Review: Loved Joe but Alyssa was immature and didn't seem worthy of him
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 27, 2014
Plot in 3 sentences: Alyssa has had a string of 'bad' luck; lost her job, boyfriend and is feeling like things just don't go her way. Joe is the business partner of Alyssa's older and super successful brother, and Joe has had a 'thing' for Alyssa since he met her 15 years ago - and she was 15. Alyssa's luck turns around with a great job, great sex, she gets her HEA with Joe (with no cliffhanger).I read this series in a row within a few days of each other. I really enjoyed the story about Alec, but this one fell a little flat for me.Alyssa is 30 years old, but comes off as a 20 year old. She can be whiny, self-indulgent and immature. Not a favorite combination for a strong heroine.Joe is quiet (not sullen), and reticent to share any details about his 'unsavory' past. Which is totally fine. An 'almost' brooding sexy successful man who has turned his life 180 degrees around is incredibly impressive and makes a great male hero. He is protective, loyal, smart and loving. What's not to love?This book is another 'romance light' where it's predictable, easy and no fuss, no mess kinda of romance. There is a villain, but even then, she wasn't that bad. She was almost comical in her failed attempt to bring Alyssa down. Nothing new there.But overall, this book was easy to read, the storyline never got boring, and as I mentioned before, Joe is awesome.What was great about this book?- Joe. Even though he is supposed to be a thoughtful and quiet guy, he does open up to Alyssa's father and eventually to Alyssa. It is heartwarming to see how he worked so hard to turn his life around. He isn't apologetic, but a little embarrassed. Feeling not worthy of other people's admiration and affection and devotion.- Alyssa's parents. The father is a pastor and the mother is just awesome. The father's heart to heart with Joe is so sweet to read. Makes you want a dad like him.- yeah, it was steamy hot at times.- reading about the other characters (Alec and Gabe) and their wives from the other two books. This can be read as a standalone, but it was fun to 'catch up ' on the others as well.- the fashbacks to when they were younger (15 years ago), really cute. Alyssa was outgoing, and confident. Joe was floored by her presence. Very sweet to get a glimpse of it. Appreciated  the flashbacks of his unhappy childhood - it was a huge insight on the adult that he became.- HEA.- No cliffhangerWhat wasn't so great?- Alyssa's character. For a 30 year old, she was a bit flaky. The reason for losing her last job was not 100% her fault. She did handle it badly, but it was not unreasonable. The way she handles her attraction to Joe is juvenile. Instead of being honest or trying to reach out - she flirts and uses her body to drive the heat/chemistry up and push him/goad him into reacting.- (sorry, Alyssa again) - during one of their 'fights', Alyssa is very upset with Joe and what does she do? She runs out to a dance/bar/club and starts to flirt and dance with other men. Ew. Just ew. And immature. That is how she is going to deal with a problem? Joe doesn't deserve that kind of support in his life. When the going gets tough - the tough try to make you jealous? Not good.The book started off strong for me, but the more we got to know Alyssa, the less I liked her.It was not bad, it just prevented me for falling in love with them as a couple. Kept thinking that Joe could do better....