Review: So Much Better than Book 1
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 11, 2012
What a difference a sequel makes!  I read the first book in the Weldon Series, "Wild Irish" and really didn't care for it that much.  I'm far from being a prude so it wasn't the erotic content that colored my opinion.  The plot was so flimsy that a forceful exhale would have knocked it to the ground. I felt like author Jennifer Saints regurgitated every erotic scene she had ever imagined in her lifetime and then called it a book. It took me months to work up the enthusiasm to read the second book in the series "Smooth Irish" and boy, am I glad I did."Smooth Irish" is the story of Jackson Weldon and Nan Miller, the older brother and best friend of "Wild Irish's" hero and heroine Jesse and Alexi respectively.  It's not necessary to read "Wild Irish" in order to understand what happens in "Smooth Irish."  This book stands on its own quite well.Unlike "Wild Irish," Ms. Saints builds the sexual tension between Jackson and Nan rather than have them succumb early and mate like rabbits for the rest of the book. Jackson's and Nan's personalities and lives are polar opposites.  Jackson is content to drift through life without a plan or commitments.  Nan feels her life is wasted unless she's striving to achieve a goal.  Nan has even made a list of the requirements for the perfect man and Jackson doesn't fit the bill except for the intense sexual attraction she feels towards him.Nan and Jackson dated for a short period of time after they met at Jesse and Alexi's wedding. Although Nan broke things off when it became clear Jackson was only interested in a sexual relationship, she can't stop thinking about him. She's reluctant to act on the attraction and exorcises her sexual demons by keeping a diary of the fantasies she has involving Jackson. The diary entries are "bodice rippers," but entertaining nonetheless.  Jackson's reaction upon discovering the book of fantasies was delightful in many ways.  He has the reaction one would expect from a guy, but he also praises Nan for how well written and emotionally engaging they are.What I enjoyed most about this book was watching Nan and Jackson evolve as individuals and as a couple.  Nan learned to become more laid back and Jackson realized structure and order hold a certain appeal.Overall, I heartily recommend "Smooth Irish." I'm so glad I gave this author another try.