Review: The Temporary Wife – Jeannie Moon

It was an offer she couldn’t refuse…from a man she couldn’t resist.

Kindergarten teacher Megan Rossi is devoted to being a mother to her best friend’s five-year-old daughter, Molly. When the child was orphaned, Meg became the little girl’s legally named guardian—over the objections of Molly’s wealthy grandparents, the Campbells. Now the Campbells are petitioning for custody, and Meg is faced with a long and expensive legal battle. The last thing she expects is for her former high school boyfriend—and the Campbells’ estranged son—to offer a solution: marriage.

Billionaire software developer Jason Campbell knows his parents don’t have Molly’s best interests at heart—it’s all about control for them. There is one way he can ensure that his sister’s last wishes are honored. He will offer Meg the protection of his name and lawyers until the custody arrangement has been finalized , then he’ll secure his niece’s future with a very generous divorce settlement. Jason’s considered all the scenarios, except one—that the sparks that once flew between he and Meg might reignite a burning passion. And that his confirmed bachelor heart might just melt away from the heat…

Series: A Forever Love Story #1
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Publisher: InterMix
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Michelle
Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

Jason Campbell is a self-made billionaire. His desire to be successful is fueled by his his need for complete independence from his manipulative parents. Jason had a taste of their manipulation during his youth when he was too young, dumb, and weak to stand up for the girl that meant everything to him, Megan Rossi. And so begins our story of the unrequited love of two high school lovers, from opposite sides of the tracks. I grabbed my tissues and kept them handy as I read this story in one sitting. I couldn’t leave it till I found out what happened. The storyline drew me in and kept me captivated.

The author did an excellent job of describing the characters, their actions, and the context within which they acted. So it was easy to see that even though Jason was being a class A jerk he was acting out of fear, and I found myself empathizing with him instead of hating his character. As a teacher I was really a goner when I learned that Megan was a teacher too. She was undeniably sweet with just the right fire underneath. She was unselfish, giving, and willing to take a risk. I absolutely loved that the author didn’t have her sitting around like a spinster waiting on Jason to come back into her life or becoming bitter and averse to all men. Megan has a boyfriend and he’s FINE too. That was an added and much loved twist to this classic storyline. Then there was Molly, the daughter of Megan’s best friend Grace. Grace is also the sister of Jason. Megan was named as Molly’s guardian after her parents were killed. This is the catalyst that brings Jason and Megan back together–a desire to save Molly. Neither of them want Molly to suffer with Jason and Grace’s parents.

There were easily moments where I just wanted to tell Jason to “get a clue”. Then there were the moments where he did the sweetest things to please Megan. And I could really see the good in him that he couldn’t see in himself. I cried when Megan experienced a traumatic loss and cheered when unexpected foes became friends and allies. This one was an emotional ride that was definitely well worth my time. I’ll definitely be looking for other titles from this author. It was a great read.