Sandy M’s review of I Saw Her Standing There (Green Mountain, Book 3) by Marie Force
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 4 Nov 14
I’ve never really thought of myself as a mood reader. Especially when it comes to a favorite author. But when I began reading this book, something just wasn’t clicking for me. I was a bit amazed, because I’ve loved every Marie Force book I’ve read, albeit those are just a few at this point. So instead of continuing, I laid the book down and went on to something else. Then I picked this one up again about a week later. Am I ever so glad I did.
I’m thinking it may be that this book begins a tad on the slow side compared to other Force books. And the hero and heroine have had something going on off stage, so to speak, since I Want to Hold Your Hand, which is the only other book I’ve read about the Abbotts. And one I totally loved. That book is a very emotional read. So for me, the first time around at least, I didn’t quite feel the chemistry between Colton and Lucy until later in the story. She’s too busy trying to keep their “relationship” a secret, convincing Colton and herself nothing can happen between them because they live in two different states and have been sneaking time together under the noses of their families and friends.
Colton is the one who wants more at this point, but he’s willing to go along with Lucy so he doesn’t push too far and scare her away. He’s literally a mountain man, has been most of his life. Taking care of his family’s maple syrup business in Vermont, Colton is fine with his own company and can live without running water, electricity, the internet, and a smartphone, among other amenities we all take for granted and need for our daily living. Well, the smartphone is the first to fall. He wants to be able to talk to Lucy when they’re apart. I love the teasing he gets from his younger brother when he has to get help learning about this particular technology. That’s one of those little hints that Lucy just doesn’t get that his feelings are moving at a much faster pace than hers. Another is he shaved off his beard so she could see the face beneath. He’d had that beard forever.
She’s a city girl. And her family is in the city. She’s not about to leave them and her job behind. Her best friend, Cameron, did that when she met and fell in love with Colton’s brother. What works for Cameron won’t work for Lucy, she’s sure of it. If Ms. Force hadn’t given me laughter amid all the back and forth Lucy goes through in her journey to love, she might have irritated me a bit that she takes so long in realizing her feelings for Colton. Lucy finally gives a little when Cameron and Will barge in on the weekend Colton and Lucy have planned at the family cabin. The cat is now truly out of the bag.
And that’s when the fun really begins. I found myself laughing out loud a number of times during this story. That doesn’t happen very often when I read, so this is a welcome change for me. I had as much fun with the made-up axe story Lucy comes up with in a jealous moment as much as everyone else. Colton’s foray into New York is also quite amusing, despite the dilemma he walks into. I also really enjoy the family dynamic in this series. The Abbotts are a big bunch, and I hope every one of them gets their own story. Their teasing and joking never ends, and they’re there for one another no matter what. It’s nice to get caught up with Nolan and Hannah from IWtHYH as they prepare for their wedding, and there’s plenty of surprises along the way.
So while this book isn’t my favorite by Marie Force, it’s still a very good and entertaining read, and I’m delighted I decided to try again. Just imagine all the fun I would have missed if I hadn’t.
Grade: B+
See Veena’s review here.
Summary:
There’s a budding romance on Butler Mountain, but in the hornets’ nest known as the Abbott family, keeping a secret is no easy feat…
Colton Abbott and Lucy Mulvaney have a secret. Colton’s nosy siblings have begun to put the pieces together, but it’s not like Lucy to keep things from those closest to her—especially her best friend, Cameron, who recently moved to Vermont to live with her true love, Will. But Lucy isn’t about to tell Cam she’s having a fling…with Will’s brother.
Flitting between New York and Vermont is exhausting, so Lucy is looking forward to a long weekend with Colton at the Abbott family lake house in Burlington. Too bad Will and Cameron have the same idea, and once Colton and Lucy are caught red-handed (and red-faced), will their clandestine romance lose its appeal or will their secret beginnings be the start of something lasting?
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
