What I Love About You (Military Men)

Loved it...the hysterically funny RG is back ! And so is Truly Idaho...Rachel Gibson has a laugh out loud sense of humor and no one writes a steamy sex scene better..... Wonderful, sexy and touching story...(great to learn that Nick and Delany from her first wonderful Truly Idaho romance ended up having six kids!!! Hope she develops more characters out of the Truly idea...)...my faves of course started with Truly Madly Yours and Then Any Man of Mine....which I have read four times....(her forays into Texas not as successful IMHO)....and Blake the Navy Seal hero is one of her classic gorgeous jackass men...love you RG!

Reviewed by Nadene
Book provided by Edelweiss
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

I am new to Rachel Gibson’s works as such my decision to read and review this title was not based on past experience. My decision was made based on the blurb and the cover of this title. On completion of What I Love About You, I must admit that I made a good decision.

Blake Junger, the male protagonist is a retired navy seal and a recovering alcoholic who believed he could beat his addiction on his own. Efforts were made, but he eventually saw it was futile. He was also of the opinion that he was not cut out for a committed relationship, but all that changed when he met Natalie Cooper and her daughter Charlotte. These two entered his life like a whirlwind and he never knew what hit him. Blake may have been brave soul when it came to combat, but when it came to affairs of the heart he was a coward.

Natalie was not looking for love as she was betrayed by her ex-husband, Michael. She was afraid to risk her heart, however, this proved to be a difficult task when Blake swooped into her life. Their initial encounter was fun and entertaining. The sexual tension between these two was so thick it could have been cut with a knife. When they finally came together it was quite an explosive experience.

The secondary roles were outstanding, but my favorite is Charlotte, Natalie’s daughter. She is a sweet, adorable child that is able to warm the heart’s of those she encounter.. My least favorite is Michael, Natalie’s ex-husband. I never liked his treatment of her and I though he was presumptuous to believe who could come back into her life and expected her to take him back,

The storyline was very engaging. It was an easy and fast paced read. I found the premise believable as the experiences detailed in the story is something that could happen to just about anyone. Their experiences made it easy to relate to them as they represented real people feeling real pain.
This story depicts that no matter how strong we believe we are, we all need someone to offer help and comfort in our time of need as no man can stand alone.

I found the ending to be predictable, which is typical of most romance stories. The romance between Natalie and Blake progressed rather quickly, but that did not detract from the story.

What I Love About You is an emotional story about two individuals who have been hurt by life both in different size and shape. It’s entertaining, witty and will tug at your heart strings. I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to more of this author’s work.

4.5 Stars
Sexual Content Rating: Sensual
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: None

When a former cheerleader (and envy of all of high school and the entire town) finds herself single after her husband runs off and leaves her high and dry—taking all her money and his 20 year old bimbo someplace more exotic than Truly, ID; Natalie Cooper discovers she’s no longer the envy of Truly. Natalie isn’t sure what to do now that her life has bottomed out other than to keep putting one foot in front of the other. She’s now running the photo shop and keeping herself afloat and taking care of their beautiful daughter, Charlotte.

When Charlotte has a run in with the new neighbor next door, Natalie goes to intervene. But when she runs into former Navy SEAL Blake Junger, everything in her world (and his) go a little topsy turvey. He’s a recovering alcoholic who is doing everything he can to keep a tight hold on his sobriety. Will he be albe to overcome the demons of his past and stay away from the bottle?

I loved the interactions. Natalie is a little scared of Blake until her baby seems threatened. Then the world better watch out as this momma bear is going to take on anyone poised to harm her baby. It’s that fierce protective instinct that drew me to her. She may seem soft and fragile after being jilted, but deep inside is a backbone of steel that will see her through the ups and downs to come.

Blake is battling his own demons from the past—and even some in the present. While he just wants peace and quiet and to be alone, his little 5 year old neighbor has different plans. Their initial interaction wasn’t very friendly (or pretty) but I laughed and laughed at the big, bad Navy SEAL almost laid low by a pint-sized cutie pie.

