*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *Wicked Choice is much more than an erotic romance, there are some important choices the characters have to make. And there is an important theme about how women are often judged much more harshly than men for their choices.
Story:
Wicked Choice does partly evolve inside the Wicked Horse, but it's not the most important place or theme of the story. Rachel's unplanned pregnancy, and the fears she feels about that is the focal point of the story, and I found the way this unfolded to be very realistic. Not all women can imagine being a mother, and that is all fine and good. Rachel kind of did want to be a mother, though, but she was afraid of all the changes motherhood would bring to her life.
Wicked Choice is all about choices, which also brought out a discussion between Rachel and other characters about those choices. Bodie was so level-headed and calm I fell in love with him from the start. The interactions between the characters were so well done, and I loved that there was more to the story than the sex club - even if that is the case with all the Wicked Horse books.
Of course, there are plenty of steamy scenes in Wicked Choice, but there are intimate moments in which the characters talk and get to know each other better as well. Overall, the balance of the steam with the story, plot and character development was very well done.
Wicked Choice can be read as a stand-alone, as the other characters who appear are on the sidelines - you might enjoy the little nods to them that happen here and there - but you can still enjoy this story on its own.
Characters:
Rachel is a strong woman in so many aspects of her life. Both physically and mentally, she holds her own. Even when it comes to work, where she is in a male dominated field. She does have some insecurities, though, but none that made me not like her!
Bodie. *sighs* He is just made of awesome! Mature for his age. Understanding. And not judgemental at all!
Other characters from the Wicked Horse series are present as well, which made me feel right at home.
Writing style :
Rachel and Bodie each have their chapters, written in first person, present tense. And the pace flows nicely. Wicked Choice is an intimate story as readers share headspace with the main characters.
Feels :
Hope and hotness were the main feels with Wicked Choice.
The banging on my hotel door takes a moment to penetrate. I'm not sure if it's because I'm four shots of bourbon past the pleasantly buzzed state, or because I'm sick with exhaustion and guilt.
To be a member of this private club means having money out the wazoo, and I am indeed quite well fof because of the work I do.