Carrie Elks romances never miss any target on layered characters, goal-met emotional dimensions, and swoon-worthy striking moments. In “Strictly Pleasure”, the second book in The Salinger Brothers series, she shone light once again on winning the hearts of contemporary romance readers. This book features an enemies-to-lovers plot that includes sensuality, a slow burn, and witty comebacks, all intertwined with character growth.
What makes this novel unique is the way it incorporates sizzling romance with empathy, healing, and themes of a chosen family. If you like submissive passion for arrogant men and assertive women, this is the right choice for you. Let us jump right into the drama, charming scenes, and captivating tension of Strictly Pleasure.
- Author:- Carrie Elks
- Series:- The Salinger Brothers (Book 2)
- Pages:- 312 Pages
- Genre:- Rom-Com, Enemies-to-Lovers, Pregnancy, Forced Proximity
- My Rating:- 5 Stars
- Goodreads:- 3.98 Stars
About Strictly Pleasure
Strictly Pleasure tells the story of Liam Salinger, a self-assured, insanely attractive CEO who is used to getting what he wants and not sticking around afterward. He lives by one rule: never sleep with the same woman twice. That changes the night he meets the heroine, Sophie, who spends an evening with him and then tells him she does not want anybody to know. Unfortunately for her, fate has other plans. The two are appointed godparents to her best friend’s newborn, meaning they’ll have to spend a lot more time together than either would like.
What begins as mutual annoyance and contentious encounters eventually deepens to romantic attraction, emotional attachments, and growing trust. Throughout this journey, we watch as Liam’s playboy shield sheds, unveiling a man who is capable of love, emotional growth, and commendable sacrifice. There is a barely contained, slow burn of attraction combining emotional peaks, fierce dialogue, and tender moments of vulnerability. Carrie Elks books offer witty banter, developed characters, and complex emotions in a fresh take on romance.
My Review: The Irresistible Charm of Liam Salinger
Elks brilliantly reveals each layer of Liam Salinger’s character, who is initially described as emotionally closed off, self-assured, and magnetically attractive. He’s much more than a trope of a broken-hearted CEO. He is willing, and even more compelling, eager to change as the narrative unfolds for the right person. He is deeply transformative throughout the story, but in a satisfying, authentic, and well-spaced manner. The sentiment during his transformation is that there are no forced changes due to the heroine, but rather, changes that stem purely from influence.
Seeing Liam slowly transform from emotionally checked out to intensely protective was one of the most satisfying shifts in romance books. The marks of tenderness he displayed, like the way he cradled the infant and other small, tender actions, brought nuance to his character and deepened the level of romance.
A Strong, Relatable Heroine
While Sophie may not be someone I personally related to, the female lead was refreshing in her strength and independence. She’s not afraid to call Liam out on his behaviour, yet she’s vulnerable in her own way, struggling with trust and emotional risk. Her resistance to falling for Liam again wasn’t out of stubbornness but from a genuine fear of being hurt.
Her honesty, wit, and compassion made her a compelling protagonist. The way she gradually let her guard down and allowed Liam into her life felt earned, not rushed or overly dramatic.
The Slow Burn That Pays Off
The tension between Liam and Sophie is flawless. Elks knows how to build anticipation, and she keeps the slow burn going without dragging it out. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is used perfectly here: snappy dialogue, steamy glances, accidental touches, everything you want from a slow-burn romance.
Their chemistry practically jumped off the page, and when they finally let their walls down, it felt like a payoff you’d been waiting for in the best way. The progression from irritation to acceptance to something deeper was paced beautifully.
A Baby, a Friendship, and Found Family
The inclusion of their shared godparent role adds another layer to the narrative. It forces them into proximity and also reveals a softer side of both characters. The quiet moments between Liam and Sophie add emotional depth to their romance. The friendship dynamics, especially with the best friends who chose them as godparents, added warmth and humour. These subtle background moments are what give “Strictly Pleasure” its essence.
Carrie’s writing is clean, clever, and easy to fall into. Her pacing, dialogue, and emotional beats are on point throughout. The prose isn’t overly flowery, which makes it accessible, and her voice strikes a perfect balance between funny and heartfelt.
Final Thoughts
“Strictly Pleasure” is more than just a steamy romance between two unlikely lovers; it’s a story about growth, forgiveness, and the vulnerability that comes with letting someone in. This book is for fans of cocky playboys, witty banter, emotional redemption, and enemies to lovers books.
As a fan of contemporary romance who reads a lot, I found this book refreshingly satisfying. Liam’s evolution, the strong Sophie, the forced proximity, and the emotional beats all came together in a way that makes this an unforgettable read.
Have you read Strictly Pleasure? What did you think of Liam’s transformation and their sizzling chemistry? Let’s chat in the comments!
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