Taste of Lacey

Title: Taste of Lacey

Author:  Linden Hughes

Publisher:  Loose Id

Publisher URL:  http://www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62300-004-2

Genre:  {M/F}   Multicultural, Contemporary

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Lacey Bishop is a focused woman working her way through a list of goals.  Right now the only thing Lacey cares about is building up her catering business.  She’s got the degree and the skill to make it happen.  With everything going according to plan, Lacey is thrown for a loop when her brother’s best friend takes their relationship to a new level.  Rye goes from practically being family to being the only man Lacey wants in her bed. 

Ryder McKay had helped move in the furniture in Lacey’s bedroom.  Never in a million years did he imagine he’d be lying in her bed, waiting to douse the flames their kiss had started.  Rye never saw Lacey “that way” before, but after discovering the temptress beneath the surface, there was no way he was giving Lacey up.  All he has to do is convince Lacey that he’s in for the long haul and hope her family doesn’t come between them.

There has never been a lack of women in Rye’s life, and Lacey knows that.  He can have anyone he wants, and Rye wants Lacey.  Rye thinks his intentions are crystal clear, and is somewhat hurt by Lacey’s idea of where they stood as a couple.  How could she have such a low opinion of him? 

Lacey isn’t as open with everyone as Rye is in regards to their changed relationship, especially with her family.  Lacey is upset when she feels that Rye goes over her head and keeps her in the dark about relevant information.  Jealousy from an unexpected person causes tension between the couple and Lacey is almost forced to pick sides.  

When two people with history decide to change the rules of their relationship, things get steamy.  Lacey and Rye were so comfortable with each other, I was surprised it took them so long to hit the sheets.  As a mixed couple, racism was part of their issues, but I was glad that it didn’t dominate the story.  I think Rye was a typical male at some points, because he assumed that Lacey should know the extent of his feelings without verbalizing them.  More communication would have cut down on the misunderstandings for sure.  But I’m not letting Lacey off the hook either.  She should have confided in Rye instead of holding back.  I know Lacey thought she was doing the right thing and that she tried to trust him, but she always had doubts.  Finally she started listening to her heart and realized that Rye wanted more than a Taste of Lacey, he wanted her forever.  When a couple has history like Lacey and Rye, it’s easy to feel comfortable with them.  I felt as if I knew who they were immediately and I was sad to see their story end.