It's going to sound like I didn't like this book, but that is SO far from the truth :) Dade delivers a sweet, small-town romance with great characters, entertaining interactions, and an easy-to-read voice.

A couple of things did bother me, though. I think that Helen's expectations of her initial hookup with Wes are a little unrealistic. Luckily Dade has her recognize this and it helps to make her a little more normal. She seems to think that it is the start of something grand but she has a 5 minute conversation in a bar (with a man that doesn't even know her name) and then they are off to bed. It is hurtful when things go sour so quickly but it isn't all that unexpected. Wes does recognize that he messes up and tries to make up for it, but only after he's got himself straightened out, which I think is admirable.

At that point, they are thrown together to work on a project and Wes wants to have another chance. Unfortunately for him, Helen is hurt and not willing to risk her heart again. Luckily for him, though, he's able to charm her into trying to be friends. Here's my other complaint - I really wish we'd been given a glimpse of their interactions during those 2 months. There are a few references but I feel like I missed out on something by not seeing that part. They develop a deepening relationship that we don't get to experience and their interactions we do get are so much fun that I want even more. I want to be there for the funny stories and the charming moments, getting a chance to see them fall for each other.

Having said that, the rest of Mayday really made me happy. I like that Wes took his time to woo her, even if Helen didn't realize that was what he was doing. I also like how real the characters felt - with insecurities and difficulties that made them even more human. We get their disastrous first encounter, followed by a not much better re-introduction, and then the struggle to figure out if they can make their lives somehow fit together. It's totally a real life thing - two people who have feelings for each other but with their own hopes, dreams, & baggage. Is it possible to make them work or are they fated to part ways?

(Even though this is the third book in the series, this one can stand on its own ... although, with a few hints here, I'm definitely curious what trouble the other librarians got into while falling in love.)

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.