Books & Spoons Review: THE BEST OF ME by Elisabeth Barrett

Jane Pringle never meant to fall for her boss. After landing a job as a pastry chef at the exclusive Briarwood Golf and Yacht Club in Eastbridge, Connecticut, she just wants to keep her son in a good school district and find some peace and quiet, far away from her manipulative ex-husband. But when Briarwood’s charismatic co-owner takes an interest in her, Jane’s best-laid plans go awry . . . in the sweetest way possible.

Rich and handsome, the grandson of one of the most powerful men in New York City, Preston North hasn’t lived quite the charmed life everyone believes. His family taught him everything he needs to know about betrayal—and Press wants no more of it. What he wants is Jane. The gorgeous single mom is selfless and kind, plus she’s got a backbone. To win her trust, Press just needs to shake off his playboy reputation.

They’ve each been burned in the past. But now Press and Jane will have to choose between letting their fears get the best of them . . . or breaking free and following their hearts.

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Rather edgy environment, with lots of high emotions, broken people, and one little boy in midst of them.
When it comes to the characters, Press was really easy to like. His honest and straightforward attitude is a winner. He gives it to you as it is, he is not perfect by any measure, but he is facing his mistakes and faults, and working on them. You can see his development and growth as a human being through the story. His New York life gives the vibes of Gossip Girl television series from the past, with the richie rich New York young adults living it large. I admire the dedication Press had for his family, his loyal heart, and how he was with Andy. There were several truly heart melting scenes with Press and Andy. 
His attraction to Jane was immediate, and the heat between them is hot, they set the sheet on fire, for sure. But Jane is also a broken person, her abusive marriage ended badly, her ex is still hunting her, trying to get her where it hurts the most, their son Andy. Jane feels the attraction to Press, even though at first thinking he was like her ex, even though they are the opposites. But Jane is not ready for a relationship, she is scared, and she plays games with Press. Off again on again, they go, as her feelings are on a roll-a-coaster, and every time Press takes her back. That wave went for enough times, I think the story would have benefited from an epilogue, that would have given more faith for Jane not running, again. 
The story moves on slowly, and is rather predictable, and because of that, it lost some of the intensity of the feelings, and interest in the story. There were times, mostly when Andy was in the scene, that I was able to connect with Jane, and pull for her. But I can't decide if it is three or four spoons, so I go for the compromise
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

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