THE PERFECT ROSE
Author: Felicia Rogers
Publisher: Astraea Press
Release Date: Feb 6, 2011
Retail Price: $1.99
Abandoned by his wife and left to raise a child alone, Caleb Reed falls short of the ideal work-from-home dad. He needs a woman to help him, in every sense of the word. At the suggestion of a friend, Caleb agrees to hire Ariel Lauren on a trial basis.As an orphan, Ariel has more issues than just how to make it on her on. Yes, she needs the money that Caleb offers her, but more than anything she finds she desires his love. One calamity after another befalls her and jeopardizes her new job and her chance at having a family. But through it all, Caleb is by her side, his gruff exterior threatening to melt in the face of their shared attraction. Will they decide to continue life alone or will the magic of Valentine’s Day bring them together?
REVIEW
Caleb Reed is a man of honor. After his wife left him and their three-year-old, he didn’t hesitate to make it work for him and his son. Providing a home for a son with special needs (no spoilers!) is hard enough but the demands to produce more books is making his life a bit more stressful. With the guidance of the town’s mother hen, he agrees to hire Ariel Lauren to be a caregiver to his son, Joshua.
Ariel Lauren has dealt with all of life’s blows like a true champion. She has never known her parents, bouncing from foster home to foster home. She has never been loved and only dreams of finding a stable life with a family who can love her. Immediately, she takes to Joshua but she is scared to let go with Caleb. Nothing has ever come easy for her and she knows better than anyone that people grow tired of someone they supposedly love and leave. She can’t risk putting her heart on the line.
This is such a sweet and endearing story. Not only do Caleb and Ariel learn to trust and love one another, Joshua adds warmth to the story. He is such a sweet kid and he has to deal with his own issues after his mother returns. I don’t want to spoil it but more drama unfolds and more issues are revealed once Caleb’s ex-wife returns.
Though there are no love scenes, I felt the emotional connection between Caleb and Ariel is strong enough without them. The intimacy in most books I read is still displayed in this book in other ways. I’m so glad that Caleb and Ariel find their way to one another.
Ms. Rogers soars high with this sweet and endearing love story. I haven’t read anything else by this author but I look forward to reading another one of her tales…hopefully a bit longer next time. 🙂
Reviewed by Samantha
Rating: 4 Stars
Heat Level: Inspy
Sounds like a great read!
I agree – it doesn sound like an interesting read. Thanks.
Let’s make that DOES sound like an interesting read! Sorry.
This does sound like a sweet read. I’ll keep it in mind and consider downloading it to my PC.
Samatha… Very nice review. You lured me in, by the way you captured the emotional bond that has developed between Ariel, Caleb and his son. I’m quite curious about what will happen after the childs’ mother returns. Looks like I’ll be visiting B&N sooner than my usual. 😀 “HAPPY HALLOWEEN” everyone! 😀
Thank you for the review.
Sounds very good!
Awwww, this sounds so sweet (and happy at the end I hope!!!!). I should keep this in mind around valentines day.
nice review
Great review Samantha!
Nice review, Samantha. Glad you didn’t give too much away. I wish more authors would remember to build the relationships between their characters before having them jumping in bed together. I think some have forgotten there is a difference between romance and sex.