THE REED RIVERS TRILOGY by LAUREN ROWE

“It’s easy for a man to draw imaginary lines in the sand before he knows Georgina Ricci exists in the world.”

WOW! Talk about hot and addictive! The sexy Reed Rivers and the beautiful Georgina Ricci certainly made an impression on us! Their scorching chemistry, searing passion, and the delicious battle of wills between the sassy 22-year-old Georgina and the straight-shooting 34-year-old Reed, owner of River Records had us salivating over our Kindles!

“Hustle beats talent, when talent doesn’t hustle.”

Having founded his label eleven years earlier, Reed is happily non-committal in relationships, eagerly living the high life his business commands. Having discovered and signed some of the top music acts in the world, Reed is intimidating, influential with a brilliant business acumen. But everything he’s achieved and all the hurdles he’s jumped in his life didn’t prepare him for the way he’d feel when the gorgeous, sexy and sassy Georgina enters this ‘stronzo’s’ life.

‘With this girl, I don’t know which way is up – who’s got the upper hand. Who’s got the bow and arrow. She’s giving me whiplash in the best possible way.’

Don’t’ let the age gap (which we loved by the way!) fool you, this woman has Reed on the ropes many a time, resulting in the sexy alpha giving as good as he gets. Oh ladies, you just wait until you experience the chemistry between these two! It’s an inferno!

‘I can’t get enough of this woman. This siren. She’s my new drug. An addiction I couldn’t possibly resist, even if my life depended on it.’

We first met Reed Rivers in the fabulous Rockstar and boy was there a LOT to learn about River Records powerhouse! For all Reed’s bravado and detachment, Reed is fiercely loyal and protective of those he loves – the list is rather short, but for the people on that list, they are assured of his full commitment. Oh yes, Reed Rivers is a man with many layers, but is Georgina the woman to peel away and what lies beneath ‘The Man with the Midas Touch’?

‘I asked her to surrender to me, without holding back. And she did. In body, heart and soul. And I knew it. And then, I turned around and betrayed her. What’s wrong with me?”

Reed knows the business, he knows friendship and loyalty. He has a huge heart and it knows how to love, however, he does not go gently rather he completely tramples the rules because when Reed wants something he will get it by any means possible. Although misguided, it is done with the best of his hearts’ intention and with incredible benevolence. Yes, a means to an end but a worthy one nonetheless.

‘I swear I don’t remember the last time I felt this alive- this safe and protected and adored – in my entire life.’

Georgina so gloriously feisty, dedicated, and ambitious stole our hearts. Her tenacity and her inability to let go when the scent of secrets and drama stirs in the air around her was captivating. She sees straight through Reed and is utterly mesmerized and hooked. The sexual chemistry between them intoxicating. However, this is not just a meeting of hearts and souls, it’s an understanding, a friendship, and a cause of compassion. Whilst they knock heads when secrets are exposed or when the age difference is reversed in regards to behaviour, they never forget that intense need for each other, nor the mutual respect. Both have a lot to learn and they sure do complement each other in that regard.

“I cracked the door open for you, baby. Now kick that fucker wide open.”

We loved the music business aspect of the story, the intriguing and somewhat painful stories of both Reed and Georgina’s pasts gripped our hearts, and the first two books completely blew us away. Lauren Rowe really does know how to spin a fabulous story! We admit to getting a little lost with one particular storyline which even though poignant and relevant, was almost a little too current, causing us to, disconnect from that aspect of the story and veer into real life – though it was only a minor hiccup.

“Honestly, Reed, I still haven’t decided if I like you. You’re a bit of a mixed bag for me at the moment. But I’m most certainly attracted to you physically.”

Having said that, overall, we LOVED this trilogy! It left us with a smile on our faces, revelling at two people who found lust, love and who overcame so many hurdles to find their place in life. And let’s not forget the epilogue…what a perfect way to end Reed and Georgina’s story!

“Okay. I’m ready to tell you my story now,” she says, shaking out her hands.’