Review: Heartwarming With Likable Characters & a Sensual Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 13, 2014
As a fan of the friends to lovers theme I was immediately drawn to this story and enjoyed the sweetly nostalgic journey towards romance and ultimately a HEA.  Jayne and Nick's deep connection was forged at an early age and weathered many storms of life and death to keep the happiness and love that was right in front of them from coming to fruition.  This struggle made their coming together richly rewarding and cheer-inducing and is what kept me on the edge of my seat as each page was turned.Jayne is a likable heroine who hasn't had it easy.  She's desperate to find some small crumb that her Grandmother cared about her, but each small glimmer results in disappointment and left me aching even more for her.  She's always felt alone and been denied affection growing up, except that which Nick gave her.  Because of his care and concern she saw him as her hero and couldn't help falling in love with him.  She knew they could never be together in a romantic way as he didn't see her in that light, and therefore friends would have to be enough.  The more time they spend together as adults has her deciding it's not enough and it will take a bold step to shake things up.Nick is an admirable hero who was always there for Jayne giving her subtle bits of affection and support.  Their relationship started with childlike wonder and has slowly evolved into something stronger and more deep-seated in adulthood.  Throughout each of his relationships he's continued to be intertwined with Jayne which has us rooting for him to finally take the plunge and accept the inevitable.  Nick is the quintessential hero in his care and support of the emotionally stunted Jayne.  Though I was frustrated by how long it took to claim her the wait was worthwhile as their journey to HEA was funny and heartwarming.  Throughout it all there was a slow-burn to their relationship that culminates in a sensually sweet ending.Along with an engaging main couple is a colorful cast of secondary characters with larger than life personalities.  Small town living is vividly depicted and adds to the nostalgia that the author already brings to the beginning of each chapter with the 80's inspired quotes.  Though this book's overall storyline has been seen before, Ms. Drewry has made it her own through heartwarming intimacies and nostalgia.  This was my first time reading Ms. Drewry, but as I still have a smile on my face, it won't be my last and I look forward to what she has planned next.