Book Blurb:
Newly minted Dr. Lovely “Love” Washington plans to devote her medical career to helping women. But her own happy ending eludes her. Then one morning she wakes up in a Vegas hotel under the sheets with the very familiar and extremely charming Dr. Drake Jackson. The longtime best friends didn’t only become overnight lovers. They got married, even if neither remembers tying the knot. And Love is tormented by sizzling memories of the passion-filled night they shared.
Matters of the heart have always fascinated Drake. Now the aspiring cardiothoracic surgeon and in-demand playboy must confront his growing feelings for his oldest, most alluring, off-limits friend. Amid a disastrous family reunion and the unwanted attention of Love’s persistent ex-boyfriend, the newlyweds are digging themselves deeper into a deception that has to end. Or does it? Has Drake finally found what’s been right in front of him all along—the true Love of his life?
Release Date: January 1, 2018
Rating:
Review:
Not sure what rock I’ve been hiding under, but I finally read Book 1 in the Jacksons of Ann Arbor series, It’s Always Been You, by Elle Wright. So glad I did. It is such a good read and just flows from beginning to end.
This is a friends to lovers, story and you can tell the author loved these characters. They were written with lots of personality and humor. I laughed so many times throughout this book and couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
There are many different relationship dynamics explored in this book as well. How each of the characters relate to their parents and the impact that can have on you as it relates to your adult relationship is one of the main themes in the book. Being able to feel “good enough” for yourself while at the same time being vulnerable to someone else is a lesson both characters learn as well. Both Drake and Lovely also had support from other family members to help navigate their relationship. My favorite is Drake and his Uncle-Brother, El. It’s nice to read about males having someone they can talk things over with and be honest with without judgment. Those scenes were not only hilarious (how many one dollar bills does Drake carry around), but they also show that men are just as confused and complicated when it comes to love and matters of the heart.
Don’t wait like I did, read this today.
Favorite Scene: Chapter 10
"Drake," she muttered under her breath. "We have an audience."
He peered down at her, a small smile on his lips. "I know," he said. "I don't care."
"I care," she snapped. "We have to work here."
His jaw tightened. "Fine. Handle this, then." He motioned toward Derrick.
"Because if you don't, I will."
Drake turned to leave, but she gripped his wrist, halting his retreat. "Don't go. We need to
talk."
"Not here, and not in front of him."
Sighing, Love glanced at Derrick. "You have to go.,"
"Can we meet for coffee later?" he asked.
"No, she can't." Drake's voice was louder this time. "You don't want this kind of problem
with me, man. If you don't get the hell away from her-"
Love whirled around, here eyes darting about the floor. She knew what that
meant. Although Drake was from a wealthy family, he'd been in several fights
in high school due to his hot temper. The boys had tended to try him because they'd
though he was a soft rich boy who would take it. "Drake, go in
the lounge. I'll handle this, and we'll talk." When he didn't move. she added, searching his
eyes, "Please."
The kiss that followed caught her off guard. It wasn't sweet;rather, it was hard and possessive.
His tongue pushed past her lips, and his hands were in her
hair, holding her to him.. She moaned as he devoured her mouth with passion
in front of the entire floor. She felt that kiss from the top of her head to the tips
of her toes. Electricity sizzled around them and she had no choice but to give in
to his demanding mouth. Then it was over and he was walking away from her.
On shaky legs, she looked up at Derrick, handing him the flowers. "I'm sorry,
Derrick, You have to go. Drake is my husband, and you need to respect that."
Pivoting on her heels, she took a steadying breath, and left Derrick standing there.
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