5 "She fit perfectly in my arms, her soft curves against my hard edges" stars
*ARC generously provided by the author and I'm leaving an honest review*
This book (and series) should read every romance/romantic suspense lover. The plot is so cleverly well-developed and well-written. The writing just flowed and had me engrossed to the story from start to finish wanting to find out what happens next. I enjoyed every minute of it and never wanted it to end. I fell for the characters primary and secondary because it's so easy to love them and identify with them. In my opinion all the characters were the heart of the story because they were so engaging and made me want to know more about them. The characters are complex; the plot is strong and unpredictable. I loved that it was written in first person, dual POV so I know what both characters – Victor and Estelle – were thinking at the specific time or moments. The author knew how to develop, create the storyline and make you fall in love with her words, plot and the characters demanding your attention. It was enjoyable read with so many twists and turns, while delivering an intense and passionate romance - love story between Victor and Estelle that I devoured in one sitting. This book was such a page turner, gripping, gritty and steamy, but also sweet, funny, heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story.
Victor and Estelle are truly amazing together. The chemistry and tension between Victor and Estelle was everything. I liked them from the moment they interacted the first time. They lit the pages with their chemistry. They are each other’s match; sinfully sexy and intense. He can’t explain what exactly is about her that gets to him; he just knows that he is drawn to her. With danger surrounding them, he vowed to keep her safe. Victor is charming (when he wants to be lol), loving, caring, loyal, broody; but also jaded from the past and doesn’t trust easily. Estelle is loving, caring, fighter, survivor, vulnerable, loyal and jaded from the past. Separately they are beautiful mess, together they are perfectly imperfect. Neither of them in the beginning is looking for a relationship, but also can’t deny the strong connection they feel or the chemistry. They are passionate, a little bit angsty and intense. I loved their banter which was a highlight to getting to know them and my reading. They had a lot going on. I love their moments and dialogues and banter; how they are just drawn to each other, how gradually they let each other in and began to trust each other. They simply understand each other. Maybe they don’t make sense but when they are together – they are just perfect and exactly what they need in order to heal and move on from the scars of their past. Their love story is not perfect. It’s layered, fast paced, real, emotional, with depth and edge. The pace of the story added to their romance and to them figuring out place in life and new circumstances of situation. It was flirty, fun, touching, heartbreaking and heartwarming.
This is the second book in LK Shaw’s Love Undercover series but it can be read as a standalone. In my opinion it’s more enjoyable if it’s read from the first book In Too Deep because you get a feel of other characters and get to know them – some superficially some as the main characters as it’s their story. It kept my attention at all times and I could not put it down. With an effortless writing, awe-inspiring details, suspenseful storyline with mystery, intensity, romance and emotional rollercoaster the author takes us on an emotional and beautiful journey of the characters and allows us into their minds and hearts; to see them who they were and what they have become. I recommend it.