I enjoyed this right from start.
This being my first book review since becoming a tour host I was a bit giddy to get my hands on my first ARC copy, and I jumped right into it. I snuggled up with this book after a rough day, knowing a good book has the power to cure sour dispositions and within the first three chapters my lips couldn’t help but twitch into a smile right along with its smitten, but cautious main character Jillian Carpenter. Her passion, and quirks had me wanting to root for her right from the start, in any way, whether it was her schooling, work, or her getting with a dashingly handsome gentlemen who ‘says’ he’s just passing through.
This is my first Lizbeth Selvig novel, and I was not disappointed.
I am a big fan of contemporary romance, but have never gone out of way to read books with a southern twang. At first I found that the books leading man, Chase Preston, though he is charming and good-looking, my city-girl mind was reluctant to accept every sweet talking, metaphorical phrase laced with mild humor, but slowly and surely I found myself looking forward to the easy-to-understand description of southern drawls, and more catchy phrases that came with the southern territories, each more unique than the last.
What I find the most charming about this book is it’s two main characters who never stray from sincerity. They felt real. Though Chase can come off as typical with his guarded demeanor, heroic sensibilities, and troubling past, I find him far from cliché. Maybe because he feels smarter than most male characters I read, approaching his emotions with caution, but kind and fairly thorough in his own life assessment, which is hard to find in other novels. Some male characters are just plain dumb boys –not Chase Preston. Did I also mention he is also tall, dark and handsome … AND well educated? C’mon ladies. Swoon.
Then there is Jill Carpenter, who is strong-willed, stubborn, and smart, but it never once felt forced. I liked her character so much. Her passion, and kindness and the way she goes about people, including her own family, had me adoring her. I wanted her to get the guy, because she deserves it.
This book had my most favorite quality which is I wanted these two adorable characters to just be together already, but it was that building frustration and anticipation that I loved the most about it, along with their dynamic relationship. Did I also mention their hot and heavy scenes that had me squirming in my seat, rooting for them? Oh yeah, that too.
This book was a fun, lighthearted read that had me grinning (sometimes like a smitten fool), and then also fidgeting with frustration begging these two characters to get their act together. I finished the book in under 4 days, finding I wanted to see how these two characters were getting along, and every time I closed it I always felt curious for more. I may not have been rushing to private corners to frantically read this book, but these characters stayed fresh on my mind pretty constantly, I mean, I still finished the book fairly quickly.
If you’re looking for a book, where you want to root for the characters up until the very end, and then hug yourself because they, the town, and it’s inhabitants are pretty heartwarming, this might be right up your alley. I give this a solid 4 star review :)