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| Ava Miles, Inc. |
Ava Miles
2014
The Summary
"When famous - and infamous - country singer Rye Crenshaw saunters into the diner where she cooks, Tory Simmons is certain she's got him pegged. He's a bad boy who indulges himself in all things, women included. But while she couldn't care less about country music or arrogant men, Rye makes her an offer she can't refuse when he asks her to be his private chef on his multi-city concert tour. This job is the answer to all her prayers: it will clear out her debt and finance the fresh start she desperately needs.
"Rye is certain his sassy new cook is the last woman who'd ever tempt him, but spending time with the wholesome girl next door will do wonders for his damaged public image, whether she likes being forced into the spotlight or not. Her food also happens to be the best he's ever eaten, both comforting and seductive. But spending time with Tory on the road shows him a new side to her - one that's as impossible to resist as her food. And when an emergency in his family whisks him home, he does the one thing he's never risked: he lets a woman into his heart...
"Soon, the emotions Rye faked for the tabloids become all too real, but will the country heaven he's found in Tory's arms survive in the real world?"
The Good
I didn't go into this novel with very high expectations; however, I was pleasantly surprised by Ava Mile's Country Heaven. Not only does it have a story that hooked me, I fell in love with the characters too. I mean, it follows the natural path of most romance novels (which I've complained about in a previous post, I'm sure), but it deals with emotions and conflicts realistically.
Rye and Tory are fleshed out: they have characteristics that make them unique, and they're given real and genuine doubts, emotions, thoughts, et cetera. I especially liked that Tory was such a grounded character. She was level-headed in her decisions and, more importantly, thought realistically about her relationship with Rye. She was thoughtful and smart, which I like in my characters.
And, as much of a wreck as Rye's life is in, I couldn't help but like him too. He was endearing and sweet (when he wanted to be); however, he was also trying to put his life back together. I can admire characters who try to fix their own problems and, most importantly, who don't balk at every problem - and who are willing to take on responsibilities.
I can't help it. I like my romantic characters to be reliable and smart, not confused and crazy.
The Bad
Granted, I didn't like everything about Country Heaven. I didn't like the continuation of conflict - that is, conflict that happened again and again - and I didn't always admire the characters (they're human and they're flawed, I get that). But, overall, I enjoyed Miles' novel.
The Ugly
Family disputes can get ugly.
Very, very ugly.
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