ASIN: B00SI026L0
Publisher: Berkley (October 6, 2015)
Zoe Stone is the epitome of independence. She can fix her on plumbing (not really), paste the brick that keeps falling out of her fireplace (if she had the time), & repair the bathroom lock (she just hasn’t felt like it). She doesn’t need anyone to take care of her. Taking care of others is her job, and she doesn’t need or want anyone trying to flip the script on her. Not even her brother’s hot friend, Parker James, whom she’s agreed to let stay with her while he’s on vacation.
Parker’s vacation, as he calls it, is nothing to send a post-card home about. Instead of relaxing on a beach or climbing a mountain somewhere, he’s in Sunshine, Idaho searching for the criminal that got away, that always gets away. Not only is he defying his boss’s orders, but he’s doing the same to the headstrong, but sexy-he-couldn’t-help-but-notice, lady renting him a room by making house repairs behind her back. He knows he should keep his distance – her being his best friend’s sister and him having no plans to stay put- but it’s hard to do when she’s sleeping in the next room.
Pairing a feisty pilot with a laid-back US Fish and Wildlife agent, and throwing in some feisty dialogue, a smidgen of action, and some don’t-share-the-book-with-your-mama moments, Shalvis presents a likeable tale that’s sure to have a fan base.
Although the story itself was pleasurable, I was bothered by Zoe’s immaturity at times, especially during the climax. I’m sure it was meant to come across as another example of her strength, but it left me wondering why Parker would even want to continue to deal with her. I hoped her character had developed more by then, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
Despite, my momentarily being put out by the heroine, it was a nice read, and I recommend it to romance lovers.
Rating system: Cups of coffee – the less the better
0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.
My rating: 2 cups of coffee