Smolder

Karen Erickson

Jun 2016 · HarperCollins

About this ebook

Lane Gallagher wants Delilah Moore—bad.

He’s imagined the sexy brunette in his bed more times than he can count.

She’s everything he’s ever wanted, but the only problem is . . .

She’s his brother’s ex.

For years, the stoic sheriff’s deputy has fantasized about the sweet, bubbly dance teacher who stirs his deepest desires. But Lane’s too loyal to ever move in on forbidden territory and he knows that while he can look, he definitely can’t touch. Fighting his attraction to Delilah is nearly impossible, but the infuriating—and incredibly sexy—woman seems determined to drive him crazy.

And she’s bringing him to his knees. One smoldering kiss at a time.

An Avon Romance

Ratings and reviews

3.5 stars---SMOLDER is the second installment in Karen Erickson’s adult, contemporary WILDWOOD romance series focusing on the men and women of Wildwood, California but especially the Gallagher family of brothers, and their sister Wren. This is sheriff’s deputy Lane Gallagher, and dance instructor Delilah Moore’s story line. Lane and Delilah were first introduced in book one-IGNITE. SMOLDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although there is a continuing plot line that runs through each consecutive installment. SMOLDER picks up immediately after the events of book one. Told from dual third person perspectives (Lane and Delilah) SMOLDER follows the friends to lovers, best friend’s brother relationship between Lane and Delilah, as well as the search for a suspected arsonist who has increased the frequency of suspicious fires. Delilah is a woman who has been in love with Lane Gallagher most of her life but Lane is a man who believes he is not worthy of Delilah’s love. His father’s history of infidelity and neglect has left Lane feeling less than capable of finding his happily ever after although Delilah is the woman that calls to his heart. When Delilah makes the first move Lane is ready to run in the other direction but a call about another suspicious fire finds our hero running –this time with an excuse. What ensues is the push and pull between two people who have loved one another from afar but have been unable to make the move in a permanent direction because Lane Gallagher does not want to be a failure. The $ex scenes are intimate, steamy and hot. All of the previous story line characters, including the Gallagher family, play secondary and supporting roles throughout the story. Family matriarch Angela Gallagher begins to show signs of slowing down; and their father continues to cause too much stress and conflict within the family. We are introduced to arson investigator Josh Bailey who has yet to show his true colors. The world building continues to focus on a series of arson fires in the small town of Wildwood, California. The Gallagher brothers are all members of law enforcement or firefighters and play a significant role in the town’s protection and safety. Lane is a man who hides his feelings for Delilah at all times. SMOLDER is an engaging and heartwarming read. The premise is entertaining; the characters are passionate; the romance is a slow build to a happily ever after. Karen Erickson adds another hopeful dimension to her Wildwood Series.

A Great friends to lovers story Book two of the Wildwood series... Lane Weston is a town deputy that is set on keeping everyone safe, while being the best older brother he can be. He put time and energy into everything he does for everyone else, but fails to see what he needs for himself. But living in the small town of Wildwood, there is bound to be someone that sees the neglect to himself. Delilah Moore has been a family friend for as long as she could remember and Lane's sister business partner and friend. She also dated Lane's younger brother, West. And she didn't feel that that short time with West should stop her from going after what she really want... LANE. Delilah and Lane seemed to be the only two people that didn't want to admit to their feelings and while Delilah persisted, Lane pushed her away. The inner issues that the two had needed to be overcome before they could move forward, and things change when there is danger and uncertainty thrown in. No matter what, friendship comes first in the story and that seems to be what is needed at times. This story truly opened up the barriers on a few issues and truly made one think about the consequences that come with every day life choices. Can't wait to read the next installment.

4.5 Stars This is book 2 in The Wildwood series and it stars Lane Gallagher and Delilah Moore. She's loved Lane since high school. She's thrown herself at him more times than she could count. He NEVER takes her up on it. She always says it's the last time...until the next time. When Lane discovers why he has all these issues with commitment, will it be too late to finally claim the woman he's always wanted but never felt good enough to have? The story line was great and the characters were well developed. Delilah is sweet, pretty and loves Lane with the passion but she also comes off as a little airhead-ish. Sure, she can cook and she owns her own dance studio but other than that, there's not much going on upstairs, between the ears. In my opinion, I would expect Lane to be with a stronger woman. Regardless, it is still a great story. I'm definitely looking forward to book 3 in this fantastic series. Received a copy via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed is my own.

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read—sexy contemporary romance. Published since 2006, she’s a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She also writes as New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.