Limecello’s review of Restless (Indecent Proposals Miniseries, Book 3) by Tori Carrington
Contemporary romance published by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Dec 08

This is the third and final book to Tori Carrington’s Indecent Proposals series, and it’s my favorite of the bunch. The first two are Shameless and Reckless. The books can be read alone, but I recommend reading all three because it adds that much more to each subsequent story.Lizzie Gilbred is a lawyer who hasn’t won in life by playing by the rules. After an emotional upheaval where her boyfriend breaks up with her via text message, Lizzie decides she’s entitled to some indulgence. Lizzie has been interested in her tenant, Patrick Gauge – musician and drifter- and decides he’s the perfect candidate for her first ever one night stand. Of course the best laid plans and all, and as usual, nothing is as it seems. Lizzie quickly finds herself with more than she bargained for. I really liked Lizzie’s character. She’s fun, entertaining, smart, and real. She’s honest with herself, and about her emotions. I really wish more romance heroines were like Lizzie, at least in her personality.

Patrick Gauge is a terrific hero/anti-hero. He’s pretty much the villain in the first book, Shameless, but grows a lot as a person from that time. I like that Gauge has his own story, and issues to work through aside from figuring out his relationship with Lizzie. It was nice that he suddenly realized the impact and depth of the mistakes he’s made in life. It was also nice that Gauge takes responsibility for his actions, rather than blaming them entirely on his upbringing.

I really liked that Gauge made mistakes, and even amidst his newer missteps, his underlying reason for being in Michigan is that he wants to make things right with his old friends (the hero and heroine of Shameless). Gauge grows a lot as a person, and realizes he loves Lizzie, but his story has more. What made that even better is that the other story lines in no way detracted from the romance, or stole the attention from that focus.

I found Restless to be an incredibly real story. It’s something I could see happening to someone I know, even, yet it was very entertaining and enjoyable. While I will say there wasn’t too much plot, as in action, that was fine. I prefer romances that focus on the characters, their person, emotions, and what they’re going through. I’m sure having less to distract the reader makes it that much more difficult for the author to write as well, so kudos to Tori Carrington.

That’s not to say that nothing happens. There are a number of secondary story lines, and cameo appearances. I enjoyed each and every one, and felt that they helped move the story along. It was also nice to see how and where all the other characters were.  In a way, it was necessary, to provide closure for all the characters as well.

I know I’m not saying much, but I just really think you should read this book – and the previous two, if you’re at all interested. I know Shameless was marketed as being ground breaking for the Blaze line. (Something about the heroine’s actions or promiscuity? I really don’t remember and likely got that wrong.) Still, this book really cinched it, and I’m glad the series ended on such a wonderful note. I recommend this book to all of Tori Carrington’s fans, as well as those who like Blaze books, and even those of you who are considering categories. They’re not evil, I promise. Try one. This one.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Being nice is overrated!

Straitlaced lawyer Lizzie Gilbred has had it with being a good girl. This Christmas, she’s going to be naughty—very, very naughty. And lucky for her, she knows just the guy to help her….

Patrick Gauge, a footloose musician with a body to die for, is exactly the type of man Lizzie’s got on her holiday wish list. What better way to take the plunge into the official world of “bad girl-dom” than jumping right into his bed! Gauge makes her body sing…and it’s a wickedly seductive tune.

Lizzie can’t believe what a wildcat she becomes in his arms. But it’s clearly just a physical thing between her and the restless guitarist….

That is, unless she can find a new song for them to play—one with more permanent lyrics!

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series: