Review: Engaging Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 1, 2014
Wow!  I loved it!  DATE SHARK is a really fun premise....wherein our hero (Eli Walsh), a Psychiatrist (MD) moonlights as a Date Shark-- helping women who are clueless about  *why* they're messing everything up date-wise with their quirky traits and behaviors, and our adorable heroine, Leila, who's sure she's "broken."  It was beautiful watching the pair begin with a business arrangement, progress through stages of friendship, attraction, misunderstanding, self-doubt (on both sides), and eventually falling in love.  All while Leila finds her confidence and a boyfriend...(not Eli, of course).  Leila learned a great deal about herself, her character grew in rewarding ways, and she wasn't just likeable, she was loveable.  I LOVED the inclusion of secondary characters that showed us so very much about Eli's nature, his personality, his past, events that had shaped him into the man he is today-- and *why* Leila is the *only* woman for him, why she's the only one he'll ever love this way, the only one he'd ever be this happy with.*Sigh.*  What a rewarding, romantic read.  Both hero and heroine had rewarding character growth, had ample time to truly fall in love, proved themselves worthy of earning their happily-ever-after, and had the basis for a long-lasting relationship I fell all the confidence in the world will *last,* despite any and all conflict that arises in their relationship/ lives going forward.This was my first exposure to Ms. Gladden's work, and she's won me over!  I'm definitely interested in finding more of her books and highly anticipate loving them, too.DATE SHARK by DelSheree Gladden runs 255 pages (on my eReader, minus front- and back-matter).  I received a digital copy of the book from the author in trade for an honest review.  The author told me her this book is a "clean romance," and I highly agree with her label.  Sensuality Level: wholesome (while fiercely romantic), yet mentions and handles the truth that dating and attached adults have to address the fact that intimacy will either be a part of their relationship or it won't (and have a good reason).  Ms. Gladden handles this topic incredibly well.  Language--Rated G.  Recommended to fans of contemporary romance, regardless of niche preference....including selective readers who choose to avoid graphic language and sexual content.Kudos to the author!