Newly promoted police captain Bennett Carlyle considers being project manager for the new district substation the way to prove her worth in the male-dominated upper ranks of the department. But when the first girl she loved returns as the architect with little understanding of the operational needs of a police station, Bennett’s career and her heart could face permanent damage.
Architect Kerstin Anthony believes the new police substation will be the springboard to her own firm and the necessary resources to care for her mother. When she confronts the girl she kissed in high school, now a tantalizing police officer with unrealistic expectations about the new facility, Kerstin’s path to success becomes littered with unexpected hurdles. Along with tight deadlines, budget restraints, and architectural challenges, she has to battle both past and present feelings for the woman she was torn away from years ago.
As a thirty-year law enforcement veteran, VK Powell brings a rare level of authenticity to her novels of romantic intrigue. Her career spanned numerous positions including beat cop, homicide detective, vice/narcotics lieutenant, and assistant chief of police. Now retired, VK infuses her writing with the wealth of experience she gained in police work.
VK is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Rainbow Romance Writers, and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She has penned several novels and short stories featuring strong women who struggle with the timeless question: can you really have it all?
'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for my unbiased review'
The three most powerful words ever spoken are still 'I Love You' - they have the ability to transform relationships,family etc When real love is expressed,people naturally come alive or come undone just by hearing this word. Now having said all this,i'm still not convince that this was a well thought out story because of the lame attempt at which the author tried to reconnect the two leading characters who were past high school 'maybes' or not. Another thing about this book was the author writing about Kirsten admitting to her own lifelong battle with a fear of commitment and emotional vulnerability towards those other women whom she dated/picked-up and who themselves were also wrestling with their own uncommitted,unemotional or insensitive behaviors. This book had too many mix messages,way too many off beat plot twists and lots of questions about this storyline..rollercoaster ride with the storytelling.
3 1/2 Stars. This is an angst filled romance. I can find romances hit or miss when they are filled with angst. I quickly realized that was the kind of book this was going to be, I accepted it, and then I found myself enjoying the story more. Overall, I ended up liking this more than I expected.
Bennett has just been promoted to police captain. Her new job comes with overseeing the building of a new substation. Bennett just really wants to be with her officers, not an architect. When she takes the first meeting with the architect, she is shocked to see her old high school girlfriend Kerstin. How can she work together with one of her first loves she never really got over? And what will happen if her old feelings are still present?
I thought most of the characters in this book were really good. I loved Bennett and her whole Carlyle family. In fact, I think Powell could easily make this into a series starring the other Carlyle sisters. Although, I do have to admit I had a little trouble with the other main Kerstin. She is not the most likeable character, she absolutely has flaws. But I don’t want to read about perfect people all the time and she grew on me more as the book went on.
What I thought Powell did well was the chemistry and sexual tension. Even though at times I thought Bennett could do better than Kerstin, I still got their connection. The sex scenes were also pretty steamy. However, one of the sex scenes is different than you would expect. It really showed a deeper understanding into one of the characters. I applaud Powell for taking a little bit of a risk. It made me a little uncomfortable, and I like books that can poke at me a bit.
If you are not a fan of angst, this book is probably not for you. If you enjoy a good angsty romance, give this book a chance. I really hope Powell will consider turning this into a series. I would love to read about Ben’s other sisters, either the doctor or police officer. Either way I look forward to what Powell is going to write next.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
The book started off slow and when the pace finally did pick up the plot became a mess. The whole reason why Bennett and Kerstin haven't been on good terms feels like a weak excuse. It takes almost half of the book to finally address what happened because there is a total lack of communication, especially since every time Bennett wants to talk about what happened in the past Kerstin shuts her down.
Speaking of communication, if there is one thing I hate lately it's when characters start playing games with each other. Purposely being vague for instance so the other person gets the wrong idea or running hot one minute and cold the next, like Kerstin. After reading books where women actually speak up when something is bothering them and have an adult conversation about their issues, Bennett and Kerstin's behavior seems absolutely juvenile.
