I really liked the heroine Abby, her family, and the Key West setting. I didn't like the hero Reese's reaction when he found out that Abby gave their baby up for adoption. He acted like an ass. I also didn't like or agree with the way that Abby seemed to be blamed for all that went wrong after the one night stand that resulted in her pregnancy 13 years ago. Reese left home without a trace after the one night stand, and Abby tried but couldn't locate him to tell him that she was pregnant. The blame seemed very one-sided. Reese came off as blameless through it all, he wasn't very romantic and never seemed that much in love. I didn't like Reese and thought he was a jerk. The likable heroine, her family and the great setting in Key West was all that saved this book for me. ( )

rabck box from bookstogive 10/10; Author did a very good job of describing Key West. After a one night stand with Reese - and being unable to contact him afterwards, Abby left town pregnant and their son was adopted. Now 13 years later, she's back in town to help her father. Lots of family feuding, Reese is back and a policeman and falling in love with Abby. ( )

AUTHOR: Thomason, Cynthia
TITLE: Christmas in Key West
DATE READ: 04/06/14
RATING: 4/B
GENRE/PUB DATE/PUBLISHER/# OF PGS: Romance/2008/Harlequin/244 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE: SA
TIME/PLACE: 2008/ Key West Florida
CHARACTERS: Abby Vernay/ social worker w/ adoption services; Reese Burkett/police captain
FIRST LINES: Reese hunkered down on one knee & burrowed his fingers into a patch of soft golden fur covered by a colorful neckerchief. "You have a good day, buddy," he said to the Labrador retriever.
COMMENTS: I loved the setting of Key West and there were many descriptions to make you feel like you were really there -- this was the best part of the book for me. The romance was so-so. 13 yrs ago 2 young people brought up in Key West have a one night stand. Abby has just graduated hs & has plans for college and Reese a few yrs older has gotten himself into a little trouble & to avoid some jail time he rushes off to the service. Abby becomes pregnant from their one encounter but cannot contact Reese so she has the baby & decides adoption is the best decision. She goes off to college & then establishes herself in Atlanta, rarely returning home to Key West. 13 yrs later her father has some issues that require her taking a leave of absence to help him & she runs into Reese. Nice enough characters & story but overshadowed by a great setting. ( )