Between the Sheets - Molly O'Keefe (Bantam - Aug 2014)

Series: Boys of Bishop (Book 3)

After years of running, Wyatt Svenson has now parked himself in Bishop, Arkansas, trying to do the right thing and parent a son he didn’t even know he had until recently. Over six feet tall and packed with muscles and power, Ty likes to get his hands dirty, fixing his motorcycle at night and keeping his mind away from the mistakes he’s made. Then his pretty neighbor shows up on his driveway, doesn’t bother to introduce herself, and complains about the noise. First impression? She should loosen up. Funny that she turns out to be his son’s elementary school art teacher -- and the only one willing to help his troubled boy. Ty needs her. In more ways than one.

Though Shelby Monroe is safe in her structured life, she is drawn to Ty’s bad-boy edge and rugged sexuality. What if she just lets it all go: her worries about her mother, her fear of heartbreak, and her tight self-control? What if she grabs Ty and takes a ride on the wild side? “What if” becomes reality -- intense, exhilarating . . . and addictive. But Ty wants more than a secret affair. He wants it all with Shelby. But will she take a chance and open her heart? Ty is determined to convince Shelby to take the biggest risk of her life: on him.

Good book about two people who found healing in each other's arms. Ty was new to Bishop, looking for a place to settle and raise the son he just found out about. Ty had a rough childhood and youth and spent years trying to outrun the memories of the mistakes he'd made. He felt completely inadequate as a father and struggled to connect with Casey, but was determined to do the best he could. His way of relaxing and de-stressing was to work on the motorcycle he was refurbishing, and he frequently lost track of time working late into the night. That came to a screeching end when his neighbor showed up to chew him out about the noise.

Shelby has lived in Bishop all her life. She spent her childhood under the thumb of her abusive, narcissistic father, who hid his abuse behind his role as a spiritual leader. He did his best to destroy her self-worth and that of her mother. Shelby survived by closing herself off to all emotion and keeping people at a distance. Since her father's death, Shelby's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Unwilling or unable to ask for help, Shelby hid behind a cool and unruffled façade while feeling overwhelmed by her life. Ty's arrival turned that safe life on its head.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ty and Shelby, even though I frequently wanted to shake her. Their first meeting was very antagonistic, as Shelby's uptight attitude rubbed Ty the wrong way. He was surprised to discover that she was Casey's art teacher at school, and the only one willing to help his troubled son. While meeting to discuss Casey's needs, there was no denying the attraction that flared between them. While Ty wanted to date and get to know her, Shelby was only interested in a physical relationship, and a secret one at that. The more time Ty spent with her, the more he realized that he wanted more. I ached for Ty as every attempt he made to get closer to her was shut down. There were times I wanted to shake Shelby for not opening her eyes to what Ty offered her, but I also hurt for her belief that she was incapable of loving anyone. She very nearly succeeded in pushing Ty so far away that they couldn't recover. It took a crisis with her mother for Shelby to realize that she wanted to change and that Ty was the one who could help her do it.

Another vital part of the story was the relationship between Ty and Casey. They struggled so much in the beginning. Casey went through so much during his early years, with a drug-addicted and negligent mother. His desperation was obvious in the way that he searched for Ty. Though Ty was shocked and overwhelmed, I loved his determination to be the best father he could. I hurt for Casey, who found it difficult to believe that happiness could last and self-sabotaged when things went well. I loved how Ty's consistent presence in his life helped Casey realize that he could trust Ty. Ty's support of Casey over the fight at school was a turning point in their relationship, and I loved how they began to connect better during Casey's suspension. The part involving the bike auction was heartbreaking for Ty as he got a good look at what Casey's early life was like. I loved how he immediately took steps to change things because of it.

I loved the epilogue and seeing the progress that all three made toward giving and accepting love in their lives. Ty's surprise for Shelby was pretty sweet, as was the help of all their friends.

Never Been Kissed - Molly O'Keefe (Bantam - July 2014)

Series: Boys of Bishop (Book 2)

As the daughter of a wealthy politician, Ashley Montgomery has had enough of her parents’ expectations for her future and is going her own way, volunteering to work at a refugee camp in Africa. But her act of charity turns dangerous when she takes a boat trip and is abducted by Somali pirates. Enter Brody Baxter, who was a bodyguard for the Montgomery family ten years ago and doesn’t think twice about coming to Ashley’s rescue. Handsome and tough, Brody has always done what needed to be done. So he swoops in, saves Ashley, and brings her to a place where she can rest and recuperate without the glare of the press and her demanding family: Brody’s small hometown of Bishop, Arkansas. But Ashley soon realizes that she’s not the only one in need of healing.

