Unsuitable: A Forbidden Cove Novel

This book is about 38 year old widow, Jordan Robinson, who falls for 28 year old, Clay Windsor, who happens to be an ex high school boyfriend of her step-daughter. Jordan tries to fight the pull of her attraction to Clay because she knows that it will lead to more negative gossip and publicity which she doesn't want after being subjected to it for so long with her first marriage to a much older man. However Clay makes her feel things that she has never felt and they cannot seem to stay away from each other until a small article about their relation appears on page 6 of the local paper. Jordan freeks and gets into an argument over it with Clay and they wind up calling an end to their relationship. I won't tell you whether or not they get back together, but I will say that the book's ending is kind of unfinished to me. Perhaps this is because this is just book #1 in a new series. I really hope that Miss Kent continues some of the story lines in this book in the rest of the series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When I think of author Lavinia Kent, I always think of historical romance. So, when the opportunity to read and review UNSUITABLE came along, I was intrigued, and quick to jump at the chance. Firstly, I have to say, this book is about as far from historical romance as it could be. I would describe UNSUITABLE as contemporary erotic romance, and possibly even steamier than I was anticipating. Because, let's face it, a book with an older heroine and a younger man, both of them successful and attractive, is bound to have those moments, and plenty of them, if it's well done. And UNSUITABLE has them in spades, making for a sophisticated and polished read that I very much enjoyed. This is definitely not the typical HEA, but a HFN works just fine for me sometimes, and Lavinia does a lovely job of giving readers just that. I could understand both Jordan's and Clay's points of view, the things that drew them to each other, and the very real differences between them. It was nice to read a book that started out going one direction, but didn't settle in the expected way, and I would really like to see more of these characters and how they've navigated their relationship as the series progresses. A solid 4-star read for me, UNSUITABLE is one book that I'm glad that I took the chance on. I will definitely be on the lookout for future additions to this series.

Unsuitable is well-written with good pacing and flow. However, if you're looking for feels, this one doesn't quite deliver. Jordan and Clay have good sexual chemistry, and there is plenty of time spent between the sheets, which doesn't leave a lot of time for actual romance. The story isn't the typical cougar romance, which is refreshing. Jordan isn't out looking for a younger man, and she definitely doesn't want to be the topic of gossip. In fact, she comes across as the more innocent of the pair, especially once Clay's history is revealed. There are a couple of scenes that were a little over the top, most notably, Clay and Jordan's first meeting in the elevator, but unbelievable or not, it was certainly sexy. So, if nothing else, this one is great for a bit of escapism. In the end, I would've liked more depth in the romance, but the story is fast-paced and entertaining with a happy for now conclusion.