Review: Great conclusion to the trilogy
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 10, 2013
This book was just like catching up with old friends. It is the third in a series and while it can be read as a stand alone it is better enjoyed as part of the whole. I was very happy with where the series concludes. This series is for those that like their heros without a lot of edges. Jennifer Comeaux's heros tend to lean more towards being beta heros versus alpha males which I really appreciate. Her heros are truly good guys who value women and see them in respectful ways not how they can use them and what they can get from them.This book expands the narrative by incorporating Aubrey's point of view. I really enjoyed this for multiple reasons. For one thing it kept Emily and Sergei from having to generate all the tension in the story. Since the last two stories have been just that it was nice that they weren't thrown completely through the wringer. It also gives us a second story that is a relationship at the budding stage instead of on down the road. There is always something special about love just as it begins. The third reason I enjoyed the expanded view point is that we get to see Emily's skating partner Chris even more up close and personal. I adored him. He is a truly lovable hero.What we get with Emily and Segei's story is a look into their relationship now that it is a few years into marriage. Most of the issues they have to address tend towards those that are natural to where they are in their marriage and at this point in their lives (such as making decisions about what direction they want to take now that Emily's career as a professional skater is almost to its conclusion.) No spoilers here but I will say that the direction Jennifer Comeaux takes their story was enjoyable. One plot line might have been a bit implausible but I enjoyed the destination none the less.I absolutely adored Chris as a hero. I need to admit up from that Aubrey got on my nerves at times. She is one of those heroines with a tendency to be a runner/avoider when problems come her way. Case in point, she runs from love because of watching the problems in her parent's marriage. That particular characteristic is one that always gets on my nerves so it isn't a fault in the story, just a personal issue. Aubrey does come across as realistic but she reminds me of those friends you have growing up that could be self defeating. You want them to get it together but they frustrate you immensely in the process. She is never unlikable, though, no matter how many mistake she makes, which is key. Also, since her story is not the only source of angst/tension in the book it keeps her self defeating ways from getting over bearing the way they would if the book had been solely focused on her.Chris is awesome. I love adorkable guys and Chris is one. He has a fun, silly sense of humor. He doesn't take himself too seriously which I love in a real life guy, much less a book hero. He is steady and a rock for everyone around him and always considers the feelings and what is best for everyone before himself. Seriously, the guy is great. He will definitely go down as one of my favorite book heros. You can't help but cheer for Aubrey to get it together so this guy can get his HEA.Great conclusion to the series. I can only hope that Jennifer decides to continue this world with some companion books that give us glimpses on all these old characters we love while bringing us the stories of some of the side characters I am curious about.