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    Good Girls Don't
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    Good Girls Don't
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    Good Girls Don't
    Ebook361 pages5 hours

    Good Girls Don't

    By Victoria Dahl

    3.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook


    With her sun–kissed hair and sparkling green eyes, Tessa Donovan looks more like the girl–next–door than a businesswoman...or a heartbreaker. Which may explain why Detective Luke Asher barely notices her when he arrives to investigate a break–in at her family's brewery. He's got his own problems – starting with the fact that his partner, Simone, is pregnant and everyone thinks he's the father. The last thing he needs is a nice girl like Tessa getting under his skin.

    Tessa has her hands full, too. Her brother's playboy ways may be threatening the business and the tensions could tear her tight–knit family apart. In fact, the only thing that could unite the Donovan boys is seeing a man come after their 'baby' sister. Especially a man like Luke Asher. But Tessa sees past the rumours to the man beneath. He's not who people think he is...and neither is she!
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperCollins Publishers Australia
    Release dateJun 1, 2012
    ISBN9781460809518
    Unavailable
    Good Girls Don't
    Author

    Victoria Dahl

    Victoria Dahl lives with her family in a small town high in the mountains. Her first novel debuted in 2007, and she’s gone on to write seventeen books and novellas in historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance. Victoria's contemporary romance, Talk Me Down, was nominated for both a RWA Rita Award and the National Readers' Choice Award. Since then, her books have been nominated for two more Rita Awards, and she hit the USA Today Bestseller list with the anthology Midnight Kiss.

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    Reviews for Good Girls Don't

    3.5/5

    139 ratings19 reviews

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    • 3/5
      A little simplistic . . . .

      I don't like characters who deliberately lie - especially characters we are supposed to like.
    • 5/5
      Excellent read! Great contemporary romance.
    • 3/5
      Tessa & Luke's story. Not the strongest of this trilogy. I remember her brothers' (Jamie & Eric) stories being much better. Guess I read them out of order. Because of that, I would say not to give up on this series.
    • 3/5
      Tessa Donovan has a full plate trying to make sure a major deal goes through for the brewery she co-owns with her brothers, keeping her brothers from arguing too much, and keeping her brothers out of her personal life. But all of the things threaten to explode when there's a break-in at the brewery. Now her brothers are fighting even more, the big deal is threatened, and her obvious flirtation with the police officer investigating the case, Luke Asher, has her brothers up in arms.I finished this book yesterday and already some of the details have fled. It was enjoyable brain candy but not very memorable brain candy, apparently. Enjoyable if you enjoy these kinds of books.
    • 3/5
      Hunpf. I don't really know what to say about this book. the characters had a really strong future in my head, but then the story progressed and I didn't know how to think about them anymore. Luke was charming but the thing about being all closed off started to wear a little. my biggest peeve though was Tessa and all her lying and scheming and I started not to like her so much. The ending was satisfactory if not a little predictable.
    • 5/5
      Nice steamy story with a good plot and plenty of action. I read the series out of order and enjoyed all of the siblings books on their own. In each of them I liked the growth of the characters as the relationship progressed. Detective Luke is drawn by an attraction to Tessa when he investigates a robbery at her family brewery.
    • 4/5
      I adore Victoria Dahl's books. SOO MUCH. This series beginning did not disappoint me at all. The main thing I love about her novels is that way she draws the reader into the characters' lives. She pulls you in and you exist in that whole world, almost like watching a TV show yet you get the emotional connection too. Anyway...about the book. Ms. Dahl is the reason I am currently in love with contemporary romance.

      I loved the book. It was well written, the characters have amazing dimension. I love the way Ms. Dahl writes a book that is not over the top in drama but enough to keep the reader reading. The level of drama fits the world and the book. So, why did I give it a 4/5? Tessa. She is an excellent character, do not get me wrong, but she annoyed the crap out of me. Tessa is the cause of most of the emotional strife in the book, and all because she thinks she knows what is best for everyone. I wanted to smack her at the end of the book. She is the only reason I gave it a 4/5.

      I know this book is the first in a trilogy. I think the next book is the naughty brother, I can't wait to see the kind of women who tames him. DEFINITELY READ THIS BOOK.
    • 4/5
      I liked it just fine.

      Don't see myself rereading it or keeping it.

      Useless review for others, but good reminder for me.


      Enjoyable read, but just average.

