Professor James Mitchell has a rock star reputation. With a waitlist for all his classes, a best-selling book, and the requisite leather jacket, the university and publisher are eager to capitalize on this British sensation. But after his girlfriend leaves him for another man, James goes from rising scholar to spiraling bad boy. Forget contracts and tenure, James wants out—of his job, his book deal, and, better still, the country. He’s well on his way when his boss’s daughter walks into his favorite bar . . .
Aspiring filmmaker Ali Ferguson-Day doesn’t scare easily. She’s been given the means to make a film of her own—on the condition she tames the professor. As the daughter of a famed documentarian and a renowned historian, she’s more than ready to step out of her parents’ shadows and shine on her own. She won’t let anyone—not even an unexpected charmer—get in her way.
James and Ali butt heads from the start, but it isn’t long before their sparring gives way to attraction. There’s the promise of even more, if they can get past the fear of history repeating itself to let love in. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)
A novel by Laura Chapman always reminds me of my Nebraskan roots. The chilly Midwestern background becomes an important backdrop, a key character supporting James and Ali, and the central Amarillo Sour bar that they frequent. In many ways, it’s like a return home for me.
James is a character full of contradiction. A best-selling author and professor, he does not fit the image of one who is knee-deep in academia. With his leather jacket and devil-may-care attitude, I pictured someone with James Dean-like qualities, but it’s the contradictions that really draw you in. He projects an image of someone who doesn’t care, but he cares very much, as evidenced by his backstory. I could really feel his struggle where matters of the heart are concerned, and in doing what is right, versus doing what he needs to do in order to escape the clutches of an ex who has an obvious hold on him. (Chapman did a great job of showing that)
Ali is a strong character, as mentioned in the synopsis, but there are many layers to her and in some ways, she’s also a contradiction. If someone consistently feels the need to be in control at all times, it can say a lot about what’s really going on beneath the surface of their world. There’s a false sense of security in that, and a means to not moving forward. It was nice to see a character who can be strong, yet vulnerable too, endearing me to her and ultimately, to Ali and James as a team, and what they represent.
James wants to return to his own country, and Ali wants to go out on her own and fulfill her own creative ventures. Yet when they are together, they are like magnets, throwing a wrench into their plans. I loved the constant back and forth, the witty banter, the obvious attraction that is shut down from time to time out of a means of protection- it’s that give and take and push and pull that kept me hooked, because I wanted to see where it would take them. Is there a way to hold onto dreams and aspirations, without giving in to outside sources that threaten to derail it all? And, if they do- is it such a bad thing?
As with the first novel in the Amarillo Sour series, I loved Let It Be Me, as well. There’s really something special about the characters, and as I’d mentioned in my review of Counting on You (Amarillo Sour #1), there is a Cheers-like feel to the ambiance of the bar, and the people within it. Couple that with the Midwestern scenery that really sets the tone for all involved, it’s proof that in some ways, I really can go home again.
Thanks to Lola's Blog Tours for the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is our stop during the book blitz for Let It Be Me by Laura Chapman. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours and runs from October 21st through 27th. See the tour schedule here.
You can find Let It Be Me on Goodreads.
You can buy Let It Be Me here:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Kobo
- Apple
- Google Play
Is love worth the risk?
You can find Counting on You on Goodreads
You can buy Counting on You here:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Kobo
- Google Play
- iTunes
About the Author:Laura Chapman is the author of sweet and sexy romantic comedies. A born and raised Nebraska girl, she loves watching football, traveling, crafting, and baking. When she isn’t writing her next story, she is probably working at a museum by day and binge-watching Netflix with her cats Jane and Bingley at night. So, basically, she’s living large.
You can find and contact Laura Chapman here:
- Website
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Newsletter
Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Let It Be Me. One winner will win a $20 Amazon gift card.
For a chance to win, enter the Rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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