Review: I unexpectedly loved it
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 12, 2014
I have to admit I was reluctant to start this book. While Gib is a really good friend to the women of Aisle Bound, he's also renowned for being a serious serial lover. The idea of Daphne getting involved with him wasn't that appealing. But, I guess this is my year to find warm places in my heart for these guys....my third one so far!The setupGib is gorgeous, smart and the talented British manager of a five-star hotel in Chicago. He and Daphne, a creative and successful florist, have been best friends for a long time, though she's secretly had a thing for him. When she makes the first move, he's stunned but warm to the idea. When he decides to date her (he's not really used to being with anyone more than once), Gib is out of his element as he's only skilled at being suave and romantic. Their friends are also a bit worried that this new relationship might negatively change the dynamics of the group.What worked for meI love friends-to-lovers storylines and this was exceptional. Daphne isn't missing anything...she's pretty, independent and smart. While she's sort of in love with Gib, she also knows him inside and out and doesn't give him a break. She makes him "work for it" and share himself in ways he's never done as a friend to her or as a lover to the hosts of women in his past. It's a rocky start with no guarantees that things will work. Gib is also a British Viscount with family issues that he's never shared with anyone. Of course, that's a factor in why he's lived a life commitment free, too. Daphne's the one in control and Gib's in the unusual role of fighting for a woman.What made me cringeJust a warning...anytime a story is about a guy with a lusty past, you're going to have to grit your teeth and suck it up through his path to commitment. I don't know how Daphne was able to put that aside.The bottom lineThis story did it for me. I was so happy to unexpectedly love it, with its depth, humor and interesting characters. It's at times a riot and at others a tear jerker. What it isn't is light-weight. Both Gib and Daphne are more substantive than what lies on the surface and this turned out to be a great story.(I received an ARC from the author)