If You Were Mine Paperback – February 25, 2017

First, I have to say that I read the one star reviews, I always do, and I couldn't DISAGREE more. None of what they said made any sense to me. It is like reviewers that read a romance and are put off because the two main characters get together. They want something new. Well, it has all been written before, it is just how the author sucks you in and makes you a part of HER story. But, no matter. This is a stand alone read with a HEA. I will admit that I was not sure how this author was going to pull off a HEA with the backstory on the characters but she did.The heroine is a young woman, definitely a born teacher and just a good person. She like every other human being has her issues. Is she good enough?, is she loveable?, why hasn't she found THE ONE? and on and on. I have known people just like her. Probably everyone of us has a friend just like her or we are her! She encourages others to succeed but she seems to put restrictions on herself. She has a lot of fears that are holding her back. Most are not even rational but nevertheless they are hers to deal with - if she chooses to and so far she doesn't. But, it does keep her from failing. You can't be rejected if you don't put yourself out there whether it is personal or professional.Invited to a wedding and determined to not sit at the Singles Table, she makes up a date and then she has to deliver. So she goes to a Rent A Date website and picks a date. Of course, he is the hero. Now, talk about a guy with issues, this guy has a lot of baggage. So far the only person that suffers is him. He never gets involved, he doesn't stick around, he makes no promises and he doesn't get attached. He thinks he is doing just fine until he meets his latest client.The wedding façade goes off without a hitch. They convince everyone they are a newly formed couple. He is gorgeous and she is a beautiful, smart, kind and gifted woman. At the end of the date she is wishing there could be more but he has said up front that theirs is a one time deal with no sexual contact. He is drawn to her but he knows with his past it can never be more. Somehow they manage just one more time, over and over.But he has some deep seated issues that he doesn't know how to get beyond. She wants him but she doesn't know all that is bothering him or how to help him. The characters develop as they learn to face some issues and to move forward. Now some reviewers were a little put out because she took him back time and time again. I for one, was glad she was mature enough to see that he was not perfect and he did have issues that only he could work through but that he was worth it. Maybe that is the problem with a lot of relationships today. Everyone wants the perfect mate but they don't want to accept them for who they are and accept that they are not perfect.I thought it was a really good story. I enjoyed it. I found it fun in places, entertaining, and a bit of a good lesson on life and how we are a product of our beginnings. I would definitely recommend it. It is HOT in the sex department so be aware if that is an issue for you. Another thing I really liked about this story is that it was very much middle America. There was no penthouse apartment, limo driver, private plane, etc. They were just average folks, his car was 6 years old!! They were more real for me.I was not paid for this review. I am not an author nor do I know one. I am not kin to this writer. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 10/17/17

Claire is tired of sitting at the singles table at weddings. So what's a girl to do when she is invited to another wedding? She lies through her teeth and tells her friend that she has a boyfriend who will be her plus one. In her despair a tipsy Claire browses the internet for a date to hire. She books a guy and expects more Ryan Reynolds than Keanu Reeves but dark and tall is what she gets. This guy, Theo, is as cocky as they come and has his nose in her business.Theo reads people well. The moment Claire walks into the bar where they arranged their first meeting he is captivated. He is not a relationship kind of guy yet he can't forget the sassy, kind and sweet Claire who is everything he wants but can't have. He keeps his private life under wraps but Claire sneaks past his walls and after a passionate night that is supposed to be a one-time-only thing he keeps coming back for more.Claire is an immensely endearing and compassionate heroine who wants nothing more than love in her life. She isn't flashy though, she thinks she is plain and lacks a bit self confidence. Theo is the person who bolsters her. She is drawn to his devil may care attitude and senses the pain in Theo. She has a strong will and knows what she wants but she doesn't take risks. Claire plays by Theo's rules but that doesn't mean she is a doormat. Quite the opposite. There is a feisty side to her that has the hero's ears ringing.Theo comes with a truck load of emotional baggage. While he sounds younger than he is when we meet him, more flippant and without a care in the world the more we get to spend time with these two we learn of all the struggles and his painful childhood. Theo deeply regrets that he can't be what Claire wants but - while he is thoroughly conflicted about it - he is selfish enough to take what she offers. Theo's hardest decision will be whether he keeps running or takes a leap, opens up and lets Claire in.I loved Theo. And Claire. And OMG did I say that I LOVED THEO? He is the ultimate broken soul and damn he made me feel. I was mad at him, I swooned and I wanted to hug him and comfort him. He is HOT. No scratch that, he is SCORCHING. Jesus, the guy has a mouth on him. Their chemistry is explosive. I broke a little bit of a sweat in the sexually charges chapters.Theo is also a nurturer and loves taking care of people and it was heartwarming how he looked after his brother's family.If there is anything that bothered me it would be that Claire gave in too quickly in the end. Theo had hurt her badly so I expected some grovelling and a little bit more resistance from our girl.I adored this story. Melanie Harlow writes amazing characters who are likable and real. She makes you feel and laugh. This story definitely makes for an engaging read and I gobbled it with gusto. If you love a broken hero and an endearing heroine in an epic love story, look no further. If You Were Mine ticks off all those boxes and will have you swoon at the end.