Just Joe (Harlequin More Than Words) ♥♥♥

Synopsis

Stacy is the executive director of a charity called Bounties from the Garden. She is trying to keep her charity financially healthy to allow her to serve the community and grow the program. Times have been hard, so she is participating in a dance competition to try to win the top monetary prize.

Joe is a realtor and volunteer at Bounties from the Garden. Over time, he realizes that he is falling for Stacy.

The book is inspired by real life heroines.

Opinion

For most of the book, the romance is extremely one-sided in the sense that Joe is only one that is open to the idea of them being in a relationship.

“I knew that kissing you would be magic.” Joe

Stacy, on the other hand, is very resistant. She does not have time for romance. She has decided, before she even knew Joe, that she does not want to be in a relationship with him. When he first asked her to dinner, she bluntly told him that she does not date.

I volunteer at a few non-profits in my area and know that it takes a special kind of person to be the executive director of a charitable organization. They have to be doing it for the love of serving others and they need to be passionate about the organization’s mission. For those reasons, I gave Stacy a lot of leeway in her behavior and attitude.

Stacy has had some bad relationship experiences in the past and this causes her to be prickly and bitter. She was not a man-hater, but lacked trust in any man’s ability to stay around. Fear of rejection causes Stacy to lash out repeatedly and in the end she almost ruined her chance at happiness.

Joe has had his share of tragedy in his life as well. In contrast to Stacy, he was more positive and learned that life is precious. He has adjusted his priorities and concentrates on what is most important in life. He sees past Stacy’s cantankerous behavior and focuses on her good qualities.

“I like the way your hair sparkles in the sunshine.” Joe

Should you buy? Sure, especially if you want a clean romance. Once you get past being so snappy and irritable, the story is actually kind of heartwarming. I like the fact that the story is inspired by true life heroines. Bravo Harlequin!

Book details from Goodreads
Kindle Edition, 67 pages
Published April 1st 2013 by Harlequin Special Releases
series Harlequin More Than Words
Available on Amazon