The action drug a couple times—I think trying to tie it into too many other books—but overall, there was good motion to the story and I was well and truly in the grip of the story. It’s a terrific story and it has some incredibly funny moments and situations thrown in to give some much needed comic relief. While the story is connected to others in her various series, it does stand alone.

-- ROBYN

All books reviewed by Once Upon a Romance are furnished by the publisher or publicist for a fair and honest review 

I adore Rachel Gibson’s contemporaries. Often filled with humor and delicious chemistry, she also imparts a sense of realism into the story as she builds the relationship between two people who aren’t looking for love. A steady comfortable pacing allows readers ample time to get to know our protagonists with just enough backstory to intrigue without overwhelming. Add in a couple conflicts, some crazy friends, a cute puppy and little girl, and few heartfelt moments and you have a classic Gibson read.

Fans will remember Blake Junger from Run To You (Lovett, TX #4) which was his brother Beau’s story. Blake and Beau are exact twins though I found Blake to be more gregarious and charming of the two. Blake is a security specialist who hires out his skills to certain organizations (civilian and government) who may be in need of his expertise. Suffering from PTSD and alcohol dependency, Blake comes to Truly, Idaho after a stint in rehab to try and combat his demons on his own. Happy for the peace and solitude, he finds his tranquility interrupted by a pint size distraction. Blake’s famous charm doesn’t help him in the least when the child’s mother appears and doesn’t find him amusing at all. Blake, not one to let an attractive woman get away, tries to pour on the charm only to find Natalie isn’t interested. She doesn’t trust attractive charming men after what her husband did to her and she has a child to think of. She is also facing the prospect that her ex husband Michael is finally coming home for good.

Blake and Natalie were fun protagonists – individually and as a couple. Gibson gives plenty of time for them to form a friendship before jumping into bed and I enjoyed their humorous interactions. Strong, intelligent, and completely honest, there was no manufactured conflicts. Neither had any problems telling the other how they felt or what they needed. It also helped both were in their 30s and offered up a mature emotional base. Strong support systems in the form of Natalie’s best friend, Lilah, and Blake’s brother offer comedic moments and some needed advice whether it’s wanted or not.

Gibson doesn’t offer instant solutions or try to bamboozle the reader with the notion that falling in love fixes everything. Blake has to acknowledge his problems and want to change for himself. Natalie has to learn to forgive her ex husband. I loved that Gibson doesn’t make Natalie’s ex husband a villain in order to facilitate Blake’s and Natalie’s relationship. Micheal paid a heavy price for his actions and has come home hoping to salvage a relationship with his daughter and his ex wife.

The ending is satisfying as our couple comes to terms with their respective pasts and look towards the future. Gibson again weaves her magic is this delightfully smart and entertaining romantic contemporary and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Rating: B

Book Review- What I Love About You by Rachel Gibson

Blake Junger is no longer on Seal Team 6. He is fresh out of rehab for alcoholism. As a result he bought a house in Truly, Idaho with a view of the lake. He needs some separation to maintain control. That ends up being impossible when you live next door to a curious five year old and her hot mom. It gets even harder when you are puppy bombed.
Blake becomes half owner of a black mutt of a puppy, sharing ownership with 5 year old Charlotte. He also wants to know Charlotte’s mom, Natalie, better. He pursues her and starts to fall into her life. Yet he still holds himself apart. When her ex-husband becomes an issue, Blake pretty much stakes his claim on Natalie. However, when things get a little too close for comfort and his control slips, he believes he does the right thing in continuing to separate himself.
I wondered what would happen to Blake after reading about his brother Beau. I was happy to see this next book come out. He obviously was still struggling with his demons and his sobriety. Yet that didn’t affect his alpha male attitude when he encountered Natalie. He became pretty arrogant and bossy. It was fun to watch her complete annoyance with him. However he got paid back when Charlotte decided he was her best friend. He had no idea how to deal with a five year old. I found myself chuckling at his reactions. I could just picture it in my head.
I really liked the characters in this story. Natalie had a really good head on her shoulders and was a strong female character. Her single mom status kept her focused. It placed that type of character in a positive light. She didn’t need to be saved. She took care of herself and her daughter, thank you very much. It was a good read and I give it a 4 out of 5.

Natalie Cooper has been through quite a lot in her life, but she has finally managed to settle down, together with her five-year-old daughter Charlotte. When Natalie found out she was pregnant, it was the happiest moment of her life, but her husband didn't quite agree. He turned out to have embezzled a lot of money and ran away from Natalie and their unborn child to start a new life with his 20-year-old girlfriend. Natalie hasn't focused on men since the whole debacle with her ex-husband, but this changes when brooding and handsome Blake Junger moves in next door. Blake is an ex-Navy SEAL who has come to Truly, Idaho to focus on his own issues and deal with his inner demons. He certainly doesn't plan on spending time with his new neighbours, until he meets Charlotte and her attractive mother Natalie, who manages to catch his attention and he knows he can't ignore the attraction between them, even if he wanted to...

'What I Love About You' is the third part of Rachel Gibson's Truly, Idaho series, but the book can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I have no idea what exactly happened in the other parts of the series, but there wasn't a moment while reading this novel when I felt like I was missing information or didn't understand what was going on. The book is a typical romance read when looking at the plot line and was quite predictable at times, but this didn't bother me. There is a cast of interesting characters; I really liked Natalie, the female protagonist, and Blake is a real alpha male which I expect numerous female readers will fall in love with. I would have liked to have learned more about the characters, because I did feel like the story stayed a bit on the surface instead of really diving into the characters' thoughts and emotions. The attraction between Natalie and Blake was great, though; I loved seeing them fall for one another and the sparks were impossible to ignore, which makes or breaks a romance novel, if you ask me.

I did some research on the book online and fans of Rachel Gibson's work seem to be torn about this particular book; some of them really liking it, some of them not so much. I personally quite enjoyed the book; it's an entertaining romance read with some hot and steamy scenes, and great to pick up if you just want to get away from real life for a couple of hours. I specifically liked Rachel Gibson's writing style and am looking forward to checking out more of her work in the future. Overall, 'What I Love About You' is a fast-paced, fun and easy-to-read romance novel; romance fans will not be disappointed if they decide to pick up this book.

Blake wasn't interested in marriage or kids. He was an ex-SEAL, a recovering alcoholic, and a professional security consultant. The only people he wanted to be around was his twin brother and whomever he worked a job with. It took a little five year old girl who wandered into his yard for him to see what and who he was missing in his life.

Natalie 's priority is her daughter, whose father is getting out of prison soon and coming home for good to Truly. While Natalie's no longer in love with her ex-husband, the thought of what his coming home means weighed heavily on her mind. And the man next door, the rough and tumble, foul-mouthed, built-like-a-mountain, mouthwatering man, weighed heavily on her heart.

Their relationship unfolded under waves of attraction and pent up sexual frustration. Heavy caresses and bone-melting kisses peppered their encounters, and gave way to rounds of satiating sex. But it also opened them up to things they thought they wouldn't feel for each other. While Natalie has walked the road to marriage before, Blake hasn't. The idea that Natalie was more than a sex-buddy rattled his core, and he did what he did best: he left.

I can understand his silent reasons for leaving. What I didn't understand was why he chose to lie instead of tell Natalie the truth. The rift his parting words caused made me wonder if maybe he wasn't the best man for her. His indifference and callousness in that moment chipped at my admiration for him. I wanted him to do it differently, to speak plainly instead of hiding behind a job or fears. However, I will concede that their separation worked immensely in their favor. Blake came back better than before, doing what he needed to do because he had a woman and her daughter waiting on him to get his act together.

