- First Date: We first meet smexy, undercover agent John Harlow on his flight back to Chicago. He has just finished an undercover stint in Detroit and is looking to mend things with his girlfriend of two years. Only he comes home to find she's been getting along just fine without him. Agent Jessica Harlow is just returning to the windy city after transferring from the LA office. After her divorce, it seemed like the perfect time to head home. John and Jessica have a competitive, somewhat snarky history together. They trained together at Quantico so imagine their surprise when they are paired up to work an undercover stint in Florida. I am all in. I like both characters, from the competitiveness to the underlying sexual tension.
- Second Date: James gave us chapter flashbacks from each character's time at Quantico giving us a sense of their shared history and thoughts. It was nice getting an insider look at their initial interactions, and it helped add depth, humor, and understanding as these two engaged. I loved the competitiveness, the tension, admiration, and banter. It gave the romance a light, fun, feel. Because John is waiting to hear if he is accepted by the elite Hostage Resue Team, their building partnership, friendship, and tantalizing chemistry didn't have the pressures of what comes next. Of course, their romance was predictable, but James kept me reading into the wee hours. Secondary characters from Jessica's siblings and bestie to John's brother and friends added humor as they gently nudge each to question their actions and feelings.
- Third Date: I enjoyed John and Jessica's romance, their time partnered undercover and interactions with their friends and family. Both find themselves feeling more and having doubts as John prepares to depart for Virginia. I kept waiting for one to declare their feelings. James provided some twists, and unexpected happens involving the case. I loved that the tale was drama free even if I wanted them both just to stop, analyze and admit this was more than a fling. You think two FBI agents would realize they were smitten? It was lovely seeing them fall and James gave me lots of swoony and awe moments. I loved the ending and even had a good laugh with the epilogue the author provided.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer