REVIEW: Fun With Rick and Jade by Kelli Scott

Blurb:

Jade Li only wants what’s coming to her from her high-profile baby daddy—some child support and she’ll stay out of his life and off his radar. Committed to being a good mother, she’s left her high-priced-call-girl lifestyle behind and wants a fresh start. But because of her sordid past, she’s terrified of losing custody. What she needs, according to her attorney, is a husband.

Enter Rick Jette, younger brother to Jade’s attorney. Rick could use a wife and child for a business deal his future hinges on. Plus, he owes his brother a huge favor that not even marrying a sexy ex-call girl could repay. Marriage is not what he’d expected. At. All. The good, as they play house, was better than he’d ever dreamed. The bad—having feelings for his instant family—turns out to be worse than he ever could have imagined.

~Excerpt~

Rick Jette pushed the doorbell firmly. He heard it chime in some stately arrangement. Ding-dong-ding. His brother Bob thankfully called out, “I got it!” Thankfully, because Rick never knew what to say to Bob’s wife, Candy.

First of all, she was gorgeous. Second of all, she wasn’t too bright except about fashion, celebrity gossip, and proper martini mixology. Lastly, Rick couldn’t look her in the eyes, especially knowing she used to be a hooker. Correction—escort. Don’t want to make that mistake again. Note to self: avoid the subject of prostitution.

The door opened. Bob smiled wide. “Bro.”

Two things Bob had lots of, money and teeth. Rick wasn’t sure he came by either honestly. He’d probably brokered some back-alley deal in exchange for veneers.

His brother was ten years older than Rick. The only things they had in common were a mother and a last name, because their mom never married either of their fathers. She did eventually marry a guy Rick and Bob both referred to as Dickhead, but the union never stuck like the name had. Even their mom called him Dickhead. The nail in the coffin of the doomed marriage. With a marital example like Mom, it was a wonder either son could make a relationship last longer than a one-night stand.

“Bob,” Rick replied. They hugged, including a manly back pat.

When they broke apart, Bob shoved the door closed and waved him along. “Girls are in the kitchen.”

Girls? He swallowed a lump that lodged in his throat.

What choice did he have but to follow? Looking back toward the closed door, it felt too late to run. He’d brought with him his appetite and a bottle of wine he clutched by the neck. Home cooking did not happen every day, at least not in his world. In the kitchen, the aroma of roasted garlic mixed with a lemony scent. Add cooking to Candy’s repertoire. Go figure.

She greeted him with a double-cheek kiss. “Jade, meet Rick.” She waved her hand elegantly in the direction of what looked to him like living, breathing perfection. “Rick, this is my friend Jade. She’s staying with us temporarily.”

“Pleasure.” She bobbed her head in his general direction, but her tone denoted boredom along with annoyance and a hint of dread as well.

                

I really enjoyed the fun that Rick and Jade have together in this book.

Rick has that geeky, adorkable thing going for him, which makes him so much more endearing. He’s smart, sweet, sensitive, but also fun and can take charge when he needs to. His inability to lie cracks me up big time. He always needs Jade to save him from sticking his foot in his mouth. Oh and the things that happen to him when he assumes the worst… Just classic.

Jade is scared, insecure and doesn’t think much of herself, or what she can offer in the future. Do to so many of her insecurities she puts at risk finding love and a better future for herself. It’s a good thing that Rick is there to remind her that it’s ok to be human, to make mistakes and to let someone in.

These characters relationship starts off in a very unconventional way, but their love for each other develops in a normal and very healthy way. The only frustration was how Jade kept pushing him away. I can understand that was her way of protecting himself, but at times it can become irritating, at least it’s her only character flaw in my eyes.

It’s a very enjoyable read and I hope you all go out and read it.

Happy Reading… Adri