Ms. Davenport starts with two characters, each with a past full of heartache and goals that are poles apart. Harlee’s character shines as she sticks to her principles even if it means losing Jake. She may tend to dress a little trashy and have trouble with her makeup but she’s painted as having the best interests of others as her main goal. Other people see that long before Jake does.

Jake comes across as a spoiled rich boy who can’t see the tree for the forest surrounding it. He only wants what is best for him or the family business and he needs a lot of help to encourage him to stand up for principles where his and his family money is involved. He and Harlee can be making mad passionate love one minute then fighting like cats and dogs the next. Right up to the end the author keeps us guessing about what he’ll do.

The author adds secondary characters that add spice and help tell the background of Jake and Harlee. His brothers, sister and parents add great detail to flesh out the story. His brother Brad adds humor. His sister is fun. Mariah and Rico, Harlee’s friend and her husband add a challenge as they offer Harlee a job that gives her a fall back plan if Jake breaks up with her. The villain adds his twists and turns to their fate. Ms. Davenport uses all her characters to help build the story to an exciting conclusion.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Dee Dailey
July 30, 2008