D. Kelly (1)

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Title: Interlude
Author(s): D. Kelly
Character(s):
― Allie Baker: 26 years old, Blue Eyed
― Jordan Weston: 28 years old, Black, Gray Eyed
Setting: N/A
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: R
POV: Alternates between Heroine/Hero
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s):
― “Whoever you want to be, Allie. That’s the beauty of it all. Be someone you never thought you could be. Write a book like Noah’s girlfriend did. Or become a lawyer like you wanted to when we were kids. Hell, be a sexually adventurous twenty-six-year-old woman and fuck all the men you’ve been missing out on the last six years. Whatever you decide, be authentic to you for a change. If that means fucking Jordan, go for it. Nothing should hold you back.”
― “There are plenty of dicks in the sea, and I’ve yet to take one for a drive that couldn’t be replaced with a new, sexier, longer-lasting model.”
― “Don’t plan to fall in love more than once, so those words have to be reserved for that special person.”
― “Your orgasm cup probably runs so far over that I could slip and fall just standing next to you.”
― “Because my brother deserves someone who makes him feel wanted. Someone who will run after him when he decides he’s not worthy of love. He needs someone who, instead of giving him space when he withdraws, will remind him it’s better for him to be here with them, in the moment. Tyler’s not that person. He appears for a few months and then disappears for a few months. Nothing has changed between them in ten years.”
Overall Opinion:
Jordan is a haunted, flawed, and the sole survivor of a homicide, at the age seven years old, that wiped out his immediate family. The day his birth father killed his family before taking his own life changed his life forever. Allie on the other hand has been surrounded by men that were always in control. After discovering her fiance cheating ways, she packs her bags and moves in with her best friend's Sasha for a fresh start. She lands a job at Jordan's bar, sparks fly and a romance ensues. Would their love be enough to heal their damaged hearts?

For the first time in long time, I've finally came across some refreshing characters. Jordan is a open bisexual lead and Allie was very accepting and understanding in regards to that. The attraction and connection between was immediate. The interest was there from the get-go even though it gradually took a few months for an physical relationship to developed, it was instant love. A big no-no for me.

I found it odd how quick Jordan was able opened up to Allie about his life, like he had to Tyler, despite knowing her for a short period of time. It just didn't fit with what I had Invision Jordan to be. Now with the lead female, Allie wasn't the best heroine. If anything Sasha should've taken her place. Her spit fire, witty attitude was thus far my favorite. The lead lacked personality and was more of an annoyance than anything. The sex scenes left much to desire and what was the biggest turn off for me was how Jordan was easily able to move on pass his relationship with Tyler. He has always mentioned Tyler was the only person he ever love but he was quick to jump on the Allie bandwagon and drop Tyler like a hot potato. May as well mention that once Jordan and Allie start having a casual fling, not exclusive by any means, Allie quick jealousy and referring her as the other woman when Tyler was around was lackluster and disrespectful to Tyler. She very much knew of their history.

The only good qualities I will mention is how the overall flow of the story made it easy to read and the backstories allowed you to get a better of understanding of the characters and reason behind their actions.

Moreover, I just want to touch on that even though this is a stand-alone novel, I really didn't feel like it was. It was more of a spin-off from the “Illusion” series from the same author. A few things would have made more sense if you read the series first before starting this.

Side note, is it wrong that I was more interested in Jordan and Tyler's relationship? There was a whole lot more sparks in their relationship and their past history bonded them like no other.

Anyway, with the series being a huge letdown, I had dropped this series by chapter 15 at 63%. I was expecting so much more but I was left more than disappointed with the outcome of this story.

… (mere)

I commend Kelly for exploring bisexuality and giving the characters the freedom to explore their sexuality. Very few authors have successfully been able to allow the characters this level of sexual and emotional exploration without the novel being erotic or overtly sexual. Jordan and Kyle's sexuality is about who they are as a person and where they see their lives going.

Jordan takes a chance on hiring Allie without seeing her based solely based on his best friend's recommendation. There's something different about his new employee that he can't resist. She's an employee. Plus, he has an on and off boyfriend who refuses to tell his family about his sexuality. Unlike his boyfriend, Allie calls Jordan on his issues and doesn't let him withdraw into himself. She brings out the best in him.

Allie left D.C. to escape her controlling father and cheating boyfriend. She also realized that her entire life is a facade. Nothing about it was her decision. She did everything to appease her father instead of what makes her happy.

Can Allie escape her family and completely break away from the facade?

Can Jordan overcome his past demons to figure out who and what he wants out of life?… (mere)

A different take on overcoming the dating game and childhood crushes.
Tristan knew the moment he met Bexley that she would be important in his life. Too bad that she just dumped his best friend and bro code states she's completely off limits. Instead, they strike up a friendship. One that spans throughout the remainder of high school into college and after. Over 10 years worth of friendship where Tristan has watched Bex dispose of guys and dates for frivolous reasons from wearing tassled shoes to how he eats. Something shifts in their relationship. She has never openly hit on him let alone kissed him. He can't get that drunken kiss out of his mind. He formulates a plan to win her over like his best friend told him to do years ago when he gave him permission to date Bex. He chickened out then. Now, he knows what Bex needs. He will do everything to give it to her.
Bex is looking for perfection. She doesn't need numerous dates to figure out whether or not the guy fits the bill. How dare Tristan challenge her to dating the next person for seven dates! She hates to admit that very few have ever made it to seven--hell if she's being honest most don't make it past the third date. What Tristan proposes next blows her mind. How can she refuse? What happens if perfection isn't met? How important is perfection anyway besides he's the one she measures all others by. What could go wrong?… (mere)