Review: 3.5 Star Review!
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 5, 2013
"Jumbo" Jenny returns to her hometown of Daredevil. Now thin and successful, she opens a flower shop and sends a lot of 'Dear Jane' bouquets to the ladies in town, courtesy of her childhood crush, Sheriff Rob Townsend. He was the first boy to show her kindness, and she wasn't fond of his apparent playboy ways. Especially when it meant that the women of Daredevil took off running when they saw her coming.Rob doesn't recognize her at first, and she isn't quite sure how to feel about it. She's torn between being flattered about her new appearance and sad that he can't see the little girl he once defended. After spending the day with her during the town's Founder's Day festivities, he finally recognizes her - but realizes he desires her as well.She comes clean rather quickly, and he doesn't hide the fact that he knows who she is - so no angst there. She is convinced, however, that the town will ridicule him if they find out he's dating one of the strange Farnsworths. Rob has his own issues stemming from the censure of his brother, Trey. Trey was a firefighter who was badly burned. Upon learning that his recovery wouldn't be quick or total, his wife leaves him. The person that helps her leave? Rob's fiancee. So Rob is very careful not to let any woman close to his heart or his family.In a bit of a test, he arranges a dinner at his brother's house for the three of them, and Jenny (of course) passes with flying colors. She could never be someone who judges based on looks. Her reactions to and conversations with Trey rang true - it wasn't all hearts and flowers - she didn't mince words or step delicately. In fact, she follows in her family tradition of doling out home remedies by giving Trey burn cream.A cute little romance, it was a fun and fast read. I enjoyed the relationship between Jenny & Rob, and by extension, Trey.There were a couple of little things that bugged me. The story's pacing was faster than I would've liked. Another 100 pages and some plot points could have been fleshed out. More dating between Jenny & Rob, more of a story for Trey, learning more about the townsfolk - all of that would have made a more well-rounded story.Also, I wasn't fond of the use of southern speech. I don't mind a little, but a few times it seemed slightly excessive. Rob started out calling her 'Miz Creighton', and there were a lot of 'darlin's'. A little is okay, but when it distracts from the story instead of adding to it, I have to call that one for the 'don't' column.Overall, it was very pleasant. Not hard to read in one sitting if one is so inclined.Reviewed at HarlequinJunkie.com