It’s been sometime since I read the first book to this series; and I must admit that it wasn’t that memorable to begin with. When I saw that Novel Publicity was hosting a whirlwind tour for this series, I jumped at the chance if only for the reason that I wanted to give this series another chance. Lo, and behold. I actually loved Marcus and Nicola’s story.
From this Moment On is the story of the oldest Sullivan, Marcus – the father figure and caretaker of the family. Upon discovery of the woman whom he was determined to make a life with in bed with another man, he sets out to forget her if only for a night. Marcus finds himself in a club, where alcohol, pounding music and scantily clad women are just what he was intending to lose himself in. At least…that was his plan. He soon realizes that it would take more than just imbibing himself into oblivion to erase the scene that was burned into his brain. But when a siren dressed in leather walked into the club, he suddenly sees exactly what he needs with a lot more clarity.
Nico/Nicola is a popular songstress with a long list of indiscretions. One of them being a series of naked pictures taken by a man whom she thought she loved. Unable to trust anyone to ever come close again, she worked hard on keeping people at arm’s length – which makes for a very lonely existence. On a night when the silence of the hotel room was more than she could bear, she sets out to do exactly what the world thought of her: a wild night that involves sex with a stranger. Dressed in an indecent leather, she walked into the club and into the direct line of fire of one handsome, burly man. She knew then that any man just wouldn’t do. She needed Marcus Sullivan.
This story is the perfect combination of sweet romance and steamy sex. Bella Andre gave me what she didn’t on the first book of this series: characters with more substance and a story that captivated me from beginning to end. Marcus and Nicola was so easy to love. Andre perfectly captured Nicola’s character so well: a combination of innocence and palpable sensuality that was hard to resist. Marcus, on the other hand, was a man whose take charge attitude explains why he couldn’t resist protecting Nicola like a fragile China doll. I’ve always been a fan of big men in romance books and Marcus was like a linebacker to Nicola’s diminutive figure.
My January Addiction is off to good start. At a time when porn-driven plots is all the rage, this book is exactly what romance books should be about: blatant chemistry and realistic relationships.