Becky Wade 'Dru' Me Into the Story! - Her One and Only [Review & GIVEAWAY]
Dealing with the youngest Porter sibling, Becky Wade's contemporary Christian
romance is a swoon-worthy close to her successful series ... Read on for the review and a chance to win $100, a copy of the novel & more!
 |
| (c.) 2016 by Bethany House |
Author: Becky Wade
Published: 2016 by Bethany House
About the Book:
After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans.The Artist Librarian Review:
But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?
Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt---none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she's determined to find Gray's stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.
Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they'll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives---and their hearts---to one another.
Last year I read and enjoyed my first Becky Wade novel, Meant to Be Mine (Porter Family #2), so I jumped at the opportunity to review Her One and Only! Dealing with the youngest Porter sibling, Wade's contemporary Christian romance is a swoon-worthy close to her successful series.
If you don't mind small "spoilers" (the couples of the previous novels are mentioned so you know who ends up together), Her One and Only can easily be read as a stand alone. Since this is in the romance genre, I didn't have a problem with that --after all, if you read the back cover blurbs you can safely assume that the main characters are the couple you'll want to root for in the story! This book occurs about five years after book 2 (and books 1-4 span eight years total), so while I was briefly taken aback at the time jump, I was still able to adjust. I guess that's what I get for missing book 3!
Dru and Gray are well-developed characters. They both are motivated by and are very shaped by their pasts. A large age gap between Dru and her older brothers drove her independent, self-reliant attitude and her determination to prove herself. Meanwhile, Gray's turbulent childhood left him wary of love and long term commitment.
While never inappropriate, Dru and Gray's chemistry sizzles --contemporary Christian romance is more than Janette Oke's prairie romances! I loved it, though a part of me (the real life me) thinks that Dru shouldn't have invested so much of her heart with a man whose relationship with God was still unclear. I did appreciate that it was briefly touched on a couple of times in the novel, so I know Dru did realize that. I also like how it shows that Christians can --and do-- have different standards when it comes to dating and romantic relationships --it would make a good discussion point for a book club or just for the reader to think about in general.
Finally, Wade also tries her hand at romantic suspense --I believe this is her first novel to add a mystery element to her romances. While still published as contemporary romance, the mystery and action elements are well done and believeable. It makes me curious to see what direction Wade will go in for her next novel!
Recommended for Christian romance fans who love contemporary, real world settings and authors such as Susan May Warren or Danni Pettrey.
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes with participation in this blog tour via Litfuse.]
Do you have a favorite bodyguard/protector romance or storyline? What about romantic suspense? Are you a fan of the genre?
About the Author:
Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and an INSPY Award.Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of Her One and Only
- A $100 cash card
- Follow Your Heart tote bag
- 24 oz Tervis Wonder Woman Tumbler
- The Blind Side DVD
- Necklace with star charm
- Porter Family navy jersey
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 31st. The winner will be announced June 1st on the Litfuse blog.
More
Posts
2 comments
Loved this book. I also thought it was interesting that they touched on the whole 'is this a serious relationship or are we just having fun" aspect of dating. I think Dru investing her heart really stayed true to her character because 1. she had not recommitted her life back to God that long ago (1.5 years apparently) and 2. She is very independent-minded, and will do what she wants, she's confident in herself. I read book 1 (really cute btw. You should read it). Definitely going to pick up the others. The only thing I wanted more of was what happened to cause Dru to recommit to Christ. That backstory was too vague for me.
ReplyDeleteGood points, Sara Beth! I don't blame Dru for doing so --I know I'd probably be tempted to do the same thing, which is why personally, I've decided to have stricter standards on that front. I wonder if Dru's backstory is fleshed out a bit more in book 3 (Jake's story)? I only read book 2 and honestly, I didn't remember Dru being there at all (I could have forgotten though)!
DeleteThank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Comments are always welcomed and appreciated.