Reviewed by Sheena

Lauren isn’t looking for love when she spends a scintillating night with Reid, the sexy keyboardist of Thane’s Redemption. While their passion may be off the charts, her trust issues–and Reid’s secret life as a time-traveling covert agent–makes any chance for a relationship impossible.

When operatives involved in a mysterious project begin dying, Reid defies orders and travels alone into the future to find the cause. But when things go dangerously awry, it takes all of his strength to get himself back to safety–and directly onto Lauren’s doorstep. While neither of them remembers their night of passion, their intense connection leads Lauren to help him. But as Reid’s memories reignite, will he be forced to sacrifice everything to finish his mission–including the woman he loves?

Favorite Quote: “Sorry. Girl-code solidarity trumps fate.”

Time travel is not usually my cup of tea, however, rock star romance appeals to me and Nina Crespo writes drooly, good sexy, so there I was, ready to bear witness to Deliverance. (Interrupting review to say: Bad cover- seriously, avert your eyes!).

Fed up, disappointed and disillusioned, Lauren is on a self-imposed man hiatus. Believing her battery-operated friend is a far more reliable and fitting companion, she is not prepared for the attraction and irresistible draw she has toward Reid. Reid is a time traveling, secret agent, rock band keyboardist (yeah…don’t…just don’t think about it too closely) who lays eyes on Lauren and is done for. Their chemistry is off the charts-each time they came together, I was mentally searching for the nearest bed…wall..counter-top…you name it!

Reid is a fantastic hero, very, very sexy, yet very warm and kind. Alpha,but not the jerky kind. Authoritative, yet gentle. He is secret agent on a mission and can not- should not be diverted by love, but you know what thy say about best laid plans… Lauren was interesting. I connected with Reid right away, but it took me a while to invest in Lauren as a heroine. Primarily because she felt a little flat, so much went into legitimizing Reid’s character to protect against him coming across as absurd, that I think a little umph, was missed crafting Lauren. About 60% in, I began to warm toward her, especially when she was vulnerable and not trying to protect herself with a cocoon of “girls rules” designed to protect her heart. Rules, might I add, which were hilariously broken far more often than followed (darn you Reid and your irresistible charm)!

Much of this novel is Reid doggedly working to solve and complete his mission, save lives and living a secret agent’s double life. The author creates a really cool world where even Reid’s phasing between years and states is sexy. What I wouldn’t give to be caught up in his golden bursts! When the past and future collide and Lauren finds out the unbelievable truth, how they navigate their futures and try to sustain a relationship is the tipping point of some pretty gnarly and emotionally charged scenes. Lauren’s trust issues are magnified and the pressures on Reid to succeed mount creating a pretty exciting plot twist. Action, sex, humor, romance and rock and roll baby!

Reid’s Deliverance is a departure from the sexy contemporary comfort zone that I assumed I would be cradled in. I was pleasantly surprised, nothing at all felt corny or contrived. Genuine characters, clever intrigue and fierce action were secret ingredients to make this novel a winner. Absent were any elements that slowed the plot down or burdened the light nature of the story. To put it plainly, I enjoyed the ride. There is much you will have to actually experience for yourself that I shall not spoil, for substantiated fear that Reid would surely phase into my living room and give me hell. Reid’s Deliverance is the second in the series and can be read as a stand alone without incident.

Grade: B

Previous Nina Crespo Reviews: Naughty Little Wishes

Goodreads l Author Website I Series

Kindle l Nook