Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Hard To Resist by Samantha Hunter
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Blaze 1 July 09
Sometimes how well a book works for a reader all boils down to how willing they are to suspend their disbelief. Depending on the story, and the characters, I have been more than willing to shut off the nagging part of my brain and roll with wherever a story takes me. I do enjoy the Beauty And The Beast trope after all. However for Samantha Hunter’s latest for Harlequin Blaze I just couldn’t do it. When the characters don’t behave in a consistent manner it gets harder for me not to raise an eyebrow.
Lacey Graham has changed her name and moved to New York City in order to escape her past. An ex-boyfriend beat the snot out of her, broke her arm and left her for dead. Now that he’s in jail, she’s ready to move on to a photography gig shooting a beefcake calender featuring “American Heroes.” Guys who rode to the rescue after 9/11. That’s how she meets Texas Ranger, Jarod Wyatt. Despite the fact that she’s still gun-shy around men, sparks start to fly and the two are soon burning up the sheets. But then Lacey’s past comes back to haunt her.
My main problem with this book is that it had too many issues crammed into the short word count of a Blaze. Lacey is still traumatized from her past. She dumped counseling because it “wasn’t for her” and she’s so jumpy that it doesn’t take Jarod long to realize that she’s hiding something. It’s natural that she’s spooked around men, especially aggressive men. However when her and Jarod finally succumb, she’s the one to initiate it (which I normally like) and she’s soon letting him take photographs of her. Naked. Performing sexual acts. Oh, and did I mention they’ve only known each other for a matter of days?
Sorry. I’m not buying.
Jarod seems like a nice enough guy, although I literally scoffed out loud when he parades Lacey around New York City playing tourist so they can draw the bad guy out of hiding. Yep, he uses her as bait. And no, I don’t really care that he’s right there to “protect her.” He’s using her as bait. My hero.
The author does a decent job of throwing in red herrings, and tying up loose ends, but the resolution to the abusive asshole ex-boyfriend storyline strained my credulity . Will it work for some readers? Probably. But any woman with an abusive ex in her past will likely throw the book against the nearest wall.
When I pick up a Blaze book I’m not necessarily looking for deep. I want fast and fun. Certainly the sex and tension in this story were well-executed. Too bad I didn’t believe in any of the characters or their motivations.
Grade: D+
Summary:
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Who says girls don’t need eye candy? Bliss Magazine is proud to bring you twelve months of smokin’-hot guys! Our Sexiest American Heroes calendar will feature one heart-stopping hero after the next—including our very own Texas Ranger, Jarod Wyatt, with his intense chocolate eyes…and a backside that would make Michelangelo weep for an eternity.
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And no one is more smitten by our luscious lawman than the artist behind the camera lens, commercial photographer Lacey Graham. Like every woman with a past, she’s trying to quit testosterone—but Jarod seems to know exactly how to break her willpower…one sizzling kiss at a time!
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Read an excerpt here.