There were also a lot of plot points in the story that to me really added no value whatsoever. At least none that I could detect. Once I found out the reason for their falling out as teenagers I started skimming. Turns out that was a good thing because I didn't even bother reading the epilogue, I just wanted to be done with this book. This just wasn't for me unfortunately.
I really liked the first half of this book. I always enjoy it when the non-romance storyline is strong, however, the second half felt like misunderstandings were strung-out. Overall, the writing was strong, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
This book pulls me in two directions. On the plus side was the whole Carlyle family. I liked this big family and their connection very much. Loved how they interact with each other and always have their back.
The negative side was the pull and push from Kerstin, one of the MCs. I understood that she has some hurt feelings from the breakup as a young woman, but seventeen years later you should be able to communicate with your old flame. The push and pull can be interesting in a book, but here it was one or two times too much. And their miscommunication pulled on my nerves.
The sex scenes were hot and especially one scene was not what I had expected. I felt uncomfortable with this scene but was important to understand one of the MCs better.
Overall it was an OK read and part of the book I really enjoyed. I will read the second book about one of the other Carlyle sister.
Bennett and Kerstin are both easy to connect with. They’re very likeable and both have strong relationships with their families that are foundational to who they are. I enjoyed seeing them grow, especially how Kerstin warms up to Ben throughout the course of the book. 3.5 stars
Final one in the series for me (but first for most sensible people) -enjoyable & knowing the ending was not a problem! Highly recommended series - loved them & the Carlyle Family! Thank you.
I had such high expectations about this series and hate to admit that this book was a huge miss for me. I’ll skip the summary since plenty out there and go to the bottom line: I could not connect with the characters. Some with Ben but Kerstin was just frustrating. Her back and forth regarding Ben even when she admitted to herself she was sending mixed signals was terrible. The way she toyed with Ben’s emotions was childish. The first intimate scene made me cringe in terms of how she behaved with Ben. The inability to actually talk like adults was too much for me when supposedly they had such a connection. On a professional level (since both mains had to work together), Kerstin’s behavior was also erratic. For a project that supposedly had such an effect on her career, her lack of communication was also problematic and simply not helpful in advancing the project. For a romance, I found myself telling Ben to move on and find someone else! That indeed Kerstin did not deserve her. There was this big mystery (almost first half of the book) as to why the mains were separated as teenagers and quite frankly the tale was anticlimactic. I will say the secondary characters were well done, as were the police scenes. I own 6 more books by this author and look forward to reading something else from her as I’m sure her expertise in law enforcement brings something unique to her writing. Unfortunately this one fell short of my expectations.
I felt this book took a long time to get going. I started and stopped several times.
I really liked Bennett the police captain. I found she was honest, up front and honest. Kirsten I found to be the opposite. She has some serious issues. Kirsten also seems to blame Bennett for all her problems. All because Bennett told Kirsten's dad that they were experimenting when he caught them as children kissing.
Kirsten blamed Bennett for her parents divorce and all that came with it. She got good at running away. But Bennett proved her wrong.
The three most powerful words in the world "I Love You". Many don't understand their true meaning. But once said its hard to unsay as Kirsten found out. Trust and friendship are also part of it.
This story is poignant in itself. How the three words can change the perception of one's life. Yes, its a bit slow but I liked it. Enjoy!
Relationships are complex because people are complex. Bennett Carlyle is not the person she was and feels good about the person she has become but once in awhile her confidence wanes. Kerstin Anthony is in her own words, hot and cold and has trust issues. The yes, no, maybe was too much at times as they attempted to work through their relationship hang ups. But you know what, in my opinion, this is real life relationship stuff which like life can be unforgiving as well as unpredictable.
