Review: tangible elements to the story: elements that every reader can relate to
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 15, 2014
Who doesn’t love a little vacation romance with the potential for more?  Newly divorced Jody is on a girl’s trip cruise with her friends: a chance to get away and leave the stress of her divorce, newly single status and single mum behind. Strappy and sexy sandals and a heel stuck in the gangplank have Jody face to face with Taggart: the man who rescued her shoe from the apparent certain fate of landing in the sea.Taggart is handsome, charming and obviously attracted to Jody.  There’s just one catch: he’s a celebrity with the lifestyle and fans that come with it. Jody can’t see herself involved with him, even for a shipboard fling.  But, Taggart perseveres, and his company and charm wear her down while his sexual prowess wears her out: the perfect antidote for what ails her.  But, this is only a getaway romance, a chance to feel young and appreciated again, and Jody has no plans to see him again.Taggart agrees to the short term, but back on land he can’t forget the woman who was so fun, so captivating and so giving.  He sets his cap on winning her forever: and goes about the carefully planned and presented set of reasons that they are good together.  Even including his learning to deal with a 12 year old boy, where his lack of experience is evident, but his willingness to learn and take advice are endearing.  But, not all is roses:  Jody is far more committed to raising her son and managing her life without relying on a man ever again.  When Taggart’s secret comes to life, Jody is hurt and angry – and pushes him to take his own advice and take responsibility.The characters in this story are engaging and real: with concerns that are far beyond many contemporary romances.  These are fully fledged adults, with lifetimes of baggage to sort through and commitments that aren’t based solely on their love lives.  While Taggart is reasonably unencumbered, Jody is a mother first and all other declaratives later: a mature woman with a sense of herself and what is important and this makes the story far different in emotional impact than many contemporary romances.With seamless integration of her friends into the storyline, we see Jody as a woman and a friend, and her friends also are able to talk about their own relationship quandaries that add tangible elements to the story: elements that every reader can relate to.  Deveaux has managed to incorporate several factors beyond the romance into this story that give slices of life and breath to the plot.I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for Tasty Book Tour. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.