Review: I Loved This Book!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 6, 2014
Running the Red Light by Kelsey Browning is a January 2014 Carina Press publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.Roxanne has opened a lingerie shop with the apt title of "The Red Light". Her shop is located in the small Texas town of Shelbyville. She attends a charity fundraiser for a cause that is near and dear to her heart. She meets a lawyer named Jamie at the fundraiser. She never thought she would have to call upon him for his services. When Roxanne's old employer sees a write up about the fundraiser and Roxanne's lingerie is featured and her shop promoted, she sues Roxanne. Why? Well, it seems Roxanne signed a "no competition" contract and is now in breach of contract.Jamie came from humble beginnings. He is now on the short list to make partner in a prestigious law firm. It has been his goal and dream to someday make partner, but he never thought he would have to sell his soul to achieve it. His boss has hinted that Jamie could be chosen for partnership if he had a wife. Not only that, the boss would really be impressed if Jamie were to marry his daughter.But, when Roxanne calls Jamie to help her with the lawsuit, Jamie begins to feel more and more like making partner would be like making a deal with the devil and his enthusiasm begins to wane. In the meantime, he is completely taken in by Roxanne. She is hard working, smart, has a big heart, doesn't mind fighting for her dreams, and maybe she is also suffering from a disorder that many are too embarrassed to admit to, which makes her drive to succeed all the more impressive.But, there are many obstacles in Roxanne's way. Her former boss, Ashton, is not giving up without a fight. She too is determined to prove she can be successful on her own.With everyone is an uproar over The Red Light, hilarity erupts a time or two, there are a couple of really good cat fights, lots of steamy sex, a few hurt feelings, a few scrapes and bruises, second chances for love, family dramas, and a whole lot of good old fashioned soul searching that will bring about some life altering changes for some.I loved this book. The small town of Shelbyville could be any small American town. There is a sense of community and caring that can be at times feel like an intrusion, but deep down you wouldn't have it any other way. I loved the character growth as Roxanne, Jamie and Ashton all matured and learned what really matters in life. I also cheered the author's decision to speak out about reading disabilities and how they can be overcome and worked around. Many people suffer in silence like Roxanne did. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Seek help and work hard and welcome support from family and friends. This was a well rounded story with a great group of characters you will care about and root for.This was a wonderful novel that would appeal to lovers of contemporary romance and chick lit.This one gets an A+