Rachel Gibson

This is a hard novel to read at times. The secret baby plot is a lot harder to swallow here, because the baby in question isn't really a baby - he's 15. For me, it's easy to forgive and forget when the heroine doesn't tell the hero right away about a baby, but only if it's cleared up early on. It's a lot harder to justify after 15 years of silence.

I remember having an argument with a friend about Daisy's actions several years ago. She couldn't accept that Daisy had kept her son a secret for show more so long. I, on the other hand, understood Daisy's reasons for not telling him in the beginning. I also understood how the longer she went without telling, the easier it was not to. I can't say I agree with it or condone it, but I understand.

On the night of Jack's parent's funeral, Daisy and Steven confronted him to tell him they'd gotten married - leaving out the part about the baby.

15 years go by. Steven dies and Daisy realizes she must tell Jack the truth about their son. She goes back to Lovett, TX (her hometown, where Jack still lives) to tell Jack the news, leaving Nathan (her son) behind in Seattle. All along Daisy always thought she did the right thing by not telling Jack, something Steven always fed into. But once she's back she realizes she made a mistake - that she robbed both Jack and Nathan of a relationship.

I think one of the reasons this works for me is that Daisy realizes she made a mistake and tries her best to make it right. She doesn't let Jack run all over her, but she understands his anger.

Jack is one of those over-the-top alphas who oozes sexual menace. While that can be off-putting in a lot of ways, it really worked here. I can't exactly say why it worked, but it did. His anger at Daisy is completely and totally justified, as is his anger at Steven. When he realizes the enormity of their betrayal..well, my heart broke for him. Not only did he lose the woman he loved and his son, but he lost his best friends as well.

Watching Daisy and Jack move forward with their lives and come back together was really hard at times. I wanted them to work things out, but I wasn't sure how Jack could let go of his anger. I worried that the resolution would come too easily, or that the true conflict would be brushed aside. But that wasn't the case. Gibson did a credible job of showing us how that anger can eat at a person.

Although parts of this novel are tough to get through, it's well worth reading. The characters individual struggles and hardships just make them that much more rounded and believable. show less

Rescue Me
4 Stars

Series note: This is book #2 in the Lovett, Texas series. It takes place 8 years following the previous installment, and aside from a couple of minor references to the characters, there is no other connection. That said, this book is also related to the Chinooks Hockey Team series. The hero, Vince Haven, is the older brother of the heroine in Any Man of Mine. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the Chinooks book first. It one of my favorites in that show more series.

On to the review . . .

Rachel Gibson's writing is exceedingly engaging, and the quirky town of Lovett with its oddball residents and their crazy shenanigans makes for very entertaining reading.

Sadie and Vince's romance steams up the pages. While it is obvious from the start that their "no strings attached" relationship will develop into something more, it is fun going along with the ride as these two emotionally challenged people realize that their feelings for one another are more intense than expected.

My only issue, as indicated by other reviewers, is that the ending is somewhat abrupt and the book is in dire need of an epilogue.

In sum, highly recommended for lovers of small-town romances, snarky heroines and sexy former Navy SEALs. show less

I'm not sure why I got this book and didn't realize it is part of a series. From what I could tell reviewing the other books they seem to stand alone. I guess I'll find out.

This book does stand alone and I enjoyed it without feeling like I was missing something even though part of a series. A fun romp of a former stripper/Playboy model whose much older husband dies leaving her the hockey team he owned. She has worked hard to change her imagine after marrying Virgil. Much to Faith's surprise, show more being the owner of the Seattle Chinooks proved more of a challenge than she imagined. Against her better judgment she finds herself attracted to the team's captain who has eyes on winning the Stanley Cup while trying to deny his desire for her as well. A witty, funny and sexy novel. show less

What I Love About You
3.5 Stars

All Blake Junger wants is some peace and quiet to recover from his demons after years of service overseas. Unfortunately, Blake's new neighbor, Natalie Cooper, is proving to be a significant distraction with her luscious curves, sweet nature and precocious daughter. In the aftermath of her ex-husband's betrayal, Natalie has her hands full running a business and caring for a young child. She has no interest in a rude, overbearing and grouchy neighbor. Now, if she show more can only convince her body and heart of what her mind already knows …

A heartwarming, feel-good romance reminiscent of the film Hope Floats with Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick, Jr. Similar to the movie, Natalie is a small town cheerleader whose childhood sweetheart turned obnoxious jerk runs off with a younger woman. With her faith in men and love shaken to the core, Natalie must rebuild her life, and she does so with strength, courage and tenacity.

Suffering from PTSD and struggling with alcoholism, Blake starts out as an arrogant ass who is mean to small children and adorable puppies. Nevertheless, he improves as the story progresses and he comes to realize exactly what he has been missing. Unfortunately, his bonehead move toward the end does not endear him and Natalie is far too forgiving.

In fact, Natalie tolerant nature is one of the problems with the book, especially in relation to the subplot involving the return of her deceitful ex. After the effort put in to detailing his duplicity and betrayal, it is virtually impossible to accept his contrition and redemption. The fact that Natalie is even willing to give him the time of day undermines her strength and resilience.

On a final note, books with children are not usually my cup of tea, but Natalie's daughter, Charlotte, absolutely steals the book alongside her rambunctious puppy. Every word out of her mouth had me smiling or laughing out loud.

All in all, an entertaining read with likable characters and a steamy romance. That said, Gibson has written better books and newbies to her work should not start with this one. show less