Review: 3 stars
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 01 1, 2012
I am a big fan of Amy Lane's books. She is an amazing writer who can rev up the angst level like no one else. In It's Not Shakespeare, she tries something different: an angst-free May-December romance. College professor James Richards has basically given up on finding love. Burned once, he's resigned to living a quiet life with his dog, Marlowe. Enter one Rafael "Rafi" Ochoa, a friend of one of his best students. Once they meet sparks fly and James' life will never be the same again.I really enjoyed James characterization. I could relate to him (plus his dog Marlowe was a great addition to the book). But while I enjoyed that aspect of the book, I found connecting to Rafi on any level a bit difficult. Ms. Lane should be commended for using a Latino character in her book, however, Rafi's characterization wasn't as well put together as James. To me, he seemed to be a bad stereotype that unfortunately dropped my rating of the novel. Plus I just couldn't see the chemistry between the two men, which in a romance book ultimately slows the plot down -- no matter how talented the author is.Despite my misgivings about this particular book, I do think Ms. Lane's other writings are entertaining and definitely worth your time. So recommended to fans of the author with the above listed caveats.Dark Divas Reviews