Taste of Lacey Paperback – February 22, 2015

This is an IR book as you can tell by the cover, but IR or not doesn't matter to me. The plot, story, and writing does. This author is great. I sound like her agent, but seriously, you will love this book!Rye and Lacey are life long friends. He's white and she's black, which presents real problems for others mostly. Rye's family is fine with his new love, but Lavey's brother and mother take issue with them dating. Rye used to be her brother's best friend before she and Rye started dating.They have to deal with Rye's past, which consists of a lot of hit and runs with women and Lacey's insecurities. Lacey isn't too bad, but some times you want to choke her out. I'm just saying!Rye is alpha male and gets right down to business and stating his point for the most part. He knows what he wants.Their relationship struggles because of outside influences in Lacey's life.Pros:Well written! Amazing writing.Rye is sexy and alpha.Rye is a consistent character.Lacey is sweet and gives you just enough to like her. She's human.Steamy sex scenes. Lots of sex scenes.The author doesn't shy away from real issues.Did I mention Rye is alpha male? Yes, I know I did, but he's a perfect mix. And he's always on point in this book with what he should do and say.Cons:I didn't find Rye's skinny frame attractive. That's personal on my part, no doubt, but 6'4 and 190lbs isn't really appealing to me. That's super thin. As a six footer with a 6'4 husband I couldn imagine him being a couple dozen pounds more than me.So my con isn't a big one, but really skinny men aren't sexy to me.

When I read a book, I want to be enthralled, transported beyond the limits of reality. I want to care about the characters, to invest in their lives, their conflicts, their comforts, their love, their losses. It’s the mark of a great writer who can construct a character that pulls the reader into their orbit, to compel them to care. Characterization and plots keep me interested enough to turn the pages, to devour the story in one sitting and can make or break a story.That’s why when I began reading A Taste of Lacey, I was excited. Here was a strong, self- aware woman who knew what she wanted and went after it. Initially, I loved Lacey because she had direction. Her foundation was steady. She was a pillar of stability. Enter Ryder McKay, a childhood friend, and the sparks fly- which is fine at the surface. They both agree on a physical relationship that isn’t supposed to last past one night. Naturally, they continue, which again is just fine. It is within the human condition, after all. My problem lies within how quickly both Rye and Lacey devolve during the course of the relationship. Their lack of communication, presumptions, and assumptions- it just flies in the face of what they were perceived to be from the outset and bordered on childish antics. Both are type A personalities who crumble under pressure and don’t know how to communicate clearly with each other but their sex seems to flourish. Ms. Hughes did a phenomenal job in bringing such a visceral connection passionately but the emotional impact was lacking. It was as if they couldn’t really be honest with each other unless they were in the throes of passion. For me, this cheapened the emotional experience, made them both two dimensional and made it difficult to care about their outcome. Aside from the sex, there wasn’t much more to invest in.And that was the sole disappointment in A Taste of Lacey. The movement was there but sadly, it was revolving in circles. The editing was phenomenal- it was refreshing to read a story where I didn’t have to ignore substantial grammatical mistakes. I just wished that there was more emotional engagement.If I could, I’d give this story a 3.5 out of 5 stars so I’ll settle on 3. The read was good. I’d definitely like to read more of Ms. Hughes’ work in the future.

I bought this book because of the previous recommendations and I'm glad I did. We'll written and very descriptive without becoming boring. I have to admit Lacey's insecurities frustrated me. Yes, Rye's job called for him to travel a lot but he always came home to her first. She was also willing to listen to her brother (rye's best friend since they were children) and her mom. Both had their own issues. Also Rye and Lacey's brother Kyle have always had luck with getting women and discarding them so Lacey assumed that she was just like all Rye's previous women. Add to that a ratty girl who works with Rye and wants him for herself.That's where I have a problem with her common sense. Rye chose her over his best friend, told her father and his parents very early on in their relationship. Plus both both families have been friends since Lacey and Rye were kids. Why would he endanger that that relationship just to get some. Why couldn't she trust what he told her. Then I remember how I felt when I was in my late 20's after a few heart breaks. Self preservation kicked in on my next relationship. I almost refused to trust his love for me. We even broke up shortly. My fault. Like Lacey and the help of good friends I finally came to my senses and begged for him to come back. Unfortunately he moved on but I learned a valuable lesson about learning to trust and communicate.Sorry for the long review. I connected with this story from begging to end. ENJOY!

I have read The Taste of Lacey several times and with each time I read it, I fall more in love with Rye and Lacey's budding romance. The book is very detailed oriented it makes you feel that you are a part of their world. I love the book so much that I wish there was a follow up to this book to see where their marriage goes. I can imagine all the romance, drama, love and sexual escapades that Rye and Lacey will test out.

This is Lacey and Ryder’s story (BW/WM). The book grabbed my attention from page 1 and was a page turner and very engrossing. Both Lacey and Ryder are likeable characters each with a stubborn will of their own. Their relationship is passionate, intense and romantic.Because of Ryder’s playboy past Lacey has trust issues and wonders whether their relationship can go the distance or will he play her like all the others in his past. Ryder does not give Lacey any cause to doubt him she has to deal with her insecurities in order for their relationship to work. Lacey also allows the views of her mother and brother to influence her decision making regarding her relationship with Ryder which only brings heartache and pain to both their lives!Great read I would highly recommend this book!

I loved everything about this story it tackled head on issues about interracial relationships, and how everybody around the couple have their own opinion whether the couple should be together or not. I liked that the grew up together to and I loved the erotic romance between them. This is a well written story that will have you laughing, anxious, angry and cheerleading for them to get to get together and stay together no matter what. ;)

I loved this book from start to finish. Loved all the amazing sex. Oh my! Also loved Rye’s alpha ways and the relationship with the family. Nice

I totally fell line, hook and sinker for Rye and Lacey's love story. The author had all the ingredients I enjoy in an IR romance novel, especially VERY HOT scenes throughout the story...just so much chemistry and passion!!! Also, there weren't too many glaring typos :) Only trouble? I can't seem to find anything else by this author!!!!!