Hurts to Love You: Forbidden Hearts

My introduction to Rai’s writing is in the third book of the series, but while the two characters here have some input from earlier stories, their own trajectory works alone. The real difference here is status between the two: Eve is the rich girl with plenty of opportunity, Gabe is the son of the housekeeper – struggling to just achieve an even playing field as a child, and not unfamiliar with hard work and determination. Gabriel has watched (and wanted) Eve for a long while – but it’s been that forbidden fruit element - and of course he’s got secrets he can’t, won’t or is afraid to share. Perhaps it is just me, but I’m tiring of the ‘big secret’ element that sharing or not sharing could toll the death knell on a relationship – it is a contrivance that is starting to show its age. But, anyhow, Gabe’s secret isn’t all that massive (surprise surprise) and his worry about it is energy wasted. Because the real drama here would come from Eve’s family and her choices –but she’s pretty much decided that being the ‘good girl’ and toeing the family line, amenable to expectations is an overrated way to live. Now with her sister marrying – she and Gabe will be together – and perhaps can explore that attraction? It’s not that I didn’t like the book, or understand just who was who and how they related – it was that something here was missing – between his angst about his “secret” and the fact that it felt as if it was added for impact and not actually a big deal, or even particularly difficult for everyone to move on from. And their connection was electric – if mired in this ‘can I or can’t I” stuff that seemed to push their chemistry and connection to the side. But, when they finally let down their guards and dip their toes into the sexy pond – it was a dive right in, dirty, steamy, sexy moment that will have you wondering just why you’d think Gabriel was a bit ‘slow to the punch”. He’s observant and reactive, caring and giving and so totally aware of what turns him on about Eve (all of it) and isn’t afraid to share that information. Sexy, smart and fun – those scenes felt most natural and in line with both of their personalities. And you can’t help but like them both, even being frustrated with the back and forth and slow progress – especially in Eve’s dance with the “bunny boiler line’ as she haunts his favorite places hoping to see him. Some see that as cute – I think it was a step too far, but even when discovered Rai made it work. For me – I’d have been happy with small distinctions between them – but everyone here is ‘super” something – super artists, super rich, super chef – just super - and while dancing in the realms above the line is fun – there is something that makes me think much of that was overkill. But, the story had moments that I’d read over again for their unique perspective on things, and I’m curious to meet the earlier couples from the series. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.