Bennet Carlyle and Kerstin Anthony haven't seen each other in nearly 20 years, not since they kissed as teenagers before being ripped apart. Now an architectural project brings Kerstin back to Greenboro to redesign Bennet's new police station. Old hurts and old feelings are brought back to the surface as they work together on this new project and the chemistry between them is stronger than ever.
I didn't love either of the main characters and I didn't personally connect with either of them. But that's just me personally. Especially Kerstin, I had a really hard time understanding her because she was so different than myself. But you know what, she was real and she was unique and she was strong and fascinating, and I'm glad the author told her story. I may not understand her, but I'm sure there are other who do undertand her and feel her struggle. Many thanks to the author for adding some realness and variety to the happy go lucky world of romance. I did really love the other Carlyle sisters and I would love to read their stories in the future! *Hint* Hint*
I felt like a lot of the initial pacing in the story didn't feel very realistic. It was always a -lets meet for two minutes and pick this up five days later - in an attempt to draw out the resolution between the two characters. It didn't feel very realistic that older, mature, professionals would do something like that, no matter their feelings. I started to almost role my eyes every time they were slowed down again by the exact same thing. I felt like the slow burn could have been done in a slightly different way. The second half of the book was great though! The pacing was good, the secondary characters were amazing and helped create a rich and warm story, the family drama and work drama all came together and kept me hooked until the end. And gosh I love love love angsty angsty romance!
I can't believe that this is my first V.K. Powell! I look forward to delving into her other books, because the writing is definitely superb.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bennett Carlyle gets promoted to Police Captain and handed the project managing the redesign of the new sub-station building. Uncomfortable taking on something she has no experience with, she knows she needs to succeed to prove herself to her team and her boss. When it turns out the architect is her high school crush, who left town after their first kiss, things get way more complicated.
Kerstin Anthony gets handed a project in the town she grew up in, but had no intention of returning too. Unaware of the mess she is being handed, she wants the project to be the centrepiece of her design portfolio that will launch her own agency. When her first meeting brings her face to face with Bennett Carlyle all the painful heartache of being abandoned by her first and only love come flooding back and invading her carefully controlled world.
Can the two of them bear to work together of a project that is critical to their careers or will the heartache force them to step away?
VK Powell is the mistress of Police romances and this one is another classic “will she wont she” story of lost loves reunited by chance. Bennett is a true hero, calm, strong, brave and loyal, her heart has never really moved on despite getting on with her life, she is everything admirable. Kerstin has done the right thing, forged a career, taken care of her mother, but on the inside she is broken, unable to form attachments, scared of the thought of commitment, she holds herself in tight control and lets off steam with emotionless sex in her favourite private club.
There is a lot of prevarication.. this is the archetypal story of a woman not wanting to accept she has feelings, and it might drive you mad; it certainly makes Kerstin behave badly towards Ben whose patience is nothing short of stoic. But ultimately she has to grow, accept her feelings, allow herself to know why caused the breach and what has crippled her emotionally ever since.
The two families are extremely well drawn, far apart in many ways, one warm, caring and engaged, the other cool and distant; both feed the personality of the main characters and provide great sub-plots along the way.
Well written, lots of great sex and excellent sexual tension, great character building and use of the setting, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I have read Powell before, but I think this is my favorite out of her books. I just got the connection between the two main characters, their backstories were well told, though it would have been nice to have a little more shown to us about backstories. The secondary characters, especially Bennett's sisters, were amazing and really made the book even more. This is a great romance book that will not let you down!
This was, I think, my least favorite book by VK Powell thus far. It’s not a bad book, it’s just not as good as I’m accustomed to reading from her. I liked Bennett, one of the main characters. I was not so fond of Kerstin. She did a fair amount of jerking Bennett around and it just pissed me off. That about sums it up. Yep.
“Captain's Choice - (Fairview Station #1)” is an angst filled story that made me wish for less angst.
