4.5 "Squirrel with a Forgotten Past" Stars! If you read the book, you'll understand the reference. If you haven't, then I challenge you to explore this unique read. I have to say the blurb hooked me, though the read was unlike anything I was expecting or that I have previously read. This is one of those reads where the less you know going in, the better, as a number of important factors in the plot are a "trick". You will no doubt be left to surmise one conclusion, only to be intrigued by the crafty writing which hides the truth, like a magical illusion. The one thing I can tell you, is that if you enjoy emotionally gripping, sensual, erotic and romantic reads with a suspenseful overlay, then I highly recommend adding Only Trick to your TBR list.

They were never supposed to meet. Having grown up on complete opposite sides of the tracks, Darby Lucille Carmichael, a senator's daughter, and Patrick "Trick" Roth, a former drug addict and the son of homeless parents are the least likely couple you could imagine. Nonetheless when their paths cross, notwithstanding their unlikely connection, they feel a camaraderie unlike any they had previously known. Soon they become enveloped in a friendship like no other. Trick becomes Darby's first real friend and Darby gains a position in Trick's life unlike that which he has allowed any other woman to possess before.

They were warned to stay away from each other. Trick, a make-up artist, living with an older man; and Darby's step-mother and father ever conscious of their public political image; theirs was not a union meant to be exposed. Still no obstacle, large or small, could keep them away from each other. When their chemistry, however, starts creating undeniable, yet arguably unfulfillable signals, they will be left to question the forces that appear to keep them apart.

They couldn't help but let destiny take its course. When exceptions are made, the forces that strive to keep them apart begin to unravel. Though the truth has been forgotten, it nonetheless threatens their new found happiness. Will memories be the death knell of their fragile union or is their connection stronger than any dark force could ever destroy?

My background is purposefully vague. Go in with an open mind. The magic of this read is in the unfolding of its tale. There is also a touch of the forbidden that makes the romantic and erotic nature of this read so much more palpable and profound. I also really enjoyed the feeling of being constantly assaulted with the sense that there is more to this story than what you are being told, leaving you engaged, alert and waiting to discover the inevitable. In the end, however, you can't help but root for love, forgiveness and second chances.

This was my first read by Jewel Ann, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. Ms. Ann has hooked me with this unique read. I so look forward to reading more of her works in the near future.

Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

Hurray, I finished! I feel like I deserve a Medal of Perseverance for finishing this novel. It has such a strong beginning so I’m still trying to figure out what went wrong. We’re given a quirky and sympathetic heroine in Darby and I really enjoyed the “falling in love with your gay best friend” angle. Trick is a supposedly gay, über hot, guyliner-wearing, tattooed makeup artist. Darby has never had a friend and Trick never lets anyone in. Watching them bond as friends was lovely and funny; however, the story seems to lose its footing when they become more than friends.

Trick has an unexplainable aversion to women that has something to do with a past he can’t recall. Ok, I can understand that. But for the love of all that’s holy, why did he have to pretend he was gay just to avoid women’s advances?! It just didn’t make any sense to me and it’s a major basis of the plot. Darby becomes clingy when she’s away from Trick for one minute. Trick behaves like a jackass by ignoring her and pretending he doesn’t notice when other women put their hands all over his body. As for the steam factor, the sex is hot but Trick and Darby act like dogs in heat and it becomes extremely repetitive. “Come”. Sex. Lip smirk. Sex. Jellied toast with eggs. Sex. Emoji texts. Sex. – Every. Single. Chapter. Wash, rinse, and repeat.

Although things seemed to be heading downhill, I held out hope until the story completely jumped the shark. Darby – this intelligent woman who has a fulfilling career she loves, and who lives down the street from a grandma she adores – spontaneously quits her job one day and moves to another country the next day to live with Trick. Whyyyy? Why was it necessary? And the big reveal about his past? 1) Who cares? 2) Grow up, Darby! Why so much angst? I asked myself far too many questions while reading this book and it was exhausting.

I don’t think I’ve ever said this but I could have done without the epilogue. This one is illogical and far too cheesy.

This is a case of “when good books go bad” and I know this author is capable of better. I will definitely give her another chance and hope her next book will be a winner.