Review of Teased by Jamie Begley

Synopsis: “Here comes Trouble!” Colton took one look at the stripper on stage and knew that was exactly what Vida was, trouble. He had no desire to succumb to the young woman tantalizing men with her provocative movements and killer body with no intention of satisfying their fantasies. Fresh out of prison, his tattoo shop and getting rid of an aggravating ex were his first priorities, not a woman who should know better than to become involved in a situation that could get her killed.

Vida will do anything to save her friend’s life, even if it includes stripping on stage and doing lap dances in the VIP room under her stage name Trouble. All the sensuous moves were just an illusion to gain the information she needed, even if it meant the men who watched thought she would keep the promises her body was making.

Forced to sift through lies and betrayals, Colton discovers a woman who is as loving as she is loyal, but won’t give him a chance. Vida, who tries to ignore the escalating passion between them, learns the hard way that some men shouldn’t be teased…

 

4 Stars!

 

Review: I'm a big fan of Jamie's books. I feel like she writes stories that are engaging, with just enough angst, heat, detail and connection, but she doesn't overdo on dragging the story out or making it seem too farfetched. I'm a big fan of The Last Riders series, but I decided to check out the VIP series, since they are somewhat connected. I did already know a little bit about what happens with Colton and Vida's story, but I didn't feel like it took anything away from the book, itself.

 

Colton has just gotten out of prison, and he is ready to move on with his life. He does have one thing that he needs to do, first, before he can really move forward, and that is to return the favor that King, the leader of the underworld of Queen City, TX, did for him three years ago. King had warned Colton that his wife was about to be arrested, but Colton took her place. He still owes King, however, for that warning. In return, King wants Colton to watch out for Vida, who has come under his protection in order to get help finding her friend, Sawyer, who was recently abducted by another guy that operates a nasty sex and prostitution ring.

 

Colton watches as Vida makes one selfless decision after another in order to save her friend. He stays pretty disconnected from her, as he just wants to look at her and her situation as something that he is separate from and to check off his favor with King. He slowly begins to care about her, though, and to care about what happens to her. His problem, then, is to convince her that he is worth her giving him a chance. Meanwhile, Vida is in trouble, too, because someone wants to use her to get back at King - but why?

 

I think one thing that would have made me feel a little more connected to Vida would be to hear more of her transition from good girl to someone that was able to dance in King's club. That's a big jump to make, and even though the story talks about how it was difficult for her, I think it would have felt more realistic if I had seen her go through some of that - because I'm sure it was hard for her. Another win for Jamie, though.