When an accident on a dark country road brings Brice Carlin face-to-face with Karen Drew, both realize that they must come to terms with the emotional scars that prevent them from seeking happiness. Reissue.
T.L.C. is the 14th stand-alone romance novel by American author, Barbara Delinsky. Even though Karen Drew is not well (a bad cold) she makes her trek to visit Rowena Carlin at the nursing home. Initially, a sense of duty sent here there: it was her car that had hit Rowena when she was cycling on an unlit road. But since then she had come to enjoy chatting with this sweet eighty-one year old lady. She just made sure she avoided Rowena’s nasty grandson, paediatrician Dr Brice Carlin.
But now, when she needed to get home to her job, and studying for her mid-term exams, her ageing car wouldn’t start, and the snow began to fall in earnest. And when she fainted in the snow, it was just her luck that Brice picked her up. But driving her to his house to recover definitely did not meet with her approval, and she let him know vociferously. To no avail. Brice seemed determined to take care of her. In close quarters, something that neither of them expected developed.
A fairly predictable romance that is quite dated, somewhat slow-moving and a bit long. Delinsky’s later novels are better.
T.L.C. is my first ever book by Barbara Delinsky and I've enjoyed it very much. The writing style reminded me of Nora Roberts' older straight contemporary romances.
The heroine, Karen, accidentally hit the hero's grandmother, Rowena, with her car. Shortly after, Rowena had a stroke. The heroine visits her twice weekly in the nursing home where she lives. At first she felt guilty because of the accident but then they became close. After one of their visits, Karen's car breaks down in a snowstorm and she collapses because of a bad cold and exhaustion. She's helped by the hero, Brice, who takes her home with him. He's a doctor and nurses her while they are snowbound. Brice cares about his grandmother very much and hates Karen because of the accident even though it wasn't her fault.
Karen is trying hard to graduate college with a half scholarship, working two jobs and studying hard. She has almost an obsession with always following her schedule, not missing work and studying, sometimes at the detriment of her health. Brice hates people and is very antisocial. The closest person to him is Rowena. Their background stories are very sad.
I loved how Karen and Brice got to know each other and fall in love. I liked that Brice took care of Karen, was sweet to her and wanted to help. I also liked how strong Karen was and how she challenged Brice.
One of my favourite moments from the book is the part at the end when Karen and Brice are with Rowena.
It is a kind of enemy-turn-lover story. I wasn't into this kind of theme, but still, I couldn't resist this story. There were confusing moments, and there were sweet times. Overall, it turned into a bittersweet yet heart-fluttering story. It was worth every second when I read this story. Not to mention that I'd read it twice!
The most interesting thing about this romance novel is the delicacy with which the author handles the love scenes. Written in 1987, Delinsky leaves a lot more to the imagination than she probably does today.
I really liked the characterisation of Brice Carlin. He was interesting. Maybe I haven't read enough romance, but he seemed differnet from your average romantic hero to me.
Karen always went to see Rowena maybe becusue of a guilty feeling. Rowenas nephew found Karen collapsed during a blizzard and the good doctor took her to his house and pampered her. He did give her some TLC!
It started out interesting but quickly turned very Predictable. I actually convinced myself to finish it in the hopes that the end may surprise me but sadly that did not happen.
The book could have been five chapters shorter as far as Im concerned.
This is a quick read with a beautiful love story about two loners who find a connection to each other. I love how the characters are so vivid and alive.
A cute story about finding your forever love. The characters were relatable and well developed. There were some good points made in self discovery and work ethic. I enjoyed this story!
"Working two jobs, going to graduate school...Karen Drew knew it wasn't the best time to visit her elderly friend. And with a burning fever and a broken down car, she shuddered to think what could have happened if Brice Carlin hadn't pulled her from the drifts and taken her to his home. As a doctor, his healing instincts took over. But being snowbound with the man who once tried to have her put in jail was dangerous territory.
Sometime fate decides to offer the chance to heal, to forgive and to understand that things happen for a reason-and love is the best one of all."
TLC by Barbara Delinsky was an impulse buy when I bought The Stud. One of the best impulse buys ever. I really liked it a lot! Yes it's a romance novel, but I loved the underlying story. The dynamic, the love-hate relationship between Karen and the male protag, Brice, is quite fun. It has it's emotional parts along with the fun snark and witty banter. You guys know how I love my snark and wit! More at www.booknerdbecca.com :) I'd recommend for anyone who loves a cute, fun, romantic romp.