Re-Released: May 27, 2014 by Belle Bridge Books
Find it at: Amazon
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Titles & release dates of next 3 books:
- Totally Yours - July, 2014
- Lifetime Investment - Sept. 2014
- From This Day Forward - Nov. 2014
Synopsis:
Charlene “Charley” Carter risked her life to rescue a child from a burning car. Suddenly, the quiet research assistant becomes a media darling—and a half-million dollars richer, thanks to the boy’s grateful grandparents. But big money brings big moochers and bigger betrayals. Charley retreats, wounded and suspicious about the motives of even those dearest to her.
He doesn’t trust that she’s for real . . .Jess McMasters exposes frauds for a living, and if it means using his charms as well as his tough skills as a journalist, no problem. What’s Charlene Carter trying to gain by refusing to be interviewed by the press? Is she angling for more money—or is she hiding secrets that prove she’s nobody’s hero?
Jess goes undercover to get close to her, but the closer he gets, the less he understands. Except this: the cost for his deception could be his own heart.
My Review:
Love's Own Reward is a timeless contemporary romance that had me quickly turning pages as I became engrossed in this couple's story. A horrific accident brings about Jess & Charley's first meeting, though she will not remember that meeting for some time. Afterwards, she is hounded by a sea of reporters, each looking for their next big story and for the moment, she is it. Charley is both a hero and a half million dollars richer - all because of saving a young child from a burning car. Everyone wants a slice of her pie...and everyone wants to know what she plans to do with the money? Extravagant shopping trips? New cars? Exotic vacations? Jess seems to be in the right place at the right time to rescue Charley from the horde of piranhas vying for her story and money. Coincidence or carefully planned? Is her rescuer too good to be true? He admits to being a writer and professor, so what secret is Jess hiding from Charley that begins eating him alive as their relationship develops? Can a relationship founded on half truths survive? What is the ultimate cost of deception?
What a beautiful story about trusting enough to open your mind and heart to possibilities - to what can be if you're willing to let go and live life - love enough, trust enough, and yes, even forgive enough. Charley has lived her life caring for everyone else - she's learning to let go and live her own dreams. I loved watching her transformation from a shy, innocent victim of circumstance to a take charge of her own happiness woman. Jess has lived his life being someone he's not very proud of, and he's been burned by love before - he knows it doesn't last. Both of them fear betrayal most of all, as they explore the possibility of a future together. Promises are made but is a promise binding when it is pledged without knowing the whole truth? The tension and suspense continue building in this one as the reader is privy to the truth that Jess fights to keep hidden and the devastating effect it will have on Charley when it is ultimately revealed. My heart raced through the latter pages as I watched it all unravel and was screaming, "For God's sakes, Jess, tell her the truth!"
Love's Own Reward is beautifully written, mesmerizing, and emotionally touching - a lesson in redemption and forgiveness. Be prepare for it to engage you, seduce you, break your heart, give you hope, and make you laugh. I loved the humorous banter between characters that I have come to know as a trademark of author Nancy Gideon. Kudos to the author for also bringing much deserved attention to the disease, diabetes, through the warm, funny character of Robert - Charley's brother. He's the perfect role model of what it means to live life with the disease instead of letting it steal your life from you. This is a must read for fans of romance...contemporary or otherwise. I eagerly await the release of the next 3 books in this line by Dana Ransom.
My Rating: 4 Beautiful ♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!
Cross My Heart...xxx
Sandra
Quotes:
"If you expect breakfast from me, in the future you'll have those neat little microwavable deals in the freezer," she told him haughtily as she picked her way around the egg remains."
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"Have you some unhealthy fondness for ladies' underwear, Mr. McMasters?"
"Only when the ladies are still in it, Miss Carter."
"Then there's nothing in this sack that should interest you."
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"You didn't strike me as the expensive-jewelry type," he commented mildly.
"Oh, I'm not." She laughed with a touch of embarrassment. "Just these. I've always wanted some just like these."
"Then get them."
Carefully Charley positioned the earrings back on their tray. "Not this time. I don't want to buy up all my dreams. I won't have anything to look forward to."
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She'd brought something wild and wounded into her home, into her heart, and there was a definite possibility she could end up torn to shreds.
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"What about your promise?"
Charley knocked his arm away. So embroiled in her own misery, she had no idea what he was talking about. "Some promises can't be kept."
