NOT QUITE ENOUGH
The Not Quite Series, Book Three
Montlake Romance, Contemporary
“Bybee’s gift for creating unforgettable romances cannot be ignored.”
–RT BOOK REVIEWS, TOP PICK, 4 ½ STARS
Jewelz Review~
I will admit, this is the first book I have read by Catherine Bybee. I have of hers in my "to be read" pile though and after reading Not Quite Enough, those books are moving up in priority! Ms. Bybee crafted a thoroughly enjoyable contemporary romance in this latest installment of the "Not Quite" series.
Monica Mann is a wonderfully flawed heroine. She's a victim of her past: dad abandoned the family when she was young, mom has had a revolving door of boyfriends since, older sister got pregnant as a teen... However, instead of following the vicious cycle, her past has given Monica a determination to be independent. She is known as the "ice queen" at Pomona General where she is an ER nurse - she keeps her emotions under tight control at work and keeps her bed partners at a safe emotional distance as well - Monica doesn't do commitment.
Trent Fairchild is also deeply scarred by his past. His parents died in a tragic plane crash only a few years ago and his feelings of responsibility and guilt around that event has left him in a similar position - he escaped to Jamaica and he doesn't do commitment.
When Monica joins Borderless Doctors and Nurses in their relief effort in Jamaica following a devastating earthquake and tsunami, Trent and Monica's paths cross. Sparks fly and a few twists of fate land them in unchartered territory.
I loved this book! I stayed up way too late (like 2am) to finish it because I just didn't want to put it down. I really enjoyed the unique setting - where they were both aiding in a disaster relief effort. The challenges that they faced individually and as a couple were realistic, yet not run-of-the-mill either. The intimate scenes were not overly descriptive or trite, yet I will admit that I, personally, didn't care for some of the content in the first intimate scene. My preference, not necessarily what other readers will think. I loved getting to know Monica and Trent and look forward to catching up on Ms. Bybee's backlist and her upcoming releases.
FYI does contain adult language and open-door intimate scenes between consenting, unmarried adults.
Honest disclosure: I received a free ARC copy of this book from the publisher in connection with participating in a blog tour. My review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion.
Monica
Mann has made it her life’s work to save lives. After an earthquake and tsunami
hit the shores of Jamaica, she volunteers her trauma skills with Borderless
Nurses. Calculating and methodical, Monica creates order out of whatever chaos
she finds.
Until she finds the perpetually
barefoot, impossibly masculine Trent Fairchild. No one can pin him down. No,
really. He’s a pilot and manages a small fleet of choppers on his adopted
island home. Hopelessly drawn to one another, they manage to slip away from the
wreckage to get a little closer. And they get a lot closer than expected when
aftershocks from the earthquake trap them in their own life-or-death scenario.
Paradise has brought them together. Now will it tear them apart?
BUY
LINKS:
CATHERINE BYBEE
BIO:
New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in
Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern
California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting
tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of
her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned
novels Wife by Wednesday, Married by Monday, and Not Quite Dating. Bybee lives with her
husband and two teenage sons in Southern California.
CONTACT
LINKS:
~EXCERPT~
Monica glanced up at the gray skies and
frowned. “So, Trent,” she began again. “Are you the only one shuffling the
foreign medical staff around the island?”
He shook his head. “There are a few
others. Why?”
He kept his eyes on where he walked and
avoided her questioning gaze.
“Just wondering.”
He didn’t buy that. “Just wondering?”
“Seems like anyone could drive me to the clinic.”
He walked her behind the hospital and
up a short path to where his helicopter waited. “Anyone could drive you.”
She hesitated when she saw her ride. “I
thought you said you were driving
me.”
“I am. After a short flight to where my
car is parked.”
She turned a full circle. “Can’t we
just drive?”
Trent moved in front of her and removed
his sunglasses. “It’s a short flight back to the airport, then a thirty minute
drive. That’s if the roads are cleared.”
“Can’t we just—” Her ice blue eyes
never left his.
“I didn’t kill you the first time,
Monica. I won’t this time either.”
She swallowed.
“It was better thinking you volunteered
to take me instead of being the only person capable of it.”
Actual fear hid behind her eyes. “Why’s
that?”
“I prefer flirting to flying.”
A slow, easy smile met his lips. He
knew then irrevocably that Monica thought about him at some point during her
short stint on the island.
He replaced his sunglasses and reached
for her hands. “How about a little of both?”
I'm so happy you enjoyed Monica and Trent's story. I know at least one of your sisters have read me before. You need to catch up, lady! *grin*
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome giveaway. I would love to read this book. Sounds good.
ReplyDelete