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Summary: The Day We Met
Review: I truly loved this book, there was no game playing between Conor and Maggie. This book was more like real life than fiction. Barbara Bretton's books have all been books so hard to put down, even when you've finished reading them. You never want them to end.
Rating:
Summary: The Perfect Romance
Review: If you're in the mood for a bathrobe-and-slippers night with a really good book and a cup of hot chocolate, you can't do better than "The Day We Met."In the way of all romances, man meets woman, sparks ignite, a fabulous relationship ensues, and then reality intrudes. In this case, the characters are so likeable and so believable, that the tried-and-true formula works just fine. And then some. Single mother Maggy O'Brien, 35, working part time at the church and full time as mom to her 15-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, is sent to Atlantic City for a "wild weekend" as a birthday present from her two younger and very single sisters. Like this reader, also a single mother, Maggy's idea of heaven is a hot bath and a night alone with the remote control. She doesn't want to go, especially in a limo (arranged by her sisters) to a flashy hotel-cum-casino. But she can't hurt her sisters' feelings, and so the adventure begins. Hunky Conor Riley, a seen-it-all divorced cop who's struggling to overcome horrible guilt over his partner's death, is also at the flashy hotel, and equally out of place. He's a guest of his younger brother, who works at the hotel. Conor is uninterested in the sexy young woman his brother wants him to meet--and equally uninterested in getting involved with anyone else ... and then he spies the woman across the room. The scene is set. Maggy and Conor are destined to be together. Forget her very difficult daughter, who's bent on being as obnoxious as possible. Forget his temporary suspension from the police force while the trial of his partner's murderer ensues. Forget their respective overprotective families, neither of which approves of this seemingly outrageous fling. Things will work out, right? Read the book and find out. Sensuality level: 8!!! Reader satisfaction level: Definitely five stars. Give it a try!
Rating:
Summary: Too, too perfect!
Review: Is there such a thing as too much perfection in a romance book? If so, this book is it. "The Day We Met" is a beautiful, glorious story of two people who fall head over heels in love at first sight, in the most improbable circumstances imaginable. When I say improbable, I don't mean that it comes across as improbable, because Barbara Bretton makes it work.
As in very many romantic novel, their love is as real as real could be, but as always, there are road blocks to a permanent relationship. And here Barbara Bretton cruises off charted territory to explore the complications of a "later in life" love story. There's her daughter (a major complication who thinks that her parents will still get together), there's his career (which just happens to be on the rocks just now), and there are all the special problems of step-families and second loves everywhere. But all this wouldn't be that unsurmountable a problem, if it weren't for her past ghosts about step-fathers. Her worries for her daughter keep that an obstacle that seems firmly in place - until the happy ending, where all our problems are resolved in one tidy sweep.
I loved this book - who wouldn't? The love story is so perfect, the hero is so exactly right, that if anything, its almost too much. And that's my only complaint. She is content with the relationship the way it is, but it is him who wants more, and because of that he seems to have to prove his love to her constantly, over and over again, and not until he makes the ultimate sacrifice - risking his life - is she finally able to understand that this was meant to be. I know that I'm the woman, and I should be enjoying this - but somehow I'm not. How come HE has to prove his love? She doesn't put her tiniest pinky out for him - like a previous reviewer mentioned, she doesn't come to the courtroom, to watch the most important court case of his life. She doesn't bother finding out what had happened, why he's so upset. Hey, I'm not complaining - like I said, I'm coming from the woman's point of view and it's always nice to see a hero put himself out over and over again for the heroine. Oh, it makes sense, but still...
Definitely a very, very enjoyable story about the perfect love between two people who were very definitely meant for each other, and the obstacles they have to overcomeBut certainly very highly recommended, a perfect perfect story and one that I enjoyed very, very much.
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Summary: Wonderful Love Story
Review: It shows that there is still hope to find a prince charming, even if you've had a little bad luck. It's a book that will bring in a good cry.
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Summary: A Terrific Relationship Book
Review: Maggy O'Brien is the divorced mother of two. Her sisters surprise her for her 35th birthday by giving her a complete makeover and a weekend in Atlantic City at a casino. There she meets cop Conor Riley who is still haunted by the death of his partner -- thinking he might have been able to prevent it. He literally sweeps Maggy off her feet and they have a glorious weekend together. They fall for each other immediately but all doesn't go well as despite their ages (35 and 38) they still have meddling families. It isn't until a near tragedy occurs that the families can put their meddling behind them. This is a elationship story at its best. I haven't read a lot of Barbara Bretton's stories but really enjoyed her SLEEPING ALONE a couple years ago, and now with this one she's definitely on my automatic buy list.
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Summary: Welcome to my Keeper Shelf, Barbara Bretton!
Review: Maggy O'Brien's world was a mess. Her rebellious teenage daughter had purple hair, her entire life was consumed with work and college classes, and her sisters would simply not let up. To make matters worse, her ex-husband was getting re-married. For her birthday, Maggy finds herself on a fabulous weekend getaway to Atlantic City courtesy of her sisters, and drawn to a man she doesn't know. Across the room, Maggy's eyes met Conor's and something stirs in her heart. Hope and attraction mingle with the thrill of a weekend romance with a magical man. But all too soon it is over and Conor and Maggy must go their separate ways. Despite family protests, their relationship flourishes until Maggy's daughter disappears and Conor takes it upon himself to find her and bring the wayward girl home. In a flash, tragedy strikes and quarreling relatives must pull together to support Conor and Maggie and, unwittingly, their relationship. Rich, warm, and wonderful, "The Day We Met" will stir hearts and gain fans. Welcome to my keeper shelf, Ms. Bretton.
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Summary: The Day We Met...and the day I left you high and dry.
Review: The Day We Met is about a man and woman who fall in love the first time their eyes meet; this is not an uncommon theme in romance books. What is uncommon with TDWM's approach is Maggy's and Conor's realistis panic, when they realize they're connected the moment they see each other. Both Conor, Maggy, and their families question the speed and the intensity of the relationship. But still they can't deny what their hearts are screaming at them. Never through the book will the reader find themselves doing an "yeah, sure" eye roll, which probably happens with most "love at first sight" books. There is only one part of the book I truly didn't understand and felt didn't fit in with the realistic rhythm of the book. Conor, a cop, and his partner were involved in a carjacking. During the struggle to apprehend the suspect, the partner is killed. Conor is suspected of freezing in place, instead of doing all he can do to protect his partner. Throughout the book, it is plainly shown this event, the question of his part in the death of his partner, and his appearance in court are the most trying and important events of his life. When Conor has to testify in court, Maggy never offers to go to court with him to support him. Instead, she states she has a study group, has to work at bit and spend some time with her kids. Huh? This man is supposedly her "soul mate" and she leaves him facing his fears by himself? This scene in the book doesn't fit in with the rest of the book, and it takes a huge chunk out of the believability of the book. TDWM, although good, would be a keeper if it wasn't for Maggy's selfish decision to let Conor face his fears alone, as a true love never would.
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Summary: highly touching, real human, romance story!
Review: This story comes across as a very human, real world type of story.. No false pretenses here! A must read if you like stories that are just like everyday people and love.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: This was the first book I read by Ms. Bretton & it has made me a fan. I will read the rest of her books now. This was one of the best books I have read, as it is so like real life. I did not want the book to end and read it over again so as to be able to relish it completely.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding love story
Review: This works on so many levels. The love story is powerful, hot, but real. They laugh together. There's no game playing. When was the last time you read a love story where the heroine isn't afraid to laugh and show her feelings? Bretton especially captures family life with kids. A great book!
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