His to Claim

I highly recommend His to Claim by Shelly Bell. It is the second book in A Forbidden Lovers series, but can be read as a standalone book. This is the story of Ryder McKay and Jane Cooper. His to Claim is a story of suspense, sex and intrigue. The main character Jane Cooper is a wallflower who doesn’t realize her full potential. She was separated as a newborn from her mother and grew up with an older aunt and uncle. She never felt wanted by her mother and grandparents thus resulting in self-esteem issues. She excelled at college and earned a top position at McKay Industries. Ryder McKay has his own childhood trauma that affected him to this day. Due to observing something he wasn’t supposed to, he grew up thinking his father had killed his mother and ordered him to forget about it. This caused a lifelong rift in the relationship between father and son and resulted in estrangement once Ryder became an adult. Ryder and Jane meet at a conference. Ryder is interested immediately, Jane is smitten from the first glance. Jane decides no one knows her at this conference and she is going to live for once in her short life and lose her virginity. They have a one night stand and Jane sneaks out without exchanging more than first names with Ryder. Eventually, Ryder and Jane meet again at Ryder’s brother, Finn, and Jane’s mother, Ciara’s wedding. They still can’t get enough of each other. Ryder jumps to conclusions about his father when he discovers Jane is his employee, especially after Ryder reveals that someone stole his designs while attending the conference where he met Jane. Coincidence??? Jane has kept some secrets from Ryder. When he discovers them, will it cement her guilt or vindicate her? Ryder and Jane continue to try to build their relationship in the midst of murder, mystery and mayhem. Several people end up dead! What will happen to Ryder and Jane? Or Finn and Ciara? Will Ryder’s father be the mastermind behind all of this as Ryder believes or is it someone else? The truth comes out in the end but this book will have you on the edge of your seat as the plot thickens and time runs out for Jane and Ryder! Five Stars **Review by Kara, Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books**

This is a DNF for me. The book was well-written, but I couldn't connect with any of the characters and I didn't particularly care for me.

Software developer Ryder McKay, the conflicted hero in Bell’s second emotional erotic thriller set in Michigan (after At His Mercy), dominates in and out of the bedroom. When he meets beautiful ...