Her One and Only - Becky Wade (#4 of The Porter Family Series)

The last thing Gray Fowler expected was a female bodyguard. After 10 years as an NFL superstar for the Mustangs, he was used to the adoring fans – even obsessive. But still. A female protecting him? Isn’t he better off protecting himself?

Dru Porter. The youngest of the Porter family. Having to contend with that, she’s also a woman (not a girl) so her three older brothers did their growing up ten years before she did and they’re somewhat protective. Regardless of the fact that she’s a former Marine, black belt and an expert markswoman, they’re still going to look out for her.

Gray is dismissive of both her and the stalker. Dru, the agency she works for and Gray’s management think differently. With this frame of mind, Dru knows she’ll have her work cut out for her. She needs Gray to listen and action her suggestions – she can’t afford for anything to go wrong. Despite her skills and know how she couldn’t prevent a disaster happening on her last assignment. Her boss knows, as does Dru, this job is a chance to redeem her tarnished reputation.

Can Dru protect Gray – or more to the point – will he allow her to? As secrets become uncovered, and they are drawn closer to the stalker, Dru and Gray come to an understanding. However, the agent/client lines are beginning to blur…

The burgeoning romance between the main characters is tucked away for quite a while. Wade doesn’t make the attraction immediate – they both have walls built around their hearts – and it will take a lot of understanding from each other to break them down. Dru and Gray are both headstrong, determined and with so much integrity. The weaving subplot is their faith in God and can they trust the path that He has planned for them?

With themes of obsession, alcoholism, fear, faith, broken homes and love, throughout, there is a lot to this novel. Whilst it may seem ‘heavy’, Wade has constructed a beautifully told story.  The stalker plot has a surprising twist to it and anyone who has read the previous books in the series will certainly not be disappointed with the final installment.

I certainly enjoyed reading this and didn’t feel like I was missing too much from not having read about the other families. My only niggling doubt was the front cover – it doesn’t reflect the big, muscled man I would expect from an NFL player as described by Wade. But that, I suppose is a little irrelevant. A recommended read for fans of Christian and/or romance fiction.

I received a copy of this book to review from Bethany House publishers as part of their Bloggers Program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

My Stubborn Heart - Becky Wade

'Burned out' social worker, Kate Donovan is desperate for some excitement in her life; so when her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania to restore the family home that she grew up in, Kate doesn't hesitate to say yes.

Arriving at the battered home, Kate meets the handsome ex-hockey player Matt Jarreau. Hired by her grandmother to renovate the house Kate can't help but be drawn to him. He's obviously hiding something as no-one is that quiet and brooding without good reason.

The slight, pretty young woman sees this opportunity to bring him out of the darkness - even if Matt doesn't want to go there; she wants him to stop hiding from his family, friends and God. As they work together, their relationship suddenly switches gears in to something more. Will Kate finally receive the answers to her prayers or will she have to give up all her dreams?

Wade's characters in this enchanting novel are warm, likable and funny. The author has created such an inviting, realistic, charming story and its chapters flow effortlessly, slowly building the romance between the main characters. The moments of Kate praying and talking to God are honest and adds to the openness as well as the level of detail about restoring the house, antiquing, down even to the clothes that her grandmother and her friends wear.

I loved this story; I found myself several times either smiling or having tears in my eyes just from reading a chapter. Wade has created a moving and utterly romantic story without being mushy. It's not filled with bold moves as such, but real ones. I'm pretty sure that those - christian or not - would find this an inspiring novel. Each character, even the 'seventies brigade' add moments of clarity and insight. If I praised this anymore, I would be gushing! A more than highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.