Make Your Move

I am a relative newbie to "vanilla" contemporary romance novels, and by that I mean romance novels that don't involve special ops, seals, or very dominating men. I started Make Your Move a little uneasy because I wasn't sure I could fully enjoy it... it has no guns or secret missions, no super evil kidnapping plots, and no growly men. Yet I had enjoyed Samantha Hunter's Kindle Short, Barely There, so I was pretty sure I would enjoy the writing. Luckily I was right, and Samantha Hunter didn't need any of those things to get my attention, I was caught up in this sweet and enjoyable story from the first chapter. Jodie is a naughty vixen. Yes I said vixen. She is a girl who is not afraid to get what she wants, and for her that is short and sexy flings with a new man each week. She doesn't want a committed relationship and she isn't ashamed of it or afraid to admit that. I loved how confident she was and Samantha Hunter did a fabulous job of portraying her as an empowered sexy woman when it would have been easy to cross into promiscuous slut. It's so unusual for women in romance to be given the OK and ability to enjoy one night stands and I really enjoyed the twist. Now let's talk about Dan. Oh Dan, sigh. Dan is not a growling heavy handed alpha man, yet I loved him just the same. He is so sexy in his uber geeky ways. Dan is sweet, and caring, yet unexpectedly smoldering when he gets to the bedroom. How can you not love a guy who can gauge a relationship and how it will fare based on a combination of statistics? ************************************************************************ "Additionally, you can't argue that our sexual compatibility is off the charts. Do you know the odds against the number of orgasm that you had-" Jodie put up a hand. "No, I don't, and I don't think I want to. Listen, Dan, people can't become lovers based on statistics." "Why not?" She looked at him long and hard, as if trying to figure out whether he was serious. ************************************************************************ The relationship develops between Jodie and Dan in such a sweet and realistic way it was hard not to love. The characters are likeable and easy to relate to. If you are looking for a fun, sweet, and sexy read I would highly recommend Make Your Move. It was just the thing I needed to break me out of my tortured urban fantasy bender I was on.

Jodie and Dan have been friends and business partners for years. He is a scientist, and a dedicated workaholic who spends long hours in the lab, teaching and traveling. Jodie runs a bakery that she co-owns with Dan. Her bakery's claim to fame is a special aphrodisiac cookie. Dan developed a special formula to add to the icing that enhances female pheromone levels. When a woman eats a couple of these tasty treats, her love life gets a little boost. Needless to say, these cookies are flying off the shelves. Although Dan is a bit of a nerd, he's got that `I'm smart, a little awkward, but give me a chance and I'll rock your world' thing going on. He's carried a torch for Jodie for years but has never told her. When he realizes Jodie has become involved with a work rival that is less than scrupulous he decides it's time to make his move. Jodie avoids serious romantic relationships, but still enjoys an active social life, dating and going out with friends. Although she has never consciously admitted her attraction to Dan, it's more than a coincidence that she likes to date nerdy types. When they get together, sparks fly but but Jodie assumes the chemistry between them is only a result of the special cookies. Dan knows it's the real deal and is intent on winning Jodie's heart once and for all. That is, if he can keep his rival from interfering in destroying all that he and Jodie have worked for. Make Your Move is a fun story, with likeable characters who are average everyday people dealing with life, love and relationships. Although they run into some trouble, and experience a few obstacles on the way to their happily ever after, there is no dramatic angst or massive relationship issues to deal with which I found to be pleasantly refreshing. I admit was a little let down by the idea of Dan and Jodie's romance being artificially enhanced. I'm a romantic at heart and need to believe that when love is meant to be, it will be, no love potion needed. However, Samantha Hunter put a great spin on this theme and made it work in a really fun way.