Thursday, July 4, 2019

Whiskey and Gumdrops and Rum and Raindrops: two romance novels that leave a lot to be desired


Today’s review will be a double review. I read the first two books in the Blueberry Springs Sweet Romance series by Jean Oram.

Whiskey and Gumdrops is the first book in this series. It is the story of Mandy Mattson who lives in the small town of Blueberry Springs. She watches from outside a church as her ex-boyfriend, Oz, marries her rival, Beth. While she hides in the bushes, she is sprayed by a skunk and she runs to her best friend, Frankie Smith, for help. Frankie is her best friend, but he has always wanted more, and Mandy keeps him at arm’s length because she doesn’t want to jeopardize the one relationship she relies on the most. One day, Mandy gets the idea to open her own business and soon she is in full swing. She meets with Seth Freedly, CEO of Wrap It Up, a healthy fast food restaurant and signs on as a franchisee. Soon, major hurdles are in her way, both professionally and personally. Will she be able to finally open her business? Will Frankie finally convince her to take their relationship to the next level? Will she allow herself the risk for love?


Whiskey and Gumdrops was a good book. It moved along at a steady pace; however, the plot was a bit predictable with no real shocking twists or reveals. There was no real emotional impact for me. I didn’t really care for Mandy. I found myself siding more with Frankie. All the characters were likeable, and I could envision these people existing in the real world; but there was no real wow factor. The conflicts didn’t seem like conflicts at all but inconveniences that the characters are able to find a solution rather quickly. Overall, the book was not bad. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t a book I will probably read again. I would consider this book a beach book that you could easy read and put down without any urgency to finish.

Whiskey and Gumdrops
is available in paperback and eBook

Rum and Raindrops is the second book of this series. It is the story of Jennifer “Jen” Kulak, a woman who is running from her past while trying to rebuild her life in Blueberry Springs. She is the local nature guide. The story opens with the small town being threatened by forest fire that seems to have been started by Jen when she was camping the days prior. Rob Raine is the fire investigator who has been sent to determine the cause of the fire. Sparks fly immediately between Jen and Rob but the two need to remain distant as the investigation is still on going. They are thrown together when Rob and his sister, Dina, are a part of her weekend canoe trip. Dina and Jen become friends and she becomes more and more open about her past as it seems that her past is trying to find her. Will Jen be cleared from suspicion? Will they catch the fire starter? Will Rob and Jen ever find a timing to begin their relationship?


Rum and Raindrops was a better story than the first book, but it still had it’s cringe worthy moments. There were conversations between women that were stereotypical women talks about orgasms and “banged so good you’ll forget your own name.” Ugh, really?!?! Not all women speak like this! That aside, the tension between Jen and Rob was much better. The conflict of interest added with the undeniable sparks made for a good story. However, the plot was once again predictable and some questions that were raised in the book were not answered. Maybe they will be answered in future books. Overall, this book, like the first one, is a quick beach read that doesn’t require too much effort or emotional investment.

Rum and Raindrops
is available in paperback and eBook

No comments:

Post a Comment