It’s been 17 years since MCs Kerstin and Bennett saw each other, and they both have unresolved issues from their time in high school. Bennett wonders what happened, and Kerstin won’t discuss the past. Today, they’re thrown together to design a new police station. Bennett is the newly promoted police captain, and Kerstin is the architect who is assigned the project after some, errr….difficulties arose with the previous architect.
The level of misunderstanding and miscommunication (or lack of) reached new levels with this book. Kerstin was not my most likable of characters, and I frequently wished that Bennett would move on. Still, this being a BSB book, I stayed with it for the eventual HEA. I’m hoping for better with Jazz, Bennett’s younger sister, and Emory - the hospital social worker, in Book 2. 3* for “Captain’s Choice”.
Police captain Bennett Carlyle finds out her first love, Kerstin, will be designing the police station and the feelings are still there. Only Kerstin feels like Bennett betrayed her, so there's a lot of tug and pull between the characters. It maybe goes on for a little too long and tips into the unbelievable category.
Also, this is pretty much pure romance. No police procedural here like VK sometimes writes.
Enjoyable but not up to the high standards of VK's usual books. 3 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was angsty and had it's share of misunderstandings, but I liked that it was more grounded in reality than most romance novels. Life isn't always easy, and I liked the entanglement of family drama (both from Kerstin's mother and from the entire Carlyle family) and work complications that came into play in this book.
If you're looking for something with a bit of cop drama, romance with a side of long-term angst from childhood to adulthood, and for all of that to be well-written, I highly recommend this.
I received an ARC from the Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review has what some may regard as potential slight spoilers, so be forewarned.
I read VK Powell's To Protect and Serve a couple of years ago and have no idea why it took me so long to get to another of her books. In any case, I'll simply say I highly recommend that one and add that Captain's Choice was every bit as good but with an even larger cast of characters to root for and maybe fall in love with. Anyone who's read my reviews knows that characters are as important to me as plot and Powell certainly delivers in that respect. In both respects. A few other reviewers on amazon have complained that the relationship between Kerstin and Bennett is unrealistic but I disagree. Admittedly, at times, I'd like to grab Kerstin by the shoulders and shake her until her teeth start to fall out, but hers is a perfectly normal defense mechanism and could realistically be caused by her parents' unexpected divorce and the way she was torn away from Bennett before their relationship could even really begin. As for Bennett not leaving Kerstin due to the latter's constantly mixed signals, as Willow said to Buffy early in season two of BtVS, "Love makes you do the wacky." To me, however, Bennett's patience isn't "wacky" at all. Bennett doesn't even say those famous "three little words" until 85% of the way through the novel, so she's clearly not rushing into things. Besides, it's not as if she's been pining away for 17 years and "forsaking all others." Her key phrase "Life taught me not to bypass what I want if I know it's right" doesn't sound at all like the immature person that particular reviewer calls her. She realizes starting over with Kerstin isn't going to be easy, but it's worth it to her to try because she knows "it's right" and I think I'd be disappointed in her if she didn't try. I freely admit to being a romantic, though hardly the hopeless variety -- I hope. Despite the sudden interruption to their budding relationship in their youth, and Kerstin's hot-and-cold reaction to its possible resumption, I see these two as, to use the common cliché, "meant for each other." Even Kerstin realizes this; it's why she's terrified by the idea of her and Benett as a couple: it's something beyond her control. Quite frankly, I loved both characters and Kerstin's vulnerability and her aversion to emotional intimacy is, just possibly, a battle she can't win. And, not surprisingly, it's that vulnerability that makes her more attractive to the reader, not less. In addition to the two principals, Captain's Choice is filled with a large cast of supporting characters who add greatly to the reader's enjoyment. The entire Carlyle family is loving and fiercely loyal to each other, including Bennett's adopted sister Jazz, my favorite character after Kerstin and Bennett. Moreover, they're all fun to read about and they contribute considerably to the novel's more light-hearted side. This helps balance the angst of Kerstin and Bennett's fraught reunion. I also think