Review: Provoke Me by Cari Quinn

“He was brilliant, ruthlessly so.  An amazing boss.  And his ass was a thing of beauty.”

Take a sexy, alpha male like that along with every reader’s dream job of being surrounded by books and the immediate question is…Where do I apply?  Answer: Provoke Me, the second installment of the Unveiled series by Cari Quinn.

Spencer Galvin, regional manager of The Book Nook, is devoted to one thing – his job.  He lives and breathes the bookstore because he’s given up on the possibility of love or the desire for a serious relationship.  Driven, stubborn and wound tight as a drum, Spencer is hiding one major flaw.  Underneath the professional, straight-laced persona, he is a man who is sexually frustrated by one woman who also happens to be his employee.

Brazen, straight forward Kelly Crossman has lusted after Spencer since she started working at the bookstore three years ago.  She knows that hooking up with Spencer is an unrealistic fantasy even though he is at the top of her list of sexual conquests.  But, whatever lust Kelly feels toward Spencer is only a taste of the overwhelming desire he feels for her.  As her boss, Spencer is convinced he must maintain a constant reign on his libido, remaining professional in all matters.  Since his regular workouts are not even taking the edge off the sexual tension he has for Kelly, he decides to revisit the sex club, Kink, hoping to find some relief.  What Spencer doesn’t bank on is finding Kelly watching him in a sexually-charged moment.  Spencer’s rational thoughts move from one head to the other, and he knows the night will not end before he has her.  Thinking that a few nights of passion with Kelly will get her out of his system is Spencer’s first mistake which leads to new feelings he can’t control and doesn’t want to face.

Although Spencer is the ultimate sexy and insatiable man, he is also a true “bonehead” as well.  His heart is in the right place, but his focus in trying to hide his true nature and remain in control ultimately results in major missteps that made me want to slap him senseless!  And Kelly had her flaws as well.  While she had an honest, loving heart, her brassiness and brutal honesty could be intimidating for most men…except for Spencer.  She rattled, infuriated and consumed him.  She could fluster him senseless and center his world in the same breath.  What Kelly didn’t realize is the profound effect she had on him.  She stirred feelings and desires that exposed a vulnerability he didn’t want to recognize.  Never the less, they were tuned into each others emotions and desires which proved to be stimulating and terrifying for both.  Without a doubt, the heat ignited by this passionate couple, had a primal edge that had me feeling like a voyeur watching every scene and aching for more.

It’s always exhilarating for a reader to discover an author whose style and voice combine to create a thoroughly satisfying read.  Cari Quinn fits the bill and then some.  The erotic genre is often stereotyped by readers as nothing but a mindless screwfest.  Ms. Quinn is one of a handful of authors I have found who defy the stereotype.  She delivers a solid storyline with strong, multi-dimensional characters that are endearing in their flaws and honest with their emotions.  Also, witty dialogue and genuine chemistry made the pairing more credible and engaging.  That said, Ms. Quinn does not skimp on the passion.  Possessive whispers and feather light kisses lead to sizzling hot, up against the wall, all-consuming sex.

With all the elements of the best erotic reading, Provoke Me has this reader eagerly waiting for the next installment of the Unveiled series.  In the meantime, if Ms. Quinn would only deliver Spencer to my bed!

Favorite Quotes:  There were just too many to list but here are two.

“God, she couldn’t get into his car. She’d ruin his seats. Then again, she couldn’t not get in his car. Up-against-the-wall orgasm aside, she was so freaking horny she’d die if she didn’t get her hands on him. His leather interior wasn’t her problem.”

“He got to her apartment before she did, which made her grin. Apparently erection difficulties were a thing of the past. Hell, she liked being his Cialis. She’d happily take on that role for the rest of her life.”

Rating: A+

Provoke Me by Cari Quinn
June 22nd 2011 by Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary Erotic Romance
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