Title: Beckham 101: The Kate and Robert Chronicles
Author: Suzanne Eglington
Publisher: 2016, Xlibris
ISBN: 9781524302232
Pages: 280, Paperback
Genre: Erotic Romance
Reviewed by: Anita Lock
Hollywood Book Reviews
The Beckham saga continues with Beckham 101, the third book in The Kate and Robert Chronicles. In this sequel to the second book, You and I, Kate and Robert are two months into their marriage. Kate learns a bit more about Robert’s past, particularly his involvement with women. The story opens with a tense scene. Kate is cornered in her home when she unintentionally opens the door to Christine Foss, one of Robert’s previous lovers as well as a trained officer. Chris is nothing less than vindictive—certain that Kate ruined her hope of having a life with Robert. Fortunately, Chris’ lethal intentions are interrupted and Kate escapes the near death experience. The incident not only sends a stark reminder to Kate of the affect Robert has on women, but also Robert’s urgency for Kate to get some SWAT training.
Growing up with a father and a quasi-crazed uncle who served with the Navy Seals, Kate is familiar with rigorous SWAT routines. That said, she is more than happy to attend Robert’s training sessions. It is during these sessions Robert not only confirms that Kate is his perfect match, but also Kate meets Jimmy Taylor, a fellow SWAT colleague and Robert’s best friend. Although the Herculean-looking team leader is credited for saving Robert’s life during a critical moment in his past, Jimmy upsets the apple cart when he pursues a woman engaged to another of Robert’s SWAT team. While various love interests among Kate and Robert’s family and friends rise and fall, all of that pales compared to a surprise visit from none other than Kate’s quasi-crazed uncle.
More twists and turns are on the horizon in Suzanne Eglington’s newest read. The opening scene shakes up the Beckham household on different levels. Aside of Kate comprehending the strong attraction women have toward Robert, the incident draws the already amorous couple even closer together. While You and I carries some BDSM overtones, Beckham 101 lightens up slightly. Expectedly, Eglington’s narrative is heavily laced with sexual scenes. Yet Kate’s near death experience alters Kate and Robert’s rapacious sexual appetite into one that is filled with satisfying amounts of tenderness. Although Robert is consistent with his ardent care for Kate in the first two books, it is keenly evident in book three, particularly during her menses. It is also evident that he is slowly swaying her to the idea of having children.
As with the preceding novels in The Kate and Robert Chronicles, Eglington writes slow- moving passionate stories punctuated with unexpected moments. Book three follows in that same vein, except for upping the ante a smidgen. One unexpected moment—and a bit of comedic relief, which is unlike books one and two—is when Kate’s Uncle Jack (aka JJ) enters the narrative. He is quite a piece of work, needless to say. Certainly, the focus of the stories is on the development of Kate and Robert’s relationship. But as Eglington fans sense by now, there has got to be other skeletons in Robert’s closet. Familial and close friends have unanticipated issues, too. That said, readers should expect surprises, especially at the cliffhanging closure of the book, which is great preparation for book four—She’s Got the Jack.