REVIEW: Big Easy Temptation by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake

 
Big Easy Temptation by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake: Captain Dax Spencer was never convinced of his father’s guilt in the scandal that surrounded the Spencer family years ago. He never wanted to let the accusations go unchallenged, but pursuing the truth blew up in his face with Holland’s betrayal three years ago. Now, Dax has new information and he’s even more determined to get Holland to re-open the case.

Holland is smart, independent, capable, and feisty. After growing up with a career military father, she knew she never wanted to live her mother’s life and decided to put her career first. Dax made his interest clear from their very first meeting and avoiding him was impossible due to mutual friends. They had an intense affair that ended badly three years ago when Dax first wanted NCIS to re-open the investigation. After getting burned by Dax, she focused on work.

Dax’s return to New Orleans is a shock to Holland. She hasn’t seen or heard from him since their break up and she’s not ready to see him now. Dax knows that Holland is the one for him regardless of the past, so his purpose is to get her back and clear his father’s name. Holland challenges him and she doesn’t back down.

“I might have a uterus but it doesn’t mean I’m not damn good at my job. If you don’t want me with you, I’ll investigate on my own, but I have a stake in this and I’m the only one here with anything close to real jurisdiction.”
“I have presidential authority,” Dax pointed out.
“You captain a boat for your commander in chief.”

The more they work on the investigation together, the more time Dax has to win Holland over and convince her that they are worth another chance. Their chemistry is as combustible as it always was, but both have to work through their actions during and after their break up. Both want to be in control, and it’s an ongoing struggle for Dax to let Holland take the lead when it comes to this case.

Sometimes he understood why Roman wanted a quiet, demure woman. “Not lately. Thanks for the reminder, sweetheart.”
“Well, when I need someone to direct operations on a battleship, I’ll give you a call. Now it’s time for you to let me do my job.”

Big Easy Temptation is thrilling, suspenseful, and steamy as the past and present collide. Shayla Black and Lexi Blake provide a compelling story by splitting the book into Dax and Holland’s past and present. Ms. Black and Ms. Blake create engaging characters with plenty of banter between the couples and good-natured ribbing between the men. Big Easy Temptation could be read as a standalone, but it will make more sense when read in order for the Perfect Gentlemen series. Fans of Jasinda Wilder, Roni Loren, and Lisa Renee Jones will enjoy Big Easy Temptation.

Book Info:

Kim| 5 Stars | HJ Recommends | No |
Publication: Expected publication: May 3rd 2016 | Berkley | The Perfect Gentlemen #3

The New York Times bestselling authors of the Masters of Ménage series present the third scintillating novel featuring the privileged, wealthy, wild men of Creighton Academy—the Perfect Gentlemen.

Years ago, Naval officer Dax Spencer and NCIS agent Holland Kirk indulged in a steamy affair—until she betrayed him in the wake of his father’s death. Dax tried to put her behind him with a payback of his own. But he never forgot Holland…

Now, as Dax and his fellow Perfect Gentlemen unravel a web of lies, he discovers his family’s tragedy is part of a much larger conspiracy. Soon, all clues point him back to New Orleans…where Holland waits, protecting her deadly secret and holding a torch for the only man she’s ever loved.

Once reunited, they can’t fight the passion flaring hot and wild. But something sinister lurks around every corner, from the elegance of the Garden district to the beauty of the bayou. Dax and Holland may find their way back to each other—if they survive…