Jaded
Anne Calhoun     

Genre: Contemporary
Heat Level: Hot
Rating:

They can’t hide from desire…

After life as a cop in Denver leaves him burned-out, Lucas Ridgeway returns to Walkers Ford, South Dakota, to serve as their chief of police. He’s hoping to start over with a clean slate and avoid any emotional entanglements—even after his next-door neighbor kisses him senseless. Alana is passionate, dedicated, and most importantly leaving town soon. So why not have some fun?

Alana Wentworth comes from a larger-than-life political family, yet all she wanted was to be a librarian. Then after an embarrassing marriage proposal from Mr. Not-For-Her, she jumps at the chance to live her dream for a few months. She wasn't supposed to get involved with the community—or sexy, troubled Lucas. But when the time comes for Alana to put Walkers Ford behind her, she’s not ready. And Lucas may not be ready for her to go…

Review

Alana Wentworth is escaping the big city life after her failed engagement. She has always dreamed of being a librarian and when the opportunity arises, she takes a sabbatical to the small town, Walkers Ford, South Dakota. She is renting a house from the sexy Chief of Police and though she is not experienced with the opposite sex, she hatches a plan to sleep with the Chief.

Lucas Ridgway is back in Walkers Ford as the Chief of Police. He is attractive to the quiet, demure new library director. He is not sure she is interested but she finds a million excuses for him to come over and make repairs to his late grandmother’s house. After one visit, the two decide not to hide their attraction and Alana presents him with the perfect gift…sex with no strings attached. She is leaving town after she finishes a contractor project with the library and Lucas isn’t sure he can be anything more.

I’ve read other books by this author and enjoyed them. I didn’t seem to enjoy this book nearly as much as I had hoped.  The story dragged in spots. It took me some time to get into the story because nothing was going on. There is little chemistry between Lucas and Alana. I know that Alana is not that experienced in the sex department but I felt bored after their sexual encounters. It might be due to the fact that Lucas felt detached afterwards. I get that he was trying to stay within the parameters of their relationship but I was not impressed. 

Alana is in town because she is running from her past relationship that went bad. Alana is hurt and embarrassed about what happened in Chicago but I didn’t see the logic of coming all the way to Walker’s Ford. This is supposed to be a mature adult woman that should be able to deal with her issues at home.

I think I should have read the other book in the series because the main characters popped in. Though this is not my favorite book by the author, I do plan to continue reading other books by her.

Reviewed by Samantha