Never Been Kissed (Silhouette Intimate Moments, No 1051)

Rating:
Summary: OK, but not great.
Review: A 37-year-old virgin who's never dated or been kissed? C'mon, get real. The story line was OK, but I didn't really feel the sparks between the two main characters. I liked them each, but they didn't seem to do anything for each other. Too sappy, sweet.

Rating:
Summary: A fulfilling conclusion
Review: Eight months ago, Reilly Jones lost his wife in a tragic accident and has never been the same since. His brother's concern for him drives him to Liberty Hill, Colorado to attempt to make a fresh, if isolated new start. He's determined to remain indifferent to the locals and to sidestep the voracious single women who see him as perfect husband material. He's content to steep himself in the ever-present grief and love he bears for his dead wife. Nurse Janey McBride has a generous heart, so when an old friend of the family asks her to befriend the new doctor in town, she's more than happy to put forth the effort until Reilly accuses her of setting her sights on him. Used to the obscurity her plain face provides, she is shocked that he would think her capable of being so mercenary.

Linda Turner's conclusion to her mini-series Those Marrying McBrides is wonderfully executed. Reilly Jones is a man suffering from a broken heart who wants to disconnect himself from life. But the people of Liberty Hill refuse to let him with their small-town nosiness and genuine concern. Though his grief makes him bitter and judgmental, he sees a great deal to admire in Janey and develops a strong friendship with her. Janey is adored by the people in town both as a McBride as well as a caring nurse. She goes the extra mile to see to the elderly and they, in turn, demonstrate their love and appreciation in delightful ways. There is also a parallel romance for Janey's mother, Sara, and the local doctor, both of whom help Reilly past his grief with their own insight and first-hand experience. In addition, Reilly and Janey's friendship provides a strong backbone for their gradually developing awareness and love for one another.