. In fact, at the time I couldn’t even tell you what I was missing.”

Shameless was written in such a heartbreakingly beautiful manner. With her gorgeous and heartfelt prose, Lex Martin wrote a meaningful love story. A story that was real. A story that laid bare of two individuals finding a home within each other. A story of sacrifice. A story of unconditional love. A story of hope. A story of LOVE. And when you deliver a story that has this much profoundness and beauty, you know you have read one incredible and meaningful love story. All there is left to say, go read Shameless and be prepared to be doused with every facet of emotions and love. And as an added bonus, how could you not want to read a book where there is an adorable baby, kittens, two pygmy goats, a horse, chickens and of course a raccoon integrated into the story line. And oh yeah, a hot sexy tattoo hero who has a panty-melting smile and a heart of gold.

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Lex Martin
Profile Image for Floripiquita.
1,479 reviews169 followers
May 30, 2020
3,5 estrellas. Un libro sexy y fresco, con un romance bonito, el drama justo y una pareja con mucha química. Que la protagonista sea hija de inmigrantes mexicanos y no lo haya tenido nada fácil da un plus de profundidad y realismo a una historia entretenida y muy fácil de leer. Gracias a Fanny por la recomendación, seguiré con la serie.

#Popsugar20 Reto 13: Un libro cuyo título sea igual al de una película o serie (Shameless) pero que no estén relacionadas entre si.
Profile Image for Rozberry🍓.
303 reviews133 followers
April 29, 2021
I love a good slowburn generally speaking, but I feel it’s worth noting that Shameless is one of those slowburns that really meanders at such a lowkey pace, where it either works for you or it doesn’t. Not much of a gray area (if at all), you know. In this case, for me, Shameless worked, but I’ve been there on the other side when it hasn’t in other reads, so I can definitely see how the style of Shameless’ slowburn may not work for everyone. Although I wasn’t so sure initially how this story would go for me when some insta-lust between them was introduced fairly quickly considering the tragic circumstances that brought them together. Soon enough, I thought LM found the groove to balance Brady & Kat coping with their grief together (& separately) after losing his brother & his wife/Kat’s bff so suddenly & finding their new normal all while falling for each other & raising sweet little Izzy together. So when the romance was underway, Brady & Kat turned out to be so vulnerably sweet & adorable together yet also could totally flip the switch to so scorching hot.

While Shameless begins in heartache, I’m so glad LM gave us Brady’s eventual HEA. Because as much as I liked Jax & Dani together in Finding Dandelion, Shameless imho proves Dani let the better man slip through her fingers. Jax wasn’t a terrible guy, but Brady’s far more caring, sensitive, protective, & respectful, & does so in such a way that doesn’t surrender any of his masculinity. So yeah, he’s a man’s man for sure, but he’s also a swoon-worthy cinnamon roll just as much in a cliché bad boy’s body. Kat is one lucky lady.

Honestly, Kat is a better match for him anyway, so Brady’s not missing out at all. She’s such a loving, tender-hearted woman...& so humble, hardworking, creative, smart, & a little dorky 😉. After their unexpected passing, Brady’s brother & his wife couldn’t have asked for a better mother figure for their sweet baby, Izzy than Kat. It’s crystal clear, Izzy means the world to both of them.

I suppose if I were to pinpoint one gripe, it would be their lack of communication in the latter stages. There’s only so much leeway dismissing their own feelings for the other person’s (& the assumptions they make about the other’s) that I can get on board with. Luckily LM didn’t wait drastically long to put them (& me 😂) out of their misery. Nonetheless, it’s still not my favorite plot device usually.

Otherwise, while it may not have been all hearts & flowers, their journey to choosing each other & making a life together to start their own HEA was still a satisfying read.
Profile Image for Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile.
2,255 reviews515 followers
March 2, 2020
Spoilers ahead


Brady is a tattoo artist struggling under the weight of financial responsibility, with his brother moving to Texas unexpectedly and his father's bad health he's working part time with his dad's company and pursuing his own passion part time. An shocking phone call upends his entire world with the death of his brother and rhe sister-in-law he never got to know. Thinking his niece had died too just made it more tragic. The news causes his dad to have a heart attack leaving Brady to go to Texas and sort out things there. He's stunned to find that his sister in law's friend isn't just holding down the farm but taking care of his adorable baby niece as well. His entire life is in Boston but having met Kat he's pulled in two directions, knowing his responsibilities but wanting her as well
Karherine's friend Mel provided a safe haven for her after she left her job and her ex and suffered a miscarriage. With her friend and her husband now dead Kat takes care of the farm and baby Bella until Brady arrives, but staying on to help him leads to unexpected developments. Knowing Brady is leaving soon they enter into a temporary fwb relationship. But as Kat falls for Brady she knows she'll get her heart broken when he leaves.....unless he stays?
**************
Ok on the positive side
The H wasn't a manwhore
Baby Bella is adorable
The sexy times were passable
And .....
huh that's all I've got

This book wasn't bad but it was bland.....for a fan of Alpha males who go after their women Brady was a tough one for me. I hate the H who waffles, who's wishy washy and unsure of how to turn things in his favor.....for the entire book he goes" she's great, but I have to leave" "I've never felt like this before but I can't stay" listen dude grow a pair would ya??This made the book very annoying and boring for ME and I struggled to like the H
And Kat, huh she cried.....a lot. Now the situation is tough as her friends died but I was quickly fed up with her. Then she's just good at everything and everyone loved her. I mean she turned the farm around because of her innovative ideas, was a pro with Bella, fed the animals, cooked, cleaned and though she'd left a high powered (sorta) job behind she loved taking care of Brady.....all well and good but she made a weak man seem weaker and I found myself sneering at them both
Maybe a stalker or a break in would've helped or maybe I read too many Eve Dallas books to accept the mcs in this one....I'm not sure but this didn't work for me. In all fairness to the author I'm trying the next in the series hoping for better results


We meet the H piercing a chick's nipples and getting turned on a bit as she wanted him but that didn't go anywhere
No cheating
Non manwhore H
h had 2 previous relationships
h had a miscarriage which is very briefly mentioned
h's ex made a half assed attempt at reconciliation
H pierced a chick's nipple who gave him her number but he wasn't interested
Profile Image for Hanne.
661 reviews72 followers
May 2, 2016
5 -- Shameless -- stars

This book is beautiful and amazing! I’m a huge fan of this author and this series! I highly recommend every book; it are all standalones. Shameless brought tears to my eyes, but it also put a giant smile on my face.

Brady’s brother dies in a car accident. He goes to Texas for his funeral and to handle everything. He discovers there that his niece, Isabella, survived the accident and he becomes her guardian. Katherine has been living in his brother’s house, helping on the farm and taking care of Isabella. They have to live together for a while and they can’t deny their attraction for long. They become friends with benefits.

Brady and Katherine are amazing! Brody is muscular, big and has tattoos. He loves his family and takes care of them. He would do anything for them. He is so adorable with Izzy. He has never held or took care of a baby, but he’s a natural with her. Katherine is a sweet, smart and caring woman. She had a terrible break-up and her best friend Melissa (Cal’s wife) didn’t hesitant to take her in. She loves to take care of Isabella and she’s amazing with her. Katherine works very hard, but she’s always smiling. She never takes credit for her hard work.

Katherine and Brady both think they are responsible for Cal and Melissa’s accident, but they don’t blame each other. They grieve together. They need each other. Katherine and Brady are a perfect match. I was rooting for them since the beginning! They have a great chemistry. The sex is hot and was worth the wait!

I loved everything in this book. From the way they met to the way their relationship progressed. They started as friends with benefits, but they end up falling hard for each other. They had their reasons to keep distant, like Brady’s return to Boston, but their connection is too strong. They fall slowly in love and that made sense given their pasts. The epilogue was the perfect way to end this book. I can’t wait to see what Lex Martin writes next, but I do hope to see more of Brady, Kat and little Izzy.
Profile Image for Jeannine Allison.
Author 13 books540 followers
February 27, 2018
4.5 stars...

description

I LOVE this author. She's one of those authors that you can count on to give you a great love story... and I'm never disappointed.

description

I'll be honest. I didn't even read the description before I added this, I didn't even read the description before I pre-ordered. There's really only one thing that happens when I discover Lex Martin has written a new book:

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So I went into this book completely blind, and I'm so glad I did. It was so, so, SO fraking good. I loved Brady and Kat... and little Izzy. She was adorable, I have such a soft spot for children in romances :)

If you're a fan of Lex Martin, or of the new adult genre in general, this is definitely a win and I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with it. :)

description
Profile Image for Just A Girl With Spirit.
1,403 reviews13.3k followers
May 8, 2020
What a pleasant surprise!

“She tastes like sugar and spice and my own wicked fantasy.”

This book had me at hello. Such a tragic start, but in the end it’s truly beautiful.

A car accident took Brady’s brother and his sister in law’s life, leaving behind an infant, a farm, and a live in nanny/do it all woman, Katherine. Brady has no idea what he was getting into the moment he left Boston for Texas, but when his eyes locked on Katherine’s, it was instalust.

This story pulled on my heartstrings badly. Whenever there is a baby involved, and a tattooed guy that rides a bike..I’m done for.

Brady..oh Brady. What a HOTTIE!!

“The ability to speak leaves me as my eyes travel up. A dark treasure trail. That v-cut leading to a six pack. More muscles. Tattoos. A knowing grin. Shit.”

I loved his protectiveness, his accent, and I loved watching him fall in love every day with his baby niece, and his employee that just happened to be the answer to his forever. This book gave me all the feels, and I can’t wait to dive into book 2.
Profile Image for Nikki ღ Navareus.
1,087 reviews52 followers
May 6, 2016


***FOUR STARS***

Shameless was a cute little story. A little cheesy/sappy, with a too perfect baby that didn't act at all like real babies do. That being said, I enjoyed the story of these two characters coming together and slowly falling in love. Sweet little romance, with some yummy sexiness to it, and almost no drama at all.
Profile Image for Grecia Robles.
1,696 reviews466 followers
May 23, 2020
SWEET!!

Creo que es el segundo libro de Lex Martin que leo y sin duda esta vez me convenció más.

La historia me gustó mucho, es muy dulce, tiene momentos lindos, divertidos, conmovedores y algunos sexys, la química y tensión sexual entre los protagonistas es palpable desde la primera vez que interactúan.

Se me a figuró mucho al estilo de los libros de Melanie Harlow, frescos, ligeros, con un toque de drama pero no intenso, sino el justo y necesario.
Además que los protagonistas también me dieron el mismo feeling.
Los dos me encantaron, ella es tan dulce, comprensiva pero a la vez no se deja pisotear.
El parece todo rudo por fuera con ese vibe de biker, tatuado pero es un hombre con un buen corazón que quiere hacer las cosas correctas.

Disfruté mucho el libro y sin duda seguiré con los demás.
Profile Image for Bex | TotallyBex.com.
568 reviews200 followers
April 27, 2016
I love Lex Martin’s stories. She’s an easy storyteller and it’s not hard to relate to her characters and their hardships and triumphs. Shameless may start out on a somber note, but a beautiful relationship grows throughout the story. There’s just enough angst, heat, and humor to keep the sadness from feeling overwhelming and make the sweetness feel that much sweeter.

Brady is a struggling with keeping everything together for the people he loves and cares about. He’s an artist, but he’s managing his father’s business while he deals with health issues. When he gets the middle-of-the-night call that his family has suffered a heartbreaking loss, Brady drops everything to manage the crisis. His saving grace comes in the form of Katherine. She may be a complete stranger, but she is the only one who can help an overwhelmed Brady deal with everything that needs to be done. Even though they are both grieving, their instant connection can’t be ignored. Through their grief, they realize how important it is to take a chance and find true happiness.

Brady and Katherine are both endearing and loveable characters. I admired how hardworking, loyal, strong, and resilient they are throughout the story. I also enjoyed seeing the push-pull of their attraction and how each struggles with their feelings. Even though they are thrown together by a seemingly impossible situation, I felt like their relationship is allowed to develop organically and believably. I was definitely rooting for them from the beginning.

As you can see, I enjoyed Shameless and Brady and Katherine’s story. I mean, how can you go wrong with a hot, tattooed bad-boy turned single father? Throw in an adorable heroine and it’s definitely a winner in my book.


▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.

▸ Order: Kindle

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1,163 reviews346 followers
September 21, 2022
5 Kat and Brady Stars

I loved this book. It hooked me in from the start and I couldn't put it down.

Brady finds himself suddenly in charge of sorting out his brothers business and home after he dies suddenly- but more than that, Brady is now the guardian for his baby niece, Izzy.
Kat had been a close friend of Brady's brother and sister in law and was working / living on the farm..She also knows and adores Izzy, so despite the fact both she and Brady are heartbroken, she has to show him the ropes of how to care for a baby.

One of the things I loved about these two is that I felt their connection right from the start and I absolutely believed that they would have fallen in love whatever circumstances they met in.

This book is a perfect blend of emotions . It could be desperately sad, and it does have some heartbreaking parts, but it balances with humour and love plus some intensely sexy chemistry. Kat and Brady have a beautiful connection and there is such a tenderness between them. They are both incredibly loyal & both have been through traumatic experiences.

Re read via audible in September 2022 . Excellent narration by Stephen Dexter & Brooke Bloomingdale. Listening time 9hrs 33mins.
I still love this book. It has passion , humour and is fairly low angst if you need a book with not too much OW/OM drama.

HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,559 reviews235 followers
April 28, 2016
There is no way you can read this book and not fall completely in love with Brady. He's sexy, tattooed and good with a baby. He is the perfect book boyfriend. I loved this book, the build up between Kat and Brady, their friendship and the chemistry between them. My very favorite thing about this book was Brady's relationship with his niece, Izzy. I love how much he loved her from the moment he first saw her. He was perfect! This is the perfect book for anyone who loves a single parent type romance!
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