Review: Tissue warning
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 10, 2013
This book should come with a hanky warning and yes, I know I'm a crier because hell, I cry at certain commercials but I really wasn't expecting this story to be so emotional. I mean, I looked at the cover and read the blurb and I'm thinking, "Okay nice summer romance story and a good beach read." It is a nice summer romance but it packs a punch so be warned. Jenna Rutland is a new to me author but after reading Just For The Summer, I will continue to check out her work.This book is well written, the characters are well developed, and the story is not likely one you'll forget. This is an amazing story of a woman's journey to get the closure she needs to be able to move on with her life. I don't know what I would have done had I been in her shoes at any time in her life, but I admire the hell out of her and she is one strong, courageous woman!The past year of Dani Sullivan's life has been horrendous, so she decides to take the summer off and spend it at Lake Bliss working on her latest cookbook. While she writes cookbooks, she's a nurse by trade and finds herself administering aide her second day at the lake to someone who is part of her past and she hopes might one day be part of her future.Matt Reagan is trying to get his life back together following his divorce and a job change. His mother is now living with him and his 8 year old son and while it works, it's not always ideal. Matt dreams of a future that includes a wife. A wife unlike his first wife; someone who loves kids and wants to be a mother to his son, Sam, and any future children that come along. When Dani comes to his office about a parking ticket he's hit with immediate lust, but knowing she's just a summer transplant takes her out of the running in his head. Too bad his body doesn't agree.These two characters made me smile from the beginning to the end of this story. I love their sexy banter and their ongoing foreplay. These two spend a lot of time deciding they shouldn't sleep together but can't seem to keep their words, lips, and hands to themselves! Matt thinks he has a good reason for not sleeping with Dani, but little does he know that Dani's reason could absolutely change his life. Dani is such a strong character and I admire her in that she doesn't let what happened in her past totally affect her future. I like that while she's attracted to Matt, she knows that getting involved with him isn't the best thing to do for his sake and that of his son. I admire her convictions and I give her a lot of credit for being able to do what she felt she had to do for her sanity and being strong enough to leave despite how it affects her. I love that Matt puts the moves on Dani but she just flirts and walks away (well most of the time). He's thrown for a loop when Sam gets sick and I admire him for asking Dani for her help and expertise even though he knows it's going to upset his mother. There were a couple of times I wanted to punch him for things he said, but given what he went through with his wife I can understand his feelings. The fact that when Dani told him some things about her past, that he didn't freak out, and worked to make sure, she felt safe did not go unnoticed.There's so much more that I want to say about this book, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone and given the nature of the plot I simply can't say more. What I will say is that this is an excellent story, it's touching, it's heartbreaking, and it's hopeful. Just For The Summer is an emotionally charged yet playfully sexy romance that is not to be missed. I have no doubt you'll fall head over heels for these characters but don't forget to keep the tissues close by; you are going to need them!Review copy provided for an honest review.