On the Fence...3.5 stars
This is an interesting read, the plot is intriguing with a bit of suspense, the main characters and dialogue is satisfactory, but the chemistry between Caine and Daisy sort of fell flat for me.
I mean, sure he propositions Daisy to be his pet for a month, she counters the offer and throws in her virginity for a sizeable fee. What transpires between them at first is a cat and mouse game. Daisy is constantly off balance to see what’s in store for her: what will Caine make her do each day? Not much at first, Caine has a lot of work at the business which he runs for his father and picking up the reins since his dad has fallen ill. Their few interactions are not much of a kink, although he doesn’t harm her, he’s not a nice guy, either. He’s condescending, curt and moody. They don’t share anything personal until towards the end.
At 21, Daisy is no match for 36 year old Caine Foster. She’s inexperienced, naive, but I admire how headstrong she gets with Caine when he pushes for control. Also, she’s trying to raise her brother, Jack, away from a mother whose life consists of a revolving door of boyfriends and a gambling habit. What I wanted more from Daisy and Caine is a connection, some sizzle and pop, but I didn’t feel it. Sure there is sex, lots of dirty talk, and it’s steamy. But by the end of the story, I was not convinced when all the “I love you’s” started rolling around. I never read that they felt anything deeper, often convincing themselves it is a contract, just for sex. Although, the consequential forgiving and redeeming portion of the romance wasn’t persuasive enough for me, I was glad to see Caine soften towards Daisy at the end.
But still, His Virgin attempts to interconnect some of the characters from the previous books in the series, specifically from Stripped and Guilty. That part I did enjoy. There is a subplot that gives a piece of the puzzle and ties the three books together, and provides a bit of suspense. All in all, entertaining, but I wanted emotional fireworks from Caine and Daisy.
I received and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.