Review: "Start Me Up" by Nicole Michaels (Hearts and Crafts #1)
Note: This ARC was provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"This man made her feel things she didn't know were possible. Silly things from songs and movies seemed not so silly anymore. A heart could quicken, a breath could catch, and a few words could make you feel alive. She wanted to feel this, but it was dangerous. He said he wanted to know her, but for how long would that last?"
Is it possible for a reputably perfect single mom and a happily uncommitted man with seemingly nothing much in common to begin what they think is an affair that may very well end up with an unexpected happily ever after?
Thirty-two-year-old Anne Edmond is a woman who is known for her organization and creativity and how she's able to put together parties effortlessly and seamlessly. She even has a popular blog called My Perfect Little Life she shares with two of her closest friends that allows her to provide tips and ideas for her followers as well as update them with her goings-on of her life. But her first priority is her young daughter Claire, leaving her little time for meeting men and engaging in whatever it is couples engage in.
Twenty-nine-year-old Mike Everett has never complained about being single. While he may want to one day settle down and have a family of his own, it hasn't exactly been on his list of priorities as of late. He enjoys owning his own garage and working on cars, especially the classics, and bringing them back to life for his clients. He gets paid a lot of money for the work he does and it's worth every penny and no one's ever complained; the same can possibly be said for the women he's gone out and to bed with.
When Anne opens the door to Bailey Wilson, she automatically assumes the man with her is her dad. He clears that up by saying he's Uncle Mike, which is a good thing because the last thing Anne wants is to be caught crushing on her daughter's best friend's married father. Mike also notices that Anne isn't wearing a wedding ring, making him feel less of a creep lusting over his niece's best friend's married mother.
Anne hasn't been in the dating for so long while Mike's still very much in it. She's pretty sure Mike isn't interested in an older woman with a young child when he has his pick of younger and sexier girls out there. But from the minute Mike lays his eyes on her, there's something about Anne that's captivated him, to the point that he's become somewhat of a cyber stalker, checking her blog on a regular basis.
There's a mutual attraction between Anne and Mike that grows into something neither of them can put a label on. Anne simply can't believe that Mike would want an actual relationship with her, thinking that what they have has an expiry date. On the other hand, Mike recognizes that what he feels for Anne is nothing he's ever experienced before and he's ready and willing to show her what it is he truly wants and needs--her and life together with her and Claire. If only she'd open herself completely to him and the possibility of truly living her perfect little life.
Start Me Up is the first book in the Hearts and Crafts series by author Nicole Michaels and this book had me oohing and aahing, grinning and pouting, and awwing more times than I can count. I loved the story of a slightly older single mom and a slightly younger guy meeting and there's this instant connection between them. On paper, it doesn't seem they have a lot in common: she's a mom, he's, well, an uncle; she's into tablescapes and decorations, he's into engines and detailing; she's into drinks in mason jars with a straw, he's into beer from a bottle. But these are two people who care for the family they have left and the people they hold closest and dearest. They both love Claire and they're both supportive of each other's careers.
However, Anne's marriage and subsequent divorce left her needing to start her life over. Her blog became a lifeline of sorts, with her followers offering her words of support and encouragement during that trying time. Her ex-husband blamed the blog for the demise of their marriage, though one would think his being caught cheating on her was what truly put that final nail in the coffin, and Anne's afraid that Mike will belittle the blog in the same way her ex did. Her insecurities also tend to get the better of her, making her think less of herself even as Mike has nicknamed her "Perfect".
This book has everything going for it: lovingly crafted main characters who appear to be entering new phases in their respective lives and discovering the ins and outs as individuals and as a couple and a beautifully conceived and written story of truly falling in love for the first time and being willing to set aside all the doubts and hesitation. With a well-balanced combination of comedy and drama, Start Me Up is not only a wonderful start to this new series but such an endearing book to curl up to. I read this in one sitting, leaving me with about three hours of sleep before starting a busy day, but the lack of zzzzzs was so worth it. This goes on my list of 2015 favorites and am highly recommending it. Nicely done, Nicole Michaels. You are now on my bookaholic radar. ^.^ Five-plus stars, baby! ♥
Release Date: 03 March 2015
Date read: 01 March 2015
Learn more about author Nicole Michaels here.
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