Loving Lies (Men of Summer, #1) by Lora Leigh Series: Men of Summer #1
on February 14th 2006
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 259
Goodreads
Just Felt Disjointed to Me
FINAL DECISION: This book was a disappointment because of the unrealistic reason for the hero deserting the heroine and then his continuing to keep secrets after his return. On the plus side, the story is hot, the characters are well drawn and at times there is deep compelling emotion.
THE STORY: Jessie Benton has loved Slade Colter forever. He had been putting her off until she grows up. Finally, when Jessie is twenty-one, they have a weekend exploring and satisfying their sexual fantasies. At the end of the weekend, however, Slade walks away and marries another woman. Five years later, Slate returns intending to reclaim Jessie.
OPINION: I was disappointed in this book. I really liked the characters and the story was at times very sad and painful in its powerful emotions. The best part of the book was the heartbreaking scenes when Slade and Jessie had to be parted. If the entire book had been that powerful, this would have been a great book.
Unfortunately, the story turns on a stupid plot device. The reason that Slade left Jessie is never strong enough to justify the pain he put her through. Then he returns and instead of groveling and explaining himself, he is arrogant and continues to keep secrets. Jessie should have slapped the guy and found someone else. Most of the time I can suspend disbelief even with outrageous storylines, but this one just didn’t feel well done to me.
The story is also really hot and the focus is definitely on the sexual relationship with the exception of the parting and the end of the book where I really felt that these characters loved one another.
WORTH MENTIONING: The ending of the book hints at the romance in the second book.
CONNECTED BOOKS: LOVING LIES is the first book in The Men of Summer series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 2.5 stars.