Publisher: Forever
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: NetGalley
Reviewer: MinnChica
The Bad Boy Is Back
Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what’s worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.
Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend’s memory to help Evan and his son find their way again, but she can’t stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan’s mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone-until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they’re brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts . . .
*Blurb from Goodreads*
I have to admit that the first thing that drew me to this book was the cover. I just love how sexy it is, and it made me want to pick it up and find out all about the bad boy.
Evan married the love of his life, Rae, but when she died suddenly his world turned upside down. Moving back to the small town where he spent his childhood summers is the fresh start he needs, especially since he’ll be close to Charlotte, his dead wife’s best friend, and “aunt” to his little boy.
Charlotte always crushed on Evan, and having him back to town is bringing up all those old feelings. But she isn’t sure she should be feeling that way toward her best friends’ husband, regardless of the fact she’s dead. But the attraction between them is too strong for Charlotte to ignore, and she and Evan will embark on a relationship that has the potential to be so much more than either expected.
I’m always a little hesitant to read books about dead spouses, because I think that many authors struggle with portraying the dead in a way that allows the new significant other to be accepted. However, I really liked the Lemmon made a point of making sure that as the reader, you loved both Charlotte and Rae for very different reasons. She didn’t make one woman better than the other, more loving, more accepting, or anything else. They were just very different women, both who loved and suited Evan well. I also really liked the way that Charlotte struggled with her feelings to Evan, and how she felt getting close to him. It was real and honest and so heartbreaking and sweet to read.
While Charlotte stole the show for me, I did really like Evan as well. He was kind and caring and a super amazing dad. On top of it all, he had accepted the fact that his wife was dead and was ready to move into a new relationship. I loved the way he pursued Charlotte. He was dedicated and persistent, and yet he also backed off when he realized it was what she needed. I loved the way he had to help Charlotte get over her guilt at having feelings for him, and show her that just because he was married to her friend first, didn’t mean they couldn’t love each other now. I thought that was just really special about him.
I thought their romance, while a bit slow, was perfect for them. They did seem to get physical faster than I expected, and their emotions took what seemed like FOREVER to catch up to what their bodies already knew. I also thought the way Lemmon incorporated Evan’s son into their dynamic was perfect. Again, sometimes having small kids in a romance book doesn’t work, but Lemmon did an amazing job incorporating just the right amount of romance and family balance.
All in all I thought my first read from Lemmon was a huge success. I loved the characters and I can’t wait to find out how some of the secondary characters get their HEA. The romance was wonderful, the story was told beautifully, and I can’t wait to pick up more from this author!
I give Bringing Home The Bad Boy a B+
Sounds good! Adding it to my wishlist for when I want new contemporary authors 🙂