An Irresistible Bachelor [Mass Market Paperback]

 

 

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Written in 2004 An Irresistible Bachelor is the companion book to Jessica Bird (JR Ward's) An Unforgettable Lady. Each can easily be read as stand-alones however you'll get much more out of this one if you read them in order. Having said that I should also tell you that while I loved Grace and particularly John from the first book, Jack and Callie's romance here was a major disappointment and has turned out to be my least favourite Bird/Ward book to date. Unfortunately I just couldn't ever get a feel for them as a couple, and without the suspense factor from the last book or any real notable sexual tension this time, the dreary storyline involving art restoration, family secrets and multi-billionaire businessmen running for governor just wasn't enough to hold my interest.

However this is still Ward writing, so while the plot never grabbed me it does of course have its moments, they're just few and far between. For example I learned everything I ever (didn't) want to know about restoring art. Thankfully there are some great secondary characters; like Jack's meddling mother, a one armed chef and Artie the dog. My wannabe boyfriend John Smith shows up again although he doesn't get to speak and we meet Gray, who had me wondering if he was the same Grayson Bennett from The Moorehouse Legacy book (His Comfort And Joy?) Speaking of which we also get a brief cameo from Spike (A Man In A Million) In the end though when you care more about a little dog and cameo spotting then the heroes you know you're in trouble and it was with a lot of eye rolling that I finished this book.

Callie Burke is a struggling art conservationist so when she's given the chance to restore a world famous painting she of course jumps at the offer. This job could make her whole career however she probably should have also considered that's she'd be working with its owner too; multi-billionaire (really!? Multi Billionaire?? Is that much money really necessary, what's wrong with just a plain ole millionaire?? Anyways Callie's going to be working alongside the notorious womanizer Jack Walker. She's determined to keep things strictly professional, after all he is engaged but he's also just so damn sexy. Now she just has to make sure he doesn't learn her secret. Dun dun dah...

Jack Walker is a practical man (who BTW was way more interesting in An Unforgettable Lady) He runs his life and fortune effortlessly and except for the occasional fight with his interfering, live in mother and some bad driving skills doesn't foresee anything changing. That is until the moment he sets eyes on Callie. He wants her like he's never wanted anything before and the more he gets to know her the more he also realizes what his life is missing. This isn't just infatuation and to prove it he's willing to end his engagement even if that damages his chances of becoming a mayoral candidate. Will he ever be able to overcome his former reputation and convince Callie that he really loves her? And what the hell has she done to his painting; she was supposed to be a professional

An Irresistible Bachelor by Jessica Bird is a likeable story but not over the top. I liked Ms. Bird's last few stories a lot better. Even so, this is still a good book and worth reading, it's just not what I call a "keeper."

The story begins the day after a lavish gala hosted by the Hall Foundation. Callie Burke is an art conservator who had just been handed a job offer that could easily make her career! Grace Woodward Hall introduced Callie to Jackson "Jack" Walker during the gala. Jack had just purchased back a famous painting that had been sold off by his own father years ago. Knowing Grace would not have introduced Callie to work on the conservation of the painting if she was less than excellent, he immediately offers the job. But Callie knows Jack's playboy background and knows danger when she sees it. Even so, she ends up accepting and travels to his mansion, Buona Fortuna, to work on the painting.

The attraction between the two is obvious to those around, including Jack's stuck up mother, Mercedes. Jack became engaged to a lady of his own class only three weeks prior and Mercedes could not have been more displeased to see how Jack reacted to Callie, so beneath him in class. But Jack always gets what he wants and he wants Callie from the moment he first saw her. He is even willing to break off his engagement to prove he prefers Callie.

But is he really a new, improved, socially responsible Jack Walker? Or is he still a playboy? And can he ever accept the secret Callie has kept hidden her entire life?

***** Callie Burke and Jack Walker were introduced in the romantic suspense book, "An Unforgettable Lady", which hit book stores only a few weeks ago. You do not need to read the previous book, which is Grace and John's story, to totally understand this one though. Both books easily stand alone. However, this story will mean more to you if you do read both books. Grace and "John" are secondary characters in this novel, along with another hot bachelor, Gray.

The author succeeds in giving each character their own personality, which is not an easy thing to accomplish! No suspense in this tale, but the plot rolls along at a wonderful pace and the reader never has time to get bored. Recommended to all! Now if only Gray could someday get his own story told. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

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