REVIEW - ROUGH EDGES - BY KIMBERLY KREY

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Divorced mother, Allie Emerson, never imagined she’d be raising two teenage girls on her own. Between parenting and paying the bills, she hasn’t even thought about meeting a man. That changes once she hears local carpenter, Braden Fox, is in need of a secretary. Back in high school, Allie had done all she could to deny the sparks burning between her and Braden; but would the chemistry still be there after all this time?

Braden has heard all about what Terrance did to Allie and the girls, has been planning to stop by and see how she’s getting along, but Allie beats him to it by showing up at his shop in search of a job. Her unexpected visit reignites the old flame Braden used to torch for her; trouble is, old feelings of resentment return as well. Allie did choose Terrance over him, after all. And as much as Braden wants Allie in his life, he’s not sure he can open his heart to her again.

With this second chance at romance, will the
bumps in their relationship be too much to get over,
or will this carpenter learn to smooth out the past?

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

Can I just say YUMMY.  This book was such a good, sweet, clean romance.  I love Krey's writing.  She makes such awesome swoon worthy men.  There is something about a cowboy, and a carpenter to boot that is just, well, yummy :).

Allie is divorced and looking for a new job.  When Allie finds out that long time friend Braden is in search of a secretary.  Braden wasn't aware he was looking for a secretary though.  Braden's sister told Allie's mom that he needed a secretary.  It's the beginning of an awesome love story.

Braden and Allie had sparks back in high school, but one of Allie's friends had called "dibs" on Braden.  First off, I think this is the dumbest thing ever.  I thought it when I was in High School and now that I have and had a High Schooler I still think it is the dumbest thing ever.  You cannot call "dibs" on a persons feelings.  You just can't.  Okay, enough of the personal pet peeve :).

The chemistry between Braden and Allie was automatic.  I loved that they had been friends for years, but that he kept his distance from her while she was married.  Not because he wanted to, but because it tortured him to see her with his "best" friend, or any other man for that matter.  He loved her in High School, and now that she was back in his life, he has realized he never quit.

I am not an insta love fan, but this was not insta love.  They had known each other for years.  They took their relationship slowly, even though feelings from old were still there.  

Allie's ex-husband is a jerk.  Thankfully he was only in the book for a very short period of time, other than memories.  I don't think I could have handled more of him.  

I love how the Allie's girls were part of the story.  Sometimes in romance novels when people have kids they get forgotten when the love story develops.  I am so glad this one did not do that.  In fact Braden's interest in the girls made him even more swoon worthy to me :).

If you are looking for a sweet, clean, romance this is just the right book for you.  When I was almost done my daughter came out and wanted to watch a movie.  I told her I already was.  She just looked at me funny.  This story came alive for me, because Krey's descriptions of Allie and Braden's encounters were just that good!  Mmm...mmm...good :).

Source:  I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

I'm a writer of contemporary clean romance, a lover of home, family, & friends, & the ultimate hater of laundry.

A few of my favorite things: Diet Coke, Cafe Rio, and novels by Marcia Lynn McClure.

I do not go anywhere without: SoftLips Chapstick and Altoids Smalls.