Inside Out by Lauren Dane  Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Berkley Trade Available: November 2, 2010 Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance Source: Author

Ella Tipton is a survivor. In the wake of an attack that left her nearly dead, she’s spent each day putting her life back together. Once vibrant and outgoing, she’s needed to reclaim the best parts of who she was while retaining the hard won lessons. There hasn’t been room for any romantic entanglements, even if she were ready. Still, it didn’t mean she had to stop sneaking looks at Mister Tall, Dark and Tattooed himself.

Security professional Andrew Copeland isn’t quite sure when his jones for the lovely and decidedly skittish Ella developed. He’s known her for years, has watched her triumph over the pain she’d been dealt. Cope is no stranger to women, but he knows the nervous flush he gets every time he talks to her is different than any attraction he’s had in the past. Determined to get Ella to let him in, Andy does the one thing he can think of to get close: he offers her hands-on training in self-defense.

While Ella’s sure he’s just being nice, the prospect of being able to touch him and gain the tools to push away the last vestiges of her fear is more than she can resist. Soon enough, Cope shows Ella his feelings are far more than friendly and re-ignites something deep inside her. Before long desire and love turn them both inside out.

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

Ella Tipton, manager of a small café owned by Erin from the previous Brown Sibling books, has been through hell and back.  She was attacked and nearly killed by her ex-husband and has spent the last several years rebuilding her life and getting back on her feet.  She’s a tough lady but still suffers from the fallout of the attack now and then.  Although romance is not on the menu she has a crush on Andrew Copeland, longtime friend to the Brown family.  He stops by the café often and aside from some light flirting their friendship is pretty casual.  But that doesn’t stop Ella from fantasizing now and then.

Andrew Copeland has had his share of women.  They’ve come and gone through the years but he’s had a special attraction to Ella for a long time.  But the time has just never been right to make a move.  Ella has been through a lot of personal trauma and so he’s kept his distance romantically, only offering friendship and support when he can.  He’s watched her grow and he knows she’s something special.  When he offers to teach her some self defense techniques Ella accepts.  Spending time getting physical sends their mutual attraction into overdrive and bumps their relationship up to a whole new level.

Although neither Cope (Andrew) or Ella is related to the Browns they are both are still considered family and treated with the love and care the Browns are known for.  Cope is related to the family by marriage, his brother Ben is married to Erin Brown.  Ella is a long-time friend to Erin and is the manager of her café.  While Ella and Cope share a mutual attraction to each other they are both a little unsure of how or if their relationship should move forward.  They’ve been friends for so long and there is a little awkwardness as they move toward a more romantic relationship.  They may be unsure, but their circle of friends and family see it clear as day, these two belong to each other. 

Cope has a reputation as being a ladies man but he is always quick to point out that he’s not a jerk who treats women badly.  Although he’s never settled down and committed, he’s still a decent guy and respectful of the women he’s been with.  But Ella moves something in him and he soon realizes he’s ready to leave that lifestyle behind.  With a lot of heart to heart with his buddies, Cope decides Ella is the one. 

Ella is one of the cutest heroines from this series.  She a tough survivor but her exterior is fun and cute and I really liked her.  Even though she’s has a lot to deal with from her past and still suffers from panic attacks ,she’s not over dramatic or whiney.  On the other hand she doesn’t overdo the bravado either.  She’s dealing with life, family issues and is falling in love with a man she has crushed on for years.  She fits in perfectly with the Brown family circle of friends and things are looking up for her.

One of the things I noticed as this series has progressed is how the gentlemen have evolved.  They’ve always been good strong characters to love, but in this book we see them spending lots of bonding time together having deep and meaningful relationship talks.  As they have one by one fallen in love and settled down, they’ve learned a few things about relationships and are willing to share their insight with their friends.  The big, tough tattooed hotties don’t mind sharing a few beers and getting mushy now and again. 

What I like about this series is the constant presence of the protagonists from previous books.  Lauren Dane doesn’t give them a happily ever after then send them on their way.  She has created a big family and keeps the characters we love present and accounted for with each book.  While she gives us wonderful new romances with each installment, she also allows the reader to be a part of the relationship ups and downs after the happily ever after.  Inside Out is no exception and we get a little peek into Brody and Elise’s life as they plan their wedding.  We also get some time with Ben, Erin and Todd as Erin nears the end of her pregnancy.  There was a some turbulence in this sub-plot and I think it overshadowed Cope and Ella’s story at times, but it was nice to see the Brown family do what they do best and come together as a family in hard times. 

In the previous books we saw some pretty intense external conflict.  However with Inside Out the story is mainly focused on the developing romantic relationship between Ella and Cope.  They both have some personal issues to deal with, but the obstacles that need to be overcome are not as threatening as in the previous books.  There are some familial problems for Cope and Ben, and hopefully we’ll see those conflicts resolved in the future. 

Inside Out is another great installment in the Brown Siblings series.  Lauren Dane writes good solid characters that face life head on, love big, and put a fresh shine on the concept of friends and family in the romance genre.  I enjoyed watching Cope and Ella fall in love with the support of the friends and family they love. 

Favorite Quote:

I know he’s a nice guy, but he comes in bad boy wrapping paper.

Other books in the series:

• Laid Bare
• Coming Undone

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Montana Glory by R.C. Ryan Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Forever Available: October 26, 2010 Genre: Contemporary Western Romance Source: Publisher

The last thing in the world Zane McCord wants is a wife. But after returning home to the family ranch in Montana to help his cousins search for the lost treasure that is their legacy, Zane can’t help notice that love and marriage seem to be contagious. Both his cousins have succumbed, but he refuses. Determined to stay a bachelor till he dies, Zane wants to devote his time to filming documentaries and taking care of the ranch…and then Riley Mason walks into his life.

The last thing on Riley Mason’s mind is romance. Sent to the McCord ranch to save the family’s accounting problems, she only wants to impress her firm in Helena and be on her way. Life as a single mother isn’t easy and she needs to impress her bosses for a raise. But when Zane McCord opens the door, her breath catches in her throat and a desire she’s never experienced before takes over her. When the McCords insist that she and her daughter, Summer stay at the ranch, she’s forced to give in and before long, she’s pulled into their search for the long lost treasure. But she absolutely draws the line at getting involved with Zane McCord, playboy and heartbreaker extraordinaire.

But as they all get closer to finding Coot’s lost treasure, a dangerous series of accidents target Riley and her daughter Summer. Can Zane keep her safe while trying to win her heart?

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

Montana Glory is the third and final book in the Montana trilogy by R.C. Ryan.  I have read both of previous books and followed the McCord cousins through their search for the lost family fortune throughout the series.  With this being the last book in the series I looked forward to not only a nice conclusion to the hunt but also Zane’s story since he’s been my favorite of the McCord cousins since the beginning. 

City girl Riley Mason has come to the ranch to sort out the accounting for the ranch.  She has arrived from Philadelphia with her young daughter in tow looking to make a fresh start as far away from the city as possible.   She is a single mother and has a few dangerous secrets in her past so the last thing she’s looking for is a romantic relationship.  But when she meets Zane McCord, she finds herself very attracted to him.

Zane McCord is that last hold out.  His two cousins have both found love and are enjoying married life with their brides.  Zane is a ladies man but has no interest in settling down though.  His parents had an unhappy marriage and he has no interest in going down that road.  When the new accountant arrives on the ranch he likes what sees but the ranch foreman warns Zane to leave her alone.  She is on the ranch to do a job, not be romanced by the McCord family playboy.  But Zane can’t seem to stay away, finding himself more and more attracted as he gets to know Riley better.  Even more her daughter Summer has captured his heart as well.

As Zane and Riley’s relationship begins to become more than friendship, Riley confides in Zane about her past and reveals a dangerous secret.  Zane is determined to protect Riley and Summer from the danger that surrounds them. 

