One and a Half Regrets: A Sweet, New Adult Romance (Love by the Numbers Book 1)

J.A.
Coffey
Genre: 
New Adult

Beth McQuire is a single mom who waits tables at the Awld Rogue, a Seattle bar that she co-owns with her brother and mother. The last person she wants to see is Liam Hensley, the now famous drummer of Wilde Ryder and her ex-boyfriend (who earned the title by dumping her via text message). Though he comes in after last call she serves him anyway, knowing it is good publicity for the struggling business. Her own musical aspirations have been set aside in favor of responsibilities related to motherhood. She is talked into a rare day out without her child and attends a luncheon for alumni of the Conservatory where Liam has been asked to speak.

 

The first person, present tense narration effectively pulls the reader in. The point of view shifts from Beth’s to Liam’s, chapter by chapter. However, because the relationship between the main characters is put in the spotlight right away, the avid romance reader will deduce the plot’s direction. Hookah bars are mentioned in passing. The characters are straightforward; their dialogue authentically reflecting the speakers’ personalities and roots. The external conflict that Liam deals with is understandable and so is Beth’s. The novel takes place over two weeks and though most of the conflicts are realistic enough, a less believable reaction is used as a plot device admitting the reader to a string of memorable scenes.

 

Readers may find that some conflicts resolved too easily, but others will identify with the main characters.

 

Heather R. Nielsen