Savor the Moment.

I was relatively excited (i.e. really excited) when Nora Roberts came out with her Bride Quartet. I own everything Ms. Roberts has written; I re-read them regularly. Straight romance from one of my favorites? Sign me up, thanks. Usually when I'm being presented with a group of characters I automatically pick out favorites. I know that I am not the only one so stop giving me that haughty look. Mac was up first. Great. I loved Carter. Yes. Dr. Carter Maguire is on my fake boyfriend list. I would snatch him up and never bat an eyelash while lying about how I acquired my very own klutzy English professor. The sexy, klutzy, nerd is (and has always been) one of my favorite types of hero. Carter happens to be my favorite of the favored sexy nerds. Dr. MacAllister Booke is a close runner-up. Oh hell. They're tied. I loved Vision in White. It’s an A+ book. Right off the top of my head I can't point out a single thing that I didn't like. Emma and Jack? Yup. Loved them too. Actually I loved them more. Emma is my favorite of the quartet so far. Jack? Simply put, Jack is yummy. Bed of Roses gets an A+. Is it any wonder? Nope. Perfection on the page. Amazing. Two books into the series and I've loved them both.

I confess that I wasn't as eager to read about Laurel and Del as I had been to read about Mac or Emma. Laurel was my least favorite of quartet when I started the series, and she was my least favorite when I finished her book. Maybe it's me. I'm not a big fan of the whole "I'm in love with my best friend/best friend's brother/childhood best friend" thing to begin with. That didn't help. Yes, yes. I realize that Jack and Emma knew each other. I realize that Mac and Carter knew each other. But, they knew each other through other people. They didn't grow up together! Point made. Different strokes/Different folks. Onward!

In a general (and very short) synopsis: Delaney is the honorary big brother of Laurel, Emma, and Mac; he is also the biological big brother of event planner Parker. Laurel has been in love with him for what seems like forever. The dynamic of their relationship changes during an argument when (drum roll puh-leez) a passionate kiss is shared. Del doesn’t know what to do about it. Laurel wants to pretend it never happened. Del and Laurel begin to date. Seeing as how Laurel is already in love with Del, she waits patiently on him to catch up. Del temporarily ruins things by being a stubborn ass. He makes it up to Laurel. Bring on the happily ever after. Yay!

I can't fault the storytelling. Nora Roberts tells a wonderful tale, no exception to that is found in Savor the Moment. (click here for Amazon) I love her writing style. It’s crisp and descriptive and lyrical. She's good at providing background information without stinting the flow of events. She always gives insight into her characters; they make sense. I really enjoy the little details she gives her readers about the character's profession. I actually like to know how Emma arranges her flowers; how Mac knows which shot is perfect for the bride and groom. I don't enjoy knowing how Laurel makes her fondant any less than I enjoyed the flowers or the photos. These are the slices of life that make the characters believable. Laurel, in every sense, is organic and likable. She’s tough. She stands up for herself and the people she loves. She’s sarcastic. Let it be said that sarcasm is always a plus in my mind. Del is just as organic and likable as Laurel. On his own I think he's pretty great: gorgeous, loyal, successful. I wouldn’t say no to that. So what if he fumbled the ball with Laurel a little? That's a given. He has testicles doesn't he? They fumble. The real problem is that I don't like them together. Uh-huh. That's the problem in a nutshell. I don't like Delaney and Laurel as a couple. Honestly...if I don't like the couple how can I love the book?

Final Grade: B.

After thought: I’m very excited about Parker’s book coming in November. Hello? Do you guys remember Mal? Sweet baby butter Jesus. He’s a cocky mechanic. Who doesn’t want a gorgeous sweaty guy under the hood of their car? I love him already. I haven’t even read his book yet and I’m making room for him on my “KEEPER” shelf. Yum.