Firstly, one of the biggest reasons I loved this book was the fact that Alison Kent wasn't afraid to tread the interracial romance waters, proving that once again, love is colourblind. I sincerely hope more Blaze authors (and romance writers in general)will finally take the hint.

Annabel 'Poe' Lee is a career-driven woman with no time for romance, which was why the off the Richter-scale fling with Patrick Coffey served her well. Unfortunately for Patrick, Annabel has decided to call off their hot relationship.

Patrick has other ideas.

Having reviewed 'The Sweetest Taboo' (also by Ms. Kent), I bemoaned the fact that the female protagonist in that story (Erin Thatcher) was hard to relate to. Not so with Annabel Lee. Annabel was a woman who didn't want to lose control--she had plans, and she wanted stability, the things she simply couldn't see someone as rootless and damaged as Patrick seemed to be.

Vin Diesel automatically came to mind as I read descriptions of Patrick, especially when he finally shaves his hair. It was also nice to see nipple piercings mentioned on his chest (oh hot). Alison Kent takes the beta male to new heights as Patrick attempts to reconcile his demons, tie up the loose ends of his past, and to keep the woman he loves.

Not to mention the man was a culinary genius!

The sex scenes in this book are HOTTER than Phoenix in July, but it's not just sex--there's real emotion involved, and sometimes it's an uncomfortable place for a reader to be. It's like being a voyeur in an intensely private moment with two strangers.

gIRL-gEAR vice president Annabel "Poe" Lee needs a change. That means telling her recent fling, Patrick Coffey, that it's over. Patrick is the mysterious dark younger brother of her partner and the man who dropped a lot of money for a date with her at the Bachlorette Auction back in October.

In theory, it's an easy task. In reality, Patrick's the best lover she's ever had, so saying goodbye is tougher than she'd thought. But, Poe has just graduated with an advanced degree and is changing careers, and finding she is falling for Patrick. So now is the time to make the break.

Patrick does not see things the same. Especially since he thinks the one person other than him that escaped the firefight the brought his kidnapping and 3 year imprisonment to a halt is after him. There are things that are happening; especially smelling a special blend of tobacco that can't be bought locally, that tells him him and therefore Annabel is in danger. Since Annabel's letting him stick around for a few more weeks, though, he's determined to show her why it's so good between them - day and night!

This one is my favorite in the gIRL-gEAR series....