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THIS TIME FOR REAL - Yahrah St. John Harlequin Kimani/Romance February 2009 |
SYNOPSIS: For years, widowed Peyton Sawyer has avoided romance. Then, while volunteering at the community center, she experiences an immediate connection with director Malik Williams. But Malik is haunted by his past and doesn't think he can give Peyton the relationship she deserves.
SERIES ROMANCE |4++| Keren Childers
REVIEW: Peyton
Sawyer has avoided relationships for nearly 5 years, since of the death of her
husband. She’s caught off guard when she meets the handsome and debonair Malik
Williams, with the dreads and beautiful dimples at a restaurant. Could this be
the time for her to let the past go, or will she avoid the attraction that they
both have for each other?
Ms. St. John introduces two complicated characters that are kindred spirits.
Peyton is a professor at a college and she loves helping others. She goes out of
her way to make a difference, yet she has baggage that she can’t seem to
overcome. Men find her attractive and want to get to know her, but she
keeps her distance.
Malik Williams, the director of a community center, is every woman’s dream. He’s
drop dead gorgeous and has plenty of sex appeal; yet, he could be considered
damaged goods. Malik wants to give children a chance at a better life, so he is
adamant about getting funding for his center to keep kids off the street.
Growing up in an orphanage or the foster care system could be difficult;
especially if you’re biological parents didn’t want to be bothered or your
foster parents weren’t very nice. Both Peyton and Malik are characters that you
just want to come out on top. Their relationship goes through a lot of
rollercoaster rides, but considering their past; it is not unusual when you have
dealt with tragedy and abusiveness as a child.
The plot of THIS TIME FOR REAL
is on point and connects very well with the main characters. Letting go of
baggage is so hard to do sometimes. The secondary characters -Amber, Dante,
Quentin, Sage and Theresa - are a good support team for Peyton and Malik. Amber
was a good shoulder to cry on for Peyton, although she could be negative at
times. I found that after reading this book, I understand more clearly, why some
people have issues that stem from their childhood.
Bravo, Ms. St. John on an excellent read. You covered some issues that happen to
a lot of people growing up. I definitely recommend reading this book.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 10th February 2009