Review: Trust Me by Laura Florand

Trust Me (Paris Nights #3) by Laura Florand
Publication date: April 4th 2017
My rating: 4 stars 
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She's nobody's damsel in distress...
Top Parisian pastry chef Lina Farah is used to fighting for her success. But when a violent attack shatters her security, she needs a new tactic to battle her dragons. What better way to banish the monsters under her bed than by inviting a sexy SEAL to tangle the sheets?

He's a professional dragon slayer...
Elite operative Jake Adams has never stayed in one place long enough to form a lasting relationship. Lina’s fire and beauty tempt him to give her the hot affair she craves. But her spirit and courage make him long for more. Can he convince a woman seeking forgetfulness to dream of ever after...with him?

My Thoughts:

Lina Farah fought and survived a terrorist attack, and it’s shaken her. But she’s a pastry chef for a two-star Michelin rated restaurant, and you don’t get to that position in life without courage, persistence and drive all of which make her determined to get past the overwhelming fear that creeps up when she thinks of what could’ve happened.  Lina would rather distract herself with the sexy American guard, Jake, stalking her kitchens to keep her safe.

Jake is used to meaningless one night stands with his work as a Navy SEAL, a permanent relationship has been a tough thing to pursue, but he’s ready for a change. He doesn’t just want to be used for sex as a distraction by Lina.  Her braveness, loyalty and beautiful spirit make him long for a future with her, but he’s not even sure she likes him.

Jake and Lina are tentative and careful, because at first they have trouble deciphering each other’s true feelings.  I really felt for Jake, he was a total sweetheart; a sexy, possessive, protective sweetheart and he was ready to lay it all out on the line for Lina! I connected with him more than Lina. She wasn’t really taking a good look at Jake, the man beneath all that hard, sexy appeal, instead she was just thinking of a way to forget her fear.  Granted, Lina was traumatized, and she did sort through her feelings for Jake pretty quickly once she clued in. Even with the more serious feelings Jake and Lina have, there is a playfulness to their relationship, counteracting their vulnerabilities and doubts.  Their relationship was passionate and fun, as well! 

Jake’s teammates provide some laughs as they torment him over his obvious feelings for Lina.  I especially love the book club and Ian’s fake nerdy glasses in response to Lina’s supposed attraction to shy, geeky guys.

As usual, Laura Florand astounds me with her writing.  She delves in deep, getting right to the center of her character’s hearts, (and mine in the process!), she writes beautifully without overly wordy and distracting prose. Lina and Jake’s romance was heartfelt, and just so lovely!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Florand burst on the contemporary romance scene in 2012 with her award-winning Amour et Chocolat series. Her international bestselling books have appeared in ten languages, been named among the Best Books of the Year by Romantic Times and Barnes & Noble, received the RT Seal of Excellence and starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist, and been recommended by NPR, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal, among others.

After a Fulbright year in Tahiti and backpacking everywhere from New Zealand to Greece, and several years living in Madrid and Paris, Laura now teaches Romance Studies at Duke University. Contrary to popular opinion, this means she primarily teaches French language and culture and does a great deal of research on French gastronomy, particularly chocolate. For more information, please see her website: www.lauraflorand.com.