Review: Delightful Characters, Witty Banter, a Top Notch Story All Around!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 2, 2013
It's not often that I find a book worthy of rereading, but everything about Isn't She Lovely has me wanting to squeal with delight and reread it whenever I need a pick-me-up.  From its true-to-life witty banter to its immensely likable and compelling protagonists this story grabbed my heart from the first page and kept me enthralled to its heartwarming end.  As a recent convert to the NA genre this story has set the bar very high and it will be hard for others to match its simple yet cheer-inducing storyline.On the surface this story seems stereotypical in its Pretty Woman theme of one man changing a rough around the edges woman and falling in love along the way.  But the talent of Ms. Layne creates a story that digs deep into each character's psyche to make them real to readers and thus fully invested in their outcome.  The dialogue crackles with their verbal sparring that's playful early on and slowly transitions to close friends and finally understanding lovers.  The changes to their relationship are subtle but no less impactful as these two loners come to rely on one another to heal from past betrayals.Stephanie was once the popular girl in school until the death of her mother, and a boyfriend's betrayal, led her down a path of darkness.  She's now a Goth girl in looks and words which keeps her safe from more pain.  She's a loner and likes it that way.....Until she meets, and is then forced into working with, the preppy and outgoing Ethan.  She at first thinks he's a walking stereotype in his pricey clothes and pearly whites but as she unlocks his emotional layers she discovers someone likable and lovable.  With their project underway she fights the changes to her appearance even as she finds them easy to return to and completely become the woman Ethan's used to.  On the cusp of something special she offers an ultimatum that puts her heart on the line and could end their HEA before it's even begun.  I adored Stephanie in both her personas.  She's outspoken but has a knack for seeing into people's souls.  She can be abrasive while putting a smile on your face.  I ached for all she'd been through and was rooting for her every step of the way.Ethan's had his fair share of pain too after discovering both his girlfriend and mother in other men's embraces.  Everything he once held true has been destroyed and his life now feels out of control.  Taking a theater class and meeting Stephanie takes him out of his comfort zone but give him a much-needed kick in the butt.  Through the writing of their fictional story they get closer together as long talks lead to heartfelt confessions and mutual healing.  Ethan finds himself counting on Stephanie's support as she becomes his port in the emotional storm he's dealing with.  A moment of uncertainty though will require a grand gesture worthy of an Oscar but one he's more than willing to enact to reach their HEA.  Ethan was a delightful contradiction with emotional layers I never expected.  He's charming, witty, and sexy and exactly what Stephanie needs to reach for the sun.  He's the quintessential hero and I find him still in my thoughts!Ms. Layne has created a heartfelt story with immensely likable characters telling the story from their viewpoints in a realistic way that's endearing and compelling.  The sexual tension crackles from the moment their eyes meet and sensually morphs into something more.  Though the theme is well-known the author makes it her own in a refreshing and joyous tale full of surprises.  I can't praise this story enough and look forward to what this author creates next!