Montana Glory is a nice conclusion to this trilogy.  No loose ends were left and for the most part I was happy with how it all played out.  Zane is my favorite McCord cousin but I was disappointed that we did not learn more about him in his own book.  I felt like everything I knew about Zane I learned in previous books and I had really hoped to get to know him a little better in this book.  He’s the sexiest of the three cousins and I just wanted more Zane time.

I really felt that this was more Riley’s story than it was Zane’s since her character seemed more developed.  She’s a likable heroine and a fantastic match for Zane and I enjoyed watching as the mystery of her past played out.  I don’t always care for the way single mothers are portrayed in romance novels but I think it was handled well and I enjoyed Riley’s daughter Summer.  She was cute and fit into the McCord family nicely.

As with the previous books, the bulk of the story was a build up to an action scene near the end.  As the story comes to head, and the action is upon us and suddenly, it’s over.  I was surprised at how quickly all was resolved and our characters were moving on after such a big explosive scene. 

I love a good cowboy romance and I enjoyed the final book in this series. I was happy to see Zane and Riley and the rest of the McCords find happiness and I was satisfied with how all the mysteries finally came to a conclusion.   

 

Books in this series include:

• Montana Legacy
• Montana Destiny
• Montana Glory

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***Giveaway***

Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have 5 copies of Montana Glory to giveaway!  Because the prizes are mailed directly from the publisher, only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win, no P.O. Boxes, please.  Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title in the mail.

To enter, leave a comment on this review telling me what your favorite western romance series or novel is, or if you don’t have one, tell me why you’re interested in reading Montana Glory.   

Giveaway is open until November 15, winners announced soon after. 

Seven Nights To Forever by Evangeline Collins  Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Berkley Trade Available: November 2, 2010 Genre: Historical Romance

She offered him one week of pleasure. No more and no less…

Some sacrifices are more difficult than others. Left destitute after her father’s death, Rose Marlowe has debts to settle and a younger brother to support. But she also possesses an unmatched beauty-one that could command quite a price…

Now, every month, Rose secretly travels from her country home to spend one week at a decadent London brothel, where she’s become a sought-after prize. Elegant and accomplished in the art of pleasure, she spends her nights fulfilling the fantasies of the gentlemen of the ton while denying the wish buried deep in her heart.

Then one night a wealthy merchant gentleman walks through her door. Handsome, kind and compassionate, with a lonely soul that matches her own, James Archer is not her usual client. Falling in love with a client, never mind a married one, is unthinkable. Yet Rose can’t help but lose herself in his arms as one night becomes seven-and seven nights lead to a chance at forever…

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

After her father’s death, Rose Marlowe soon realizes he has gambled away most of the family’s money leaving her and her brother deeply in debt.  In order to protect her younger brother who idolized their father and to save their family home, Rose seeks a protector.  Not wanting to be a mistress she leaves her first protector only to end up with another who becomes abusive.  Once Rose realizes she must find another way to support her brother and repay her fathers debts she makes a decision.  Once a month she works at a posh London brothel where gentlemen are willing to pay a very generous price to spend time with her.  She has became so sought after that she earns enough working as a prostitute one week a month to repay her debts, maintain her country home, as well support and send her brother to University. 

James Archer, a very wealthy merchant is miserable and lonely.  He is in a loveless marriage arranged by his father in an effort to gain standing in high society.  His wife is not happy at all about being married to James and makes no secret of it.  She takes many lovers and flaunts her infidelity in his face, however she will not allow James to take a mistress, threatening to withdraw her sponsorship of his younger sister if he does.  James loves his sister and wants to see her marry well so he tolerates his wife’s emotional battery since his sister will hopefully marry soon.

One night, feeling lonely and worn down by his wife’s demeaning behavior toward him, James decides to visit a brothel in search of physical comfort.  He is introduced to Rose and is taken by her beauty, and lovely demeanor.  Although he has paid to spend time with Rose and basically have his way with her, James finds it such a relief to just spend time with a lovely woman who seems to welcome his company and he spends the evening talking and getting to know Rose.  Rose in turn finds James to be a charming gentleman but she is confused by James’ lack of interest in having sex with her. 

