Review: Good, steamy romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 10, 2012
Do you believe in love at first sight? Do you believe in instant romantic connections that can lead to lifelong love? These are some of the questions that Romance on the Bay explores.I started off really enjoying this book. The idea of a divorced woman starting a new life as the owner of a seaside bed and breakfast absolutely fascinated me. I immediately cared about Audrianna and wanted her to overcome her past hurts to have a fabulous new life.This book is a little on the short side, so the romance had to take off quickly. Still, I had trouble believing that Audrianna, who had been so deeply hurt by her ex-husband, would jump into bed with Paul the day after they met, despite the strong attraction she felt for him, and he for her. It just didn't make sense--not even to Audrianna, apparently. But I was willing to go along with it because people do things, in real life, that don't make a whole lot of sense.The major problem with the story, for me, was that I just didn't find Paul very likeable--especially since he was supposed to be so "in love" with Audrianna, and yet he was extremely perturbed with her for still having feelings for her ex-husband. Of course, she would still have feelings for him. They were married, and it wasn't her choice for the relationship to end; it was his. This just seemed really insensitive of Paul, so he didn't feel like a strong romantic character. A typical guy? Yes. But someone Audrianna should instantly fall in love with? Eh...not so much.I also found it odd that [SPOILER ALERT] Audrianna would immediately know what her ex was doing when he dropped to one knee after he'd found her and apologized, and she agreed to meet with him. But when, sometime later, Paul drops to one knee in a very romantic spot that's important to them as a couple, she's confused by it? No, I just had a hard time buying that. There shouldn't have been any doubt or question in her mind of what was going to happen.Still, if you're a fan of steamy romances, you won't be disappointed by this. There are three pretty detailed sex scenes. And the two main characters do wind up getting engaged to each other at the end, so it's a satisfying HEA. Overall, it's an enjoyable read. Oh, I absolutely LOVED the last line.Not a bad way to spend a rainy afternoon, and the price is right. Give it a try and see for yourself.