Just the Way You Are

December 1, 2014
The late Barton (1946–2011) deserves to be remembered for her long career and not for this weak contemporary romance set in the Deep South, where reputation and family are everything. Mary Beth Caine’s worthless fiancé, Bobby Joe Weston, cheats on her during their engagement party, a blow only mitigated by a sexy stranger’s attentions to Mary Beth. Even when he turns out to be Bobby Joe’s older brother, Parr, Mary Beth can’t dial down her attraction to him. Alma, the Weston matriarch, begs her to give Bobby Joe another chance, and Parr backs off reluctantly. The lopsided love triangle is tedious. Mary Beth and Bobby Joe don’t share passion, respect, or companionship. In contrast, the chemistry pops when Mary Beth is with Parr, who alternates between seducing her and pushing her away. The only likable character is Alma, who is staunch in her love and loyalty and deserves her own happy-ever-after. Agent: Richard Curtis, Richard Curtis Associates.

February 15, 2015

There's nothing more devastating than being betrayed by your fiance at your own engagement party. When Mary Beth Caine catches Bobby Joe Weston with an old girlfriend, she tosses his ring back and leaves--only to end up in the arms of a comforting stranger who turns out to be Bobby Joe's older brother, Parr. Although he's fallen for Mary Beth, Parr won't take advantage and tries to make sure she gives Bobby Joe another chance, whether he deserves it or not. VERDICT A woman caught between two brothers struggles with her feelings and others' expectations in this steamy romance that is steeped in deep-down Southern charm. Rivalries, jealousy, and deeply conflicted feelings abound in a story that doesn't make things easy for any of the characters but eventually sees that the heroine gets the hero for her. An unusual offering from the late romantic suspense superstar; Barton (Don't Say a Word) died in April 2011.

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