ARC Review: Almost Hitched (Clover Park Studs) by Kylie Gilmore
Ian and Kate are back to bring their unconventional and at times awkward love story to a hilarious conclusion. Almost Hitched is the adorable companion to Almost Romance. Time and distance are still a road block for these love birds. Add in commitment and co- habitation, the mishaps get bigger and funnier. Kylie Gilmore, has so much fun developing her characters. Her witty dialogue and eclectic characters are evidence. Almost Hitched is a chance to revisit great characters and discover new friends in a world that is full of humor and heart. ( )

Kylie went against the normal romance book with this one. A "normal" romance follows boy meets girl, boy proposes to girl, boy & girl get married & live happily ever after. Kylie took the approach of showing a true to life romance.

Kate & Ian have been dating for three months when Kate unexpectedly proposes to Ian. Ian immediately gets cold feet but feels bad & keeps going along with everything. Kate & Ioan decide to move in together while they are waiting to hear if Kate gets the fellowship that will take her abroad for a year. Ian has given into Kate's need to run an experiment even though it makes him uneasy.

This book really gets into what makes a relationship work. Kylie gives detailed examples of the effect a lack of communication, honesty & trust can have on a relationship. Ian & Kate both end up admitting they each had faults & worked to resolve the issues or find a compromise. They both ended up growing & maturing personally as well as a couple. Kylie's descriptive narrative, complex characters & detailed plot kept things moving through the twists & turns & conflicts that threaten to derail this relationship. She basically made you aware that all relationships require work. I was very impressed by the writing, detail & realism in this book. Even though it is part of the Clover Park series, it can be read as a stand alone.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest opinion. ( )