by Terri Osburn
Advanced Reading Copy
Published: October 22, 2013, Montlake Romance
My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐️
Amazon Canada
Barnes&Noble
Growing up and working with predominantly men, mechanic Sid Navarro is not what you'd call known for her feminine ways. In fact, armed with tool belt she is a regular around Joe Dempsey's charters, putting a blush on the cheeks of the dockworkers with her potty mouth! A young transplant to Anchor Island, Sid can't imagine living anywhere else. She has been adopted by the inhabitants, especially the Dempsters, who run the local family restaurant, and they know that under the baggy clothes and the foul mouth hides a small bodied but big hearted woman.
Determined to make his own mark on the world and get out from under the shadow of his older brother, Lucas Dempsey left Anchor Island over a decade ago to pursue a career in law. He was close to making partner in the prestigeous law firm where he works. But when the call comes that his father suffered a heart attack and is taken to the hospital, he arranges for an immediate leave of absence and returns to Anchor Island to help keep the family business afloat, while his father recovers. Of course it means working with that mouthy mechanic who doesn't know how to dress, but he'll take one for the family if he must.
Sid has had a crush on Lucas from afar since high school, but he disappeared shortly after to pursue his career, and never really got to know her. She became fast friends with his brother Joe however, and became important to his parents. Being thrown together working at the restaurant is proving to be a bit of a challenge. She can't help but antagonize him every chance she gets and he gives it right back. After the first few shifts working together however, things suddenly start heating up between them.
For all of her rough and tumble exterior, Lucas is able to glimpse some extremely enticing glimpses of a different Sid underneath and finds himself completely tuned in. He knows she is not necessarily 'law-partner' material, and he also knows his time on the island is limited, but he can't seem to keep his hands to himself. Sid claims she can deal the temporary label just fine and is happy with a casual fling. But when time comes to say goodbye, will they be able to walk away?
****
What a fun book!!!! I had a great time with Sid's character....... the back and forth banter.......the stubborn stereo-typical father Dempsey....... Willow's no nonsense approach....... I loved the entire cast of characters!!
Right from the first page, you are drawn in to the story and you can tell there is a sense of humour at play with a bit of a bite.......my kinda humour. What is interesting is that it doesn't seem to take away from any of the other 'emotions' that the story calls for either. Some of it is serious, sad, sexy, but mostly you'll find yourself ready with a chuckle.
The close-knit island community is brought to life in such a way, it makes you want to visit, at the very least! The comfort of places you stop daily, where they would worry if you didn't show...... where they know your preferences off hand. Where you don't really have to think about asking or even offering help when it's needed, you just know it's there..... Even if you have your differences among yourselves, when it comes down to it, you always stand as a community. That came across.
Lucas has been so focused on being in Joe's shadow, he doesn't realize he is the only one who sees himself as secondary to Joe. No one else does. He has nothing to prove to anyone but himself, and what he doesn't get is the best way to do that is by choosing what he wants, not what he thinks he should, and especially not based on what others might think. Opening up to Sid, who was so different from everything he was looking for in a good 'fit', went a long way in liberating Lucas.
Sid was never questioned on her slightly crass language, her cavalier attitude or her sloppy attire.......that is, until Lucas. Once he saw a hint what she was hiding underneath that tough outer veneer, he was curious to find out the full extent of the hidden treasure. Not one for male attention, Sid was always more comfortable in the role of friend than of love interest, which is why she had very limited experience with relationships. She had also, until fairly recently, not been exposed to many friendships with females her own age. Sid was very much an innocent, who was just now starting to discover the power of being a woman.
My first experience reading Terri Osburn, but I can guarantee you, it will not be my last!! I am digging her style!
You won't go wrong with this book if you are looking for a fast-paced, funny, feisty and deliciously spicy read!!
✨A fierce, witty, tight and steamy tale of hidden charm!✨
** ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Montlake Romance in return for an honest review.**
No comments:
Post a Comment