Thirst Trap
by Chelle Sloan
My review:
As described in the “Thirst Trap” book blurb, “Definition of a thirst trap: A sexy photograph, video or message posted on social media for the intent of causing others to profess their attraction.” Author Chelle Sloan has given us a lighthearted story with a couple of serious undertones about self-esteem and being willing to take a chance sometimes. It’s a quick and enjoyable read.
Whitley is at a bar in Nashville, celebrating her friend’s upcoming wedding. She’s been having a great night on the town in a city where nobody seems to recognize her. Her father and brother are both very well known in the world of professional football, and she herself is a former beauty queen. She’s learned the hard way that many usually want to be with her for one of those reasons. She actively avoids anything that could be the cause of a potential scandal or bring unwanted attention. Jake is also at the bar, having a good time with friends. He happens to be a police officer who can’t resist a dare or dancing to a great beat. Jake’s best friend dares him to give the bride-to-be at the bachelorette party a lap dance. Jake ends sees Whitley and thinks she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. Happily for him, the bride-to-be is so shy that she practically throws Whitley at him for a dance – which turned out to be a steamy, Magic Mike style dance.
Whitley spends the night with Jake, and it’s a night that shakes up both of their worlds. The morning after, neither of them is looking forward to saying goodbye. They don’t exchange numbers or even last names. When it turns out that Jake’s friend posted a video of his dance on the book’s version of’ TikTok, Jake becomes a viral sensation. He’s a thirst trap. As the rest of the novella unfolds, Jake and Whitley are pulled together and pushed apart. As they try to figure out how to make a relationship between network, they also have to deal with unexpected Internet fame.
Jake and Whitley are both likable characters, which makes this Instalove story enjoyable. They’re both sincere in what they say and do, and it made me want them to have a happy ever after. I found out that this author has a series of football romances, one of which features Whitley’s brother. I enjoyed this book so much that I’m going to check that out, too.