Review: Reviewed for Cocktails and Books
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 02 19, 2013
Whiskey tango foxtrot has a great storyline.  The African-American male character ""Joe"" is a wounded marine that steps in to help Melody, the abused widow of a former marine and parent of their daughter, Libby.  I thought this was surely going to be a winner after all  the story had the handsome military officer coming to the aid of a damsel in distress.  This was far from what I found within the pages of this book.  This story has many dark, heavy issues that never quite got off the ground in the storyline.  This is probably because the novella length was too difficult to really explore and resolve these issues while building a romance between the characters.I felt no connection with the characters.  I didn't like them, and I didn't dislike them. I just didn't connect.  Normally somewhere within the first few chapters I start to be drawn into the plot but I was never drawn in and never felt remotely involved in the story.  It was difficult for me to process Joe's injuries and feelings as a Marine on the mend because he reaches out to Melody and her issues are brought into the story.  Melody's daughter had a very serious heart defect.  Joe was there for her during the baby's surgery, and Melody seemed guarded but glad.  However,  Melody's character was very distant and there was absolutely no chemistry or connection between the two.  I never felt like they were a couple or that buildup to them developing feelings for each other.  I put my kindle down several times sighed and went back because I hate to start a book and not finish.  It was painful at best.The storyline was more or less that Joe fell in love with her at first sight , determined to help her overcome her past and help with her daughter.  Then he waited until she was ready.  Eventually she was ready and they had sex, became a couple and decided to get married.  All literally in the last 2-3 pages.I would not recommend this book.  I think the author had a very noble idea that went wrong.  This novella was too short for the multiple very layered, elements in the story.Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books