LOVE ME AGAIN is book 7 in Jaci Burton's Hope
series. I
think readers like me, who haven't read previous books in
this series, will be able to enjoy LOVE ME AGAIN as a
standalone romance. The many supporting characters
charmed me, and I look forward to going back and reading
their stories. LOVE ME AGAIN is perfect for romance fans
who enjoy second chance-at-love stories -- especially ones
with "young love" backstories. Loretta Simmons and Deacon
Fox were high school sweethearts before parental
interference, and the uncertainty that comes with being
teenagers, tore them apart. Now that Loretta is back in
her hometown with her nine-year-old daughter, seeing
Deacon again brings back strong emotions and unexpected
complications.
At the beginning of LOVE ME AGAIN, it appears as though
Deacon will have the hardest time moving on from past
hurts but, as the story progresses, Loretta has some
unexpected unresolved emotional issues. Telling this
story from alternating perspectives gives greater insight
into the main characters and makes them easier for the
reader to relate to. I love that Loretta and Deacon do a
lot of talking and hanging out having fun, and getting
reacquainted before sexual fireworks happen. The way
Deacon acts like a second father to Loretta's daughter
Hazel, in place of her biological yet largely absent
father, makes you melt for Deacon just a little bit more.
Jaci Burton does a superb job of balancing the occasional
weighty emotional baggage, with humor and scintillating
sex scenes.
LOVE ME AGAIN hits all the right notes and makes for a
dazzling romance to remember. All the support Loretta
gets from her new friends, after some nastiness from her
old friends, is one of the things I love about small town
romances. The friendships in LOVE ME AGAIN are realistic
and are a big part of what makes this book so delightful.
In LOVE ME AGAIN, Jaci Burton makes splendid use of child
and pet characters without making them seem nauseatingly
sweet. Town newbie Josie is a fun character and I look
forward to reading more about her in a future Jaci Burton
book.
In the latest novel from the New York Times
bestselling author of Don’t Let Go, it’s never too
late for a second chance at first love...
When Loretta Simmons returns to Hope, Oklahoma, after a
disastrous marriage, she’s determined to remain independent
for the sake of her daughter. The only thing standing in her
way is Deacon Fox—the man she loved and walked away from
years ago.
Since Loretta owns the bookstore right next to his current
renovation project, Deacon can’t escape the woman who broke
his heart. Throw in her adorable little girl and one
ridiculously oversized dog, and they’re almost a family.
Only he can’t be that guy—what they had was once in a lifetime.
But love has a funny way of reopening a door you thought was
firmly closed...