The Best Medicine (A Bell Harbor Novel #2) by Tracy Brogan

Publication: May 13, 2014

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Source: Publisher

Everyone in Bell Harbor thinks career-minded plastic surgeon Evelyn Rhoades needs a husband. Everyone, that is, except for Evelyn . . . sort of. Even if she did want a husband (which she doesn't . . . most of the time), she'd never let something as intangible as fate determine who she marries. No, if she's going to find someone to spend her life with, she'll do it scientifically: with a carefully crafted list of criteria and an Internet dating site. But when intoxicated, law-breaking Tyler Connelly crashes into her life by way of a stolen Jet Ski, unruly emotions defy common sense. Sure, he's sexy, charming, and determined to win Evelyn's affection, but all evidence points to him being the worst possible choice. He's too young for her. Too irresponsible. Too underemployed. And, oh yeah, he's her patient. But Tyler knows firsthand how the best-laid plans can crumble under the weight of destiny. Now all he needs to do is to teach Evelyn that, in matters of the heart, love often supersedes logic.

Evelyn is turning the dreaded 35. She has spent years becoming a very successful plastic surgeon and now she wants to focus on another area of her life. Finding a husband. She puts together a pretty long list of qualities she is looking for in a man. 

Especially since her parents are divorced her view on relationships and romance is a bit cynical. The whole love and romance thing isn’t really high on her list of expectations.  Then she meets Tyler, who is a protective, sweet, romantic, and a little bit of a bad boy. Not to mention he is too young for her. Evie is pretty sure that Tyler is all wrong for her, but Tyler isn’t one to easily give up, and he is just as determined to prove that they are good together.

I loved the spark between them. They do have their differences, but they are also strong individuals and together they make a good pair. 

The Best Medicine was a funny and light-hearted romantic weekend read. Even though this is the second book in this series, it was the first book I have read by this author. I didn’t feel lost and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything big by not reading the first book. But having read this, I will definitely pick up book one in the future. There were lots of laugh out loud moments, and the romance between Evie and Tyler was fun and sweet.

RATING: 4½ out of 5.

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Winterkill by Kate A. Boorman

Publication: September 9, 2014

Publisher: Amulet Books / ABRAMS

Source: Publisher

Emmeline knows she’s not supposed to explore the woods outside her settlement. The enemy that wiped out half her people lurks there, attacking at night and keeping them isolated in an unfamiliar land with merciless winters. Living with the shame of her grandmother’s insubordination, Emmeline has learned to keep her head down and her quick tongue silent. When the settlement leader asks for her hand in marriage, it’s an opportunity for Emmeline to wash the family slate clean—even if she has eyes for another. But before she’s forced into an impossible decision, her dreams urge her into the woods, where she uncovers a path she can’t help but follow. The trail leads to a secret that someone in the village will kill to protect. Her grandmother followed the same path and paid the price. If Emmeline isn’t careful, she will be next.

This book sort of reminded me of the movie The Village. I remember liking the movie at first, then once I found out what was really going on towards the end, I didn’t like it so much. But as I kept reading, I was keeping my fingers crossed that this book wouldn’t exactly be like that movie because I was really getting into it.

Emmeline keeps dreaming about the woods. She feels like they are calling out to her so strongly at times and she isn’t sure why or what it means. So her curiosity gets the best of her and she risks punishment by venting farther into the woods to see what she can find.

Emmeline was brave, she just doesn’t realize it at first. She worries too much about her ‘Stain’ and her family's past. Emmeline's Grandma was punished (murdered) several years ago for breaking the communities rules. And because of that past transgression, Emmeline is referred to as being 'Stained.' I was so frustrated that these Council Leaders would make anyone especially young people carry the burden of a family members past sin. At times I wanted to shake Emmeline and everyone who gave her trouble and say ‘You are not you Grandma. Her ‘sin’ is not yours just because you share the same blood." It’s ridiculous. Anyways my little rant is over…

I really enjoyed Winterkill. Much more than I had originally anticipated. And I am happy to say, it wasn't exactly like The Village. Thankfully. When I would put it down to go run errands or other things, I found my mind wandering back to Emmeline, Tom, Brother Stockholm, and the other people in the village. I needed wanted to know what would happen next. I would definitely watch out for other books from this author in the future.

RATING: 4 ½ out of 5.

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