Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Euphoria

SERIES: Cedar Falls #9

AUTHOR: Shea Balik

PUBLISHER: Siren-Bookstrand Inc.

LENGTH: 113 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 18, 2015

BLURB:

Shane Bartek has always dreamed of being the head chef in a high end restaurant. He just didn’t think he’d have to move to a small southern town to do it. All that changes when a pirate captures his heart. Jake Dunham has been struggling. For years he’s kept his bisexual orientation a secret so his parents wouldn’t disown him completely. But the moment he meets Shane, he knows he can’t hold it in any longer. After coming out to his family and friends, Jake expects an easy road ahead. What he hasn’t planned for is Shane’s very pregnant ex-girlfriend showing up. When things continue to get worse, his friends come to the rescue, doing what they do best, butting in and smacking anyone upside the head who needs it.

REVIEW:

This was such a good book. It really is. I have enjoyed this series so much. This one was another tough one, though. I know a lot of people believe in love at first sight and that’s fine, but the problem is, like in this book, they move too fast. They don’t get to know each other through dates and things and don’t get that solid foundation built to weather the storms they come against. There’s some good lessons in this book, some tears, but lots of hope and love.

Shane has always been a hopeless romantic. He falls in love too fast and wants whatever relationship he’s in to be the “one”. But life doesn’t work that way. Relationships fall apart and Shane is left with a broken heart and alone. He desperately wants to find the right person, but now work is keeping him from dating. Basically running two restaurants, he has no time to even really sleep, much less anything else. But the casino is having a holiday party for Halloween and Shane goes and takes a look. Maybe he can get lucky tonight. He doesn’t see anyone that captures his attention until he looks on stage at a mouthwatering man in a skin tight pirate suit. He stands at the end of the stage, waiting for Jake to come down. When he does, he rushes Jake to Euphoria and behind closed doors, he ravishes Jake with kisses. Both so turned on, they finish like teens in their pants. They don’t even know each other’s names. They formally introduce themselves and are off for a night of passion. Both feel like the other is it for them and they start a whirlwind romance. But not having really talked much or gotten to know each other, when Shane is faced with a pregnant ex, both men jump to the wrong conclusions instead of talking it out and it now may be over. They have to find a way to communicate and get through what is going on or they’re never going to last.

I think everyone at one time wants to have someone to share their lives with. As we get older, it may change for quite a few, but there are those who desperately want someone. When Shane and Jake meet and have their night of their dreams, they feel like this is it for them. I was so happy for both of them but I had a feeling something was going to happen. And it did. Not talking things out put them both in a bad situation that almost ruined everything. And it was heartbreaking for both of them. Especially when Jake finally found out what was really going on. But Jake fought for what he believed in and that’s what made the difference. He wanted to know and wanted to talk it through. He didn’t want to give up on them, and wanted it to last a lifetime. Thankfully, so did Shane. They just had to work through what they were dealing with. And it was enough to strain any relationship. But the stuck together, worked together, and asked for help when needed. The guys all pitched in to help and another family was added. Made life a whole lot more bearable.

Another great book in this series. I’m really enjoying it so much. I hope you all are as well.

RATING:

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