I haven’t had good luck with series books lately – in addition to the ones I’ve posted about here, there have been a dozen more that I couldn’t even finish. I started to think that I should give up on Harlequin altogether. This book gave me some reassurance that there are still good series books out there, despite its flaws.
The Best Revenge by Justine Davis (SRS 1597)
(2010, Contemporary Series)
Grade: 3.5
Jessa Hill doesn’t really want to be the mayor on her small town, but she’s determined to fight against Albert Alden, the slick politician who hides an evil secret – the supposed death of his son, Jessa’s childhood friend. But when Dameron St. John appears at her doorstep, offering to help, she’s not sure what to think, except that he seems strangely familiar…
This book had quite a few things going for it. Justine Davis is an excellent writer, and the plot was satisfying. The characters were interesting and well written, particularly St. John. I could point out the flaws – the plot was cliched and predictable, the endless praise of Redstone was irritating – but in the end, I wanted to keep reading. I was invested in these characters and wanted them to succeed and find happiness. That means more than a few flaws, at least enough to give it an above-average grade.
I’ve liked Justine Davis since The Morning Side of Dawn (and even before that with The Skypirate) but her books continue to be hit-or-miss with me. I like her characters but don’t care for the quasi-military action books she’s been writing lately.
Karen Wheless
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