Smooth Moves

This was a fun read that had everything I enjoy in a book and then some. Jordan and Cash were so friggin’ cute together. They are both snarky and on point when it comes to their banter, something that I love not only in my books, but in real life. I enjoy mature humor and this had it in abundance while allowing the romance, drama and conflict to still reign. I loved how organic the relationship between Jordan and Cash developed. They didn’t play games and they were both up front about being with each other. I loved that so much of this story is them as a couple, even proclaiming themselves as a couple. They were just so darn adorable! Everything from her poking him in the chest to him thinking she was perfect, as she wrestled and contained someone to the ground, made me love them more. Cash is the type of hero I love. He’s a big, burly, bear of a man who tends to end up in fights but inside he’s a soft marshmallow. With a wounded soul from a childhood of being told he was bad as well as being neglected, to a relationship that only solidified his belief in his childhood teachings, he finds it impossible to believe anyone could love anything about him. I gotta say, my heart broke for him several times throughout this story. ”Somehow, someway, he had to fool her into thinking he was more than he seemed. Because, selfish as it was, he wanted Jordan in his life. And maybe, just maybe, if he worked hard at it, he could be the guy she needed.” Jordan was an exceptional heroine! Ex-army, she was one tough lady that could totally hold her own among a group of other ex-military guys. While she could totally kick tail, she was also soft and vulnerable which made for a wonderful combination. And holy heck, when she let it rip with Cash, she was fierce and I loved watching her set him straight. ”Her toned belly had a gentle curve, her a—firm and rounded, the perfect woman. Not afraid to be strong or feminine. He wanted to tell her that. That he saw the power inside her and respected the f--- out of her for it.” This has a host of amusing moments that had me grinning, then laughing throughout its entirety. There are so many fun characters that add to the story rather than act as filler. The rapport between these individuals was as much fun to watch as the romance taking place within their midst and left me wanting more from all of them. I rarely do rereads but this is one I’ll definitely be hitting again!

SMOOTH MOVES is the second instalment in Marie Harte’s contemporary, adult VETERAN MOVERS erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for Vets on the Go!-a moving company established to help former servicemen. This is thirty-six year old, ex-Marine and co-owner of Vets on the Go, Cash Griffith, and thirty year old ex-Army MP Jordan Fleming’s story line. SMOOTH MOVES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s THE DONNIGANS series. NOTE: The Veteran Movers series was original title MOVIN’ ON. Told from several third person perspectives including Jordan and Cash SMOOTH MOVES follows thirty-six year old, ex-Marine and co-owner of Vets on the Go, Cash Griffith, and thirty year old ex-Army MP Jordan Fleming. Jordan Fleming works for Vets on the Go, and as such Cash believes she is off-limits. Technically her boss, Cash struggles with his attraction to an employee, an employee who pushes all of his buttons. Jordan Fleming is helping to raise her fifteen-year old brother whose attitude leaves something to be desired. Hoping to set Rafi on the straight and narrow Jordan asks Cash to speak to her brother thusly bringing Cash into their lives. What ensue is the building relationship between Cash and Jordan, and the potential fall-out as Cash runs interference for Jordan’s brother, interference that results in issues of trust between our leading couple. Meanwhile, Cash has inherited his mother’s home, a home that does not illicit fond memories of a time long ago. Believing himself the black sheep of the family, Cash has to wonder why was he the target of his father’s wrath, and his mother’s lack of love and support. Hoping to move forward, Cash begins clearing out the memories and the ghosts, only to discover the family secret his mother did not want anyone to know. The relationship between Jordan and Cash is a friends/employee to lovers romance that finds Cash playing big brother to Jordan’s younger sibling. Both Jordan and Cash battle the usual dysfunctional family dynamics but for Jordan her parents struggle to understand their troubled teen. The sexual attraction and chemistry between our couple is palpable. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Cash’s brother Reid and his girlfriend Naomi ( The Whole Package #1); business partner and cousin Evan; gym trainer Gavin Donnigan; Jordan’s brother Raphael (Rafi), their sister Leanne and her fiancé Troy , as well as their parents Maria and Carl Younger. We also welcome the return of the Vets on the Go employees: Hector, Lafayette, Funny Rob and Smith Ramsay, as well as woman’s empowerment instructor Miriam. SMOOTH MOVES is a story of family, struggle, acceptance and love. The premise is inviting and captivating; the romance is passionate and spicy; the characters are animated and spirited. SMOOTH MOVES is a realistic and engaging story of family, friends and love.

I thoroughly enjoyed book 1, The Whole Package, that introduced the Veteran Movers. A group of men and women, all former veterans, that after serving their country were at a loss on how to return to civilian life. Thanks to former Marine Reid Griffin, who started the company to help his brother Cash, they are now employed and thriving. This time the story belongs to former Marine Cash Griffin and Jordan Fleming, former Army MP. Cash always seems to be getting into trouble or looking for a fight. He suffered a great deal as a child and later was hurt by a woman . He feels not worthy of love or good enough for someone like Jordan. Jordan , is still unsure what her future holds, and in the meantime , has taken in her troubled teenage brother . This story was at times funny, at others heartbreaking . A reminder that the experiences as a child and how the adults that were suppose to love one failed to do so, will affect the individual when he becomes an adult. But as heartbreaking as the story was at times, it was also heartwarming. Jordan was perfect for Cash. The plot was engaging, and the complex characters likable. The secondary characters were also well developed. Though not necessary, I would highly recommend reading book 1 in the series to get the most enjoyment of the story. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.