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Review

 “You are my favourite kind of adventure”

4 stars

Fun and flirty with epic banter and a gorgeous romance with lots of heart, I really enjoyed this one! It’s the third book in Julie Johnson’s Boston Love series, and could be read as a standalone (though definitely more enjoyable if you’ve read the earlier books), and is the story of Parker and Zoe.

Zoe appeared at the end of the last book

She’s an absolute firecracker, and feisty as hell, having hardened herself to survive a tragic and lonely childhood to become a brilliant hacker. With the exception of her best friend and big brother figure, Luka, she lives a solitary and guarded existence, using her skills to infiltrate and bring down bad guys, while searching for the answers to a heartbreaking mystery from her past.

Parker West is everything Zoe isn’t. A charming, carefree, egotistical playboy, Parker has returned home to Boston from a life of travelling and chasing his next adventure to reluctantly take up the reigns of the family’s multi-billion-dollar corporation. He is in town long enough to get things straight and spend some time with his sister, Phoebe, before taking off again to the great unknown.

And then Parker meets Zoe.

“Trouble, aren’t you?”…
“No,” I lie, heart still hammering.
His grin widens. He knows I’m full of shit.
“Too bad.” His eyes flicker to my mouth. “I’m rather fond of trouble.”

From the very beginning, the chemistry between these two is fantastic! Both are taken aback by the strength of their attraction and while Zoe does her best to dismiss him (as is her norm), Parker turns on the charm, and the flirting and banter that ensues is sensational!

“Jesus Christ.” I look up to the heavens, seeking divine intervention. “This is torture.”
“This? No. This is a conversation between…friends.”
“We aren’t friends.”
“You’re right.” He shakes his head. “We’re so much more, snookums. Our connection…it’s deeper than words.”
“I loathe you.”
“You love me.”

It’s a fantastic dynamic, with wisecracks and witty comebacks flying thick and fast. And the fun-loving jokester starts to creep under Zoe’s skin as he encourages her to start enjoying her life, and opens her eyes up to everything she’s been missing.

I’m careful. Cautious. Methodical.
He’s bold. Brash. Free.
It’s anathema.
It’s addicting.

And, of course, each and every encounter is dripping with sexual tension as Zoe and Parker’s attraction sizzles.

His gaze flashes up to lock on mine. I see his intent a split second before it turns to action.
“Don’t,” I whisper.
He takes a step toward me anyway.
“We shouldn’t,” I say, not moving.
He prowls closer.
“No good can come of this,” I point out.
His hands hit my shoulders and he hauls me into his chest.
“This is a bad idea,” I breathe against his lips.
“This is a fucking great idea,” he mutters.
And then I can’t say anything else, can’t even think of anything else, because his mouth is on mine.

*fans self*

Parker is SO freaking hot! Yes, he’s a jokester, but he’s serious when he wants to be, and his alpha-ness is on full display when he decides that Zoe will be his, and he takes what he wants.

“You’re mine, now.”  His mouth crushes mine in a carnal, brutal kiss.  “This is where it starts.  You and me … You hear me?  No more running.”

Of course she is powerless to resist, and the sexy time is intense and passionate with lots of dirty talk. But more than just sex, it’s them acknowledging their connection as Zoe finally lets somebody get close to her. And Parker is there for her as she finally starts to open up about her past, and deal with her demons, and he is absolutely amazing!

“You should know, whenever that happens – you falling apart – whether it’s right now or tomorrow or next week or next year…ii you’ll let me, I’ll be here to pick up the pieces.”

“You can’t find your feet? I’ll be there to pull you up. You can’t walk? I’ll fucking carry you.”

I love these two together! They’re so much fun, but their relationship is also incredibly intense and full of emotion as they open themselves up to a relationship for the first time in their lives, embrace everything that is happening between them and revel in the wonder of falling in love.

“There’s this thrill I get, when I go on an adventure. Climb a peak, explore a city, set down wheels on a dirt runway in a place I’ve never been before. I’ve spent my whole life chasing that feeling.” He pauses. “You’re the first person I’ve ever met who makes me feel that rush while I’m standing still.”
… “You are my favourite kind of adventure”.

Their blossoming relationship is made all the more intense by Zoe’s investigation of a corrupt CEO and his mistreatment of his employees. The work is nothing new for her, but this time her investigations uncover far-reaching consequences which lead her into a whole lot of danger. It’s an interesting plotline, providing a nice amount of excitement to the story and making everything happening between Zoe and Parker more intense. But it also provides ample opportunity for Knox Security to get involved, which leads to lots of alpha time with Nate, Parker and newcomer Luka.

And of course the rest of the cast are all a part of the story as Zoe is enfolded into Parker’s world with Pheobe, Gemma and their posse. I really liked catching up with the characters from the previous books and love that their stories are continuing to progress. There appears to be a set up there for another book, and I’m hoping that Julie Johnson continues on with the series – I’d love a book for Luka!

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great mix of fun and flirty, sexy and emotional, with characters that you will instantly love!

I loved it – 4 stars.

An Advanced Review copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

Boston Love

 

Check out our Contemporary Romance Recommendations page for more great reads.