Review: Very good start to the series :D
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 14, 2014
4 starsThis was a very good story. I really liked Ginger and Derek and got sucked in to their story. It's a good quick read. This is the first things I've read by Tessa Bailey but I liked it and will be reading more of her stories.Ginger is 23 and has been taking care of her sister, Willa, as well as she could for most of their lives (Willa is now 17 yrs old). Their mother is a junky and a prostitute and wasn't around most of the time and when she was she didn't take any pains to provide for them. One of her mother's rare visits has her passed out on the couch and her purse open with lots of money spilling out. Ginger is not a thief but she desperately wanted to get Willa out of their current situation/life. She ends up taking the money and packing her and Willa up, leaving town in the middle of the night.Derek is a police lieutenant and is a good guy but is very reserved and gruff. To be honest, we're not given a lot of background on Derek. A few bits of info here and there but looking back there's a lot left unsaid about him. Regardless of this, I liked Derek's character even though he makes a jerk out of himself at times.Ginger and Willa end up in Chicago and find an apartment to rent. When they're moving in they get a bit noisy which riles up their neighbor, Derek. Derek has a hangover and is not in a good move and blaring horns makes things even worse. I can't blame him for his mood though since he is on the way to a funeral. Ginger takes offence at his being offensive and their first impressions don't go well. Regardless of that, neither one of them can forget the other and when they encounter each other a few days later, Derek makes his intentions very clear to Ginger. Ginger is attracted to him and very interested in him but yet leery of what he might bring in to her life. When broken pipes strand Ginger and Willa without a place to stay they end up staying with Derek for a few days. After their first date, Derek and Ginger end up in each other's arms and their attraction culminates in to a night of passion. Unfortunately, Derek has a bout of relationship jerheadedness and leaves for work without a goodbye and doesn't call when he gets stuck at work for a day and a half. By then he's messed up big time with Ginger and he realizes he's going to have a hard time getting back in her good graces.Ginger is hurt but Derek's actions but doesn't want to be. She also that he could hurt her more if she lets him get close to her. She has this idea that she's not enough to satisfy Derek for long term and she tries to run scared from her emotions. She manages for a time but a scare convinces her to give Derek a chance and things between her and Derek start to grow. While all this is going on there are a few other things going on. Willa is doing well after the move and finds a boyfriend who seems sweet and perfect for her. Also, Ginger has a hobby customizing furniture and she works on making it in to a business so she can get away from being a bartender. Things take a turn for the worse when Ginger makes a TSTL move in a bid for redemption and gets herself in some major trouble. Fortunately, Derek gets there in time and things work out in the end leading in to a HEA for Derek and Ginger.I found this story very enjoyable. I liked both Ginger and Derek. They both had their pig-headed moments but it wasn't overdone and worked for the story. I liked the way things worked out for both sisters. The story was engaging enough that I got sucked in to the story and couldn't stop until it was done. I'll definitely be reading book #2 His Risk to Take next. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up. :)