Review: Likable Characters, Not Enough Depth
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 12, 2014
From the moment I read this novella's synopsis I was intrigued as it contained many of my favorite themes.  Morning Light shows the evolution of friends to lovers as well as friends remaining friends when life leads to change.  There's moments of romance along with endearing friendships that kept me immersed in the story.  From start to finish Ms. Cade crafted a fast-paced story full of sweet and steamy moments that put a smile on my face but left me a bit disappointed too.With this being a novella the pace was accelerated which made me never really felt the deep connection between returning veteran Noah and the girl who wrote to him while he was gone.  I enjoyed the characters but felt that Noah's attraction was mostly sexual.  He admired Tenn's kindheartedness too but every time he thought of her it was in sexual terms.  Noah's admirable though as he held back on claiming her as he tried to comprehend the relationship between her and his brother Chris as he never wanted to hurt his brother.  Once he get his chance though he's a man on a mission with the latter half of the story full of numerous HOT encounters.Tenn has been friends with Chris since they were kids and knew it would never progress beyond that.  She was attracted to Noah the moment she saw him but never thought he'd want her.  The letters she wrote to him were their only chance at closeness as she continued to hold out hope that they'd one day be together.  One drunken night gives her the chance she's always wanted but her self-esteem issues and Chris' jealousy cause problems that she has to deal with head-on to get the HEA she's always desired.  Tenn is a fun heroine not afraid to speak her mind.  She might jump to conclusions easily but is smart enough to talk through any issues which thankfully resolves big misunderstandings quickly.With its likable main characters, and even more likable secondary characters, I found this to be an entertaining story.  The sexual interludes overtook the story in the latter half which made for a rushed ending that was satisfying but a bit disappointing in its abruptness.  Chris was a delightful character who didn't want to lose his best friend and their times together and I longed to see this aspect of the story expanded, along with seeing more of him and his shyness to commit.  The mysterious bar maid Molly, and her strength and cautiousness, have me wanting to know more about her as well.  Ultimately this was a story that dealt with familiar tropes in a familiar way that felt rushed at times along with its overabundance of sex.  The delightful characters kept me entertained and wanting to know more though and I applaud Ms. Cade on their delightful dynamic but definitely hope for more when I next read a book of hers.3.75 STARS!!