Erryn reviews ‘Body and Soul’ (Twist of Fate Book #3) by Lucy Lennox and Sloane Kennedy. The ebook was published February 2, 2018, and is 335 pages. The audiobook version of this story was narrated by Michael Pauley, released by SKLL on March 1, 2018 and is 9 hrs and 51 mins long. A copy was received in exchange for an honest review.
Why I read this book: I was intrigued by Jake from the first book in the series and I couldn’t wait for this book.
Oz: Escaping the international modeling scene to design my own fashion collection is the first step to shucking my bobble-headed supermodel reputation and proving to the world I’m more than just a pretty face. But the minute I have to accept roadside help from the sexy man next door, I feel like the airhead people think I am. And what’s worse, the man clearly doesn’t think I’m worth the time of day.
But despite trying to ignore my attraction to the mysterious doctor, I can’t help but be drawn to him. With every moment spent together, I begin to realize he’s hiding more than just some details of his past. He has one foot out the door.
As soon as I start to feel like everything might be coming together for me, I realize the man I’m falling in love with isn’t who I thought he was.
Jake: After three years on the run for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, I’ve finally found a seemingly safe place to settle in Haven, Colorado. With friends, a job, and a cabin in the woods, I have everything I need to live a simple life without drawing attention to myself. Everything’s fine. Fine.
Until I meet my new neighbor. The gorgeous man is anything but subtle and brings color to my life that I didn’t know was missing. But I learned years ago that falling in love with someone wasn’t an option anymore when simply being seen with me could have dire consequences. It’s time for me to run again, but I wonder if it’s safe to stick around just long enough for a taste….
Just when I begin to realize Oz is the missing piece to bring me back to life after years of hiding, my past catches up to me and throws everyone around me into danger. I know I should run, but what if it’s time to finally stop running and make a stand, once and for all?
While Body and Soul is the third book in the Twist of Fate series, each novel can easily be enjoyed as a standalone.
Book Links: Audible | Amazon | Add to Goodreads
My Review:
Jake Prescott has intrigued me since the first time I met him in Book 1 of this wonderful series. Secretive, reclusive, and yet there to help the moment he’s needed. It was clear both that he had medical training and that he was hiding secrets.
I love mysteries.
Oz, on the other hand, is more of an open book. He wears his heart on his sleeve and although up until now he has only let the world see the superficial supermodel side of him, there is a whole lot more to him than meets the eye.
The meeting of the two men is inauspicious and each encounter between the two of them has the opportunity to ramp up the antipathy – but it also ramps up the attraction. Except Oz believes Jake is straight and Jake believes he can’t get involved with anyone. The perfect set-up for conflict and drama. Add Jake’s obviously dangerous background and the fact Oz has hidden his celebrity status, and you have a typical Lucy Lennox/Sloane Kennedy challenge.
One thing I love about the book is the secondary characters. Oz’s best friend from NYC is Zoe. Their bond is strong, and when she shows up unexpectedly in Haven, Colorado to visit him, the love between Zoe and Oz is clear.
Xander and his husband Bennett, along with their adopted son, Lucky, are important characters. Aside from the fact they are in full-preparation mode for their wedding, they often get pulled into Jake’s and Oz’s dramas. Ash and Aiden make an appearance, and I’m glad to see Ash is thriving, with good news.
Finally, I have to mention Xander’s aunt, Lally. The proud nudist invited her nearly deaf friend Wanda and Wanda’s son, Steve, to Thanksgiving dinner, along with gay Keith who wants to date Oz, Xander, Bennett, and Lucky, as well as Oz and Jake. What ensues is possibly one of the funniest scenes I have ever listened to. I was standing on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, waiting for a bus and laughing my ass off. Out loud. Repeatedly. Oh, to have been a guest at that table.
As always, though, it is the men I fall in love with. Oz is quirky, out, proud, and dedicated to succeeding as a fashion designer – couture, no less. Jake is equally dedicated to protecting those around him, and unofficially, helping out at the local medical clinic. Against his better instincts, he has become part of Haven. And so has Oz and his infectiously happy personality that endears him to everyone. Soon, he is also helping out, often quietly, and behind the scenes.
It takes a crisis to show the men how great a town Haven really is.
So, these men are easy to love, faults and all. Of course, Michael Pauley is a big reason for that. His narration always hits the right tone. And – I’ve said this before – he makes the love scenes even hotter than I think the authors intended (which is already pretty steamy). He goes for it every time and I’m so glad.
I always give recommendation reviews for Lucy’s books and Sloane’s books, and now, for the books the two women write together. I’ve heard they have something new in the works – a visit to old friends – and I, for one, cannot wait.
One last note. Boo. OMG, Boo. Or, as Jake calls her, Princess Cujo or Princess Piranha. We all should have a Boo in our lives. A Bear wouldn’t go amiss either.
My Rating:
10/10 Points of Gold (100% Recommended) – Compares to 5/5 Stars
Rainbow Gold Reviews 