His to Keep

Beauty and the Brit series

by Terri Austin

Iain wasn’t just rough around the edges—he was uncivilized, despite all the elegant trappings and expensive suits. And Brynn wanted more of it. She wanted Iain in full-on barbarian mode.

She wanted to be taken.

Filthy rich British bad boy Iain Chapman made a name for himself as a ruthless businessman, but if he can secure an investment from Vegas powerhouse Trevor Blake, Iain could take his business to the next level. Solution? Hire beautifully timid corporate trainer—and Trevor’s sister-in-law—Brynn Campbell and seduce his way to success.

Brynn’s everything Iain is not: kind, delicate, decent. But she’s also got a taste for something a little beastly, and it doesn’t take long for Iain to break through her every inhibition. Brynn was supposed to be his pawn, but as Iain gets closer to his goal, he begins to realize he’s not ready to let her go, not now, not ever—even if it costs him everything.

Let me start by saying this is definitely a sizzling read.  Iain knows his way around a woman’s body and Austin makes sure you know it too so you need to be OK with that bedroom door being wide open, showcasing his every dominant moment.  It’s hot and sexy but won’t be for everyone.

Outside of the bedroom, the story showcases the growth of Iain and Brynn – both individually and as a couple.  Iain is ruthless and doesn’t really spend a lot of time thinking of others, having no issue using people to get what he needs.  And that includes Brynn.  But it doesn’t take long for her to get under his skin, making him change how he treats people.  As for Brynn, she has issues saying no and domineering, arrogant Iain threatens her safe, comfortable world.  But the more time she spends with him, the more of his take charge attitude rubs off on her and she starts to stand up for herself.   I really like how these two help each other, changing and working their way closer to something in the middle for both of them.

Of course the biggest issue is the fact that Iain started their relationship to get to her brother-in-law and it wouldn’t be a romance if that didn’t get out at the wrong time, causing trouble.  I don’t usually like romances that are based on lies but Austin does a good job of having all of it – the way it happens and the aftermath – fit with their personalities.  It’s not pretty but it definitely works and I appreciate that while Iain put everything in motion he decided pretty early on to not go through with it but he didn’t know how to fix it.  And once it all goes upside down, I have to appreciate his attempt to set it to rights and win Brynn back.  It’s not for everyone – some aren’t going to like the way that Iain uses her (it is kinda old school romance, but that doesn’t stop it from being enjoyable) and others aren’t going to like the steamy sex scenes – but if you give it a go you are going to get a hot, enjoyable read with growth, heartache, and a fun HEA ending.

(This is the 3^rd book in this series and while there were little things that I didn’t totally understand about Brynn’s siblings it didn’t impact anything – this one can definitely stand on its own)