Lean on Me is a short and sweet small-town Contemporary Romance, in which the small town is more intrusive than cute.
Cassidy Clark’s dream was to leave her hometown behind and become a climber. She managed to accomplish just that, but in the process severed her relationship with almost everyone in her life. Things got even more complicated when after an unfortunate incident she made some pretty awful comments about her town, and she went from hero to villain. So when the end of her career --and a scam that left her broke-- forces her to go back, she has to redeem herself in front of family, friends and the man whose heart she broke years ago.
There’s a bit of a role reversal in this book, because the hero is usually the one who leaves the town and the brokenhearted heroine. The small town setting is also slightly unusual because its residents were abrasive and unforgiving. The quirkiness is still there, but the imperfections give the story a different feel.
Cassidy and her hero, Mitch, have great chemistry and the romance develops fast. Their relationship is filled with humor and lightness, even though some of the topics in the book are dark. But the overall tone of the story matches the romance, and considering how short the book is, I think it wouldn't have worked any other way.
There’s not much time for character development or anything else. It’s all about Cassidy earning the town’s forgiveness and settling some misunderstandings. Once that happens, the story is over, because the romance doesn't have much conflict to overcome.
As I said before, Lean on Me is very short, so you only need an hour or two to read it. The story is uncomplicated and the romance cute. It’s an entertaining and fun book, not great, but very enjoyable.
Review by Brie
Grade: 3.5
Synopsis:
Cassidy Clarke once climbed the world's highest mountains, but after an unexpected illness ends her career she's back in her hometown, broke and hoping for a little luck. But the townsfolk aren't exactly putting out a welcome mat for the woman who once snubbed them in the media, despite her apologies now.
Mitch Anders knows someone has set up camp on the grounds of his plant nursery, and he's surprised to find his sexy high school crush ducking questions about where she's staying. Though he's sworn to stop cleaning up other people's messes, Mitch offers Cassidy a job and a place to stay—his place. Bed-sharing optional, but definitely welcome.
Out of options and too attracted to Mitch to keep things platonic, Cassidy says yes to his offer. She wants to get back on her feet financially and start a new career. She never expects to suffer a different kind of fall, one that has her believing Mitch just might bring her something bigger and better than luck.
Carina Press. October 22, 2012.
Meh, I don't know. I was in a contemporary romance mood, but this one just doesn't attract me :( And all the reviews have pretty much been the same as you: enjoyable but nothing spectacular.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't get into this one. I made it 36% into the book then called it quits. I couldn't connect with the characters : /
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