I have been hearing so much positive feedback about this Cook County series that I could not wait to get my greedy hands on Work Violation. When it landed on my kindle, I could not wipe the giant smile off my face if you paid me. I mean, seriously. BJ Harvey is mega talented and look at that gorgeous cover. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.
Story Line: Jaxon Cook is one of the twin Cook brothers whom we meet in book 1 (All books in this series are stand alone, so you don't have to read Work In Progress first, just fyi) Jax is a part time professor, as well as involved with his brothers and their construction business. Ronnie is April's (book 1) best friend. She and Jax have met prior to this book, however, they don't truly interact until now. And now? All bets are off. Work Violation is the perfect blend of humor, lust and just the right amount of heat. Ronnie and Jax bring us an amazing teacher/student trope, with a sprinkle of best friend's friends vibes and a dash of rom com. Okay, more than a dash, but it sounded cuter that way. You will laugh at the way Jax and Ronnie interact with her other. You will fall in love with not only these two, but the Cook family as well. BJ has created a world so vivid, I wish I lived next to that big pink Barbie dream house. Yes, that's right. There's a barbie dream house in this book and trust me, you will love it as much as I did. Because that dream house is so much more than just another renovation project. It's the beginning of Ronnie and Jax's road to forever. And even though the road isn't smooth sailing from start to finish, it's exactly what these two love birds deserve.
Interaction: I think the conversations between Ronnie and Jax are some of the best I've ever read. A single conversation can hold so much value. And for our main characters, they don't waste a single moment. Each time they talk, text, or are in the same vicinity as one another, they somehow manage to interact in the sweetest, sexiest and funniest ways. Their nicknames for one another had me rolling with laughter, but secretly loving the pet names hard core. The best thing about Ronnie and Jax is how well their lives mesh. There isn't any awkwardness. There isn't any misunderstandings. They just click. There is an underlying understanding between them that was both refreshing and realistic. Trust was huge and I give these two mad props for showing us what it's like to be in a real adult relationship. No BS. Just real love.
Laundry: I'm not sure if I was expecting a rom com to make me laugh immediately following a laundry scene, but I did. And it was amazing. I was blushing crimson right along with Ronnie, yet adoring how this scene was set up and how it rolled out. What I truly wasn't expecting was how long Jax was willing to chase Ronnie. I thought I would get antsy for the good stuff, but it worked so well with the story line that a little delayed gratification was zero problem at all for me. Because, as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. And it is so good. So, so good.
Depth: Ronnie's character has to be one of my favorite heroine rolls of all time. I related to her more than I can express in this review. Ronnie's family is less than supportive of her career change/back to college path. They're all about appearances and doing what is best for your family and not necessarily yourself. I felt this so deeply. But Ronnie is a fighter and she found her perfect match with Jax. Because he is willing to fight for her too. There is a particular scene that comes to mind regarding her family that I will forever adore Jax for. He showed us that real men will not only stand up for their women, but they will do so with respect and grace. Oh, and as for that drama that is inevitable with student/teacher romances? Amazing. I had an inkling that something would get thrown down, and I was not disappointed. Before y'all start freaking out that something tragic happens, just relax. Sit back, turn on Barbie Girl by Aqua and enjoy this fantastic romance read.