In Wet and Reckless, book 4 in the Private Pleasures series, Ms. Beck hinted at the spirited relationship between two law enforcement officers forced together in an undercover operation. Enemies-to-lovers is my absolute favorite trope, so I was hopeful the two would be featured in a future Bluelick book. I didn’t have to wait long for my wish to be granted. Eden Brixton and Marcus Swain are like gasoline and a match, and it doesn’t take much to set them off. They’re well-matched in all ways, and it’s fun watching them circle around each other before going toe to toe. They’re either at each other’s throats or, uh, other parts. There’s not often an in between for this passionate couple. I love that Eden is confident, capable, and doesn’t back down, even in the face of Swain’s arrogance, possessiveness, and attempts to take complete control. He says all of the right things. Sweet things even. But he’s just a little too slick and arrogant for me to fall for him. I suspect I’m in the minority on that score. I could never get tired of visiting Beck’s community of Bluelick, KY. She’s created a fun and fiery cast of characters. I enjoyed seeing and catching up with many of my favorites, and hope this won’t be the last time. Undercover Engagement is a great addition to an amazing series.

Undercover Engagement A steamy, undercover fake engagement romance, what could be bad? Samanthe Beck once again shows why she’s the expert on hot stories in quirky small towns. Eden and Marc are competitors, then partners, in crime fighting. They battled each other for the top spot in their police academy class, and then get pushed together to work an undercover opp in Bluelick, Kentucky. But, their assignment calls for them to pretend to be engaged to trap a local drug dealer. From the beginning, the two have very different strategies. Eden is a by the book, rule follower while Marc is a make it up on the fly con artist. But their opposite personalities make heat ignite between them. Eden and Marc are fully realized characters with amazing chemistry. I love when characters banter and tease each other, and sparks fly when these two talk about everything from police strategy to their families. While some would call it an enemies-to-lovers story, it’s clear to everyone except Eden and Marc themselves that hate is not the emotion involved. And, it is a treat when the sex scenes deliver on this hot and dirty promise. This book is absolutely a stand alone, but Beck’s Bluelick cameos are fun gifts for long time readers. If you are looking for a delightfully, steamy summer read, Undercover Engagement is the perfect book for you. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.