Book Review: Renaissance Wench - Melanie Macek
Synopsis:
Callie Houston has become good at juggling. Between college, working three jobs, and having to attend every family function her socialite mother throws her way, she's become a pro. Juggling her responsibilities leaves her not time, or energy, for romance. That is, until a very sexy Cajun walks into the Biergarten and make her fell like a woman ready for whatever he's willing to give her. Simon English is in Texas visiting clients. He's fascinated by the woman posing as a serving wench. She eschews his advances, yet fate gives him a second chance. The chemistry between them is undeniable. When his fashion designer mother asks who's caught her son's attention, a hastily snapped photograph becomes the object that could change bot his and Callie's lives.
This book gave an interesting insight into the world of rich families and how imperfect they can be. They can be dysfunctional and overly concerned over their reputation while other families are supportive without crossing the line. I thought the story had a great underlying message of good people with integrity can triumph over evil. The book was well written with a romance that didn’t need to be raunchy to be entertaining. This is the second book I have read from Melanie, and look forward to more from her.
Callie is born in the rich life with a family that doesn’t support her choice of college degree. Callie works 3 jobs and pays her way through college without any help from her family. Simon is of the rich life with a family that is loving and supportive. When a client takes him to the Renaissance festival he meets Callie, the serving wench, as she gives out drinks. Simon and Callie start a whirlwind romance that lets Callie fulfill her choice of career. While living her dream for Simon’s family’s modeling business, Simon is investigating some criminal investments that put Callie’s brother right in the middle of it. What will happen to Callie and Simon? Will Callie be able to keep her dream job and keep her relationship with Simon amongst all the antics her family tries? This book was hard to put down. I liked how the rich is not always the “perfect” family that you think they are. You have one family that are rich and dysfunctional and worried about their reputation while another family is rich and loving and supportive while not crossing the lines on dirty antics. It shows you that there is good in the world and that good can win against evil. I was not expecting the twists that came with the story, all the way up to the very end. Who were the key players in the investment scheme? Will Callie be able to model after her family tries to block her career? What will happen when they go to court and Callie has to stand against her family – will she cave or stand strong? You could feel the sexual tension between Callie and Simon without all the erotic smut filled sex scenes. It had just the right amount of sexual content that took nothing away from the actual story line. It is a well written book with a great story line. Like most romance books, the characters get their happily ever after, but how they get there and what stumbling blocks do they have to go through is what sets a good book apart from others. You will feel the emotion of each character from their happiness to their sadness. To see my own small hometown mentioned in the book, made for a nice surprise. If you are looking for a great romance with some steam then you do not want to miss this one!