If I could give 3.5 stars I would... it’s good but lacked something
Don’t get wrong... I did enjoy this book and it had the makings of something great, but in all honesty it felt rushed in places.
Some good twists and some raunchy BDSM sexiness, but I finished the book thinking “Oh, is that it?” I felt, well, a little cheated. You wait right up until the end until they finally admit the depth of their feelings for each other and then it’s like... bang happily ever after. All just fell a little flat.
Nate and Ashlee were certainly a likeable couple. They really do play off it each other. Ashlee is so strong and forgiving. She really does see the best in every situation and even when faced with being targeted by Nate’s vengeful ex-lovers she still manages to maintain her dignity and incredible self control. Never once does her strength falter and she will do anything to protect those she loves... but especially Nate.
I would have liked another few chapters of Nate and Ashlee’s new found easiness around each other and some more of their playful banter.
The threat posed by Nate’s past becomes all too real and their vengeance is taken out on Ashlee in a more physical way. Not content with trying ruin Nate’s reputation and success, the conspiring ex’s turn on Ashlee by trying to defame her character and drive a wedge between the new couple. The reason... Ashlee has what no one else has ever been able to have... Nate’s heart. They can see how much she means to him and their jealousy leads them to criminal activities that if anything, pulls the couple close together instead of driving them apart.
I still love Finley. He’s a great character and a wise and much needed friend to Nate. Being Ashlee’s dad (apologies to anyone who hasn’t discovered this yet from the previous books) has given them both a vested interest... Ashlee’s happiness. They will do whatever they both can to keep her and her mum, Roberta safe and happy.
I suppose this story is more about building trust and learning to accept people and their past. Nate had always convinced himself that his lifestyle would inhibit his chances of ever finding love. He didn’t even really know what love was let alone allowed himself to dream that one day he would find it.
Once he gets over his selfish and self-deprecating thought processes, he starts to realise that not every situation demands his control and that sometimes letting someone else take care of him and his needs can be just as effective. Instead of jumping to conclusions and assumptions, Ashlee’s calming and more calculative approach to situations begins to run off on him and he finds that he’s becoming a better person the more that he allows Ashlee to influence him. You know when you are meant to be with someone when you better people together than you when you’re apart.
In general, it’s a good story and I did enjoy it, but I did feel it lacked something towards the end. I wanted more, but it just felt very abrupt. Would definitely like another story and these two.