Every year Katie Kramer makes the same New Year's Resolution: Have a wild affair with her brother's best friend, Ryder Scott. This is the year that she's going to do something about it. Finally, he's going to stop seeing her as his best friend's sweet little sister and start seeing the strong sensual woman she has become. Only Ryder thinks she has no idea just how kinky he is.I love romances focusing on couples who've known each other for years, but have only now admitted the true depth of their feelings for each, so of course I loved that aspect. In this case there's also the aspect that Ryder was practically adopted into her family when her parents found out how lacking Ryder's family was. Throw in a few issues between Katie and her brother, Ryder's best friend, and I'm digging the family drama aspect, too. Finally there's the just how sweet and innocent is Katie and just how dirty is Ryder debate, which is, of course, totally hot. Unfortunately Katie's friends Melissa and Hilary are so clumsily drawn that I was dumbfounded at the number of times they were required to be in the story to keep the plot moving. Basically they just highlighted that this was a good, but clearly not great, book. *3 1/2 stars*This book has one of my favorite themes, which probably led to its rating being bumped up. And fortunately the best friend/younger sister thread is a constant source of tension in the novel. I found the chemistry between Ryder and Katie to be strong and the love scenes were hot, all good things. As for the not so good, there were several convoluted plot points throughout. Such as, why is the hero planning on moving all the way around the world to get away from the forbidden love he has for his best friend's little sister? And the fact that when the brother finds out about the relationship, it falls completely short and the outcome is not only anti-climatic but also his reaction is more than a little odd. Then there's the sort-of secondary relationship that is hinted at but neither gets off the ground nor is resolved in the end. And of course, the bondage element is barely there and not fleshed out well. And there could definitely be more love scenes.Seems like a lot to critize, and there is. But I guess a favorite theme can carry a book a long way.
What do You think about Audaci Strategie (2009)?
I loved "The Year of Living Shamelessly"! It was funny and romantic! =]
—Cheryl
Loved this book, sexy and funny. Thank You Susanna.
—georgi
