They’re wrong for each other, but the chemistry is undeniable. It’s not personal It’s business. Sort of… But it’s just one date–a wish fulfillment–for philanthropist and single mom Eva DeLongpre’s charity and a PR opportunity for Mayor Joe Aguirre’s reelection. Giving in to their mutual attraction was just a spontaneous, delicious one-off. But as the election turns ugly, Joe is forced to … ugly, Joe is forced to declare his intentions for Eva. When the votes are counted, she’s hoping love wins in a landslide.
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Good book. This is the story of Joe, a small-town mayor, and Eva, a single mother and the recently discovered twin sister of Lacey (Cooking Up Romance). Eva runs a charity called Dreams Come True that grants wishes to older people. She received a request from an 84-year-old woman in the early stages of dementia. Savannah wants a date with local mayor Joe, who she compares to Jack Kennedy. Joe is a little hesitant as he is very busy with his duties and his own law practice, plus running for re-election. However, his campaign manager insists it would be a good idea, so he says yes.
I loved Joe. He is an all-around nice guy. A first-generation American, he was raised by hard-working immigrant parents who passed their work ethic on to him. He is in a tough race to keep his job, against an opponent who wants to open the town to chain businesses. I loved seeing his campaign appearances, as he ran a clean, issue-driven race against an opponent who wasn’t anywhere near as honorable.
The date with Joe and Savannah was adorable. Eva was there as a sort of chaperone to look after Savannah, so she tried to stay in the background. It was sweet to see the genuine attention that Joe gave Savannah and the effect it had on her. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, and Savannah made regular appearances throughout the book.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Joe and Eva. Both of them had past issues that caused them to pre-judge each other. Joe was burned by a woman he loved, one with money and who ultimately decided that he wasn’t good enough for her. It left him distrustful of women with money. Eva was betrayed by a boyfriend who turned out to be using her to score points with his friends. As a result, Eva is distrustful of all men. Despite all of that, the sparks between Joe and Eva flared fast and hot, surprising both of them. Neither of them was interested in a relationship, but they couldn’t deny the pull between them. I loved seeing Joe’s determination to get to know Eva better. However, trying to date during a re-election creates unforeseen problems. Adorable and heartwarming moments between Eva, her son Noah, and Joe, are willfully misinterpreted by his opponent. I was impressed by how well Joe handled it all. I liked watching the feelings between Eva and Joe grow stronger, and how they slipped into feeling like a family. There were some stressful moments at the end as Joe’s attempt at romantic fell a little flat. The trust issues from their pasts flared up causing some heartache for both. I liked the insight into Eva’s battle with those issues and loved how it turned out. The election night scene was fantastic, but one of my favorite parts was the last chapter. I shook my head a little at Lacy and Eva’s actions, but Zack and Joe got through it with flying colors.
A subplot in the book was Eva and Lacy’s curiosity about their birth mother. They waffle a bit back and forth over whether to pursue a search for her. I loved Joe’s support and willingness to help. It looks like the two women have quite a surprise waiting for them in the next book.
Date of a Lifetime by Lynne Marshall is her second book in the Taylor Triplets series. Eva DeLongpres runs the charity, Dreams Come True. Eva receives an in ordinary request from Savannah Schuster and she grants it: A date with mayor Joe Aguirre. Not only do we witness a rather sweet dinner with Eva, Joe and Savannah, we also see the building of a building of a relationship. This is standalone book in the series but I also suggest reading the first book where we are introduced to Eva’s sister. Ms. Marshall has written another heartwarming book filled with wonderful characters. I look forward to the next book in the series. I received an advance copy of Date of a Lifetime which I chose to read and review. This is my honest opinion.
“Date of a Lifetime”, Book Two in author Lynne Marshall’s “Taylor Triplets Series”, is a compelling contemporary romance with a touch of mystery served up with delicious dishes. Eva DeLongpre thought her plate of life was full with running a well-regarded charitable organization, becoming a single mother to an adopted son, and being reunited with a twin sister she had only recently discovered. Little did Eva know that making a wish come true for a special senior citizen would also be a momentous occasion in her own life–one that she never expected. When 84-years-old Savannah Schuster contacts “Dreams Come True”, Eva’s wish-granting charity for seniors, her request is for a date night out with the handsome mayor of her home town, Little River Valley. Joe Aguirre, a mayor up for re-election and also a lawyer with a neglected practice, sees the date as a good deed and good publicity for his campaign. With Eva along as “chaperone”, Savannah enjoys her date night with “Mayor Joe”. After seeing Savannah safely home, Joe and Eva are reluctant to let the evening end, and the sparks which had flickered between them flare into an unplanned passion. Both are taken aback with their impulsive actions–a relationship with each other just won’t work. Or is there a way to blend personal lives and politics and come up with a winning combination? What about the unanswered questions surrounding Eva and her twin sister, Lacy, being separated at birth? Lynne Marshall is a skilled storyteller who keeps her readers involved, and she always adds an element of surprise.
Book Copy Gratis Author
Instant connections pave the way to lots of drama! With book two in her series The Taylor Triplets, Lynne Marshall brings us Eva’s story as she moves closer to what she her newly found twin sis Lacy. It picks up soon after the first book ended and builds on a sisterhood bond in the making as well as a new romance.
Evangelina is an easy going character. Her entire life was turned upside down when she learned she had a twin sister out there that she had no clue about, but she took it in stride and settled in to make up for lost time.
Joe is delightful. He’s a mayor running for re-election and his connection with Eva is making for some interesting gossip headlines from his opponent.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a bit of intrigue mixed in with a gentle romance. There’s a feisty senior citizen, an adorable baby and several other supporting characters that make this story fun.
Date of a Lifetime is a wonderfully written story about Joe, Eva and Savannah. Joe is a small town mayor who was raised by hard-working, immigrant parents that taught him to work hard for his dreams. He is running for re-election. Eva runs Dreams Come True, a non-profit organization that grants wishes for senior citizens. Savannah is a senior citizen recently diagnosed with early dementia and applies for a wish to go on a date with Joe. The date is a beautiful beginning of friendship, love, and overcoming the traumas of the past that threaten to destroy the budding relationship of Joe and Eva. Throw in an adorable baby, a recently discovered twin and a sneaky opposing candidate. This story is filled with laughs, a little tension, a few tears and great amount of love. Although this is the second in the Taylor Triplets series, it can also be read as a stand alone. This story will keep the reader entertained until the very last page.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.