Review: Gorgeous love story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 27, 2013
This week I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy of Annie Seaton’s upcoming romance novel, Tangling with the CEO courtesy of Entangled Publishing’s ‘Bliss’ department. For those who don’t know, the Entangled’s Bliss category is made up of stories that focus on family, home, and community told with a contemporary edge that reflects the trials and tribulations of modern love in America.Tangling with the CEO is set against the backdrop of a small Californian town and Seaton quite genuinely recounts the struggles of many (perhaps most) small towns–progress versus performance. Let me explain: the way small towns perform is dynamic, the elderly are cared for and rallied around, the shopkeepers and those who invest in the towns understand that their commitment to the town is often what keeps them alive, and most importantly loyalty supersedes progress (almost) every time. Do the residents of a small town put more importance on retaining jobs and looking after their own or a new store-front and flashy letterhead… usually the former and in this regard, Seaton nails it.The romance between the characters Blake and Anastasia was plausible and sweet, the characters rely on an albeit brief romantic history a decade prior to begin the relationship, moving it ever-so-gradually toward understanding each others nuances, ideals and priorities as adults.Anastasia is a strong independent woman who doesn’t falter from her own beliefs–a particular win for me given many romance novels depend on the female bending and bowing down once a male is on the scene. Blake is a solid, reliable character who compliments Anastasia well.Overall, a lovely and quick read (took me a couple of hours) that shows love can triumph.