The one thing that bothered me was how quickly Natalie forgave Blake his behavior in the end. I know, I know. It's a small thing to hold onto, but it really bothered me. I think because of what he said, how he said it, and how he left after he said it. He treated her like they hadn't shared intimate moments outside of bed, like they hadn't opened up to each other about their respective pasts, like everything that transpired between them had happened for kicks.

Despite my misgivings on that topic, I did like reading Blake and Natalie's story. Well-written with a great cast of characters, Ms. Gibson did a terrific job of giving a single mom and an ex-SEAL a well-deserved happy ending.

***Received from Edelweiss via Tasty Book Tours for an honest review***

When I think of lighthearted reads with witty dialogue and likable characters I automatically think of Rachel Gibson. With her latest release she accomplishes all that as well as digging deep into one man's demons and showing us the results of being a dutiful soldier who's good at his job. There's also laughter, tears, and heartwarming moments courtesy of a sweet child who charms her way into a gruff man's heart and a HEA for a woman willing to stand by the man whose actions often speak louder than words.

Blake Junger is at a crossroads trying to stay sober and cope with his PTSD. With his twin brother recently finding love he feels adrift and just wants to be left alone to figure out what he wants to do with his life. The day a little girl named Charlotte shows up in his yard is the day his life changes dramatically and once he meets her strong-willed mother he's no longer able to run from his demons. Blake starts off very gruff, a man of few words who likes to be alone. He resents the intrusion but slowly warms up to the little girl as he finds himself attracted to Natalie and thus begins a subtle battle of wills full of sexual tension and laugh out loud interactions. Blake is charming, sexy, and the kind of man you know will keep you safe. His interactions with Charlotte are sweet and endearing, especially when he refers to her as his best friend. Blake's addiction and emotional turmoil is vividly depicted and show a strong man truly struggling and I found myself sympathetic towards him and rooting for him to overcome his pain and lonely existance. He's drawn to Natalie but doesn't think himself capable of love which leads to a rocky road to HEA as he has to undergo some serious soul searching and admitting that he can't handle everything before becoming the man Natalie deserves.

Natalie is a strong-willed woman uninterested in love as her ex-husband humiliated her and left her in a whirlwind of deceit and media intrusion through his embezzling. She's devoted to her daughter and her photo shop and doesn't think she needs anything else until she meets her infuriatingly gruff yet super sexy neighbor. She's not the kind of woman into one-night stands and fights her attraction as Blake has heartbreaker written all over him. Though their relationship starts off with playful verbal battles, spending time with him shows a caring man in need of love. Giving into their attraction results in lots of steamy interludes seamlessly incorporated into the story and let Natalie have moments of fun she desperately deserved. Natalie is a stand by your man kind of woman who gave Blake the time he needed to heal and I admired her for it. Her interactions with her ex were realistic as feelings of distrust still burned bright and her letting him be a part of Charlotte's life again showed a woman of great strength and a big heart.

I normally don't care for children in my romance books but I found Charlotte delightful. She's sweet yet knows how to subtly manipulate to get what she wants which brings her and Blake closer as she aids him in getting closer to Natalie. Her language and emotions are realistic and her presence loomed large in the story as she was a ball of energy with a kind heart. Natalie's friend Lilah was also a nice addition pushing her friend into living once again. She was outspoken, told it like it was, and had the ability to make even Blake blush and I'd love to see more of her. Seeing brother Beau was another wonderful part of the story, making for an awkward yet hilarious first meeting between him and Natalie. He and Stella prove that happiness can befall the Junger boys despite their troubling childhood. From start to finish this story captured my heart, especially the interactions between Blake and Charlotte. There was a perfect blending of steaminess, sentimentality, and witty banter that Ms. Gibson is known for and that keeps me coming back and I highly recommend it.

