Books & Spoons Review & Excerpt ME + YOU by Brenda Gayle

9/2/2016

Me + You
A Candy Hearts Romance
By: Brenda Gayle
Released January 20th, 2016
Wild Rose Press

Teacher Lori Tait has always wanted a family, but now she's 40, she’s pretty much decided all the good men are taken. Instead, she devotes herself to her students, particularly one little girl whose struggle with math seems inconsistent with an otherwise brilliant and artistic mind.

Mark Wilder hadn’t planned to become a father, but when a fling resulted in his daughter, Grace, he whole-heartedly embraced the role. Raised in a family of boys, what does he know about women and girls? Once he learns of Grace’s inability to comprehend basic math, he welcomes the role of tutor as a way to connect with his daughter; the opportunity to spend time with her sexy teacher is an added bonus.

When Lori cracks the mystery of Grace’s problem Mark’s world is thrown into turmoil; he’s the last person who can help his daughter. He pushes everyone away, confirming Lori’s theory about men. Grace, however, has other plans. Using her new-found understanding of math, she sets out to prove to her father and teacher that, together, they add up to the perfect match.

A cute, sweet novella, packed with parenting issues and romance.
I liked that the characters are in their forties, they are easy to relate to, and ponder questions that many of us have, at one time or another.
Lori can hear her biological clock ticking, and is considering her option to ever be a mother. She loves to teach, she is great in it, has a great contact with the children, but she desires to have her own child, to be a mother.
Mark is struggling to be a dad, or not really, he is a great dad, kind, supportive and understanding, he just feels like he doesn't measure up, that he is needed in his child's life, and is feeling miserable. I was surprised his strong emotional reactions to everything, especially him being color blind, got an extreme reaction.
I found the color world fascinating, very interesting concept, that I have heard of before, but never with children.
A charming little story, likable characters, interesting issues, precious kids, and dainty romance
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

...if I wait much longer I will be too old to be accepted into an IVF program.”

“I could give you one of my kids on a rotating basis.” Sharon grinned. “You could take a different one every week. Heck, I’d even throw in Tom for a week, he’s almost as bad as the young ones.”

“I’m serious!”

“I know.” Sharon sobered. “But raising a child isn’t easy, especially if you have to do it on your own. For all I rag on Tom about being a big kid, I couldn’t manage without him.”

“Lots of women do it,” Lori said stubbornly.

“True,” Sharon conceded. She took a sip of her drink and then seriously observed Lori over the rim of her cup. “Okay.” She put the cup down on the table and sat up straighter. “But if you’re determined to have a child, don’t do in vitro.

Find some sexy hot stud and, at least, have the fun of doing it the old-fashioned way.”

Lori gagged on a mouthful of mochaccino, trying not to spit it out with laughter. “And where do you think I will find such a specimen?” she asked when she managed to compose herself.

Sharon shrugged. “What about Mr. Tall, Dark, and Yummy?” She pointed over Lori’s shoulder.

Lori swiveled in her chair and found herself staring at the crotch of a poster-sized Mark Wilder exiting one of his famous purple Jeeps. She quickly raised her gaze to the familiar stubbled chin and deep brown eyes, but not before she felt the crimson rush of embarrassment flood her face. He was the only man she’d met recently that looked better than his picture. Take a Trip to the Wild Side with Sedona’s Wilder Jeep Tours, the poster proclaimed.

Yessiree, if she was picking a partner on looks alone, she’d definitely take a trip to the wild side with him.

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I've been a writer all my life but returned to my love of fiction after more than 20 years in the world of corporate communications--although some might argue there is plenty of opportunity for fiction-writing there, too. I have a Master's degree in journalism and an undergraduate degree in psychology. A fan of many genres, I am drawn to contemporary romance and enjoy creating deeply emotional stories with elements of mystery and suspense.
I live in eastern Ontario with my wonderful husband, two fabulous children, a rescued cat, two Siberian Huskies, and assorted aquatic wildlife.

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