What I'm Reading

Admittance time again…This is my first Sydney Somers book. *ducks* I know, I know, its sad. I really should get out more. Expand my horizons, I know. I will fix that in the next coming weeks.

There is so much of this book that I loved and enjoyed. For whatever reason, I thought this book would focus more on the wedding but to my utter joy, it didn’t. It was about the groom’s (Josh *sigh*) best man and the sister of Jackson’s best friend. Yes, it started off with the wedding that didn’t happen but this story was so much more than that.

It was about two people who were at a crossroads in their lives and trying to figure out what they wanted. The secondary characters in this story from Matt, Gramps, Bernice, Cody, Kyle, the haunted house and even Hayley’s truck play a very important part in the book. Ms. Somers made the hockey shed an important part of the story. What I’m trying to say is that the attention to the little things in the book stood out for me. It enhanced the story and I don’t think I will look at a bear costume the same way again.

Also, most people don’t realize that I worked for the Dallas Stars Hockey Club from 1999-2004, so the underlying hockey theme was great for me. I really understood what Jackson had gone through and was still going through in his career. Also the scene with the Zamboni reminded me of Hank Azaria in the movie Mystery, Alaska.

Another thing that stood out for me was Hayley’s job. Ms. Somers did an outstanding job of explaining why Hayley was a cop and the side plot of the thefts was brilliant once the perp was caught. That was a great but sad twist in the book. It was also Hayley’s defining moment in the book for me. Hayley was a great heroine for me but that one moment will always stand out for me.

Jackson was so messed up in the head when he came for the wedding. He never expected to stay as long as did but he sure was glad that he did. He wasn’t the Uber Alpha male that we are used to reading. Instead, he didn’t really know why he was attracted to Hayley, the prospect of coaching in the NHL, the possibility of staying in Promise Harbor and then is ultimate decision. He was real, sexy but also tender and loyal.

I do want to caution you on something (it’s not bad :) )…it’s about the smexiness. Don’t expect Jackson and Hayley to fall into instalove and jump each other at the first opportunity. Their relationship has a bit of history (and its sweet and funny at the same time) and it starts off as a friendship that turns to love. Yes, are they attracted to each other? You bet but it’s not rushed. Their smexy scenes are spicy but also emotionally charged and perfect for the couple. I appreciated it from Ms. Somers that she took the time to build them up for me and it made for a more enjoyable read when they finally did come together. A beanbag chair was involved and Hayley’s line afterwards had me laughing out loud. :)

If you want to read a story about a totally swoon worthy couple that hits all the right spots in a great contemporary romance, do not miss out on Busted.

Best book of 2013….