Review: Very good contemporary romance :D
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 19, 2014
4 starsThis was a very good story. Eva and Cam are both likable characters and had me rooting for them to get together from the start. This is the first book I've read by this author and based on this book I’m likely to try more of her work in the future.Eva is a police officer in Washington, D.C. She used to have dreams of a husband and family but hasn't had much luck finding the right man. The last man she was involved with was a politician and as his political ambitions started escalating; their relationship started declining until it ended badly. Eva’s had bad enough luck with men that she’s decided to swear off men for good.Cam used to be a police officer in Washington, D.C. but left that job to open a security company with his brothers. His parents died when he was 11 years old and their loss affected him deeply, making him swear off love connections (except his brothers) of any kind to avoid future heartache. Cam used to be partners on the police force with Eva and has had feelings for her for the last 5 years but he suppresses them because of his issues with loss.Cam and Eva are best friends and things between them are strictly platonic (regardless of stray thoughts). Due to a lost bet, Eva agreed to be Cam’s date for his youngest brother’s wedding. This is supposed to be a fake “date” but for some reason, both Cam and Eva are feeling sparks between them that have never been so evident before. Maybe it’s the tropical venue for the wedding but whatever it is, messes with both Eva and Cam and they both start having some major problems suppressing their mutual attraction. The wedding is nice but Eva’s anxious for it to be done and this need gets even worse when she runs in to her ex and finds out he was cheating on her while they were together. To mask the emotional blow to Eva, Cam makes it seem like they’re a couple and plays things up for her ex, right down to a scorching kiss between them that has them both heating up quickly and then scrambling to hide how much the kiss affected them. A dare and quite a few shots later, both of them well on their way to being drunk and helping each other stumble to bed. In their drunkenness, the walls between them come down and Cam finally gives in to his need for Eva and Eva cooperates fully. They have a hot night together but when Eva wakes up before Cam, she freaks and ducks out before he wakes.Obviously, Cam isn't happy about Eva ducking out on him. Once he’d finally given in to his need for her, he was kind of hoping she returned the feelings. Cam tries contacting Eva once back in D.C. but she avoids his calls for a few days and doesn't see him until there’s a crossover between Cam and one of Eva’s cases. Cam just found out from an informant of his that someone is trying to kill him and now Eva’s there because his informant is dead and Cam was the last one to see him alive. Cam decides to handle the situation himself and doesn't tell Eva about the contract because he wants to protect her. Eva wants to deflect the “relationship” talk but a sudden snow storm traps her at Cam’s place. As Cam tries to talk to Eva about them, he sees that she’s not doing well with the thought of them being something more so he backs off and says they can be friends. Soon it becomes apparent that the heat is still there between them so they become friends with benefits. Cam’s not thrilled about this but figures he’ll have to give it time and see if he can get her to see more with him. Although things between them are hot, emotionally things are very unsteady and this isn't helped when Eva’s ex, Preston (yeah, the one that cheated on her), suddenly comes around wanting her back. Eva starts to tell him no but when he pushes she agrees to think about it (which is just craziness). There’s much going on as someone makes an attempt on Cam’s life and Eva and he are still trying to work themselves out. They have some difficulties with this but thankfully they both have siblings that help things along. After some drama and a bit more danger, Cam and Eva manage to get through their difficulties (both with the killer and their relationship) and head in to their “it’s about time” HEA.I really enjoyed this story. Eva and Cam were both good characters and I liked them. Cam was a little wimpy about facing up to his feelings but it wasn't bad considering his background/reasoning. Eva I liked and my only complaint about her was that she ever even considered taking Preston back. In the end she admitted to herself she couldn't have actually taken him back but to even consider taking back a lying, cheating jerk like that made me wonder what the hell she was thinking. Outside of that she was a pretty cool heroine. I was happy to see Cam and Eva get together and I have to admit that I’m now curious about the first book in the series so I may go back and read that when I have time. I’d recommend this story. Thumbs up.