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22
Having suffered the loss of her fiance, cushy job and luxury Midtown Atlanta condo at the height of the U.S. recession, Nina Drake packed up and left the ruins behind to start anew in sunny South Florida.
With no life and no friends, Nina settles in and resigns herself to the simple existence of a gift shop attendant where she passively observes the scores of colorful clientele living in the five-star resort where she works. After a few random run-ins with a peculiar resident, Nina's boredom gives way to curiosity and she blindly steps out of her dull routine into someone else's shoes...and the arms of an irresistible stranger. But it's only a matter of days before Nina goes from dreaming of romantic possibilities to realizing that this tawdry hookup can never evolve into something real...
In spite of Nina's aversion to his sordid past, Dean Whitmore is determined to make her believe that his intentions are as real as their instant connection. And the fact that he only has a few weeks to prove it to her before life leads them in different directions just makes the challenge that much more appealing...
With no life and no friends, Nina settles in and resigns herself to the simple existence of a gift shop attendant where she passively observes the scores of colorful clientele living in the five-star resort where she works. After a few random run-ins with a peculiar resident, Nina's boredom gives way to curiosity and she blindly steps out of her dull routine into someone else's shoes...and the arms of an irresistible stranger. But it's only a matter of days before Nina goes from dreaming of romantic possibilities to realizing that this tawdry hookup can never evolve into something real...
In spite of Nina's aversion to his sordid past, Dean Whitmore is determined to make her believe that his intentions are as real as their instant connection. And the fact that he only has a few weeks to prove it to her before life leads them in different directions just makes the challenge that much more appealing...
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2012
4 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Rae Lamar
9 books27 followersRae Lamar is a mild-mannered consultant by day and fiction writer by night who calls Atlanta home. On a perfect day, she can be found on the top floor of a swanky beach resort, sitting on the balcony of an ocean-front suite with a book in her hands and food at her fingertips.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 26, 2016
I really enjoyed “22” by Rae Lamar. It was a sweet “starting-over” story for Nina who, having uprooted herself from a heart wrenching experience in Atlanta, has moved to Florida and has ended up working in a gift shop in a classy resort.
Nina is lonely, still in pain from her previous relationship. And, despite wanting to find someone, she is still haunted by guilt and the feeling that no-one would be able to fill the void in her heart.
Nina’s big sister, Faith, has also given her a gift of a roommate as company, Krissy, her feisty niece, who they are sort of co-parenting together. Due to Faith and Nina’s age difference as sisters, Krissy is more like a little sister to Nina, a little sister with serious spunk. I really enjoyed the sisterly banter between Nina and Krissy, and the role change as Krissy gives Nina the ‘confidence’ push she needs to engage herself, when a gorgeous stranger (Dean) comes calling!
Rae Lamar tells the love story, between Nina and Dean, well, with humor, sensuality and warmth. The plot is full of playful twists, which I enjoyed, although I did get a little confused at times. In any case, I really liked Rae Lamar’s imagination and writing style and look forward to checking out more of her work in the future.
Nina is lonely, still in pain from her previous relationship. And, despite wanting to find someone, she is still haunted by guilt and the feeling that no-one would be able to fill the void in her heart.
Nina’s big sister, Faith, has also given her a gift of a roommate as company, Krissy, her feisty niece, who they are sort of co-parenting together. Due to Faith and Nina’s age difference as sisters, Krissy is more like a little sister to Nina, a little sister with serious spunk. I really enjoyed the sisterly banter between Nina and Krissy, and the role change as Krissy gives Nina the ‘confidence’ push she needs to engage herself, when a gorgeous stranger (Dean) comes calling!
Rae Lamar tells the love story, between Nina and Dean, well, with humor, sensuality and warmth. The plot is full of playful twists, which I enjoyed, although I did get a little confused at times. In any case, I really liked Rae Lamar’s imagination and writing style and look forward to checking out more of her work in the future.
January 2, 2016
“Having suffered the loss of her fiancé, cushy job and luxury Midtown Atlanta condo at the height of the U.S. recession, Nina Drake packed up and left the ruins behind to start anew in sunny South Florida.
