Review: A good Debut!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 1, 2013
His Brand of Beautiful by debut Australian author Lily Malone was your classic Contemporary Romantic Comedy. It was fun, with loads of colloquial Australian-isms, that for some, might require translation.Tate and Christina were two people running from love, having been burnt before. From the non-verbal dismissal from her abandoning mother, and her ex-boyfriend's condescending behaviour, causing her feelings of inadequacy, Christina believed she wasn't enough. Marriage was not on her radar, but for some time, the desire to become a mother, was certainly a time-bomb waiting to explode. Christina was lucky to have Lacy, the best friend and sister-in-law, determined to help her open her guarded heart to the possibility for love.Tate had not forgiven himself for his younger sister's death, which he'd assumed had resulted from his inaction and inattention. He had hidden himself emotionally in his work, and lived in his sterile, shell of a house, alone. Tate, thankfully, was a patient, determined man; accepting that Christina could allow him in, eventually. But, he had some challenges to overcome before that could be possible.From the outset, their interactions were snarky, heated and volatile. Their attraction - instantaneous and sizzling.His Brand of Beautiful had a little bit of drama, witty humor and entertaining interaction between characters. Lily Malone's descriptive prose was enchanting,  the storyline, good, but I wanted more. More character insight, more time spent watching the relationships develop, more story. It was easy to understand the steamy sexual chemistry; that was hot! However, it was harder to contemplate the seemingly rapid progression to love, and why her eclectic, philanthropic personality meshed with his rugged, yet staid persona. I feel this could have been unpacked a little more.It was a quick, engaging read providing excellent visuals of Rural Australia, and an HEA between two damaged, isolated hearts.Thank you Lily Malone for allowing me the privilege of reading this for an honest review.