Review: A sweet, if kinda dull, romance
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 11 1, 2013
(freebie on amazon)The PremiseGreg and Cara, his sister-in-law, have always been friends and since his brother's death, they've grown even closer, dealing with their grief together. Their attraction to each other grows stronger each day, but they're not sure how to handle it, and what their family, including her son and daughter, will say.  There are secrets kept regarding the circumstances of Cara's husband's death and the fallout from that, as well as the "deification" of a deceased loved one that presents an obstacle to Greg and Cara's romance.The GoodAn understated, pleasantly character-driven romance, the Other Brooks Boy relies on a slightly soapy (falling for your dead husband's brother) plot point, but in a pretty realistic manner.  There's no big external angst, instead the focus is on their genuine confusion and concern about ruining what has been a great friendship.  The reactions of her children and their friends and family are believable.  Greg and Cara's chemistry is strong and you can definitely picture their love scenes without a problem.The Just OKCara was frustrating, though completely in keeping with the character.  My main issue with this romance, I suppose, was the lack of any real excitement.  This is all about individual taste, as opposed to any real problematic writing.  **SPOILER ALERT**Even the secrets behind Cara and her dead husband's relationship and the way he died are wrapped up in a nice bow so that all parties can move on to their HEA.  In my opinion, the fact that Cara's husband was clearly cheating on her and that their relationship was one-sided for a very long time, seemed very convenient and avoided the real messy emotional angst there could have been if Cara was truly happy with him til the end.  **END SPOILER**I tend to enjoy romances that are bit darker in tone, or that have a real angst factor.  This was a very realistic, and kinda dull, story.  It may be different for those who have had similar life experiences, or who enjoy a nice and simple romance, but I  felt it was just "alright."The Bottom LineThis is a story that I didn't find huge fault with, but I didn't connect with it.  It was pleasant.