Review and Giveaway: The Art of Romance (Matchmakers, Book 2) by Kaye Dacus

The Art of Romance (Matchmakers, Book 2)

by Kaye Dacus

Copyright 2011

Barbour Books

320 pages

ISBN: 978-1-60260-990-7

Fiction/Christian/Romance

From the publisher:
Dylan Bradley, who once illustrated steamy romances under the name Patrick Callaghan, has moved into his grandparent’s guest house in Nashville. Caylor Evans, having once written titillating novels under the penname Melanie Mason, lives with her grandmother. When their lives collide, due to the machinations of meddling matriarchs, the pasts of Dylan and Caylor threaten to derail their futures. Will they accept each other for who they now are—and once were? Or will they never discover the true art of romance?

My Review:

4 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of "fluff" romance than The Art of Romance probably isn't what you're looking for but if you like your books to feature realistic heroines with well-researched storylines I highly suggest picking up a Kaye Dacus novel. Having read all of her previous contemporary romances it's safe to say that she's got the smart, independent, educated lead down pat. There are no "too dumb to function" heroines to be found and yet they are not without flaws.

In this, the second installment of the Matchmakers series, we once again meet Caylor Evans, a thirty-something English professor by day and romance writer by night and struggling artist, Dylan Bradley. Neither Caylor or Dylan are looking for a relationship, Caylor having to take care of her aging grandmother and Dylan having just left a disastrous relationship with a former colleague, but God and grandmas are a team that will not be thwarted. Where Love Remains didn't include a lot from the meddling grandmas, this book more than made up for it. From setting up a "fantastic" kitchen remodel to painting daisies in an art class for seniors Sassy and Perty were unstoppable and I loved them. If anyone knows about grannies concerned for their still single grandkids, it's me and these two matriarchs were right on target.

As much as I loved the Sassy, Perty, and Caylor, Dylan wasn't my favorite hero. I definitely liked him towards the end of the book when he learned to be a little more assertive. I guess I am so used to the big, strong, alpha male heroes that Dylan came as a bit of a shock allowing his ex-girlfriend and his family to have so much control in his life. Not only was he a bit diffident but also a lot younger than Caylor. That said, I really appreciated Ms. Dacus breaking the mold so to speak with this story and making it reflect modern day trends, I just have to get used to it I think! Altogether, The Art of Romance is a terrific book and perfect for today's Christian reader.

To learn more about the author visit:

HER WEBSITE

* I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for posting my thoughts on the book for the author.*

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Giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enter to win my gently read copy of The Art of Romance!

~Leave a comment letting me know you'd like to be entered to win with a way to contact you if you are the winner. That's it!

~US residents only

~ Contest open until Monday, July 4, 2011 @ 11:59pm EST. Winner will be drawn using random.org and announced here and contacted via email. Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or another winner will be selected. Void where prohibited. I'm not responsible for prizes lost or misdirected by the post office.