      Can't warm up to Ms. Dahl for the most part. Not sure why.
    • 4/5
      I didn't think I was going to like this book. The first half was really hard for me to take. The lying and scheming of the heroine, plus the strange plot, really annoyed me. I was just about to give up when I got really intrigued. Plus, my husband helped calm me down (strange, I know), and pointed out that I was taking it a bit too seriously.

      In the end, I felt this was an extremely well done tale of Tessa growing up. I would almost call it a coming-of-age novel, except she's 27. It worked, despite Tessa's age. The family dynamics were interesting and the romance was well done, though I did struggle with how old these two were. The romance read more like that of a younger couple.

      In any case, despite my hesitancy and the frustrations I had early on, I'm glad I read this. It was an emotional tale that pulled me in.
    • 4/5
      Within the walls of a family owned business Tessa and her brothers, Jamie & Eric, there can sometimes be more secrets than you’d imagine. After the passing of their parents Eric took over not only the family brewery business, but the parenting as well. Years later when Tessa is old enough to strike out on her own it comes as no surprise that both her older brothers are a bit protective, but is it too much? And when she’s suddenly in a relationship with Luke, a friend of Jamie’s from his high school and college years, her brothers become even more concerned about her choices. Tessa, sure of herself presses forward and only time will tell if Luke Asher is being honest with her. This was my first experience reading anything written by Victoria Dahl, primarily because the majority of her other books leaned too far toward the “romance” side for me. With a new contemporary chick lit novel, a great synopsis and a fabulous cover I was willing to take a chance…and I’m so glad I did! Dahl’s writing was excellent. Good Girls Don’t was the perfect read for a lazy afternoon because of how quickly you get caught up in the stories of these fun true-to-life characters. There was nothing outlandish about them except for perhaps the more steamy scenes, which were definitely steamy! In all honesty though, Dahl is certainly a writer who’s books I’d pick up again especially if I’m in need of a quick getaway. As I mentioned, I loved the characters! Anyone who reads this new series will most likely agree that there’s something incredibly illusive about Eric, the oldest brother, that makes you want to pick up the next two novels just to find out more about him. With Jamie I wasn’t so incredibly charmed, even though it’s mentioned in the book that he’s quite the catch, there was something about his attitude that really turned me away from him. I’m definitely wondering what the second book will be like since it’s primarily focused around him I believe. As for the remaining two main characters, both Luke and Tessa were great. There romantic interest in each other seemed a bit over the top at times, but other than that I loved them both. And Luke’s mysterious past certainly made me flip through the pages quickly to hopefully figure out exactly who he was. Victoria Dahl is a welcome addition to the world of Chick Lit and one that I’m certainly looking forward to reading more from. Her characters are based in reality which makes them easy to connect with and easy to get attached to. For Dahl’s past readers, I’m positive they won’t be disappointed with the romance between Luke & Tessa and I for one am interested to see how their relationship continues throughout the Donovan Brothers Brewery series. Tessa is exactly the type of strong leading lady I love to read about in Chick Lit and with a bit of mystery as well as a great romance Good Girls Don’t is a fantastic start to a promising new series! Originally reviewed and copyrighted at my site Chick Lit Reviews and News.
    • 3/5
      Good Girls Don’t is book one in the Donovan Brothers Brewery Trilogy by Victoria Dahl.

      I’m a fan of Victoria Dahl’s books; so when I heard about this series, based on three siblings who own a brewery, I knew I have to read it. Sadly Good Girls Don’t didn’t live up to my expectations. I’m not saying it’s a bad book, because it is not, it was just that I had many issues with some of its characters, especially with its main character, Tessa; this made it very difficult for me connect with the story.

      Tessa’s parents died in a car accident when she was fourteen and since then her older brother Eric, who was twenty-four at the time, has taken the reins of the business and the family. Her other brother Jamie was just sixteen when the accident happened.
      Now Tessa and Jamie are in the late 20s and are part of the business.

      The problem I had with Tessa was that she was a liar and a manipulative person, she may have had the best intentions at heart and was doing it to keep her family together but the way she behaves was deplorable. She was also very clingy with her brothers, especially with Jamie.
      Tessa has good things too, she loves her brothers and she is strong, and she is a go-doer, but sadly the negative points were stronger than the positive and half of the book if not more I was mentally screaming at her and rolling my eyes because of her actions.

      Luke is neither an alpha nor a beta, he is just a “gentleman”. I liked him, he is caring and has his own issues, but at least he is trying to resolve them. I like that he gave a piece of his mind to Tessa, making her see the wrong in her actions. There is some kind of story behind his divorce, it’s supposed to be something very serious/bad but when we learn the truth is something very simple and not very important.

      I really like Jamie, I think he is more than what people believe of him and I was very eager to read his story in Bad Boys Do.

      I have mix feelings with Eric, he took responsibility for his family and business when he was very young, kudos for that, but he is too stiff and is always seeing the bad and wrong in Jamie. I think he needs to get laid very bad, I hope he gets some in Real Men Will.

      There is a mystery around the break-in of the brewery and its culprits were a complete surprise for me. Same with Luke’s partner’s baby-daddy, that was another interesting surprise.

      Even though I have my problems with Good Girls Don’t I still enjoyed Mrs. Dahl fun and sexy writing style. The story and setting were also good and interesting. I’m pretty sure if I hadn’t had had a problem with Tessa this would have been a great book.
    • 4/5
      I always find myself pausing with anticipate when I start a new Victoria Dahl book, reading slowly and relishing those first laughs and witty moments that appear. Before long, however, I'm swept away, gulping down the book not just for the happily-ever-after, but those moments of growth and self-awareness that Dahl always writes so beautifully for her characters.

      GOOD GIRLS DON'T includes all the Dahl hallmarks: humor, well-drawn characters, genuine emotion, and hot, hot sex. So much of the dialogue is worth a laugh out loud (and often snickers and snorts as well), I can't read her works in public without being continually interrupted to explain, "What's so funny?" (though I don't mind the creative reenactments these questions spark). Even though GOOD GIRLS DON'T included more drama than I had anticipated, that in no way overpowered the wit and genuine affection of the characters. Tessa and Luke each have their own issues, and Dahl brings them out very naturally over the course of the story (though poor Tessa began winding me up from Chapter 1, such a tense little sister). The relationships between our hero and heroine and their supporting characters were also engrossing, setting up Jamie Donovan for his story in BAD BOYS DO and making me pump my fist in victory when Luke's fierce loyalty to Simone gets some justice. Having read the prequel featuring Eric and Beth, I'm not sure if Beth's cameos make it harder to wait or gave me something to tide me over until their happily-ever-after, perhaps I'll be able to tell in my next read through. And there will be another read through, never doubt it, Tessa and Luke and their loving friends and family are too funny and sexy and entertaining to leave behind for long.

      Re-read #1 (4/11/12): Still love the banter between Luke and Tessa, this book has the most highlights out of any Dahl (except maybe TALK ME DOWN). Didn't re-read the Kendall drama, and skimmed a lot of Tessa's anxiety as well. Still, the relationship pieces (and brother interactions) were absolutely fantastic.
    • 2/5
      I really didn't like the main character, Tessa. she's immature, annoying, and not a very nice person. he character is spoiled and she's used to getting her own way, when she doesn't she lies and manipulates until she does. she is constantly lying in her personal life and in the business she owns with her two brothers.
      the story was good, but since I just couldn't like the person it was about I didn't enjoy it every much.
    • 3/5
      3.5 starsHot (hot!) sex scenes and a good story but I'm not sure I entirely connected with the heroine, Tessa Donovan. I quite liked Detective Luke Asher, the hero though!. Tessa was only 14 when her parents were killed in a car accident and 24 year old Eric stepped in to care for her and Jamie (then 16). Afraid of those she loves leaving, she goes to extraordinary lengths to try and relieve the constant friction between the two brothers, including increasingly difficult to manage lies. Tessa had her reason for all the lying but as the story went on, it got old very quickly and it was very unattractive. I will say that the lie (to Jamie) about her being a virgin was pretty funny though. For much of the book, it seems that there is the story of the siblings and their Brewery and there's the story of her relationship with Luke and I wondered at one point why there was so very much focus on the former. However, toward the end of the book, Ms. Dahl brings the threads together and it made sense. I enjoyed the book, but I did find it hard to really connect with Tessa's character.Also, in case you're wondering, the Brewery was named by Tessa's father - for himself and his brother - so it's not sexist or anything.
    • 2/5
      I had a hard time liking the female lead in this book. She came across as controlling and whiny. She did eventually own up to her mistakes, but it wasn't until the end.
    • 3/5
      This book is 1st part of the 3 series of the Donovan Brothers series set in a microbrewery in Boulder and is about the story of Tessa, the only girl in the Donovan Family. Tessa, who was being perceived as vulnerable found herself to be attracted to Luke Asher whom to her two brothers, a bad news. However, Tessa continue with her relationship with Luke against her brothers wishes. In the meantime, Tessa is struggling to maintained the peace in her family and is trying hard not to avoid confrontation between her siblings over some issues.I like reading such book with family as the main element in its plot. It gives you the heartwarming feeling as you read thru the story especially when you reach the part where the reconciliation between the sibblings where one is ready to give in and forgive the others. ;)
    • 4/5
      Requested from NetGalley by MeOverall Rating 3.75Story Rating 3.75Character Rating 3.75Overall: This book spurred me on to visit an attached to a restaurant brewery while on vacation in Wisconsin. Though the one I visited was in a separate location it still kind of set the mood for the book. The whole business is quite fascinating and a perfect setting for a romance.What I Loved: I loved the idea of siblings being owners in a business. The idea that you are just sure of what your brothers and sisters are thinking/doing/feeling is both funny and a recipe for disaster. Both of which happened in Good Girls Don't! All 3 of the siblings: Eric, Jamie, and Tessa tend to lean on assumptions about their siblings and this does cause several problems for them! I loved Luke! He was a scrumptious leading man. He had his own set of issues but he handled them well. His protective instincts with his partner Sophie just made me love him more.What I Liked: The story of the break-in and the mystery surrounding it was really well done. I wish a little more time had been spent on that part. I also liked the setting of the brewery and all the interaction that goes on between the patrons, staff, and owners.Complaints: I found that while the initial sibling assumptions were intriguing, the story leaned to hard on that (especially with Jamie).Why I gave it a 3.75: I found this to be a good beginning to the series and I look forward to reading the rest of them. I am really wondering how Eric and Jamie are going to work out their issues.
    • 4/5
      First book in the Donovan Brothers' Brewery trilogy about three siblings who own and have run their father’s brewery since his passing twelve or thirteen years ago. Twenty-four at the time, oldest brother Eric had taken on the responsibility of raising his teenage brother and sister, as well as the running of the brewery until Tessa and Jamie were old enough to become involved. Book one is about Tessa, the youngest of her siblings who has maintained a very innocent demeanor. In her mid-twenties, her brothers believe she is a virgin. So Luke, the detective who is investigating a break-in at the brewery is warned off by Jamie to stay away from his sweet sister after noticing his interest. Luke has a number of rumors following him that would make any man want to protect his sister. Of course, Tessa isn’t quite what her brothers believe on a number of levels. It’s a lot of fun to read about what Tessa is really like and the shock value that follows not only her sex life, but what she misguidedly does for her family. But you really have to feel for both Tessa and Luke. Neither want to discuss or face issues from each of their pasts. It would be difficult not to cry as Tessa comes to terms with her fears.This contemporary romance also includes a mystery, mostly worked on by Luke and his pregnant partner, Simone. Their partnership also adds an interesting twist to the story. The book is a zany easy read with interesting, likable characters. And you’re definitely given enough emotional interest to want to follow Jamie and Eric’s stories.The trilogy is being released in back-to-back books with Bad Boys Do coming out on 9/27 and Real Men will on 10/25.Reviewed for NetGalley
    • 5/5
      Good Girls Don’t – Victoria Dahl-Release Date Aug 30th“Good Girls Don’t” is the first book in the new Donovan Brothers series, a contemporary romance series. As I was reading this book I had a feeling I was sort of missing something, and I had! I didn’t realize that there was a novella that actually opens the series in the anthology “The Guy Next Door” and Victoria’s contribution is called “Just One Taste”. So unless you have read that first don’t feel too bad if you feel a tiny bit at sea with “Good Girl’s Don’t”; at least at first. Ms Dahl’s deft writing will get you up to speed in no time and the story will become clearer! This book centers on Tessa Donovan, the little sister of Jamie and Eric, and her relationship with Police Detective Luke Asher. Luke is introduced while investigating a robbery at the brewery and is an old college pal of Jamie’s. Luke may or may not be a “bad boy”, but Tessa’s brothers certainly think he’s bad…bad to the bone; and they don’t want Luke within 10 miles of little Tessa! The story keeps you fully engrossed and the character of Tessa and Luke are fully fleshed and easily imaginable. They seem like people you know, or would be friends with if you met them in real life. Luke’s character has a wonderful sense of humor, albeit a little self-depreciating at times. This actually makes him a more likeable and believable character. Tessa’s brothers are less well fleshed since they will be getting their own books later in the series. There are several plots within the main body of the romance and they are quite entertaining. There are several mysteries both with the brewery and on personal levels with the secondary characters. For those of you who like your romances and love scenes on the sweet and mild side, this may not be the book for you, since I felt that the love scenes were written more like erotica, using modern slang instead of the more sweet language some may prefer. I loved this book and I am looking forward to reading the next installment of this series