Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey
Connected Standalone. Adult Contemporary.
Up in Smoke is the second book in the Crossing the Line series by Tessa Bailey. The first book, Risking It All, was a 5+++ star read for me…leaving big, giant shoes to fill (see my review). But, as always, Tessa Bailey did not disappoint.
This series features the anti-heroes…good people who have done bad things. Connor Bannon, an ex-Navy SEAL who was dishonorably discharged, has spent 2 years of his life reluctantly working for his cousin’s “business”…a business that operates on the wrong side of the law. When presented an opportunity to work with the Chicago PD as an undercover agent, Connor accepts the chance to take down the same kind of criminals he used to work with, side by side. Being a man who lives his life based on exceptional control, he is thrown for a loop the minute he meets Erin…the tiny little arsonist in her short shorts and combat boots.
Erin O’Dea, also know as “She’s Getting Away” O’Dea is one feisty fem. She hates authority and being controlled. Stemming from her innate fear of being confined, she had mastered the art of escape. Within moments of meeting thisĀ strictly controlled ex-military man, Erin finds herself battling her urge to run, yet get closer at the same time.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Connor is so effing intense…he brings protective to a new level. All about control, it’s fascinating to watch him come undone with Erin. And Erin…she has wiggled into the spot of one of my favorite leading ladies. I was so enthralled as she worked through her demons…so invested in her healing and ability to overcome.
This isn’t going to work.” She spoke to his reflection in the glass, but it still hurt. Especially when his eyes blazed open at hers. “What were we thinking?I spend my life avoiding being tied down. You need to control and fix and manage. It’s a fucking countdown until you start to resent me. Let’s cut this short, shall we?”
Now, let’s talk steam. HOT EFFING DAMN. You learn early on that Erin can’t handle being touched…for fear of being restrained. It causes her actual pain. So watching the chemistry between them has you wiggling in your seat. The sexual tension is OFF THE CHARTS. How is it possible that a scene can be so incredibly HOT when the man isn’t even touching the woman? HOW? I don’t know…but Tessa Bailey does it…and she does it well!
WHEW!!!!
Ultimately, this story was freaking amazing. This series is quickly becoming my favorite of Tessa’s. There is an intensity in these books that is hard to describe. These heroes and heroines love HARD and FAST when their soul recognizes its other half. Even though it takes awhile for their minds to catch up. This was a fast paced, piping hot read. Another hit for Tessa Bailey!
Rating: 5 Stars for storyline, 5 flames for Heat
Purchase Up in Smoke by Tessa Bailey
Zita R says
Great review! I’m looking forward to reading Up In Smoke. What would I recommend after reading Fifty Shades? The Crossfire series by Sylvia Day and The Inside Out series by Lisa Renee Jones and The Blackstone Affair series by Raine Miller.
Dana says
I can’t wait to tackle the next book in this series………………
My top recommendation after 50 Shades has to be The Beyond Series by Kit Rocha!!
Maria Malaveci says
The Bared to You series by Sylvia Day!
jodi marinich says
anything by nicole edwards is great
Becky Lewis says
I suggest anything good after Fifty Shades because I didn’t even like the books. They just weren’t for me.
Bube says
Songs of Submission by CD Reiss š
Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
Ashley Jasper says
I’ve read so much after 50 shades….I went for something lighter that had some humor laced in it while still being sexy. The Harmony series by Angela Graham.
Christina Riggs says
Although I’ve read all the Fifty books and loved them, I mostly read Historical romances and Harlequin Presents. I guess it really depens on my mood but I like books in this category by Cheryl Brooks, Melody Anne.
Katarzyna says
Megan Hart’s books, Sylvia Day, Samantha Young, J. R. Ward
Tonya Coleman says
The Crossfire series by Sylvia Day. ALso The Driven Trilogy by Kristy Bromberg. These two series are in my top favorite along with Fifty Shades.
Kimberly Addison says
Anything but the new one by E.L. James…hated 50 Shades of Grey!
Kim Perry says
Up in the Air series and Tristan & Danika series by R.K. Lilley
Amanda Gylling says
After reading 50 shades, I would recommend anything by Robin Schone (although she writes historical romance).
Alexandra A says
This Man series by Jodi Ellen Malpas! š
Karen G. says
Tristan & Danika series and the Up in the Air series both by R.K. Lilley! =D
Denise H says
The Boss series by Abigail Barnette
Susan T. says
The Dream Man series by Kristen Ashley
Jenn McElroy says
I enjoyed the Breathless series by Maya Banks after I read FSOG.
Erika says
The Crossfire series!
Irma says
The Crossfire series by Sylvia Day and Up In Smoke š
Mary Pottorff says
I have read so many great stand-alone and series since Fifty Shades of Grey that right now I would know who to suggest first.