ALL OF ME

Author: Lori Wilde ISBN: 9780446502054 4/2009 PARANORMAL Publisher: GRAND CENTRAL

Can two broken hearts become one? Attorney Jillian Samuels doesn't believe in true love and never, ever wished for happily ever after. But when a searing betrayal leaves her jobless and heartbroken, a newly inherited cottage in Salvation, Colorado, seems to offer a fresh start. What she finds when she arrives shocks her: the most gorgeous and infuriating man she's ever met is living in her home! Tuck Manning was a gifted architect who left a skyrocketing career to care for his dying wife. But the life he's made for himself in this quiet town is turned upside down when Jillian appears on his doorstep. Tuck won't go without a fight, and the two resolve to live as roommates until they can untangle who owns the cottage. Yet as Tuck and Jillian's days—and nights—heat up, they realize more than propery rights are at stake...and that sometimes, salvation comes when you least expect it.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Have you ever opened a book expecting one sort of story, only to find you’ve got something entirely different in your hands? That’s what happened to me with this book. I thought ALL OF ME would be a light-hearted romance, one of those quickly read, easily forgotten stories that would be amusing, but not particularly thought-provoking. Boy, was I wrong!

While ALL OF ME is a romance, with all the inherent girl-meets-boy action, it is by no means forgettable. And it did give me lots to think about.

Jillian has been burned by life. She is no stranger to loss or heartbreak. When her mentor dies unexpectedly, she inherits a seen-better-days cottage in a town a long way from where she’s currently existing rather than living, she takes a chance and moves lock, stock and barrel. She does a complete turnaround, making herself take chances and experience things she’s been too controlled to do before. One of the biggest plunges Jillian takes is adopting a stray dog. They seem to need each other, and since neither has anyone who cares where they are or what they do, they are a perfect match. All of Jillian’s troubles seem to fall behind her and her canine companion on the journey to Salvation, but once she finds the dilapidated house she encounters a new problem—one who is sleeping on the sofa, clad only in his briefs, in her newly-inherited home. Tuck is gorgeous, but he’s got as much baggage as muscle. Instantly he and Jillian butt heads over who truly owns the cottage.

What I particularly enjoyed about this story is the sense of magic it holds. I mean that literally. An enchanted wedding veil, as well as a vision in a smoke lodge, are things not generally found in light romantic reads. The fact that they are integral to this plot adds a dimension that makes it particularly engaging.

Tuck and Jillian are characters who are not easily forgotten. Both have suffered greatly, so watching them find their way to happiness—despite their stubborn refusal to acknowledge their growing attraction—is definitely satisfying.

A highly entertaining romantic tale!

Kay James