Review: Appealing premise
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 5, 2013
Jamie Salisbury's novella sets a steamy tone for a promised new series and offers some interesting twists that set her characters in a class by themselves. Though the writing style often keeps readers from becoming fully engaged in their story, there is plenty of heat and intrigue in this book, setting the stage for an intriguing follow-up novel.Widow Ashleigh Thomas has been working day and night to save the entertainment agency she and her husband founded. His temperament and poor business acumen nearly cost Ashleigh everything, but she is determined to prove that she can succeed all on her own. Fortunately, she represents Max Frazier, sinfully handsome international rock star, and together, they might just land him the gig of a lifetime.The longer they spend in each other's company, the more Ashleigh realizes how much she wants Max as more than a client, and when he professes the same desire for her, the two start a sizzling affair that seems to know no boundaries. But a dangerous character from Ashleigh's past is creeping closer, and Max is forced to reveal all his secrets in order to keep her safe. Will he be able to convince Ashleigh to stay by his side when she learns the truth about him?Max and Ashleigh are both appealing characters with unexpected elements that emerged as the story evolved, keeping the plot moving at a good clip. The twist in the story regarding Max's past life added an unexpected slant to the story and explained a good deal about his personality, and why he seemed so different from the other bad-boy rockers I've met recently. I would have liked some more hints beforehand, primarily to help understand Max a little sooner. He is methodical and considerate, but because readers see so much from Ashleigh's point of view, it's difficult to get a handle on the man who's turned her world upside down so quickly.For her part, Ashleigh is a take-charge professional, but her calm exterior hides years of hurt and a world of passion that is waiting to be unleashed. I loved the fact she is Max's boss in a sense, as it certainly altered a fairly well-established power dynamic in their relationship.Though these characters have enormous potential and their relationship is certainly wonderfully steamy, it took a very long time for me to empathize with them, because the writing style seldom lets the reader past the physical in either character or in their relationship. There is plenty of action in this book, but comparatively very little about how the characters feel in relation to each other, or their inner thoughts and fears. It took something away from the heat and intensity of their relationship, because there was no tension or longing in which to revel beforehand.Nevertheless, this story certainly had an appealing premise and provided some refreshing elements to a familiar trope. There are also several humorous moments provided by Ashleigh's slightly-obsessed assistant. Though I had some issues with elements of the book, it was a fun single-serving read that will definitely get fans ready for more adventures to come.Reviewed by Bridgetfor TheRomanceReviews.com