3.5

This was a SLOW starter, I almost DNF before it got better.

Also, there was one of those stupid author flubs. Have you ever put styrofoam in a microwave? Yeah, no. Doesn’t work. It melts.

But, once it got going, I liked it, and the HEA was lovely. ( )

Oh, lovely. I get so tired of insta-lust - irresistible attraction to someone (particularly someone who's otherwise (apparently) completely wrong for you) is really not a good basis for a relationship. Here the protagonists are strongly attracted - and refuse to give in to it, because problems. So they get to spend time together, talk, share experiences, and build a relationship with a solid basis (in only a few days, admittedly, but they deal with that aspect too). So when the unpleasant surprises happen later on, they've got something to trust, and the surprises get dealt with as they deserve. The workaholic, self-sacrificing Haley begins to find what she's lost in the stress of her life; the nomad, independent Ben finds out what he's willing to give up, and what he's not, for a relationship with her. And then Haley does a clever end-run and they get a real happy ever after, that's perfect for both of them. This is the first of a three- (soon four-) book series - I'll be looking for the rest, and for Edie Claire's other books. That's the nice thing about finding a new good author - lots of backlist. ( )