Fun, but full of angst, Freeman delivers a story with a good mix of drama, humor, and feels.
*****
by Kathryn Freeman
Blurb:
Mia Abbott’s move to Manchester was supposed to give her time and space from all the disastrous romantic choices she’s made in her past. But then the hot guy who lives opposite – the one who works out every day at exactly 10 a.m., not that Mia has noticed thank-you-very-much – starts leaving notes in his window…for her.
Bar owner Luke Doyle has his own issues to deal with but as he shows Mia the sites of her new city he also shows her what real romance looks like for the first time. And when he cooks up a signature cocktail in her honour, she realises that the man behind the bar is even more enticing than any of his creations. And once she’s had a taste she knows it will never be enough!
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08MX8VJX1
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MX8VJX1
*****
Review:
I’ve seen quite a few complaints about how often Mia is talked about as being “different” than the other girls. It didn’t bother me as such, I just saw it as part of how poorly she thought of herself and ties directly to her past troubles on the romance front. She’s got all sorts of issues, with believing in herself & in others, and it creates plenty of ups & downs. But with patience, and help, she may figure it out.
It’s enjoyable getting to know Luke as Mia does, seeing how he’s turned into the good time guy he is today and the big-heart that he hides underneath his easy smile. He’s fun and funny, a good friend and has plenty of potential to be a great partner. While the reformed rake is an oft-used romance plot, I felt that Freeman does it pretty well. We understand why he’s the way he is and that he’s just been waiting for the right person to shake him up, to get him to see his life a little differently, and to want something more.
You definitely have to be in the mood for a bit of drama to enjoy Freeman’s latest. Both Mia and Luke have been burned in the past and are letting it affect their current romantic choices – trust issues, ex issues, self-esteem problems … the road to a HEA has quite a few bumps but Mr Right Across the Street delivers plenty of smiles as well!
*****
A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a sexy hero.
With a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn’t always about hearts and flowers – and heroes come in many disguises.
Website: http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynfreeman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1
*****