Review: A Perfect Love Story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 8, 2013
Aw, I loved this story. It swept me off of my feet. I mean, Rachel Harris knows romance. Real romance. Heart pounding-knee wobbling-can't get enough of you-stay with me forever-you complete me romance. Her books are my escape from the harsh realities of life. She allows me to dream, to wish, to hope. To never give up on the possibilities. While she deals with some serious issues in Taste the Heat, she weaves a spell upon Colby (how cute is her name?!) and Jason, that you cannot help but be moved by. The attraction was tangible. The heat profound. These two had a spark that ignited a series of wild fires.Without ever being crass or crude, Rachel brings the magic of finding, and falling in love, again. Her intimate scenes are smoldering, but tasteful, and leave you wanting more. But this isn't what drives the story. What really makes Taste the Heat such an enchanting and enthralling tale, is the magic between Colby, Jason, and his daughter Emma. I absolutely LOVED these characters. They were so alive and real. What they felt, I felt. When each struggled in their own way to find the happiness they deserved, to heal from the past, to truly move on, I fought back the tears (unsuccessfully), and prayed they all found their HEA.Why did I love them so much? Mostly because they were kind, goodhearted, and giving. They didn't have any perverse agendas or dirty little secrets. That's not to say that Colby didn't have secrets, but she'd never done anything wrong. She'd never hurt anyone. She was hurt, broken, as she would say. But while she's still running away from her past, she can't help but be drawn to Jason. The boy she grew up loving had grown into a man she couldn't turn away from. She needed him like air. She was terrified and thrilled by that.And Jason? Besides being incredibly hot, was he indeed a GOOD guy. Hardworking, an amazing father and friend. A rare find in a genre filled with motorcycle riding, rock stars, and rebels. He is a true Southern gentleman. It is his goodness, his honesty, and warmth, that is his charm. This guy doesn't have a mean bone in his body, but he is a protector and a provider so earnest it's a total turn on. His character was so refreshing. So swoonworthy. So freaking HAWT. The sex appeal just oozed out of him without him even trying. He proves you don't have to be an alpha to be a man.Emma was delightful and a charmer in her own right. Craving a family- at twelve years old she needs a woman again in her life, a mother figure and role model to guide her, and comfort her when Jason isn't able to  understand what she's going through. In her mind, Colby fits the bill. And they immediately form an unbreakable bond. Wanting her dad to find his own happiness, she does what she can to bring Colby and Jason together. She's a wise one. And so freaking adorable.The setting of Taste the Heat only enhances the steaminess of this sweet romance. Rachel paints such a lovely picture of Magnolia Springs and New Orleans. The historic sites, the music, the FOOD, fill your senses and transport you into a world most only dream of. I try to never spoil, but I have to mention a certain evening spent in New Orleans would make the hardest of hearts melt. It's incredibly touching and sensual.There's so much more this story offers, but I want you to discover all that Rachel cooks up for yourself. It has it's up and downs, as any story does. Our characters struggle with doubt and confusion, and wanting to do the right thing. For a too short time, I was fully immersed in their world and consumed by it. I guarantee you won't want to put it down. Most of you will read it in one sitting. It's that potent. That captivating. Just that damned good.A favorite quote from the book. So simple, but so moving: "Love never gives up."Go out and grab Taste the Heat for yourself,