FOLLOW YOUR HEART - Brenda Jackson
HQN Books
BUY
April 2021
Contemporary Romance
REVIEWER: Brenda Larnell | RATING: A
HQN Books
BUY
April 2021
Contemporary Romance
REVIEWER: Brenda Larnell | RATING: A
REVIEW: Romance fans of Brenda Jackson are in for a treat in FOLLOW YOUR HEART. This Catalina Cove story is now my favorite one of the four books in the series. First, it includes the Madaris family, one of the premier book families in Black Romancelandia. Second, it features one of the most quintessential characters created by the talented Ms Jackson in the persona of Felicia Laverne Madaris, aka Mama Laverne, the notorious match-making, ninety-something matriarch of the Madaris family. In this story, her great-granddaughter, Victoria Madaris takes center stage as the next “victim” of Mama Laverne’s match-making skills.
Although Victoria Madaris resides in Catalina Cove, Louisiana, and works in New Orleans, she remains in close contact with her close-knit Texas family. The Madaris family quickly becomes aware that Victoria is the next great-grand that Mama Laverne has predicted will take that walk down the aisle. Her mate? Well, that’s where things get unpredictable and quite intriguing. I love the uncertainty that Victoria is grappling with as to whom her future husband will be. Enter two men with ties to the Madaris family, Tanner Jamison and Senator Roman Malone. Victoria is convinced that the man she has chosen is not the one Mama Laverne has chosen for her. What a dilemma! The Senator is the one who catches Victoria’s eye and heart, and their chemistry is off-the-hook. So, what is Tanner to do? Part of this story’s appeal is the parallel love affairs that occur. No spoilers and no tea will be spilled, but I got to tell you that love is alive and well in Catalina Cove. All the elements of great storytelling are present. From sterling characterization to well-developed internal and external conflicts, all help to make FOLLOW YOUR HEART a captivating story.
The minor characters contribute to the intrigue of the story and the development of the main characters. The Madaris family members, like Jake and Diamond, Christie and Alex, and Blade, along with the couples from previous Catalina Cove stories, are all present and help to move the storyline along. Mama Laverne declares, “Mission accomplished” just the way she planned. At the opposite end of the minor character spectrum is Audria, who has no redeeming qualities at all. You’ll get that when you read the story. The HEA is wonderful and a testament to the good things that happens when you “follow your heart”.
FOLLOW YOUR HEART is a delightful, engaging, and entertaining story that I recommend for your reading pleasure. What a treat to visit with the Madaris family members and friends again! Enjoy!
27th April 2021 | romcol@caribsurf.com
Although Victoria Madaris resides in Catalina Cove, Louisiana, and works in New Orleans, she remains in close contact with her close-knit Texas family. The Madaris family quickly becomes aware that Victoria is the next great-grand that Mama Laverne has predicted will take that walk down the aisle. Her mate? Well, that’s where things get unpredictable and quite intriguing. I love the uncertainty that Victoria is grappling with as to whom her future husband will be. Enter two men with ties to the Madaris family, Tanner Jamison and Senator Roman Malone. Victoria is convinced that the man she has chosen is not the one Mama Laverne has chosen for her. What a dilemma! The Senator is the one who catches Victoria’s eye and heart, and their chemistry is off-the-hook. So, what is Tanner to do? Part of this story’s appeal is the parallel love affairs that occur. No spoilers and no tea will be spilled, but I got to tell you that love is alive and well in Catalina Cove. All the elements of great storytelling are present. From sterling characterization to well-developed internal and external conflicts, all help to make FOLLOW YOUR HEART a captivating story.
The minor characters contribute to the intrigue of the story and the development of the main characters. The Madaris family members, like Jake and Diamond, Christie and Alex, and Blade, along with the couples from previous Catalina Cove stories, are all present and help to move the storyline along. Mama Laverne declares, “Mission accomplished” just the way she planned. At the opposite end of the minor character spectrum is Audria, who has no redeeming qualities at all. You’ll get that when you read the story. The HEA is wonderful and a testament to the good things that happens when you “follow your heart”.
FOLLOW YOUR HEART is a delightful, engaging, and entertaining story that I recommend for your reading pleasure. What a treat to visit with the Madaris family members and friends again! Enjoy!
27th April 2021 | romcol@caribsurf.com
(A)