Beautiful Crazy by Kasey Lane
Series: Rock ‘n’ Ink, #1
Contemporary Romance
November 1, 2016
Sourcebooks

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “I wasn’t broken till you broke me.”

Kevan Landry never thought the sexiest more intense one night stand of her life would turn into a nightmare that could ruin her and her fledgling PR company…but it did. Now Kevan will have to put her libido on the shelf and pull up her big girl panties if she wants to save her company.

Mason Dillon, CEO of one of the most successful music PR firms, saw the smoking hot pin-up, tattooed beauty and knew she would be his for the night. Mason never expected to see her again at the office of one of Portland’s hottest up and coming bands. Nor did he expect to have to compete against her for their business.

The sparks and accusations fly when these two go head to head to sign Manix Curse. Of course, only one of them can win. But unless these two can reach a compromise, both of them will lose what matters most.

Kasey Lane’s debut romance, Beautiful Crazy, is the first in a romance contemporary series with just the right balance of humor, emotional trials, and smoking hot sex. Though not an erotic romance, there are some hot racy scenes in here that will set your kindle on fire. A unique emotionally fueled opposites attract romance, the humor and antagonism adds to the overall anticipation as you watch this couple of fussed, fight, and CENSORED their way to their happily ever after. Opposites attract is one of my favorite tropes.  Add in some antagonism and amusing snark and I’m clapping my hands in glee.

It’s interesting to watch the author try to convince me these two people who seem completely wrong for one another are actually perfect together. Lane does a fabulous job of setting up the protagonists, developing their personalities and their back stories; taking a considerable amount of time letting us get to know them and see their differences. As the story progresses, Lane gently begins to cut through the external artifice and we start to see what she sees-that our protagonists are indeed perfect for one another.

“She’d proven she had the brains to back up the bod. In one word, she was a challenge.”

These intriguingly flawed characters carry a vein of realism. Kevan and Mason aren’t perfect and have the scars to prove it. Both carry baggage that affects how they react in the here and now. Strongly character drive, I really connected with Kevan. Often judged negatively on her lively personality and flamboyant style; Kevan struggles to make people see her and take her seriously. Strong, Intelligent, hardworking, and unapologetic…she gives her all in everything she does. From her start-up business to her brother’s drug problems, we watch as she hustles the best she can, stumbling over road blocks only to bounce back up and try again. She is an appealing underdog with a heart of gold that readers will cheer for. Not to say she’s a pushover because she’s not. She gives as good as she gets and often takes no prisoners.

Mason is sexy alpha who has made his mark on the world. Born to a prominent family and current CEO of a powerful music PR company, he finds himself at a loss when an ultimatum is placed on him to bring in more business or else. His life has been relatively easy compared to Kevan’s but he does have issues that continually drive him. Mason took a little while to connect with as he gives off a “do not touch” vibe that is felt instantly. He comes off predictable in the beginning with his posturing, strong sexual innuendos, and penchant for deflection. Lane slowly peels back his protective shell to show us the vulnerability and insecurity that he carries inside of him. He feels pulled in multiple directions and no matter how hard he tries, he knows he will be disappointing someone.

“He had a company to save and a woman to seduce. And less than two weeks to get both done.”

It’s always enlightening to read a story from two different sides and Lane indulges us by giving dual narratives. She keeps Kevan and Mason honest in their feelings and while some of things they say or think hurts, it helps to create a more realistic story. Written in a fast flowing conversational style, the witty dialogue, and well-developed scenes will keep you riveted as you watch this couple not only deal with their intense attraction but also their distrust. Kevan maintains a hands off approach to Mason; very aware of what an affair with him could do to her both professionally and emotionally.

The intense sexual chemistry between them ignites with their first night together and only burns hotter and brighter the longer they resist. The sexual tension is like barbed wire. Poking and scraping at them with each new encounter. When they finally do give in again…BOOM! The antagonism makes their times together even more enjoyable. I do enjoy banter in the bedroom and these two don’t disappoint. Kevan challenges Mason while he makes her feel safe and cherished. Something she hasn’t felt in a very long time.

“I’ve got you darlin’. Don’t worry. I won’t left you fall.”

A personable set of secondary characters gives readers hints to who may be showcased in the next installment while using them to help Kevan and Mason figure out what they want. I enjoyed meeting the band and gleaning intriguing clues to their backgrounds. Kevan’s brother isn’t seen much but his story maintains an important place in the story. A few subplots intertwine, adding some drama to the story to force Kevan and Mason out of their corners and demand they finally face their fears head on.

Beautiful Crazy certainly lives up to its name with its sexy romance between a deliciously well-developed couple whose tremendous and difficult growth was quite the journey to watch unfold. Lane has definitely written a winner and is a new author worth keeping an eye on.

Grade: B+

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