One of the things I loved about NEXT novels was their willingness to tell a "different" love story. One of my gripes about NEXT was that I was under the impression NEXT was supposed to be about older women. Too many of the heroines in that line were in their early thirties, when I'd hoped to see forty-somethings (and beyond) ... but I digress.
Bailey DelMonico is a pretty woman in her early thirties who wants to be a neurosurgeon. Ivan Munro is forty-six and is a brilliant neurosurgeon who wants every other aspect of life, outside of surgery, to go away.
Living up to his nickname - Ivan the Terrible - he is anything but hero material. Though described physically as tall, dark and handsome, I was only able to imagine one man for Ivan - HOUSE!
So how is a pretty and smart young thing supposed to fall for a guy like that? Marie Farrarella does a beautiful job of convincing the reader of that very thing.
Another aspect of NEXT novels I have always enjoyed was flexibility in time frame. This book takes close to a year to unfold, and for that reason the developing relationship between Bailey and Ivan was believable. He irked the heck out of me, but Farrarella did a fantastic job of countering every sour trait of his with the optimistic and loveable Bailey. I absolutely loved the ending, but honestly, when two people become intimate for a period of months, it is hard to believe that none of the final topics in the story were ever discussed before then. Also, at the time I felt it was a stretch to believe that Bailey would put up with some of Ivan the Terrible's shenanigans, Farrarella said she knew she was taking on a big task with this unsympathetic hero, and I agree.
The writing was great and I really did enjoy this book, and I am extremely sorry that the NEXT line has been cancelled.
Best Wishes,
Lynne Marshall
www.lynnemarshallweb.com
Pregnant Nurse, New-Found Family 8/08 UK, 10/08 NA
Assignment: Baby, 3/09 UK
I looked forward to the
I looked forward to the NEXT line when it first came out as I was under the impression it would be dealing with more mature (older) h/H.
I ended up disappointed in the line as I didn't believe it really lived up to that promise. The story often focused on the heroine and not necessarily a romantic relationship, more her relationship with taking next steps. The romance element seemed sometimes to be a tack on and not really an integral part of the story. Some of the books were good and were well written, just not what I was hoping for--I ended up canceling my subscription within 6-12 months.
Nancy
I think you're right
Hi Nancy,
I think you've hit the nail on the head, to use a cliche. NEXT was women's fiction and I think most of the Harlequin readers are diehard romance fans. I missed that element in many of the NEXT books I read, too. Doctor in the House is definitely a romance, but an untraditional romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Even though Ivan needed a smack in the head more than a few times. Just think HOUSE and you've pretty much got his disposition.
Thanks for commenting!
Best Wishes,
Lynne Marshall
www.lynnemarshallweb.com
Pregnant Nurse, New-Found Family 8/08 UK, 10/08 NA
Assignment: Baby, 3/09 UK