Title: Him Improvement
Series: Dreamspun Desires 89
Author: Tanya Chris
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (227 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-64405-539-7
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (3 Sept 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: The course of true love runs through every neighborhood….
Only one thing stands between Gregory MacPherson II and his dream revitalization project for the gritty neighborhood of Ball’s End: a rinky-dink, run-down used bookstore called Hailey’s Comic. But when master negotiator Mac shows up to make a deal with the owner, he comes face-to-face with quirky, colorful Hailey—unexpectedly good-humored about Mac’s attempted eviction and, also unexpectedly, a hot guy.
Hailey won’t give up his lease, no matter how much money Mac offers. When it comes to consummating their mutual attraction, though, he’s a lot more flexible. Soon Mac has as hard a time prying himself out of Hailey’s bed as he does prying Hailey out of the building. But Hailey doubts Mac’s plans serve Ball’s End’s best interests, and he insists Mac give him a chance to prove his case. If they’re going to build a happy ever after, one of them will have to be remade….
Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Review: Him Improvement is a standalone contemporary romance by Tanya Chris. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, as Chris is a completely new author to me. However, since this is published as part of Dreamspun Desires, I was keen to give it a go. The blurb, to me, reads like a typical trashy romance (not trashy-bad, I mean trashy-good) where one plucky hero goes up against another rich and mysterious hero, then boom… they fall in love. I was totally up for this.
The story follows one businessman, with the overly pretentious name Gregory MacPherson II, who aims to make life better by revitalising a rather run-down area. But there is one problem and that man is Hailey and runs a bookstore named Hailey’s Comic and has a big heart when it comes to the locals of Ball’s End. (A rather unfortunate name in my opinion, but makes me think of the train station in Sydney that goes past Ball’s Head). Hailey doesn’t really go into his aquaintace with Mac with any particular plans, but he does begin to open Mac’s eyes to what could truly help to revitalise an area besides simply acquiring land and knocking down existing building, displacing residents and business owners.
This book covers the stereotypes but the chemistry between the characters is satisfying and making for an overall enjoyable read. I’m still not entirely sure of how I feel about the romance between Mac and Hailey, but ultimately it felt natural that they did indeed come together. I really enjoyed the journey of discovery that Mac goes on because of Hailey and makes their connection feel “right”.
I’m not really sure who to recommend this one to. I suppose the whole rich businessman and small business owner is a little stereotypical and if that’s your thing, then this is the book for you. If you like sweet and sexy contemporary romances you should give this one a crack.