Review: Lovely entry into the Manning Bros series
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 19, 2013
This is the first of Victoria James Manning Brothers books I've read. It comes second in the series and the first one has been on my want to read list since I first saw it. I received an ARC for this review.I didn't find it a problem not having read the first book but will certainly read it when I get a chance. The third book is out later in the year and I'm looking forward to it.This is a classic good girl (yes one of my favourite virginal heroines) and the bad boy of the Manning Brothers. A reunion of a sort, it would be nice to think Jake had had an unrequited passion for Claire back when she was a spotty, chubby teen, but he had his own problems at the time.More recently though, he's been eyeing off the Ministers daughter, but knows that she's too perfect for him and he owes her Dad big time.This is a sweet small town style romance with interactions with the other Manning Bros and a small but not overwhelming slice of local life. The relationship between Claire and Jake grows in a believable way without too much unnecessary angst and TSTL moments.Claire is a likeable heroine with her own charm and flaws and matches Jake rather well. They both have a mistaken idea that the others life was perfect and it's nice watching the barriers come down as they share more with each other.Altogether a nice read with some real emotional moments and a satisfying ending. If it all seems a little too good to be true at times, eg. Claire's parents situation, it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the story.One thing that I was disappointed in was the cover. I don't like this whole Fifty Shades of Grey thing with the covers. I really liked the colourful colours including the one on the first book of the series.