Review: Nothing Like I Expected ***4 1/2 Stars***
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 11, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this little novella.  After reading the book blurb, I figured the story would follow a certain formula.  I was looking forward to the read, even though I expected it to be a bit predictable.  I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the story wasn't anything like I expected it to be.  Furthermore, although this is one of those stories where the protagonists meet and are in love within hours, it is written in such a way that by the time Anne Marie and Jude get their HEA, there was not a doubt in my mind that they genuinely loved each other.  Both characters are well drawn and relatable.Anne Marie is a particularly sympathetic character.  The poor thing has had a very hard life...and I do mean hard.  The latest difficulty she has to overcome, is preventing the bank from foreclosing on her farm.  Out of sheer desperation, she sends for a mail order husband.  By the time Jude shows up on her doorstep, bearing a letter he promised a dying man he'd deliver to her, poor Anne Marie is at her wits end...and is way overdue for some happiness.  Despite all the difficulties she's had in life, Anne Marie is a strong woman.  I loved the fact that she wouldn't allow anyone to push her around...not even Jude when he went all "Marshal" on her!  There is an instant attraction between the Jude and Anne Marie, but before they can approach anything that even resembles a friendship, much less a relationship, they must overcome certain misunderstandings.Jude, a seasoned lawman who is normally up on his game, becomes so addlepated around Anne Marie, that he behaves more like a rookie than the experienced Marshal that he is.  LOL  This story is short, sweet, and completely engaging.  It's the second book I've read by this author; the first was "The Not Quite Mail-Order Bride."  I thoroughly enjoyed that story, but IMO, this one is much better.  I mean this book even has an epilogue (I LOVE epilogues!)  The book does need some editing to give it polish.  There are several mistakes, including missing words such as he, it, a, and so on.  Furthermore, a number of times incorrect words are used, such as though for thought, diverge for divulge, and the like.  However, despite the technical errors, this was an extremely enjoyable read for me.  I loved it and would recommend it.  BTW this is a squeaky clean romance.  Happy reading!