MARRY ME by Karen Stivali is not part of a series, but I wish it was because I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to read more about some of the other characters. This is a great story for fans who enjoy romances in which the hero pursues the heroine. If Ben was a different type of guy, MARRY ME might not be as enjoyable as it is. MARRY ME is a story that is all about the main characters and the evolution of their relationship, and the newness and feeling of wonder that it brings.

Ben Davis won me over from page one. Ben is a rock star, but his sincerity and tenderness in his single-minded pursuit of clothing designer Julia Jones is truly swoon- worthy. I like that Ben is a widower who knows what true love is, as well as the agony of losing that love. Rather than toying with Julia to feed his ego, Ben is genuinely smitten and it's a beautiful thing to behold. I love a hero with real charm and Ben is a fantasy with a British accent. Ben's courtship of Julia is delightful with surprisingly normal and intimate encounters, rather than an over-the-top seduction, to show how he's considerate of her needs.

Having this story told from two perspectives gives the reader a complete portrait of the main characters. Hearing Ben's true innermost thoughts makes him even more amazing than he would otherwise appear, and getting a peek at Julia's thoughts makes her actions, and desire to go slow in her relationship with Ben, more understandable. Instead of a villain trying to keep Ben and Julia apart, it is Julia's emotional baggage that she has to battle in order to find happiness with Ben. While Ben is nothing like Julia's abusive ex-boyfriend, his protective streak gives her pause.

MARRY ME is a frothy, flirty treat with a fun romance and a sexy rock star hero with a sweet side. Karen Stivali manages to strike the right balance between heavy emotional impact and sexy fun. I like Ben's buddies and would be very interested to read prequel stories about how they found love. I look forward to reading more contemporary romance by Karen Stivali.