Laura J’s review of Heat of the Moment by Elle Kennedy
Contemporary Erotic Romance eBook released by Samhain 17 Jun 08
I haven’t read too many books with a ménage a trois, okay more like I probably read one or two . Don’t know why really, I guess I thought some of them would be a bit over the top and go for as much kink as possible. I was a bit hesitant about this one, but decided because it’s a short story and author I wanted to try so I would read it.
The story itself is a friends to lovers story, which are my favorite. John and Shelby have been flirting with each other for a year, but neither seem to realize the other is attracted to them. When Shelby overhears a conversation between John and his best friend Carson, she realizes she needs to make a more aggressive move to show John that she wants him.
Part of that conversation she overhears is that she is “vanilla” and would never go for something more daring as a three-way, something that Carson and John have a reputation for participating in in the past. She decides to invite both men up to her apartment to show that she is not the “vanilla” type person they think she is and hopefully show John that she is attracted to him and wants a relationship.
Ms. Kennedy has written a very sensual book not at all like I expected. Although John is a tough Navy SEAL, he also is a warm and caring person. You know he’ll be loyal to the right person. Shelby was hurt by her last boyfriend who was also in the military so she still finds it hard to trust and doesn’t want to be attracted to another military man. Carson knows how John felt about Shelby and waited for the okay from John to proceed. I had the feeling that at any time if John was uncomfortable about something Carson would have stopped. I liked Carson and wouldn’t mind seeing him get his own story.
Grade: C+
Summary:
In this heat wave, anything and everything goes.
A Red-Hot Summer story.
Shelby Harper has lusted over Navy SEAL John Garrett for over a year, but no matter how many sexy signals she sends out, the man shows a complete lack of interest in getting naked. Then she overhears Garrett talking to his SEAL teammate—a discussion in which they conclude she’s vanilla. Stung, Shelby sets out to show them exactly how un-vanilla she is.
Garrett can’t believe it when sweet, sexy Shelby suggests a wild and sweaty ménage. He’s been trying to figure out how to ask her out without coming off as a guy who only wants to get in her pants—her friendship is too valuable to him to risk it. But if a crazy, heat-wave three-way is what Shelby wants, then he’s ready and willing to give it to her.
Once she gets it out of her system, however…well, then he’ll let her know he wants her all to himself.
Read an excerpt.
Out of curiosity, why did you only give the book a C ?
Hello Georganna,
Laura J just left for vacation but will be trying to log on from the hotel tonight. BUT… just in case that doesn’t work she isn’t ignoring you just on the beach 😉
If I had to guess I would say it is because she thought it was a good average read with nothing to make it stand out or push it to a B read.
I’m sorry, I couldn’t get on the computer at the beach or the mountains! ACK–do you know how bad withdrawals for no internet are?!?
Sorry Georganna–
Sybil stated it correctly. I also wished it could have been longer. I think I wanted a little more HEA with John and Shelby maybe an epilogue for what happens after. I hope that makes sense. I don’t want to give away the ending, but it seemed unfinished and an epilogue would have helped.
Despite the C+, it sounds like you liked the story, Laura! Thanks so much for the review, and don’t worry, Carson is indeed getting his own story, and Garrett and Shelby make an appearance so you’ll get to see what happens with them. I’ll send you an advanced copy when I get one….
Elle