Can a burnt-out attorney turn his friends-with-benefits relationship with a fiery redheaded shrink into something more when she finds herself unexpectedly pregnant? Dr. Margaret James is a successful psychologist in the small town of Oak Grove, PA. After growing up with two absent parents, she sees no need for a family or children. She’s happy and independent and likes it that way. She even enjoys the friends-with-benefits relationship she has with Philadelphia lawyer Michael Bennett. After his dreams for making partner at his big city law firm are shattered, Michael Bennett packs up, buys out a retiring attorney’s practice in his hometown, and moves home. He’s looking forward to the slower pace of life in Oak Grove and interested in reigniting his relationship with fiery Maggie James. An unexpected pregnancy throws Maggie for a loop. She doesn’t know how to be a mother. Hell, she can barely take care of herself. Enter Michael, who wants to take care of her and the baby. Is she willing to give up some of her independence at a chance for love and the family she’s never had? Will Michael be able to overcome her objections? I have said this before, and I gladly repeat this - I love the Bennett family, the bond they have, the support they give to each other, and the way they are ready to razz each other when ever the opportunity arises. The love in the family, and in between their significant others is a tangible force. The story has a natural flow and the events move forward with a smooth tempo, holding the interest to the tale, and possibly keeping the reader up late at night. What I love most about the author's voice and style is how she is not afraid to go deep, to dig in to get those earth shattering emotions and feelings most of us hide and deal with those issues and fears we would rather shelter from others. The story has some amazing, scorching hot chemistry going on, and the prologue gives us a taste of the heat between the protagonists. Yet the story goes so much deeper than the physical attraction and connection. Dr. Margaret James and Michael Bennett will have to face their deepest fears of commitment, relationships, parenting, and love. The road to their happily ever after is a rocky road, the friction seems to escalate as the pregnancy moves on, and their feelings come part of the equation. Maggie's battle with her feelings, accepting the pregnancy, and accepting Michael, got to a point where I got a bit uncomfortable. I understand the waves of hormones she was under, but there was a moment where I really had to take a moment and evaluate my understanding of Maggie and where she was coming from. The story has a very realistic, life-like conflicts and issues, things that most can easily relate to and connect to from their own lives. The characters are very distinguished with their characteristics, people you want to get to know better and spend time with. The Oak Grove series and the Bennett family have found a place in my heart for sure! What a treasure these stories are, each hitting a painful, fragile issues we face in life, and dealing with the wounds with love and care. A wonderful, heartfelt, sexy story about learning to love - as a partner for life, as a parent, as a member of a family, as a sibling, and as a child. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side Nancy Stopper is an award-winning debut author. She writes contemporary romance with strong women and sexy heroes that tug at your emotional heartstrings and leave you with a warm feeling that lingers long after the last page. Her favorite escape is small-town romance and even when set in a larger location, her books have that small-town feel.Her first novel, One Last Risk, won first place in the Short Contemporary Romance category of the Fool for Love Contest and was a Maggie Finalist in the unpublished Single-Title Contemporary Category. Dreams Come True in Laguna, Nancy's first novella, was published in the Laguna Beach Kindle World in 2016. One Last Risk, her first full-length contemporary romance novel was published in April 2017. Nancy lives in Virginia with her husband, two of her three kids that are still at home, and one cat who regards her with disdain daily. When she's not behind her laptop, you can find her at a ballfield, cheering on her favorite team (Washington Nationals) or her favorite player (her son, who pitches for his local high school), or at a dance performance with her daughter. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads
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