Alex Coulter is a sharp and strong young woman who started her own moving business rather than go to college.  Although this caused an estrangement with her parents she has been able to build a reliable business with the help of some good friends. Of course running a business tends to keep Alex busy and she doesn’t get to meet many interesting men.  Too often the men she does meet either don’t believe that she really built the business, and works it herself, or they think she needs to give up the work, get married and let a strong man handle things for her.  Obviously - neither of these will do!  Alex doesn’t need to be rescued by a man and she sure doesn’t want one who thinks she is lying about her work.  She believes in honesty above all things especially since she feels she was betrayed by her own family.

Jacob Edward Chamberlain, Jr., is a handsome patent attorney and son of a gubernatorial candidate. He is used to a high society type of lifestyle.  He goes to his office to secure secrets but finds Alex and her crew already there ready to start the office move.  He is intrigued by Alex from the get go but starts out on the wrong foot.  He poses as a temporary helper, introducing himself as “J.J.” instead of revealing who he really is.  When he decides he wants to get to know Alex on a personal level he has to overcome his initial deception to get past her barriers!

It was fun to read how Alex and Jacob challenge each other to step out of their comfort zones to try new experiences!! Their friendship starts to grow closer in a sweet way until a misunderstanding causes Alex to retreat again.  They are both very likable characters and it is hard to feel the insecurity and defensiveness that surround Alex and threaten to prevent their relationship from moving forward and growing.  Jacob thinks Alex is longing for her family so he sets up a surprise meeting between with her parents. His good intent blows up in his face when Alex reacts badly, feeling manipulated and deceived yet again!  The writing is fun and the story moves along quickly.

How is J.J. going to get Alex to reconcile with her parents when she won’t reconcile with him either?!  Will Alex be able to get past her hurt and distrust so their fun companionship and sweet caring can have a chance?  Read and enjoy the book to find out!  I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Sheard.

Filed Under: April 2009 Reviews The Wild Rose Press	About the Book: Genre: contemporary ISBN: 1-60154-416-2 Page Count: 160 Price: $ 4.50 Reviewer: MarthaE
	Sensuality Rating: Sweet Star Rating: 4 Stars