Review: Bennett has done it again!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 26, 2013
If I Return is a sweet, short read from Bennett and part of the 12 NAs of Christmas. I read it within a couple of hours and was immediately drawn into the world and characters Bennett created. This story is about Hope and Jack, and the instant attraction they feel for each other.Hope is a reserved, if not serious young woman, who has her whole life planned. In her sister’s opinion, her general ‘uptightness’ is taking over her entire life. After being urged to just let go and have some fun, Hope finds her building attraction to Jack too much to bear.Jack and Hope’s chemistry is set-the-page-on-fire hot. Although they only have a short time together, their romance is believable. As with many novellas, sometimes the character’s interactions/thoughts/feelings are a little forced to make them fit within the word count, but Bennett has done a great job with making this beautifully written story come to life.Both characters have their own insecurities, and instead of holding them back, they discuss them. It’s clear from the start that the relationship they have just begun is not going to fizzle out. These two are meant for each other.I especially like Jack’s character as he’s in the military and some of his thoughts and feelings hit incredibly close to home with me, especially when it comes to him not wanting Hope to stay in contact with him while he’s away at war. It may seem selfish, but I can definitely see why he says this to Hope. He’s trying to protect his feelings just as much as he’s trying to protect Hope’s.Bennett is the master of writing sexy yet sweet sex, but she still manages to inject some steam into her Jack and Hope’s time together. Altogether, I really enjoyed reading this novella. If you love Christmas stories with an amazing HEA, then this book is for you!