Review: 3 stars = I liked it and it was a good read
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 05 23, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I am a fan of Ms. Strong’s writing so I didn’t hesitate to snatch this book up to read and review. Unbeknownst to me, the author has branched out from erotica to contemporary romance and has done a very nice job of it. Blue Roses is a far cry from the short-circuiting erotica of her Borrowed Billionaire series as it focuses more on the developing relationship and romance between Tina and Luca; but don’t worry, Ms. Strong still brings the heat – it’s just more at a steady simmer than a full boil.Blue Roses is the first in Baker Street Romance series. In this installment, Tina is a long-term Baker Street native. She works at the flower shop that has been in her family for well over a decade. She’s comfortable with her life, both professionally and personally; but her family and close friends are concerned that she’s “stuck” due to a tragic incident that occurred a decade before. Luca, or Luca Lowell (as Tina frequently refers to him by his full name), is a new business owner who has the other Baker Street inhabitants up in arms. Why? Because he had the gall to buy the local garage, close it for renovations, and let it be known that he was going to work on motorcycles when it reopened. Say it isn’t so?!?!? Why yes, that was the poor man’s offense and his reception to Baker Street was a tad chilly. Fortunately for Luca, he’s a man with a need to apologize to a woman for his behavior and finds himself at Tina’s shop to order an apology bouquet – which he gets, along with some very helpful advice from someone who knows the Baker Street population very well. After having to make up a second apology bouquet two weeks later for a different woman, Tina is obviously hesitant when Luca asks her out. Luckily for Luca (and us readers), she reluctantly agrees and we’re treated to a series of amusing and charming dates as the two get to know each other. As I said before, Blue Roses is a romance, so while the sex scenes are hot they are not graphic, but they are still capable of raising your blood pressure a bit.Obviously, it’s not all smooth sailing for Tina and Luca, but you will have to read the book for yourself if you want to enjoy the journey. The Baker Street Romance series is off to a good start and Ms. Strong shows that her writing just keeps getting better. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!