Review: Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster

Title: Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster
Love Undercover Series Book Three
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Length: 448 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Blot Tour Company

Summary:

An alpha hero’s attraction to the one woman he can’t have could draw him into a killer’s snare in the sizzling new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster

Charismatic bar owner Rowdy Yates isn’t the kind of man women say no to. So when he approaches waitress Avery Mullins, he fully expects to get her number. However, the elusive beauty has her reasons for keeping her distance—including a past that might come back to haunt them both.

Avery spends her nights working for tips…and trying to forget the secret Rowdy is determined to unearth. But when history threatens to repeat itself, Avery grows to rely on Rowdy’s protective presence. As the sparks between them ignite, she will be forced to choose between the security she’s finally found…and the passion she’s always wanted.

The Review:

Getting Rowdy is the sexy yet sweet third installment in Lori Foster’s Love Undercover series. Bar owner Rowdy Yates and bartender Avery Mullins finally find their happily ever after but they have a few obstacles to overcome along the way. Avery is going to have to confront the past she has been running away from while Rowdy has to face the emotional wreckage from his childhood.

Rowdy Yates oozes sex appeal, he is über charming and women are drawn to him like flies to honey. He is always upfront that he is a no-strings, one night stand kind of guy and Avery Mullins is not planning on becoming his next conquest. When an incident at the bar leaves Rowdy in need of some tender loving care, Avery is the logical choice to stay with him and their relationship slowly evolves from friends to lovers.

OK, I admit I was not too sure about Rowdy in the beginning. The opening scene pretty much left me wondering what the heck Avery saw in him and I knew that warming up to him was not going to be easy. I am glad that I kept an open mind about him but my feelings about him were conflicted for a good portion of the novel. Having said that, Rowdy is a good guy, very protective of his loved ones and he does have a lot of great qualities. He is very slow to open up to Avery, but once he does, the healing process begins. And watching him figure out his feelings for Avery? Sooo sweet and emotionally satisfying.

I liked Avery right from the beginning, and I admired how she stood her ground with Rowdy. She was definitely attracted to him, but she wanted more from him than a one night stand. In her own way, she is just as protective as Rowdy and that makes her reluctant to discuss her past. While Avery wants to know what haunts Rowdy, she patiently waits until he is ready to talk about his demons.

There are a couple of secondary story arcs in addition to Avery and Rowdy’s romance. A chance encounter with an abused child really showcases Rowdy’s softer and more vulnerable side. It also gives fans of the series a chance to catch up with Alice and Reese (from Bare It All).

The other storyline revolves around the secret from Avery’s past. There is plenty of buildup to the stalker plot and while I had my suspicions about who was behind it, I could not figure out why. There were a few surprises about the culprit but the resolution of this part of the storyline felt rushed.

Overall, Getting Rowdy is a fast-paced romance with a full cast of engaging characters. Old and new fans of the Love Undercover series are sure to enjoy this newest addition and Lori Foster expertly sets the stage for Dash and Margo’s story, Dash of Peril.

4 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Getting Rowdy, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Lori Foster, Rated B, Review, Romantic Suspense

4 Responses to Review: Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster

  1. Eileen

    thanks for the review. I’m looking forward to Rowdy’s story.

  2. Suze

    I do love Lori Foster’s books, so been looking forward to this one! As not US based, cant enter the comp 🙁 but this is on the buy list!

    • Book Reviews & More by Kathy

      I’m sorry about the restriction, Suze, but I’m not the one giving the book away :(. I hope it moves from your to buy to your tbr soon because it really is a good book.