Synopsis:
Never start a fire you can’t control…
Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he’s spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin’s crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he’s now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team—all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair—Connor’s notorious iron control slips.
Erin “she’s getting away” O’Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And… Nope, that’s it. When she’s forced to operate on the “right” side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier’s eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed…
My review:
Up in Smoke is book number two (book number 2.5 if you count the novella, Riskier Business) in author Tessa Bailey’s Crossing The Line Series and because I’m a huge fan of Tessa’s work, I was so excited to read Connor and Erin’s story. Once again, Tessa didn’t disappoint. I swear, I was completely hooked from Erin’s very first antic and couldn’t put this book down until I had finished it. Of course, that brought me into huge book hangover mode…but that’s always the case when I finish a Tessa book!
Ex Navy SEAL Connor Bannon and pyro with a bad case of claustrophobia Erin O’Dea meet when they are working together in a rag-tag group of bad guys turned good guys for the sake of ending crime in their town.
First off, I ADORE the premise of this series. It’s like the Mod Squad with a modern and sexy edge. It’s one of my favorite series to date and one I always look forward to reading more of.
From the word go, Connor and Erin have this ridiculously sexy push and pull that had me enthralled and loving each minute of their banter. He wants her from the minute he sees her. She toys with him but then pushed him away. It drives him crazy that she wears short shorts. She wears them even shorter. She truly pushed his buttons at every turn but I don’t think she knew what kind of leashed beast she was messing with. Of course when she gets a taste of his dirty talk and his hunger for her, she’s a total goner….and let’s be honest, I would be too. But both of these characters’ depth goes way beyond their game of cat and mouse. They’re both damaged in their own way and totally worth fixing. Connor’s innate need to fix things comes out in droves the first time Erin is in the middle of a claustrophobic episode. It had me positively swooning for him. He’s this big, bad, rough, tough ex-SEAL with a soft spot for Erin and if that isn’t such a turn on, I don’t know what is. I equally loved Erin. She has a fragile soul and has learned the art of putting on a front to keep people at arm’s length as a defense mechanism. Wether it be her out of the box fashion sense or saying the most outlandish things to elicit shock, I loved her. They are both a dichotomy in their own right and it only adds to their layers as characters…..something Tessa does so well; it always amazes me.
Now, let’s talk about the heat factor. Dear. God. This was panty-melting, cheek-flushing, heart-pounding, off the charts hot. I think what made it even hotter was Erin’s inability to let people touch her in the beginning and Connor’s willingness to let her use him for her needs. It was such a delicious combination. We rarely see the damaged heroine these days and I really appreciated reading a woman take over the role that we read in so many current books. Another thing Tessa does so well…turning the norm on its head and getting people to love that view.
Overall this was another amazing addition to Tessa’s collection and I cannot WAIT to see what she has in store for us next. I have no doubt it’s going to be fantastic!
Five Loves
Excerpt:
As if her thoughts had made him appear, Connor strode into the courthouse. Her pulse started beating double time, her stomach muscles tightening. Good Lord, the man was a fucking panty dropper. She’d only been away from him for a few hours and it felt like years since she’d experienced his presence. In jeans and a fitted gray T-shirt that molded to his muscles like her hands itched to do, he personified confidence and authority. Hot, rugged male. His gaze connected with hers immediately and darkened. She thought back to that morning when he’d dressed in the early morning light, his abs flexing as he pulled the shirt over his head. His erection barely contained by his boxers. She’d never been one to beg for anything, but she’d been seconds from offering him her mouth. Pleading for the privilege of sucking him off.
Conner shook his head at her with a sexy half smile on his face, as if he could read her thoughts across the room. He stopped at the metal detector and walked through after the security guard beckoned him forward. When the woman grabbed her wand and instructed him to raise his hands in the air, something ugly reared its head deep inside her. The detector hadn’t even beeped. There was no reason for the personal service. When the woman smiled at Connor and ran a hand down her ponytail, Erin propelled herself forward, boots echoing on the polished marble.
Erin hissed as she drew even with the guard. “If you’re done feeling up my boyfriend, I’d love a turn. We were in a rush this morning.”
The guard dropped the wand, letting it dangle near her thigh. “Did you just hiss at me?”
Erin hissed again.
“Okay.” Connor stepped between them, winking down at her. “We should go. Don’t want to keep the clerk waiting.”
Appreciation spread in her belly like honey. He hadn’t chided her for her behavior or apologized to the woman on her behalf. Instead he’d given the impression they were on their way to get married, appeasing her jealousy in one fell swoop. “That’s right.” She sauntered toward the elevator. “There’s vows to be exchanged. Rings to put on fingers. Shit like that.”
She glanced behind her to find Connor staring at her ass as she walked, so she put a little swing in her hips and savored his groan. Damn. She’d definitely never had this much fun at a courthouse.
A moment later, she and Connor stepped into an empty elevator. She hit the button for the top floor even though the clerk was on the first, and leaned back against the wall, looking up at him through her eyelashes. “How was your morning, baby? Was it worth leaving me in bed, all hot and bothered for you?”
“Fuck no, it wasn’t.” He crooked a big finger at her. “Climb on up here.”
Meet Ex- Navy Seal Connor in UP IN SMOKE!
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About the author:
Thank you for your interest in my books! I’m Tessa and I live in the crazy, loud, overcrowded borough of Brooklyn, New York. I love it here. This city is a constant source of inspiration, which is why I’ve decided to set my most recent books in the Line of Duty Series here.
I moved to New York when I was eighteen, the day after I graduated high school. Threw my suitcase in the back of a Chevrolet Cavalier and drove across the country to find my adventure. I’m still finding it, little by little.Thank you for being a part of it.
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