DESCRIPTION, NOT REVIEW: Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he's spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin's crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he's now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team-all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair-Connor's notorious iron control slips.

Erin "she's getting away" O'Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And... Nope, that's it. When she's forced to operate on the "right" side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier's eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed... ( )

5 "The Dom & Untouched Sub" Stars! Holy smokes! My Kindle nearly self-combusted with the unprecedented levels of dirty talk! I never would have thought it possible, but Tessa Bailey found a way to make a haphephobic heroine (a heroine who has a fear of being touched) and a dominant hero, come together to form one of the most erotic couples ever. Somehow not being able to touch the heroine, and having to earn her confidence and the right to touch her, just made every single word and action just that much more sensual and electrifying!

In a fashion somewhat similar to the Mod Squad, a group of former ex-cons is put together to bust a corrupt politician. In exchange for participation in the group, each is given something he or she desperately needs (money, excused jail time, etc.) Each one of the former cons is chosen for his or her own unique talents. Chief among this crew of unlikely undercover enforcers, is Connor Bannon (a dishonorably discharged former Navy Seal with a violent temper), and Erin O'Dea, a convicted arsonist who also happens to be a highly accomplished escape artist.

Connor's and Erin's unlikely attraction is first brought to light at their first meeting on the job when they are both the only two participants to show up early. When Erin's typical hot and cold routine fails to make Connor immediately run in the other direction, Erin is faced with an interesting quandary: a man who both thrills her and who just may be the only man to be able to handle her unusual idiosyncrasies. Connor is likewise intrigued. Though he knows he should run in the other direction from an unnecessary complication that could easily terminate his second chance, he just can't help but feel compelled to protect and heal Erin.

But just how is Connor going to be able to prevent Erin from running away the minute things get too hot. Moreover, how will he be able to restrain his natural dominant proclivities, to ensure he doesn't scare her away. As if that weren't bad enough, the source of Erin's particular aversions still remains at large and determined as ever to finally take out his revenge on her once and for all. Will Connor's and Erin's combined unusual talents be enough to keep Erin safe in the end?

I absolutely loved Up in Smoke! I found it to be highly creative and erotically effective notwithstanding its unconventional approach. This was my first read by Tessa Bailey, but now I'm clamoring for more. My first stop will no doubt to go back to Book 1 in the Crossing the Line Series to read the love story of Bowen (a crime family member) and Seraphina (the undercover cop). Can't wait!

Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ( )

A great story with unusual characters.
I loved Connor Bannon, a discharged Navy Seal with violent anger issues who is working undercover with a team of ex criminals. When he meets Erin O'Dea he's immediately attracted to her, the problem is she has confinement and control issues and loves to play with fire.
The story is very HOT in many way's. I liked how Connor and Erin's relationship progressed. There was many problems they had to cope with together, and it was nice how it went.
Lot's of sex but not too much thrills and action in this story, but a wonderful character study and I enjoyed it very much. ( )