Kerstin's dinner chez Carlyle plays a big part in her ultimate decision in re Bennett even though she's still terrified by the prospect, the same reaction, incidentally, she had when she first encounters Bennett in the opening scene. As a rule, I'm not a huge fan of romance qua romance, preferring a mystery or sf element as a necessary concomitant. In Captain's Choice, the various obstacles to the successful completion of the new precinct substation satisfied that need; though not a life-or-death issue as in those other genres, the impact of the project on Kerstin's and Bennett's careers lends it adequate weight to serve as that needed counterpoint to the romantic plot. There was absolutely nothing wrong with Powell's writing in To Protect and Serve, just as one would expect from a Bold Strokes Books release. However, the author's hand seems somehow more assured in Captain's Choice. Of course, at least part of that is the difference between a writer's book one and her book eleven. Having read two of Powell's books, I'd also say she needs very little editorial support in the mechanical aspects of writing, all those things that call attention to the words on the page and distract the reader from the actual story. The narrative flows smoothly, naturally, holding one's interest from the get-go. I particularly enjoyed the fact that, although Captain's Choice is set in a police precinct, it's not a police procedural or murder mystery. The focus on the day-to-day administrative facets of law enforcement is unique and refreshing. Powell's many years experience in law enforcement make her equally adept at portraying the daily grind, if I may, as well as the more common crime solving. I also liked the Greensboro setting, since most mysteries are set in major urban centers like New York, Chicago, or LA. This gives the tale a entirely different "feel" from the standard law-enforcement-oriented story. Greensboro may be the biggest city in the Piedmont Triad, but that's a far cry from being one of the four or five largest cities in the US. In a sense, Greensboro is almost a character as well as the setting, much like Mickey Knight's New Orleans. To conclude, VK Powell's Captain's Choice is a very well-written novel with characters whom it's easy to care about and even admire. And, as I often say, they're people you wish you knew in real life. Like the characters, the plot is engaging and holds the reader's interest throughout. I recommend the novel unreservedly and I'm certain it won't be two years before I revisit Powell's works. I read VK Powell's To Protect and Serve a couple of years ago and have no idea why it took me so long to get to another of her books. In any case, I'll simply say I highly recommend that one and add that Captain's Choice was every bit as good but with an even larger cast of characters to root for and maybe fall in love with. Anyone who's read my reviews knows that characters are equally important to me as plot and Powell certainly delivers in that respect. In both respects.
A few other reviewers on amazon have complained that the relationship between Kerstin and Bennett is unrealistic but I disagree. Admittedly, at times, I'd like to grab Kerstin by the shoulders and shake her until her teeth start to fall out, but hers is a perfectly normal defense mechanism and could realistically be caused by her parents' unexpected divorce and the way she was torn away from Bennett before their relationship could even really begin.
As for Bennett not leaving Kerstin due to the latter's constantly mixed signals, as Willow said to Buffy early in season two of BtVS, "Love makes you do the wacky." To me, however, Bennett's patience isn't "wacky" at all. Bennett doesn't even say those famous "three little words" until 85% of the way through the novel, so she's clearly not rushing into things. Besides, it's not as if she's been pining away for 17 years and "forsaking all others." Her key phrase "Life taught me not to bypass what I want if I know it's right" doesn't sound at all like the immature person that particular reviewer calls her. She realizes starting over with Kerstin isn't going to be easy, but it's worth it to her to try because she knows "it's right" and I think I'd be disappointed in her if she didn't at least try.
I freely admit to being a romantic, though hardly the hopeless variety -- I hope. Despite the sudden interruption to their budding relationship in their youth, and Kerstin's hot-and-cold reaction to its possible resumption, I see these two as, to use the common cliché, "meant for each other." Even Kerstin realizes this; it's why she's terrified by the idea of her and Benett as a couple: it's something beyond her control. Quite frankly, I loved both characters and Kerstin's vulnerability and her aversion to emotional intimacy is, just possibly, a battle she can't win. That vulnerability makes her more attractive to the reader, not less.
