Review: Her Perfect Man, Book 3 of The Man Series by Nona Raines

Title:  Her Perfect Man
Author:  Nona Raines
Format:  eBook
Publisher:  Scarlet
Pages:  219
ISBN:   B008E95CFW
Source:   Author
Genre:   Contemporary Erotic Romance
Series:  The Man Series: Book 3
Best Read in Order:  Not Required
Stars:  5
Flames:  4

About the Book:

Kim Hansen has terrible luck with men. When her sexy downstairs neighbor shows a more-than-neighborly interest in her, she’s suspicious. She’s been burned too many times, by too many guys. Charlie Keller is smart, hot and successful–so what does he want with her besides a few nights of pleasure? 

Though Kim does her best to shut him down, Charlie’s not put off by her attitude. He doesn’t scare easy. Kim thinks she’s clever, using sex to keep him off guard and to maintain her emotional distance. But Charlie sees through her prickly exterior to her tender heart beneath. 

But Kim needs to be won over. Sure, their bedroom action is awesome, but given her past mistakes, she’s convinced that Charlie is too good to be true. Just too perfect. But if Charlie has his way, he’ll prove that he’s the perfect man for her.

 

My Review:

My favorite of the 3 books I have read by this author, Her Perfect Man combines the tightly woven story that integrates well-defined characters that are not at first glance likable, with a romance with their “one”.   Taking Kim, a heroine that is bratty and snarky with a penchant for acting out, she is created with a depth that leads you to discovering the why, and wanting to root for her.   Although there are times you want to reach in and slap her, the underlying sadness and insecurities combine to create a character that you want to cheer on to her happy ending.

This story carries a bit more conflict and upheaval than the others, some even bringing the reader to tears: but the underlying conviction that this couple is meant for each other is sweetly rewarded and reinforced, despite obstacles thrown in the way.  While there are sex scenes detailed in this story – they really do take a backseat to the emotional connection in the relationship, how Kim and Charlie deal with their own issues, and what those issues bring to their relationship.  That is not to say the scenes aren’t hot: they are, decidedly so.  But, this book is so carried forward by the relationship and character development that they would not be missed if they were omitted.  The books in this series stand beautifully on their own merit with tightly crafted writing and well developed characters – but you will want to read all three.

I received the eBook copy from the Jeep Diva for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.

 

               

Author Bio: Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up “The Flame and the Flower” by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she’s not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She’s been writing off and on for years, but it was only when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association that she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript.

Nona lives in upstate New York with her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. A former librarian, she enjoys reading books of all genres and discussing them with others. She is thrilled to finally be able to call herself an author and looks forward to hearing from readers.

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Excerpt:

Kim pulled open the door and began “Look, I just want to…” Her voice trailed off and her mouth went dry as she got a good look at him. This was Charlie?

Gone was the preppy polo shirt he’d had on last night. Today he wore a black T-shirt that stretched tightly over his chest. A warm, hard chest that she remembered touching last night. Kim’s heart thumped.

He’d changed last night’s Dockers for a pair of jeans that hugged his thighs. Heat flashed through her as she recalled sitting on his lap and how hard he’d been for her. Oh, God, she couldn’t help it. Her gaze went to his package, which filled the front of his jeans beautifully.

Her eyes flashed to his. “You like?” he asked. The same words she said to him last night.

She opened her mouth, but no words came out. He was the same man, but different. And not only had the clothing changed, so had his demeanor. This Charlie was not the geeky schoolteacher or the helpful downstairs neighbor. This Charlie was a really hot guy. And from the way his blue eyes lasered her, he thought she was hot, too.

“Are you sober now?” His voice was taut.

“Huh?” She blinked. “Yeah.”

“Good.” Before Kim had time to wonder at his question or feel insulted by it, he stepped inside, kicked the door shut and hauled her into his arms.

He didn’t so much kiss her as devour her—as though he were taking up from where they left off last night, before his conscience made him leave. Kim had no trouble catching up.