Author: Ava Riley

Release Date: April 6, 2011

Publisher: LazyDay Publishing

ISBN: # 978-1612580234

Genre: contemporary romance

Format(s): e-book

I received a copy of this book from the author for the purposes of an honest review.

From the author’s website:

Tessa has no desire to spend another Friday night alone. Inviting her brother’s best friend, Cade, to hang out with her at a local club was nothing more than a night out with a friend. At least that’s what she thought. When unexpected advances are made, they are both forced to evaluate their life-long friendship and newly revealed feelings for each other. Can Tessa accept that someone as sexy and successful as Cade could want her for more than sex? Will their friendship continue on as it was or will these two find a love that lasts a lifetime?

What I’m talking about:

Tessa and Cade have known each other her whole life. Cade is best friend is best friends with Tess’ older brother, Rowan, and he has watched Tessa grow up – teasing her along the way as any big brother’s best friend would do. One night when Rowan was busy he suggests Tessa and Cade hang out – go to the bar together. Little do any of them know that night will change their lives. When Cade takes an inebriated Tessa home, she hikes up her skirt and straddles his lap, confessing her desire for him. Nothing happens that night, but when Rowan finds Cade’s wallet and an unused condom on Tessa’s living room floor the next day, the “what ifs” start to play in both Cade and Tessa’s minds. This kicks off a courtship dance that leads Cade and Tessa to reconsider their views on relationships and love.

A Lifetime to Find Love is a sweet love story. It’s a quick and easy read, with little conflict and lots of hot romance. Cade is a considerate, consummate bachelor – never finding a woman that he wants to spend the night with after an evening of hot sex. Likewise, Tessa has never dated a man that makes her heart race with desire for a long-term relationship. Neither had ever looked at each other in a sexual way until Tessa makes her move.

I have to admit, I kept waiting for something to go “wrong” with Cade. First, as you all know, I never read contemporary romance and I didn’t realize that this story wasn’t paranormal until I read a few chapters. So in the beginning of the book, especially after learning Cade tossed Tessa across the room in reaction to her advances, I kept waiting to discover Cade was some sort of shifter or vampire. *grins* Then after I recognized that Cade wasn’t a paranormal creature, I was waiting for a deep secret or character flaw to be uncovered. But none came. He’s just this amazingly handsome, generous doctor that is completely smitten with Tess.

The romance between Cade and Tess blossomed quickly, and once it got rolling, moved forward with little conflict or problems. It makes sense, knowing that the two grew up together – there was no need for the “getting to know you” stage of a relationship. However, since the reader is not privy to their earlier years, I felt that their undying love advanced a bit too quickly and at times lacked the honest depth described in the story. But after getting over the speed at which the relationship built, I enjoyed their candid and open approach with one another.

The author did attempt to toss in some conflict into the story with the introduction of Erin, Rowan’s ex-fiancée, about two-thirds into the book. Unfortunately, she didn’t add much to the storyline and her character was a bit annoying to me. It was more the case of “a little too little and a little too late” rather than a flaw in Erin’s character, but her introduction and shenanigans came across contrived and I felt the story may have been better without her presence.

A Lifetime to Find Love is a solid freshman release for Ms. Riley. The writing strengthened as the story progressed and even with the couple of flaws I mentioned, the story is an enjoyable read. It’s not a complex, twisted tale, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes it’s nice just to sit back and take pleasure in an uncomplicated, charming love story.

My Rating:

3 stars: Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)