In addition to the two principals, Captain's Choice is filled with a large cast of supporting characters who add greatly to the reader's enjoyment. The entire Carlyle family is loving and fiercely loyal to each other, including Bennett's adopted sister Jazz, my favorite character after Kerstin and Bennett. Moreover, they're all fun to read about and they contribute considerably to the novel's more light-hearted side. This helps balance the angst of Kerstin and Bennett's fraught reunion. I also think Kerstin's dinner chez Carlyle plays a big part in her ultimate decision in re Bennett even though she's still terrified by the prospect, the same reaction, incidentally, she had when she first encounters Bennett in the opening scene.
As a rule, I'm not a huge fan of romance qua romance, preferring a mystery or sf element as a necessary concomitant. In Captain's Choice, the various obstacles to the successful completion of the new precinct substation satisfied that need; though not a life-or-death issue as in those other genres, the impact of the project on Kerstin's and Bennett's careers lends it adequate weight to serve as that needed counterpoint to the romantic plot.
There was absolutely nothing wrong with Powell's writing in To Protect and Serve, just as one would expect from a Bold Strokes Books release. However, the author's hand seems somehow more assured in Captain's Choice. Of course, at least part of that is the difference between a writer's book one and her book eleven. Having read two of Powell's books, I'd also say she needs very little editorial support in the mechanical aspects of writing, all those things that call attention to the words on the page and distract the reader from the actual story. The narrative flows smoothly, naturally, holding one's interest from the get-go.
I particularly enjoyed the fact that, although Captain's Choice is set in a police precinct, it's not a police procedural or murder mystery. The focus on the day-to-day administrative facets of law enforcement is unique and refreshing. Powell's many years of experience in law enforcement make her equally adept at portraying the daily grind, so to speak, as well as the more common crime solving.
I also liked the Greensboro setting, since most mysteries are set in major urban centers like New York, Chicago, or LA. This gives the tale a entirely different "feel" from the standard law-enforcement-oriented story. Greensboro may be the biggest city in the Piedmont Triad, but that's a far cry from being one of the four or five largest cities in the US. In a sense, Greensboro is almost a character as well as the setting, much like Mickey Knight's New Orleans.
To conclude, VK Powell's Captain's Choice is a very well-written novel with characters whom it's easy to care about and even admire. And, as I often say, they're people you wish you knew in real life. Like the characters, the plot is engaging and holds the reader's interest throughout. I recommend the novel unreservedly and I'm certain it won't be two years before I revisit Powell's works.
This is a romance involving two main characters Bennett Carlyle and Kerstin Anthony. Bennett has been recently promoted to a police captain and has been assigned the responsibility of overseeing the building of a new substation. Kerstin is the architect who is working on the building design and construction. The project presents a lot of pressure for both Bennett and Kerstin. Unfortunately, there are several problems that they are not aware of when given this assignment.
To work on this project, Kerstin must return to her hometown. The last time she had been home was 17 years earlier at the end of high school. She is not looking forward to returning, but she has to take the job to enhance her portfolio. Kerstin and Bennett were in a relationship when they were in high school. The chemistry once present between the two bursts upon the scene when they unexpectedly meet on the job.
I liked the story. The only problem I had was with the many “on again, off again” signals that Kerstin is sending Bennett. I understand that Kerstin has family obligations and job goals, but I felt the indecision was a little too much and caused the story to be choppy at times.
Character development was good. I particularly liked Bennett’s character. She is brave, honest, sensitive and hard working. Throughout the book you will see these characteristics. I am sure the attributes were ones which Ms. Powell demonstrated through her many years in the law enforcement profession.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
Really liked this story. I hope we get sequels about Bennett’s other two sisters. Their love story was filled with a lot of angst. Kirsten would not let Bennet ask why she left without talking to her and yet, she blamed her for they way things were when she left. When they were finally able to clear the air things went well from that point on. Loved Bennet’s family particularly her mother and grandmother. Both adorable!
