Welcome to my stop on E.L. Todd's INTO THE FIRE Review and Excerpt Tour! This is the first in a new series by Todd and it starts off with some serious fireworks.
Despite everything I've done for my parents, I'll never be good enough for them. Instead of seeing a man to be proud of, they just see an embarrassment. I served four tours in Afghanistan but that doesn't mean anything to them. They only see the ink, the party life, and my short stint in jail.
And nothing else.
When they were in trouble, I handed over my life savings. I didn't think twice about it because they're my family, my blood. They raised me to be my own man and gave me everything I needed. It didn't matter that it was every penny I had. It didn't matter that the money was set aside for my future. My dreams.
Because they needed me.
But now they refuse to pay me back until I become the man they think I should be.
And nothing else.
When they were in trouble, I handed over my life savings. I didn't think twice about it because they're my family, my blood. They raised me to be my own man and gave me everything I needed. It didn't matter that it was every penny I had. It didn't matter that the money was set aside for my future. My dreams.
Because they needed me.
But now they refuse to pay me back until I become the man they think I should be.
Alessandra
I have an unusual professional. I escort men, acting as their date to family functions or work parties. It's my job to act deeply in love with my client. And I always nail it.
But it's not what you think.
I'm not a prostitute.
I'm not a call girl.
I'm an actress.
Get it right.
There are strict rules when it comes to my profession. There is no touching, kissing, or anything but hand-holding. Those who choose not to comply will get a swift kick in the nuts.
But all this goes to hell when Ash walks into my life.
I have an unusual professional. I escort men, acting as their date to family functions or work parties. It's my job to act deeply in love with my client. And I always nail it.
But it's not what you think.
I'm not a prostitute.
I'm not a call girl.
I'm an actress.
Get it right.
There are strict rules when it comes to my profession. There is no touching, kissing, or anything but hand-holding. Those who choose not to comply will get a swift kick in the nuts.
But all this goes to hell when Ash walks into my life.
*AMAZON* *iTUNES* *BARNES & NOBLE*
MY THOUGHTS
Ash is ready to strike out on his own and open his own business; but to do that he needs the money he loaned his parents. Unfortunately, now that they're back on their feet, they're refusing to repay the money unless Ash "turns his life around." Which basically means conforming to their way of life. Ash is incensed but sees no way around it. The easiest to achieve seems to be the "finding a nice girl" part. So Ash hires an escort to pose as his girlfriend. Several dates for the benefit of his parents should do the trick. He didn't count on Alessandra.
Alessandra provides a service to those who, for one reason or another, need a date or the appearance of a girlfriend. She's strictly business and enjoys what she does. She's surprised by Ash since he's nothing like her typical client. Dinner dates with his parents quickly morph into hanging out together and a mutual attraction they can't help but act on. Ash has always been up-front about not being interested in relationships but that suits Alessandra just fine. This is just a fling... until suddenly it isn't.
There are cocky, arrogant guys - and then there's Ash. He often crossed the line between cocky and totally obnoxious (and had a less-than-charming pet name for Alessandra that made me want to hurl each time he used it). Even so, he was usually likable. It's hard not to appreciate a guy who is completely unapologetic for who and what he is. Alessandra, too, was likable and it was easy to sympathize with her reluctance to get involved again after her break-up with her jerk of a boyfriend. It was fun to see both characters, especially Ash, refuse to accept what was happening between them. His obvious care and concern for Alessandra was quite a contrast from his rough exterior and love 'em and leave 'em past. Despite their relationship moving at lightning speed, it was apparent these two had met their match in one another - if only they would admit it to themselves and each other.
Into the Fire is a fun, entertaining, sexy read. Recommended for those looking for a quick read that's low on angst and heavy on the sexy times.
EXCERPT
I sighed and left the bed. “You should go. I need to get ready.”
“For what?” His voice sounded raspy because we hadn’t spoken in so long.
I cringed because I didn’t want to say it. “I’m seeing Brad.” Guilt flushed through me. Was I really the kind of girl that went on a date right after I slept with someone? It grossed me out.
Ash’s eyes immediately darkened and he looked pissed. A fire erupted in his eyes, but the flames were black. “So, you’re just going to run off and have dinner with this chump?”
I didn’t want to fight so I kept my mouth shut.
He gripped me by the wrist and yanked me back into bed. “Call it off.”
“Call it off?” I asked incredulously. “I’m supposed to meet him in a little over an hour.”
“Tell him you’re sick.” He squeezed my wrist.
“I’m not bailing on him.”
“Just do it,” he ordered.
“And why should I?” I grew heated, all the anger coming back. “Give me one good reason, Ash.”
He held my gaze without blinking. “Me.”
“You?” I couldn’t keep the venom out of my voice. “What about you? I should ditch a nice guy so I can keep being your fuck buddy? What’s the point in that?”
“It’s pretty damn clear you’d rather be with me instead of him.”
His cockiness was usually endearing but now it was just irritating. “You’re such an ass.” I yanked my arm out of his grasp.
He grabbed me again. “Why go to him when you have me? I make you happy. I give you what you need. It doesn’t make any sense to go out with him. You really want some lame lawyer?”
“He’s a very nice guy.”
“Like you want a nice guy,” he barked. “You want me. Why else would you have slept with me for two days?”
I didn’t answer his question. “I’m not going to keep doing this, Ash. I need something more than a fuck buddy. I’m looking for a relationship, a long lasting one. This was fun while it lasted but it’s over. Let’s just walk away and move on.”
ABOUT E.L. TODD
Amazon Bestselling author, E. L. Todd, was raised in sunny California where she still lives today, claiming it’s the best place in the country. Easily hypothermic and hateful of the cold, she prefers to be warm all year round. She attended California State University, Stanislaus and received her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, but still pursued her dream to be a writer. She’s written several novels and many series’, and her imagination can’t seem to stop. She tries to find the good in people and she exploits that in her writing, proving that people can make mistakes and rise above their past. Her hobbies include sunbathing, swimming, eating at Surf Taco in San Diego, reading, and learning everything she can about hippopotamuses’, her favorite creature. Her greatest dream is to make people forget about the harshness of reality and dive into a good story with lovable people. When fans tell her they love her work, it gives her the greatest sense of accomplishment.
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