Review: Lost in You by Lauren Dane

The Particulars: Contemporary Romance, Samhain Publishing, available as e-book

The Source: Books on boards

The Grade: B

The Blurb:

It hasn’t been easy for Joe Harris to live down his not-so-honorable past, but the military made him a better man. He’s determined to make up for past mistakes, starting with coming home to care for his ailing father.
Things are going as planned until his best friend’s little sister comes barreling into his life. Funny, quick talking, smart, beautiful, she’s a temptation he tries—and fails—to resist.
When Beth Murphy hears Joe is back in town, she makes sure she’s the first on his welcoming committee. Though he tries to pretend he’s gruff and unworthy of her, she sees the man who spoils his dog, who touches her like she’s precious. Cherished. But there’s one wall she can’t break down—the truth about what’s happening at home.
On the night the nature of his father’s illness becomes painfully, publicly apparent, Joe does the right thing—push Beth as far away as possible. But if he thought she’d go away quietly, he’s about to learn she’s made of sterner stuff.

Tbe Review:

Lauren Dane is slowly becoming an autobuy author for me, at least when it comes to contemporary romance.

It was nice to revisit Petal, and the Murphy-Chase family. I loved how the Murphys have fought hard to crawl up from the hell hole they were born in. They have created a new, better life for themselves.

Beth and Joe was a touching couple. I liked that their romance wasn't easy, and that they had their bumps. I loved that Beth knew exactly what she wanted, and didn't hesitate in pursuing Joe. I liked Joe as well,even though he occasionally was a jerk.

I also appreciated how their romance wasn't easy. They had their bumps, created by misunderstandings and Joe's reluctance to reveal his father's health issues. How Joe and his family struggled to keep it within the family, made sense. Often psychological problems are viewed as something to be ashamed of. But all their obstacles made their HEA so much sweeter, since they had fought hard for it.

Despite the many things that I liked with this book, the grade is pulled down by the headhopping. Most of the time I was able to ignore it, but there were times when it confused me.