Four Weddings and a Break Up By Elyssa Patrick
Contemporary Romance
Released: May 12, 2014
Self Published
Reviewed by Mandi
Favorite Quote: “It’s your choice, sugar. You can dance with guys, or you can dance with a man.”
Ginny Michaels was a teacher that survived a school shooting. One of her students shot her and another student – they both survived but the gunman then shot and killed himself. While most of the small town of Cape Hope hails Ginny as a hero, she doesn’t feel like much of one. She has guilt over not doing more to stop the student from shooting himself, or to recognize that he was in a point in his life to commit such a violent act. This student’s family also puts blame at Ginny’s feet. Ginny has always been the quiet, good girl and while in the big city for a bachelorette party, decides to get a little crazy. She sees a man walk into the bar who looks dark and dangerous, and on a dare from her girlfriends, she approaches him outside. They then do something very naughty – one could call it a one-night stand but since it only lasted 24 minutes behind a bar…
Ginny is quite satisfied but later when she is back home, she sees this man again. Surprise! Wes Dalton owns a big company in the city, but he has decided to take some time off to help his ailing father and become reacquainted with his three half-brothers. His father is showing early signs of dementia and Wes wants to step up his involvement. Wes is not a commitment type of guy, but he also can’t stand trying to be set-up by nosy neighbors. When he realizes Ginny is in the same boat, he suggests they become fake boyfriend and girlfriend for the few months he plans to spend in Cape Hope. At first Ginny thinks it’s a ridiculous idea, but as the match-making piles on, she turns to Wes to escape the pressure. And of course their fake dating turns to real kissing and so on.
My favorite quote above makes me a little shivery, but I really wish Wes would have spoken or acted like this more consistently. Named dark and dangerous by Ginny and supposedly a millionaire or more, I wanted him – a bigger presence. Maybe loosen up a bit throughout the book. He felt rigid to me, and I wanted him to be rougher or funnier – just a bigger character than what we get. He is sexy in a way because he cares for Ginny (even though he doesn’t want commitment) and he is sexy in the bedroom. But I had a hard time really getting to know Wes.
I liked Ginny a lot more. I think the guilt and shame and just wishing the school shooting never to be mentioned again is handled really well. I like that she gets tired of always trying to do the right thing, and never making a scene. And I love that she has a 24 minute affair with Wes and how that gives her confidence and just a fun time. I feel like we get to know her more than we get to know Wes and she shows more emotion and just feels like a fuller character. I enjoyed her.
There is a small suspense storyline that develops and I could have done without that. I liked the tone of the book without that added in.
While this one isn’t a favorite of mine, I appreciate this author’s voice – I’ve read several of her books and they all feel different. From a new adult, to a crazy rock star (my favorite) to more of a small town romance. Interested to see what she gives us next.
Rating: C+
Nice review, I might like to read this one.