Reviews
Romance authors have at times stretched, and challenged the boundaries of traditional plots and characters. Monica Jackson is an author who creates innovative stories that appeal to the varied tastes of the romance reader, and makes us look forward to her next release with anticipation. In this light, THE LOOK OF LOVE does not disappoint. Ms. Jackson’s latest is different in style from her previous book, and is, to me, her best book to date. There is so much I loved about this book. THE LOOK OF LOVE is Carmel Matthews’ story. In appearance, Carmel is definitely not the typical romance heroine. She loves food, and is.fat. She lacks self-confidence-a result of a lack of self-discipline, and is conscious about her size–”Fat, she was fat, no way around it. Her breasts were nicely shaped but way too full. Flat was not a word to describe her stomach.” Carmel tries, without success, to diet. There are times when Carmel’s response to her size and the circumstances in her life are so real that one cannot help but feel her pain. In lesser hands, a heroine like this could become annoying. With Carmel, Ms. Jackson is more introspective than her previous heroines, taking us deep into Carmel’s mind, giving us privy to her every though. In Ms. Jackson’s skilled hands, Carmel becomes a heroine with whom we can empathize. We cannot help but applaud when she reaches deep within to embrace the inner strength that was always there, and finally learns to care for herself. To further complicate Carmel’s life, her daughter is beginning to experience the same insecurities about her size that her mother does, and her son is mixing with the wrong friends. Then she’s attracted to a man, who she believes could not be interested in her sexually. The hero, Steve Reynolds, is the man most women are looking for-a sensitive caring individual. His attraction to her is evident from their first meeting. He sees her in a totally different light from others: “Her scent assailed his nostrils, a faint whiff of vanilla and musk. Her body was the icing on the cake. She had full, straining breasts, hips he’d love to sink into and a curved soft belly, not taut and hard like his. Her thighs looked like they held a billowy feminine softness he’d love to have wrapped around him. And her rear, the thought of her voluptuous deliciousness made him want to.” Through his subtle courtship, he helps Carmel to recognize that she is a special woman, worthy of loving. BET Arabesque and Karen Thomas must be complimented on taking a chance with this special book. THE LOOK OF LOVE is a wonderful surprise. Ms. Jackson has outdone herself with this delightful tale of a woman’s journey of self-discovery. She not only creates a collage of vivid characters, but also writes a story that is a moving tribute to the full-figured woman. Original, unique, refreshing.definitely not to be missed!! !
Reviewed by Wayne Jordan, Romance In Color, Under the Covers Book Reviews, Old Book Barn
Part owner of a fledging nursing agency, Carmel Matthews is a two-hundred-pound-plus RN and single mom of two, who is struggling to meet the challenges in her life. One such challenge is Dr. Marvin Reynolds–proof that doctors make the worst patients. But as horrible and insulting as he may be, the agency is all-important to Carmel and it badly needs the high fees he can afford to pay. The only bright spot in caring for Dr. Reynolds is seeing his drop-dead- gorgeous son, Steve, on a daily basis. Steve Reynolds, a renowned plastic surgeon in Atlanta, is smitten the first day he sets eyes on his father’s nurse; but a recently failed marriage has left him cautious about expressing his feelings. Even so, he admires Carmel’s grace, poise, and breathtaking beauty; not to mention her voluptuous body. What more could a man want? Carmel doesn’t see herself as Steve does, however, and she struggles to lose weight to make herself worthy of his attention, while trying to deal with the problems that keep her turning to food so often. THE LOOK OF LOVE is a sensitive yet sexy romance with a unique heroine and a to-die-for hero. Add two sets of interfering parents and a manipulative ex-wife, and you have a book that cries out for a place on your keeper shelf. Monica Jackson has done for romance what author-actress Camryn Manheim has done for the image of full-figured women. She has created a believable story that challenges the notion that only a svelte heroine can have a steamy, romantic romp and find everlasting love.
Olivia Holton, The Book Bug
Carmel Matthews is trying to save her nursing agency from closing its doors. But if her new patient doesn’t quit talking about her weight, she might just have to inform his son, Dr. Steve Reynolds, and they’ll have to find a replacement. Carmel’s weight has never been a real problem to her before, but her attraction to Steve makes her take a close look at herself and she’s not to happy with what she finds. Carmel decides to go on a diet and it drives everyone around her crazy, especially her kids. Steve likes her just the way she is and doesn’t understand why she’s trying to lose weight. Once they become lovers, Carmel falls deeper in love and her determination to lose weight becomes almost obsessive. She’s so involved in her own problems, she doesn’t pay attention to what’s happening with her daughter. In order to save her daughter and her self-respect, Carmel must reexamine her life and her priorities if any of them are ever to have a chance at happiness. THE LOOK OF LOVE is a creative masterpiece that brings the issues many single, working mothers’ face. The characterization is excellent as the reader share their thoughts, actions and emotions. Ms. Jackson deftly flushes out her plot with sensitivity and style. She blends a sensual provocative love story around mother-daughter relationships and the cost to be true to oneself. Then to add to this wonderful tale she gives us a remarkable secondary romance with older protagonists who will charm and delight. This is an author who is not afraid to give readers a not-so- perfect heroine who grapples with weight, romance and two kids going through puberty. I loved it.
Reviewed by Darlene Kendall, Romance Communications, Rendevous reviewer
This 4 1/2 star love story examines the universal theme of a woman being attracted to a handsome, virile man but not believing that she can compete, as she fears she doesn’t measure up because she is overweight. In this politically correct story of the nineties, Carmel Matthews meets the man of her dreams, plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Reynolds. This is a most enjoyable, socially responsible love story of down-to-earth people with whom practically all women can identify. It gives hope to every woman who has ever worried about her weight. Great story!
Affaire de Coeur