James cannot get Rose out of his head and he returns the following night to see her.  In the course of the week, Rose and James develop a lovely friendship and they eventually become lovers.  Not wanting to let Rose go at the end of the week, James tries to come up with a way for them to be together.  James has much to lose if his relationship with Rose is discovered and Rose does not want to become his mistress.  She has many responsibilities and is determined to manage them herself. 

While Rose and James lead very different lives and it seems unlikely they would find any sort of commonality with each other, they come together out of loneliness.  As they begin to know each other  it is revealed that they are both selflessly making a huge personal sacrifices for the well being of a younger sibling.  James is not your typical romance hero.  Although he puts up with his wife’s brow beating for the sake of his sister he never comes off as weak or wimpy.  Instead I always got the sense that he was simply willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of his sister’s future.  He is a gentleman and gives the typical alpha hero new levels to aspire to.  Rose, is a strong heroine, determined to use her assets to keep what’s left of her family afloat.  Not wanting her brother to face the shame of finding out their father squandered the family coffers, essentially leaving them in dire straits, she does whatever she has to do to see to it that her brother lives well and gets an education.  Both James and Rose are kind and generous to those they love and they are perfect for each other as well. 

One of the things I loved most about Rose and James is although they had misunderstandings, they were refreshingly honest with each other and avoided serious relationship issues with their openness.  Trust was built between them slowly and they both constantly surprised me with their gentleness and kindness.  They were strong characters yet very vulnerable and I found them both to be extremely likeable. 

Seven Nights To Forever is a lovely story about about two very endearing people who, against the odds, fall in love and find their way to happiness together.  Evangeline Collins delivers a wonderful historical romance novel that is well written, nicely paced and a pleasure to read.  I look forward to more from this author.

Favorite Quote:

“Do you plan to join me, or do you plan to linger by the door all evening? I hope you aren’t expecting an offer from me to watch,” he said, all playful indignation.

A laugh burst from her throat at the unexpected comment. Her back almost propping up the door, she must look just as he had nights ago, when he had hesitated to take more than a step into her bedchamber.

“Not expecting, but if the offer’s there . . .” she trailed off, arching a suggestive brow. His eyes flared slightly, his expression momentarily blanking. Goodness, was that a blush staining his cheeks?

 

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I have a copy of Seven Nights To Forever to giveaway!  Leave a comment on this review to enter, open to all.  (Leave a comment even if you don’t want to enter, just let me know)  Giveaway is open until November 6, winner announced soon after.  Good luck!

Backstage Pass: Sinners On Tour by Olivia Cunning Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca Available: October 1, 2010 Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Human Sexuality Professor, Myrna Evans, wants nothing but a weekend of hot, no-strings-attached sex with Sinners’ sensual lead guitarist, but Brian Sinclair is looking for something more permanent than a one-night stand.  Unable to compose music for months, when Brian makes love to uninhibited Myrna, he hears exquisite guitar riffs and finger-burning solos.  In Myrna, he’s found his muse.

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

An erotic romance about rock stars on tour you say?  Yes please.  I mean what self respecting child of the eighties *cough* nineties *cough* doesn’t love a dirty, sexy rock star right? 

Brian Sinclair is the son of a seventies rock god and a pretty successful musician in his own right.  He is currently on tour with his band The Sinners and enjoying the rock star lifestyle. When he falls in love he falls hard and is a one woman man, even surrounded by the temptations and excesses of life on the road.  He is going through a slump both professionally and personally.  He is the main song writer for the band and he hasn’t written a song in months.  He has also just has his heart broken by his cheating ex-girlfriend.  

Myrna Evans is a divorced, Human Sexuality Professor and is attending a conference when she realizes one of her favorite bands is in the hotel lounge.  Not to miss an opportunity to meet them, she decides to head for the lounge rather than her hotel room.  She manages to get acquainted with the sexy band members but really only has eyes for Brian ‘Master’ Sinclair.  One thing leads to another and Brian and Myrna spend the night together.  When they make love, Brian hears music in his head and his song writing slump is over, he’s found his muse.  He’s totally taken with the smart sexy professor and can’t get enough of her.  Myrna is pretty excited about Brian as well but is cautious about getting involved.

