LIFE REWRITTEN by Margaret Watson

Publisher: Harlequin SuperRomance
Date Published: November 2010
ISBN: 9780373716739
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Lil
Obtained via Publisher


Wild child, hedonist, flamboyant, and sexy rebel. These were just a few of the words that described the seductive chanteuse/drummer of the Redheaded Stepsisters. No one in the world would look at Delaney Spencer and be able to recognise her as the famed Chantal. After all, she wasn’t that woman any more. It had taken her a long time to get clean, to get sober, to create a new life for herself. Now she is an upstanding citizen in a cozy community, known for her skill as a carpenter and playing at a bar with a local band.

Her quiet existence is threatened when the brother of her late lover finds her and demands she release songs that Chantal and Diesel had made together. These heretofore unreleased pieces would earn a fortune and secure the future for the two children Diesel had left behind.

Sam McCabe has his work cut out for him. He may be an impromptu parent but his convictions run deep to ensure that the kids get what they need. Unfortunately, in order to save his niece and nephew, he must shove an unexpectedly wonderful woman into the spotlight from which she has been hiding.

There is much to adore about this romance, the main one being characters that are so much like real life that you wish you could visit Otter Tail, Wisconsin and meet them. It is rare to see a romance heroine who is struggling with alcoholism. That she is down to earth, pragmatic, as well as, emotionally wise is an absolute treat. The hero, on the other hand, knows himself less than one expects in reading such books. Sam hasn’t a clue how to care for the children he has under his care. He clearly loves them but in a genuinely inept and distanced manner. To see him learn about the kids and what he wants to be for them under the guidance of Delaney was heart-warming. To see him become aware of what he wants to be for the woman he once attributed to the downfall of his beloved brother will make you melt.

One should add that this story also handled the tug-of-war aspect of kids caught in the crossfire of their parents’ relationship. Such serious of an issue is handled deftly and with empathy shown to each party.

For all of the weight to the issues, this is a romance to relax with and blissfully while away the time.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

AN UNLIKELY SETUP by Margaret Watson

Publisher: Harlequin Super Romance
Publication Date: January 2010
ISBN: 978-0373716081
Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via publisher



Maddie needs money, a lot of it and quickly. So when her godfather leaves her his pub in his will, her plan is to sell it to the highest bidder. The problem is that Quinn, her former crush from her teenage years, has been running the pub and her godfather had promised to sell it to him before he died…and for a lot less money than what Maddie needs to pay off her depts. She would love to just sell it to Quinn if only he could come up with more money, and be done with it so she can get out of this small town and back to Chicago…before her attraction to Quinn is re-ignited and she loses everything by doing something stupid!


While I felt for Maddie’s financial problems, she really brought them on herself. Who is to say she would be smarter the second time around if she was able to un-bury herself at Quinn’s expense? That was my thought throughout the book. Therefore, my heart went out to Quinn much more than it did to Maddie. Ok, I must admit too, that I had a mini-crush on Quinn. He sounds just YUMMY! Hey Harlequin, how about a shirtless cover art for Quinn next time, eh? Too late? Bummer. Oh well. But I must say he came across at times as a spoiled brat, but he had good reason. And Maddie pulled some Jr. Highish pranks that while amusing, were a little beneath her, I felt.

I was bummed when Ms Watson penned the fire. I felt that was totally unnecessary and extremely sad. It rather irritated me actually. What a waste. But at least the ending was satisfactory.




THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW