Mini reviews: Trust in Me, Strong Enough to Love

Trust in Me (Friends & Lovers #3) by Bethany Lopez

This is a New Adult Title - Meant for Readers 18 & Older.

Roni’s dreams of becoming a contemporary dancer were smashed under the brutal rage of her ex-husband's fists. Getting divorced and starting over at the age of twenty-two was never her plan, but maybe in Texas, she'll find her path. When the town's local player, Rich, opens a Rec Center, she sees a way to rekindle her dancing dreams...and maybe have a little fun with her sexy new boss.

Rich never expected to fulfill his dreams in the town he planned to leave behind, but that's just what he's doing. His reputation as a noncommittal ladies' man might make it challenging to earn respect in the business world, but he's willing to prove that he's serious. In fact, when it comes to pursuing Roni, he's more than willing. But she's taking a page out of his book, not wanting to risk another relationship. Can he convince her that his playboy days are over and that she can trust him with her heart? ~ Goodreads

My thoughts: Trust in Me was short and sexy. It ended a little abruptly but I really enjoyed it.
I haven't read the previous books in this trilogy and I'm glad because apparently Rich was quite the man whore in those books. We see a little bit of that here but he's so good to Roni that I only had a positive impression of him. He was definitely confident when it comes to the ladies but was a one woman man in this case.

Despite the story being rather short, I felt like Roni’s abuse by her ex was handled in a realistic way and not just neatly tied up because she fell for Rich. And Rich understood the gravity of Roni’s past and remained steadfastly in her corner as a friend first – lover second.

Author website | Buy the book



Strong Enough to Love (Jackson #1.6) by Victoria Dahl

USA TODAY bestselling author Victoria Dahl delivers sassy and sexy contemporary romance in a new series set in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Get a taste with this novella, Strong Enough to Love....

Photographer Eve Hill was completely comfortable being single. Or at the very least, she was completely resigned to it. There was only one man who made every nerve in her body and brain light up when he walked into a room. But Brian Stewart had always been off limits. Hell, she'd never even kissed him!

For Brian, returning to Jackson Hole feels like coming home. But that has nothing to do with the town. It's Eve drawing him back. Eve and the chance to finally see if they have something or if it's all been in his imagination.

Eve doesn't think she can open her heart to Brian again after getting hurt so badly before, though her body still wants him. She offers Brian one night to fulfill their long-denied fantasies, and that's it. No love or promises, just a chance to get their attraction out of their systems. But can one night really be enough?

Return to Jackson Hole for more steamy romance by Victoria Dahl in Close Enough to Touch, Too Hot to Handle and So Tough to Tame. ~ Goodreads

My thoughts: You can't go wrong reading anything by Victoria Dahl in my opinion.

This was novella length but jam packed with emotion and very sexy times. Eve and Brian have quite the complex history. Dahl wrote a love story with no easy answers and as much as I felt inclined to finger point at who was at fault I couldn’t. Both are good people trying to do the right thing for themselves and those around them. Life is messy and she managed to show that in a heartfelt way.

The story ended too soon but had a solid ending. This couple and their past definitely could have filled a full length novel but that just comes with the territory reading novellas. I can't wait to read more about the couples from Jackson hole, Wyoming.

Author website | Buy the book (this was a FREE Kindle download – not sure how long that will last)