Three of a Kind (Wallflowers, #1)

by Cp Smith

[stacey_is_sassy]

Sometimes reality is better than the books.

I love it when an author lets us know she’s a reader. I know most authors are readers but it’s cool when an author shares her love of books through her characters. In Wallflowers we get to meet three romance readers…just like me. I had a permanent smile on my face as the three women talked about their favourite historical romances. I’ve had the same types of conversations, sometimes online and sometimes face to face. It doesn’t take long for like-minded readers to form bonds. How could you not like someone who has shed a tear over heartbreak or laughed themselves silly over the stumblings and bumblings of love? When you find those friends you want to keep them. They know and get you in a way non-readers don’t. Wallflowers made me feel at home. I recognised the characters. There were chats about books that were so familiar to the ones I’ve had previously. The one thing these ladies got that I’ve never had…to meet the modern day Devil, Duke of St Ives.

Calla Lily has been living a half-life for 21 years. She’s relatively happy with her job, enjoys spending her spare time reading and loves her two aunts who she lives with. The problem is that Cali is alone. She has shielded herself to keep away emotional attachments. Cali knows what it’s like to love, and have the heartbreak when it is taken away. Her parents died when she was just six years old and she bears the burden of guilt that she caused their death. What better way to avoid hurt than to avoid love completely? Then, one day, she spies a man, looks into his eyes and feels.

Devin Hawthorne (LOVE the name) is an ex-cop looking to settle down in Savannah. He’s opening a PI firm to be closer to his cousin, Megan. Luckily, one of his best mates from College, Nate also happens to work and own a bar in town. Now, Devin’s got a lot on his plate getting things set up for his business but when he sees Calla for the first time, he knows that he’s going to have to find time to pursue, claim and protect this woman.

Wallflowers isn’t just about the relationship that grows between Devil…I mean Devin and Calla. We also get a murder investigation that drags all the Wallflowers, Devin, Nate and his new buddy Bo Strawn, into the intrigue. As the pieces fall into place, and the baddies are revealed, I can honestly say that the last piece of the puzzle took me completely by surprise.

The intimacy between Calla and Devin could be described as a slow burn, but because their attraction sizzles from the very beginning you never feel likes it’s drawn out. Once they do come together it is smoking HOT and exactly the way I like my heroes to take, conquer and possess. A “mine” here, with a “my job to protect you” there gives me all the heart flutters I need.

I really enjoyed Wallflowers. Yes, there were times when Devin’s devotion to Calla seemed a little too insta, but this is what you get when you read a book by C.P. Smith. I’m not complaining, though because I’m all for a little unrealistic insta lust/love that Ms Smith is famous for. If the Devil rides a motorbike instead of a horse, then who’s going to complain about that?

I cannot wait for Poppy's and Sienna’s stories…and I think I know who will risk “lyin’, stealin’ and killin’” for them, too.

Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.