Review: Meant to be
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 7, 2014
Eevie and Aidan's story continues in book 2 of Jennifer Ryder's Spark Series. This time around, readers are given both of their point of views as their relationship and the drama that surrounds them intensifies. Based on the synopsis, it's clear that there will be a plethora of obstacles the couple needs to overcome in order to get their happily ever after, and boy is there. The past has a way of always catching up with people, and even though what Eevie and Aidan have to contend with is actually not of their own doing, it still weighs heavily on their relationship and risks to tear them apart.In Spike, readers are allowed inside Aidan's head, and we are given insight into how much he truly adores Eevie. She's everything to him, so when he learns that someone is messing with her, he tries to do everything in his power to squash the threat and make sure the love of his life is safe from harm, which is easier said than done when dealing with a blackmailer. For a lot of the book, though, Aidan either isn't privy to the danger or feels helpless to stop what's occurring, so as much as he saved Eevie in Spark, it's Eevie who actually steps up in Spike to protect what's her - Aidan. Eevie really comes into her own in book 2. She's no longer the damsel in distress waiting for someone to rescue her; no matter how much this predicament is tormenting her, she doesn't back down. She won't allow Aidan to be hurt even if that means going behind his back and getting someone to help her resolve the issues, which might not have been the best decision, but it does help to defuse the escalating situation in a timely fashion, which in turn, brings the story's focus back to Eevie and Aidan as a couple and the future that awaits them.Since they first met each other, the sexual chemistry between Eevie and Aidan has been off the charts, and book 2 illustrates just how hot they are for one another. Their sexual intimacy is part of how they express their love for one another, and Jennifer Ryder does a good job of illustrating that fact in the multiple sex scenes that are written in the text.Overall, I enjoyed Spike. I really like Eevie and Aidan, but I'll admit, I had a hard time with parts of the plot. The blackmailing plotline didn't really draw my attention. I didn't feel like I received enough information about all the hows and whys, which left me scrambling a bit to fill in the blanks. But, it was good to see it all get worked out in a timely fashion. Jennifer didn't drag the complications out, so after it was settled, and we got back to Eevie and Aidan, I felt reconnected to the storyline. The book's ending was perfect and the surprises along the way only added to my affection towards the happy couple. I'm glad Jennifer played out Eevie and Aidan's relationship in two books rather than three because I really didn't see where it could go from here. I'll definitely be checking out book 3 because Jones and Ryan Clarke have quite the interesting dynamic playing out at the end of book 2, and if the sneak peek from Jones' point of view is any indication of what's to come for them, it's going to be a wild and crazy ride.A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.3.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)