Title: Defy the World Tomatoes
Author: Phoebe Conn
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Format: ebook Length: Plus Novel
Series: Stand Alone
Received By: Author for Review
~*~Book Blurb~*~
She knew he was trouble, but she’s no coward.
Darcy MacLeod’s Army brat childhood drives her to sink roots as deep as the plants with which she works. As part owner of a nursery/gift shop in Monarch Bay, she’s well on her way to her dream. Though she’s haunted by the lingering fear that her one chance for true love has come and gone.
When Griffin Moore asks her to landscape his sumptuous new estate, she’s entranced by the internationally renowned pianist’s air of mystery. Yet as she is inexorably drawn into his bed, her instincts tell her that secrets lurk behind his sophisticated mask.
With her carelessly styled hair, grubby overalls, and hands that see more dirt than an earthworm, Griffin finds Darcy a refreshing ray of light in his shadowy world. His globe-trotting concert schedule makes him the perfect Interpol informant—and makes a permanent relationship too dangerous to risk.
Their passion rivals the music of the great classical masters, but even as Darcy dips a toe into Griffin’s extravagant world, darkness reaches out to strike a dangerous chord. And Darcy must fight to keep her second chance at love—and her lover—alive.
Warning: Contains meddling friends, high adventure, down and dirty sex, and a couple who make beautiful music together—in bed and out.
Intrigued by the title? How about the book blurb? If you answered yes, yay! This is one romantic suspense that had me suspended on the meaning behind the title before I even opened the book! Phoebe Conn has created an air of mystery interwoven with suspense and romance right from the beginning of the title until the last few pages. Many a time I was left with burning questions that I couldn't wait to find out the outcomes to.
Darcy MacLeod is a co-owner of a nursery on the Californian coast, more specifically, she's a landscape architect. And she happens to be just what the famous classical musician, Griffin Moore, needs. At first his interest in her lies only in her ability to create a tranquil Zen garden overlooking the ocean at his luxurious estate. But, soon, he finds himself creating more and more jobs for Darcy, just in an attempt to keep her around longer. And Darcy is not complaining!
Despite the differences in lifestyle and personalities, they can't seem to break away from one another. But, as their progressing relationship bounds over lifestyle hurdles, and a rocky business association, there's one hurdle that Darcy wasn't expecting and has a hard time accepting, Griffin's tie with Interpol. This is an added pressure on Griffin because he knows there is high risk involved for anyone who's close to him. But Darcy is not that easy to let go.
The characters are two unlikely matches. Each are only children who are stubborn, demanding, and slightly selfish to the core, but their paths diverted early in their childhood, and now being adults can be found at opposite ends of a spectrum. One is a nursery owner who finds comfort in dirt, landscaping, bright colors, and overalls. The other is renowned pianist who enjoys a Zen garden at his lavish mansion, attention of fans to his genius, clean lines and earth tones, and a good tuxedo. However, both find comfort and a deep sense of passion in each other that disrupts each of their own visions for the future.
For the first third of the book, I was left with many questions and wondering who the characters really were, what they really wanted, and how-in-the-world they would ever end up together based on the magnitude of differences. But, when that third of the book passed, I was convinced that the old cliche of 'love will conquer all' would ring true.
Ms. Conn did a fantastic job at creating meaningful dialogue that absolutely resonated the differences of the characters. Even if the author had chose not to use proper nouns and pronouns, I still would have known who was talking in the book. The characters really are different, and the attention placed on those differences to remain consistent throughout the book shows through. This is a book that is full of dialogue and not weighed down with too much back story and internal conversations.
The relationship between Darcy and Griffin is like watching two polar opposite people finding common ground to hold on to one another. There's hurdles and obstacles along the journey, but ultimately their feelings for one another pull them through. Each of the characters change a little by sacrificing something of themselves in order to meet the other half way in the middle. And with these two characters, that's saying a lot. Both are determined to live their lives the way THEY mapped them out, not by influence of another.
I have to admit that every once in awhile I just wanted to grumble at them both for their stubbornness. But, passion is undeniably present in and out of the bedroom in this romantic read. The smexin' scenes are fantastically wrote! Not over graphic, but full of steamy and passionate romantic goodness! You get a true sense of character connection at these times.
There is a secondary story taking place at the same time with Darcy's best friend, and co-owner, Christy Joy, that was great and may have readers relating to the rough circumstances surrounding her situation. She's a single parent, a couple years divorced from a wealthy lawyer, and has custody over their young daughter. Christy Joy struggles to find a balance between her personal life and business (MUCH like Darcy does throughout the story), while dealing with the threats of her ex-husband seeking full custody of their daughter.
~*~Final Thoughts~*~
I am so happy that I had the pleasure to read and review this new-to-me author's book. My first inclination is to say it was a sweet romance tale, but really, there's so much more! I enjoyed watching the way two unlikely characters learned to relinquish control, know when not to be such a workaholic to enjoy another person's company, and learn how to find common ground for a relationship to build upon.
The characters different and unique occupations added to my enjoyment of the book! It's always fun to read a new spin on romance. And speaking of spins, the suspense with Interpol was a fun addition. I also must add, that despite the sub-genre label of romantic suspense is true, it is not the main focus or dominance in this book. The majority of storyline lies in the character and relationship development, and pulls in the story arc of the Interpol suspense. Which, in my opinion, was a good combination for me.
If you're looking for something different, passionate, romantic, and adventurous, then I recommend this book for you. There's passion to be found and control to be given up in order for two uniquely opposing characters to find love!
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Tomorrow, author Phoebe Conn will be stopping by to tell us more about Defy the World Tomatoes, as well as offering up an ebook giveaway!! Make sure to stop by!
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