“Strike” (Spark Series #3) by Jennifer Ryder – My Review

Title: “Strike” (Spark, #3)

Author: Jennifer Ryder

Genre: Adult Steamy Erotic Romance

Release Date: 29th August, 2014.

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SYNOPSIS 

Fast. That’s how I like life, especially my two great joys: bikes and women. I’m committed to exclusively riding one, but not the other.

Until April.

A sexy-arse freelance photographer who’s travelled the world, and doesn’t do long walks on the beach or romantic candlelit dinners. She enjoys running with the bulls and food spicy enough to make your hair fall out. If that weren’t enough to get me hard, she rides a mean mother of a motorcycle.

I’ve gotta have a taste of this wildcat.

~Spencer (Jones)

I don’t do fast. Not anymore. I’ve got my career, my independence, and since I fled Spain to come back home I promised myself that I wouldn’t be put second—or third, for that matter—again.

Then I meet pretty boy Spencer.

He’s smooth, oozing the most potent pheromones probably known to modern science, and he’s making a move on me. One kiss was almost enough for my promise to dissolve.

My head says no—my treacherous body screams yes. I’m gonna make Spencer work for it. Make him fight for the chance to have me, because I know that deep down I’m worth it.

~April MacIntyre

 

*The book can be read as a stand-alone, but it is best to read after the first two in the series, as the main characters in Spark and Spike continue to appear in each book in the series.*

My Review

Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

 

If you, like me, are a reader who loves being surprised by characters, I do believe that you will love “Strike”. I had no idea, going into this book, that I would fall so hard and fast for Spencer Jones, but Miss Ryder had me so intrigued by this MX rider from the very beginning. He is so different from who I initially thought him to be.

We all know what it is like to only do what other people expect us to do – and how many of us long to break free of them. As in Spencer’s case, I do not think that it matters how old you are before you find the courage to spread your wings and try to fulfill your dreams. And I think it really comes across in this author’s writing.

April and Spencer’s first meeting is different, interesting, fun, and sexy. I loved it! At first, I felt that April seems to be so carefree and all about having fun, but then I stopped my reading and started to reflect on it…And the more I thought about it, the more determined I became to get beneath the surface of this feisty photographer. No woman, I believe, is that free of a spirit, not in the real world, I mean. There has to be a story behind it, and I immediately wanted to uncover it.

April wanting to keep her relationship to Spencer a secret had me worried quite a bit. You see, I can definitely understand her reasons, but I immediately thought that a happy outcome would not really be realistic. Because these kinds of secrets usually have a way of making themselves known – and always at the worst possible time! Still, I kept hoping for the best and simply enjoyed how these two characters got to know each other better.

As April & Spencer’s relationship progresses, I was absolutely convinced that they belong to each other. I really love how April just takes charge and goes after the things she wants. She is feisty, sexy, smart, and funny. Oh, and adorable, too. The fact that she is all those things makes her perfect for Spencer: she shows him what life should be all about, and her supporting him in every way makes him realize that he truly has the strength to go after his dreams. And, in my opinion, he needs a firecracker like April as his woman.

As for Spencer: well, he…is…HAWT! Oh, my goodness! Phew! Like I stated above, I did not believe that I would become so in love with him…But I love his sensitive side…his humour…his dirty thoughts…Oh, and his man-whore past? It is quite easy to understand why he acted that way….He is not perfect, of course, and I actually think that he should insist upon coming clean to Mac in more firm way, but I can understand his reasons for not doing it. The fact that he lets April set the pace of their relationship even though he is saddened by not being upfront about everything, makes him perfect BBF material in my eyes. It is just a joy getting to know him and realizing what a sweet, genuine guy he has become since “Spike”. I love being surprised by characters, and Miss Ryder has certainly fulfilled that wish.

The fact that April is making Spencer work really hard to earn her affections? Well, first: poor guy! Second: it gives you some great insight into April’s character, and as we learn about her past heartaches, it actually makes sense! Moreover, it teaches Spencer that there is more to a relationship than the sex – at least, there should be – and even though it may seem old-fashioned to some, I really like it. It also builds a lot of anticipation and tension – and, wow, this author really had me squirming in my seat! You can most definitely feel how much Spencer yearns and aches to make April his.

Overall, I really enjoyed this installment in the Spark series. April and Spencer complement each other perfectly. Whereas April is always about taking chances, even risks, Spencer knows when it is time to slow down a bit when necessary – at least, that is how I feel – so there is a great balance in their relationship. There is not a single scene in this book that seems off or over-the-top. The conversations between all the characters are genuine and lifelike – not unrealistic, annoying or stilted – and the pace of the story is smooth – not too fast, not too slow.

Both April and Spencer learn that in order to move forward, it is necessary to let go of the past. And what their love story tells me is this: You have to reach for their dreams, no matter what other people want for you, and even though you will face countless troubles, they are easier to overcome when you are not alone.

My final note before finishing this review will be about the writing. In my opinion, Miss Ryder has a gift: she creates such realistic, honest, and genuine characters. Furthermore, this author incorporates wit into even some pretty heavy situations, and I love how she can make steamy and sexy scenes fun. Her words make me sigh, laugh, cry, and swoon. When I read her books, I never want to get to the last page…and when I do reach “The End”, I immediately want to read them again.

There you have it: my honest opinion on why I believe this book deserves five stars. I hope you enjoy Spencer & April’s wild love story. And be prepared to have your panties combust once or twice…*wink*

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US

Amazon UK

 Barnes & Noble

 

Interested in reading the first two instalments in the Spark Series?

“Spark” (Spark #1)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Goodreads

“Spike” (Spark #2)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | B&N | Kobo | iBooks | Goodreads

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New Adult and erotic romance writer, and author of the Spark series.

A sexy imagination, a life-long love of books and a sucker for romance, Jennifer Ryder couldn’t stifle her creativity any longer.

Writing steamy adult romance has become her new focus. Living on a rural property in New South Wales, Australia, she enjoys the best of city and country.

Her loving husband is ever willing to provide inspiration, and her two young cherubs, and sheep that don’t see fences as barriers, keep life more than interesting.

Jennifer placed third in the International Stringybark Erotic Short Fiction Award 2013.

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