The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry

Why I read it: I picked this one up from NetGalley.

What it's about:  (from Goodreads)  The best thing between Oliver Barrett and Mackenzie Williams is a fence. Ever since Oliver's new-neighbor gestures were met with unfriendly responses, he's decided to keep his distance. After all, he's in this seaside town to get his life on track again. That doesn't include working hard to get on Mackenzie's good side—no matter how intriguing she may be.His intentions are put to the test, however, when his dog becomes infatuated with hers. The two crafty canines do their best to break down the barriers between the properties. And where the dogs go…well, the humans must follow! It doesn't take long for a powerful attraction to build between Oliver and Mackenzie. They soon discover that the worst of first impressions can lead to the best possible outcomes….

What worked for me (and what didn't): Oliver is a darling.  His soon-to-be ex-wife is mad.  I mean, really.  Oliver is gorgeous, successful, kind, sexy, loving -  he can even sing and play guitar - why would any reasonable woman cheat on him with Mr. Toxic-Ex?  But that's what she does.  Lucky for Mackenzie that Oliver's on the market again.  

Suddenly You by Sarah Mayberry

Why I read it: I'm a fan of Sarah Mayberry books and when I saw Dear Author had a review up (which I haven't actually read yet) it reminded me that I hadn't bought this one yet.  So I rectified that, stat.  After the previous book I finished reading, I felt like a reliably good contemporary so I opened it up.

What it's about:  (from Goodreads)  The definition of a happy man? The guy who knows exactly what he wants and has it. That's Harry Porter. He's got the perfect job, the best buddies and no commitments beyond the next good time. It's the ideal life.

Then he stops to help Pippa White when she's stranded by the side of the road. He's known—and liked—her for a while, but as the ex of a friend, she's entirely off-limits. And as fun as the banter with her is, Harry knows single moms are out of his league.

So why all the excuses to see Pippa again…and again? And why can't he stop thinking about her? But most puzzling of all is how Harry suddenly wants to swap a night with the boys for one with only Pippa!

What worked for me (and what didn't): How unusual is it to have working class main characters?  Pippa is struggling to finish her teaching degree and working part time in a gallery as well as raise her 6 month old daughter.  Money is tight.  Harry is a mechanic.  No billionaires or CEO's in sight.  It was a refreshing change to see a couple who could have grown up down the road from where I did get their own story and HEA.  The depictions are realistic - I grew up at the lower end of the socio-economic scale and this felt familiar to me.   Also, my best friend from school married a mechanic. (He still fixes my car).

July Reads

on Paper/eBook

A Little More Scandal by Carrie Lofty - B+   This recently released novella is a prequel of sorts to Flawless and the just now released Starlight and features the patriarch of the Christie family.  I've heard good things about Ms. Lofty's books but had never read one before. A 99c novella is a good way to test the waters with a new author.  I do think it is hard to write a complete story in such a short word count so I was especially pleased with my reading experience.  William Christie is a self made made, a large, arrogant, boorish Scot who is tolerated in Society because of his wealth and a previous advantageous marriage (he is now a widower).  Catrin Jones is a Welsh nurse who, on returning from the Crimea, was the only survivor of a shipwreck.  She realises she will have notoriety for a short time and wishes to use that time to find a suitable husband.  William wants shares in a newspaper and his part of the bargain is her story (which she has been notoriously closed mouth about).  Both have mercenary goals but both are deeply attracted.  I enjoyed the banter and the curious honesty between them.  It definitely made me want to read both Flawless and Starlight - and there are lengthy excerpts from both in the back.  Well played Ms. Lofty.

Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood - See my full review here.

Seven Day Loan by Tiffany Reisz - C-/D+  I found this hard to grade because although the story was written well, ultimately I found parts of the story distateful.  Also, it's not so much romance as erotica. I think I may have missed something. Maybe it is something to do with The Siren (which I haven't read yet)? I definitely got the sense that this was related to another book.  I think I would have had a better connection if I had understood the context more clearly but as it was, it felt a bit like a mid book excerpt rather than a complete story. There was something a bit unsavory and unsettling about Eleanor's background and primary relationship. Daniel seemed nice enough but I wasn't 100% sure about Eleanor's ability to give consent.

Within Reach by Sarah Mayberry

Why I read it: I'm a fan of Sarah Mayberry and snatched it up when I saw it at NetGalley.  Release date: August 7 2012.

What it's about:  (from Goodreads) Being a single dad was never on Michael Young's agenda. Yet with the sudden loss of his wife, that's exactly the role he has. On his best days, he thinks he can handle it. On his worst… Luckily, family friend Angie Bartlett has his back, easily stepping in to help out.

Lately, though, something has changed.

Michael is noticing exactly how gorgeous Angie is, and how single she is. She's constantly in his thoughts and he feels an attraction he never expected. Does he dare disrupt the very good thing they have going? If they have a fling that goes nowhere, he stands to lose everything—including her. But if they make it work, he stands to gain everything!

What worked for me (and what didn't): The prologue begins showing Billie celebrating her 32nd birthday with her husband Michael and their 2 children (Eva and Charlie) and her BFF, Angie as well as various other family/friends.  The set up succinctly displays a happily married couple and two very close friends who are more like sisters.  When Billie dies of an undiagnosed congenital heart defect, both Allie and Michael (as well as the children of course) are devastated.  And actually, so was I.  I was only on page 17 and I was already crying.    Which tells me that in a few short words, I cared enough about the characters that their journey was going to be important to me.   So, with a sigh of relief and a box of tissues I settled in for a good read.

Her Best Worst Mistake by Sarah Mayberry

Why I read it: This book is Ms. Mayberry's first foray into self publishing and all those on her mailing list (of which I am one) received it free as a thank you for subscribing. Of course, the reason I'm a subscriber is I'm a fan of her work.

What it's about: (from Goodreads)  She thinks he's stuffy. He thinks she's spoilt. Then the gloves come off and so do their clothes!

For six years Violet Sutcliffe has known that Martin St Clair is the wrong man for her best friend. He's stuffy, old before his time, conservative. He drives Violet nuts - and the feeling is entirely mutual. Then, out of nowhere, her friend walks out just weeks before her wedding to Martin, flying to Australia on a mission of self-discovery. Back in London, Violet finds herself feeling sorry for suddenly-single Martin. At least, she tells herself it's pity she feels. Then he comes calling one dark, stormy night and they discover that beneath their mutual dislike there lies a fiery sexual chemistry.

It's crazy and all-consuming - and utterly wrong. Because not only are they chalk and cheese, oil and water, but Martin once belonged to her best friend. A friend Violet is terrified of losing. What future can there be for a relationship with so many strikes against it?

This book is a spin off from Sarah Mayberry's Blaze novel, Hot Island Nights. Both stories can be read in isolation and still make perfect sense.

What worked for me (and what didn't): In case readers here haven't noticed before, I tend to be long winded.  Never say in 10 words what you can say in 100!! :D  It is with something like awe then that I look upon category length or short books or novellas which tell a complete and engaging story in so few words.  Her Worst Best Mistake was just about 140 pages on my reader, so fairly short, but that just meant that there were no wasted words. I can't say that I thought it needed to be any longer - the story was complete and fulfilling just as it was.