Author: Kristan Higgins
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: 9/30/2014
Source: ARC from Netgalley
Emmaline Neal needs a date. Just a date—someone to help her get through her ex-fiancé's wedding without losing her mind. But pickings are slim in Manningsport, New York, population 715. In fact, there's really only one option: local heartthrob Jack Holland. Everyone loves Jack, and he won't get the wrong idea…. After all, Jack Holland would never actually be interested in a woman like Em. Especially not with his beautiful ex-wife creeping around, angling to reunite ever since he rescued a group of teens and became a local hero.
But when the wedding festivities take an unexpectedly passionate turn, Em figures it was just one crazy night. Jack is too gorgeous, too popular, to ever end up with her. So why is she the one he can talk to about his deep, dark feelings? If Em is going to get her dream man, she'll have to start by believing in him…
Kristan Higgins is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than a dozen novels and a two-time winner of the Romance Writers of America RITA Award. Her books have been translated into 21 languages and received numerous starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Library Journal, Kirkus andRomantic Times. Her books have been listed as Best Books of the Year by Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, National Public Radio, Library Journal and Amazon.
Kristan lives with her heroic and tolerant firefighter husband and two snarky and entertaining teenagers in her hometown in Connecticut.
I was very glad to finally get Jack's story. Throughout the Blue Heron series, we've seen him make snarky appearances, spouting sarcastic quips and picking at his sisters, but it was good to finally get in Jack's head. I enjoyed getting the real story of his ex-wife, his true feelings about his family, and finding out if Jack is really as perfect as he appears. (Spoiler alert: He is.)
Small complaint. The beginning of the story was a little bit confusing to me because Jack obviously experiences something huge, which the townspeople refer to as the Midwinter Miracle, but it takes awhile for the the whole story to come out. Once it does, it becomes obvious why it was revealed in the manner that it was, it just feels weird at first.
ANYWAY, Jack is a good guy. A VERY good guy. It was really good to see that he does have flaws, but they are very few and very small. I love that Kristan chose to make him the pursuer in this story. He is always up front with Emmaline concerning feelings and his desires. I like that he knows what he wants and goes after it, despite the obstacles thrown up by his ex-wife and Emmaline herself.
Kristan writes such great family connections. I think this may be one of my favorite things about her books. The families are real and flawed and sometimes scarred, but they look out for each other and support one another. The Holland family is a major part of the foundation of Manningsport. They get on each other's nerves and in each other's business, but they will throw down for one another and offer a kick in the pants when it is needed.
If you are looking for sweet and soothing romance with a side of sizzle, check out the Holland family in The Blue Heron series.
4 out of 5 stars.
No comments:
Post a Comment