Alluring by Sarah Curtis
Series: Alluring, #1
Contemporary Romance
January 6, 2015
Self Published

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “You are the breath I need to breathe… Without you, I am nothing.”

Alexis Taft has no time for relationships while working two jobs to pay off her mother’s medical bills and sister’s college tuition. She certainly has no time for notorious player Jackson Cole who also happens to be her boss at Allure.

But what Jackson wants…Jackson gets. And he wants Alexis.

Jackson Cole is the cream of the crop in looks, money, and power. He has the world at his fingertips and always gets his way but when a beautiful cocktail waitress refuses to date him, he will have to do something he has never done before…convince her he’s worth the risk.

As Jack spins his web around Alexis, introducing her to his luxe lifestyle and all the pleasure he can give her in and out of bed, there is someone else who doesn’t want Jack to get what he wants. Someone who wants Jack all to themselves.

If Jack and Alexis don’t stop them, Jack will lose everything he ever wanted.

I picked up Alluring due to S&M Obsessions tweeting about it. Though I’m not a fan of the billionaire alpha caveman and virginal innocent poor heart of gold heroine trope, there was something about this opposites attract story appealed to me. Formulaic and rather simple, this heavily character driven story focuses on the protagonists and Curtis writes them with style, humor, and a wee bit of drama. Dual points of views gives insight to what our lovers are thinking without rehashing scenes or clunky dialogue. Steady pacing and a clear voice makes this a fast, easy, and sexy read. Though this is a series, each book is a standalone with a HEA ending. 

Jackson Cole IS a bit of an alpha caveman but he readily admits it. While he definitely has a possessive obsessive side, he doesn’t strive to make Alexis one of his possession. He doesn’t keep her in the dark about things, is always upfront and honest with her, and doesn’t make demands that will keep her under his thumb. Cupid’s arrow has hit him hard and while he’s a little confused about his feelings, he doesn’t use his new found feelings to create unnecessary drama or push the Alexis away.

“You can’t force me to date you, Jack.”

“I won’t be forcing you. I won’t need to force you. By the time I’m done with you, you’ll be begging me.”

“Why are you doing this? Why go to this much trouble? Surely there are hundreds of women out there more than happy, probably thrilled to spend time with you. You wouldn’t even
even have to try. Why don’t you go after them?”

“Because I want you.”

Alexis isn’t your usual poor defenseless heroine. She doesn’t need saving. She wasn’t placed in a situation that demoralizes or causes her to eat ramen noodles for weeks on end (not that ramen noodles are bad-I happen to love them). She works very hard but has friends, a decent apartment, and a small but enjoyable personal life. Strong, forthright, and smart, Alexis is more than able to hold her own against Jack. Alexis knows who Jack is and has seen the women he has dated. She knows his reputation as a one night only lover and is honestly perplexed why he wants to date her. She doesn’t do one night stands, admitting that when she finds the one for her, she will be all in and doesn’t think that the instant gratification of sex for one night is a good enough trade against what she really wants.

“What will I do when you’re gone? I’ve grown so dependent on you.”

I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart.”

You can’t predict the future, Jack.”

“There is no future I see, that you aren’t in.”

The romance builds quickly as Jack chases after and systematically wipes out all of Alexis’s objections to why they shouldn’t date. Jack is very vocal about how he feels about her and what he wants from her. I found it a bit cheesy at times but in a good way. Jack and Alexis are cute and funny together; especially when they don’t see eye to eye. The sexy times are playful and hot with some silly moments that only adds to the fun of them.

God, that mouth of his. Was that going to be her punishment? His dirty mouth, doing dirty things to her body. She could live with that.

Alluring is a sweet, sexy, fluffy read that doesn’t tax the reader with intricate plot lines or deep character reveals. There is no real angst, huge secrets or emotional baggage to overcome.  It’s a simplistic romance that did exact what it intended to do-entertain me from beginning to end. My only qualms is the stalker plot line was weak and gratuitous and there were some editing/grammar issues. Curtis has the talent and potential that could be further tightened up with the help of a good editor. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

RATING: B-

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