Since their dramatic
introduction in The Hookup, Tobias
Gamble and Adeline Forrester haunted me. I wanted more from these characters,
and I just knew that as a couple, their chemistry would be explosive. It
certainly was. Even though their sexual attraction was instantaneous, the
journey from friends to lovers was not only complicated but a delicious slow
burning inferno. So happy to revisit Matlock, Kentucky where this author once
again overwhelmed me with another heartwarming emotional tale. If you're craving
a contemporary romance with all "the
feels" from the golden age of KA, look no further. With a sizzling hot
story-line and a cast of endearing characters, Kristen Ashley delivered a
fantastic read reminiscent of her earlier works with The Slow Burn.
Tenacious, sassy and loving, the wild-child Adeline became one of my favorite heroines. A single mom who struggled financially, she faced each obstacle with incredible strength and determination. Seeing her exhaustion from juggling a low paying job as a cashier and crafting homemade greeting cards for extra cash, to trying her best to provide for Brooks, tugged at my heartstrings. I adored and admired everything about Addie, especially her witty sense of humor despite her difficult circumstances. Proud to a fault, she stubbornly refused to burden others with her troubles, striving to be as strong as her late mother.
But it was an eye-opening confrontation with the equally obstinate Toby, the man she was secretly attracted to, that changed her life for the better.
I
fell hard for the rambling man and former
womanizer known as "Take 'Em and Leave "Em" Toby." He was
edgy, growly, controlling, excessively broody and protective ~ A bearded hottie
with a huge heart who fiercely loved his family. He was unyielding at first,
hiding his true feelings from Addie for the sake of their friendship and his
brother Johnny's relationship with Izzy (Addie's older sister). But his heart
eventually won that battle, and together this couple's passion was beyond
scorching.
His intense love, dedication and the tender way he cared for his
woman and her son melted me. The way they supported one another to resolve all
issues, especially the baggage each carried from childhood, warmed my heart.
Toby, in true KA Alpha style, had some asshole-ish moments that ticked me off,
but I quickly forgave his transgressions seeing the sincere way he made amends.
All-in-all, he was the perfect KA hero, with a gentler side, that I completely
adored.
The Slow Burn was a seductive and sweet romance
that had me laughing and swooning from beginning to end. Aside from savoring
Toby and Addie’s passionate relationship, giggling over Brooks’ antics, and
surviving the extremely emotional last few chapters, there were some notable
secondary characters that I absolutely loved. The charming Dave, the larger
than life Margot as well as beloved Daphne, Addie's deceased mother, left an
incredible impression on me and made this read even more enjoyable. I will miss
them all. As always, KA emphasizes the importance of family and bonds of
friendship. The dynamics of these relationships were just as much a part of
this story as this couple's journey.
In the end, another amazingly
sexy novel from the one and only Kristen Ashley that I highly recommend. Also
suggest if you haven't already, jump into Johnny and Izzy's love story
featured in The Hookup, book one of
the Moonlight and Motor Oil series.
The Hookup (Moonlight and
Motor Oil #1)
I voluntarily reviewed an
advance copy of this publication
|
|
|
|
|
