Jaded by Anne Calhoun (Walker’s Ford #2)
Released: February 4, 2014
Contemporary Romance
Berkley
Reviewed by Mandi
Alana Wentworth left her high-powered family where she was the research librarian for her family’s foundation and moved to the small town of Walker’s Ford, South Dakota to serve as the temporary library director. After a bad break-up, she felt she needed to find herself and a spontaneous move to a new place was a life cleanser she was craving. She rents an old home from the town’s chief of police and is currently helping write a proposition to expand and remodel the library. As her time is coming to an end in Walker’s Ford, she has one goal – to sleep with her neighbor (and landlord) Lucas. He is gorgeous, sexy, and she wants him.
Lucas moved to Walker’s Ford hoping for a quieter life with his wife, but his marriage could not be saved. Three years later he has fallen in love with this community and can’t help but notice the blushing librarian that lives next door.
This book honestly bored me because never could get invested in Alana and Lucas. I like that Alana wants Lucas and isn’t afraid to pursue him. She blushes a lot and it was cute how much Lucas adored that about her. Their time together is hot and sexy, as Calhoun can write erotic scenes so well but I was never invested in their relationship. This book isn’t as emotionally gripping as her previous work and part of the problem may be that a lot of page time is spent on other matters than their relationship. Lucas has a sister with a drug addiction that frustrates him to no end. Alana takes a troubled teenager under her wing and his storyline has a lot of depth in this book, but it took away from the romance. Alana is also pressured by her family to return home and takeup her duties. This storyline along with her sister didn’t do anything for me.
I found it interesting that both Alana and Lucas came to Walker’s Ford for a life change and the effect of the town on both of their lives but it wasn’t enough to keep me interested in the story.
Rating: C
Want an Anne Calhoun Rec? Pretty much her entire backlist.
This is an example of a lackluster review that actually may make me go buy the book. Your review sounds like this could almost be classified as women’s fiction with strong romantic elements. Is that accurate?
If so, I may have to give this a read. I like AC’s writing and voice, although I’m not a big fan of erotica, so some of her books have been a little heavy handed on the sex, and light on the other stuff (for me, that is). This sounds like it might be the reverse, which is perfect.
Sorry I took so long to respond to this! My email has been acting up.
I don’t know if I’d go as far to say women’s fiction – the sex is still pretty heavy…but in this one the other elements (the community, her ob, the teen she is helping) definitely balance the sex out.
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts if you read it.