With worlds so apart, sparks can still fly

Synopsis

Can a Marine on a mission handle Hollywood’s hottest star? The sparks on the action movie set are nothing compared to the ones flying between them…

Olivia Quinn succeeds through simplicity and discipline, whether she’s dominating in the gym, or serving as a Marine. But when her director brother unexpectedly makes her the military consultant on his latest action film, her structured plans go out the window and she’s thrown into an unfamiliar and unpredictable world alongside hotshot action star Chris Blackstone. The cocky actor is everything she can’t stand, with his chiseled, self-important abs, condescension, and charm—for to everyone except her.

Chris is determined to make Desert Strike the blockbuster hit his new production company needs. A fake PR romance with his popular co-star keeps the public’s attention on the movie and distracts the media from his messy family drama. The last thing he has time for is clashing with a disturbingly hot, no-nonsense Marine consultant who sees right through his act. And he definitely can’t afford to fall for her.

Staged explosions give way to sizzling chemistry neither of them can ignore. But when Chris’s ghosts and the paparazzi twist their connection into a media firestorm, he faces a brutal choice: Will he protect the career and image he works so hard for—or fight for the woman who makes him feel like a real person? And under the burning spotlight, Olivia must decide if a lifetime of building strength means she’s strong enough to be honest with herself and open her heart to the vulnerability of love.

My review

Olivia Quinn is a Marine, used to work with simplicity and discipline. But her big dream is to work in Hollywood, as even from a child, she loves acting. So when her brother asked her to be a military consultant on the latest movie he is directing, how can Olivia refuse? Even if that means to leave the Marine temporarily and enter the world of glitter and glamour, and working together action star Chris Blackstone. Chris himself is not waiting for a Marine consultant who has just an opinion about everything in the movie he is producing. It doesn’t help his focus as he finds himself suddenly attracted to that no – nonsense Marine. But as he has a fake PR romance with his co – star and he has a lot of family – drama he wants to keep out of the known, Chris tries to keep his distance. Not that Olivia minds, as she can’t stand Chris and the way he seems to parade around. But where explosions are flying around on set, Chris and Olivia start to realize that there are also undeniable sparks flying between them. However, as both have a lot on the line, are they both willing to be courageous and open their hearts?

This is the first I have read of this author, thus I had a lot of curiosity but also a bit of trepidation. Because the blurb may look good on paper, but can the whole story sweep me off my feet?

First of all, I loved how in this book, the female main character is the actual Marine. Because let’s be honest, there are a lot of books in the world where the man is the Marine and the strong character. So it was refreshing reading how here, it is Olivia who is a force you don’t want to mess with! 😊

But it was also great to read how Olivia is still an actual woman. In the sense that often women in the Marine are shown rather ‘masculine’, if you get what I am meaning? But Olivia is a strong woman, taking no b*llsh*t from anyone, but at the same time is also a very feminine woman. Not that she likes dressing up all the time and wearing make – up, but she is a normal woman, just like you and I.

Her no – nonsense approach is especially hilarious when she arrives on set. Where everybody seems to kiss the floor where Chris walks on, she is immune for his charms. She is on set to get the job done well, and even when there are a few disagreements, she stands her ground, because thigs have to be done correctly, for respect for the real Marines and Forces. And that determination and resolution for sure made me respect Olivia, although, also a bit terrified of her, as I don’t want to be on her bad side! 😊

A bad side that Chris finds himself, as they for sure start badly when they meet each other for the first time.

And while I could understand Olivia’s immunity towards Chris, it was also so very obvious that what Olivia sees about Chris, isn’t who Chris truly is.

Because while Chris for sure has the looks, and knows how to use his charms to get some things done, it is clear that Chris is also a tormented soul, with not only his reputation he has to preserve, but also has demons closer home challenging him.

I don’t believe in faking a relationship, even if it is just for PR and it a mutual choice. Because it will always affect the real lives, and the truth will always come out. But in this case, I could comprehend this decision. Not only it is for Malia’s own protection, and for the publicity of the movie, it is also to keep people at bay in Chris’s case. Even if it complicates things between Chris and Olivia.

I found it powerful in a way, as through scenes, explosions and military actions on set, Olivia and Chris start to see each other for who they truly are. It starts perhaps with a physical connection, but it evolves in an emotional connection, which goes way deeper than just the physical aspect.

There is a mutual understanding of each other’s situation, and a deep respect for each other. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t moments that their characters clash. And when it clashes, it CLASHES…

Clashing that means that wanting to do the right thing, or for protection, means doing perhaps the wrong thing, or act in the wrong way. But we see that things are done with the best intentions, and that also after the clashing, both characters grow and mature.

I loved reading this story, discovering this author, but also the main characters. Characters that was refreshing seeing in some kind of reversed roles, yet find each other despite their many differences. There is a lot of strength in this book (literally and figuratively), but also a lot of emotion and growth.

I cannot wait to read more of what this author has in store for us! 😊