Hi there! Today, I’m sharing a review for FORKED, a contemporary erotic romance from Melanie Harlow. I really enjoyed FRENCHED, the first book in this series. This installment is all about Coco and her estranged ex-husband/former college boyfriend, Nick. Their relationship has always been rocky, but now it’s heating up…

About the Book:
Twenty-eight year old Coco Thomas knows the recipe for disaster:

1) Agree to plan last-minute engagement blowout for spoiled Mafia princess before you realize her choice of caterer is Nick Lupo, a despicably gorgeous young chef with a hot new restaurant in town, a reality TV show victory, and a romantic past with you—one that did not end well.

2) Strike a deal with Nick in which you agree to spend a weekend with him in exchange for his services, under the strict conditions there will be no talking about the past, no second chances, and definitely no sex.

3) Violate all three conditions within 24 hours and spend two glorious days remembering what made you fall for the sexy, egotistical bastard in the first place, and why it hurt so much when he broke your heart.

Add one road trip, plenty of good scotch, and endless spoonfuls of chocolate cake batter drizzled over your body and licked off inch by oh-my-God-yes-right-there inch, then just admit it.

You’re totally FORKED.

My Review:
This is a solid breeze read, with a bit of angst and smoking hot sexytimes.

Coco and Nick fell in love back in college. They struggled in their relationship, mostly because Nick had a loose definition of the word honesty But they continued to reconnect. Except the last time when they jetted off to Vegas, had a quickie wedding and Coco woke to find Nick’s ring and a note on her nightstand in the honeymoon suite. Coco was devastated and her parents arranged an annulment. That was seven years ago and Coco still has a crushed spirit regarding Nick, who is a celebrity chef with a renown restaurant not far from where Coco lives in downtown Detroit.

Now, Coco is working with her BFF Mia at their events planning business and her demanding client is adamant that Coco get Nick to help cater her engagement party. Caught between her broken heart and the commission she needs for a down payment on her dream house, Coco bites the bullet and contacts Nick. He’s as suave as she remembers, unfortunately, and is happy to help with the party…if Coco will spend a weekend with him.

Impetuous as ever, Coco agrees, thinking that setting some ground rules will keep everything professional. Then, she practically jumps him. Her muddled feelings are all the more potent when Nick admits he’s loved her all this time, and explains how shattered he was to leave her–how he never intended her to give up her education, which is what she planned the second they said, “I do.”

The weekend is fraught with hot and cold–hot sex, heated discussions, and cold remorse over years wasted. Nick is never more clear about his desires. As a kid he was intimidated by Coco’s family’s wealth and never felt good enough, but now he’s successful and able to be a good provider, if only Coco will give him a chance.

Spoiler: she does.
Spoiler: he kinda messes up again.
Spoiler: they live HEA anyway.

This book isn’t as straight-out sexyfun as FRENCHED, because it’s a reconnection tale. The water never passed under Coco and Nick’s bridge, despite seven years going by. While they are still overwhelmingly attracted to each other, they have a lot of work to do if they want this relationship spark to blaze. Nick seems all in from the start. I admired his tenacity. Coco is a bit flighty, but I could totally relate to her misgivings over Nick. As she remarked: What fool takes a second bite from a bad apple?

I was glad she took that bite, and I know she was, too. For an erotic romance, there was definitely a good balance between heat and heart. Looking forward to the final book in this series!

Interested? You can find FORKED on Goodreads and Amazon, and B & N, but I’d highly recommend picking up the boxed set of Melanie’s books, it’s a STEAL right now at $.99 for three books and assorted other novellas on Amazon, (price scheduled to go up any minute now!!) ($3.99 at Barnes & Noble).

About the Author:

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. Her stories are inspired by a sense of place, an appreciation for the past, and unexpected pleasures in life—especially the romantic kind. She lifts her glass to readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband and two daughters.

You can catch up with her online on her website, Facebook and twitter.