Source: we received an e-ARC of the book through NetGalley for review purposes.
If you follow the blog you already know that I love contemporary romance, and you can’t love contemporary romance without loving Ms. Shalvis’ books. So when I saw this book on Netgalley I was a happy reader.
If you’re a fan of this author you probably know that besides writing great small town series, she also writes steamy books for Harlequin’s Blaze line, books such as this. A sexy and fun contemporary romance that’s great for those days where you’re feeling bored and want something entertaining to do that won’t take much time or effort.
Famous NHL coach, Mark Diegos, is in his hometown with a couple of his teammates to coach some kids. When he arrives he gets a couple of surprises: first the kids are girls, and second the person running the program is Rainey Saunders. Mark and Rainey have a bit of a past, she used to be in love with him but because she was so young he kept her at arm’s length. However, she was persistent and one day she decided to seduce him. The problem was that she chose the wrong day to do it because when she got to his College dorm room he was having sex with a girl. The shock and humiliation of the event ended up separating them and it’s been years since they last saw each other. Now they must work together while trying to figure out what to do with the attraction that still remains between them.
To be perfectly honest the first thought that crossed my mind when I finished the book was “nothing new here”. Perhaps I’m being unfair because the book delivers exactly what the blurb promised, but I felt like I had read this book before. Girl used to have painful crush on guy; guy liked the girl but she was too young so he becomes a star in (insert profession here) and sleeps with lots of women; years later they reunite and are forced to work together; they have magic sex and discover they love each other; The End. Been there, done that a hundred times. I’m not as annoyed as it may seem, but I think it’s time for originality and freshness. Having said that, Ms. Shalvis is an excellent writer and I was able to enjoy the book regardless of the overused plot.
I liked Rainey and Mark, they were good and hardworking people. They enjoyed life, had good, fulfilling jobs, and the only thing missing was love. Rainey was ready for a serious relationship, and so was Mark, but he had yet to realize it. They were likeable and great people to be with, they had chemistry and because they knew each other previously their love story was believable.
There’s no real character development or journey, just two people falling in lust and realizing that there’s more between them than sex. The book has a whole bunch of romance stereotypes like the hero and heroine deciding to have a no-strings-attached sexual relationship, then the heroine falling in love, and the hero being stubborn and blind until he has an epiphany, etc. etc. etc. Don’t expect the unexpected because you won’t get it here.
As I said before, this is the perfect beach read because it’s short, light and fun. It lacks originality but the writing makes up for it. Fans of spicy contemporary romance should enjoy it, just keep in mind that it is what it is, so enjoy it for that and don’t ask for more.
Review by Brie
Grade: 3
Sensuality: McSteamy
Synopsis:
Sign up for recreational adult programs now!
Class: How to Drive Him Crazy
Instructional program for women unexpectedly facing the totally dishy guy from their past. Everyone welcome!
NHL coach Mark Diego's plan to spend his off-season volunteering in his hometown goes awry when he learns that not only is he coaching teenage girls, but that the program is coordinated by energetic (and five feet two inches of trouble) coordinator Rainey Saunders, his childhood friend—and the woman he could never stand to see dating any other guy…
When their tempers flare, Mark and Rainey discover their fireworks don't just burn angry—they burn very, very hot! But that'll just sweeten the victory. Because Mark always plays to win. And with Rainey, he's planning on playing very dirty, too…
Harlequin. February 21, 2012.
great review. i liked the book, too, but it was exactly as you said, no new boundaries crossed here. but that's okay, cause even though every love story is basically the same, the way they get there is always interesting. :) ~dixie
ReplyDeleteHi Dixie!
DeleteI agree, the outcome is always the same -even the journey can be the same- but you need to change things a bit to keep it interesting and not use all the same themes, repeat some but also come up with new ones, or change the old ones into something different, but keep it fresh!
I cannot wait to read this book. I am a big Jill Shalvis fan...
ReplyDeleteOnce you read it come back and let me know how you like it. It's a bid different from her usual stories...
DeleteOkay, I read another review and thought I'd pick it up... but after your review, I need to rethink it LOL. There are so many books out there are the moment whose theme is the hero keeping the heroine at arm-length for whatever reasons. Oh and the no-string sex and heroine falling and love and etc? I just read Ride with Me by Ruthie Knox and it was pretty much it. I agree with you, it's time for authors to find new storylines!! Because it's really getting old!!
ReplyDeleteOh by the way, you can love contemporary romance without loving Jill Shalvis. That's me ^_^; I don't know why, but I just don't click with Ms Shalvis - big sigh :(
Right, I knew that about you, I just chose to ignore it ;)
DeleteThis book was pretty generic and predictable, I was happy when I got it but not so happy once I was done.
Did you like Ride with Me? I've been meaning to get it but I'm not a fan of road trips so I'm waiting to read more reviews, so far all everyone has good things to say about it. Also, the price is good so I'll probably get it this weekend.
Hmmm, I don't know. I say if this one got a 3 and you're tired of generic, Ride with Me might not be the best read for you. I liked the hero, but the heroine? Ugh. Annoyed me. Tell me, what is with women always wanting to know everything and pushing?
DeleteLOL! I don't know but it needs to stop ;) I'll keep the book on my "maybe" list.
DeleteReally enjoyed your review Brie! I'll definitely read this one if I need a fun comfort read, but it is good to know that I should expect the expected.
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis!
DeleteYes, perfect comfort read for when you are in the mood for something light and fun. This book is a good example of a quick read. Let me know how you like it!