When Sig Locke helps out a damsel in distress, he gets more than he bargained for. Not only a serious attraction, but also a way to possibly advance his career.

Tommi didn't really want to need help and she certainly didn't want to be attracted to her savior. And she knows she cannot afford any kind of distractions. It is all she can do to deal with her boyfriend's every need. A boyfriend with power, control, and something that keeps her in  line. 

She is surprised when and how their paths cross again. She has her own things going on and she doesn't need anyone watching her and ruining her  plans. But soon Sig is right behind her trying to figure out what he needs to know. 

"You can trust me, Tommi."

"I don't trust anyone."

Oh My...Sig...Adore him! I have enjoyed him in the other books but in this one he really shines. He is such a  funny, cocky, flirty, protective alpha. He digs right in and goes after what he wants knowing there will be consequences. He is a man of honor and wants to do the right thing, but finds himself in complicated situations that pose challenges. But his quick-witted, bold, arrogant quips had me smiling.

"You're incorrigible."

"If that's code for a hot, sexual, dynamo with a cunning intellect then I couldn't agree more."

Tommi is tough, sassy and feisty, but also has to portray cool, sophisticated, and obedient. She does what she had to do and has her own reasons. She makes sacrifices and tries to protect those she cares about. She usually puts the needs of others first, but Sig is like a force that pulls her in even when she knows it is risky.

He was forbidden before. He's flat out dangerous now. He could ruin everything. Get people hurt, himself included. And that's a risk I can't take, no matter how tempting it is. 

Secrets, lies, hidden agendas, danger and suspense are swirling all round. But these two also find a strong physical connection that is hard to deny. Sig is a merciless flirt and is fiercely protective. He will use anything in his arsenal to wear her down. Their chemistry is hot and together they are combustible. But they also have an easy rapport and enjoy each other's company. She is very protective of her younger brother and he is also in need of a positive male influence. But she is truly stuck in between the different factions involved and trying to keep it all from blowing up.

"Because you complicate things. You complicate things that are already incredibly complicated."

But it does not matter how much they feel, or need, or want. If they cannot trust each other with their secrets, then there is no way out of the situation or to move forward.

It was full of mystery about what really motivates Tommi and what causes her to have to make the choices she does.  There's good, bad, and in between and we don't know where they all fit yet. 

M. Leighton warned us from the start it would be a cliffhanger since due to a contract she cannnot make this book longer than 65k. I admire her for not cutting down their story to fit the restrictions and also because she  is surprisingly giving us the second part for FREE. All you have to do is sign up for her newsletter to get the second part. That is a unique move that shows she cares more about her characters and readers than just making money.

I can't wait to get to the conclusion. I am totally hooked and love these characters and was not ready for it to end. I was glad she gave us both Sig and Tommi's points of views since there is still so much hidden already and at least this way we got some insight into their thoughts, fears, and feelings. This was another humorous, flirty, sexy, mysterious, suspenseful installment in the Pretty series. I expect even more twists and turns in the second one as more secrets are revealed. 

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.