Review: The Do-Over by MK Schiller

Arrogant womanizer Kyle Manchester hates blind dates; however, when best friend, Brad calls in a favor, insisting Kyle take out his girlfriend’s sister, Kyle reluctantly agrees. Attorney Lanie Carmichael’s appearance is no surprise. She is dowdy, awkward, and dressed in so many layers she resembles a wedding cake, but not in an edible way. Her brazen attitude though, astonishes him, especially when she explains she has no interest in gorgeous Kyle. Lanie Carmichael is in love with Brad, and wants Kyle’s assistance in winning his best friend’s heart.

Kyle gradually accepts, justifying that the mystery of Lanie has sparked his natural, thirsty curiosity. As an ambitious journalist, he also can’t resist the Pulitzer worthy scoop she offers him. However, as Lanie sheds more layers, both emotionally and physically, Kyle begins to examine his life choices, and his true feelings for this enigmatic girl. With Kyle’s support, Lanie begins to unravel the secrets of her past, and the deep pain that has quietly defined her life. As they each learn more about themselves and each other, both question how a relationship built on fraudulent lies between two broken people could ever survive.

Thoughts:
A very satisfying read, but not without its own share of heart breaking moments intricately weaved into a lightly humorous read centered around flawed by likeable characters with whom the reader can connect. Despite their misgivings, I was rooting for both Kyle and Lanie for the entire novel. Lanie's characterisation epitomises the devastating impacts of family rejection and parental notoriety, an interesting issue which the author delved into beneath the surface the unique romantic plot. A definite must-read for those who love relatively light and humorous romances where a player is reformed.

Rating:
5/5

Review: Before Jamaica Lane (On Dublin Street #3) by Samantha Lane

One simple lesson in seduction between two friends can turn into so much more…

Despite her outgoing demeanor, Olivia is painfully insecure around the opposite sex—usually, she can’t get up the nerve to approach guys she’s interested in. But moving to Edinburgh has given her a new start, and, after she develops a crush on a sexy postgrad, she decides it’s time to push past her fears and go after what she wants.

Nate Sawyer is a gorgeous player who never commits, but to his close friends, he’s as loyal as they come. So when Olivia turns to him with her relationship woes, he offers to instruct her in the art of flirting and to help her become more sexually confident.

The friendly education in seduction soon grows into an intense and hot romance. But then Nate’s past and commitment issues rear their ugly heads, and Olivia is left broken-hearted. When Nate realizes he’s made the biggest mistake of his life, he will have to work harder than he ever has before to entice his best friend into falling back in love with him—or he may lose her forever…

Thoughts:
This third installment in this successful series is the tale Nate and Olivia's friends-to-lovers romance. A happily ever after was never in doubt but the emotional journey there seen through the eyes of Olivia leaves the reader hanging onto every word and desiring to find out what happens next. While the storyline is seemingly familiar in this day and age of new adult publishing, the strength of the characters in this series and the flow of the narration gives the novel that extra stand-out spark. Nate's broken past and his denial of love for Olivia was realistically depicted against a backdrop of family and romantic drama amongst the other secondary characters. All the heartache, friendship, humour and romance reverberates through the reader as the author brings the loveable characters from 'On Dublin Street' back to life once again. Very nice to read on a lazy afternoon when you crave a romantic storyline that is not too heavy, not too light, but just right.

Rating:
4/5