This was a very sweet, and a little bit different, marriage of convenience romance. You find out the convenience is one that is what you’d think was a small type of thing, but really is big when you think about it. It has to do with health insurance. Such a crazy thing, but something that is so needed, especially when you have an unexpected health issue and are self-insured. Melena had gone into business for herself, even moving a little ways from her family so she didn’t feel guilty if they decided to just help her out and give her the money when she needed things. And I get that. I have a wonderful family who is there to help me out whenever I need it. But I wonder if some of the reason I get into financial trouble at times is because I have that help. But not complaining, I’m very grateful and wouldn’t give my family up for anything.

Jimmy, oh Jimmy made me swoon. He was the perfect guy I think. I mean, firefighter, so hot guy, check. And then sweet, offering to take care of Melena in that way? Plus he was a good cook. Pretty please can I have my own Jimmy? True, there was the spark between them, and that’s why he was so ready to settle down with her, but he wanted a house, and that was what he was getting out of the marriage with Melena. It was interesting reading about how they had to write a letter to win the bid on the house they wanted, because I had to do that to get my house. I’d never heard of people doing that until about 2 years ago when I was trying to get my current house in the early stages of this crazy housing market we have right now. I also have to mention that in my head, I pictured Jimmy as a guy I know who is a firefighter, so it might have made this a little bit personal for me.

The steaminess was a lot of waiting and once in awhile a bit of temptation and thoughts of what they were wanting, because Melena’s heart condition, among other things, meant they had to take it slow. The story had a few dramatic points, but overall just seemed like a really, really realistic real life story, without drama for drama’s sake. Misunderstandings due to lack of communication was also realistic in my opinion. Both of them gave little hints, but never came out and said the specifics, worrying about putting themselves out there if the other didn’t feel the same. But I feel the little hints and all that they gave were ones people might do in real life, and it wasn’t completely just blowing off the other person and making them think they weren’t interested in more than the year they’d originally agreed on.

Again, a very sweet story, and I hope to read more by this author in the future!

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.