What starts out as a weekend fling quickly turns into a smokin’ hot love affair.  Brian falls hard and fast for Myrna and is so intense in the way he loves and makes love.  But Myrna has past relationship issues that make her reluctant to fall head over heals for Brian.  She’s up for a casual fling and is excited at the prospect of living out her dirtiest and most erotic fantasies, yet is constantly troubled by her inner-voice that says she’s bad for wanting to be bad.  Brian is determined to win her heart, body and soul no matter what it takes.  When Myrna comes up with the idea of joining the tour to do research on groupie behavior, Brian is not the only band member that is on board.  She is welcomed with open arms by the whole band.

Backstage Pass is hot, sexy and one of the funniest books I’ve read in a while.  The romantic chemistry between Brian and Myna is as compelling as their sexual chemistry and the blunt banter and between the characters had me giggling throughout the story. I loved that Brian was so passionate about everything and he completely and unapologetically wears his heart on his sleeve. He is willing to fall head first for Myrna despite their conflicting lifestyles, careers and backgrounds.  He follows his heart wherever it leads where Myrna is concerned and is willing to wait for her to realize he is ultimately the one for her. 

There are so many obvious reasons to fall for Brain, but because of Myrna’s issues, I had to be more patient look at little deeper with her.  Myrna has some fairly serious psychological hang-ups having to do with her past relationship with her ex-husband.  I worried that her conflicted feelings about wanting to give into her uninhibited sexual nature and the doubts she surrounded herself in might become tiresome.  But Myrna seemed to work through those issues at an acceptable pace making her a very real, likeable heroine.  One of the things I liked best about her was that she was a bright intelligent professional woman, eager to explore her fantasies and experience a world completely different from her own.  Although she struggles with self doubt at times, she is able to recognize and overcome this.  Which brings me to the one thing that disappointed me in this book.

Myrna is a very intelligent woman who is falling for a passionate rock star and has immersed herself in a decadent, wild lifestyle. Still, she makes good stable decisions.  But she does something late in the book concerning her ex-husband that is just dumb.  Yes, she is human and should be allowed to make mistakes but I feel her actions in this particular area of the book were not inline with her character and the situation could have been handled differently so as not to dumb down an otherwise strong, smart heroine.  It didn’t ruin the book for me but I was a little disappointed at this point.

Although this book was about Brain and Myrna’s whirlwind romance I have to mention the band members since their personalities are larger than life and they will each be getting their own book. Through the course of this story Olivia Cunning introduces each band member and gives the reader a little tease of each rock star’s unique personality and a little idea of their personal demons, kinks and what turns their cranks.  Each band member intrigues me for different reasons, even Seb, the girlfriend stealing lead signer. His book, Rock Hard will be available in April 2011 and I can’t wait.

Backstage Pass, as expected was a very sexy story with plenty of rock star antics and fun. But what caught me by surprise was the laugh out loud humor and the intense relationships with a few unexpected twists between the characters.  The romance between Brian and Myrna was sweet, sexy and had my heart racing hoping for that happily ever after for the rock star and the college professor. 

Two Favorite Quotes:

“And thank you for en-bulging me.” Sed muttered.

 

“Did you just come in my hair?”

 

 

Other books in the series:

Rock Hard (April 2011)

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Stop by later today for a really fun guest post about why rock stars make good romance heroes by Olivia Cunning.  She will be giving a way a personalized copy of Backstage Pass to one lucky commenter.

Selfish Is The Heart by Megan Hart Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Berkley Trade Available: October 5, 2010 Genre: Romantic Historical Fantasy

To escape an arranged marriage, Annalise Marony decides to become a Handmaiden of the Order of Solace. But she is thwarted at every turn by Cassian, a teacher of the faith, who must test her dedication. Older than most of the girls, Annalise knows that she will be expected to please a patron in pleasures of the flesh-and she is not shy about teasing Cassian. And as they both play out the game of master and student, the secrets in their souls will either tear them apart-or bind them together forever.

