C2’s review of Inside Bet (Vegas Top Guns, Book 2) by Katie Porter
Contemporary Romance ebook published by Samhain 28 Aug 12
What happens when two wounded people feel instant chemistry but neither is willing to relinquish control to the other? The very best sort of struggle for dominance, of course. And if Katie Porter is writing the story, you know it will be oh so good, indeed.
After her best friend Jenn has to bail out of Girls’ Night Out, Heather Morris’ expectations for the evening are low. However, she decides to stay at the wine tasting event and take some notes for Jenn’s food blog so the evening isn’t a complete bust. Heather certainly didn’t expect to meet a handsome stranger – handsome young stranger – who happens to be quite knowledgeable about wines and quite interested in her.
An Air Force captain and combat-flight instructor at nearby Nellis Air Force Base, Jon “Tin Tin” Carlisle enjoys women, generally, and is especially intrigued by the lovely, cool brunette he meets at a Las Vegas wine bar. There is something about Heather…something that tells Jon she is more than the quiet, restrained picture she presents. And he would be glad to help her lose some of that restraint.
After a rebellious youth, Heather has settled into a responsible, adult life and isn’t interested in a well-dressed young flirt…no matter how hot he is. But Jon seems to know just how to tempt her – starting with dinner at an exclusive restaurant that turns into a casino visit where more than just chips come into play and finishing with an intensely steamy encounter in a fancy hotel suite.
But it’s too much, too fast and both Heather and Jon take a step back to regroup. Neither of them are ready for the emotions that crop up in what was supposed to be a hot fling. And both have good reasons for keeping their own emotions in check – Heather followed her emotions into territory that could have ended up destroying her and did damage her family, and Jon’s parents have been emotionally unavailable since he was a teen.
Even when Heather and Jon decide to continue seeing each other, they do their best to keep it low-key and purely physical. And if one or the other might have an occasional emotional twinge, well, they can ignore it…right? Slowly but surely, however, their defenses relax just a little and they start to get to know each other as people and not just bodies. Still, it is hard to get over old hurts and for every two steps forward, it’s one step back.
What happens when two strong, controlling people find something beyond their control? Can they move past their emotional boundaries to reach for something amazing or will they remain tangled in bad memories? Will they be brave enough to try for more or play it safe? When it comes to this woman, who knows the odds, and her high-flying captain, you can bet they are all in. Yeah, yeah…I’m done with the gambling puns now, faithful reader.
I very much enjoyed this book. It took me a little while to warm up to Heather – and Jon, too, even though I met him in the first book in the series – but I think that’s by design. Both were playing things very cool in the beginning. Is it necessary to read Double Down before reading this book? I say no, Inside Bet stands alone quite nicely. If you are in the mood for a steamy contemporary, look no further. Ms. Katie Porter is an author to watch.
Grade: B+
Summary:
Zero to kinky in 3…2…1…
As junior partner of an accounting firm, Heather Morris is at the top of her game. Her straight-laced colleagues wouldn’t believe the secrets she hides: her wild teenage past, work-of-art tattoo and nipple ring.
Her orderly life veers off course when she’s approached at a wine tasting by an arrogant pretty boy with a dirty mind and a hardcore dangerous profession. She finds herself tempted to step outside her respectable façade for some well-deserved excitement.
Captain Jon “Tin Tin” Carlisle knows women. Loves women. One glimpse of the nipple ring under Heather’s conservative blazer lights up all his instincts. He’s stumbled upon a rare treasure: an exotic beauty with a sexy laugh and a taste for dares.
After a red-hot hour of roulette, their simmering attraction bursts into an exploration of mutual passion that tests even Jon’s erotic limits. Soon he craves something he’s never desired before. More. But for Heather, more means trusting, and trusting leads to trouble.
Now Jon must decide if the best sex of his life is worth chancing his heart on a woman who shields hers so well.
Warning: Contains hot power play featuring a fighter pilot who comes from old money but knows all about bringing the dirty. Also: a nipple ring, sex on the hood of a hella sweet sportscar, and one teensy, tiny, wickedly naughty fluid exchange.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in the series:
