Top Shelf – Shelli Stevens – Book Review

Top Shelf takes us on Kenzie’s journey to overcome her past. It shows us how to love of a good Navy man and some good old-fashioned courage can change the course of our life.

TOP SHELF by Shelli Stevens

Series: The McLaughlins #3
Publication Date: April 17, 2018
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Purchase: Amazon 
Source: Publisher
Story Rating: 5/ 5
Romance Rating: 5/5

Description:

Burned in the past, Navy chief Brett Craven has sworn off serious relationships. But when he meets Kenzie McLaughlin, a gorgeous redhead with a fiery personality, his well-reasoned strategy is blown out of the water.

Years ago, a terrifying attack changed Kenzie’s life, making her trust only a few men, including her brothers and her father. After a sexy Navy guy waltzes into the family pub and doesn’t hesitate to make his interest known, there’s no denying the attraction between them. Can Kenzie let her guard down long enough to fall for Brett?

Review:

Ok, look at the cover. Isn’t it pretty? I love the colors. But her hair stole the show for me. It’s gorgeous, isn’t it? I was half hoping there would be some hair care tips in these pages. What I wouldn’t give to have hair like that.
This was the first book I’ve read from Shelli Stevens and the first book I’ve read in this series. I’m happy to say it can be read as a stand-alone. Which means no one has an excuse to miss out.

This book had me hooked from the beginning. In the first chapter, we have Brett admitting he hadn’t “wanted a girlfriend or even needed one. Well, maybe he needed one for certain reasons, but there were ways around that. Without the commitment and the risks.” A man after my heart right there.

Then we meet Kenzie and we see the two of them together. They have such wonderful chemistry. Their banter is comfortable, flirty and tastefully naughty. There was a lovely conversation about masturbation. I even learned a new acronym BOCOD  (Beating Off Cut-Off-Date) something I wish I had known about during the three years I spent in a long distance relationship.

The story itself was sweet. Kenzie was scarred after a near miss years ago, Brett was patient and understanding and helped her overcome her past. Brett hadn’t trusted women for a long time after being hurt time and time again, Kenzie shows he can trust her. I get it, in summary, it sounds like a story we’ve all read a couple dozen time before. This book gave me the perfect amount of tension, drama, and angst.

What made this book different was the authors use of euphemisms and innuendo. “Sausage goes in the crescent roll,” had me laughing out loud. Try explaining that one to the hubby… seriously. I tried for nearly 2 minutes before he told me comparing a penis to a sausage isn’t funny for men. It seems the imagery of being bitten that way is quite a turnoff. All well, I’m still amused.

My one and only complaint, and it’s not something that affected the story, is how overused the word “aye” is through these pages. Kenzie is from Scotland, I understand that’s a common phrase there. Sometimes when writing is too conversational, it doesn’t read super well. Toward the end, I felt agitated every time I saw that word. But, like I said, it didn’t affect the story at all.

Overall, Top Shelf was a quick fun read perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon. I recommend it to anyone seeking a charming read full of euphemisms and innuendo. This book will have you smiling with every page.

If you’re interested in books like this, you might also enjoy For Crosby and Forever a Soldier

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