Behind Her Eyes by Melissa Tereze is a rich girl/poor girl, age gap romance. This one stuck out to me because even with Tereze’s dramatic style — the push and pull of sexual tension, and the steamy physical scenes when they finally get together — this one had a warmth to it that really showed even the simplest act of kindness can reward you with the love you deserve and cherish.
Abi is the prime definition of “down on her luck.” After her mother disowned her, she was left with no money and no place to stay. For the last five years, she’s been couch surfing with friends and working every menial job there is just to make ends meet. Her dreams of graduating from culinary school and working at the best restaurant in town, Adley’s, seem a distant memory. All she can focus on right now is fixing her situation one step at a time. Little does she know that one act of kindness is about to put her on the path to not only doing that but also introduce to a once-in-a-lifetime love.
Victoria Adley may appear cool and untouchable, but behind the façade is a woman who is hurting after a lie drags her name and reputation through the tabloids. Her business is now suffering, and her daughter won’t speak to her, believing every negative comment the press says about Victoria. She wishes there could be a solace from the chaos surrounding her, then maybe she can get her life, and the business, back on track.
A gesture of kindness is exactly what Victoria needs, inadvertently Abi into her orbit. When Victoria offers temporary shelter, she is irresistibly drawn to Abi’s talent, kindness and warmth. It’s so easy to start something with Abi and pretend the world doesn’t exist, that it isn’t waiting to judge her for what she does and who she loves. After all, when you’re at the top of your game, everyone will use everything they can against you to bring you down.
Can Victoria and Abi find the right recipe for a lasting love? Or will Victoria’s fears of giving more ammunition to the press keep her living the biggest lie of all?
Pros And My Favourite Parts
I’ve read and loved a lot of Tereze’s books, but I wouldn’t considering any of them light, until this one. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of drama, sexual tension, and steamy love scenes that we’ve all come to know and love from Tereze. I think what makes this one feel different is the kindness portrayed by Abi. In this day and age, we’re used to seeing people take and take, especially people who are in desperate situations. Abi’s situation is extremely desperate, but she hasn’t allowed it to change who she truly is. It’s her nature to be kind and to give back, and it’s the trait that endears her to Victoria.
Victoria has dealt with a monumental scandal, and now she expects the worst from everyone around her. But Abi shows her that there are good people in the world. It feels miniscule, but it leads Victoria on a journey from friendship, to lovers, to discovering exactly who she is and who she’s meant to be, which is the woman who loves Abi and wants to be the best version of herself to be worthy of that love.
Cons And Heads Up
There isn’t anything that stands out that could be a trigger for the reader. I think that it would’ve been interesting to have the woman who caused the scandal for Victoria to make an appearance, but that’s just me being nitpicky.
The Conclusion
This story is stamped with Tereze’s signature style I’ve come to know and love, and the simplistic act of kindness by Abi gave this story a softness that I wasn’t expecting yet happily relished. The chemistry between Victoria and Abi is a lovely mixture of sweet and sexy. Plus the drama over Victoria’s scandal is easy to follow and easily resolved, allowing the reader to enjoy the budding relationship between Abi and Victoria as they navigate social prejudices and tabloid fodder. If you like Tereze and you’re in the mood for an easy read, this one is definitely a good fit for the evening.
Excerpt from Behind Her Eyes by Melissa Tereze
“Victoria!”
Victoria spun around; her brow creased. “Do I know you?”
“Well, no. Sorry. But I wanted to catch you before you went inside.”
Victoria sneered. “I’m not interested in making a comment for your rag of a newspaper. And I’d appreciate it if you remember that in the future.”
“Oh, I-I…”Abi looked down at the purse in her hand, then back up at Victoria. “You dropped this on the street. I was just handing it back to you.”
“I’m so sorry.” Victoria grimaced, taking the purse from Abi.
She was incredibly beautiful in the media, but upfront…wow. She was something else entirely. Her dark hair fell just above her shoulder in a sleek bob, and those blue eyes were all the more intense when she was looking directly at Abi. She’d always appreciated the beauty of a woman…but now that she stood face-to-face with Victoria, Abi felt as though she’d stolen her breath.
“Thank you for picking it up. Busy morning and I don’t know if I’m coming or going.”
Abi swallowed. “No problem. You’re welcome.”
“Did you want to come inside and eat? It’s the least I can offer you.”
“No, thank you. So long as you have it back – that’s the main thing.” Abi’s stomach growled, the idea of eating at Adley’s more than appealing, but she didn’t belong in a place like this. She looked down at her clothing. Boy fit jeans, a shirt that practically hung from her…and a pair of boots. No, she didn’t belong.
Victoria beamed a smile. “Okay, well, the offer is there if you change your mind. Just come inside and ask for me, and I’ll sort it out…”
Abi watched Victoria head inside the restaurant, the expensive décor reminding her of just how different their lives were…
She crossed the street, taking up the space in the old shop door again. Perhaps if she kept her head down and found a place tomorrow to hook up to the internet, she’d find a job sooner or later.
Sleep…tomorrow is a new day.
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 9781915242136
Publisher: Indie Author
Melissa Tereze Online
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