Fabulous feel good romance leaves me smiling

It’s not often I feel compelled to give five stars for a simple romance. For that’s what this is. No great angst, no mystery, no suspense or serial killers. Just a simple romance with a few blips along the way to the happy ending.

So why the five stars? Firstly, the narration was perfect. The narrator’s timing, accents, male and female voices – everything in fact – was pretty much as good as it can get.

Then we have the quality of the writing. Catherine Bybee is a favourite of mine and here she did not disappoint. Everything just seemed to work.

This is a love story where the Hero and heroine actually liked each other on first meeting, then both tried to see each other again, and readily admitted the mutual attraction. Which, as most romance readers will know, is not a usual feature in a romance novel! But this does not make the book boring or predictable because this is the story of a romance that encompasses work, friends, family and life along the way. The dialogue between the main couple is sassy, funny, witty and sexy. Their love develops because they both want it to, and are prepared to work at making this happen. Of course the H does mess this up along the way, but it takes him time and hard work to prove to the h that he is worth taking back and, although the h does eventually take him back, it is clear to them both that it will be a while before her confidence and belief in him, or their future, is restored. I loved this part because I do get sick of women who forgive their men for messing up and jump back into bed after one conversation. A deep hurt takes time and work to get over and in this story that is beautifully shown.

Unexpectedly, when I thought this book was coming to an end, it was just half way through. Because the happy ever after is only achieved after a series of minor life issues that the couple have to work through. Their love for each other was shown in the way they constantly supported each other and talked through issues and they both displayed a maturity that is often lacking in romance books.

Will this book win any literary awards outside of the romance field? Probably not. But every morning it takes me over an hour to walk to work – and with this book on my ipod I found myself looking forward to this daily commute – and wishing it were longer! So for that alone I will happily award five stars.

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1 person found this helpful

Bybee always leaves me with a happy sigh!

and I love Amy McFadden's narration! So Bybee and McFadden - great combination! Off to find the next one.

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