Review: Recognizable Storyline With an Annoying Heroine, But Likable Hero
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 22, 2014
When I first picked up this story it had some great elements going for it.  I adore stories with musicians and reunited lovers is a favorite theme of mine, combined I was immediately immersed in the verbal sparring between Travis and Gemma that oozed sexual tension.  If the story had involved just them I would've been giddy as a school girl as I loved the sexy and charismatic Travis and the outspokenness of Gemma and their steamy reintroduction to one another.  Unfortunately Gemma's BIG lie got in the way of their, and this reader's, happiness and left me with a bad impression of her.  Luckily Travis was there to continue winning me over and pushing through to the final page and the gaining of his much-deserved family.Gemma had daddy issues in that he was disappointed in her.  As his cruelty was tempered with kindness at times, it left her confused about defining the truth.  It left her questioning Travis' feelings and commitment to her, when she needed him most, as her father easily walked away whenever he was frustrated by her.  This loss haunts her today and has her still doubting Travis though he goes out of his way to prove himself.  She kept a very big secret from him, denying him happiness in the process.  She involved their friends and a whole town in her deception which left me greatly disappointed in her.  I appreciate her for her protective nature but her deception left me saddened for what could've been.Travis never really had a family growing up until he laid eyes on Gemma.  She was overweight and studious but he loved her all the same and became her champion.  On the cusp of his fame a big misunderstanding pulls them apart and for nine years he thinks of her constantly.  I loved the surety of his affections and the grand gestures he enacted to win her over again.  His anger towards her omission was understandable and I applaud how he still tried to do right despite his anger.  He was charming and supportive from the first page to the last and a worthy hero in my eyes.The gossipiness of small town living is vividly on display here, both good and bad, as there's matchmaking going on between Travis and Gemma courtesy of a few of the town's denizens.  Gemma's friends are also larger than life and believable in their support and anger towards Gemma over her deception.  Ultimately I enjoyed the early scenes of their romantic reunion before Gemma ruined things.  Travis was an immensely likable hero who longed for a family and as he always protected Gemma she should've never doubted him.  I'm happy he finally got his HEA but wish Gemma had suffered a bit more for her deception.  This was my first book by Ms. Gary but won't be the last as I enjoyed this story's flow and especially its hero.3.75 STARS!