Tome Thursday: Trick or Treat

Hello everyone!

So alright, this book might not be the most seasonal thing I've ever done, but I just finished reading it a couple of days ago and, as seems to always be the case with books written by Serenity Woods, I loved it.

Side-note, I have a bunch of them I haven't read yet to take along with me to the seaside when I galop away for two weeks, so there you go!

Ahem.

To be frank about this book, it took me forever to find it, because for some reason or other my usual retailer just didn't seem to have any working links. I dislike not having the complete collection when it comes to books, however, so obviously I was stubborn enough to keep on pushing and ensure that I was going to have the entire lot.

After all, when it comes to books like Trick or Treat, you basically NEED the rest to go full-on steamy.

Now, Trick or Treat is the fourth book in Treats to Tempt You, a series about a chocolate shop of the same name set in the gorgeous New Zealand. Doubtless Bay, if we're being thorough. I may end up doing an entire series of reviews on these books because they're pretty much awesome, and I've read them all already so there shouldn't be too much trouble.

But first, let's put my OCD aside and work our way through number four, shall we?

In this book, we meet the mercurial and passionate chef Fox Wilde (real name Fredek) and another of the Treats to Tempt You girls, Caitlin Baker, who pretty much have enough chemistry to set the entire bay on fire and then some.

What happened that they aren't a couple yet, though?

Well, first thing's first, ten years ago to the day when this book is happening, Cait went to a Halloween party with her older sister Elle, which was where she met Fox. She was sixteen at the time and he was eighteen, and they hit it off right away, moving on to a steamy get-together which would include Fox taking Cait's virginity, but unfortunately for the both of them her possessive and strict father made an appearance and almost ground Fox into sawdust.

Since then, the blonde feels like she owes him, but hasn't said a word after meeting him again ten years later, so she's convinced he doesn't know it was her.

He didn't recognise her. Good.

But then he gets the chance of a lifetime at the famous Rutland's Restaurant in Auckland, which would entail leaving behind his own restaurant, Aqua Blue.

And as it's a family-friendly environment, Fox makes up a fiancée on the spot: Caitlin.

First, she wants to clobber him over the head about it, but then after giving it some thought, decides to play along with the game. Only, she has a set of rules for Fox which include him NOT seducing her over the Halloween weekend.

Ha-ha, good one, Caity.

Obviously, Fox has other plans.

Equally, however, the pair share some intimate discussions and converse about a world of different subjects, including marriage and children, and both realise there's more to the other person than meets the eye.

Couple that with the friendly owners of Fox's potential new job, romantic scenery, and ...

Yep. Dot, dot, dot.

Flames flare hotter than in a bonfire between these two as they rekindle their passion from ten years ago, but equally both start feeling guilty, Fox for lying to the kind owners and Cait for not telling Fox about what happened years ago.

So this all comes to a head when Cait finally confesses, and Fox admits that he's known all along it was her on that night - he hasn't forgotten her, hasn't been able to.

Cue me swooning outside the book.

Both of them realise their relationship is more than just skin-deep, but it seems to be coming on at exactly the wrong time since Fox pretty much has this new job in the bag, which would require him to move. 

Of course then he goes and spills everything to Cameron Rutland, the founder and owner of the hotel chain. It's telling that he feels comfortable enough with the older man since his actual father was never honestly around, even though Fox desperately yearns for his approval. But after chatting with Cameron, he and Cait return home and agree to think things through.

Which eventually ends with Cait realising she needs to at least tell Fox she'd be willing to move to Auckland with him, considering no one's ever done anything of the kind for him, and Fox admitting he wants their fake engagement to be real - because he loves her to bits.

Also, his grandmother's ring suits her.

And while the lot of their friends cheer in the background, the two of them decide to stay right where they are, Fox calls Cameron to decline but promise to stay in touch, and it's a go to prepare for Kole and Tasha's wedding which Fox is catering and giving his sister away at.

Fin.

The thing I liked most about this book was how the two leads talked things through. Too often in contemporary romances, one (or both) will fling accusations at the other's face and stomp off without getting two real words out or using the brains God gave a goose. It's one of the shining traits Ms Woods employs in her book writing where her characters actually react realistically as opposed to a dramatic American teen movie situation.

Add in irresistible heroes and strong heroines, and I keep coming back again and again.

xx

*image not mine