Carrie Elks once again brings sparks, secrets, and swoons in “Strictly Not Yours,” the fourth installment in her sizzling Salinger Brothers series. At first glance, this book seems like a blend of opposites, a buttoned-up doctor and his under-the-radar cleaner; but it turns into a story bursting with heart, passion, and surprising tenderness. Initially, a simple romance with a hint of underground fight-club mystery quickly evolved into something deeper, richer, and unexpectedly emotional. I picked a copy up to continue the series but ended up discovering my favorite book of the lot so far, one that made me laugh, swoon, and even cry.
If you’re a fan of hidden identities, explosive chemistry, and stories where the heroine is fiercely self-reliant, Strictly Not Yours will not disappoint.
- Author:- Carrie Elks
- Series:- The Salinger Brothers (Book 4)
- Pages:- 322 Pages
- Genre:- Rom-Com, Doctor, Secret Identity, Sports, Friends with Benefits.
- My Rating:- 5 Stars
- Goodreads:- 4.03 Stars
About Strictly Not Yours
Strictly Not Yours follows Blair, a strong, independent woman working two jobs to make ends meet in New York City. By day, she’s the invisible cleaner in the pristine apartment of Holden Salinger, a successful, ridiculously attractive pediatric oncologist who barely knows she exists. By night, she pulls shifts at a local bar that doubles as a secret fight club, where she sees her boss expertly boxing in a ring.
Everything changes when he starts noticing her not as his cleaner who scrubs his apartment, but as the intriguing woman who serves him liquor. When their worlds collide, the attraction between them is immediate. What starts as a slow spell of chemistry soon explodes into flames of passion-fueled romance. Adding to the complexity is the fact that Blair harbors deep secrets that could shatter their connection.
As Blair and Holden’s relationship deepens, both are forced to face their vulnerabilities. From tender moments like Blair caring for a sick Holden to Holden bonding with Blair’s young nephew, this story delivers heartfelt scenes that balance the steam with sweetness. Blair’s quiet resilience and Holden’s unexpected warmth make their romance one worth rooting for.
My Review: Characters That Stay With You
Blair captured my heart the moment I came across her. It was her devotion, work ethic, and self-reliance that made me admire her. She does not shy away from putting in the hard work. In fact, she takes on numerous responsibilities all while keeping a good sense of humor.
The unapologetic, emotionally unavailable persona that Holden had in the beginning turns out to be a myth when Blair breaks him open. He is organized and reserved at first glance but incredibly gentle underneath his tough exterior and rather protective of children. The most satisfying part of the book was the transformation of a cold doctor who turns into a man who fiercely defends his partner.
Explosive Chemistry and Unforgettable Moments
The chemistry between Blair and Holden? Electric. From the moment their eyes lock across that boxing ring, the tension is palpable and only grows with every stolen glance and witty exchange. Their dynamic adeptly navigates the delicate balance between enemies-to-lovers and forbidden romance, ensuring the pages never stop turning.
One of my favorite moments was when Blair took care of a sick Holden. It was a small, intimate gesture that revealed so much about their growing bond and allowed us to see Holden vulnerable and open. Another heartwarming scene was Holden interacting with Blair’s nephew. His gentleness and natural ease with the child added layers to his character, showing a softer side beneath the professional mask.
A Pacing That Grew on Me
Admittedly, I didn’t expect much from the premise involving underground boxing. It felt slightly out of place for a romance series centered around high-achieving brothers. However, Carrie Elks includes this sports romance books element so brilliantly that it increases the drama without drowning the main love story.
As I kept diving deeper into the book, I found myself unexplainably addicted to it. By the time emotions ran high, I was already invested, and it felt good. I even started to cry at a few scenes, which, in my opinion, means that the book truly got under my skin.
If you are someone who can’t get enough of romance that will make your heart race, flawed yet lovable characters, and romances that build up slowly but explode, this is a book you must read. It reminded me of titles by Lauren Asher and Ali Hazelwood, contemporary romance containing just the right amount of spice and sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Strictly Not Yours is the kind of romance that takes you by surprise. What starts as a steamy, trope-filled ride turns into a story with emotional weight, complex characters, and a romance you’ll remember long after the last page. It’s a standout in the Salinger Brothers series, and Blair and Holden’s story is easily my favorite of the bunch so far.
Did you guys like Strictly Not Yours or any other books by Carrie Elks? We want your feedback in the comments. For those of you who enjoy strong heroines, deeply emotional heroes, and layered romance, give this book a chance and you will not regret your choice.
