Release by Beth Kery (ARC)

Publisher: Berkley Publishing
Pages: 336

(Release Date: February 2, 2010)

From the Cover: His need for her was so absolute, he agreed to share her with another man in order to possess her.

Genny loved her husband Max, but something was missing—a sexual charge that was instead ignited by his business partner, Sean. He was ruggedly handsome, with a heart-stopping smile and a slow, sexy New Orleans drawl that made Genny weak. The more time they spent together, the stronger the attraction between them became and when her husband offered to share her with Sean for one intoxicating night, both Genny and Sean were too tempted to refuse.

That night in the company penthouse, Max and Sean showed Genny the heights of ecstasy. But it was Sean who scored her very spirit, and one-on-one, they were red hot. But as Genny learns, there’s a price to pay for such impulsive pleasure. What began as a night of forbidden desire spirals into a whirlpool of murder, sensual submission, secrets, and a scorching passion that threatens to consume everyone it touches.

****Spoilers Ahead, Beware Before Reading****

Genny has suspected that Sean, menage partner, murdered her husband, Max, three long years ago following their tryst. Max had threatened Genny and she fears that Sean committed the dastardly deed in a bid to protect her.

Sean fears that Genny murdered her husband after their tryst and he will not allow any harm to come to her, so instead of seeking out the person he feels might have committed the crime, he protects Genny the only way he can, he keeps silent.

When Genny's house burns in a horrible fire, she has no choice but to stay at the penthouse owned by her late husband's firm. Upon arriving at the penthouse, she discovers it's currently occupied by none other than the man who haunts her dreams, Sean. When Sean discovers Genny in the penthouse, he seizes the opportunity to keep her there, stranded in a snow storm with no escape. He wants to keep her to himself, not just for now, but forever, and to do that they'll have to confront their demons. But someone else is also watching Genny and it may cost her life. Can Sean keep her safe, one more time?

Release by Beth Kery is a nice hot contemporary romantic suspense that was more than satisfying. Ms. Kery weaves a tale that tells the story of our hero and heroine. Sean is an ex-special forces soldier that has moved to the private sector, taking over the security for a corporate intel company. He's got the sweetest Southern accent that he's employees to get information, to be disarming, and to seduce the willing, and the ladies are lined up to hear that sweet Southern drawl. There's no shortage of women at his beckon call. Genny is an innocent at life, looking for a father figure, when she meets and marries her husband, Max. She only sees him as the wise, strong, careful man she's married. But Max isn't everything he appears to be. When he suggests a menage with Sean, Genny, and himself, Genny is frozen. It's a side of Max she's never seen. But Max is a multi-faceted character with still more sides. After the menage takes places, he first blackmails Sean, and then attempts to keep Genny at his side with the knowledge of a video of the indiscretion, one wild night of abandonment. Max's philosophy is to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, even if you have to use blackmail to do it. He's a ruthlessly evil and cruel character, one by which Genny has lost her innocence. When Max turns up dead three day later, she assumes the worst, Sean has killed him in a fit of rage. Sean also has his doubt as to Genny innocence when long time employee, Albert Rook, comes to him with evidence of Genny's guilt. He suspects Rook's a lair and manipulator, but he can't and won't take a chance of losing Genny. His need to protect Genny wins out over the need to find the truth. But with such a horrific crime between them, they are driven apart. The chance encounter in the penthouse changes that, but will either survive to tell the tale of what really happened to Max?

Release was a very fast read, I couldn't put it down. I read all 336 pages in two days. It's one of those books where you become immersed in the characters and they're lives. When you're not reading it, you're wondering what's happening. It's one of those books, that when the final page comes, you have a smile of your face, knowing these characters are made for each other. And that's how Release captured my attention and held it, physically and emotionally, bound to the story. Now, most of my blogger buddies know that I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, just a sprinkling to keep my reading spicy and unpredictable, my interest captured. But if you're going to read only one contemp this year, pick up Release. It was that good. It's a romantic suspense that moves quickly and quietly as it works it magic, you don't even feel the pages turning. I highly recommend this book to lovers of hot and spicy romance, romantic suspense, and anyone who just wants to try a hot fun romance. I most certainly enjoyed it. Warning: This is an extremely HOT read (a little bondage and games), oven mitts will be required or fingers may be singed.

I won this book in a contest on Beth Kery's blog , which is still on going, so go check it out. Also, check out Lea's sprouts for Ms. Kery's contest and book, too cool. All opinions I have expressed are my own.

Here's a peek at the book trailer, again by the amazing and talented Lea .