TBR Challenge Review: Three Little Words by Maggie Wells

Three Little Words by Maggie Wells
Contemporary romance novella released by Lyrical Press on December 15, 2014

Three Little WordsIt’s never too late to make the best impulsive decision of your life.

Jo Masters isn’t the party girl she used to be, but now that she’s a woman without obligations, she’s ready to recapture a little of her misspent youth. Her niece’s wedding, with its open bar and dark dance floor, proves to be the perfect opportunity to let loose.

Gregory Stark is just trying to make it through his son’s wedding day… and make some time with the gorgeous brunette on the bride’s side of the aisle. His kid’s wedding probably isn’t the best occasion to put the moves on the sexy woman, who introduces herself only as ‘Josie’, but his best friend is closing in on her too and he has to act fast. With a couple of tequila shots under his belt, Greg propositions Josie — and neither wants to refuse.

I saw this in my library collection, and I liked the idea of an older, responsible heroine, having some fun. Also you know, I’ve been all about the novellas lately. I don’t have time necessarily to read a novel, and I have a thing about reading from cover to cover, so it just works out perfectly.

Jo – who was Josie in her party days – recently turned fifty. I wasn’t expecting that, but it was actually nice to read about older characters that are frisky and fun. (Or maybe I’m just old now? XD) It was nice that Jo is such a regular person. This could be anyone at any of the weddings you attend. (Although we should all be so lucky as to have this much fun.) Personally I also liked Jo because she has a thing for threes … and I do too. Although I’ve never had the policy of always having three tequila shots when I party. Which was also a bonus – who doesn’t want an aunt that’s willing to throw back the tequila?

Gregory Stark is a really good guy, and I loved seeing the responsible always dependable dad character let loose. Good for him! He’s got a sense of humor, and realizes how ridiculous ” ” he’s acting, but Greg knows he wants to go for Josie. This is your unusual hero. The man who was happy to settle down and take care of his family, the one who sacrifices for others and is only now going a little crazy… at his son’s wedding.

I give kudos to Ms. Wells for this not being skeevy at all. I mean, the bride is Jo’s niece, the groom is Greg’s son … but the focus is definitely on the Jo and Greg hookup. And hookup they do – complete with all the scandalous wedding behavior including a  bathroom tryst you’d expect from a character in his or her 20s. (And in real life “that trashy one.” Come on – you know you’d judge.) But instead of  it being smarmy, Ms. Wells manages to make the scenarios not only hot, but fun. The characters are self deprecating, but so into it.

I did think some things were just glossed over – Jo seems to have gotten the short stick in life. Her sibling(s) just dumped the care of her mother on her. You get that Jo’s life hasn’t turned out the way she wanted, but geez it was a lot to pack into a few glib sentences.

Another thing is the secondary character, Will. I loved him and … well you know when you kinda want to hate someone but just can’t quite do it? That. He’s Jo’s ex … and Greg’s best friend. Small world. He’s such an ass, but not. Will is a player, and not someone who ever settles down. Imagine him as … I suppose the George Clooney pre-2014. Jo even acknowledges Will is (deep down) a good guy. I liked that Will worked to get Jo and Greg together … and the pang of regret he experienced when he said Jo was “the one who got away.”

There’s so much packed into this novella. I know I’ll be re-reading it. I only wish there was more. The whole thing really just takes place in a few hours, but based on the characters and their actions, you can see it going forward. I wish I could just be sure of it. Ms. Wells implies a longstanding romantic relationship between Jo and Greg at the end … but that’s a lot to hinge on a few hours. Most of which they spent passed out. Regardless, I quite enjoyed Three Little Words and I’ll definitely be looking for more of Ms. Wells stories.

Grade: B

You can buy a copy here.

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