Review: Nolan is  Hard to Resist
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 12, 2013
Natalie is starting over. She has moved to Florida to start a new life and escape the fact that her longtime boyfriend Bryson broke her heart by cheating on her. She is having trouble letting go. She is not looking for love or a relationship, just fun and freedom.(Quote)For a very long time, I knew that my heart would remain shattered. And for a very long time, I was going to stay clear of falling in love.Nolan...They had an interesting first meeting. I do not think I have read a meeting like that in any other book. I liked how he was hard for Nat to shake and just kept appearing. Nolan is charismatic, confident, charming, funny, and not afraid to go after what he wants. They have immediate chemistry. And Natalie is determined she does not have more to give. I loved how he pushed Natalie and how he was initially the restrained one."I take it that someone has hurt you before. That's the only reason that a girl would want "just sex". If she's been hurt or if she's a prostitute..."Which one are you, Natalie?""But with that, there comes a price. If I give you more right now, I'll possibly have to give you my heart and when I do, I won't feel free anymore."Natalie's continued depression and obsession over Bryson was annoying at times, but realistic behavior for a girl who was cheated on. A typical response is to build a wall. Nolan just chipped away at it mercilessly. He is pushy and funny and you cannot help but like him."I know you're not stupid. If you were, those panties would have been mine already.""Agree to go on a real date with me tomorrow and I'll take things slowly, otherwise I'll show up at your doorstep every day and drag you out myself. If I have to, I'll come in with you. I'll do anything to get to know you--anything to know what really goes on in that head of yours."So they are at odds at what each of them thinks they want and thinks they need. It takes them a bit to get on the same page between having more of a relationship and having sex. But they had steamy chemistry, and eventually lots of hot sex scenes including some public displays. There are communication issues, omissions, half truths, exes, old friends, and minor drama that interfere in their relationship. They were not the most adept at communication and sometimes I just wanted to slap some sense into them. But they were able to express themselves a little more with her poetry and his songs. Some of the more emotional sharing came out of those.I would have liked to have alternating POVs just to get more into Nolan's head, but at least he was vocal enough that you had insight into his feelings. Sometimes he was too vocal and I thought he would chase her farther away if he did not stop admitting his faults and past indiscretions. But he wanted to change just as much as Natalie needed change."It's obvious that I want you and I find it beyond obvious that you want me. You can only resist my offer fro so long. I want you to fall for me, just like I want to fall for you. I can already feel it happening I want to change.""I don't want to be on the list of your regrets. I want to be the good guy. What can I say?"I liked how both characters faced their past issues and insecurities and attempted to build a healthier future. It was a story of learning to let go, having faith, opening up, and taking a chance with your heart.This couple's story is not completely finished, but Shanora is working on book 2 so we will get to see more from our couple then. I am looking forward to their continued relationship and more from her wild friend Harper and his hot surfer friend Dawson who had equally challenging pasts to deal with. And I think we will get to know his brother Mills more too in the future.Note the author made some positive changes in the book since the ARC that are not reflected in my review.Thanks to Shanora Williams for the ARC and opportunity to read and review her book.