Room at the Inn by Ruthie Knox
Published: November 4, 2013 by Loveswept
Source: Purchased ebook
Sometimes first loves burn bright, then flicker out. But in this heartwarming eBook novella from RITA finalist and USA Today bestselling author Ruthie Knox, it’s never too late for a second chance at true love.
Ambitious and driven, Carson Vance couldn’t wait to escape the small town where he was born. But now that Carson is back to spend Christmas with his ailing father, he must face all the people of Potter Falls he’s left behind. Topping that list is Julie Long, who’s sacrificed so much for Carson’s family, and whose heart he broke once upon a time. Now the proprietor of the local inn, Julie has blossomed from a shy schoolgirl into a successful, seductive, independent woman—everything that Carson’s looking for in a relationship. But despite several steamy encounters under the mistletoe, Julie refuses to believe in happily ever after. Now Carson must convince Julie that he’s back for good—and that he wants her in his life for all the holidays to come. [goodreads]
If a book is written by Ruthie Knox, I will read it. This woman's writing has won me over time and time again with her adult contemporary romances. And she's done it again, but this time with a short and sweet holiday romance! If you've been in a bit of a reading slump, like I have been, then I highly recommend grabbing a few holiday romance novellas to pull you out of it. Begin with this one and you can thank me later!
This holiday story will warm your heart while providing a delicious dose of romance backed by a solid, fulfilling story line. Carson fled from small town Potter Falls, leaving behind his ill mother and head-butting father. He also left behind his college friend, Julie, that he's shared a lot more than just study notes in their past. For Carson he's always felt the need to prove himself, and getting out of Potter Falls was the first step. However, when Julie calls Carson home to take care of his widowed father, he can't resist her plea... or much else.
The attraction between Carson and Julie has not died out over the years. In fact, once they are reunited the flame flickers to life again, threatening to burn the whole town down in its path. As Julie maintains the local Inn at Potter Falls, and Carson takes up residency in one of her vacant rooms, the temptation to pick up where things left off overwhelms the both of them. What begins as just a physical need demanding to be met, spirals out into an emotional attraction neither saw coming.
For a romance novella, this particular story supplied just the right amount of depth to propel the story along. Each scene flowed effortlessly into the next, avoiding obvious plot jumps. My only critique is that I wish Carson and Julie's story would have been longer. I could have stayed in Potter Falls, at the Inn, welcoming the warm glow of a small town Christmas for many more pages. These characters felt authentic and fleshed out, something I definitely admire in Ruthie Knox's ability while crafting a solid, quick read.
If you're looking for a quick, one-sitting type read to get you in the spirit of the holidays I definitely recommend picking up Room at the Inn.
I'll have to keep this in mind come December. I normally read a few holiday romances and that one sounds like a good one to start with.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever read a holiday themed book and I do like a good romance. I do tend to stay away from novellas because sometimes I think they're too short to enjoy. What if I really like the characters and want more? I need to add holiday themed stories to my TBR. The only Ruthie Knox book I read was Truly. What are your favorites she has written?
ReplyDeleteHaha. I have been in a bit of a reading slump. I've been reading, but I really have to push myself to. I am also looking for some holiday novellas. I've never read anything by Ruthie Knox, but clearly I need to give her books a try, and I will start with this one. And then I will thank you! :)
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