I was lucky to receive this book free form the Publishers in return for an unbiased review. Having never read any of the V.K's books i was looking forward to reading this, the back page info gave you a idea of what the book was about. The story started with the characters meeting again after many years apart. At this point you are unaware of the situation on how they split, this information comes clear as the book progresses. They are thrown together against there wishes and the book covers the ups and downs of them working on the project together. I really enjoyed all the family scenes and these gave good background to the main characters. It is a popular theme for Lesbian Authors, couple meet, hate each other then fall in love. But overall a really enjoyable read, and i will look out for V.K's other books.
I really liked this book, it's very well written like all books of Powell. The characters are interesting and kind, and the connection is very good between the characters, while one might think at the beginning that they would be predictable but he has nothing. Very enjoyable. A book to read urgently !!!
For me, this book rates 3.5 stars. It is an angst filled romance starring newly promoted police captain Bennett Carlyle and architect Kerstin Anthony, who were once high-school lovers that ended in a bad breakup. Both are forced to work together on a new police substation.
The plot was decent and entertaining enough. It has a hint of police drama, a lovable and adorable family dynamic and of course, the romance (which in all honesty was a bit cringe-worthy). I did not understand their connection at all and after all those misunderstandings I wanted to pull my hair out!
I really enjoyed Bennett Carlyle's character but couldn't connect with Kerstin Anthony who annoyed me throughout the book with her back-and-forth, hot-and-cold attitude towards Bennett. If I were Bennett, I wouldn't even give Kerstin a second glance after being so disrespectful the first time.
The secondary characters were what stole the show for me. I loved the whole Carlyle family dynamic and I loved the Carlyle sisters! I can't wait for the sequel's, hopefully featuring Jazz and Dylan.
This was my first V.K. Powell novel and while it didn't blow me away, it was a decent read.
Captain’s Choice is classic V.K. Powell — sharp, romantic, and grounded in a world that feels absolutely real. The story between Captain Andrea Finley and Marine biologist Jordan Kendall hums with chemistry from the start, but what makes it stand out is Powell’s ability to balance emotional depth with crisp dialogue and genuine humor.
As always, Powell writes women who are competent, flawed, and human — professionals who fall in love not in spite of their responsibilities, but right in the middle of them. The setting aboard the research vessel is vivid and tactile; you can almost taste the salt in the air.
The romance builds slowly and deliberately, letting trust and vulnerability grow in tandem with desire. It’s a story about connection, integrity, and learning to navigate love when the waters aren’t always calm.
In short: beautifully paced, mature, and deeply satisfying — a reminder that even the most disciplined hearts can’t resist the pull of the tide.
I have read quite a few of Powell’s books and thoroughly enjoyed them, but this is not one of her best. I didn’t feel there was enough explanation as to what the problem was between Kirsten and Bennett all those years ago. Why was Kirsten so scarred? Also, I didn’t quite feel the connection between the two leads. Having said that the book was full of wonderful supporting characters, and did make for a worthwhile read. I was given an advance review copy via NetGallery in return for an honest opinion.
First time reading from this author and definitely will not be the last. Loved how each chapter left me wanting to keep reading the next making it very hard to put down until I see its early hours of the morning. It did slow down in the middle but eventually it got there in the end making it worth the read.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the serious. Not in my top 5 but still a good read.
I loved the story but I did want to slap Kerstin. It tooka awhile to watm up to her; the end of the book. I loved Bennett's family though and I am glad I bought this book. Love VK Powell's books. If you haven't read her stuff then you're missing out.
I recommend this series. Very good read. The characters are very well written and very likable. The characters return in each of the books so you can catch up on their lives. Thanks for e winner.