Crime and Periodicals by Nora Everly
5* review by Emerald Book Reviews
‘“You attach your memories to books. I want to read all of them - every one of your favourites. Then you can tell me all the reasons why you love them.”
“Wyatt,” she softly murmured.
“Sabrina, I mean it. Everything I find out about you, I like. I’m lucky I met you that day. It will always be my favourite traffic stop.”’
Believe me, “Crime and Periodicals” embraces so many more swoon-worthy , butterfly-inducing lines, just like that one. It was unapologetically romantic, in the best way possible.
Author Nora Everly is an enchantress when it comes to writing any dialogue, particularly her hero’s lines. Through a few beautifully put together sentences, she was able to convey how utterly charming, sincere and adorable, “hot cop” single dad Wyatt was. From the very beginning, he was a man of integrity, one that was an exhilarating mixture of genuine, smart, loving and ridiculously sexy.
There was no better heroine for him than the incredibly selfless, loving and loyal assistant- librarian Sabrina. Personally, I connected to her in such a profound way. Her crippling shyness, nervous nature and inability to see past embarrassing situations, is something I have struggled with for years, yet our wonderful heroine soldiered on, powering through the chaos of her inner disaster-laden monologue and insecurities, taking one step at a time, until her true personality unfurled before our very eyes. What I loved about this aspect was the fact that it wasn’t necessarily Wyatt’s influence in her life, it was the realisation that to go after what or who she wanted, she needed to bolster her confidence and find that spark inside of her that was always there, just a little bit neglected. She needed to learn to love and trust herself first, above all else.
My favourite side character, without a doubt was precocious sixteen year-old Ruby. She produced some of the best comedic moments throughout the story, as she tended to utilise her friendship with a certain character named “Cletus”, to exact revenge or ask assistance. But her love and kindness towards her aunty Sabrina made for some surprisingly emotional moments too.
Nora Everly has given readers a truly beautiful, well crafted and unique love story, that caters to lovers of sexy, good guy heroes and selfless introverted heroines, and who doesn’t love those? She has included a terrific balance of super sexy action with the cute and tender. Familial responsibilities with knowing when to enjoy life in the quieter moments. Loving yourself but being open to the possibility of falling in love with someone else too.
‘“And I love your dimple. I want to climb inside of it and have a tea party.” What the heck did I just say?
“What?” His chuckle had disappeared. It had turned into a full-blown, glorious, belly laugh. “I’ve never heard that one before. But I’ll have a tea party with you any day, darlin’.”’