Review...The Rub Down by: Gina Sheldon

Synopsis:
Dark room

Luke Stratton spends his days making clients moan in pleasure. His hands hold the ability to drive a woman to the brink of ecstasy. As a rule, his professional touch is the only thing he gives any female client. Until a Boston marathon trainee seeks his services.

Bare skin

One year after the tragic Boston Marathon bombing, Alexa Williams must overcome horrible memories of that day. She struggles to put her fear aside to meet the challenge of the run. A rigorous training schedule leaves her body aching, and with Luke’s help, Alexa finds soothing release at The Rub Down.

Healing Hands

Will Luke hold onto his rules and let Alexa go, or will they be able to cross the finish line together?

My Review:
4.5 stars!

Do not let the title of this book deceive you, in fact the title is addressed almost immediately in the book giving you a bit a humor to start. I really adored this book, it wasn't what I expected and I love that. 

Luke (H) is a professional massage therapist, and he is professional in all aspects of the word. He owns the upscale spa with his best friend and they make it a point to keep it that way. The spa has a good reputation and they would never risk jeopardizing it or anyone's work and ethic. That is until Alexa (h) walks into Luke's room. She is training for the marathon and he is her new therapist. He's never reacted to a woman on his table like this before but he is determined to keep the client/therapist relationship...at least until the marathon is over.

This is Alexa's second marathon, the last ended brutally after the Boston bombing but she is determined to get through it this year. When old memories resurface she doesn't know if she'll make it. Will Luke be able to be there for her and motivate her? Or will he step away because of the temptation? And will Alexa make it across the finish line?

This book is not about a hot horny masseuse that can't keep his hands off of women. It is about that fine line between relationships and professionalism.  Luke is not a cocky guy that thinks he can have any women he wants, he is all things good. Of course he's had his moments but he never risks his license for them. He cares for Alexa and wants nothing more to just be in her life and break down the walls so she can accomplish her ultimate goal. They both work together running, and sharing things about themselves. They take their time learning about the other and becoming friends.

I loved the slow build up. I mean you know right away that they both are attracted to each other and are feeling more than they want to, but it's not rushed. They respected each other too, which I really felt in reading the story. I don't feel that a lot in reading, sometimes I feel like the H, especially, doesn't really respect the h. If anything Luke admired Alexa and held her with great regard. Both of the characters were so likable and when it was over I just wanted more of them.

Great debut for Gina Sheldon.

I recommend!

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About this author

Gina Sheldon is a devoted wife, busy mom of twin girls, and the proud owner of a small business. She often travels the very streets of Boston she writes about in her debut novel, “The Rub Down.” One thing she refuses to leave home without is her Kindle. Their relationship borders on obsessive. As a beta reader and blogger, Gina shares her love of books with others, and her love of words has now carried her into the field of self-publishing. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found surrounded by family and friends, enjoying a glass of wine, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or both.

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