Author: Brenda Jackson
Series: Madaris Family & Friends #19
Publisher: Harlequin Kimani Arabesque
Published: October 29, 2013
Good Reads / Amazon / B&N
One by one, Madaris men have surrendered to the matchmaking schemes of Felicia Laverne Madaris, matriarch of the family. But Lee Madaris isn't letting anyone else control his destiny. He'll bring a bride of his own choosing to the family's holiday gathering—if his hotel's gorgeous new chef will agree to a marriage of convenience.
It's not just the chance to work at the Strip's hottest hotel that brought Carly Briggs to Vegas. Witnessing a crime in Miami may have made her a mob target. Though she's reluctant to complicate their working relationship, Lee's tempting offer is so hard to resist. And soon, desire is clouding their no-strings arrangement.The danger that made Carly flee Miami is about to land at their door. So Carly and Lee must decide who to trust, when to let go—and whether a love they never anticipated is strong enough to pass the ultimate test.
Normally, I'm a love it or hate it kinda girl. If you look at my reviews, I'm either a 5 star or a 1 star reviewer. But this book has me so torn. There are moments of it I absolutely adored, and moments that made me cringe. Let me tell you about both...
First off, Im disappointed in the title. I understand that the premise of the book is that Lee will have his bride before he goes home for Christmas. But at the same time, the novel gives you the impression that it's about Christmas. And that's what I was looking for -- the mistletoe, presents, lights, all that -- and I got none of that. So I was a little bummed.
On the other hand, the love story between Lee and Carly is really very sweet (and especially steamy at times!). The whole love at first sight aspect and the awakened passion they find for each other had me totally enraptured. You spend a good amount of time wanting them to finally admit that they love each other, and it is so satisfying when they do :)
But, on the other hand, their romance seemed a little too "wrapped up in a bow" at times. Which, after researching the author, I guess is just the way her novels go. But to me, it was all so....easy. Carly just happened to get the job working at Lee's hotel. And he just happened to see her at the right moment. And it just happened to be her birthday. I mean, really? There had to be a better way of having them meet.
Overall, the storyline was okay. Again, a little too cheesy and unreal, but I thought it was well-written and descriptive enough to give me an idea of who these characters are. I think that there will be people who either really love this book or really hate it. For me...I'm stuck right in the middle.
P.S. -- Regardless of how I felt about the book -- a HUGE CONGRATS to Brenda Jackson for her 100th Novel! What a feat!!
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