ARC Review: Butterface by Avery Flynn

” I really enjoy, but rarely find, small town or family based romances that I like. But Avery Flynn, a new author for me, has written a cute family based contemporary romance that I can get my hooks into.”
~ Under the Covers

There are a couple of things that are bound to draw me in when I am browsing books. One, a cute cover something that Butterface has covered and who I’m blaming for my epic search for a cute pink dress. Two, a plain Jane story, which Butterface also has covered. Because of this I had no choice, I had to pick this book up and read. I am really pleased that I did, because I really enjoy, but rarely find, small town or family based romances that I like. But Avery Flynn, a new author for me, has written a cute family based contemporary romance that I can get my hooks into.

One of the aspects I like about this I have already mentioned; it’s a plain Jane story. But it isn’t a plain Jane story where actually with the right foundation and contact lenses, or with losing 10 pounds and adding some red lipstick it turns out she was beautiful after all *cue gasps*. I hesitate to say this as it’s so shallow and cruel, but Gina our heroine was ugly, her nose was far too big, her eyes bulged out, she had frizzy hair and even some pimples. She had resigned herself to never having a husband or children due to her looks, but was happy with the life she had made; good friends, a successful business and a loving (if criminal) family. Gina was a great heroine and as an imperfect person it was easy to identify with some of the insecurities as well as the strengths that she had.

Of course, then you have to throw in Detective Ford Hartigan, a by the book kind of guy who has yet to meet a rule he won’t follow. He also happens to be insanely good looking and part of a large boisterous family where at only 6’2” he’s the runt of the litter. I really liked Ford, he was a little bit on the edge of being a cookie cutter kind of hero. But, it’s hard not fall in love with a guy who doesn’t care what people says and thinks the woman everyone calls Butterface is beautiful.

The plot with this one is fairly predictable, you can map the events of the book by the time you have finished the first two chapters. However, that didn’t stop me from enjoying reading anyways. I loved the relationship between Gina and Ford, even though you know that it is due to blow up any second. I also really liked seeing the crazy Hartigans and can’t wait to read the next book. Finger crossed that Flynn stays with unconventional heroines, or perhaps I can hope for a plain “John” book in the future? Fingers crossed.

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EXCERPT

“Do not disrespect the Kiss Cam, Hartigan!” someone bellowed out as the chanting crowd grew more restless. And louder.

“One quick kiss,” he said, his tone grim with a thread of something more vulnerable underneath. “Then, they’ll leave us alone.”

That’s when Gina’s gaze moved from her own face, blotchy with embarrassment on the screen, over to him. The tips of his ears were scarlet, and he was tapping the tips of his middle finger and thumb together like he was keeping rhythm for a ska band.

He was hiding it better, but the reality was he wasn’t enjoying this anymore than she was.

Glancing from the screen to the actual man himself, her lungs tightened. He was a big guy, and she wasn’t just talking about his broad shoulders that filled out his tux to a mouthwatering degree. He had to have at least four inches on her own five foot ten.

He glanced down, making eye contact, and for a second they weren’t the hottie and the nottie. They were two people stuck in a completely socially awkward situation that they had no control over.

She nibbled the inside of her cheek and considered her options before deciding that Ford was right. A quick peck would get the videographer out of their faces and divert the boisterous crowd’s attention to another couple happier to indulge in this bit of insanity. Then, she could finish up the last of her duties and go home to her peaceful, if totally messy, mid-renovation Victorian.

She let out a shaky breath, not sure she was making the right decision. “Fine. A kiss. Whatever.”

Gina had barely gotten the words out when his large hands cupped her face, sending electric shock waves through her that made her lips part slightly with surprise. He dipped his head down—and he kissed her.

The roar of approval from the crowd faded to almost nothing when he seemed to groan involuntarily. Her body approved and made an answering sound of its own. At her encouragement, his tongue slicked across her bottom lip, and her mind lost all reasonable thought. Teasing her senses and sending her heartbeat into overdrive, she softened against him, practically melting against his hard, muscular chest. Somewhere in the back of her mind she registered that people were cheering. She just couldn’t for the life of her care. The world turned electric as the air practically vibrated against her skin as he deepened the kiss. His tongue swept against hers in a brief but oh-so-potent move that had her clutching his lapel before she’d even realized she’d lifted her hands.

Then, almost as soon as it began, he lifted his head and stepped back, breaking the connection.

Dazed, she released his tuxedo jacket and looked around, catching sight of herself on the giant screen. Her face was flushed and her eyes hazy. She pressed her fingers to her still-tingling lips. She looked like a woman who’d been kissed senseless, which made sense because that was exactly what had just happened.

[about-author author=”Avery Flynn”]

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