Natalie Cooper once had her ideal dream life. She was a cheerleader. She married the high school football hero. She had a wonderful child. She had a good house. But life changes, as Natalie found out the hard way. Her husband ran off with Tiffany and took all their money with him. Now Natalie wants nothing more than to be a good mother and keep the bill collectors away.

Operator First Class Blake Junger is retired from SEAL Team Six. Once a deadly sniper, Blake now wants to be left alone. That is why he has come to Truly, Idaho. As Blake tries to battle his demons, he cannot help from noticing the crazy locals – or Natalie next door.

***** FIVE STARS! Author Rachel Gibson has imagined up a wonderful town full of crazy, engaging, and lovable characters that are impossible to ignore. Her writing is intense – no matter the topic; be it love, heart ache, or even when being supportive to a dear friend or child. It is no wonder to me that Rachel Gibson is a Modern Contemporary Master. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews

**** My review: 4 witty stars! ****

Oh my gracious, what shall I begin? I'm usually a historical romance kinda gal, but this past week I was walking by all kinds of new books in a local store and one grabbed my eye. Yeah, WHAT I LOVE ABOUT YOU has a great cover. I didn't even read the back of the book. I saw the author and smiled. Rachel Gibson has NEVER let me down. I immediately bought it.

If you've never read a Rachel Gibson book before let me just say-- you simply must! She is an exquisite author. WHAT I LOVE ABOUT YOU is another wonderfully written story. I was laughing before Chapter 1 ended. Seriously. And by chapter 3 my husband looked over at me and asked, "What in the world are you laughing at?" I just smiled. How could I possibly tell him about Bow Tie or the massive junk photo? Naw, let him wonder. I had to keep reading.

Natalie Cooper, the heroine, is a great character. She can't keep a secret for the life of her and she has the most precious daughter ever. I loved, loved, loved little Charlotte. She's a hoss! <3

I LOVE me some Blake Junger. OMG, couldn't get enough reading about this man. He is sex on a stick and then some. Great hero material, slap-your-panties-to-the-wall hotness, and all around yumminess women can appreciate.

A big shout out to Ms. Gibson this morning. I really needed this book the last couple of days. It left me smiling and laughing more than I thought possible. When a book makes your heart smile then it's definitely a keeper. And so, without further delay, this little jewel is being placed onto my to-keep-forever-dont-you-dare-touch bookshelf. Brava, Ms. Gibson!

** And thank you for making swoon worthy heroes that I melt for!

Rachel Gibson writes another awesome story in What I Love About you.

Natalie Cooper is trying to forge a new world for herself and her young daughter. It wasn’t too long ago she thought she had the world by its tale, she had married the star quarterback and they were expecting their first child. This all came to a screeching end when the bubble was burst on their marriage and her husbands character. Now divorced and her ex in prison Natalie is making her way the best she is able. Suddenly her quite peaceful world is interrupted by her hunky neighbor Blake Junger.

Blake Junger wants peace and quiet, he needs to conquer his demons on his own. Or so he thinks. His feisty neighbor and her adorable daughter seem to be there every time he turns around. Natalie is the absolute last thing he needs to distract him but her infectious personality along with her curvy body have him rethinking his being alone.

When Natalie’s ex is realized from prison he tries to insert himself back in Natalie and her daughters life. Will Blake give up too soon or will he find for the person who can change his whole life?

What I Love About You is another keeper by Rachel Gibson. All her stories have a wonderful love story and are laugh out loud funny. Natalie and Blake’s have a connection that neither saw common. Watching big old ex Seal Blake fall under Natalie’s daughter spell is priceless. You can’t go wrong with a Rachel Gibson story.

Gibson captures your attention right from the very start of this highly entertaining, romantic and sensual story of a women overcoming heartbreak and loss and a man who is determined to never fall in love. When ex-navy seal Blake Junger meets his sexy next story neighbor Natalie Cooper and her adorable little daughter Charlotte, it will leave you laughing for days. Gibson doesn't shy away from making you dislike Blake but you will fall in love with his ruggedness, charming and straight forwardness.

