Upper Hand

A wee corker!

You've heard how "things get better with age" - like a good wine or a single malt - well, I think that wee phrase so applies to the Cedar Tree series - in both the books and the characters!!!

Upper Hand is Clint and Beth's story and what a wee corker it is!!!

When we were first introduced to Clint I thought he was just gonna be a nice guy with a hellish case of constant foot in mouth but I was fairly off base with that assumption... Sure, he did have a habit of saying what sprang to mind without considering how it sounded or was likely to be construed but it was usually with good intentions and no malice. He's really a sweetheart (in is own 'foot in gob' fashion) who supports Beth through everything thrown at her - his relationship with her grandson was fab and brought out another side of him. Freya had me laughing often with his comments and thoughts, his character is really quite funny!

and so to Beth. Now here's the thing.... Beth isn't up there as one of my favourite Cedar Tree gals - I wasn't totally enamored with her but she did grow on me as the book progressed and I got to understand why she often acted the way she did at times ...
I just felt she was too hard on Clint, she blew a tad too hot and cold at points for me - don't get me wrong yeah, she had a helluva lot going on and had had a hard time in her past but occasionally I found myself thinking "hell woman, the guy cares for you and is doing his best, cut him some slack why don't you" and I hate to admit that I did think Clint should have cut his losses and given up on her when it looked like he'd finally had enough of her pissiness and attitude... but in the end I was glad he hadn't throw the towel in!

As ever with the series, the story was gripping, packed with mystery, action and intrigue and the heat level was once again turned up to full blast - damn, Clint & Beth were hot in the bedroom!
One of my favourite things about Freya's books is that the characters aren't all successful, wealthy, smokin' hot, perfect young things - I like that they've got issues, hangups, history and life experience. In Upper Hand we got caught up with the Cedar Tree gang and got to see them in action, doing what they do best - I love how they are there for each other and nothing is ever too much trouble, they are a real family (even though it is one of choice and not blood). We met Jed, Clint's brother and found out why their relationship was as bad as it was - that was something I wasn't entirely expecting, thought I had kinda guessed part of the reason...

All in all, even though our main lady didn't completely win me over, I loved Upper Hand and it was a great addition to the series. I can't wait to read Malachi's book and find out just who his love interest is going to be!!

Upper Hand gets a solid 4.5* from me.