Reviewed by: Amy 

Pleasure and purpose. This is the ultimate goal of a Handmaiden who serves in the religious Order of Solace.  A Handmaiden’s greatest desire is to provide absolute solace to the Order’s patrons – satisfying the needs of the mind, spirit, and body.  Selfish is the Heart by Megan Hart is the third installment of the Order of Solace series and one that explores the story of a Handmaiden in training and a callous man who teaches the art of solace, but can’t seem to find it himself.

Annalise Marony is betrothed to her childhood friend Jacquin Kirkol and she is looking for an escape.  While their love is mutual for one another as friends, Annalise feels no passion for Jacquin and he is far from being sexually attracted to her.  Due to their engagement being arranged by both fathers, Annalise knows that she must find a clever way to remove herself from the impending nuptials and therefore decides to become a Handmaiden in training of the Order of Solace.  Annalise is intelligent, feisty, bold both in thought and action, and well versed in the faith, but has not put it to practice in many years.  However, she is certain she can play the part required long enough to be able to end her pending engagement.  Former Priest, now master teacher in the Order, Cassian Toquin is a man living with many demons. The greatest being the death of his twin brother, Calvis.  Words unspoken. Forgiveness unsought. These are the emotions that drive Cassian to carry on with life and also shield him from allowing anyone near his mind or his heart.  During her travels to the Order, Annalise encounters a man in the forest to whom she asks direction.  Thinking her a privileged fool, the man purposefully sends her on the wrong path.  After finally arriving and settling into the Order’s Motherhouse, Annalise soon discovers that Cassian, the man who mislead her in the woods is her assigned teacher at the Order.  Both her intelligence and boldness to speak up and challenge Cassian in class infuriates and ignites him beyond reason.  And, Annalise soon discovers a tortured soul in Cassian which fuels her to know him better and furthers a simmering attraction between the two.  Once the attraction is finally acknowledged, both of their pasts come back to haunt them.

Megan Hart creates an imaginative, mythological world in her Order of Solace series and while the beautiful covers imply the erotica genre, it is not always the dominant tone in this fantasy/historical series.  Though I have not yet read any of Ms. Hart’s contemporary novels, I can see the allure of her style of writing.  Rich in emotion and depth of character, Selfish is the Heart is my favorite of the three books in the series.  The intense zeal and furry that is evoked from Annalise and Cassian’s interaction caused me to feel like a third wheel who should not be privy to their heated exchanges.  I was, at times, emotionally overwhelmed with Cassian’s lack of self worth and Annalise’s pursuit of tearing down his emotional blockade.  But once they succumb to an intimate union, it’s as if a dam breaks and they become uninhibited in their passion for one another. The strength of Selfish is the Heart is built upon its memorable characters which makes for an intriguing and emotional read.

Favorite Quote:

"He was a discontented man. He was a brooding puzzle. He was, Annalise thought, watching him through the fringe of her lashes, delicious."

 

Other books in the series:

• Pleasure and Purpose
• No Greater Pleasure

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I have an extra copy of Selfish Is The Heart to giveaway.  To enter, just leave a comment on Amy’s review.  Open to all.  Giveaway ends October 16, winner announced soon after.

Play Dirty by Lorie O’Clare Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks Available: September 28, 2010 Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heartthrob bounty hunter Greg King knows how to work it—and he knows that he can have any woman he wants. But there’s more to Greg than meets the eye…and he’s still haunted by the memory of his beautiful, estranged wife. Much as he’s tried to move on, he’s never been able to stop wondering why Haley left him. Or what he could have done to make their marriage better—and make her stay…

After putting a vicious criminal behind bars, Haley King had no choice but to leave her loved ones behind and enter the witness protection program. Turns out that, in her new life, Haley has once again found herself in serious trouble—and needs help from the only person she can trust: her husband. Now, as old secrets threaten to tear them apart and danger closes in from all sides, it’s up to Greg to keep Haley safe…and convince her that this time, he’s playing for keeps.

