Amber Velez has only one thing on her mind: revenge. At eighteen, she was the class geek. She was also in love with Jake Storm – and for a time believed he was in love with her. It didn't matter to her then that he wanted to keep their relationship secret. But when he took her virginity one night, then started dating another girl the next day, he hurt her worse than she had ever been hurt. She is over what he did to her – mostly. But from what she has heard, he hasn't changed. He is doing to other women what he did to her. Her plan is to move back to town, get him to fall for her – and then walk away, like he did to her thirteen years ago. But when she meets up with him again, will she be able to keep her emotions under lock and key so that she can carry out her plan?

Jake Storm is a successful lawyer in his hometown, very happy with his single lifestyle. If there is one thing he has never wanted, it is to be tied down to any one woman in any way, shape or form. His mother is always on at him to settle down, and keeps arranging blind dates for him. But now his mother has pulled the final straw. She has set him up on a blind date with Amber, the one woman he has cared most for in his life, the one he has felt guilty over for years. She has changed. She is mind numbingly gorgeous, though to his mind she had always been beautiful. But something doesn't quite sit right with her willingness to forgive him for his actions as a teenager. Will he be able to work around his commitment phobia - or will it take external and internal aid to get him to accept that Amber has always been the woman meant for him?

Settling The Score by Elisa Adams is a superlative novel about a woman out for revenge, yet unaware that all may not go according to plan. Love, matchmaking mothers (and friends), history and current circumstances all have a way of interfering and steering one in another direction than one originally planned to travel in. The plot is engaging, appearing well thought out and is well written, not to mention paced very well with a smooth flow. The characters are all brilliant, primary and secondary alike. Each is developed fully to the point that they are tangible beings in your mind. Amber and Jake's own thoughts, emotions and actions are detailed fabulously. You won't be even half way through before believing you know these characters inside out. The chemistry between the characters is very real, with Amber and Jake barely able to keep their hands to themselves. Sex scenes are described in detail, and there is an interlude in the great outdoors – as well as in a pantry. Language is not overly graphic, but this is definitely an erotic romance, make no mistake about that – and a brilliant one. I cannot wait for the next connected tale, Miss Independent. Fans who have already read and loved Reality Check should love catching up with the previous characters, as well as thoroughly enjoying Amber and Jake's own story. Engaging, well written, with excellent characters and a fabulous plot, Settling The Score is definitely one for your keeper shelf.

Reviewed by: Elizabeth