THE IDEA OF YOU (Ribbon Ridge #4) by Darcy Burke-a review

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About the book: Release Date November 17, 2015

Evan Archer has always preferred peace and solitude to the loud antics of his large, hard-to-navigate family. But when Archer Enterprises needs a new creative director, Evan jumps at the chance to claim the job he’s always wanted. Moving home is easier than he expected, but Evan isn’t prepared for the stunning A-list celebrity hiding out in his family’s garage apartment.

Following a major tabloid scandal, movie star Alaina Pierce escapes to Ribbon Ridge. She’s immediately drawn to the quiet, picturesque town and the incredibly sexy—if a little quirky—Evan. He may be built like a Greek god, but he’s honest and straightforward… so different from the Hollywood types she normally dates.

Their attraction is undeniable, but Alaina can’t elude the paparazzi forever, and Evan has no interest in being in the limelight. When the secret she’s been keeping is exposed, the idea of Evan—of real love and a family like the Archers—could vanish in an instant.

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REVIEW: THE IDEA OF YOU is the fourth full length installment in Darcy Burke’s contemporary adult Ribbon Ridge romance series focusing on the Archer family sextuplets (Evan, Sara, Alex, Tori, Kyle & Liam) of Ribbon Ridge and their younger brother Hayden. The Archer family owns several successful breweries and pubs, and most of the siblings currently play a role in the daily business operations at the request of Alex Archer, who took his own life after suffering years of physical and emotional disabilities. The Archer’s are a close knit family but due to the inherent and potential issues with multiple births-and in this case 6 babies at once-the now adult sextuplets are not without some emotional, mental and physical problems including OCD, Asperger’s syndrome, SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), chronic lung disease, addiction and depression. This is IT specialist Evan Archer, and actress Alaina Pierce’s storyline. The series should be read in order as each timeline follows on the events of the previous book.

Told from alternating third person points of view THE IDEA OF YOU follows academy award winning actress Alaina Pierce as she escapes the Hollywood paparazzi and a major scandal, for the peace and solitude of Ribbon Ridge. Alaina, on the advice of friend and producer Sean Hennessey (When Love Happens #3) heads to the quiet town of Ribbon Ridge to take stock of her personal life and what it is she wants for the future. Alaina’s arrival at the Archer homestead finds our heroine falling for the shy, quiet and withdrawn Evan Archer-a man whose emotional and mental fragility takes the guise of Asperger’s syndrome. Asperger syndrome (AS) is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one of a distinct group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties, and restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm). What ensues is a building relationship between Alaina – a woman who thrives on the stage and in the spotlight; and Evan –a man who becomes overwhelmed in social and crowded situations. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and hot.

Addressing Asperger’s Syndrome, Darcy Burke touches upon Evan’s sensory overload-the noise, the crowds, his inability to read social cues, as well as his issues with touch. THE IDEA OF YOU looks at the struggles of one couple as they navigate the potential minefield of a personal and sexual relationship. It is never easy entering into a new relationship, but for someone like Evan, the experience can set off a whole new level of difficulties and negative behavior.

THE IDEA OF YOU is an interesting and entertaining storyline about family; the characters are real; the romance is seductive; the happily ever after, although not unexpected, felt a little rushed.

Reading Order and reviews
Where The Heart Is
Only In My Dreams
Yours To Hold
When Love Happens
The Idea of You

Copy supplied by Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy