Full of action and lust, this is classic Nicole Snow with a twist. It’s a new location, new problems, but still the same suspense and steam that she’s known for. Longtime fans will enjoy the fresh take while new readers will appreciate that this reads as a standalone. Why the 3-star rating then? While the suspense and steam are there, I didn’t really feel the love. The beginning is so focused on the drama and action that there’s not a ton of chemistry, and then our couple shifts into a lust-based sexual relationship. None of that equates to romance, and that’s where I think this one is lacking.
The story follows Grace, a woman on the run from her problems. Her father’s health is failing and that’s lead to its own set of issues, but when she meets Ridge, it seems like her luck might be changing. Protective and sexy, Ridge is an actor fighting his own demons (a little bit of triggering content in that backstory). He left the Hollywood lifestyle behind and is living under the radar. But when he steps in to help Grace – and claims to be her fiancé – there’s a shift in his world. Dealing with everything that comes their way, these two find themselves getting closer until there’s no denying the attraction that sparks between them.
I can always depend on Snow for an action-packed, steamy read, and this definitely satisfies that craving. It’s suspenseful from start to finish and Ridge is her kind of hero – protective and alpha with a tender side that’s revealed as the story goes on. I’m not sure that I would call this one a slow burn; yes, there’s no steam in the first half, but once these two acknowledge that there’s attraction there, it’s zero to sixty in an instant. There’s a lot that I like about this new direction Snow is taking, so while this particular story lacked the romantic build I would’ve liked, it’s still a solid read. Looking forward to seeing what’s next from the author! I received an ARC via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review of this suspenseful romance.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2VHQCVA
Blurb:
From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow comes a heart-wrenching, steamy, and laugh out loud funny standalone romance where one growly Romeo puts everything on the line to save his fake fiancée.
He never bothered with hello.
The shrieking hot stranger had me dizzy the instant he said we’re engaged.
Then he chased off the bully on our heels and dragged me back to his place for the night.
Pure insanity, right?
Wrong.
You don’t let pride do the talking when you’re homeless, on the run, and hauling around your sick father in a truck so old it must’ve been on Noah’s Ark.
You definitely don’t complain when Ridge Barnet takes charge.
(In)famous heartthrob. Stinking rich. Fed up owner of one angry rooster. Eyes set to permanent storm.
Of course, it doesn’t end there.
My unexpected Romeo doubles down on this ridiculous “fake fiancée” rescue scheme.
One blazing kiss shatters worlds.
I’m swept up in a small-town fairy tale, wishing I hadn’t lost my faith in wishes years ago.
He’s saving my life. Hero and done. Nothing more.
Prince Charmings don’t really marry pumpkin farmers from Wisconsin.
Give me strength.
Tell me his gaze doesn’t scream obsession.
Save me from his oh-so-believable growls.
Help me believe our little arrangement never, ever ends in “I do.”
Full-length romance novel with a Happily Ever After sure to blow some socks off. Two shattered hearts from opposite worlds find their forever. A damaged heartthrob takes control, lays claim, and protects his sassy stray.
Jeeves Reads Romance 
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