Lucas Monroe and Maxie Sullivan have always had some unfinished business. The friendship that they shared as children has stood the test of time, but Lucas’ competitive and vindictive brother saw to it that their relationship never went any further. When unexpected changes throw Lucas and Maxie together again, neither one is willing to hide their feelings any longer.

Man, this series! Carly Phillips and her new bunch of characters are winning me over, one sexy book at a time. I knew that I was going to love Lucas just from meeting him in GOING DOWN EASY, but I didn’t know how much. Lucas resonates with the late bloomer in me, the nerdy gamer boy that has turned into one of the über-successful owners of a hot cyber business. But one thing hasn’t ever changed for Lucas, and that’s the way that he feels about Maxie. His childhood best friend, he’s always wanted more, but never acted on it, and then it was too late.

I adore Maxie. She’s always looked to Lucas as her port in the storm, calling on him to help her through the rough times in her life. Maxie has always wanted more than friendship with Lucas, too, but life just didn’t give them that opportunity. When Maxie’s life is turned upside down, she does what her heart has always called her to do, and goes right to Lucas. Determined now to be the strong, self-sufficient person that she was before her life took a detour, Maxie is single-minded in her intention to live her life on her terms, and that life includes Lucas in a big way.

The backstory involving Lucas’ brother is a nice counterpoint to the relationship between Lucas and Maxie, and makes GOING DOWN FAST that much more engaging. This story is just as sexy, just as appealing, and just as romantic a read as GOING DOWN EASY, and I enjoyed every bit of it. An easy 4.5 stars, I highly recommend this book and this series, and am looking forward to Derek’s book, GOING DOWN HARD, which can’t get here quickly enough. Grab these now; you’ll be so glad that you did!

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***