Law Man by Kristen Ashley Series: Dream Man #3
Published by Forever on December 11, 2012
Pages: 535
Narrator: Kate Russell
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Love is just around the corner . . .
Sweet, shy Mara Hanover is in love with her neighbor. For four years, she has secretly watched her dream man from afar. Handsome police detective Mitch Lawson is way out of her league. She's a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, and there's no way a guy like Mitch would want anything to do with her. But when Mara has a leaky faucet that she can't fix, it's Mitch who comes to her rescue.
Mitch has been eyeing his beautiful neighbor for a long time. He jumps at the chance to help her, and soon their formerly platonic relationship gets very hot and heavy. But when Mara gets a disturbing phone call from her cousin's kids, she gets pulled back into the life she's tried so hard to leave behind. Can the hot law man convince Mara to let go of her past-and build a future with him?
I’m a total rebel. I’m reading this series out of order. Shhh.
Here’s what I’ve discovered about Kristen Ashley’s books based on the limited number I’ve read. Kristen writes long-ass books. She takes her time weaving intricate stories, establishing the complexities of unique characters, and delving into ever evolving relationships. That can make for some stellar reading, but a 500 page book requires a lot of dedication. In the case of Law Man, the payoff is worth it.
I’m not one of those people who swoons over alpha a-holes, and I know Kristen Ashley can gravitate towards them. You know the type. They’re super hot, but they’re domineering, arrogant, rude, and sometimes downright mean—at least in the beginning. Mitch is tenacious and demanding, but there’s an innate kindness about him. Mara’s life is a hot mess, and whether she’s willing to admit it or not, she needs someone with a firm yet loving hand to take charge.
Mara’s extreme shyness and her stubbornness can be irritating at times. There are definitely moments she tested my patience. However, her insecurities are so ingrained, justified, and understandable that I found her to be endearing overall.
The plot plays out in a lengthy fashion, but I was never bored. I’m allergic to insta-love, so I think the simmering nature of the romance is all the more enjoyable for its sense of realism.
The variety of colorful characters is absolute perfection. Billy and Billie? Forget about it! I was over the moon for those kids. Mitch and Mara’s friends are wonderful and bring lots of additional humor to this sweet story. If you’re looking for heartwarming moments, you’ll hit the jackpot with the epilogue.
I chose to go with the audio book version, and I think that was a smart choice. Narration is an art form and when it’s well done, it feels like aural theatre. Kate Russell is a phenomenal voice actor. Her narration conveys the heart of each character, making them come alive in very distinct ways.
Well done, all the way around!
About Kristen Ashley
Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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