Review: Tessa Bailey just keeps getting better...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 9, 2014
It never ceases to amaze me that each book Tessa Bailey comes out with replaces its predecessor as my new favorite book by the author. Her latest release, Baiting the Maid of Honor, is no exception, introducing readers to two new unforgettable protagonists and heretofore unreached levels of sexiness. Tessa Bailey's writing style is so distinctive that I could identify her work in a stack of title-less, author-less books. Baiting the Maid of Honor may have been written in conjunction with the Wedding Dare series but fans of her Line of Duty series will find a new uniformed hero and feisty heroine to welcome with open arms.Julie Piper and Reed Lawson – after being introduced to the Southern socialite and the so-called Mr. Dark and Dangerous in Falling for the Groomsman, I was fascinated to see how their contrasting personalities would mesh together, although I wasn't quite prepared for the intense chemistry evoked by this unlikely pair, and would never have expected just how effectively they would cast aside one another's inhibitions. The idea that two individuals who are polar opposites at first glance, all but spontaneously combust in each other’s presence is undeniably sexy. While Julie is the epitome of a Southern belle with charm and grace to spare, Reed is rough around the edges, exuding an aura of danger that Julie finds inexplicably exciting. Reed’s crude way of speaking is deliciously scandalous and Julie can’t help but be attracted to his shamelessly erotic words.The highlight of Baiting the Maid of Honor has to be the banter between Reed and Julie, which is a mixture of sexual tension and antagonism. Each is guilty of forming snap judgments about the other, but even their not-so-favorable first impressions couldn’t disguise their mutual attraction. The connection between Reed and Julie is improbable, yet their stark differences are what draw them together. Each is far from perfect, but they are perfect for the other, with Reed's gruffness and need for control calling to Julie’s quashed desires to unleash her inner vixen. Reed isn't a romantic, but what he lacks in that arena, he more than makes up for in passion and thoughtfulness – qualities that Julie needs to nurture her hidden insecurities. They force each other to step outside of their comfort zones and, as a reader, I was captivated by their overall journey.