Harlequin Super Romance is probably my favorite series line. I like the focus on realistic characters and real-life problems. But, I’m still a picky reader. I’m reluctant to buy HSR books without a specific recommendation, because I don’t really like books about babies and kidlets, and it seems like they’re everywhere in this category line. Even if you pick up a book that doesn’t seem to feature this plotline, you get halfway through and WHAP, there it is. And then there are the garden variety bad books – books with cardboard characters, silly plotlines, etc. It’s disappointing – and with a limited book budget and not much time to read, it bothers me to buy a book that turns out to be unsatisfying. So, I wait for recommendations. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get recommendations for HSR’s – it seems like most readers prefer Blazes and Presents (ick), and those are the ones that get reviewed. So, I never hear about the good HSR’s. I’m glad I heard about this one – even a fleeting comment on a discussion list is enough for me to give a book, so I’m not buying completely blind.
A Man To Rely On by Cindi Myers (HSR 1530)
(2008, Contemporary Series) 1/16/09
Grade: 4
Marisol was always the “bad girl” of Cedar Switch, Texas, until she left home at 16. After 20 years, she’s returned, but she’s now a single mother with a teenage daughter, and the death of her sports star husband has brought more scandal. Is she willing to give Scott Redmond a chance, even though he’s trying to rebuild his life after a stint in rehab?
Although the basic storyline was a bit predictable, the characters gave the familiar plot more depth and emotion. Marisol was a well drawn character, and it was nice to see her regaining her confidence and learning to put the past behind her. (Familiar story, but well done.) The hero is more unusual. Not only does he have a history of drug addiction, but he’s also struggling with anxiety attacks. Not a typical hero, but I found him compelling, and he has his own “rebuild my confidence” story. That made this book stand out from a lot of other category books. I also appreciated that the author didn’t fix everything with a bow on top at the end, although it felt a little rushed in the last pages. Overall, this was a very enjoyable and satisfying category read – a little predictable, but overall, a good read.
A storyline that might be a little thin for a full length book can be just right for a category. As long as the characters are well-drawn, I don’t mind a predictable plot, especially in a short book that doesn’t have room for a lot of plot exposition.
Karen Wheless
Latest posts by Karen Wheless (see all)
- Love Irresistibly by Julie James - June 18, 2013
- Vacation Reading - June 17, 2013
- The Way Home by Megan Chance - June 1, 2013