Low angst, sweet and sexy
5 stars

I’m enjoying Carly Phillips’ Serendipity series of which this is the third book. The series, all standalone, focus on the men and woman on the police force in the town of Serendipity, New York. It’s also happened to focus around the Marsden family. This is youngest brother, Sam’s, story.

Sam has seen his older brother and sister both fall in love but knows that’s not right for him. Having been jilted on his wedding day, he’s only there for short term flings. But he can’t help his attraction to newcomer, Nicole, which is especially bothersome as she is the twin sister of the woman who previously attacked Sam’s own sister.

Sam is indicative of a lot of Ms Phillips’ heroes - sexy, sweet, gruff, alpha - and for some reason or another, has sworn off love or doesn’t think it’s something set in the cards. Sam’s own reasons are completely understandable and I can’t say I wouldn’t feel the same in his position. But he’s definitely the sweetest of the Serendipity’s Finest heroes and it’s easy to see that he’s smitten even well before he realises. He’s delicious and more than perfect for our heroine, Nicole.

As I mentioned, Nicole’s sister was involved in Sam’s sister, Erin’s story in the previous book in the series, Perfect Fling. Nicole appeared very briefly in that book but it’s really this book where we’re introduced to her. She’s from a rich, New York family but she’s far from being a spoiled, society princess. She’s moved to Serendipity to find a home, family, friends and you couldn’t help but like her. I rooted for her and loved her honesty with herself - especially when she realised, oops - turns out I can’t sleep with a man and just keep things casual!

As always, Carly Phillips’ books are filled with delicious and sexy scenes and this book does not drop the ball on that front. Sam and Nicole have a great chemistry and I loved their scenes both in bed and out. And anywhere else they fancied, really!

Going along with the theme that many of the characters have some ties to law enforcement, there’s a little bit of danger tied to Nicole’s past. Unlike the other books, the danger does seem to somewhat fizzle away rather than come to head in this story - but honestly, it’s not what I’m there for so it didn’t bother me at all. And everything worked out in the end so that made me happy.

We also get a little side story with Macy and Tyler. This was cute but really lacked the heat and connection to make me fall for them like I did Sam and Nicole. I’m not against secondary romances but I think I would have preferred if Macy and Tyler got their own story - which I suppose they still could do.

Ms Phillips’ writing is a happy place for me. It’s comforting, sexy and I find the stories so easy to fall into and fall in love with. This story is low on angst, low on drama but still kept me captivated from beginning to end. A lovely addition to this series and another winner for me. 5 stars. ( )

Sam Marsden
Nicole Farnsworth

3 Stars ( )

Wonderful conclusion to the Serendipity's Finest series. Nicole has come to Serendipity to make a new start to her life. She isn't too sure of her reception, as her twin sister, who has mental health issues, was arrested for stalking another character in Perfect Fling. But she liked the town, and she especially liked the cop she had dealings with.

Sam is the youngest of his siblings and the only one unmarried. He has sworn off relationships after being left at the altar when his fiancee ran off with his best friend. He no longer trusts his instincts when it comes to people he can trust. He was attracted to Nicole when she came to find her sister, but when she went back to Manhattan he figured that was the end of it. He hasn't been able to forget her, and when she returns to Serendipity the attraction continues to grow.

I loved Sam and Nicole together. The chemistry was hot and their love scenes were pretty steamy. But more than that, they understood each other, though both had some issues they needed to overcome. Because Sam had been burned by his ex-fiancee, finding out that Nicole had just broken off her engagement made him wonder if Nicole was just like his ex. It made him wary of trusting her and reluctant to risk his heart again. After she met Sam in the previous book, and experienced the feelings he roused in her, Nicole realized that she couldn't go through with her engagement. She and Tyler were more like friends than lovers and she didn't want a loveless marriage. She has also spent her life trying to get the approval of her parents and having realized that it isn't happening is determined to make a new life for herself. Sam and Nicole find it easy to admit their attraction and decide to pursue a no strings relationship, insisting that they have no wish for messy emotions to get involved. Of course, that doesn't last, but neither knows quite what to do to change things.

When Nicole broke off her engagement, she also overheard her ex's father talking about some illegal activity he has engaged in. She's not sure what to do with that information. When Tyler comes to Serendipity to attempt to win her back, she isn't sure of his motivation or if he's involved in it. The possibility of danger to Nicole brings Sam and Tyler together to ensure her safety.

Nicole tries to make Tyler understand that he has no chance, and discovers that Tyler's arrival has sparked a very possessive attitude in Sam. She has fallen for him, but believes that he is still intent on a short term relationship. She wants the love she finally feels that she deserves. Sam is still fighting his feelings and trying to protect his heart. A conversation with his mother and one with his brother Mike, makes him realize his mistake and that he's in danger of losing the best thing that ever happened to him.

I loved the setting of Serendipity and what it meant for Nicole. Coming from a cold, emotionless family she is sometimes overwhelmed by what she finds there. She makes a good friend in Macy, who also puts her on the path to fulfilling her dream of owning her own bakery. I loved Nicole's meeting with Macy's Aunt Lulu and the part it played in Nicole realizing her dream. I also loved seeing the way that Sam's family embraced Nicole, in spite of her connection to Victoria. This gave Nicole a view of a family dynamic she had never experienced for herself. I loved Macy and really enjoyed the way she stepped in to deal with Tyler. They were fun together and I'd enjoy seeing a novella dealing with what is developing between them. ( )