Review: Great start to a new series!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 18, 2012
4.5 StarsMan oh man, oh man! I love when I "discover" a new author who immediately engages me and makes me want to neglect everything in my house so I can finish her book from cover to cover. Cari Quinn has done that with her first book in the Hot Shots series, Test Shot. Besides an amazing cast of characters she has managed to write a brilliant story with a plot line quite unlike anything I've read before.Layla Palmer and Aidan McMurray have been together for four years and engaged for a while. They recently relocated from Nebraska to New York and since the move something has been "off" in their relationship. Aidan has been distant and their sex life has fallen off to almost nothing. When Layla pleasures herself to a photo of a model she's hoping to sign for the erotic talent agency she works for, she has no idea Aidan is even aware. But when Aidan not only confronts her but tells her to ask the model, Sawyer Blake, to join them she really begins to wonder what's going on with them.I can't even begin to describe how fascinating this book is from start to finish. It drew me in and made me wish I could read even faster than I can because I couldn't wait to see how it would all play out. I'll begin by addressing the main characters.Aidan is a doctor who now holds a teaching position. It's evident that he's got some dominant tendencies and he and Layla have experimented in that area. He also has a voyeuristic streak; he especially enjoys watching other men. He also loves Layla and will do anything he can to make and keep her happy. Throughout the book we see more and more about the person Aidan is and what makes him tick, we also find out a lot about why he behaves the way he thinks he should.Layla is a talent agent and while she's perfectly happy in her career, she longs for the house, white picket fence, loving husband and kids. She is completely devoted to Aidan often saying he's her best friend but she misses their active sex life. She feels an instant connection with Sawyer when she sees his pictures but once she talks to him it becomes even more pronounced. The situation leaves her confused and conflicted and it only becomes harder once they actually start seeing each other.Sawyer is a model and damn if he isn't just an all around nice guy. I love his quick wit, his sense of humor, and they way he refuses to cut anyone any slack especially Aidan and Layla. He also recently moved from Nebraska to New York and while people think he's a country bumpkin, he's far from it. He is smart and refuses to do anything he's uncomfortable with just to make money. What he never expects is to fall for an engaged woman who sets him off like no other. I love how fiercely loyal and protective he is of Layla.I also want to mention the owners and senior agents of Hot Shots agency, Con and Drew. We don't get to spend a lot of time with these guys but I am completely enamored with them both for different reasons. While they don't have huge parts in this book, I had no doubt they will be getting their own stories and I can't wait to see what Cari has in store for them.I'll admit I went into this book thinking it was going to be a typical ménage story but I couldn't have been more wrong. This is far from typical and easily one of the more complicated relationships I've seen explored in a book. With each chapter I held my breath wondering what was going to happen next and if I was prepared for it. I was on the edge of my seat because I so wanted a happy ending for everyone even though I knew in my gut that wasn't going to happen. While I don't want to ruin the ending, I will say that there is a happily ever after and there is a hint that everything is going to be okay for everyone involved.Test Shot might be my first book by author Cari Quinn but I know it won't be my last. Her writing is fluid and has an easy, comfortable feel. I love how well developed her characters are even the minor ones which makes me feel connected to them. I urge you to give this book a try; I think you'll find that it has an unexpected emotional depth and if you're like me it will absolutely leave you wanting more!Review copy provided for an honest review.