When I was given the opportunity to read and write a review for this book I just had to do it. I am a huge Nyrae Dawn fan - huge. I cannot seem to get enough of her books, and it has been that way since I first discovered What a Boy Wants over year ago.
So, knowing Nyrae Dawn is Kelley Vitollo, there was no way I could not read it. However, that was where the similarities ended.
Holy mother, it was like an entirely different writer. I've never seen an author be able to do that. If I didn't know I would have never, ever made that connection.
I loved Jace and Betsy. With a name like Betsy, how could I not? I stepped into this series without reading the previous two and it was no problem. I never felt out of the loop, because Kelley could catch me up to speed without actually distracting from the current story line, or spend too much time doing it.
Betsy works at Jace's law firm, and is basically his crutch. He acknowledges, quite often, how much he needs her with him. As somebody he relies on, it makes sense that he goes to her to help him with his new predicament. That issue comes in the form of being forced to marry and live with a lady for 6 months, otherwise he forfeits his childhood home and his grandfather's wife will gain possession.
Naturally, he asks Betsy. His sidekick, who he knows has a crush on him, but somebody he can rely on and confide in. She, of course, agrees.
Betsy has her own set of issues with her mother. Betsy pays for her mother's care and is falling behind on payments. When Jace approaches her with his ridiculous proposition, and in return offers to pay her a lot of money, she accepts. This girl will do pretty much anything for that mother of hers, even at the expense of her own sanity. Marrying and living with Jace, her crush, will really test her because she knows how much he can hurt her.
They do the deed, fake it for their friends, and learn a lot about each other in the process. Jace sees what has been right in front of him, and Betsy tries to not fall harder while dealing with major insecurities. Both struggle with commitment issues. It's an absolutely adorable read.
I didn't see Jace in the previous books, so I only know the kinder side of him. I was a little hesitant about him because he knew Betsy had feelings for him, and he still asked this of her. It seemed a little selfish and I was sad that he didn't immediately crush on her. However, Betsy had reason to do this, she was gaining as well. The marriage was mutually beneficial so I could not feel that bad for her. I was happy with the ending and how Jace completed their HEA. Betsy deserved that.
I'm looking forward to more of Shamrock Falls, both because I love the writing of Kelley Vitollo, and because I'm from Seattle. It's always fun to see your area in a book, even if she made us a little podunk.
Definitely give this book a chance. The story was solid, the characters well developed, and a good dose of humor. A very sweet, quick read.