Customer Reviews

Restless (Harlequin Blaze)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Gauge left town after almost costing the two people he cares most for in the world (Nina and Kevin) their fledgling love and relationship, all over a misunderstanding about one night of secrets that went too far. But, he comes back for their wedding and decides to stay. While he still loves Nina he has been back in town for a number of months. He is staying away from their joint business concentrating on his music.

When his straight-laced landlord Lizzie approaches him for some naughty holiday happenings he is all for it. This is what he knows best one-night stands are his specialty. The problem is, once doesn't seem to be enough for this pair. What will happen if someone starts to care for Gauge? Can he handle it or will his demons push him away?

Lizzie can't believe that she can't get enough of this footloose musician with a checkered past. But, this Christmas she has decided to have a little fun, especially with her parents threatening to divorce and her jerk of an ex-boyfriend dumping her for the second time with a text message this time. When spending time together seems to take on more of a sharing and bonding time Lizzie rethinks her views on what she really wants in the future.

Restless by Tori Carrington shows that this dynamic writing duo can take even the most troubled and heartless character and make him loved by all. Additionally, it helps to highlight that your best match in love might be just outside of your comfort zone. The authors did another great job in wrapping up a series by finally giving Gauge his happy ending. Restless has a great match in Lizzie and Gauge. Additionally, it gives the reader the opportunity to see the character of Gauge grow up and finally accept what is really in his heart and soul. Restless is another winner for the writing duo. I thoroughly enjoyed Restless and think you will to, especially in front of a fire with your beverage of choice.

Tanya
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I've read a number of books written by the couple that makes up Tori Carrington. I've enjoyed a lot of their books, but I have to say, I was extremely disappointed in this book. It had practically no story. Although I've read many category romances over the years with solid writing, Restless was like the stereotypical category romance: no discernible plot, no real character development. This Blaze novel seemed to simply be a bunch of love scenes (and I use the term "love scene" in the loosest sense) that the author attempted to connect to each other with a flimsy plot. I know Blazes are steamy, and I've read a number of Blaze novels that I've enjoyed, but come on, this story was just ridiculous. Truthfully, I couldn't even finish the book, because I got so frustrated. The lack of any real plot or character development made it all seem so raunchy and gratuitous, when I think some of the love scenes could have been nicely done if the characters and story had been better fleshed out. I feel like this book has called into question my high opinion of Tori Carrinton's writing.

Even though this story was a little more vanilla than the other two in the series, it was still good. I like Gauge and I'm glad he got his HEA. It seemed a little slow in some parts, but it picked back up. It was a good ending to the series.

Her married boyfriend Jerry informs lawyer Lizzie Gilbred by text message that he is returning "2 Jen", his wife. She has remained upset since receiving his cold message seven days ago, but is now ready to take action. Tired of being a loser because she has been a caring good girl, Lizzie decides no more Ms. nice girl. She chooses her renter grunge garage musician Patrick Gauge as her bad boy target.

Gauge is Dion's Wanderer, who is "never in one place" as he "roams from town to town" but sadly "going nowhere". However his libido explodes when his landlady proves not to be a frozen tin Lizzie as she seduces him. They share what each thinks is the greatest sexual trysts of their respective lives. As they begin to fall in love, Gauge the "king of the road" considers fleeing; his normal response to any serious commitment since he went homeless, However this time he knows leaving will be more than sweet sorrow; it will be the hardest departure of all as his Lizzie makes him believe in him and them.

Gauge is the key to this terrific contemporary romance as his love for Lizzie and her encouraging nurturing enables him to begin to heal and return to what he once was; only greater now because of her. Lizzie is a bit more typical of the prim and proper good girl determined to test the bad girl waters, but Gauge brings out both sides. Team Tori Carrington provides a superior character driven tale as Lizzie, readers and even Gauge wonder if the boy is back in town fighting for love or picking flight.

Harriet Klausner