Di’s review of Her Best Friend’s Brother (Tulanes of Tennessee, Book 3) by Kay Stockham
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin SuperRomance 10 Mar 09
I really prefer to read a series in print order, but I was so taken with Kay Stockham’s She’s The One, Book 5 in the Tulane Series, I ordered the other four Tulanes. The whole Tulane family from Beauty, Tennessee is very close and supportive to the point of smothering their relatives with overwhelming love. So much so that they can’t even go to the bathroom by themselves. You may laugh, but then you will just have to pick up one of these books and see for yourself. They are truly a delightful and heartwarming family.
Luke and Shelby’s story is realistic and it had me rooting for them all the way. I didn’t exactly have a love/hate relationship with the story, more of a love/frustration relationship. I wanted to shout at Shelby to just get over it and grow up. (I just might have, according to my husband.) You can only say “I can’t take a chance” so many times.
If the goal of the writer is to get under the skin of this reader, Kay Stockham succeeded. Shelby is very human, complete with hives. But I like my heroines to come across a little more mature than the silliness of Shelby, who can’t function just because her parents are a bad example. I understand the off again/on again emotional drama of her parents’ marriage to be unsettling, but again I had to shout, “Get over it! You have already fallen for the guy, why see how long you can make his life miserable.”
With all the embarrassment her mother caused, a move to California seemed like a wonderful idea to me. I am not forgetting her dream of turning the old millhouse into a restaurant, but a little worldly experience would have gone a long way in making it a success. You would think her baby would be her new priority anyway.
You have got to love a guy who says “We’re pregnant.” Sweet, wonderful, adorable Luke. No man on earth could be more understanding and considerate than the brainy computer geek turned California sunshine gorgeous, Luke Tulane. Who cannot fall for this hunk with a sensitive side?
Luke has loved Shelby forever and he really wants her and their baby. He may not have known why she turned to him on that particular night, but there is no way he will pass up an opportunity to marry her and make it work. His every thought is of Shelby, so much so she is the heroine of the computer video game he designed. It is very off putting to him when his boss brings someone in who messes with his perfect heroine in his virtual idea. Luke’s character is so realistic you will never want to let him go. The guy really has staying power.
No romance is complete without a wicked witch. Luke’s boss is perfect in the role, destroying something he had perfected while he was getting his life in order. I really wish Shelby had an opportunity to give that woman a piece of her mind. I am glad Luke is returning to the family fold. I do wish his family were a little more open minded and understanding about his profession, though.
I felt this story was more about Shelby Brookes and not enough about Luke Tulane. After all it is the Tulanes of Tennessee series. Maybe Shelby would not have been so wrapped up in herself if she had known what was happening with Luke in his job and what he was sacrificing flying back to Tennessee. I am a firm believer in compromise and I did not see any in Shelby. She made no concessions to meet him halfway, not even in the end when she admitted she loved him and wanted their marriage to work. She still expected him to do all the giving and turn down the job offer that would take them to California.
Once again, as soon as I completed the last page I reached for another Tulanes series book. This one gives me just enough insight on Dr. Ethan Tulane that I can’t wait to see who comes back to Tennessee with him. I am definitely hooked on the Tulanes.
Grade: B
Summary
How could this have happened?
They had one night. That’s all Shelby Brookes would allow herself to indulge in with Luke Tulane. Yes, he’s gorgeous and yes, he’s the greatest guy she knows, but he’s her best friend’s brother for crying out loud! And she’s pretty sure there are rules against sleeping with friends’ brothers.
Then Shelby discovers she’s pregnant. And Luke’s determined to do the right thing—down to the bended knee proposal and the meeting at the altar. As tempting as his offer is, Shelby’s convinced she’s not the marrying kind. She’s bound to hurt him and that’s definitely against the rules of friendship. Still, she doesn’t count on how persuasive Luke can be when he really wants something…her.Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
