Back in 2012 when “Fifty Shades of Grey” was all the rage, I refused to read it. Not because of it’s content (I’m by no means a prude) but because I hate bandwagons and refuse to jump on them. It was almost a year after the first book was published before I gave it a chance, and honestly…it was only because I was determined to get my best-friend (and every other female acquaintance I know) off my back. They wanted to know my thoughts, and I was determined to give it to them…unfiltered. (That’s code for: I was gonna set their book boyfriend on fire and then feed his charred corpse to the coyotes behind my house.) Unfortunately, (if that is even the right word) I never got the pleasure. NOT because I was in love with Christian Grey and all of his “Red Room of Pain” hype, but because between the pages of sex, bondage, and insta-love (which I despise) there was a pretty good story. About damaged people finding their place in the world…together.
What does this have to do with Kinrade’s “Hitched?”
I feel the same way about this book.
Insta-love, second page sex scenes and flagrant disregard to normal human interaction aside (because who the hell acts normal in Vegas?) the STORY (beneath) the story is one worth reading.
What does that mean exactly? So happy you asked. But first…the synopsis.
He called me “wife.” This man standing naked in front of me. Tall. Dark. Sexy as sin… He’s my husband?
Disjointed images from the night before, the night I can’t entirely remember, float into my mind. Meeting him in the bar. Sharing tidbits of our lives. I own a company that plans bachelor parties. He’s a pediatric heart surgeon. We both live in Las Vegas, but we come from very different worlds. And then I remember that kiss. The way his lips brushed against mine, gentle at first, then harder, deeper, with more urgency. Sex in the elevator. Hot, forbidden, delicious.
I remember the way he made me feel. The way our bodies fit perfectly together. But I don’t remember marrying him. And now, he won’t let me go. Dr. Sexy who saves children for a living. He wants the summer to prove we are meant to be.
I can give him a summer. But can I give him a lifetime?
Here’s the thing, I am not a die-hard-can’t-seem-to-get-enough fan of erotica, but I’m also not opposed to it. Though I appreciate a little more angst between the characters before they master the horizontal tango, I’m not going to condemn a book for it. Instead, I’m going to just skip talking about it all together. There’s a ton of sex between the pages of “Hitched.” It’s hot. Feel free to use your imagination from there.
What I am going to talk about is the story…which I mentioned earlier.
Between the pages and pages of sexy time there is a story of a lonely woman and heartbroken man. Both are searching for something, but they don’t necessarily know what that is until they meet each other. Things get a little out of hand and a one night stand turns into an “I do.” but that doesn’t stop Sebastian from fighting for what he knows will make him happy again. That something being Kacie. Kacie is the lonely one in this story, but she refuses to admit it. To herself, her brother OR her best friend (who just happens to be a dominatrix.) It isn’t until Sebastian’s “give me a summer to convince you we are perfect together” ultimatum that she truly realizes that something is missing in her life. What follows BOTH of these realizations is the story worth reading. Each character’s backgrounds are explored making them less “figures in a porno” more “real people.” True emotions start to present themselves, and the people surrounding these two characters start to make an impact on not only the dialogue exchanged externally, but internally. In short…they come to life.
I’m not gonna lie, there was a pretty severe imbalance when it came to the interaction between family members. (Sebastian’s mother is a catalyst for a major plot line, while Kacie’s family is cameo’d for three pages and then left drifting in the wind with very little explanation.) And there were more than a few times when I felt opportunities for character building were missed between friends, but for a little over 200 pages, I guess I can’t be too picky. (Or can I?)
At the end of the day this reads like a saucy drugstore romance. Quick relationship, hot and heavy physical contact and a happily every after. Which isn’t a bad thing, just an obvious one. The “story” aspect could have been expanded upon and there could have been a little more attention paid to dangling situations (ala: Why exactly does Kacie not like her mother? Is it only the “you need to find man thing? Really…is that all?) But the concept overall was an interesting one. The dialogue was snappy and quick-witted. And there were a few times when I found myself really cheering on this unexpected couple. (especially during surprise “ex” visits.)
Final judgement call…you are going to get out of it what you expect to. (Yep, it’s all up to YOUR wants when it comes to “Hitched.”) There is a decent story there if you are willing to look for it, and if erotica is your thing, you’ll love the combination of plot lines presented by this wife/husband writing duo. It all boils down preferences with this book. Like I said above, I would have like a little more guts (which is why I’m giving this book an average rating) but you might be a gut free fan, to which I say…rock out with you socks out. You’ll devour this one.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: There is someone for everyone.
Rating Report | |
---|---|
Plot | |
Characters | |
Writing | |
Pacing | |
Overall: | 3 |
Karpov Kinrade is the pen name for the husband and wife writing duo of bestselling, award-winning authors Kimberly Kinrade and Dmytry Karpov. Together, they write all things sexy in romance, mystery and paranormal that will get your blood boiling and keep you turning pages. Look for more from Karpov Kinrade in the Call Me Cat trilogy, the Seduced Saga and the Forbidden Trilogy. Read all about their extensive book list at www.readKK.com. They live with three little girls who think they’re ninja princesses with super powers and who are also showing a propensity for telling tall tales and using the written word to weave stories of wonder and magic.
AUTHOR LINKS: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter