Surprised by Love Book Review

About the Book

Shy and unattractive as a child, Megan McClare has always been teased by her classmates. But when she returns home from her senior year in Paris, the wallflower has suddenly blossomed into a beauty. With ambitions to become a lawyer or doctor, Megan accepts an internship at the district attorney's office only to discover that she will be working with Devin Caldwell, a boy who mercilessly mocked her at school--and with whom she was hopelessly enamored. She turns to her dear friend Bram Hughes for support and advice. But Bram's vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a kid sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man? (Goodreads)

My Review

This is not the first book in this series that I have read. I think they can be read separately but it would help to start at the beginning. Megan's character I just didn't really click with while reading. I liked Bram a lot but I thought a lot of the romance was a bit forced. The main thing that really irritated me this entire book is the fact that since she lost some weight she is now the prettiest gal they had ever seen. Her life can now start since she lost weight? What message is this telling women? If we only lost weight we would finally be accepted. That is just plain not encouraging and I certainly wouldn't want a young woman reading this and feeling discouraged about herself. There is nothing wrong with losing weight and getting healthy if you hadn't been before. I just don't think the way it's portrayed is done very well. Also, this woman got teased, so I understand the pressure but the way her family reacted was disappointing. Aside from that, the book had it's funny moments and drama just like in the previous books. There is no doubt about it, Julie knows how to write in a bit of humor.

It's a nice read just a bit slow and disappointing for me.

Three stars.

"I received this book from Revell for free in exchange for an honest review."

Dare to Love Again Book Review

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About the Book

Spunky Allison McClare is determined to be a fearless, independent woman, resorting to a mammoth hat pin for protection on her way to and from the school where she teaches. But when she takes a notion to explore the wild Barbary Coast she quickly discovers she is no match for rum-soaked brute strength.

Detective Nick Barone would rather do almost anything than teach this petite socialite jiu-jitsu, but it seems he has little choice in the matter. Sparks fly every time the two meet until a grudging friendship develops into something deeper. But when Nick suddenly leaves town, Allison realizes he’s a fraud just like all the rest of the men she’s cared for. Does she dare love again?(Goodreads)

 My Review

I really loved the setting in this book and the leading male character. Allison got on my nerves more often than not, but I liked her better near the end. The author uses a ton of dialogue between characters which was usually entertaining. The two main characters do not get a long the majority of the book and there is a slight twist near the end of the book that I was not expecting. There is also a battle between the more wealthy on Nob Hill and the poorer class throughout the city. This issue was brought up a lot in the book and I found it interesting along with San Francisco history. 

For a light romantic read you will enjoy. 

"I received this book from Revell for free in exchange for an honest review."