"Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out - with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He's surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a toolbelt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except, apparently, Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper of his own Inn BoonsBoro...
As the former manager of a D.C. hotel, Hope is used to excitement and glamour, but that doesn't mean she can't appreciate the joys of small-town living. She's where she wants to be - except for in her love life. Her only interaction with the opposite sex has been sparring with the infuriating Ryder, who always seems to get under her skin. Still, no one can deny the electricity that crackles between them...a spark that ignited with a New Year's Eve kiss.
While the inn is running smoothly, thanks to Hope's experience and unerring instincts, her big-city past is about to make an unwelcome - and embarrassing - appearance. Seeing Hope vulnerable stirs up Ryder's emotions and makes him realize that while Hope may not be perfect, she just might be perfect for him..." (Description from Goodreads.com)
I recently found myself in another book hangover. Everything I picked up to read just didn't hit the mark. It wasn't the book, honestly, it was me. I needed something familiar, like talking to an old friend when you're in a funk. So, I decided on Nora Roberts and the Boonsboro Inn Trilogy.
Of the three books, book 3, The Perfect Hope was my favorite. Why? It didn't hit the usual formula...Girl and guy meet, fall in love, fight, make-u, and get married. I loved the unique formula of this book. Cranky Ryder and Beauty Queen Hope. Two descriptions that don't even begin to describe the many layers of these characters. One can say that the beginning of their relationship wasn't storybook at all. They both can't decide if they like the other. Yes, they're attracted but do they really like the personality of the other? I loved watching the relationship of these two characters develop from snippy/snooty to interest to like to love. All the ups and downs that happen with a developing relationship without the major fight author's use as a story device. Sure they're a part where both character's are fist shaking at the other but nothing more serious than that.
What I liked about Hope is her strength and personality. She's a Type A personality, something I can relate to but she's also flexible within her order. She learned from past mistakes that really can't be considered her mistake when mislead as she was.
Ryder...who doesn't love a man who loves his dog and can handle power tools? I could stop there but he's gruff personality is just a layer under sweetness in his own sort of way. He's also has a great relationship with his brothers and family. Honestly, you don't see that often in Fiction, a decent relationship all around in the family. He's also not one to handle tears and I loved his mother's reaction to that. She's an awesome book mom!
If we have someone come into the library looking for a romantic book with some comedic ties, I always recommend this series. I usually get the response, "well Nora can sometimes be formulaic." I can't disagree more with this series. It's sweet, romantic with nice arcs throughout the series. Plus you just marvel at these boys and their girls and the wonderful family ties they have and create.
After finishing The Perfect Hope, I feel refreshed and ready to hit a new book again. It looks like that chat with an old friend helped me get excited for new books that are waiting to be read.
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