sweet ( )

Felt the ending was a bit rushed, but over all I really liked this book. ( )

[Review of a free advance copy.]

I enjoyed this romance, as I've enjoyed other books (albeit historicals) I've read by Linda Lael Miller. I discovered as I read that this was the third in a series about three brothers pairing up with three sisters. I'd not read the first two, but the love story stood up fine on its own merits. Completists would no doubt prefer to read the stories in order though.

Miller's books are always very engaging, and she kept my interest even though I had severe doubts right at the start about the premise (the brothers & sisters bit) and my ability to suspend disbelief. As it was, the romance between the hero and heroine was believable: childhood sweethearts who got too serious, too soon, meeting again as adults and having to get along.... all the while dealing with their mutual attraction at the same time as conflicting emotions from past betrayal.

The hero and heroine were both imperfect and likeable. Austin's affinity with animals was just the right side of corny, and melted my heart. I could love a man who took such good care of a stray dog. His solid family circle and comfortable financial circumstances wouldn't hurt either. ( )