Sandy M’s review of At the Heart of It by Tawna Fenske
Contemporary Romance published by Montlake 3 Oct 17
Aside from the humor in her books and the darned great writing, Tawna Fenske is one of those authors who always has original ideas to make a reader stick with her book after book. Then there are those original, funny scenes that immediately endear her characters to you, and you’re off and running for a lighthearted and fun read.
One of those original scenes is up first as this book opens. Kate Geary is a producer of unscripted television – think reality shows. She’s in the throes of a great idea that could really put her on the map among her peers. We meet her when she sits down at the table of a handsome man enjoying his breakfast while reading. Jonah is a bookstore owner, which includes a small eatery and features live music, plus the hope customers might adopt a cat while they’re there. The ensuing conversation is delightful, and you get to know these characters so very well before the story truly takes off. From there they immensely enjoy themselves – play acting, no less! – as they scope out tickets for an afternoon play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. One of the best opening chapters I’ve read in a long time.
After their great time together, Kate and Jonah go back to their respective lives, can’t stop thinking about one another, but try to get on with life. Heading to Seattle to meet with her favorite self-help author about a new reality show, Kate is blindsided when she discovers Jonah is Dr. Vivienne Brandt’s ex-husband. Of course, Jonah is just as blindsided when he finds Kate with his ex. Jonah and Viv had made a name for themselves as a couple writing books during their marriage, but Jonah ended up with a persona he didn’t care for and vowed to never do anything like that again.
After the initial shock wears off, Kate makes her pitch to Viv – and Jonah. The higher-ups want him involved too, and Kate makes promises to ensure a smooth ride for all involved but mostly Jonah. Of course, the more time they spend together, the more their leftover attraction from Oregon grows. They follow where that attraction leads but have to hide the developing romance. Things never go as smoothly as you’d expect, and as secrets from everyone are revealed and unexpected issues for the show crop up, it makes for a tense and tough time, and suddenly Kate is faced with career or love. Will she be able to salvage both, two of the best things she’s ever had in her life?
Jonah and Kate are a charming and intriguing couple, intelligent and strong in their own right. Ms. Fenske does a wonderful job of investing the reader in these characters from the beginning, making admiration and emotion for them grow as the story builds. Be sure to spend time with Jonah and Kate. You will enjoy that time and you’ll find yourself looking for the next Tawna Fenske book to read.
Grade: B+
Summary:
TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.
Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.
Read an excerpt.
