In The Now by Joan Duszynski

 When the heartache of what Tara Wright believed was her love and life plan with her high school sweetheart follows her into a new year. Tara begins to rely on the three new and beautiful friendships that came compellingly into her life.

Caroline, easily becoming the perfect best friend for Tara. Thru Caroline she receives the encouragingly, witty Raleigh as a new found friend as well. Meeting Adam at a time where she needs to rediscover herself has her scared and confused. Every moment spent with him has her head swirling and her stubborn walls weakening.

Adam is the man that can make her laugh, give her support, and make her heart skip a beat every time he comes into view. He's everything Tara needs to make her way back out of her stubborn shell of fear she's closed herself into.

Finally starting to spend more time together and watching Adam in his realm of adrenaline induced racing at the Motocross has Tara's weakening walls finally crumbling to the ground and singeing in the heat Adam brings to her.

Has it all just been a crazy ride to recognize true love? Can Adam fix Tara's broken heart and make her believe that their love is In The Now?

I have to admit that this book does not have a lot of bells and whistles.  What I mean by that is that it’s a fairly straight forward love story and that’s something I can totally appreciate.

Tara was cheated on by her boyfriend and since then has been understandably hesitant about finding love again. She has a great perspective though, as she feels if that had never happened it wouldn’t have led her to Adam, one of her best friends.  The thing is that Adam wants to be more than friends.  The challenge is to convince Tara to take a chance on love again with him.

Adam.  Oh, Adam, Adam, Adam.  He is HOT.  He’s funny, he’s sexy, tough but sweet and thoughtful.  He’s got some definite alpha characteristics, but she’s also caring, and you can tell he really cares about Tara. He is like the perfect book boyfriend. Tara is a pretty cut and dry character.  One thing you will find about this book is that there’s very little angst involved.  That’s why I said it’s a cut and dry book.  I kept expecting the angst to show up, was waiting for it really, but this is a surprisingly and somewhat refreshingly uncomplicated story.

Another plus for this book is the way in which it is written.  It flows well and is told in a very concise and well-written way.  The story didn’t need to be complicated in order to keep you invested.   It just flowed, and kept the plot going until you reached the last page.  Plus, the sex was good.  And we all know how much I loves me some hot, steamy sexual shenanigans.

Overall, I have to say that I really enjoyed this book.  It’s a nice break from the norm of this genre.  I would definitely recommend it and give it 4 stars.

When I started this book, I worried that there wouldn’t be that special element that would make me fall for the characters.  It started out as usual, man and woman are friends, and both feel the chemistry between them.  Woman fearful if it doesn’t work out she will lose a dear friendship.  Man wants woman to make first move and prove she is willing to give it an honest shot. 

Then you start to see the characters personalities and you are sucked in.  Tara while outwardly could be confused with a meek woman at times, has a fire burning in her for Adam that can’t be put out.  She finally decides to make the move and does she ever.  Watching her open up and become the equally passionate lover, made this book more enjoyable for me.  I don’t like stories when the women are so frightful and timid, even after they get the man. 

Adam, what can I say about this sexy Motocross racer?  While he balances the gentleman’s behavior of waiting for Tara to decide to give them a chance, he has an alpha protective streak in him that is a mile wide.  I laughed out loud numerous times with his commentary, especially his “woman” talk.  While he stepped out of bounds many times with Tara, she was able to put him back in his place while he flashed that sexy smile and personality and I melted for him even more. 

We had some time to see Eric and Caroline in this book.  I think the best part of this book for me was when Eric and Caroline came back early from vacation.  Let’s just say Adam and Tara weren’t expecting company but it was at this moment I could truly sense that this group was a family, not only by blood but by love as well.  This isn’t going to be your book about millionaires demanding women to be in their lives, flashing money around and drinking high priced drinks.  The author gave us a group or people who are down to Earth real, don’t mind getting their hands dirty, mow their own dang yards and are just looking for happiness and comfort while taking care of their “family”. 

While the plot might not be original or new to the reader, I think the acceptance and invitation the reader will feel to join this cast is unique.  That to me is a sign of great character development and I would highly recommend this book. 

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