Safe From Harm by Stephanie Jaye Evans

Evans ably avoids the sophomore slump with the second book in her series about Walker Wells. Wells is the pastor of a suburban, Texas Church of Christ. As with first book Faithful Unto Death (A SUGAR LAND MYSTERY) Wells is a real man with real, flawed people in his congregation. If you think books about a pastor are automatically saccharine Christian-Fiction, they are aren't.

It would be easier for her family if she committed suicide. Her step-mother would be justified in considering her a failure. Her father would be able to fully bond with his new family. Those who would benefit from her death.

Walker Well's daughter Jo is the one bears the weight of guilt. As a dedicated father and a pastor who feels the loss of this prodigal girl Wells seeks to find the truth. Who was responsible for Phoebe's death?

If you are looking for a good mystery series pick-up Safe From Harm. If you enjoy books where faith is a part of the character's lives and not a message that gets in the way of a good story check-out Stephanie Jaye Evans Sugarland Mystery series. You are warned that you may stay up until 3 am reading this book.

"The Story Guy" by Mary Ann Rivers

Disclosure:
1. I received an advanced eBook copy via Netgalley.
2. I don't usually read romance or erotic romance.
3. I'm at the American Library Association where many writers and publishers want me to add their books, so I'm very picky right now.

So, with thise warnings let me say I enjoyed this book. More than I expected to. I cried. I was much happier with the ending than a very popular, shady trilogy.

Rating: ***

The characters are not 20 somethings on top of the world. They are in their 30s and don't regret their age. Yay! Carrie is a teen services librarian at the main branch. She has loving parents, good friends, and a job she enjoys. What she doesn't have is an exciting love life. For fun she reads online personal ads.

She stumbles across Brian's add that only seeks a Wednesday lunch hour filled with kissing. He will not touch her below the shoulders, but she may touch him anywhere. There is a photo of an attractive man. They chat, they meet in the park, sparks fly. Carrie frustrated me by pushing too far too fast. She made some choices that could have been dangerous. (Remember, this is a romance, not a stranger-danger cheap thrill.)

Some of the descriptions were a bit off. Yes, some women find stubble attractive. It's not logical though that Brian, a professional, would be that stubbly by noon. It gave no contrast to later when he appeared more disheveled. Rough needs smooth.

The problems that Brian faces, and the reason for Wednesday lunches, are not hidden to the smart reader. Since this is a novella it doesn't drag on-and-on. There is a satisfying resolution that doesn't make everything too perfect. If you're looking for an erotic romance with likable characters "The Story Guy" should find its way to your eReader.