A sexy and absorbing story
4 stars

I adore Carly Phillips and she can do no wrong in my eyes. Her stories are always filled with endearing characters, loveable families, scintillating sex and everlasting love. And this book is no different.

This is the second in Phillips’ Kingston Family series but is a complete standalone. The rest of the Kingston family do appear - including the couple from the first book (Just One Night), Linc and Jordan, but all the situations and connections are explained so if you’re new to Carly Phillips or this series, you won’t be lost.

The story starts off right in the action as Chloe is left at the altar and meets Beck. Despite her circumstances, you never feel sorry for Chloe and her feelings and emotions are understandable. But what I loved most about Chloe was her determination to make a change to herself and her life. To take more chances and really go after what she wanted. I hate to be dramatic (who am I kidding - I love it!) but I found Chloe so inspiring. I felt that positive buzz when reading about all her plans for the future.

Beck was the stuff that Greek God fantasies were made of - all wrapped up in a lovely, sweet, grumpy alpha package. He also rings all my hero bells by being just a teeny bit tortured and damaged - the poor baby. Although we all know that his reasons for keeping Chloe at arms length aren’t healthy, I admit that I could understand his logic. For a while I wasn’t sure that anything was going to get through to him but the way he saw the light was perfect yet realistic with it.

As with any Carly Phillips’ book, the sex was smouldering and our couple had chemistry by the bucket load. But it’s also in the quieter, softer moments where you see the true connection between our pair - the touches, kisses, caresses and hand holding. It makes me happy.

I have to add in a special note about how much I loved the small interactions between Linc and Beck. I would have LOVED to see more of their rekindled bromance.

A couple of points to allay any fears - I never felt that Chloe jumped into her relationship with Beck too early - and it all felt realistic and credible. Nothing worse than when you don’t believe that your main couple’s love will last! And I actually found the way that Chloe ended up staying with Beck to be believable, too. Not that it would have mattered, but I enjoy not having to roll my eyes when reading!

All in all, this is a fun, relatable, enjoyable and absorbing romance. I loved the characters, their story, the big extended families and the romance. 4.5 stars from me. ( )