The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Title: * The Other Side of Us
Author: Sarah Mayberry
Series: n/a
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin
Format: ebook, paperback
Date/Year: January 2, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads
*This book was provided to me by the publisher for review.
Summary from the publisher:
The best thing between Oliver Barrett and Mackenzie Williams is a fence. Ever since Oliver’s new-neighbor gestures were met with unfriendly responses, he’s decided to keep his distance. After all, he’s in this seaside town to get his life on track again. That doesn’t include working hard to get on Mackenzie’s good side—no matter how intriguing she may be.His intentions are put to the test, however, when his dog becomes infatuated with hers. The two crafty canines do their best to break down the barriers between the properties. And where the dogs go well, the humans must follow! It doesn’t take long for a powerful attraction to build between Oliver and Mackenzie. They soon discover that the worst of first impressions can lead to the best possible outcomes .
My Musings:
The first thing I want to say is this is not the book I thought I was getting. The publisher’s blurb is misleading, although everything it describes is true. I was looking for a light, funny romance. That is not this book.
This book is so much more!
The more I read, the more enthralled I became.
Oliver is recovering from a recent divorce caused by his wife’s unfaithfulness. He thought they had a good marriage and had no idea she was cheating on him. Because of that, he no longer trusts his feelings about the people he meets.
Mackenzie is recovering from a near fatal automobile accident. She has always been a workaholic and is driving herself to overcome physical injuries, so she can get back to her career.
Neither one of them is an emotional state to begin a relationship.
Enter Mr. Smith, the dachshund, and Strudel, the schnauzer. For them, it is love at first sight.
My description confirms the publisher’s blurb. What is doesn’t say is how intense the emotions experienced by both characters are felt.
Both Oliver and Mackenzie are their late thirties, each with a bad marriage behind them. The relationship that develops between them does not come easily . . . but it does come. Watching their love grow and their struggle to trust each other was heartrending and heartwarming.
If you are looking for a strong romance between two people with real lives, I highly recommend this book. It is definitely not fluff, but a solid story that I will remember for a very long time.
THIS REVIEW WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ON SEDUCTIVE MUSINGS.
Elaine Reads . . . constantly! 