ABE; Four In Hand - by MJ Field

ABE; Four In Hand

(Ties of Steel Book 1)

by MJ Field

ARC Review

Released: October 28, 2014

My rating: 4.5 of 5 ⭐️

"Twenty-six-year-old Abraham O’Donnell is the CFO of Steel Inc. After working tirelessly for over a year, he takes a week off to enjoy the sand, surf, and bikini-clad women of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After all, he's earned it.

When a brief interlude with a flight attendant in her hotel room goes awry, Abe heads to a rental home with a private beach. While floating naked in the pool, he learns a guest house on the property is also occupied. So much for rest and relaxation. Ever the gentleman, Abe tries to make the most of his misfortune, and offers to make the beauties staying on the property some dinner.

It's senior year and Nikolette (Nikki) Bassett is a few days late for her last college Spring Break with her four best girlfriends. When she arrives, all these ladies can talk about is the guy next door. And once Nikki gets a look at him, she knows what they mean. Fresh from an afternoon of surfing, Nikki can hardly believe her eyes when Abe approaches. The sexual tension and banter between the two of them leads to steamy hot sex on the Atlantic shore.

It's only a Spring Break fling, and both Abe and Nikki know better than to make it out to be more than that. Or do they? Abe’s calm demeanor changes once he has a taste of Nikki. That night, no location is safe. He takes her on the beach and ravages her in his bed. But despite their mind-blowing sex, Abe's taste for ultimate control in the bedroom makes Nikki uneasy. Nikki's just getting over a heartbreak and she can't afford to let Abe in. So, she pushes aside her budding feelings, and leaves Florida and Abe behind without a backwards glance.

Not used to being dumped and afraid to admit how much it hurts, Abe cuts his loses and heads back to Steel Inc., resume his role at the top of Steel Inc., pouring his heart and soul into his work. But Nikki Moore won't be forgotten so easily. Her taste, scent, voice, the noises she made when he brought her to ecstasy, the way she tasted on his tongue, and felt under his touch haunts him. Always 

fighting for control, Abe tries to push Nikki far into the back of his mind, as he fucks the rented women he had grown accustomed to.

But Karma is a bitch, and Abe blames her for Nikki leaving him the way she did. So when Nikki shows up unexpectedly, Abe welcomes Karma with open arms. Control has left the building and safety of one's heart is no longer strong enough to stop what happens next."

*****

A deliciously wicked spin off from the fabulous Men Of Steel Series by MJ Fields.

Unlike his friends and colleagues, the Steel brothers, Abe seems to be a more controlled and contained man. Not quite as combustive and slightly more refined, Abe has found a good balance in his life between personal and business, and knows very well how to maintain it. With very tight control and firmly set boundaries. 

Still smarting from a recent betrayal and the resulting hurt, Nikki is still finding her way. Having grown up in a loving but very protective family, she is looking for her own legs in this world. A little insecure, but eager to taste what is up for offer, she is up for a challenge, but finds herself second guessing when she meets one in Abe. 

The attraction between them is instant and mutual, the feelings that develop are unexpected throwing both for a bit of a loop. For Nikki it means a retreating in fear of being hurt again and for Abe impatience when he can't seem to control the situation to fit his needs. Trust is the highest commodity in this relationship and neither Abe nor Nikki are comfortable handing it out easily. This is when lack of maturity for both rears its head and their behavior becomes reactive at times, rather than insightful. And they are forced to fight for this unexpected, at times unwelcome, but always undeniable connection of love in its truest form.

I loved the character growth in this story. From what started out as a scorching hot vacation fling, to a secure and loving couple, MJ Fields describes the intense struggle to maintain their own identity while finding their place with the other. A surprising and multi-layered read!

✨Delicious cocktail of heat, passion, control and a hint of suspense.✨

**Copy provided in return for an honest review.**