Review: Loved It
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 27, 2013
I was blown away by this book. Absolutely enthralled. My intent was to read the first page or two just to see if I'd like it, but I couldn't stop reading until I was finished. The blurb does a pretty good job summing it up, so I won't rehash it. The author gets right into the meat of the story by introducing the main characters right off the bat. In the very first scene, we can feel Case's frustration as he struggles to handle two rambunctious two-year-olds. Gabbie, a seasoned child-care professional, offers help and enrollment in her daycare center, and the story kicks off from there.Case doesn't struggle with the decision to keep his family together as much as I suspected when I read the blurb. His apprehension comes more from his fear of failure rather than a fear of responsibility. He has a great sense of family, honor, and compassion. There is no doubt in the reader's mind that Case can handle the challenge of raising the children. Gabbie is also certain Case can handle his new responsibilities, but she recognizes he'll need help in order to do so. She gives him a hand-up without taking over, thus giving Case confidence in his own abilities.The romance... oh, the romance! Case and Gabbie have an instant connection, though both are reluctant to jump headlong into a relationship. Their feelings for each other cannot be denied, but a complicated friendship, challenges at Case's job, family problems, and a blast from Gabbie's past are roadblocks on their way to happiness.Here's what I love about this book... Gabbie and Case are two intelligent, strong, realistic characters I loved rooting for. In many romance novels, the obstacles keeping the hero and heroine apart seem contrived, but not in this book. There isn't a single plot point in this story I could pick apart and criticize. The kids are adorable, often providing comic relief when things get too heavy. This book is the perfect mix of romance, heartbreak, humor, and hope. Highly, highly recommended.