Review: Bartender Rating: Well/House; first time author shares a forbidden romance with a pro-wrestler
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 29, 2013
This and more reviews at The Book Bar.coAuthor Kelly Arlia, reached out to The Book Bar to beta-read her first book. The concept of a professional wrestler, finding the love of his life, after losing her when they were teens, is creative.  Throw in a determined, single father that forbids professional wrestlers for his girls; and the sexual tension is palpable.Perfect Match touches on the wrestling biz but the heart of the story revolves around the relationship between Noelle & Jackson. The addition of life behind the cameras was captivating and secondary characters became instrumental to the story.  Jackson and Noelle's friends keep the characters moving while Noelle's dad creates enough tension to affect everyone.Jackson is a big 'ol sweetheart; not an oiled-up, Spandex wearing, muscle head. The story reinforces that Jackson is not bulk, but skill, and when Arlia started posting images of potential "Jackson's", I started falling for this character. Need convincing? Check out her Facebook page. Jackson is goal oriented, has been all his life. Jackson's honest feelings for Noelle are sweet and effective.The night should have ended with my lips doing crazy sexy things to your lips. He smiled and quickly added, Sweet Dreams, J .Emily Hightower (2013-09-20T05:03:23.925137+00:00). (Kindle Locations 582-583). Kindle Edition.My most favorite moment is when Noelle lets her subconscious take over and determine what is right for Noelle. Even though they try to be 'just friends', the third person narrative tells us they are just lying to themselves and each other.Jackson looked directly into her eyes, and it affected her right to her core. He had something about him that made her want to throw her arms around his neck, and wrap her legs around him, and not let go. She was in deep trouble. Emily Hightower (2013-09-20T05:03:23.925137+00:00). Unknown (Kindle Locations 915-916). Kindle Edition."I forgot something," Jackson said reaching for Noelle. He reached up to touch her face, caressing her cheeks. He stepped into the townhouse and kicked the door shut behind him. Instantly his lips were on hers.Emily Hightower (2013-09-20T05:03:23.925137+00:00). Unknown (Kindle Locations 1231-1232). Kindle Edition.I really love stories where the characters give in to temptation but still have struggle. Jackson and Noelle know what's good for them, but they let others dictate their next move. You get a lot of romance out of this book but, at the same time, fear that it's all going to blow up in their face."Okay, get up on your knees," Jackson said as he got up off the bed. Noelle kneeled in the middle of her bed and Jackson stood before her. He explained how he aims his left shoulder for his opponent's chest and takes him down on contact. "Noelle, I'm not going to hurt you," he assured her. "Are you ready?" Noelle's heartbeat quickened even though she knew that Jackson would never hurt her. "I'm ready." She closed her eyes to a squint. Instead of him flying towards her, he moved rather slowly. His shoulder made contact with her chest and he wrapped his arms around her and gently pushed her back on the bed. He fell on top of her and his lips met her neck. He started kissing her while his hands moved up her chest. "Mmm," she purred, "I better not see you do this to anyone in that ring."Emily Hightower (2013-09-20T05:03:23.925137+00:00). Unknown (Kindle Locations 2239-2245). Kindle Edition.Congratulations Kelly! You have a great sense of description and I can't wait to see what's next for you!