Hot Shot (North Ridge, #3)

by Karina Halle

[stacey_is_sassy]

A Hot Shot walked into a bar…

I read an angsty romance and I sometimes question how I’m supposed to believe that these people are capable of an HEA. If the hero is capable of breaking your heart at the romantic, love comes into bloom part of a relationship, what about when it’s a committed one? If a heroine can run scared at the first sign of trouble, how will she cope when things get tougher? I scoff at squabbles about paying the bill, needing their independence/private time and choosing friends over loved ones. How will they cope when the fridge, washing machine and water heater break down at the same time...fight over THAT bill. Sure, have your independence/private time…but take the kids with you, please. OK, Freddy needs you…sure, but your family needs you more when they’re hurling chunks and you’re the last one standing. To me, I’ll believe in your HEA when I can see your mettle. I need to see how you cope when life throws you lemons. Even if you get it wrong, did you learn from your mistakes and get it right the next time?

I believed in Delilah and Fox’s HEA because I saw them crack, splinter and smash to smithereens. It was messy, heartbreaking and at times devastating. But, I saw them fight their demons, crawl out of their hell and learn to stand firm when the fire wanted to suck them back in. I believed that Delilah and Fox were destined for an HEA because they had been to hell, survived and came out stronger on the other side.

Seriously, I blubbered like a baby in Hot Shot. The beginning was brutal in the, seeing the person you love kiss another, kind of brutal and I was scared to go on. How long would I have to read with the sadness hovering over me? Sure, I’m tough and I can take it, but, geez, talk about bad timing. I made the mistake of reading a little bit in the morning and then had to face a day of work feeling a little battered and bruised. I was desperate to get back into it because I needed to see the upside. Things can only get better, right? Well, it went up…then down…then up…then down, down, down. Where's that UP? Oh my lordy, I’m seeing a bright light, my heart has mended and I have a smile on my face…THE END.

Ok, not really the end.

I loved Hot Shot and enjoyed the whole North Ridge series. The characters were far from perfect but good, real people. The storyline was interesting and kept my attention from start to finish. The sexy scenes were beautifully written and I found myself squirming and sighing because they were passionate, intimate and realistic. It wasn’t like reading a porno where gymnastics, heavy lifting and a soundproof room are needed. The looks, touches and feelings come to life and I see them together. Their love story was hot, messy and at times painful but in the end…I believed it was real.

If you're looking for a story that makes you feel, I would highly recommend the North Ridge series, especially Hot Shot.