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bookbrig 's review for:
The Professional
by Kresley Cole
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Similar to the other book I read in this series (oops to reading out of order, I guess), this has good writing, and an interesting premise/love interest, and I like the author's writing style, mostly. I recognize the broody/angry appeal the damaged guy with a heart of gold has, but I really don't enjoy romance where when one partner is angry/enraged about something, and they still hook up. Cole makes a point of having both characters talk about how, even angry, the guy won't go too far and would never hurt the woman here, but it's still clear that both partners are angry with one another for different reasons (and the guy is SUPER angry)-resulting in a scene that's less hot and more squicky.
I also enjoy the women in these books, because they feel so realistic: knowing what they like, while also being conflicted sometimes, making decisions about their relationships based on their own needs, having other women for friends, not written as out of control jealous while still feeling possessive of their partners. Just super likeable and flawed and normal sounding (if still romance novel pretty with "flaws" that wouldn't be flaws in anyone but a romance heroine). I'll probably read the other book in this series too, I think.
Update: On rereading, I found the romance more squicky and the leading man less likeable. Still nowhere near as bad as 50 Shades, but for me this series is best enjoyed as the romance novel version of an action movie: cheesy, unrealistic, shiny, and kind of fun.
I also enjoy the women in these books, because they feel so realistic: knowing what they like, while also being conflicted sometimes, making decisions about their relationships based on their own needs, having other women for friends, not written as out of control jealous while still feeling possessive of their partners. Just super likeable and flawed and normal sounding (if still romance novel pretty with "flaws" that wouldn't be flaws in anyone but a romance heroine). I'll probably read the other book in this series too, I think.
Update: On rereading, I found the romance more squicky and the leading man less likeable. Still nowhere near as bad as 50 Shades, but for me this series is best enjoyed as the romance novel version of an action movie: cheesy, unrealistic, shiny, and kind of fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content