Review: Grounded by R.K. Lilley

With a hero that is too good to be true, you’ll find yourself fanning yourself while falling deeper in love with Mr. James Cavendish.  ~ Under the Covers

GROUNDED is the last book in the Up In the Air series and it is the perfect conclusion to all that James and Bianca have endured. Lilley ties up all loose ends while also creating the perfect happily-ever-after for them. The epilogue in particular was really nice to read.

But let me start at the beginning of this book. Bianca and James are trying hard to make their relationship work. However, with a killer out there hoping to get Bianca next, James is a little more protective of her. That being said, James feels different in this book. He is constantly on edge. He isn’t as easy-going or cracking those charming remarks. His girl is being targeted and James takes the threat seriously. For a lot of the first half of the book, James takes on the role of protector. He is more stern, more forceful and that brings out the Dom in him as well.

The sex further explores the BDSM lifestyle. It also explores punishment. While not extreme, it still makes an impact because of the emotion that Lilley puts into the scenes. I love that even though this is an erotic book, it simply isn’t about the sex. There is emotion as well and I think that’s what sets this series apart from others of the same kind.

Another constant love of mine has been Stephen. His presence is absolutely crucial to this storyline and James knows just how important he is to Bianca. They share something that nobody can ever touch, not even James. And rather than being jealous of it, James embraces it, going as far as buying a new home for Stephen that is right beside theirs so that he is close whenever Bianca needs him. I LOVE THAT ABOUT HIM. It just screams his undying love for Bianca while also showing readers that he doesn’t see Stephen as a threat, whether gay or not. I don’t think this book would have been as great if it weren’t for Stephen. He’s simply amazing.

Other characters come to the forefront as well. Lana, whom I love makes a few appearances. I cannot wait to read her novella next. There is also the introduction of Tristan and Danika, who are very intriguing characters. Tristan is one of those heroes who had so much charisma on the page. I am dying to get to know him more. And Danika? I really want to know why she is limping. I’m hoping that gets addressed in the spin off, BAD THINGS.

GROUNDED turned out to be the perfect ending for a stellar series. If you are looking for a series similar in tone to the Crossfire series, then I would definitely recommend the Up In the Air series to those readers. With a hero that is too good to be true, you’ll find yourself fanning yourself while falling deeper in love with Mr. James Cavendish.

Favorite Quote:

I fell in love with your eyes first because I looked into their depths and saw the other half of my soul.”

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[about-author author=”R.K. Lilley”]