I really do enjoy this series, especially the first book, Fighting for Flight. (I have a signed copy that I gaze at lovingly on a regular basis.) While I enjoyed reading Fighting the Fall, this was not my favorite of the series. Honestly, it's a matter of "it's not you, it's me", because I just didn't connect with Eve at all. Yes, she has issues. Her father is a royal POS and she has serious self esteem issues. I think her age and initial immaturity made it hard for me to connect with her...I think I said that already. I will say that she matures some by the end of the book and I appreciate the character growth.
Cameron. I like him well enough. He is a surly alpha guy and has a whole lot on his plate... An ex wife who is so dependent upon him, she can barely function, a son (who is quite well adjusted) and as CEO of the UFL he has a lot of responsibility. There is quite an age difference between the two, Eve is 21 and Cameron is 38. Personally, I don't have an issue with the age difference as long as the male MC doesn't act too paternal. It's a very fine line. As always, the sexytimes between Cam and Eve are smokin' hot. No complaint there!
As always, I enjoyed checking in with characters from previous books and Ms. Salsbury is doing a bang up job of developing Mason into a character that I'm looking forward to reading.
Eve:
With my head down, I make way to my car when I notice a familiar car parked next to mine. I look up and my steps freeze just feet away. Leaning against my car, arms crossed at his chest, long powerful legs crossed at his ankles, is Cameron.
My hand clutches my purse to my side. “Hey, what are you doing here?” I internally scold myself for sounding more defensive than happy to see him. He can’t possibly know what’s in my purse.
It’s been days since I’ve seen him, and our quick telephone conversations do little to slake my desire to see him in the flesh.
He shrugs. “Passing by, saw the place was closed for the night. Thought I’d hang out and see if I could speak to the manager.”
My stomach jumps and goes warm. He came all the way here just to see me?
“Did you have a bad experience? Like to make a formal complaint?”
He pushes off my car and takes two steps toward me. Close, but not close enough. His eyes set in their usual glare, he shoves his hands into the pockets of his dark washed jeans. “Mmm . . .” He rubs his fingers across his lower lip, as he did the night in front of Mason. His eyes burn through me. “I have no complaints about my . . . experience.”
His presence combined with his insinuation become too much and I drop my gaze. A tickle of caution pricks at my subconscious, reminding me that I’m not the kind of girl who shies away from flirtation. I’m not timid, demure, or easily swayed by just any man. But there are a few who have brought me to my emotional knees, and both of them I dislike. Immensely.
His feet move into my line of site, and I pull my gaze up to settle on his face. How is he even more beautiful than I remember with all that thick dark hair, his fierce jaw, and full lips that I know are as powerful as they are soft?
“What’re your plans tonight?” He reaches out and brushes my bangs off my forehead.
Such a tiny gesture, but the sweetness of it makes my eyes flutter. “I was going to grab a bite to eat.”
His eyebrows pinch together. “You hungry? I’ll take you to dinner.”
I look around at the empty parking lot then move my eyes back to his. “Now?”
“You hungry now?”
“Very.”
“Then yeah. Now.”
“But it’s the middle of the night.”
The corner of his mouth lifts so slightly it’s barely noticeable. “It’s Vegas, babe.”
“But I’m in the mood for a bacon cheeseburger.” I lick my lips. I can almost taste the greasy goodness. “With green chilis.” My stomach grumbles in agreement. “And onion rings. Not the battered ones, but those breadcrumb ones.” I hum low in my throat. “Oh, and a chocolate milkshake or an ice cold beer will also do.” I tap my lips, thinking. “Hm. Maybe both.”
So lost in my food-fantasy I don’t notice the way he’s staring at me until I focus on him. His glare isn’t as tight as it usually is, and his mouth isn’t the straight—but full and kissable—line it usually is. It’s as if someone pulled the starch from his expression, not completely relaxed, but tender.
Silence builds between us and I shift on my feet. “Or not, ya know . . . I mean whatever you want is fine too.”
He tilts his head, still not speaking.
“There’s an IHOP down off of—”
“Shut up, Yvette.”
God, I hate that name, but hearing it growled from Cameron’s lips makes it more than tolerable.
“I’m sorry, it’s just . . . Did I say something wrong?”
His lips tilt, tilt, and holy shit, tilt some more, lighting his entire face, the entire city of Vegas, probably the whole damn atmosphere with the most brilliant smile.
“Far from wrong, babe.” He grabs my hand and tugs me to his chest. “I dig a woman who knows what she likes and asks for it.”
Purchase Fighting the Fall:
Amazon
Purchase the Series
#1 Fighting for Flight
Amazon US // Amazon UK // B&N
#2 Fighting to Forgive
Amazon US // Amazon UK // iTunes // Kobo // B&N
#3 Fighting to Forget
Amazon US //Amazon UK // iTunes // Kobo // B&N
This review was originally posted on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews