This is my first book by Penelope Douglas and apparently I’m late to the party because it seems many of you have already discovered how talented she is. From what I can tell this is one of this author’s first non-YA contemporary romance novels and OMG, it was really good.
Here’s the funny thing, when I first started this book I wasn’t sure I would love it or even like it. Easton is the heroine and at first she comes off as rude and cold. It turns out that being rude and cold is a coping mechanism for Easton that she developed when her life got completely out of her control very early on. On top of her personality issues, she also suffers from a touch of actual OCD which I found to be an interesting twist. I don’t think it was dealt with in a very realistic way but really what fun would that be? Easton meets Tyler at a high class party for the wealthy where Tyler is at the top of the food chain. She experiences an immediate attraction to him and vice versa but nothing happens until after she finds out that she is also Tyler’s 14 year old son’s history teacher. Tyler is a wealthy business man with political aspirations who is used to getting whatever he wants and he definitely wants Easton. Both of them think it’s wrong to start a relationship while Easton is teaching Tyler’s son but of course they can’t resist.
I really enjoyed the main characters in this book, including Tyler’s son Christian. Everybody is a complex mess that you can easily relate to. Easton can’t seem to get her temper under control and keeps saying things that she regrets. Tyler doesn’t know how to prioritize and has spent his whole life trying to achieve success without stopping to think about what will really make him happy. Christian is the son of a workaholic (Tyler) who had him too young and didn’t know how to be there for him. As a result he’s mad as hell and not afraid to let it show. Put all these characters together, add in lots of social media references and some hot desk sex and people we’ve got a story.
I loved seeing all of the characters mature through their relationships with each other. Easton slowly started to let go of her belief that all she could ever have was isolated sexual interludes. Tyler’s maturation was the most fascinating to watch. He was admittedly a dead beat Dad who did nothing but send his kid money because he was rich. It was really intriguing to read about his feelings about his mistakes and his agony over what had become of his relationship (or lack thereof) with his son. I was completely engrossed in the story of Tyler trying so hard to be a Dad to his son while still trying to be the man he thought he needed to be. I was actually warmed in the heart region when he finally got it and things started coming together.
As for the chemistry between Tyler and Easton, it was absolutely off the charts HAWT. It is rare that you get such good story telling wrapped up in a super sexy bow like we got her but boy did this author make it work for us. The plot started a little slow but quickly picks up. There is a mystery woven in to the story as it becomes clear that someone is messing with Easton and she may be in danger. When the truth comes out about that situation, it was really unexpected and I liked the twist. I really could go on about this book but I think the best thing I can tell you is that if you enjoy good writing, strong plot lines and complex characters, get this book and read it.
**ARC provided by Publisher**
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