Maggie is Makayla's best friend and Keen is Brooklyn's brother and Cam's best friend that we were introduced to in No Pants Required.

Maggie is sassy, strong, and thrives on control. She does not believe in love or happily-ever-afters (at least not for her). Keen is cocky, charming, alpha, and dominant. He is a work-a-holic and is controlled and focused. He does not do entanglements or distractions.

A hot New Year's Eve encounter in New York leads to a surprising connection with the promise of a continuation of long distance lust and something more. It surprises these two that usually do not get attached easily, but also sets them up for a big fall.

Keen's life suddenly changes and he goes into self preservation mode, keeping it from those he cares about and causing misunderstandings. Maggie is not really a "second-chance" kind of girl especially after being hurt and is determined not to think any more about him. But once he resurfaces in Laguna Beach and becomes attached to every facet  of her life, avoidance becomes more difficult. Once they are back in each other's presence and forced to interact, Maggie will have her work cut out out for her to guard her heart, not get sucked back in, and resist his charms.

Keen is basically restarting his life in a new place and also trying to get back in Maggie's good graces. She is determined to resist, ignore, and hide her feelings. She shuts him down as often as she can. He is focused on business, but also ruthless when going after what he wants. He is a man on a mission, and usually he is a force to be reckoned with.  Maggie is still in his sights even if he is not completely sure what will happen if he does manage to woo her back. He is usually an "all or nothing" kind of guy, but truly having it all is not something he has ever seriously considered before.

They have an intense connection, fire, and strong personalities. They both are so alike that they are scared of the depth of their reaction to each other. The are guarded, stubborn, fearful of true intimacy, and untrusting. They don't usually feel need, get jealous, miss someone, or want to claim anyone. They both hate giving up control. They don't believe in dreams coming that true or have hope of that happening for them. Issues from their pasts have given them reasons to doubt true love and happiness exist and are attainable. They are so similar that they can understand the other even when they are afraid to admit it, but also just stubborn enough to fight it. They are truly each other's perfect match and foil. They alternately resist, control, submit, retreat, explore, fear, run, fight, give in, give up, and push forward. 

But eventually these two will have to get real and face their pasts and insecurities in order to have a chance at something more. Do fairy tales really come true for those that find hope and the courage to take a chance and believe?
This has enough angst and drama to be entertaining, but also brings on the sweetness and romance too. Watching their flirty games and power plays is so much fun and their chemistry is scorching hot! It makes for an interesting dynamic with all of the sexual tension and push and pull. But underneath it all, these two have some emotional baggage that has been keeping them from becoming truly attached, vulnerable,  and trusting in love.

This is feisty, steamy, sweet, and romantic story of hope and healing. I loved this couple together and getting both of their points of view. They are truly likable despite their strong personalities. Keen Masters is a swoony, alpha, magnetic hero even though he sometimes makes mistakes. And Maggie is strong enough to take him on, but not lose herself.  I enjoyed getting more with their friends Cam and Makayla and his brother, Brooklyn. I am looking forward to playboy Brooklyn's book. 

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

No Pants Required

Reader * Writer * Coffeelover * Romantic