Review: "To Katie With Love" by Erica Lucke Dean (Contemporary Romance)

	To Katie With Love by Erica Lucke Dean Publisher: Red Adept Publishing, LLC Genre: Contemporary Romance  Publication Date: April 23, 2016 (Affiliate links)
Description from Publisher: Banker Katie James has a serious thing for romance novels. She’d almost rather settle for a fictional boyfriend than risk her heart on a flesh-and-blood man. Besides, the only real guy she’s remotely interested in is her rich, unattainable client, the mysterious Cooper Maxwell. Looking less like the ultra-conservative man she knows and more like a drop-dead sexy character from one of her books, Cooper crashes Katie’s 29th birthday party. But one too many drinks lands Katie in uncharted territory… Cooper’s bedroom! Drunk on love, Katie dives headfirst into the relationship only to discover that Cooper is keeping secrets… dangerous ones. As if things couldn’t get worse, her meddling mother makes a surprise visit, digging up a whole new set of problems. Who would have guessed having an assassin for a boyfriend would be the least of her worries?
My Rating:	Sexiness Rating:
I received a digital ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.com for an honest, unbiased review. My opinion is my own. I hadn't expected this book to be so immersive! At first, it seemed like it would be a cute love story. Then, it felt deeper than that and I was really enjoying how it felt like it was one of Katie's romance novels, but with this adorable male lead (though also wondering if it was going to take a turn into full-blown fantasy). Then, it was suspenseful and I have notes all over the place as I tried to solve the mystery of what Cooper's secret was. Honestly, I am blown away by how well Erica Lucke Dean accomplished making me feel like I was Katie. So often, I felt the way Katie was, right down to the end. I didn't figure out Cooper's secret until Katie did, which is awesome because I usually figure that type of thing out almost immediately! And the twist at the very end was great too! This had me laughing out loud in parts, which is always good. And Cooper? I made so many notes as I read, which is not that usual unless I am loving a book. He was sweet and I loved how hesitant he was, how slightly awkward. It really endeared me to his character. I was also happy to find that the steam factor was a bit average and it didn't turn into a "romance novel." I'd say it was PG-13, and I wouldn't have minded more of an R rating. ;) The side characters were also enjoyable, though Vicky and her bitchiness drove me a bit bonkers. And her mom? Yeah, she was a bit much too. But isn't that how Katie felt? :) This was sweet, and cute, and so much more than I expected. It was a moderate read that was quick, mostly because I didn't want to put it down. Erica, if that is your real name, I'll be keeping my eye out for more from you!