Sweet, hot and satisfying - classic Carly Phillips
5 stars

This is a classic Carly Phillips story - both in the fact that it’s exactly the kind of story that I expect and love from her and also because this is a re-release of a story originally published in 2011. This is also the first book in a series of connected standalone stories all set in the small town of Serendipity, New York.

Our couple in this story are Ethan, the classic bad-boy from the wrong side of the tracks and Faith, the rich girl princess cheerleader. At least, that’s who they both were in high school when they first met and sparks flew.

Ethan left town due to a scandal and never looked back. But now he has returned to his home town, ready to make amends for his wrongs and show everyone that he’s done well for himself. He definitely had that bad-boy turned good vibe going on and I liked how he still felt alpha and strong despite having a lot of emotional baggage. He gave himself a hard time and I did feel sorry (and angry) for him on several occasions. But Faith balanced him out and to that, they were the perfect couple.

I probably can’t say I have much in common with a rich girl who lost it all when her daddy went to jail - but it was still surprisingly easy to relate to Faith. She was determined to start afresh, make something of herself and find out who she really was. She was the perfect blend of vulnerability and kick-ass that made me like and root for her.

Ethan and Faith have superb chemistry helped, unsurprisingly, by Carly Phillips’ always exemplary way of writing with steam. So there was definitely enough heat to give an added boost to a fun and enjoyable story.

We also get the added bonus of several secondary characters who help give depth to Ethan and Faith’s romance. Tess was a surprisingly delightful addition and who knew I could so easily take to a snarky, emo, juvenile delinquent? We also get Faith’s best friend, her best enemy and, of course, Ethan’s brothers. I have to say that I had little love for either of them and, despite much willing on my part, only one of them came around by the end of the book. Imagine my surprise when the worst of the brothers was the main focus of the epilogue and I actually felt sorry for the guy. How Ms Phillips got me from hate to sympathy in the space of one chapter is beyond me. And now I can’t wait for Nash’s own story - dammit.

As I said, this is a classic Carly Phillips story. It’s not too demanding, not very heavy but is a fun, sweet and hot romance with characters that you’ll root for and a happy ending that will leave you satisfied. If you’re a fan of the author or just want to be whisked away for a couple of hours, I would recommend this story to you. ( )

Carly Phillips laat in Vertrouwd! zien dat er niet te ontkomen valt aan wat het lot voor je in petto heeft.

Faith and Ethan are a great couple and Tess is just the cats pajamas. This is was fun but sexy light story that was just what I have been in the mood for. ( )

Faith and Ethan are a great couple and Tess is just the cats pajamas. This is was fun but sexy light story that was just what I have been in the mood for. ( )

This was a sweet contemporary romance. Ethan was a bad boy in high school. When his family needed him most he disappeared. Now he's back and looking to make amends. Faith was the golden girl growing up but the mighty have fallen..hard. She's looking to rebuild her life. Together they have enough issues to fill a warehouse, but they just might be what the other needs...

I really liked how well Ethan and Faith fit. I also liked that they didn't gloss over or make light of their issues. I did think Faith took things a little too far in the end, but overall I enjoyed the story and the romance. ( )