Review: An Accidental Family
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 23, 2011
There is an old Chinese proverb that says "the journey is the reward." I've come to view romance novels the same way. The setup happens early. Start with two people -traditionally one man and one woman, although I think most states allow other combinations, at least in books- with at least one of the two not at all interested in the other, often actively disliking them. You know how the story is going to end. The entertainment, insight gained, or whatever reward the reader receives, is in the journey.Working within the conventions of the Romance genre while keeping the story fresh and believable requires both creativity and a keen insight into human behavior. A good romance author needs to understand the range of emotions, inspirations, and reactions of both men and women in many situations. Fasano has this, and her success thus far demonstrates it. For example, in "An Accidental Family," the man and woman don't like each other, but their reasons are based on faulty first impressions and misunderstood  motivations. Helping them make that journey from not-a-chance-in-hell to happy couple while maintaining credibility is a talent, amply demonstrated here. Fasano's talent is the reader's reward.**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **