Gwynneth Ever After by Linda Poitevin
Romance Contemporary
June 30, 2013
Michem Publishing

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “He should definitely walk away. He’d be a fool if he didn’t. And perhaps a greater fool if he did.“

Gwyn Jacobs doesn’t believe in fairy tales. Ever since her ex-husband walked out, leaving her alone with three small children, Gwyn has been mother, father, and bread-winner all rolled into one. Her own scarred heart aside, she refuses to open up her children’s lives to the possibility of another heartbreak, and so she has an unbending policy of no dating and no unattached men in their lives.

 Until her very own fairy tale falls into her lap…and the hero won’t take no for an answer. (Goodreads)

I have always loved fairy tales. Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White…I can tell you word for word their entire stories. As I’ve gotten older, my love for the “happily ever after” has matured and evolved. I enjoy the watching the journey from attraction to love. Seeing the pitfalls normal everyday adults face when trying to find someone to share their life with makes the reading all the more worthwhile.

Gwynneth Jacobs is a single mom whose ex husband left her after she gave birth to their twins. His abandonment was not only heart shattering but left Gwyn in the non compromising position of being mother, father, and the main support for her three children. From the moment he left, Gwyn made herself a promise. She will never allow herself to become that vulnerable again and will never allow another person to hurt her children like their father did. When she meets Gareth, a famous Hollywood actor, she is amazed at his normalcy. Gareth, struggling with his own problems;  a difficult ex wife, the never ending stalking by the paparazzi, and a deep guilt ridden secret, feels an instant connection with Gwyn. Though he is only in town for a few weeks, he wants to get to know Gwyn and explore the connection between them.

As Gwynneth and Gareth get to know one another, more of Gareth pushing his way into her life while Gwyn struggles with her convictions, we get a sweet fast moving romance that erupts among the messiness of real life. Some drama and angst tests the fragility of the new romance without overwhelming you. Though this happens all in the span of two weeks, you are given a full bodied story in which Poitevin uses her formattable writing skills to impart plenty of emotion in a full range of personable characters.

I enjoyed watching Gareth and Gwyn fall in love. It’s not an easy journey and Gwyn doesn’t make it any easier. Yet, you can’t blame her. Especially when the story behind her ex husband’s departure is fully revealed. Not only is she betrayed but so are the children and that is what is unacceptable. Only her strong will, indelible spirit, and a very strong support group keeps her going those first few years. I’ll admit in getting to know Gareth, I fell for him myself. A wonderful alpha/beta mix, Gareth isn’t the typical spoiled actor. His ways of helping Gwyn isn’t throwing his money or fame around, but giving her something much more valuable. His time and attention. The oatmeal in bathtub scene cemented it for me. Soon, Gareth’s presence is both welcomed and discouraged by Gwyn. Her children like Gareth and when the attachment becomes stronger each time they are all together, Gwyn begins to have second, third, and fourth doubts about their relationship. She doesn’t see why a gorgeous famous man such as Gareth would want to be with her-a nobody with three kids.

This is one area I had issues.  Gwyn’s doubts became tedious at times. It’s okay to be wary and cautious. Especially when you have been hurt in the past. Add kids to the mix and suddenly it’s a whole new ball game. As a parent, my child will always come first in my life. Hurt her and I’ll come down on you like the four horsemen of the apocalypse. So, I understand where Gwyn was coming from. But you can only use that pain as a shield for so long before you realisz that it does more damage than good.  I understood her reluctance and disbelief of Gareth’s true intentions but in the same breathe I found all that dragged me down as it lasted almost the entire book. Entire scenes of back and forth, back and forth. It’s only towards the end when she realises that Gareth has finally bowed to her wishes that she realises she can’t live without him. Frankly, she wore me out at times.

The supporting characters were a welcome addition to the story and go far in showing us an intimate view of our protagonists in their interactions and dialogue . Sandy is Gwyn’s best friend and has her back throughout the entire book. I liked her subdued approach in giving advice. Gareth’s cousin Sean is a lot like Gwyn’s friend,Sandy. Low key and firmly wants Gareth to just be happy in life. I enjoyed the reveal of Gareth’s “big secret” and the help Gwyn and Gareth receive from a very unlikely source. The kids are delightful and play a strong role in the story. The ending is predictable but the journey was fun to read about.

All in all, this is a perfect beach read that gives you a sweet romance without an overly complicated storyline. An engaging story that divulges to the realism of falling in love with baggage and once again assures us all that everyone has a chance at their “happily ever after.”

Rating: B-

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