I have always done my very best to make sure I am kind and honest in my appraisal of the books I review. I understand that everyone has different opinions and tastes in what they read and that every author will write books we like and books we don't...I'm thrilled to have read many very glowing reviews of Surprised By Love and as I am a HUGE fan of Julie Lessman I'm bummed I can't give it my highest rating, but that doesn't mean it won't be a win for you.
Book Rating: Here a little, there a little
I absolutely devoured Julie's first six books. I mean, I really had a hard time putting them down. They are wonderfully written and the characters are deep, rich and intriguing. This new series promised much, though was an intended departure from her pervious style--less passion between characters, etc. Unfortunately, for me this new setting and these new people seemed almost to be a new "version" of the family (and setting) from the previous books which in a way I found confusing. The things they did and the way they communicated (playing games as a family, the heroes giving the heroines pet-names), things that were such a hallmark of the previous family/books-- drew me away from the story. I had a difficult time being hooked into the plot and following who everyone was because of this difficult-to-explain lack of individuality so to speak.
Here's the blurb:
"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?"
There's a lot of fun to be had with this idea, but for me, it wasn't a hit.
I don't mean to steer you away from this book or this series, I think everyone needs to come to their own conclusion. This is just the way I felt about this. The first two books were fun, quick reads, but again, just a very different style from her first books.
Have you read it? What did you think? I do absolutely love Julie and I'm looking forward to what she has coming up in the future. :)
(I'm glad this is via cyberspace...that way if you throw tomatoes at me it won't leave a stain. LOL)
Happy Reading!
Buy it!
