Book Review: One To Keep by Lexi Blake

Stefan Talbot likes order and control. He approaches his life with the same meticulous precision that he uses to put paint on his canvas. Nothing good comes from chaos, and that is why he has refused to allow himself to get close to Jennifer Waters. They are like fire and ice. Though she is younger, her talent as an artist is unquestionable. But she lives her life like she paints—with wild, passionate abandon. It is intoxicating and terrifying, and he can’t get her out of his head.

Jennifer ran from Bliss to put Stef behind her. She had come to the mountain town seeking a mentor but found much more than she bargained for. Cool and distant, Stef was like a marble statue and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t break through his shell. She moved to Dallas to start over, but nothing is going as planned. When the art gallery where she works is robbed and a precious painting is stolen, Jen is accused of the theft. Jen is thrilled when her bail is met, until she realizes her savior is Stef and he has a few conditions. First and foremost, she has to return to Bliss.

Against the backdrop of the Winter Festival, Stef and Jen’s attraction catches fire. But the dark forces behind the robbery in Dallas have followed Jen home. A criminal syndicate believes she still has the stolen painting and they’ll kill to get their hands on it. 

It took several attempts to finish this book.  I wasn't able connect with the characters. The story felt long winded.  I had loved the previous two books in this series but One To Keep wasn't for me.  

Jennifer Waters had left Bliss because of Stefan Talbot.  She left her life behind and moved to Dallas to start over. It was an abrupt move, cutting off all her friends. One of the reasons Stefan didn't want to get involved with Jennifer is because of her age. She's much younger and Stefan feared she might change her mind about their relationship like his mother had done. Jennifer only proved her point by running away. 

When Jennifer is accused of stealing a painting from her employer, Stefan comes to the rescue and brings her back to Bliss.  There's all sorts of drama when she returns. 

It becomes a little confusing when wishy-washy Stefan acts as Jennifer's Dom. He wants to protect her and dominate her but he doesn't want to keep her. Ugh, I really wanted to love this story but unfortunately I couldn't wait for it to end. 3 stars