Reviewed by: Amy 

Move over "The Dog" there’s a new bounty hunter in town. And while he’s big, broad and all alpha male, his overall impression left little to be desired for this reader.  Play Dirty is the first installment of the bounty hunter series by Lorie O’Clare and unfortunately one that left me flat and frustrated.

Greg King, former police officer, now bounty hunter, thrives on the adventures his profession brings.  Catching a criminal runs through his blood like being high on a drug and now both his sons Marc and Jake crave the same action the job brings.  All three work together for King Fugitive Apprehension, a private investigative service founded by Greg.  While on a routine stakeout for the latest criminal, Greg sees a woman down the street in the shadows who looks like his wife.  He immediately knows it’s her, but does not know why she is there at the scene.  Haley King (a.k.a. Hannah McDowell) left her husband Greg and their two boys after testifying as the key witness against a major drug lord (Perry Pierre).  Without telling her family about her departure, she entered the Witness Protection Program, left Los Angeles and took on her new persona in Nebraska as a private investigator for Payton Investigative Services.  Her boss and mentor John Payton has suspiciously gone missing at the same time Perry Pierre dies in prison. Now that Pierre is dead, Haley is back in LA after not having any contact with her family for six years.

This was my first read of Ms. O’Clares and while I had high expectations going in (particularly with such a hot cover), I was frustrated throughout the book.  While I like the concept of a fiction based life of a bounty hunter, Play Dirty had a very unbelievable storyline.  Ms. O’Clare tries to create a story of a loving husband and wife (former high school sweethearts) who are dedicated to each other and their two teenage sons.  However, I found this entire plot hard to believe for several reasons.  First, Greg and the boys (now men) were quick to accept Haley back into their lives.  They almost treated her six-YEAR absence as if she’d only been gone for six-HOURS.   As the reader, I struggled with the mentality that this was just a regular part of the job to leave your family for six years and them be okay with it.  Second, it was unrealistic to me that both Greg and Haley knew exactly where the other one was during her absence, but did not contact the other or work out some way to be together.  I was not convinced that Greg could keep tabs on Haley and her new life and not be endangering himself and the boys.  Otherwise, why not join her in the Witness Protection Program to keep the family unity they both claimed to want. Third, Haley’s actions and words seemed to directly contradict any semblance of dedication she had to her family.

"Why didn’t you tell Dad?" Jake asked. "Because he would have stopped me, or intervened, or forbidden me to keep working.  I knew what I was doing was dangerous and I was hooked.  There was no way he was going to take me away from my first bust."

To me, it was obvious in the above quote that the thrill of the hunt was the most important thing to Haley. She chose the love of her job over her husband, her children and her life as she knew it.  She made it clear that while she hated giving up her family and identity for six years, she would do it again in a heart beat to take down a major criminal.  I simply cannot relate to this thought process and never would give up a life I made with a husband and children that I claimed to deeply love for a profession or "rush".

Also, though Haley and Greg were high school sweethearts and married almost two decades, I never felt a true emotional connection between them.  Their sexual moments seemed quick and detached – more of a "friends with benefits" feel and not really connecting in the intimacy of the moment or with each other which left me asking why was this couple even married when their deepest connection was to their profession.  This leads me to the continued fight for control between Haley and Greg that grew very tiresome as well.  Haley was constantly trying to prove to Greg that she was his professional equal.  She wanted him to trust her at the helm in giving the orders when she had all the information. Greg was constantly trying to take the lead in the decision making and also assert the "alpha role" of dominance and protection of his woman.

While Play Dirty provided some suspense, it was a flat attempt and didn’t have me on the edge of my seat like I expected. The informant and the villain were predictable as well as the ending.  Also the easy acceptance of Haley’s choice in leaving her family and the reasons behind it left a bitter taste in my mouth throughout the story. The overall family dynamics and lack of emotional depth definitely hindered my overall enjoyment of the story and left me questioning whether I will continue in the series.

 

 

 

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