A competition between two best friends is the backbone of this contemporary romance from Liz Kelly, the first in her Heroes of Henderson series, narrated by Charles Lawrence.  Please read on for my review of

Good Cop

I like small town settings: the struggle that characters experience in changing or altering their direction and personalities, not to mention gentle nudges to potential couples does often come into play. Brooks and Vance have never left town: and have managed to continue that childish competition from high school and macho posing into adulthood: even if the time for this is gone.

Brooks’ intentions are to make Henderson somewhere people WANT to be, and he truly is, in many regards, a throwback to a simpler time.  Vince is actually a bit more stuck in the high school mentality, and never met a woman he wouldn’t make a play for.

Lolly is back in Henderson for the summer, there are decisions to be made, and she’s ripe for a summer fling.  It’s safe back home, and who knows, with two of the hottest men in town…..

This is a pure candyfloss read, enjoyable and light, with a perfect mix of humor and steam, with low angst at the core. Brooks was completely developed and came forward as a solid character. Vance was more of a prototypical stuck in high school in thought, act and deed sort, and really had few redeeming features, with his competitive streak (it’s a girl –not a ball) most annoying.  And Lolly – clueless and rather callous, not intentionally but a thoughtless streak (and lack of remorse that extended to an apology) were her constant companions.  I thought that Brooks could do better, but he seems to like (and expect) a level of immaturity from his friends and lovers.

Narration for this story was provided by Charles Lawrence, the second title from him I’ve listened to. His work is wonderfully skilled, nuances and changes in delivery, pitch and tone clearly present each character’s part in the story, care is taken to allow listeners to absorb moments of import, and there was no over-acting or overreach for Lolly’s voice.  Clearly skilled, his performance added to the story.

Overall – this isn’t a bad story: it’s light, it’s fun and everyone has met their own fair shares of Lollys and Vances.  Brooks was the standout character in this story, with his solid ties to honorable behavior and a palpable sense of wanting to do the right thing.  It’s a summer fling of a title, clever, intriguing, enjoyable and fun.

Stars:  Overall:  3  Narration: 4 Story: 3