ZERO TO SIXTY is high on my most anticipated book list. After reading and loving the last book in the Body Shop Bad Boys series, I became instantly hooked to Marie Harte's writing. It's a lethal combination of sweet and sexy and there's plenty of laugh out loud moments as well. I feel like this series continues to get better and I've become a convert to Harte's writing.
Sam and Ivy are an unlikely pairing. Sam is way rougher around the edges, but it's their love for animals that essentially brings them together. When Ivy wishes to bring a little puppy into her life, she turns to Sam to help her and although he knows she's too good for him, Sam finds ways to weasel into her heart.
I really liked the development of the romance in this book. There's been too much instalove lately that it's refreshing to see two characters who don't know anything about the other and take their time getting to know each other. Harte doesn't jump forward and throws her characters into bed together, hoping that hot sex will forge a bond between them. Instead, she takes her time, building character in interesting dialogue that not only helps the romance, but also deepens the characterization as well. She was really able to hit the mark on all of what makes a good book great.
This book can be read as a standalone. However, quite a few characters from the previous book and also from other series do make an appearance in here so just keep that in mind. I have no doubt that you'll fall in love with these quirky characters by the time you're finished with the story. I know I did and now I'm ready for more!
BAD BOY SAM + GOOD GIRL IVY =
LEARNING TO LOVE AGAIN
After her last disaster of a relationship, Ivy Stephens
is
content being single. She has her job, her apartment-and
the
cute little puppy she's seen hanging around. When he
escapes, she finds her search efforts aided by a big,
burly,
devastatingly handsome man. One who claims a prior claim
on
her dog.
Sam Hamilton is at loose ends since his best friend fell
in
love. He finds a sense of purpose in rescuing strays. The
puppy who's stolen his heart just happens to run into
blond,
beautiful Ivy. And Sam can't help hoping she'll take in
one
more stray-him-for good.
EXCERPT
Ivy sighed. Time to go puppy hunting again. She double-
checked to make sure sheβd locked the front door, then
used the restroom. She left through the back hall and had
just opened the backdoor to leave when a large man
appeared from out of nowhere.
She gasped and jumped back.
He just stood there, looming like a giant, his hands
tucked into his jean pockets. He had to stand well over
six feet tall, and his frame looked massive. He wore a
zipped up, padded black jacket that only enhanced his
size. His short, dark-brown hair could use a cut, and his
eyes remained shadowed despite the overhead patio light.
She thought she saw a hint of ink along his neck but
couldnβt tell because of the play of darkness over his
features.
βAh, hello,β he said in a deep voice. A shivery voice.
When he didnβt make any sudden movements, she started to
relax. He backed up a step to give her more space, and
she cleared her throat.
βHello. Can I help you with something?β
βSorry. I knocked on the front door, but no one answered.
So I came around back, like the sign said to.β
A normal thing any client might do. But this man was no
athlete or nine-to-fiver with tight rhomboids. This man
screamed dangerous, in more ways than one. For some
reason, when the light hit his mouth, she couldnβt look
away, thinking how pretty his lips were in a face
chiseled from granite.
βWeβre closed. But if youβd like to schedule a massage, I
can give you my card.β
βUm, okay.β He took another step back. βI can wait out
here while you get it.β
She fished in her purse and found it, then took a leap of
faith and left the office, locking the door behind her.
Leaving her with this stranger, alone, in the confines of
the small back patio outside the office. The one fenced
in for privacy.
Ivy got a grip on her runaway imagination, sensing no
real danger from the man, just overwhelmed by his
presence. She held out her card. βHere you go.β
He took it, careful not to brush her fingers. But jeez,
he had big hands. βIvy Stephens, LMT.β Licensed Massage
Therapistβsince sheβd put herself through school eight
long years ago.
She nodded. βBodyworks is closed now, but any of us here
can help you. My numberβs on the card.β
βGreat. Thanks.β He shuffled his feet. βIβve been
thinking about getting some work done.β
βYeah?β She walked cautiously around him and exited the
side gate. She continued along the side of the building,
back to the lit and populated main sidewalk. Ivy blew out
a breath, trying not to feel so relieved.
βYeah,β he said, walking next to her. βNameβs Sam.β He
stopped on the side of the walk, out of the way of foot
traffic, and held out a hand.
She stopped and took it, to be courteous. The heat in his
humongous palm startled her. As did the calluses. She
glanced down, and his sleeve rose up his arm, revealing
tattoos. A look at his neck showed sheβd been right
earlier. He had what looked like inked vines and barbed
wire creeping up his neck from under that jacket. Wow.
He let go of her hand slowly, his gaze narrowed on her
face.
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