I always love a story that gives jumps back between the male and female lead ... I loved reading about what was going on the other characters life while the other character was busy living their own lives ... it lets you into the head of the other character and both Blake and Natalie have a lot to say! Gibson does her character's justice with wittiness and her ability to capture the scene with her way of words and will leave you swooning and hot all at the same time.

The love scenes in this book are hot! Well, Blake is hot .... and Natalie is hot .... so of course their love-making or monkey love would be hot ...

Don't deny yourself the opportunity to read this great read by Rachel Gibson as she has captured me as a fan and I can't wait to read other books by her! This book is also the third in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. A definite must read!

As posted on The Smutty Kitty reviewed by KittyKelly

3 out of 5 Licks

While What I Love About You is the third in the series you can read as a standalone. I haven't read the other books in the series and I didn't feel like I missed anything. This was my first Rachel Gibson book and overall I enjoyed it. Blake is a jerk, but he is honest about. He shows his jerkiness immediately and never really tried to hide it with Natalie. Natalie had a rough go of it with her ex husband and his family for that matter and she chooses to stay pretty quiet in order to avoid any further drama for her or her daughter. She comes across as a bit of a push over at times, but eventually finds the strength to give some push back. There were a few lulls in the story where it was easy for me to get distracted, but I was pulled back each time. I've watched some family members battle alcoholism so at times this was hard for me to read. in the end I'm happy with the way the author handled it. It wasn't blown over or treated with some easy fix.

What I Love About You by Rachel Gibson
Natalie Cooper, recently divorced and she runs a photo shop and raises her toddler daughter.
Blake Younger is the next door neighbor and Natalie gains his attention...they each have sexual fantasies about one another without telling the other.
The little girl is the bond they both have to spend more time together. he got puppy bombed and now they all share the dog. He's just out of rehab for drinking and out of the service.
Funny scenes with her friends as they discuss what is important to them....complications arise when his twin brother comes to pay a visit and she thinks it's Blake....like fast paced action and adventure of his job...
Steamy sex scenes and small town living add to this story.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

A very satisfying and fun read. I have always been a major fan of Rachel Gibson's but the last few of her novels left me a bit wanting. In this book she definitely got her mojo back. I loved the heroine and her beau. Both of them were believable and reacted the way I would in situations. The only drawback is I wanted more time with them. The story ends with them finally getting their crap together and admitting how they felt about each other but it left me with tons of questions. I'm wondering if there will be a follow up book- maybe on her bestie Lilah? If so, I'm in!!

Another whirlwind of a story to read. Dealing with moving forward in your life, finally letting go of the past, and finding the strength to move on away from what is keeping you back, realizing you don't have to go about it all alone. With a bit of fun, flirty, feisty, sassy, cute, sweet, steamy, rough, strong, and teary eyed moments. I've definitely enjoyed reading Rachel Gibson's books. :)

Another whirlwind of a story to read. Dealing with moving forward in your life, finally letting go of the past, and finding the strength to move on away from what is keeping you back, realizing you don't have to go about it all alone. With a bit of fun, flirty, feisty, sassy, cute, sweet, steamy, rough, strong, and teary eyed moments. I've definitely enjoyed reading Rachel Gibson's books. :)

Although I liked this book a little better than Run To You, I didn't love it like I did most of Ms. Gibson's older books. I can't put my finger on what's missing from the last couple of books, but I was a little disappointed by this book. I liked both characters and there were some laugh out loud moments, but it just lacks the spark that her earlier work had for me.

