Emma Tharp

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Kate's best friend has been missing for 6 months, gone after a run that leaves everyone missing her. While everyone moves on from Willow, accepting that it's time to let go, Kate has a feeling that there's more to her disappearance and that she could still be alive. While her beliefs alienate her, they also bring her closer to River McEwan, her childhood best friend and Willow's ex. Their friendship turns into more and Kate can't think of life without him, but she still can't shake the thought that Willow is still out there.

Mysterious and alluring, What About Her isn't the average friends to lover trope readers are used to. While it reads like a love-triangle, Emma Tharp's debut novel features only two main characters, the third party missing in action though she's never far from their thoughts. River and Kate are well developed characters, their friendship is one that has had a lustful connection from day one, though neither has acknowledged it. I loved both characters and, while they had minor flaws, I found myself connecting with them and rooting for their romance. Kate is the definition of a good friend, despite her moving on to River it is not as a method of forgetting or replacing Willow. I love that she tried so hard to do the right thing for others even though she knew what was really right for her. River is confusing at first, but as he opens up and reveals his true feelings I really fell for him. Willow, though missing the entire novel, seems to have been quite a character and even without meeting her it is apparent that she guides much of the novels story line. She seems to be a force and the next novel already promises to center around Willow.

With slower pacing, What About Her is the sort of novel that draws you in and grips you, not because it's fast and constantly high emotion but more so due to Emma Tharp's ability to bring the entire book to life. The small town college atmosphere is apparent, the connections between the various students are deemed just as important as those moments shared between River and Kate, and the disappearance of Willow is felt by all. I loved that the mystery isn't revealed in this novel, because the romance and development between Kate and River would've been overshadowed. With just the right amount of angst, smut, romance, and suspense readers who pick up What About Her will be desperate for the next novel.… (altro)

Emma Tharp lights the lamp with UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT, the fourth book in the Rules of the Game series. Professional hockey player Wes Jacobsen is heartbroken after country music star Lydia Crow breaks things off with him due to their age difference. However, he could not care less how old she is. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult readers.

I liked the age difference aspect of the story. Lydia is nineteen years older than Wes. People have made comments to her about being old enough to be his mom. I could understand how that would deter her. I’m three years older than my husband. When I think, he was in grade school, when I was in high school, that’s a bit creepy. However, we met in our mid-twenties. After a certain age, I feel age is irrelevant. It’s about compatibility and how you make each other feel.

Wes appreciates Lydia for who she is. He likes who he has become with her. Lydia is widowed. She dated since her husband’s death, but nobody made her feel something until Wes. I like that Wes challenged Lydia and asked for a second chance. The couple also have some interesting obstacles with their careers; especially Lydia with her business manager.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT is a skillfully-written and entertaining read. I recommend it to people that enjoy age gap and/or second chance romances. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.… (altro)