Review: Sweet and fun
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 12, 2014
Her Summer with the Marine is not a book I would typically pick up. I was in the mood for something light, sweet and fun and I can always count on an Entangled Bliss book for that. So, when I saw the sign up for the ARC, I jumped on it.Ah, this book was so fun! It's a quick, romantic read that you can help but fall in love with. Ellie and Finn are so funny and cute together, I had a smile on my face throughout the book. Also, you would think that these two competing for funerals would be pretty morbid, but at times it was flippin hilarious.Ellie and Finn have had this competition going for years. Both smart, witty and love a challenge; their battles were constant. Although their attraction was off the charts, they held themselves back for different reasons. Ellie, returning home to run her father's funeral home-- needs the money to pay for the long-term care facility that her father now resides in. Finn, opening up a funeral home of this own, needs the money to care for his mother since she has finally left her abusive husband.We get an inside look into both Ellie and Finn, and I thoroughly enjoyed both POV. Both had difficult childhoods -- in regards to their home lives -- and that has molded them into the stubborn yet loving people they are 9 years later. It's obvious they are really attracted to each other, and the angst was so thick you could get it with a butter knife. It was killing me. Although it killed me, I loved how slowly their relationship progressed.My heart really went out to Ellie. Having left her small home town and never looking back, she now feels the guilt for not visiting her father more. Not knowing how long he had suffered with his illness, it's difficult for her to come to grips with. Also, she is so compassionate. With her and Finn's competition going on, she still felt sorry for Finn and genuinely cared for his and his mother's well-being. She has a big heart. Not only that, she is witty and hilarious.Finn. Okay, I will be honest here and state that I wasn't a fan at first. I don't mind a confident male; on the contrary its sexy as hell-- but I hate arrogance and it is oozing off him. Does he have a reason to be? Sure, I guess. Also, he was a little bit more selfish when it came to the outcome of their competition. Not saying that his situation was any less horrible than Ellie, but at least she showed some compassion. He did grow on me, though. And overall, just sexy as hell.Moving on.I loved all the secondary characters. I would never want to live in a town where everyone knows my business, but it is so fun and interesting to see in books. The Dinner Belles, especially. Since they played a huge part in Ellie's hate for the town, I loved how they opened up to her and working out a few of their differences.Overall ~ I really enjoyed it! Well written, steamy and funny. If you are looking for a sweet, fun and hilarious romance, Her Summer with the Marine is a perfect fit! I recommend it.