Holed up with Ashley in a tiny apartment over his brother’s bar in Bishop, Brody is tempted and torn in ways he never anticipated. Beautiful Ashley, vibrant despite her ordeal, fearless enough to love him beyond his wall of self-punishment, is now determined to save him. But with a little faith and a lot of love, they just may find happiness in each others’ arms.

Good second chance romance with some deep emotional issues. The book opened with a rush and a blast from the past. As Brody worked a bodyguard job, he was approached by Harrison Montgomery. Brody had worked as a bodyguard for the Montgomery family ten years earlier. Hearing that Harrison's sister Ashley had been kidnapped by Somali pirates, Brody didn't hesitate when he was asked to get her after the ransom was paid. Brody and Ashley have an awkward history. At seventeen, Ashley had a huge crush on Brody that she acted on. Brody was interested in her also, but her age made it impossible. After the fiasco of that encounter, Brody quit the detail and moved on with his life, and Ashley did the same.

I liked Brody, though he frequently frustrated me also. Events of his childhood had left him unable to accept love, to believe that he deserves to be loved. He keeps his emotions locked up tight. As the book progressed it was easy to see how much he cared for his family and Ashley, but he always felt that he would mess it up somehow. He wanted that connection with those he loved, but he didn't know how to make it happen.

I liked Ashley too. She is kind-hearted and positive about most things but doesn't have much confidence in herself. She never felt like she fit in with her high profile, political family and their expectations - especially her mother's. Instead, she went after her dreams by volunteering at a refugee camp in Africa. That dream came to a violent end when she was kidnapped and held for ransom by Somali pirates.

From the moment Brody learned of Ashley's situation he focused on what needed to be done. Just thinking of what she might experience made his blood run cold. I ached for him and the way he felt at his first sight of her. It was clear from the beginning that Ashley still meant something to him. And even in her condition, it was obvious that she was aware of his presence, that he made her feel safe, and she wasn't going to let him go. Once the rescue was done, Brody still couldn't force himself to leave her and continued his protection to her home in New York. That was another scene that showed his protectiveness. Besides trying to get her to eat, he was there to back her up when she faced her mother. Mom is an iron-clad witch of the first order and was determined to use Ashley and her experiences to further her family's political aspirations. Ashley has gained enough confidence to want to resist her mother's efforts but isn't in a physical condition to make it happen. I loved how Brody stepped in with the perfect solution - for her, though not for him.

Brody took Ashley to the one place no one would think to look for her - his hometown. Unfortunately for Brody, it is also the last place he wants to go. He has a difficult relationship with both his brother and his father because of his inability to let anyone get close. He loves them both, but fears disappointing them, so he stays away. His brother, Sean, had always worshipped Brody, who protected him when he was a kid. But Sean also has a lot of anger because of the way that Brody always pushes him away. It was painful at times to see how much Sean wanted Brody's attention and approval, only to have every attempt rebuffed. Then there is their father, Ed, a grouchy old man with health issues. Ed has never been a touchy-feely kind of guy, but it got worse after his wife died.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Brody and Ashley. Brody's care and gentleness as he watched over her those first few days was very sweet. However, that intensity of attention ran up against Ashley's embarrassment at her weakness and her need to stand on her own feet. There were some very amusing moments between them as Ashley came out with some snarky reactions to his efforts. As she started to heal she became more interested in learning everything she could about Brody and the life he never shared with anyone. The more time they spent together, the greater the attraction between them grew, and the more she wanted from him. Brody also wanted more but was hesitant to pursue it, believing that he would only hurt her in the end. I loved watching her determination grow and her realization that Brody might feel the same but he wouldn't take the initiative to do anything about it. It was fun to see her chip away at his defenses. Just when it looked like he might believe that he's allowed to be happy, trouble from a previous job reared its ugly head. I wanted to smack Ashley's brother Harrison for the things he said and did that drove a wedge between them. I hurt for Ashley, who was devastated by Brody's retreat. It took a near tragedy for Brody to realize what he was throwing away. I loved his "aha" moment and the effect it had on him. His big moment at the end was amazing. I loved seeing him open himself up to all those feelings that had been buried for so long. I also loved seeing Ashley's transformation into the woman Brody knew she could be all along. The epilogue was a nice wrap-up to the book.

There was also a secondary romance between Brody's brother Sean and diner owner Cora. They'd been fighting like cats and dogs for several years, but under the antagonism was an undeniable attraction. Sean has always been the one who acted like a juvenile delinquent, but he has finally outgrown that attitude. Sean also has a bit of a self-esteem problem that went along with his relationship with Brody. I loved seeing how the changing relationship with Cora also gave him a boost in his own self-confidence. There were some terrific scenes of the two of them as they worked together on his bar expansion. I loved seeing how she pushed him, showing him that he had what it would take to be a success.