Out of Bounds (Sinful Bachelors #2) by Khardine Gray

ABOUT THE BOOK

How did I end up marrying my high school bully?

I first met Ethan Carson when I was ten. One look and I knew he was trouble. He could charm you with his striking blue eyes, his killer smile, and a face that was made for Hollywood. But look closer and you’ll see the devil incarnate who was always a breath away from juvie. To say we were mortal enemies growing up is an understatement. I avoided him then, and I continue to do so now, even though he’s a cop—who would have thought?

My avoidance tactics worked until the day I needed him. I took one tiny trip to Vegas, where we ended up drinking far too much. Big mistake-as in the mother of all mistakes. We woke up the next morning in bed! And neither of us can remember what happened. But wait, it gets worse. So much worse. That’s not the only thing we did. The come-to-Jesus moment hits when I see the wedding ring on my finger. We got married! I married the devil. Of course, I want this craziness fixed—ended—returned to the world where I’m not his Mrs. But he wants us to stay together because he has other ideas.

When he makes me an offer I can’t refuse, I might be desperate enough to accept. I just hope I don’t lose more than I bargained for in this outlandish scheme. Like my heart.

MY REVIEW

They crossed the line. Two people who have been battling for years have to confront what is happening between them. Namely, their wild night in Vegas when they got married and proceeded to text all their friends about it. What happened in Vegas didn’t stay there.

Detective Ethan Carson is due to inherit a billion-dollar resort from his grandfather with the stipulation to meet Ethan’s imaginary girlfriend whom he wants Ethan to marry. Fast forward to the unplanned and unexpected Vegas wedding which wouldn’t have happened if Bree hadn’t flown there to ask Ethan to let her buy one of his properties for her day spa dream. Because, after all, he owes her for pulling another prank on her regarding her criminal ex-boyfriend which was low and pretty shitty.

Okay. So when they get home, Ethan files for an annulment. But the plot thickens when Ethan’s grandfather adds another stipulation that they stay married for six months and Ethan will get his inheritance. Ethan needs his wife to stay with him, and she wants his house for her business. Will flipping a coin seal his fate?

Ethan and Bree’s relationship is volatile at best. Ethan bullied her all throughout high school because of his abusive home life, but she saw behind that angry exterior to the vulnerable boy who needed love. His life changed when he met and fell in love with a local woman named Amelia only to tragically lose her and swear to never love again. Bree’s life after high school found her broke and working in a strip club at twenty but ironically an inheritance from her grandmother gave her the will to break even with her salon. However, with Ethan’s help, she’s finally ready to move on and make her dream of opening a spa come true. They are both so stubborn when it comes to admitting their feelings for each other so they literally have to get blackout drunk to do it? It’s been known to happen. But the wedding photo says it all. The love and attraction are there. It takes some time and motivation, but they finally do admit it to themselves and each other.

I read book 1 of the series, Sins or Secrets earlier this year and was happy to see Logan and Quinn again. Ethan’s grandfather is a driving force in Ethan’s life as well as Amelia’s father who nobly saved Ethan from a life of crime. Bree’s Aunt Shelby is a lifesaver to Bree as well because Bree’s parents and cousins are no picnic to be around. Ethan’s friend and womanizer Bryce is next in line for the series and I can’t wait to read about his demons.

I enjoyed this sweet and sexy romance with a timeline. It gives one hope to follow your dreams, and fight for what you want.

Thank you to Ms. Gray for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

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EXCERPT

Maybe if we can remember where we got married we can go back there and tell them we were drunk and made a mistake, so they can fix it.” She’s flipping out. I can see it. “This is Vegas people must do this craziness all the time right?”

“Yeah, yeah,” I agree just to humor her.

“It could be done within the hour, and we could go home and laugh about it and tell everyone we were screwing with them.”

The quiver in her voice suggests she’s about to break. I might make her break faster because even though this is Vegas, you can’t get a marriage annulled within an hour.

“Bree. It’s not exactly as simple as that. It won’t happen that quickly.”

“Well, how long do you think it might take?”

Last I heard it might be a week and that’s if you can get through all the paperwork on time, but I won’t tell her that.

An idea forms in my mind as I stare at her and see how much she’s freaking out.

“It’s going to take a while, Bree. What if I get all the paperwork and take care of everything as best as I can while I put you on a flight home.”

“Home,” she mumbles.

“Yeah. Do you want to go home?”

“Yes, are you sure?”

“Yes.” It’s best if I’m not around her. I need to think.

I married Bree Dawson. Married the girl I used to pick on at school like I breathed air.

Her the goody-two-shoes southern belle and me the kid who was always in and out of juvie.

I married her and I can’t even remember saying I do.