5 #HotShot Stars and recommendation for romance genre, especially if you love a second chance love story.
I fell in love with this story in the 2rd paragraph of the prologue; “I flashed my come hither smile. Some called it a panty remover…”. I mean, what a reputation and the man, one Jake Landen, knows it. In Carey Decevito's “Almost Forgotten” we get Jakes story as a confirmed bachelor, and the reasons why, primarily one Danica Withers. Jake and Danica's history is long and they have a fifteen year estrangement, due to some major intrusions and extenuating circumstances, and a gap that’s about to be closed.
We met Jake in Carey’s “Once Written, Twice Shy” as Paxtons lawyer. We found out that Paxton had an immense amount of faith in Jake’s legal capabilities, but that Paxton knew of Jake’s inability to get over his first true love. His only love. At 18, Jake gives up on love and decides to live a life of subtle debauchery, vowing to protect his heart at all cost. The story follows Jakes path and re-acquaintance with the girl who broke his heart. However, once the connection is reestablished, we have a second chance love story in bloom.
I love Jakes snarky attitude and you can feel him swagger across the pages. Jake is an overly confident man, with a very distinctive attitude ~ He knows he’s good with his profession, with women, but he has no solid plans for his future and he seems resigned to this. Danica Withers initially seems completely detached from the past she and Jake shared. Her reactions to him, to the situation where they are reacquainted, it’s almost as though she never really knew how Jake felt. But Almost Forgotten is the story that slowly uncovers Danica’s past and her reasons for leaving Jake, and a huge secret that Danica’s been harboring.
We spend a good of time watching Jake and Danica dance around each other, and their chemistry is very evident. It’s obvious the two will reconnect and Danica is not shy about what she wants, but seeing each other, reconnecting is only half the battle. Carey’s writing is sublime, and she peppers the storyline with some subtle and not so subtle hints. Part of me wanted them to just get over the past and begin their romance a new, but Danica's secret is dark, deep, and so sad, and frankly took my breath away. Once this is revealed, there’s some heartache and drama, but there is also light at the end of the tunnel and we are given hope that the two can make a go of it.
Carey delivers some amazingly witty and clever characters. We see a few guest appearances from Paxton and are introduced to Danica’s son Jordan and her brother Mike. Jordan becomes a central character as he mysteriously latches onto Jake, feeling an instant friendship and bond. As Jake plays a sort of guidance counselor to Jordan, his bond with Danica is further developed.
Almost Forgotten is the 2nd book by Carey’s that I’ve read, and the 2nd in “The Broken Men Chronicles”. I’ve come to expect an erotic scene or two, and must say these are very well written. It’s not only because they have a wonderful steam factor, but also because they are written in a way that depicts the characters personalities, from demanding to submissive, both naughty and nice.
Although there are a few more books in the series that I haven’t read, I feel safe in recommending the Broken Men Chronicles. Almost Forgotten is a 5 stars book for me and so I highly recommend that anyone loving erotic/romance pick this up.