A friend (MH) sent me this book in a box of books. I think I have read other books by this author in the past.

So, the cover on the copy I read is a bit inaccurate. By the time Jake gives Maggie the kitten, she no longer has her ponytail haircut--also, he's not in firefighter gear when he does it. So though all the elements are part of the story, they don't fit together in the way they appear on the cover.

I relate to Maggie's nerdiness and feeling that she's different. I like that she can connect with Beck--it kind of sounds like most of the town, while they like him, don't try to reach out to him. ( )

What a fun story!

Maggie's character is so unique. She's into fixing things, computers, toasters, maintenence, you name it. But she's girly and feminine, too, though a little bit uncomfortable "dressing up." Her makeover was tons of fun to read about.
The relationship between her and Jake is so sweet. He had my heart from the beginning, being a widower who guards his relationships very closely. And the secondary characters! Young and old, I loved them all. Such unique, fresh personalities. I felt like I was living in the town of Paradise while reading. Looking forward to more by Tina Radcliffe. ( )

Maggie is the ugly duckling about to transform into swanhood. Jake is the fireman who guards his heart from love, not counting his dog Chuck. Together they make the most unlikely, least-in-common, made-for-each-other couple ever.
Returning to Paradise, Colorado for another Tina Radcliffe romance was an even better vacation from reality than my first two trips there. I loved Maggie’s resolve to be herself, faults and all, while opening herself to change when it was for the better. Jake’s inability to resist Maggie’s slightly clumsy, rather accident prone nature in contrast to his own safe, unencumbered life as a small town business man-slash-firefighter is completely endearing. As I read, I wanted Maggie for Jake and hoped Jake would yield his heart to Maggie. Oh, how they need each other and yet remain too stubborn to give in. And that same hard-headed stubbornness – totally loveable in each of them.
And while we’re in Paradise, don’t forget to make friends with Bitsy Harmony. Bitsy is one of the most interesting secondary characters I’ve ever met in this small town. You might want to really like her, but it’s difficult when she so annoying. Gentle-hearted, blunt, generous, nosy, wise and manipulative. That’s Bitsy and you’ll love everything about her. Except what you don’t.
I have looked forward to reading this book since long before its release and now that I have, I am not disappointed except for the fact that it’s over. This is one to reread, laugh out loud and cry over whenever a lighthearted, sweet romance is what you’re craving. My admiration and thanks to Tina Radcliffe. Please take us to Paradise again soon.
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