Brenda Jackson (1) (1953–)

Good friends with benefits story. Maverick and Phire met when he was on a business trip to Paris. Their attraction was immediate and intense, and they had a successful arrangement for two years. Neither one was interested in anything serious. Maverick enjoys his freedom too much to settle down, and Phire was burned by love and doesn't want to risk her heart again.

Then Phire told Maverick she wanted to end their arrangement. She said she was ready to look for love and settle down. In truth, show more she had fallen in love with Maverick and needed to get out while she still could. I liked that Maverick respected her wishes but wanted to shake him for not recognizing his feelings. Instead, he spent the following months missing her.

When Maverick gets a call from Phire asking to meet with him, he drops everything to do so. He's stunned to hear that her father has forced her to return to Texas from Paris and is trying to force her to marry the man of his choice. Simon uses a ruthless method of blackmail to ensure Phire's cooperation. Phire informs Maverick that she will not be able to talk to him any longer, but they indulge in one more passionate night together. They believe that is the end until Phire ends up pregnant.

Once Maverick learns of Phire's pregnancy, he becomes determined to claim Phire for himself. Phire resists because she loves him and believes he does not return her love. Maverick frequently frustrated me with his oblivious attitude and focus on the baby when he should have been concentrating on Phire. I understood her resistance to his marriage demands - she wanted to be desired for herself, not the baby she carried. I was happy when he finally had that "aha" moment. Unfortunately, he and Phire make their problems last longer by not talking about their feelings. The week they spent together on his cousins' ranch was wonderful and heartbreaking because of it.

Phire's father, Simon, is a piece of work. Controlling and abusive, he uses Phire's love for her aunt against her. I could feel Phire's fear for her aunt's welfare every time Simon made one of his threats. His choice of groom intrigued me as Jaxon appeared to be too nice a man to go along with Simon's plans. As the book continued, Simon became more desperate to force her hand. He finally went too far, and I loved seeing what happened to him. I especially enjoyed the intricate plan hatched by Maverick and the others.

The question of Outlaw patriarch Bart's vehement opposition to admitting their connection to the Westmorelands has run through the series. None of the family could understand why he refused to acknowledge something so obviously true. A stunning revelation from an unexpected source puts an end to the mystery. I laughed out loud at the significant effect this had on Maverick.

I loved the ending and seeing Maverick and Phire finally get the future they wanted. The ending was terrific, with a couple of teasers for future books. I can't wait to see what is in store for the Outlaw sister, Charm.

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Very good book with an excellent blend of romance and suspense. Quasar is one of the ex-con bodyguards introduced in the first book, Forged in Desire. Randi is a psychic investigator who also had a big part in the conclusion of that book. She and Quasar had seen each other during that part of the book, with a definite surge of attraction and connection bursting forth. That shared look consumed them both until they were finally able to meet a few months later. By this time, Randi's psychic show more gift has told her that Quasar is going to be someone very important to her life, but that they will both have to work at earning a future together. She also has to be patient and wait for him to make the first move. I loved the scene when he took that first step.

Both Quasar and Randi have events in their pasts that make them wary of relationships. Randi's difficulty is that her psychic abilities either freak out the men she dates, or they want something from her. This makes her cautious about trusting a man with her heart. Quasar was wounded deeply by the actions of the woman he loved. When he went to prison for something his brother did, his girl promised to wait for him, then turned around and married his brother. Quasar has sworn never to give his heart to another woman. Neither can deny the attraction that burns hot between them. Quasar is determined to get Randi into his bed, while she is looking further into the future.

Their relationship starts with that first day that they spend together, getting to know each other. One of the things that I liked best about Quasar is that he accepts and believes in Randi's abilities without question. This is a big step in her willingness to trust him. Just as they make plans to see each other again, she is called to Los Angeles to help in solving a case that threatens to start a gang war. Worried about her safety, Quasar follows Randi to LA, determined to watch out for her. His timing is perfect, as an attempt is made on her life that very first night. That scene is fantastic, as it turns out that Randi is even more capable that Quasar suspected. I loved seeing his protectiveness come out in full force. Though Randi is his main purpose for being in LA, Quasar has also decided that it is time for him to confront his past in the form of his father and brother. I ached for Quasar and the misery he endured with a father who blatantly favored his older brother, and said brother who was a bully of the worst sort. I loved the way that Randi wanted to help him and wanted to shake him for pushing her away. Quasar's confrontation with his father was painful, and the effects spilled over onto his growing relationship with Randi and sent him fleeing the feelings he didn't want to admit. Enlightenment came from an unexpected source, and just in the nick of time. I loved his big moment at the end as he was finally ready to open his heart completely.

The suspense of the story was great also. Randi's abilities are amazing, as is her determination to use them for good. The case in LA began with a phone call from the FBI office there, and what she "saw" just from that call was incredible. Her arrival in LA and initial meetings with law enforcement emphasized the attitudes she had to deal with. I loved how she countered the negative with calm and professional courtesy, yet giving as good as she gets. Her meeting with the first of the gang leaders was incredible, and I loved seeing her get to him. We also get a look at the man behind the trouble and see what drives him. The suspense intensifies with each attack on Randi and the feeling that time is running out. There is an additional player who comes in later in the book and brings increased danger to Randi. Though not identified until the end, I wasn't surprised at who it turned out to be. Karma strikes again, and I loved its widespread reach.

One of the other enjoyable things about the book was learning more about the relationships between Quasar, Striker, and Stonewall. There is more revealed about the effect that Shep Granger had on their lives and the difference it has made to the men they are now. I also enjoyed the teasing among the three, especially when it came to their romantic escapades. I am really looking forward to reading Stonewall's story. show less

Good second chance story. Ten years after they broke up, Sloan and Leslie met again at a friend's wedding. The sparks are still there, but Sloan hasn't forgiven the way she left him without explaining why. However, when he hears that her company is in danger of a hostile takeover, he can't resist stepping in to help, though with conditions.

