Blog Tour of Lip Service by Adele Downs -- REVIEW


Title: Lip Service
Author: Adele Downs
Genre: Hot Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 116 pages
Release Date: April 27, 2015
Published by: Boroughs Publishing Group 
ASIN: B00WT1EA2W
SourceARC Given by Author and Tour Organizer

ARA'S NOTE: 
Okay...I admit that I was partly at fault for my "struggling" with the first few chapters of this book. I didn't read the synopsis well -- which is ironic I know considering it's part of my review -- leading to my utter shock that there is a ghost in this romance book. Not a ghost of the past or anything, but an actual freaking ghost in the form of the female lead's aunt. Like, what the feeeeeerrrrk?! Where the hell did that come from?! I have no qualms about stories with supernatural beings because I also like paranormal genres, but when you're expecting to read about romance and stuff, especially with a title like Lip Service, the last thing you expect to read about is a femal lead who hides behind the ghost of her dead aunt who is haunting her house and her niece's relationship with a man who refuses to believe in ghosts. Whew! What a mouthful. In spite of my ranting though, once I got over the shock, I actually liked the story. Let me tell you more...

SYNOPSIS: 
Getting Between Jack…

Orphaned at a young age, Legs Anderson owes her Aunt Ada everything. The stoic old lady raised her, and Ada’s warnings about men—and the Harris boys in particular—have stuck, even after her death. Of course, that could be because Ada stuck around, too. 

…And His Legs

Patience is not one of Jack Harris’ virtues, and he’s waited too long to start a life with the woman he’s loved since childhood instead of them just knocking boots. Now Ada is interfering from beyond the grave, haunting the old Victorian house she bequeathed to her niece and reinforcing Legs’s fears of commitment. 

But Jack won’t give up. No matter what trouble may follow, the house will be renovated, Ada will learn to let go, Legs will put her money where her mouth is… then Jack’ll put his lips everywhere else.

CHARACTER BACKGROUND: 
Legs Anderson is the perfect woman. Business degree holder, physically perfect, and a really nice girl who everyone adores. She's guarded and sheltered because of the loss she has experienced. She wants nothing more than be with the man she's loved for a long time, but old habits and fears die hard.

Jack Harris is stubborn, persistent, and does not believe in ghosts. He's loved Legs since he was younger, and now that he has her he wants to help her overcome her fears and doubts, as well as "prove" to her aunt that his intentions are pure.

TO LOVE: 
I may have ranted earlier, but I really did like the story. I can confidently say that it's not like a lot of books, and the story line is truly inspired. The small town setting was really accurate. We have the old folks who have nothing better to do but gossip, the drop-dead gorgeous guy with a history of playing girls, the woman who every man wants to bring home to Ma, and everyone who knows everything about anyone. The fact that the usual morning exchange between Legs and Jack is the town's source of entertainment is also quite funny.

The book was well-written; it was funny, sweet, steamy, and just really amusing. This is a first for me from Adele Downs, but I'll be sure to pick up some other title of hers.

TO BLEH: 
The "voices" confused me a bit. There were a few times I felt at a loss as to whose mind I am in, especially at the beggining. But the farther in I got, the less I minded. I just made the "switch" if I got it wrong the first time.

SUMMARY: 
Lip Service is a sweet read that teaches us about compromise, letting go of our fears, and moving forward with our lives. I give it 4 stars, and I recommend this to hopeless romantics out there.

EXCERPT: 
"Move in with me, dammit. You’re the most stubborn woman I ever knew.”

Legs topped his coffee cup with fresh brew, easy as you please. “No more stubborn than you, since you keep askin’ the same old question. I have my own place.”

Jack frowned and stabbed his egg yolks, making them run. “Then let me live with you.”

“In my aunt’s house?” Legs asked like he was crazy.

“It’s your house now.”

“I’m trying to fix it up. I have to patch and paint. There’s no room for your things.”

“I’ll help you and then you’ll have plenty of space for me. And my stuff.”

Her ponytail shook with her reply. “Ada won’t like it. She’ll think it’s immoral.”

Jack leaned forward. “You talk about her like she’s still with us. She’s been gone over a year, sweetheart.” His voice dropped an octave and his brow creased. “Don’t you think she’d give in after all this time?”

Legs wrinkled her nose. “No. She thinks you’re a wanderer.”

Jack tossed down his fork. “I own a sporting goods store! I go fishing!”

He touched her hand when she got close enough and drew little circles around her wrist bone with a fingertip. The preschool teachers from Let’s Explore stifled sighs at the next table. “It’s time to let go, darlin’.” His expression turned earnest. “She raised you, I know. But I want to be with you now. It’s time to let me in.”

“Not if it means letting her go. I’m sorry, Jack. I just can’t do that to her.”

Jack sighed and returned to his breakfast. “We’ll talk about this again tomorrow.”


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Adele Downs writes Contemporary Romance inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines in the USA, UK and Caribbean.

Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report), and she has presented workshops for writers.

When Adele isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.

AUTHOR LINKS:
Website: www.adeledowns.wordpress.com


GIVEAWAY!!
2 ecopies of Naturally Yours 
2 ecopies of  Kissing Her Cowboy 
1 linen tea towel  with a saying meant especially for readers
$10 Amazon Gift Card


TOUR ORGANIZED BY:

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2 comments:

  1. Thank you for hosting LIP SERVICE and for reading and reviewing the book. :)

    Best--Adele

    ReplyDelete

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