I STILL DO

By Christie Ridgway
Silhouette Books (2009), 212 pages, $4.99 (paperback)

The plot has been used before, the hero’s story written before, and the heroine’s plight read before.

Who cares?

In “I Still Do,” Christie Ridgway manages to blend those used-before plot devices into a sweet, easy-to-read romance that is perfect to cuddle up with on these chilly winter days.

It’s simple, without twists, suspense or other distractions.

Will and Emily were childhood and teen-age “summer” sweethearts. They attended camp together, and were exclusive during those months.

During the other months? Emily was a reclusive bookworm, while Wild Will sowed his wild oats.

Emily went on to become a librarian. But a family tragedy re-routed Will’s life, forcing him to become a fireman so he could support and raise his five siblings. During those 13 years, Emily and Will didn’t see each other.

When Will’s youngest sister graduated from high school, he went to Las Vegas with pal Owen to celebrate his newly reclaimed bachelorhood. He found Emily there with her best friend, Izzy. One night, they all got married – Emily to Will, Izzy to Owen. The next morning, Izzy and Emily ran away.

But Emily didn’t run too far. She had just taken a new job in Will’s hometown. They both agreed an annulment would be best. But something always seemed to prevent their discussion of the matter.

In the meantime, Emily tries to fight her attraction to Will because she doesn’t want to ruin his long anticipated emancipation from responsibility. Will tries to deny his feelings for Emily because he doesn’t want to give up that freedom.

The result? Emily gets definite mixed signals. “You want good times,” she told him. “To play. And even then, you’ve run hot and cold on me….”

But then something happens to make Will realize that wild bachelorhood lifestyle was only something he thought he wanted, only a mirage of something he thought he’d missed.

I wanted to have good times,” he told her, adding, “You are my good times.”



Overall rating: 3-plus of 5 hearts. Nothing complicated, nothing that will make your pulse race. Just a wonderfully simple, easy and fun to read romance.

Hunk appeal: 10. Will is a too-good-to-be-true sort of guy. But while he’s never rude, crude, nasty or the least bit mean to Emily, he doesn’t really shower her with hearts, candy and love either. He’s conflicted. But once he realizes he needs to let his heart make life decisions, he’s OK.

Steamy scene grade: XXX. Better than OK at times.

Happily-Ever-After: Very good. It’s a bit of a corny ending – which sets up a sequel (Izzy and Owen’s story) – but since romance readers like the corny and sappy, it’s good.

Also this week…..


Naked in Death (In Death, Book 1)

by J.D. Robb (1995 paperback) 5 of 5 hearts.

With another installment of the series due out in February (“Promises In Death”) this would be a perfect time for folks who haven’t read these books, or those who are new to them, to catch up a bit. “Naked In Death” was the story that introduced fans to Eve and Roarke, and started the series 14 years ago. Eve is a homicide cop in 2058. She meets Roarke, perhaps the richest, most powerful and most handsome man in the universe, during a murder investigation. Roarke, who is usually linked romantically with the most gorgeous models and celebrities, recognizes Eve has his fate almost immediately. He just has to convince Eve. Read this book, and perhaps the one that follows (“Glory In Death”) and you’ll be in pretty good shape to pick up the series. Although chances are, you’ll want to read every other book as well.