The Story Guy by Mary Ann Rivers

Carrie West is happy with her life . . . isn’t she? But when she sees this provocative online ad, the thirtysomething librarian can’t help but be tempted. After all, the photo of the anonymous poster is far too attractive to ignore. And when Wednesday finally arrives, it brings a first kiss that’s hotter than any she’s ever imagined. Brian Newburgh is an attorney, but there’s more to his life . . . that he won't share with Carrie. Determined to have more than just Wednesdays, Carrie embarks on a quest to learn Brian’s story, certain that he will be worth the cost. But is she ready to gamble her heart on a man who just might be The One . . . even though she has no idea how their love story will end?

*****

I will meet you on Wednesdays at noon in Celebration Park. Kissing only.

This isn't the kind of story I'd normally pick up, but there was something about the idea of two lonely souls meeting once a week to share stolen kisses in the park. I couldn't stop wondering what would compel Carrie and Brian to enter into such an arrangement. It sounded so tawdry, so shallow, and yet, so heartbreaking and hopeful.

Honestly, I simply couldn't resist finding out what brought them to this point in their lives.

My Thoughts -

It doesn't often happen that a book takes me completely by surprise, but The Story Guy is one that did. I had no idea where this relationship between Brian and Carrie was going - if it was going anywhere at all - but what starts out as a sexy, intriguing, quirky tale, soon becomes a poignant, impassioned love story that I couldn't put down. It's a fairly short read but what it lacks in page count it more than makes up for with complex characters, a deeply moving story, and the promise of a beautiful, destined, happily ever after.

I wish we had been given an epilogue of some sort, something to show us where Carrie and Brian will be 5, 10, 20 years down the road. And believe me, this not a criticism, but a testament to how much I came to care about them both.

I'm looking forward to reading more by Mary Ann Rivers, a very gifted writer.

My thanks to Loveswept and Netgalley for granting me a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.