Just Say Yes by Alyssa Goodnight – a Review

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Description:
Single mom Jade Moran isn’t ready for any big changes in either her horrible ’70s kitchen or her romantic life. Her ex did a number on her, and she isn’t interested in getting hurt again. But when she meets a super-hot contractor, she wonders if avocado appliances are on the way out and romance is on the way in.

Max Gianopoulis doesn’t have a clue why he’s so enchanted by Jade. She’s almost as big a mess as her kitchen, and he’s a guy who likes to keep things simple. But Jade has turned up the flirty heat – and he can’t keep his hands off her.

With everything moving too fast and coming too easy, Jade’s insecurities kick into high gear. She’s not sure she can trust another man again – and she definitely doesn’t believe in happily ever afters.

Review:

Though I’m a big fan of HEA, I’m not usually partial to young children playing matchmaker for their single parent. Unless it’s lovingly, charmingly told…with a touch of magic. That’s a book that shines. That’s a book I recommend. Oh, yeah, something exactly like Just Say Yes by Alyssa Goodnight!

“Project Jade Moran Needs a Man” is in full effect, though she’s in no hurry (it’s only been 13 years). When a well meaning, though veritable stranger and owner of a new restaurant that caters to the more exotic palate, plants a fortuitous seed of need, a new kitchen, Jade might be able to kill two birds with one stone. Who would complain when Max, the contractor, was depicted as having all the best parts of Neal Caffrey and Harvey Spector (swoooooon and high-five to that combo!) Jade, ever the skeptic and pragmatic, can’t help but contemplate the fantasy, however cliché. If nothing else, she’d get a new kitchen out of it – she barely steps foot into her own!  

Max is startled by his inclination to pursue Jade. He didn’t fare so well following his one and only contractor-client tryst, but his instincts are urging him forward nevertheless. He’s been a goner since discovering Jade donned (and owns) a Wonder Woman costume, lol. An image like that is imprinted upon his superhero heart. But still…there’s an impressionable teenager daughter to consider. Max is not the kind of man to ignore those ramifications, to let Jade deal with the emotional fallout should things turn south.

So it’s cat and mouse, but Ms. Goodnight switches roles admirably. Each is given the ability to flirt and take the role of aggressor. It’s when the other nibbles at the bait that we find our H/H scrambling in full retrieval, properly self-chastised for such daring. Lots of fun! And it’s a real delight to see Jade’s daughter prompt, strategize, with Max to win over her too nervous mother. But when that kiss comes to fruition…

Max lifted his lips from hers and moved between her and the door. She tried to find her balance, tried to get the tingling under control. She had the prickly sensation that her whole body had fallen asleep long ago and had just now been woken up.

It was a slow seduction, but WELL worth the wait. Now, will Jade and Max allow room for expansion or does their relationship end at a single room remodel project? They’re sooo good together, all of them. Max’s grandmother and sister are warm and generous secondary characters. There was an instant connection within the family. Falling in love was not what either of them expected, resisted even, but leaving a recommendation, however sterling, on Angie’s List is too professional.  

“The worst of imagining things is that the time comes when you have to stop, and that hurts.”

Oh, what a sweet, sexy love story! Ms. Goodnight imparts the beauty of learning how to share and trust for the sake of true love. Saying yes isn’t easy, but when you just say it: Magic happens! I believe!!!

P.S. Not only were there awesome superhero references, a way to my heart, but Evie, Jade’s tenacious teenage daughter, wore a Team Edward tee one night. Super smart girl!!! ;D

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher