Series: Love Will OUT #1
Published by Independently Published on September 28, 2020
Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance
Pages: 228
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
I do not need some man to come riding in on a stupid white horse to save me, thank you very much. When I run into a teensy weensy bit of trouble, who should show up but Aiden - my high school nemesis. Unfortunately, Aiden doesn't realize he's my high school nemesis. Nope. He doesn't even remember who I am. Gee, thanks. Suddenly Aiden is everywhere, claiming he'll protect me. Do I look like I need protecting? But when Aiden speaks to me in that deep, sultry savior voice, my knees wobble and I forget my name. I better get to solving this trouble I'm in, so Aiden will move right on out of my life. Only he says he doesn't want to move on. He wants to stick by my side forever. Not happening. But like my pops always says Love will OUT. A Hero for Hailey is book 1 of the romantic comedy series Love will OUT but can be read as a standalone.
I am so pleased to have a chance to read Haggerty’s latest and start to a new series Love will OUT. Honestly, I had a hard time choosing a rating for this one. I had no problem picking it up and binge reading it even though I’ve been in the worst reading slump I’ve had since blogging. I laughed a lot, felt engaged and interested… but there were some things I didn’t care for.
Let’s talk likes though: Female PI that is actually good at her job. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good bumbling, fish-out-of-water, character but Hailey’s uncle-bestown talents were a fun addition. Aiden reminds me of a non-Italian Joe Morelli from Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. He is sweet, blushes, admits when he is wrong while still having a bit of an obnoxious (and tiny bit hot) alpha streak. The sex scenes were appropriately hot, if a bit fast for my taste, and left me wanting more of Aiden. The Uncles and Pops were so much fun and I really wanted to have more time with them outside their protective modes. The bad jokes were on point and had me snickering constantly.
But as fun as this was there were some big things I didn’t like. I wasn’t crazy about the first person POV in Hailey’s story. It was clearly meant to be funny and approachable but I found myself missing the polish of third person and a strong desire to see the other parts of Hailey. I came away feeling I didn’t know her very well even after reading 200 pages in her head. Aiden and Hailey’s past was a questionable road block that wasn’t resolved well enough for me. Even the overarching mystery/threat was a bit of a stretch for me. Granted, I am a disagreeable hag and not always willing to bury the hatchet.
Last, (and I know better because I’ve read and enjoyed Haggerty’s nod to slapstick humor) I felt the excessively clumsy friend, while funny, ended up being repetitive. I wish we had spent more getting a deeper introduction to the characters. As it stands, I’m not Suzie’s biggest fan.
Truly though, I enjoyed this book. I think out of all the potential romances to come out of this series, I’m looking forward to Phoebe’s story the most. Mysteries abound! If you are looking for a romantic comedy then definitely consider Hailey and Aiden’s story!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About D.E. Haggerty
D.E. Haggerty is actually just plain old Dena, but she thinks using initials makes her sound sophisticated and maybe even grown up. She was born and raised in the U.S. but considers herself a Dutchie and not only because it sounds way cooler. After a stint in the U.S. Army, she escaped the US to join her husband in Holland. She fled Holland over ten years ago when she couldn’t stand the idea of being a lawyer for one single second more. Turns out Bed & Breakfast owner in Germany didn’t do it for her either. When the hubby got a job in Istanbul, she jumped ship and decided to give this whole writer thing a go. She’s now back in Holland, which she considers home. Sorry, Mom.