With no life and no friends, Nina settles in and resigns herself to the simple existence of a gift shop attendant where she passively observes the scores of colorful clientele living in the five-star resort where she works. In spite of Nina’s aversion to his sordid past, Dean Whitmore is determined to make her believe that his intentions are as real as their instant connection. And the fact that he only has a few weeks to prove it to her before life leads them in different directions just makes the challenge that much more appealing…”
Okay now that we have the promotional synopsis out of the way, lets get to the dirt.
I was skeptical. I admit. I reviewed the synopsis I thought this is another Terry McMillan spin off or something to that effect. I was definitely impressed. Not only with the plot but writing of the book. It was written very skillfully, and there was only a smidge of a lag. It was a page turner for sure up until right before the end. The pacing slowed but with only 40 pages left; however, it was very easy to finish. I did note one error to the Author, but in over 200 pages, to have one word be misspelled is still publish perfection. I was more than eager to continue reading this book all the way through the ending. I am impressed with the premise of the book; I enjoyed the way it’s written formatting wise. I thoroughly loved the ending, and I was subsequently glad I read it in its entirety. For this book I gladly offer her Five Leaves.
With no life and no friends, Nina settles in and resigns herself to the simple existence of a gift shop attendant where she passively observes the scores of colorful clientele living in the five-star resort where she works. In spite of Nina’s aversion to his sordid past, Dean Whitmore is determined to make her believe that his intentions are as real as their instant connection. And the fact that he only has a few weeks to prove it to her before life leads them in different directions just makes the challenge that much more appealing…”
Okay now that we have the promotional synopsis out of the way, lets get to the dirt.
I was skeptical. I admit. I reviewed the synopsis I thought this is another Terry McMillan spin off or something to that effect. I was definitely impressed. Not only with the plot but writing of the book. It was written very skillfully, and there was only a smidge of a lag. It was a page turner for sure up until right before the end. The pacing slowed but with only 40 pages left; however, it was very easy to finish. I did note one error to the Author, but in over 200 pages, to have one word be misspelled is still publish perfection. I was more than eager to continue reading this book all the way through the ending. I am impressed with the premise of the book; I enjoyed the way it’s written formatting wise. I thoroughly loved the ending, and I was subsequently glad I read it in its entirety. For this book I gladly offer her Five Leaves.
March 3, 2013
“22” by Rae Lamar tells the story of Nina Drake. She is starting over after going through some life changing situations. Nina works in a gift shop at a high-end resort, basically watching life pass her by. Her life takes a turn when a stranger offers her a way of changing her mundane life. Will Nina be able to deal with her new life?
The beginning of the book was slow. There were some parts I felt that were out of place, but once I got in the groove, it ended up being an okay read. This is the second book I have read from Rae Lamar. I have seen some growth in her writing, but I feel editing is the biggest problem. I will definitely love to read another book from Rae Lamar.
Reviewed by: Orsayor
The beginning of the book was slow. There were some parts I felt that were out of place, but once I got in the groove, it ended up being an okay read. This is the second book I have read from Rae Lamar. I have seen some growth in her writing, but I feel editing is the biggest problem. I will definitely love to read another book from Rae Lamar.
Reviewed by: Orsayor
August 2, 2018
My favorite character from this book is Dean Whitmore. Yaasss!! Any 🚹 that would put up with Nina's behind is a good person. This protagonist erked my nerves throughout the story with her insecurities. I understand her loving her ex, but dang! The ending was smooth...dope. That was way cool. Drop the mike... Four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 rating.
October 17, 2016
22
Is 22 days long enough to fall in love with someone? Nina has suffered a recent great loss and she has changed her address to another state to try and start again. She seemingly unexpectedly meets Dean and they start a whirlwind relationship. Very enjoyable read that hold your attention throughout.
Is 22 days long enough to fall in love with someone? Nina has suffered a recent great loss and she has changed her address to another state to try and start again. She seemingly unexpectedly meets Dean and they start a whirlwind relationship. Very enjoyable read that hold your attention throughout.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews