This was my first time reading a
novel by Lucia Jordan, and she definitely kept me intrigued—especially with
that ending. Her writing style is engaging, playful, and perfectly suited for a
seductive, fast-paced read.
The story introduces us to
Chardonnay Selby, who—at the urging of her roommate Cecily—agrees to go on a
blind date with Cecily’s “hot” coworker. The instructions are simple: meet at
the hotel restaurant and look for the man holding a white rose. But when
Chardonnay arrives, she finds two men with white roses—one casually dressed in
jeans and a sport coat, the other impeccably styled in a finely tailored suit.
It turns out the sharply dressed man
is Stephan Hale, and from the moment he appears, he commands the room—and the
date. Stephan is confident, dominant, and deliberate in every move he makes.
Though Chardonnay promises Cecily she won’t sleep with her blind date, she
finds herself irresistibly drawn to Stephan’s magnetic presence.
When he whisks her away to Aria for
an intimate tasting menu in a private wine cellar—complete with perfectly
paired wines—the night only grows more luxurious. The evening continues at a
posh movie theater where Stephan has reserved two roped-off rows just for them.
The teasing tension between them builds deliciously, with Stephan skillfully
pushing her to the edge—only to pull back.
For a short story, this installment
delivers plenty of intrigue and chemistry to entice readers into Book Two. The
characters feel vivid, the dialogue flows naturally, and the scene descriptions
are sharp and immersive. The sexual tension and witty banter add to the appeal,
making it compelling to watch Chardonnay wrestle with—and ultimately break—her
own rule about first dates. Stephan certainly makes it difficult for her to
resist.
Without giving too much away, Lucia
Jordan closes this book with a surprising twist that seamlessly sets up the
next installment. If you enjoy glamorous settings, confident heroes, and irresistible
tension, this one is worth the read.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Lines That Linger:
“Stop staring at me. You stared at me all through dinner. You should have
my face memorized by now.”
“Almost. Since Dangerous Beauty hasn’t started yet, I have to
settle for looking at the one next to me.”
“I’m not dangerous,” she said in a breathy voice, finding it hard to
catch her breath with the temperature rising so quickly.
“I disagree. You are the very definition of dangerous. You’re an
addiction waiting to happen.” He leaned close to her while holding her frozen
with his intense gaze. “I know a single kiss will have me hooked, and yet I’m
still willing to do it.”
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