For her, the man in the tux spells trouble in more ways
than one…
After clashing with Jackson Michaels, sheriff's deputy
and law student Hayley Lopez doesn't know whether to arrest the gorgeous
billionaire developer…or kiss him senseless. Sure, the second option presents
obvious difficulties. She didn't fight for independence from her powerful
family to let this supersexy older man boss her around. But when they fall into
bed together, Hayley starts rethinking the whole mistress-of-her-own-destiny
thing. Can she handle a no-strings fling or is she setting herself up for heartbreak?
Good book with two strong-willed personalities. Hayley is
a sheriff's deputy who also attends law school. She knew she wanted to be a
lawyer from an early age, but her wealthy parents disapproved. Her father
wanted her to study business and then run the PR department for the family
company, and her mother wanted her to marry and have babies. After a blow-up
with her dad, Hayley swore she would do things her way and without daddy's money.
She also helps friends with legal advice, being careful she doesn't cross any lines.
Her latest efforts include helping an older gentleman resist the pressure of a
real estate developer who wants his lakeside land.
Jackson is a billionaire developer who got where he is by
going after what he wants. He has plans for a big, mixed-use development at the
lake, but he needs that parcel of land. During yet another visit to the
property's owner, Jackson runs into Hayley, the person propping up the stubborn
property owner.
I loved the first meeting between Hayley and Jackson. The
sparks between them practically set the pages on fire. Hayley has difficulty keeping
her mind on why she's there but wrenches her mind back where it belongs. Her
pride won't let her show that he shakes her up. Jackson is just as drawn to
Hayley but hides his attraction by teasing her. He also estimates that he's
thirteen years older than she is, which he considers too large an age gap for
what he has in mind.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationship develop
between Hayley and Jackson. Neither of them wants a relationship. Jackson saw
what his mother's departure did to his father and refused to put himself at
risk of that kind of pain. He limits himself to women who have no expectations
of anything more. Hayley has been burned by men interested in her money or family
connections. She's also had issues with men who think she's too independent,
forthright, and "unfeminine."
I laughed at how they admitted they
want each other, but Jackson balks at the age difference, and Hayley plans to
convince him she knows her mind. They agree to help each other out for the Cattleman's
Club Gala by being each other's date, with plans for some after-party
shenanigans. Those plans get derailed when Hayley mixes business with pleasure,
pushing one of Jackson's hot buttons while his reaction stomps on one of hers.
But mutual apologies lead to those shenanigans, and the connection they
experience freaks them both out.
Over the next few weeks, Hayley and Jackson find it
impossible to stay away from each other. Though both fight their feelings, they
suspect it's a losing battle. There are some sweet scenes between them, plenty
of hot ones, and more than a few where they battle for control. I loved
Jackson's respect for Hayley's determination and independence, even when that
same independence ran up against his desires. Things look promising between
them as they start coming to terms with their feelings until a misunderstanding
drives them apart.
I ached for Jackson because he didn't deserve Hayley's
anger. As readers, we see the truth of his plans for the lake property. Hayley
jumps to conclusions and says some awful things to Jackson. Both are miserable
after a few days apart. I loved Jackson's epiphany while visiting his friend
Cammi and baby Pumpkin from An Heir of His Own and what he decided to do about
it. Meanwhile, Hayley has an unexpected and eye-opening visit from her parents.
I especially loved the conversation between Hayley and her dad, especially this
comment from him: "So, what comes next? Are you going to visit with
Jackson and ask him for an explanation or do I need to visit with him and
remind him that I own a shotgun, a shovel, and sixteen backyards where I can
bury his dismembered body parts?" I loved the ending, the honest exchange
of feelings with no games or manipulation (though I did enjoy Hayley's attempt at slipping in driving his car and Jackson's response). I look forward to seeing them as
secondary characters in later books.
There is some progress in identifying baby Pumpkin from
the first book. Hayley and the reporter, Sierra, have been helping each other
with the investigation. They bring different abilities to the process, and they
work well together. We have an identity for the hospitalized Jane Doe, and the
baby and his mother. Questions remain unanswered about who the father is. We
also see the return of Rafe Wentworth, Cammi's estranged brother, and get a
little bit of his back story. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and
see how everything turns out. 
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