Keepsake
By Sarina Bowen
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TEST

I wanted to love this book. I’ve liked the other two books in the series despite my normal “eh” response to most New Adult. I’ve liked the hero, Zach, in the other books and love the “virgin hero” trope.

But, it was not to be. For starters, the premise of this book didn’t work for me. The heroine, Lark (she’s the best friend of May for those who’ve read the books), comes to the farm to recover from being kidnapped for ransom while working for a non-profit in Guatemala. She’s now back, struggling with PTSD, and trying to make peace with what happened there.

But although the book is written in alternating first person, I couldn’t quite apprehend Lark. (And the way her kidnapping experience played out didn’t seem viable.) She stayed stuck in the pages for me. I didn’t know her and I found her hard to care about.

I, however, loved Zach. His voice rings true and authentic and his life, as he tells it, is engaging and unusual. I even bought his falling in love at first sight with Lark. He is a wonderful man and it was lovely to watch him discover sex and intimacy.

I am also a bit over the wondrousness of Shipley Farm and those who live there.  This book relies heavily on a reader caring about all who are a part of that community and, three books in, they are starting to seem flat to me–they aren’t evolving in interesting ways.

Lastly, a very tricky relationship issue between Lark and another member of the community (not Zach) is resolved absurdly easily. Having this happen made the Shipley crowd seem even less like flawed, complex real people.

The sex is great however! And the humor sparkles.

Reviewed by Dabney Grinnan

Grade: C

Book Type: New Adult

Sensuality: Warm

Review Date: 01/11/16

Publication Date: 10/2016

Review Tags: Contemporary romance True North series mini review

Recent Comments …

  3. excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.

Impenitent social media enthusiast. Relational trend spotter. Enjoys both carpe diem and the fish of the day.

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