Dare to Love Again
Julie Lessman
Revell Publishing
January 2014
Fiction, Romance, Historical
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?
Lessman always delivers in the romance department with depth and solid character development. Perhaps I read too many of her books in a row or was just not completely in the mood but this book was not my favorite. Allie and Nick are predictable and their age did not seem to match their life experience. Could have been a lack of story development. They did become endearing as the story continued and the mysterious side of Nick had me interested. The sub plot between Uncle Logan and Allie's mother almost overtook the main plot and I'll keep reading this series to find out what happens with them.
Predictably the women are the strong spiritual characters, the men are the rogues, the children are precocious, and the kisses are all encompassing. While they're isn't anything wrong with that I personally was a bit over it all. I'd love to see Lessman break out of the predictable cycle and truly surprise the reader. She does, however, have a niche that works so who am I to say differently? Just know ahead of time what you're going to get. Surface level spirituality and romance that possibly sizzles just a bit too much.
My thanks to Revell Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review.
Love at Any Cost
Julie Lessman
Revell Publishers
April 1, 2013
Jilted by a fortune hunter, cowgirl Cassidy McClare is a spunky Texas oil heiress without a fortune who would just as soon hogtie a man as look at him. Hoping a summer visit with her wealthy cousins in San Francisco will help her forget her heartache, Cassidy travels west. But no sooner is she settled in beautiful California than Jamie McKenna, a handsome pauper looking to marry well, captures her heart. When Jamie discovers the woman he loves is poorer than he is, Cassidy finds herself bucked by love a second time. Will Jamie discover that money can't buy love after all? And can Cassidy ever learn to fully trust her heart to a man?
With delectable descriptions and a romantic sensibility, bestselling author Julie Lessman brings the Gilded Age to life in this sumptuous new series. Readers will faithfully follow Lessman to the West Coast for more romance, passion, and surprising revelations found in "Love at Any Cost."
Perhaps one of my favorite parts of Lessman's books are hows he weaves historical fact into fiction. This book does not disappoint. San Francisco comes to life and you'll be instantly transported. Lessman also write very real characters who are likable. Cassidy is spunky and a spit-fire. Jamie is a typical Lessman man, he has roguish good looks, struggles in his relationships, and has secrets. Of course he opens up and changes through this book. Call me crazy but I found myself feeling a bit "over" the typical man that Lessman writes. I had a hard time getting into the book and found myself frustrated with the shallowness of the characters. One could argue that that's real characterization but I found it to be a bit tired. Overall, this is an enjoyable read and a very typical read for fans of Lessman. I look forward to her possibly branching out into different kinds of characters at some point.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
