I have a mini review for you today! A mini review is my short and sweet analysis of a book. You'll know in 350 words or less if this is a book I recommend.
Release Date: July 1, 2011
Format: Kindle (borrow)
Pages: 262
Source: Amazon
Genre: Romance
Review Date: October 9, 2013
Rating: 2 bookmarks
Synopsis: AMBER’S WORLD IS SHATTERED when her husband Jeff dies suddenly in an accident. On the day of his funeral, in the midst of her grief, she is blind-sided with divorce papers, served only hours before the service. Forced to face how flawed her marriage truly was, Amber finally begins to deal with the lies and deceit that were at the very foundation of her relationship.
When the ruggedly handsome Kentucky horse breeder Dalton loses his beloved wife shortly after the birth of their child, he thinks he will never find love again. Four years later, he knows something is missing from his life, but just can’t seem to place it. Until he meets the raven-haired beauty – the woman of his dreams.
Will Amber overcome the fear of being hurt again and find true love?
Will she be able to see clearly through her tears of betrayal?
Cons: The cover art is "blah" at best. I'm a stickler about terrible or cheesy covers. At least incite me with eye candy first. ;-)
Though the writing style was good, I had many issues with the content of the story and characters. At about 60 percent mark is when Dalton and Amber finally meet, then wham! Insta-love in two pages. At this point, they may have had a total of 30 minutes together.
Ironically, Amber met Dalton and fell instantly only a couple days after she decided it was too soon to date. Soon after Dalton wants Amber and her child to move back with him to Kentucky after two conversations and one kiss? That is ridiculous. Even more ridiculous is that after spending one weekend in the sack together (their 3rd meeting), Amber actually goes to live with him and brings her teenage daughter along. No dates. No phone conversations. No real time together. Amber calls this baby steps? Okay crazy lady. It doesn't sound romantic at all, it sounds ludicrous.
On a side note, Amber's constant use of the nickname "chickie", for her best friend Robin is completely annoying.
I'm actually not a totally hater of insta-love, but at very least give me amazing chemistry, attraction and sex scenes are really worth reading. This book happens to have that Christian fiction vibe to it, except for the fact that they slept together very early on. The two sex scenes were got were light weight at best. They probably just should have cuddled instead.
Final Thoughts: This book wouldn't be complete without a picture perfect ending. If you like the Hallmark Channel romance movies, you'd like this book. If you like your romances with more substance, with a plot twist, and with obstacles for the couple to overcome, then this book is not for you. It was a fast read, but it was so-so at best.
Happy Reading,
~Tamara