Critique for: Wanting Something More
By: Kathy Love

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

SYNPOSIS:

It’s a snowy December evening when supermodel, Marty Stepp, drives through Millbrook, Maine in her jaguar. She’s left her modeling agency and career with no notice to spend the holidays with her family, sisters Abby and Ellie. On her way home, she encounters Nathaniel Peck, Millbrook’s chief of police. She remembers him as a conceited jerk, but unknown to her, Nate’s had a life-altering experience, and is not the person he once was.

Nate follows her home that snowy evening, concerned she won’t make it in her jaguar. When he approaches Marty, all she remembers is a time in high school when he humiliated her. Nate doesn’t recall the high school incident at this point. Months ago, Nate was attacked while he slept in his home and almost died, going into a coma. When Nate woke up, he was a changed man. He grew out his hair, became a vegetarian, and is now a “big brother” to a couple of hard-luck kids. Despite the change, Marty is reluctant to believe it, even though the sparks fly between her and Nate from the moment they meet.

Marty tries to fight her attraction to Nate, but its futile. She’s hopelessly fallen for him. Nate, who is really a great guy, can’t help but be attracted to the supermodel. He finds her gorgeous – inside and out. They go out on a series of dates, and Nate tries to go slow for Marty’s sake, letting her set the pace. Finally, on New Year’s Eve, Nate and Marty consummate their relationship.

Nate’s old friend, Jared Nye, tries to come between Marty and Nate. His sister, Josie, tells Marty lies about Nate, which scares her so bad, Marty leaves to go back to her modeling career. Nate learns of Jared and Josie’s deception, and follows Marty to New York where he wins her heart.

CHARACTERS:

Nate and Marty – The Main characters

Mary Stepp is pretty, personable, and ready to settle down after a high profile career. She wants something more out of life than modeling can give her.

Nate Peck is a changed man and a very likeable guy. He’s very contrite over his past hurtful actions and he’s a male Adonis to boot.

Abby, Ellie and their families - Supporting characters

It’s nice to catch up with Marty’s sisters. Abby and Chase are expecting and while Abby tries to knit a blanket for the new baby, she realizes she’s not much of a homebody. Ellie and Mason are very happy together. They have a daughter, Emily, who is adorable and precocious.

Jared Nye – The bad guy
Jared wants everything Nate has – his land and Marty, and will stop at nothing to get it. Through the course of the novel, it is revealed that he’s the one who attacked Nate and almost killed him.

PLOT AND PACING

My only complaint with the pacing is that by page 200, I was as sexually frustrated as Nate. Still, it’s not enough to take away my five star rating. When Marty and Nate finally consummate their relationship, its very rewarding.

The plot is perfect for “Chick Lit”. It’s a very engaging novel.


DIALOGUE

Crisp and sharp, it easily moves the story forward.

DESCRIPTIONS

Love gives the reader enough to allow the reader to picture snowy New England in the winter. There’s not too much or too little. She’s found the perfect balance and sets the novel well.

THOUGHTS AND IMPRESSIONS

“Wanting Something More” is a very easy read. Love is a master at Chick Lit and the Stepp Sisters series is very enjoyable. If you want to take a time out for an evening, this novel is the perfect one to do it with. Mary and Nate easily pull you into their world.