Title: It's All In The Jeans
Author: Tory Richards
Published in 2008 by Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Contemporary
ISBN: 978-1-60313-163-6
Where the heck she was going with this particular escapade, Libby Turner did not know off hand. She did know for certain she couldn't let her father force her Gram into an assisted living center. Her grandmother was too independent, loves her home, and if forced to move, she would be miserable. The repercussions of her gram’s misery are definitely not something Libby wanted to think about or, for that matter, face anytime in the near future. Knowing how stubborn her father was on this topic, and also realizing he never thought about the effects of his "decisions" on other people, she just had to do something. Then the idea struck, it was in her mind, the best way to prove her Gram could survive on her own even if it means Libby masquerading as a seventy-year-old woman for the summer. So it was that Libby found herself a "Senior Citizen" and live-in companion for the summer to her grandmother. Her grandmother, Margaret, acquired a keeper named Reba for the summer, and her father's plans were foiled, at least for a time. But there was a complication Libby was not prepared for, and that came in the tall, rugged, and to die for handsome firefighter who just happened to live next door.
How it is that such a virile and handsome young man came to be in the community, is something Libby quickly finds out. But to her detriment, and the danger to her heart is quickly apparent. Logan is the hero of the community, and too soon Libby realizes he could be the answer to her dreams. But she quickly realizes Logan is not looking for an attachment, and the secrets he hides from the world is something that also keeps him from getting close to her. In order to overcome all obstacles, Libby decides that she, too, can settle for whatever he is willing to give her, but it is quickly apparent to her it endangers her alter ego, the one facade she must keep up in order to protect her gram. How can she want someone so badly after what happened with her ex is totally beyond her, yet with every encounter, Logan gets deeper and deeper under her skin. She hasn't felt this badly since Scott came home from a "business trip" with the wrong suitcase. Until then, she hadn't understood Scott’s actions, his distance and careless disdain. Now, however, she's learned the lesson, and she understands the truth about Logan, or so she thinks. He is going to leave, and she will be hurt. Drawing away is not an option, because for her heart, it is way too late. She will not allow him to see her hurt, he doesn’t want a forever. She has no choice but to put up a brave front, or does she?
Logan Knight is a man with a sad past. Three things have crippled him, hurt him badly emotionally as well as physically. The physical will heal, the emotional may not if he can't get it out and talk about it with someone. He can't truly heal unless he can face this, and he refused to think about therapy. Yet as the burns fade into scars, he has to come to grips with the deaths of his friends, the breakup of his long-time relationship. and the guilt he feels as a survivor. Facing things his way or not at all, his decision to recuperate with his grandfather was the best decision he ever made. Safe from the pity of friends, the reminders of his losses, and the pressure of his job, Logan can relax and put it behind him for a while. In a sense he is hiding. Not only from the world, but from himself. This is time he needs, time alone and time without trauma. A community of elder citizens, friends and contemporaries of his grandfathers is a safe haven for Logan, and one of which he is glad to take advantage.
Here in Cypress Glen, the gated Senior Citizen's Community where his grandfather has a home, Logan feels safety, acceptance, and the friendship offered by the oldsters. Making himself useful by helping out with lawn chores, offering his assistance by giving seminars on fire safety and other subjects dealing with medical emergencies, first aid and more have made him mindful of the good things he does so well, the things he misses. It also makes him anxious to get back to the job, and had him hoping the doctors will clear him to go back to work soon. But Logan was not at all prepared for the one unexpected thing he discovers here in this safe and secure environment. The next-door neighbor has a granddaughter, and she is trouble with a capital "T". Not only is she hard on his libido, but Logan is finding it hard to keep her out of his mind. She has danger written all over her, and yet Logan's heart is apparently not paying attention to any of the warning signs. This time, he has nowhere to run, but back to work, and it is his fondest wish to get away quickly, or he could really be lost...
Where Tory Richards got the title, I have not a clue, but there is one thing for certain, her story and her hero rocks! Logan Knight really does fill out the pair of worn and faded jeans he favours, and Libby Turner is looking. But she is impressed by not only what is in the jeans, but also what she senses is hidden deep inside the man as well. Under the padding, she finds herself heating more at the thoughts of Logan, his hot bod, and his kindness to her gram and the others in the community. That heat, combined with the weather keeps her on the verge of a blistering heatstroke. Unable to find a way to cool off, she allows herself to play a dangerous game. She tells herself, and Logan, it is all about sex. It is truly great sex at that, but are they getting in too deep too fast?
It's All In The Jeans is a funny, sexy, and fun read filled with excitement, love and even a bit of danger. From a brush with a Hurricane named Dexter, to fighting off her ex-lover, Libby finds life with her grandmother is less than idyllic. Add to the mix, a recovering firefighter with baggage, and you have the recipe of a great read, one that will keep any respectable readier on their toes. It's All In The Jeans, by Tory Richards is not a book you arte going to forget real soon, and its twists, turns, and unexpected corners will keep you turning the pages in spite of drooping eyelids or the desire to sleep. I had to laugh at Libby's antics, at Logan's predicaments, and at Margaret's insistent pushing. The attraction between Libby's grandmother and Logan's grandfather only added more interest and spice to an already fine story. The end is surprising in its own way, and if you want a good page turner that is on the lighter side, then It's All In The Jeans is definitely the book for you. I suggest you head on over to Whiskey Creek Torrid and pick up a copy today. Then sit back and settle in for the ride!
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
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