Review: The Line of Duty series just keeps getting better.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 10, 2013
I don't know how it's possible, but each book I read by Tessa Bailey is better than the last. The first two installments in her Line of Duty series are outrageously sexy, witty, and engaging, setting the bar high for her latest book, Officer Off Limits. The unlikely pairing of a sarcastic kindergarten teacher with limited sexual experience and a playboy hostage negotiator with a long list of female conquests results in an undeniable connection that only grows more powerful with each additional chapter.From the moment he was introduced as Troy's impossibly handsome, womanizing friend in His Risk to Take, I have been anxious to learn the identity of the woman who would bring Daniel Chase to his knees. For all her claims to having lost her spark after three years in a dead-end relationship with a lackluster love life, Story Brooks provides a challenge for Daniel when she doesn't immediately swoon at his attempt to proposition her for casual sex. I will freely admit to being charmed by Daniel's banter debating vending machine snacks but I enjoyed Story's derisive rebuff of his flirtations.Despite their instant chemistry, the small issue of Story being the daughter of Daniel's mentor gives pause to Daniel's overactive libido, although it does nothing to curb his need to act out his naughtiest fantasies with Story's willing body. Daniel's commanding presence and natural sensuality draws out Story's long-dormant passions via several steamy romantic encounters that are incredibly descriptive, brilliantly creative, and off-the-charts erotic. Bailey's heroes might all have a penchant for dirty talk and dominant bedside manners, but her love scenes are never repetitive.Blush-inducing love scenes aside, the heart of this story (hardy har har) is the emotional intimacy between Daniel and Story. Story's insecurities and Daniel's dark past are deterrents to their budding romance, eliciting previously inexperienced reactions from them both. It is impossible not to root for this couple's happy ending after getting to know them individually through dual narratives. I much prefer reading books with both male and female perspectives because there is less mystery about their feelings and motivations. It is immensely satisfying not to have to wonder what Daniel and Story were thinking at any given moment.Tessa Bailey has a gift for writing convincing male and female point-of-views, which allowed me to equally connect with both protagonists. Bailey's ability to tailor her stories to the specific personalities of each additional hero and heroine makes each novel/novella refreshing and unique. After finishing Officer Off Limits, I'm even more excited to read what comes next.