I really, REALLY wanted to give this beautifully written book a 5-star rating, but I do have a couple of issues with the storyline. We’ll talk about that in a minute. Right now, I want to focus on how powerful and moving the writing is, how complex and interesting the characters are, and what a beautiful romance it is. I was truly rooting for these two genuinely good people to finally find a love that sticks. It’s a darkly funny, adorable, angsty, emotional read that pulls on your heartstrings the whole way through. This is my first read from the author, and you can be sure that I’ll be coming back for more. So, if you haven’t read the first two books in the series and are wondering if you can read this as a standalone – you absolutely can. It might be a richer experience for those who met Nate in the previous books, but I kind of liked going into it without the baggage.
Essentially, the story follows Gracelyn and Nate, two forty-somethings who have loved and lost important people in their lives. They both find themselves raising children on their own, renting properties next door to each other, and resisting the attraction that sparks between them. Neither one is looking for romance, so their relationship begins with hesitation, reluctance to move forward, and an undeniable chemistry that builds along the way. But their real lives are in separate states, and both Gracelyn and Nate are the kind of people who will set aside their own needs to do what’s best for their family.
There are plenty of light moments, with some awkwardness that will make you smile. I loved all of the humor and Ann’s great descriptions of the characters’ subtle reactions. She really does know how to write an excellent book, so my first instinct was to rate this as 5 stars – the writing is certainly worthy of it. However, there are some fumbles in the final act that I struggled with. That’s where the angst really kicks in, so if you’re up for some heart-wrenching moments, then I can definitely see how it could work for you. Personally, I just couldn’t get past the (minor spoiler here) extended separation or the lack of determination to make things work. Once Gracelyn and Nate decided they were all in, they should’ve been ALL IN. That’s all that holds me back from calling this otherwise outstanding read 5 stars. I would not hesitate to read more from the author, and actually eagerly anticipate whatever comes next. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC via Social Butterfly PR and am voluntarily leaving a review of this complex romance.
Fortuity, an all-new passionate and moving single-dad standalone contemporary romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jewel E. Ann, is available now!
Forty-something Gracelyn Glock is living the dream.
No husband.
No retirement plan.
And since her self-imposed man-ban—no need to shave above her knees.
After a tragic accident, Gracelyn inherits her ten-year-old nephew. She signs a lease on a San Diego beach house and learns their neighbors for the summer are a sexy anatomy professor and his young daughter.
Professor Nathaniel Hunt has spent the last decade being a single dad . . . and not having sex.
So when he discovers Gracelyn has a peculiar outdoor stripping ritual, a million inappropriate thoughts fill his responsible mind.
When kisses are stolen, man-bans are broken, and summer comes to an end, will hearts stay in one piece and hope stay alive? Or will saying goodbye destroy everything?
Download your copy today or read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
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About Jewel
Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.
With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.
After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.
When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.
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Website: http://www.jeweleann.com
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