Review: A- rating.....
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 17, 2012
My Review:Blake was Jordan's uncle, but being only two years older than him, they are actually more like brothers. As a result, when Blake dies from cancer, it sends Jordan reeling. Blake was the wild one, the fun one, the one who always embraced life. Jordan's the opposite, but he loved Blake and wants to honor Blake's wishes and that's how he finds himself on an island that Blake loved. Jordan doesn't want to have anything to do with it, except sell it. In fact, the whole idea of the island makes him extremely uncomfortable.Ryan was Blake's partner in owning and running the island. He knows that Jordan plans to sell the island and knows if that happens, then Ryan will be losing his dream. He can't afford to buy Jordan out. Jordan is there to basically crush Ryan's dreams. His only hope is to show Jordan what Blake loved about it. A former lawyer who escaped to the islands five years ago, Ryan can relate to where Jordan is...he sees in Jordan a guy who simply needs to relax and that's what Blake wanted for him too.This is a hot little book. Jordan is straight, although he readily admits that he's never fallen in love or been even close to in love with a woman. He's an uptight guy who controls every aspect of his life and business...it's why he's so successful. He's in a friends-with-benefits type of relationship with Samantha. That works for both of them as neither one wants emotional ties and Sam likes to be in charge...which works for Jordan. It's the one place he can hand over the reins of his control and simply relax to be himself. So he's completely shocked to find himself fantasizing about Ryan. Ryan is gay. Then he finds out that Ryan also has a few dominant tendencies...and Jordan gives in. He decides he's going to take this weekend to simply relax and go wherever his mood takes him...if that's into Ryan's arms, then he's okay with that.The relationship between these guys is interesting. Ryan is definitely the one in charge when it comes to their relationship, but it's Jordan calling the shots. I know that makes no sense, but that's the way it works for them. I liked it...it made for a different dynamic and is enough that it keeps both men a bit off-balance and a bit vulnerable. Neither expected this relationship, but they both loved Blake and as they get to know each other, they realize that Blake knew what he was doing by bringing them together. It's REALLY romantic. I liked that.I have to admit that I was surprised when I saw this cover because Mia's writing tends to be pretty angsty...lots of emotion to her writing. And this cover is just so bright and happy, but I'm happy to say that it totally works for this book. Don't get me wrong, there's still some strong emotion to this book (Jordan's grieving....Blake has only been dead for 3 weeks and there absolutely is a scene here where I was crying over that loss), but the book takes place on a tropical island....I want to go there. The scenes that Mia sets up in the book are amazing and so lush and so romantic. I LOVED that aspect of the book...waterfalls, hammocks, ocean...it's all gorgeous and lush. The cover definitely suits this entertaining book.I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.