Maverick by Anna Cruise

*This is a New Adult romance with adult themes, language, and sexual content.*

Kellen Handler is in deep.

Ever since he can remember, he’s wanted to be a professional surfer. And he made it, rising to the top of the ranks, traveling the world and riding every break he’s ever dreamed of. His good looks and reputation for living on the edge—both in and out of the water—have made him an international superstar. But when his best friend dies in a tragic accident, Kellen wipes out big time, spiraling so badly that everything he’s worked for starts to disintegrate.

Tour officials scramble to do damage control and demand he work with a public relations company to clean up his bad boy image. It doesn't help that the person assigned to him, Gina Bellori, has her own demons associated with the surfing world. 

Against her better judgement Gina accepts the job and concentrates on repairing Kellen's tattered reputation, despite his protests and despite the pain it causes her. With her past colliding with her present—and Kellen in the thick of it—she begins to realize that some secrets can't stay hidden. 

And suddenly, Kellen Handler is no longer worried about losing his career.

He's more worried about losing his heart.

(From NetGalley)


My Thoughts:

This was one of those stories that clipped along at such a pace, before I knew it, I was done! I really felt like I caught that big wave and rode it straight to the shore - and, thankfully, didn't wipe out! What can I say about this book? It had an interesting plot, engaging characters, and effortless writing. What more could a body ask for in a book?

I absolutely loved Kellen. Yeah, he was a bit of a jerk in the beginning, but there were reasons behind the persona - he wasn't being a jerk just for the sake of being a jerk, he was hurting, deep inside, and this was the way he dealt with it. Was it wrong? Probably. But at least it didn't change the person he was, basically. He was a decent guy who just didn't know how to deal with the blow life had dealt him. Until he met her...

Gina was a different story for me. Sometimes, I didn't like her that much - like when she had over-the-top reactions to Kellen. The way she went off on him because he dared to kiss her was just too much. Yeah, I get that she suffered a major loss and is still dealing with the fallout from it, but still. Sometimes, she was a bit of a drama queen. However,she was working in the best interest of Kellen - most of the time - so that helped to keep her from being a total bitch.

I won't give away any of the major plot points, but I will say that it had a satisfactory ending and I'm glad I read it.