As the story began, Patrick "Pat" Clooney had just finished his medical residency in Philadelphia and made plans to move home to the small town of Jasper Falls to open his own practice. He arrived just in time for his brother Ryan's wedding to Maggie ("Wake My Heart"), bringing his best friend Jo along as his fake girlfriend. Jo's family was also from Jasper Falls, and she, Pat, and Jo's twin sister Julie had been inseparable while they were growing up. They started to grow apart in high school when Pat developed an unrequited crush on Julie, who was dating the class jerk, Lance. Julie and Lance had been together ever since, but their relationship wasn't as picture perfect as it seemed from the outside. When Julie came home alone to attend Ryan and Maggie's wedding, it seemed as if Pat might finally get his chance to confess his true feelings. Julie thought Pat was involved with her sister, however, which created a uniquely sticky situation for them all.
I felt bad for both Julie and Jo because their parents weren't very supportive or accepting of them. They had each other as they were growing up, but as adults, they had grown apart as their lives took them in different directions. Julie was also struggling with a lot of complex emotions in the aftermath of her relationship with Lance. To be honest, I thought it was probably too soon for her to move on with Pat, but I could see why she wanted to be with someone who made her feel safe after everything Lance put her through. Julie and Pat's chemistry was only so-so IMO, but I think that was mostly because the story was so short. There wasn't time for them to get to know each other again as adults, so their connection was based entirely on their past friendship. It was sweet how gentle and caring Pat was with Julie, however, and I did believe that he loved her.
Overall, I enjoyed "The Best Man" and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. Ryan and Maggie's book remains my favorite of the two, however. I look forward to finding out what happens in book #3.
I felt bad for both Julie and Jo because their parents weren't very supportive or accepting of them. They had each other as they were growing up, but as adults, they had grown apart as their lives took them in different directions. Julie was also struggling with a lot of complex emotions in the aftermath of her relationship with Lance. To be honest, I thought it was probably too soon for her to move on with Pat, but I could see why she wanted to be with someone who made her feel safe after everything Lance put her through. Julie and Pat's chemistry was only so-so IMO, but I think that was mostly because the story was so short. There wasn't time for them to get to know each other again as adults, so their connection was based entirely on their past friendship. It was sweet how gentle and caring Pat was with Julie, however, and I did believe that he loved her.
Overall, I enjoyed "The Best Man" and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. Ryan and Maggie's book remains my favorite of the two, however. I look forward to finding out what happens in book #3.
*Review copy provided by the author via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
About "The Best Man"
Patrick fell for Julie in kindergarten, when she shared her snack with him. As her childhood best friend, he adored and protected her for years, until she gave her heart to someone else. Loving Julie meant letting her choose her own path, so he did the gentlemanly thing and bowed out of her life, but never stopped loving her from afar.
When Patrick returns to Jasper Falls for his brother's wedding, Julie is there--alone--and he decides it's time to hang his heart on the line, but Julie has been keeping secrets, too.
Is it ever too late for a first love? When it comes to Julie Cook, there could never be another. And, this time, Patrick Clooney is determined to prove himself as the best man.
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