review || THE FAIREST OF THE FAIRE by Susabelle Kelmer

The Wild Rose Press, Inc | May 15, 2015 | Contemporary Romance
★★★★

SOURCE: GODDESS FISH PROMOTIONS

Schoolteacher Connie Meyers is suddenly a young widow, her husband killed in a horrific car accident. Heartbroken to find out he had gambled away everything they had, she moves to her sister-in-law's Midwest home to rebuild her life. A trip to the local Renaissance Faire with her nieces leads to a summer job as a costumed storyteller. Avowed bad boy and fair performer Gage Younglood is infatuated with Connie at first sight. Despite his deliberately commitment-free life, and Connie's don't-touch-me attitude, he soon has her in his arms, realizing quickly she is also in his heart. When she is threatened by her late husband's bookie, he steps into the role of protector, his fate forever sealed with hers.

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{ about susabelle kelmer } .

Susabelle Kelmer is a wife and mother living at the base of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado. She believes in romance, second chances, and the magic of moonlight. When she isn't writing, she works with students with disabilities in the college environment.

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{ excerpt } .

“Who said anything about a relationship?” he said, standing up so he could tower over her again. “I’m just trying to have a little fun. You know, fun?”

If he’d been an animal, she was sure he’d have had hair raised on the back of his neck, he seemed so angry, and it struck her painfully. She hadn’t wanted to anger him or hurt him. She turned away from him and closed her eyes to tamp down the tears she knew would come if she let them. She crossed her arms over her chest, to hold in the pain. Being tired made her much too vulnerable.

“Yes,” she finally said. “I know about fun. Life isn’t always fun, though.”

“Princess.” His voice was soft, tender. “I won’t hurt you. It’s not in my plan.”

Despite herself, she felt the shivers of desire race down from her shoulders, down her arms and legs, and back up to that secret, soft place at her core. She bowed her head and gritted her teeth, hoping for the feeling to go away.

“And what is your plan, Gage?”

“It’s a simple plan. I want you to feel good. I want to feel good, too.”

{ review } .

As a person who likes pretty things, who most certainly judges books by covers, and loves graphic design...

The book is much better than the cover. It was the synopsis that drew me into giving it a chance, but had I seen the cover beforehand, I likely would have passed on this book. Yes, I'm a cover snob :(

I enjoyed the way Susabelle Kelmer writes. It was easy and flowed well enough that it was simple to get lost in the story. I have never been to the local Bristol Ren Faire, but between tales from friends who have gone, pictures on the internet, and now this story? I will try to make a point to go next summer.

In need of a reminder that betrayal often comes with one person, that love can happen again, Connie finds hope in bad boy Gage. I enjoyed their interactions and really enjoyed Gage's character. While the story didn't delve too deeply in aspects that keep me dragged in a book (suspense, angst, etc), the trust and chase certainly helped me stay interested.

While summer is over now, at least according to that Labor Day saying (because fall truly doesn't begin until 9/23...) stating this is a perfect 'summertime read' doesn't quite fit anymore, but if you're looking for an easy read with a good romantic element, give this one a try!

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