Always A Bridesmaid

ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID
Jane Beckenham
ISBN: 1-932695-18-4
May 2006
Treble Heart
Paperback
Contemporary Romance

Set in the central North Island of New Zealand and Auckland city, this is the story of new beginnings and taking a chance on love.

International model Lisa Kelly is disenchanted with the fashion world, and wants to leave it all behind. Her best friend, Kate, runs a nanny agency and Lisa persuades her to let her go on a job with a difficult client. Two nannies have described him as an ogre. Kate agrees and Lisa drives down into the hill country, close to the mountains around Rotorua.

Travis Jacobs is shocked when he finds out Lisa is to be Sophie’s new nanny. She is the beautiful woman he had rescued during a fire alarm in an expensive Auckland hotel. She is also the woman he has not been able to get out of his mind. Her scantily clothed body has haunted his dreams ever since that night.

Travis has sworn off women, after a disastrous marriage and finds her closeness unsettling. Living in the remote area to shun publicity and thrill seekers, his peace is shattered. Travis writes exciting adventure novels, and has decided his research trips are all the excitement he needs. The excitement Lisa provides every time he looks at her is not what he had in mind.

Lisa definitely had not expected to meet her knight in shining armour again, especially so far off the beaten track. She can not understand why he has become so grumpy, more like a bear with a sore head in tarnished armour. They become closer as four-year-old Sophie comes to love her new nanny. They both feel the attraction trying to draw them together, and resist. Their passion was lit with one kiss, in a time of danger. Will two people from different backgrounds ever understand love conquers all?

The background scenery is incorporated into this romance story well. This reviewer could feel the cold mountain stream running over her toes, as the heroine paddled. The surrounding countryside and the day out are all written in a way that paints a vivid picture in the readers mind. This is a refreshing story and not a rewrite of overdone plots. The strong emotions are balanced with some humour as the characters spar with each other. Both of the main characters are believable and well rounded, with enough flaws and good points for the reader to empathize with them. Sophie, Travis’ little girl is an integral part of the plot and a delightful character readers will love. The dialogue is appropriate and well written, bringing the characters to life. The reader is never unsure who is speaking, making the story flow well.

There is enough interaction to keep the plot well balanced and the actions balance the story. Flash backs were never intrusive, but integrated into the background. The conflict was viable and never confusing and the tone, rhythm and writing style were always consistent. Interplay between the characters was captivating and keeps the reader wanting to know what happens. The author has skilfully blended a man who has given up on love and ignored the life around him, into a more trusting person. The ending was clear and very satisfying, leaving the reader with a clear view of where the characters were going. An intriguing romance; and a recommended book for the romantics out there.

Reviewed by Pam
June 2006