Leslie was surprised to run into Sloan at their friends' wedding and shocked when he showed up at her office to offer his help. She's reluctant to accept show more when she hears that he wants her to spend a week alone with him at his remote cabin. But when the takeover attempt becomes critical, she gives in to Sloan's demands.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Sloan and Leslie. There was no doubt about the sparks of attraction that still existed between them, but both have serious trust issues that need to be addressed. Ten years earlier, they were driven apart by lies told to Leslie. Though she found out the truth a few years later, she never contacted Sloan to explain or apologize. I liked that they talked about what happened and admitted that both were at fault for their actions. Once that was dealt with, both had to face the attraction that still burned between them. Sloan is all for giving in, but Leslie fears losing her heart again.

I liked seeing Leslie and Sloan spend time together. They are different people than ten years ago, and they discover a mutual admiration. There are some sweet times together, such as their trip to visit the Yule family. There are also some steamy moments as their attraction continues to burn hot. Resistance is no longer an option when a blizzard traps them in the cabin. The intensity of their connection scares Sloan, and he pulls away when Leslie calls him out on what they have together. I ached for both as each had to face their fears. I wanted to shake Leslie for running and Sloan for not talking to her about his feelings. After an unexpected revelation, I loved seeing Sloan go after what he wanted and finally open up about his feelings, past and present. His big moment at the end was sweet and emotional. I loved the bits at the end with the other Outlaws and Westmorelands, and the epilogue was great.

The story of the hostile takeover, its reasons, and Sloan's actions to prevent it from happening were fascinating. As more information surfaced, I was amazed at what one man would do for revenge. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Sloan go up against him and the results of that battle.

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Terrific second chance love story. Jaye and Velvet knew each other very well back in Phoenix. They were in a three-year relationship there, where Jaye was upfront about his unwillingness to commit to anything more than a physical relationship. Despite his frequent reminders of that position, Velvet fell in love with him anyway, hoping he would change. When she finally realized it wasn't going to happen, she left him and left Phoenix without telling him where she was going.

I cheered for show more Velvet, happy to see her stand up for her needs and dreams. She moved to Catalina Cove at the invitation of a family friend and became a ninth-grade algebra teacher. She has good friends and is content with her life now that she's gotten over her love for Jaye. The last thing she expected was to have him show up in the Cove as the bank's new owner.

It didn't take long after Velvet left him for Jaye to realize that he'd made a huge mistake. He had allowed his past to color his beliefs, but it was too late. However, Jaye is a stubborn and resourceful man, and though it took two years and the help of a private investigator, he finally found her. Now he must prove his love and win back her heart and trust.

I loved watching the rekindling of the relationship between Jaye and Velvet. Jaye has his plans all set. He's bought the bank, which will keep him in town for at least six months. He's arranged to rent the other part of the duplex she lives in, and he is determined to convince her of his love. One thing in his favor is the attraction that is still as strong as ever, but he wants more than that. Meanwhile, Velvet decides that since she doesn't love him any longer, that leaves the door open to resume their sex-only relationship. It was undoubtedly karma-like for Jaye to be on the other side of that coin and see him realize that he didn't like it.

Most of the attention is on Jaye's attempts to show Velvet that he's changed. In their previous relationship, he kept her at a distance, separating their relationship from his personal and professional lives. They rarely did anything together outside of the bedroom. Now, he waits for her to initiate any intimacy, asks her to jog with him in the mornings (previously his "alone" time), talks about his day at work and asks about hers, and involves her in his life in a myriad of ways. I especially liked the rocking chairs on the back deck and their quiet time together. His favorite thing to tell her was, “Whatever you want, Velvet, I will give it to you. No matter what it is.”

Velvet fights hard against the realization that she still loves Jaye. Her constant reminders to herself that she doesn't love him any longer feel like a case of protesting too much. Her friends Ruthie and Sierra try to convince her, but Velvet has a strong streak of stubbornness. When Jaye finally comes clean about his feelings, Velvet refuses to believe him. She accuses him of everything from lying to manipulation and pushes him away. I liked that Jaye gave her the space to come to terms with what he said, but I could also feel his frustration.

Velvet has a lot to think about, and I was happy to see that she calmed down enough to look at his actions and see them for what they were. Matters became complicated when a surprise he planned for her came to the attention of a scorned wannabe boyfriend, who attempted to use it against her. Being called before the school board is no small matter, especially when someone has it out for you. What made it particularly tricky/amusing was that this guy has no idea of Velvet's background. I loved Velvet's coolness under fire, her calm responses to the accusations, and the support shown by her friends. Jaye's arrival was the icing on the cake, as was town patriarch Reid Lacroix and his lambasting of those responsible. I was a little disappointed that he revealed Velvet's secret, as I didn't think it was his place, but it all worked out in the end. I loved the ending and seeing Velvet and Jaye moving forward into the future they wanted together.

There were a couple of subplots that ran throughout the book. One was Webb Crawford and his "I'm God's gift to women" pursuit of Velvet. He's a slimy, entitled creep, and he's fortunate that neither Velvet nor Jaye decked him when he pulled some of his tricks. The other was Velvet's issue with one of her students and his father. I felt terrible for young Lenny, whose dad pushed him to follow in his baseball footsteps. Lenny used failing his math class to fight back. In the meantime, his dad pressures Velvet to "go easy" on Lenny because "he won't need algebra to play pro ball." I loved that Velvet didn't cave in, but she did offer to help Lenny. I also loved the support she gave him to stand up for his dreams. There was an interesting twist involving the dad, and I liked how Velvet handled it. show less