I loved Nick, a true sweetheart. Raina does not deserve Nick.

This was a very good read, but resolved quickly at the end.

3.5 stars ( )

THE THINGS I DO FOR YOU, by M. Malone

I recently received a free copy of "The Things I Do For You" to read & give an HONEST review out of the "Alexanders" series. While it's actually something you'd think of yelling at your kids, it's actually a contemporary romance. I knew I had a free read of the prequel to this series, "Teasing Trent", so I read it. Then I purchased "One More Day", the "official" Book 1 of the Alexander series. I mean, really - if I was going to read & review the Book 2 written about these people, I just HAD to read Book 0.5 & Book 1 (hey - that's my argument to The Man for purchasing yet another book & I'm sticking to it!!).

Overall impressions? LOVE THIS SERIES. Think along the lines of the Kowalskis (Shannon Stacey) or the Sullivans (Bella Andre). Let me clear up some confusion right away, too. "Teasing Trent" features two characters that are NOT Alexanders. However, they are "linked" to them as the men are all friends & they've grown up together. I figure that's why the story was written as a prequel. Trust me - I've thought on this. Because after I read it, I kept flipping through looking at last names trying to figure out why it was part of a series about the Alexander family. I'm just wired that way -- so I'm saving you the same confusion.

Now to the book I'm supposed to be reviewing... THE THINGS I DO FOR YOU.



Raina and Nick have a history - one hot night together and then she ran scared. Fast forward to her standing in front of an audience after having her engagement broken off via text while the reporters question who her fiance is... and Nick steps in to help her save face. They realize that they share a goal - to have a child - and voila - a giggle-inducing wedding at a Vegas chapel by a drunk Elvis. They find their way through their emotional angst; the reader gets the answer to why Ridley & Raina's father had run out on them years ago; and there is a happily ever after. What makes this story stand out is the realistic portrayal of Raina's battle against infertility. (When I say realistic - I mean more from the standpoint of her emotions & reactions to it - because some of the medical care aspects of it were a bit shaky.) Ms. Malone takes an issue that has the capability to destroy a marriage and shows how a couple works through it to just make their marriage stronger.



I will look forward to the next output of the Alexanders (although, once again - NOT an Alexander???) series, "He's The Man", which according to her website should be released in August 2013. Girls, mark this author as one to keep an eye on & don't miss out on the Alexanders! ( )