Review: It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren + Prequel Novella "I Really Do Miss Your Smile"

It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren
Christiansen Family series: Book Two
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

My rating:

My thoughts:


Is this book really over?? *sighs* It Had to Be You is the second book in the Christiansen Family series and one that I truly savored. Before starting it, I could not wait to begin the journey through it and, once I did, I did not want the story to end. I ended up having to set the book aside for other review books, but I kept anticipating the time when I could pick it back up and read more.

I loved this book so much! Maybe it's because I'm a huge hockey fan and loved how hockey played a very big role in the story (I mean, the main character is a HOCKEY PLAYER!), but just thinking about this story makes me smile. The characters and overall story were just so good! I got annoyed with Owen when he treated Eden like a maid/servant and didn't seem to appreciate all the things she did for him. There were also some sad moments when you couldn't help but feel for the characters.

I was already familiar with the Christiansen family from reading Take A Chance On Me (book one) and the prequel novella, so it was great to get this view of Eden's life. While the majority of It Had to Be You took place in the city, not Deep Haven like the last book, I enjoyed the setting.

I could go on about the things I loved about this book (like the story of grace, the ending, etc.), but I'll stop. Suffice it to say, another fantastic contemporary read from Susan May Warren. I can't wait to read the next Christiansen's novel, When I Fall In Love (set to release July 1st, 2014). I recommend It Had to Be You to fans of contemporary romance novels. It's not a fluffy read, as there are several deep moments in the novel. I loved it!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Prequel Novella to The Christiansen Family Series

My rating:

My thoughts:

I really loved this novella! In some ways, most novellas seem very short and rushed - not so with I Really Do Miss Your Smile. I loved how the book was written - each chapter had its own year in which it took place. I think that is one of the reasons the book felt longer, because the story traversed several years' time.

The story was touching and after finishing it, I was anxious to continue the Christiansen Family series with Take A Chance On Me. I recommend I Really Do Miss Your Smile - this prequel novella can be found at the end of book two, It Had To Be You. Great read!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

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Check out an author Q&A with Susan May Warren: Tyndale