Enjoyed the characters and particularly the interactions between Blake and five-year-old Charlotte. I always like finding characters from precious books reenter the scenes, as in Blake's twin brother Beau and his wife Stella. Very nice, hilarious, timing on Blake's front porch when Hilary came to call on Blake, not knowing that (1) he had a TWIN brother and (2) that said twin and wife had come to stay with Blake.

the last few novels by gibson have seemed to merely be clocking it in ... this one, however, reminds you of just how fabulous her romances can be - amazing read - hot H, sassy h and the perfect HEA. am so glad gibson is back on her game - only comment is that the ending came up a bit too fast - one minute you're in the thick of a fabulous read, and the next minute it's 'the end' ... perhaps it's simply the mark of a fun read that you simply won't want to end ... but, i would have preferred a bit of a softer landing on the HEA.

This Rachel Gibson fan was super excited to return to Truly, Idaho. This town holds fond memories of great romance reads with a little bit of laughter and a whole lot of heat.

Natalie is a single-mom, she's surviving the scandal caused by her husband and she and her daughter are making it all on their own. Things seem to be calm... until the super sexy, grumpy neighbor moves into the adjacent property. Blake wants to be left alone- now he has a kid hanging around his property and he suddenly finds himself in a comical custody agreement with a puppy that he doesn't want. Suddenly this adversarial relationship ignites a spark that quickly turns into a full blown fire.

This story reminds me of the Rachel Gibson that I fell in love with, it is full of the small-town humor, intriguing backstory, a sexy man, a lovable heroine and throw a cute puppy into the mix and this book becomes a 5 STAR contemporary read! I laughed at times so hard I thought I was going to pee my pants- (not giving away too much- but if you've read this all I need to say is mistaken identity).
If you are a fan of contemporary romance and you aren't reading Rachel Gibson, you should be. Her books are always destined for my keeper shelf.

Rachel Gibson is one of the romance novels authors that I like a lot. I read almost all of her books. She writes good, often funny contemporary romance novels, with interesting plots, lovable characters (both main and secondary one), charming stories, great romances and often very hot lovemaking scenes. I’m glad to say that What I Love About You is not an exception.

What I love About You is Natalie Cooper and Blake Junger’s story and is taking place in Truly, Idaho. Like in her previous books, Gibson captures all the good and bad sides of the small town, all the things that in the end make this place charming. Furthermore, the secondary characters enrich this story a lot. I would honorably mention Charlotte and Sparky. Charlotte is Natalie Cooper’s five year old daughter, and Sparky is a stray dog. Sometimes such a combination of cuteness does not work well, but in this case it worked absolutely fantastic. Charlotte and Sparky do not make the story saccharine sweet, they make it truly funny and lovable adding to it additional charm and cuteness.

Although it might seem that this is light love story, it is definitely not. Gibson is dealing with some pretty difficult issues that affect either war veterans or retired soldiers. These issues are PTSD, alcoholism and adjusting to civilian life after active military service. Gibson incorporates them well in the story.

What I also liked are the main characters. They are both vulnerable. Natalie had her life turned upside down when her ex-husband left her pregnant; she manages to put her life back on the track, but she does not trust men easily. Blake, who is a classical alpha male character, is so flawed and full of unresolved issues. But these imperfections make him even more interesting. The chemistry between Natalie and Blake is palpable and all aspects of their relationship are realistic.

What I Love About You is a cozy and comfortable romance novel that deals with some serious war trauma issues. This new novel by Rachel Gibson is worth reading. I think it will satisfy every contemporary romance reader and the novel is fun too.

originally posted at long and short reviews

I own every Rachel Gibson book. Some are better than others; I have read and re-read my favorites dozens of times. This book was awful. Just awful. As another reviewer wrote, RG is re-writing scenes and characters from previous books, and the re-writes are NOT an improvement. Some of her earlier books -- "Truly Madly Yours" and "Tangled Up in You," for instance -- were just wonderful for their characters and funny, passionate and even moving stories. Gibson has been the only romance novelist whose work I have read regularly in recent years. But unless she can get back in the game, I think I'm done.