ARC Book Review: Talk Of The Town

Author: Beth Andrews
Title: Talk Of The Town
Publisher: Harlequin Superromance
Publish Date: April 2, 2013
Preorder: Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley 

Book Blurb: 

Shady Grove—where everyone knows your secrets Once, Neil Pettit was the only thing Maddie Montesano wanted. She tried every trick in the book to keep him, but no luck. It took some time—and a lot of holding her head up while the town gossiped—but she's made a good life for herself and her daughter.

Now, Neil's back and is trying to be the father he never was. Maddie so doesn't need this kind of disruption. Not when the crazy attraction she's spent years ignoring still sizzles between them. The temptation to give in and have Neil again is strong. And when he offers that dream of forever she'd abandoned, well, she might give this town something new to talk about….

Review: The superromance line is getting a bit edgier with their stories these days. There are a lot of topics I'd never expect to see in a Harlequin in some of the stories in this imprint and Talk Of The Town as a few.

First let me say, that while I enjoyed this story, it didn't wow me or give me any warm fuzzy feelings that I usually get when I read a Harlequin novel.

Allow me to explain.

What I liked about this book:

The characters, especially Maddie and Bree were very real. They did things that regular people do. Bree is 11 and overweight and Bree likes to be in control. Actually of all the characters in this book, Bree is the character you really come to love the most.

The romance really took a backseat here. I know its odd that I like that about this romance novel, but there were so many situations going on that too much of a lovefest would have ruined the story.

Can I get a Yay! for another book set in Pennsylvania in the area between Erie and Pittsburgh? Woo hoo!

I loved the family elements in this book but I think more time was needed for Neil and Maddie to get back together in a way that didn't feel rushed.

What I didn't like about this book:

Neil and Maddie's relationship just didn't work for me. I saw no reason for them to get together, when they were so far apart to start with and when they finally get together for sex, well..it didn't work for me.

I love hockey but I'd love a hero to not be super rich etc. Somehow Neil's being a Stanley Cup winning player took away from the down home feel of the book.

Oh and Neil didn't have a clue, he was such an idiot. I had a hard time liking him. Actually Maddie was hard headed too, and when you learn a little secret she was keeping, she's even harder to like.

Rating: 3 flowers