Pulse is yet another must read book by this author! It’s sexy but emotional and compelling and has a touch of suspense to it, and I couldn’t put it down. This is Troy and Dahlia’s story, and it’s a workplace, opposites attract, stalker romance. When the book begins, we find that these two are attracted to one another but basically that’s “never” going to happen. We also find that Dahlia’s recently broken up with a guy that seemingly still wants her, and her dad is going through some serious legal issues, so she’s got her plate full. They work together, but he drives her a bit nuts. What happens when things in Dahlia’s personal life take a turn for the worse and she needs some protection from her brooding co-worker?
Adriana Locke is responsible for some of my favorite characters, and Troy and Dahlia are no exception! Dahlia is such an incredibly likeable character. She’s the sort of personality that’s sweet and could probably make friends with a rock. Plus, her life hasn’t been perfect, but she doesn’t seem to let any of that get in her way, and I respect that 100%. Her character is affable and endearing, but she’s a little bit funny, too.
And then there’s Troy…Troy is…how do I put this eloquently? HOT. Completely, utterly, unabashedly hot. He’s protective and grumpy but you still like him, and I mean his backstory? Pretty heartbreaking, but he’s such a genuinely good MMC. There was never a moment where I questioned his character’s motivations or actions, and to top it off he’s an actual hero. LOVED him!
The storyline of this book is great, too. It’s entertaining and engaging with just the right amount of spice and suspense. Everything about this book worked for me as a reader, and I was roped in right away. I feel like I understood the complete picture from the characters frame of references to the conflict and resolution, and it all made for a story I didn’t want to end.
Also, I listened to the audiobook, which I enjoyed. CJ Bloom and Connor Brown both did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, and I felt immersed in their world as I listened. She sounds lovely and acted the part with such personality, and I especially loved hearing Troy with a gravelly voice. It might just be my humble opinion, but these characters were cast perfectly.
Pulse is a definite must read/listen. It’s got great characters and a plot that keeps you interested from the first pages to the last. I recommend this book for lovers of grumpy/sunshine couples and workplace romance, but really I think anyone that likes contemporary romance will love it.