Logan Marsh never stays in one place for long. Through his family’s foundation, Logan spends his days traveling to the world’s most dangerous places to deliver disaster relief, which really puts a damper on his sex life—until he reconnects with his high-school crush. Stranded together in the Caribbean, they enjoy a steamy fling that awakens feelings Logan has ignored for too long. But family drama calls him away from her sweet embrace . . . or so he thinks.
Brooke Gallagher loved being a home economics teacher and cheerleading coach. Then an unexpected tragedy forced her to take some time off. Now she’s back in D.C. and despite the intensity of her tropical encounter with Logan, she’s shocked to bump into him again. Logan’s dealing with his own issues (including a newly discovered half-sister) and he’s itching to get back on the road. More than anything, Brooke wants to be there for him. But first, he has to decide if love is enough to keep him in one place.
Logan’s book!
Ms. Barth has been driving me crazy with the idea of Logan–we’ve only seen him so far in the books either in flashbacks to their Italy adventure (which, as he was the one who didn’t make the bus that day, he was barely in either, until the one in this book), conversations about him, or in a small handful of sat phone calls in book two ( Wanting It All ). I’ve been more than ready to finally get to see him in person!
In a lot of ways, Logan’s book does not disappoint. It was awesome seeing all of the ACSs together again at last–finally!–and about time Logan joined in on both their soccer games and the radio podcast. Logan and Brooke together are a great couple–(high school) friends-to-lovers–and it was clear to everyone but them for about 85% of the book (okay, maybe 75% for Brooke, 95% for Logan–that average works out, yes?) that they should be together. But…there’s issues. Of course.
I think it’s pretty clear from the beginning that Logan’s been carrying some heavy-duty baggage from the accident/rescue in the Alps days, and it’s still driving him in the present. Early in the book he pooh-poohs the idea that he’s suffering from PTSD or similar, but I think he really is–and worry that the “realizations” he comes to toward the end of the book are too quick and not built on a solid enough foundation. Yes, he gets to where readers and his fellow characters want him to be, but it doesn’t quite seem like he’s done enough to really get there on his own.
But, hey–it’s fiction. It could work. And really, I do like both Logan and Brooke and enjoyed their story on the whole, easy resolution aside. It’s always fun to see one of my favorite cities from the viewpoint of a group of locals, and imagining those ACS soccer games makes for some nice mental eye candy moments.
Two more “Naked Men” to go!
Rating: 4 stars / B
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage.
A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes award-winning contemporary romance, including the Naked Men and Aisle Bound series. Christi can always be found whipping up gourmet meals (for fun, honest!) or with her nose in a book. She lives in Maryland with the best husband in the world.
Thank you for featuring and reviewing Giving It All!
My pleasure 🙂