The second in this series that I have read, Zach is the Sullivan brother up for his chance at love, even when he has zero interest in finding it. Asked to ‘puppysit’ his brother’s new puppy, and Zach being so all about family, and good to animals agrees.
When Heather and her Great Dane Atlas appear to work with the puppy for her friend, Heather sees the ‘charming player’ side of Zach and instantly dislikes him. While Zach isn’t maliciously playing the field and avoiding commitment, losing his father when he was young has scarred him. He believes, and everyone tells him, that he is a double for his father, and won’t risk love because he honestly thinks he won’t be there forever: just like his father. For her part, Heather’s dislike is a gut reaction from her father’s bad behavior with his charm, his bad one liners and his cocky boy attitude.
It takes some doing, but Zach’s true personality starts to show through the gloss, by that time, Heather has decided she likes him. And the angst moves to their dealing with their own demons and deciding about their ability to trust in one another.
The roadblocks that Bella Andre writes for these characters are believable and realistic, and you can easily see the connection that the two are desperately trying to avoid and leave unacknowledged. When they finally do let their guard down, the scenes are electric and steamy, although I do have to ding the author for the lack of precautions taken during the sex scenes.
I’m enjoying this family, even though I was late to their party: and have put the earlier editions of the books into my tbr pile for my own pleasure reads. Fans of the series will appreciate Zach getting a story, and those new to the series can easily pick it up with this title and read backward as I intend to do.
Title: If You Were Mine
Author: Bella Andre
Genre: Literary Fiction /Family Saga
Published by: Harlequin
Format:eBook
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Pages: 194
Audio Length: 8 Hours: 17 minutes
Rated:
Get Your Copy: Amazon ♦ AllRomance ♦ Barnes&Noble ♦ iTunes ♦ Downpour ♦ IndieBound ♦ Google
The last thing Zach Sullivan wants is to take care of his brother's new puppy for two weeks. Until he meets the dog trainer, that is. Heather is bright, beautiful, and he can't stop thinking about her. Unfortunately, she just might be the only woman on earth who wants nothing to do with him.
Heather Linsey can't believe she's stuck working with one of the city’s top dogs, auto-shop mogul Zach Sullivan. Especially when his focus is clear from the start—not only to learn how to deal with his temporary puppy...but also to make her his. Having sworn off love at seventeen when she realized it was nothing more than a pack of lies, Heather has stuck to her vow never to fall for a charming man. The last thing she expects is for Zach to be the one to tempt her into believing again.
But as Heather's determination to push Zach away only fuels his determination to get closer—and the sensual and emotional connection between them grows more and more undeniable—can two people who've both sworn off love find forever in each other's arms?
A copy of this title was provided via Publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.