Undeniable - Shannon Richard First reviewed at Red Hot Books http://redhotbooks.com/2013/10/undeniable-by-shannon-richard.html

This is the second book in Richard’s Country Roads series set in the small town of Mirabelle, FL. I went for the book because I read the previous book and thought it was decent and this one offered the best friend’s little sister trope.

Grace King has been in love with her brother’s best friend, Jaxson Anderson since she was 8 years old and he rescued her from bullies. Even though she’s tried her hardest, she hasn’t been able to get him to notice her as something other than Brendan’s sister.

Unbeknownst to Grace, Jax has been trying to keep his feelings for Grace under control ever since she flipped his switch when she was 18. He’s tried to keep her at arm’s length fearing that because of his troubled childhood, he would be no good to her as a partner. Never fear, they both own up to their feelings and reach their HEA.

The problem? Jax’s issues with their relationship are pretty flimsy and he just comes off as an idiot, more annoying rather than the loveable lug kind. Also, aside from a minor blip at the 65% mark, their romantic conflict and resolution happen before the book is half over. The rest of the book is detailing their day to day activities, getting worked up over the town’s goofy gossip blog and a completely unneeded subplot featuring the town bullies.

I like Richard’s writing and the side characters are all likeable but… overall, it’s just not very exciting, the characters or the plot. I don’t have much to add to the review because not much happens.

Rating: C-

*ARC provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley