Review: Fresh, witty and sexy...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 27, 2013
4.5 StarsI've been sold on author Tamara Morgan since the very first book I read by her and each time I read her I'm more and more enthralled. It's hard to even explain why I enjoy her work so much but I'll try. I like that she goes out of her way to weave stories, I love that she chooses often different occupations or hobbies for her characters, and I admire the way she makes her characters own up to their issues and shortcomings. She never gives them an out; they have to figure it out and "man-up" to get where they want to be. The Derby Girl is no different and for that I am extremely thankful.When Jared Fine came on the scene in the first book of this series, Rebound Girl, I'll admit I really kind of hate him. Mostly for his past sins but also for his arrogant, self serving attitude. So, I really wondered if I'd enjoy his story at all because honestly I didn't think he was worthy of anyone. Can I just say that he met his match and more in Gretchen? I freakin' love, love strong and sassy heroines and that describes Gretchen in spades. I love that when Jared first met her he saw her not at her best and he was still completely and totally enamored. Yes, he was completely clueless and didn't know her from his regular morning breakfast stop (I told you he was self centered) and of course her body art intrigued him, but the fact that he wanted to protect and help her showed he too had a better side, a side most people never see. I liked that she called him on his crap and wouldn't let him get away with bad behavior. I loved that she made him see what a complete and total prick he could be to people something I really don't think he had a clue he did on a regular basis. Yes, he said he wasn't a good person and he warned her that he wasn't the hero everyone made him out to be but she saw past that and understood the complex and the many different sides there are to Jared.Honestly on paper these two seem so mismatched. He's a respected humanitarian and world renowned plastic surgeon and she's a part time barista, part time life guard, and a serial student. He's all tuxedos and country club and she's all corsets and roller derby. But in reality they are well suited and in addition their heat is off the charts. I love that they end up going at it in some interesting places because they just simply can't wait another minute. But, I hate that neither one is honest about their feeling for each other causing all kinds of issues and insecurities especially when Jared is courted for a dream job.While their relationship is at the forefront of this book, both Jared and Gretchen are dealing with family issues and Jared's partners including his ex Whitney and her new boyfriend have firmly planted themselves in the middle of their relationship further pushing Jared's buttons and filling Gretchen with all kinds of tales. I love seeing the characters from the first book and it makes me wonder what's up next for this charming and fun series.With a completely fresh plot, witty and entertaining dialog, hot sexy encounters, characters who have something to prove to themselves, and dynamic writing The Derby Girl is a must read for romance lovers and an excellent addition to an already strong series.Review copy provided for an honest review.