Review: Truly, Madly by Heather Webber

Truly, Madly
Author: Heather Webber
Publisher: St. Martin's, February 2010
Mass Market Paperback, 305 pages
Available at: B&N, ABE & Powell's.

Summary: Lucy doesn’t have the knack for matchmaking. According to family legend, every Valentine has been blessed by Cupid with the ability to read “auras” and pair up perfect couples. But not Lucy. Her skills were zapped away years ago in an electrical surge, and now all she can do is find lost objects. What good is that in the matchmaking world? You’d be surprised. In a city like Boston, everyone’s looking for something. So when Lucy locates a missing engagement ring—on a dead body—she asks the sexy private eye who works upstairs to help her solve the perfect crime. And who knows? Maybe she’ll find the perfect love while she’s at it…

I've been reading a lot of dark urban fantasy, which I love, but because I read so much I have to insert a cheerful, light read every now and then so I don't start growling at my family. I asked for an Advanced Reading Copy of Truly, Madly from Good Reads back in December because it sounded like a charming mystery romance. It truly is that, and more. Lucy Valentine, the main character, is witty, smart, and has a special gift that has made her feel like the odd woman out since she was a teenager. Her parents, and grandmother tend to make her life crazy, and we learn just how crazy in this delightful read.

The author's writing style is friendly and light, but not over the top or superficial. Truly, Madly is a mixture of mystery, romance, adventure, and humor. Though I wouldn't call it paranormal romance it does have a paranormal element. There are twists and turns throughout the book, and the ending was a surprise, which is always fun for me when I can't guess the mystery. Lucy's love interest, Sean, is a former fire fighter turned private investigator who doesn't want to share his past, but is drawn to Lucy, despite the mystery that also surrounds her. The scenes between them sizzle, even though they both hold back. Yes, it's a PG romance, but it's a good one!

Truly, Madly is the first in a series of Lucy Valentine novels, which I think will all be great reads. Ms. Webber's characters are full of life, and she makes readers want to learn more about them and their lives. Fans of romance and mystery will really enjoy Truly, Madly. It's the perfect novel to read this month, in honor of St. Valentine's Day and all that is love.

Definitely, Maybe- A Lucy Valentine Original Story by Heather Webber. (It's free!)
http://www.sheloveshotreads.com/?p=1053

Enter to win a double heart Tiffany pendant, complete with the little blue box!
http://www.lucyvalentine.blogspot.com/




~Moonsanity