Kassiah

My full review, including quotes and stuffs, can be found on the Fictionators.

I really liked the first book in this series: Protecting What’s His. I felt like I wanted more from the characters in both of these books.

Troy Bennett transfers to NYPD from Chicago after losing his partner in a raid. He isn’t looking for love, or even a hookup. Ruby Elliott is a hustler who breezes into Troy’s life. Even though they both try to deny it, their attraction is instantaneous. After realizing that Ruby has ties to a criminal that Troy is trying to bring down, things get a little complicated for the couple as they try to navigate through their budding relationship and what it means for each of them to let someone in.

There were lots of things that I liked about this story. I thought that the motivations of the characters was believable, and I understood why they made the choices they made. I love that he has faith in her, and that she feels stronger because of him. I liked most of the characters, and I hope that Troy’s buddy, Brent, will be explored at some point in the series. Like the first book in the series, this one is hot, and Troy’s a dirty talker. ::gah::

There’s also stuff that I didn’t like. Troy’s overwhelming need to tell her what to do got old, and while we were told that he had to be domineering, I don’t think we get the why he needs to be that way. There’s a scene in this book involving a pool stick that forced me to reduce my rating. I honestly wish it was cut–the two of them aren’t in a Dom/sub relationship, and if that’s what Bailey was aiming for, she needed to include at least a conversation with them about it first (not to mention aftercare). It didn’t make sense for these characters, even taking into account Troy’s need to dominate. I’m more than fine with the dirty talk and the possessive take-what’s-his attitude, but I get squeamish when there’s physical stuff that isn’t (imho) addressed properly.

Still. It was hot.

His Risk to Take is a hot, quick read that I think you’ll enjoy. Tessa Bailey definitely brings smexcellent steam that will leave you panting for more. I can’t wait to see what she comes up next.