J.M. Kelley

I am a little bummed with this one. MMA is one of the only sports that I like besides baseball, so I was really looking forward to this one based on the blurb. Unfortunately, Marcus and Mila fell short for me which is disheartening considering the potential for this story to be more was there. I wanted some areas to be fleshed out and more details. Not getting those things left me never really connecting with the characters, both separately and also together. The chemistry was there but it never really gelled the way that I wanted it too.

All of this being said, I still think that the author did a good job in regards to adding something to the Cocky Hero world. Even though this was just okay for me, it doesn't mean that it won't tickle someone else's funny bone or make them need a cold shower. Off-topic, this cover is one of my favorites from the books that have been released so far. There is something about it that speaks to me.… (mehr)

Daddy knows what's best for his little girl ...

Daddy's Girl is a wonderful story about reconnecting with family and finding love. Author J.M. Kelley weaves an emotional tale written in the third person narrative that follows the journey of Janie McGee, a free spirited artist, who returns to her hometown to reconnect with her estranged family when her father Joe becomes terminally ill. As the black sheep of the family, Janie is unwillingly thrust into the role as her father's caregiver, a role that she is not prepared for nor one that is easy to accept. As Janie struggles to rebuild her relationship with her dad and older sister Colleen, she watches the close relationship that Joe has with his nerdy neighbor David Harris. When Joe's illness progresses, Janie reaches out to David for strength and comfort, and along the way discovers that daddy really does know what's best for his little girl when they find themselves falling in love.

This is a heartwarming yet also heartbreaking story that takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride as they follow the complicated family dynamic of the McGee family as they work towards reconnecting while also dealing with the progression of the father's terminal illness. Author J.M. Kelley weaves a realistic tale that delves into the complications within a family dynamic, and how a devastating terminal illness can bring them back together to reconnect and strengthen the family bond. You can't help but become drawn into the McGee family's story, as their family trials and tribulations unfold, they discover the depth of forgiveness and the undying power of family love. I also loved that the author woven in the story of a man and woman discovering love along with all its complications. This is a story that will make you laugh, smile and cry, it will make you think about your own family and love relationships.

With a realistic cast of characters who endear themselves into the reader's heart; engaging dialogue and emotional interactions; and a passionate two-fold storyline about family relationships and finding true love; Daddy's Girl is a truly wonderful story that will tug at the heartstrings and resonate with you for a long time.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2013/06/daddys-girl-by-jm-kelley-autho...… (mehr)

Drew knows he fathered a son, but he walked away from him right after he was born. Now, his ex-hookup (they weren't even dating) drops off the baby on his front steps and says she's leaving and doesn't want to raise his baby anymore. Drew is an overgrown child himself. At 36, he's an artist who doesn't work half the time, doesn't have a girlfriend, family, or many friends. The only friend he has is Kris, a girl he's known since they were children. She's his best friend, but it's really complicated. They dated and had sex with each other in high school, then he dumped her, and now they're best friends. It's a really weird relationship, trust me. It doesn't get any easier to understand when Drew tells Kris all about his new girlfriend and the sex they're having, and how Kris encourages him to keep seeing her and maybe try to make a commitment when it's very obvious Kris never completely got over him. How much torture would it be to have a guy you liked (even a little) hint at having sex with someone else?

I didn't care for Kris, for not coming right out and telling him when he's being a jerk and how she feels. I nearly hated Drew for being a selfish, superficial, immature character with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. He's certainly not very charming, and he comes with a lot of baggage. We don't even know what he looks like, because descriptions are very lacking. I couldn't find myself caring about him, and the romance was dull to me. It seems like he should have known he loved her without taking 20 years. And there's no suspense, either...nothing to keep you riveted to the pages. This book's saving grace is the father-son relationship. Drew grows from a man who is merely providing for his child's physical needs to forming an emotional bond with his child. He falls in love with his son, and that's what really keeps you reading.… (mehr)