southern charm – Jennifer Lane Books

Title: The Rehabilitation of Angel Sinclair

Series: A Pine Bluff Novel

Author: Nancee Cain

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 27, 2018

Angel Sinclair arrives in Pine Bluff, Alabama with one goal: make amends and move on. But his chance meeting with the beautiful owner of Sleep Inn on the Lake lands him a job, a place to stay, and something else he hasn’t had for years in his life: love and trust.

Still reeling from a bitter divorce, Maggie Robertson is determined to start over as proprietress of a new bed and breakfast. Getting involved with anyone in this gossipy small town is not on her to-do list–especially someone closer to her son’s age than her own.

When she opens the door to find the dreadlocked and tattooed Angel on her porch, her quiet life and preconceived notions are turned upside down. Maggie’s self-confidence soars under his undivided attention. Angel is drawn by Maggie’s quiet acceptance…and he can’t stop staring at her ass.

But Angel’s fondness for Maggie’s company is topped only by his penchant for keeping secrets, which leads Maggie to wonder if she has it wrong. Perhaps age differences do matter, opposites should not be allowed to attract, and love does not conquer all–even if it’s written on the wall.

Here’s my 5-star review!

The Rehabilitation of Angel Sinclair (A Pine Bluff Novel, #3)

The Rehabilitation of Angel Sinclair by Nancee Cain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Homeless Addict Woos Insecure Divorcee: Who’s Rehabilitating Who?

Recovering heroin addict, Angel, walks into Pine Bluff, Alabama to meet up with an old friend. But what he finds on his journey is a new romantic partner, Maggie. In this lovely addition to the Pine Bluff series, Angel and Maggie rehabilitate each other.

Nancee Cain’s experience in the addiction field shines through in this story. Angel’s family problems and resulting low self-worth are heartbreaking. His mother’s eating disorder and his father’s cold criticism contributed to his risk for addiction. When Angel first meets Maggie and she questions if he has stolen from her, his hangdog resignation made me cry. But Maggie looks beneath his hopeless, scruffy facade to see his inner strength and talent.

I have trouble understanding the attraction young women have for much older men, but I find the age difference between Angel and Maggie to be refreshing. Fourteen years older than Angel, Maggie dances to Rick James’ “Super Freak” and bakes delicious goodies as she tries to get her bed and breakfast off the ground. Angel helps her mission by becoming her handyman, and boy is he ever handy. Although Angel is wise beyond his years, he enjoys professing himself as her boy toy.

At first, Maggie believes that Angel’s friend, Emma, is his girlfriend, turning her green with envy:

Maybe she’d break one of her long, Barbie legs. Maggie didn’t wish her anything too serious or harmful, just a fracture that would leave her totally immobilized. She’d even make her a cake and wish her a speedy recovery. Then, with luck, this Emma would gain thirty pounds.

Angel is a masterful artist and his guestbook full of sketches of scenes from around the inn is quite the thoughtful gift he gives to Maggie. I’m such a rule follower that Angel’s secret habit of spray-painting graffiti made me uncomfortable, but his “writing” has realistic consequences.

Like most women, Maggie has negative body image, which frustrates Angel.

“Maggie, when will you believe me when I say you’re beautiful?”

“I’m not twenty-five,” she replied. “I need to lose ten pounds–“

“Hush.”

He placed a hand over her mouth. “Don’t talk about the woman I’m crazy about like that. It pisses me off, because she’s perfect as is.”

It’s like Angel is the first man to really see Maggie, as a smart, competent, sexy woman. Maybe Maggie can grow to see herself that way as well?

“Maggie? Who takes care of you?”

“Me?” She pulled away. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“I bet you took care of your dad. I know you catered to Brian and Phillip. Who has ever taken care of you?”

“I’m f-fine. I can take care of myself.”

“I know you can. But what if I want to take care of you? Would you trust me enough to let me?”

Wow, every woman needs an Angel in her life. Maggie is drawn to caring for Angel’s wounded soul, and Angel is drawn to building Maggie’s faltering confidence, but both realize that they have to be whole in their own right to make this romance work.

We get to meet the hero of the next book in the series: Angel’s estranged older brother, Damien. Damien is a ruthless attorney who likes to play violin on the roof (in particular, one of my favorite songs–“Meditation” from Thais). Damien tries to dissuade Maggie from loving his addict brother, but Maggie tells him off. I look forward to learning more about this complex character and his future love interest!

Each unique story in this series gets stronger and deeper. Highly recommended!

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During the day, Nancee works as a counselor/nurse in the field of addiction to support her coffee and reading habit. Nights are spent writing paranormal and contemporary romances with a serrated edge. Authors are her rock stars, and she’s been known to stalk a few for an autograph, but not in a scary, Stephen King way. Her husband swears her To-Be-Read list on her e-reader qualifies her as a certifiable book hoarder. Always looking to try something new, she dreams of being an extra in a Bollywood film, or a tattoo artist. (Her lack of rhythm and artistic ability may put a damper on both of these dreams.)

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The Redemption of Emma Devine

by Nancee Cain

Series: Pine Bluff, #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Shannon Lumetta
Photographer: Chantell Reid

Release Date: October 19, 2017

After the upheaval of being dumped by his girlfriend, David Patterson leads a quiet life as a high school teacher in the small Southern town of Pine Bluff, Alabama. Soon to enroll in seminary, his dreams are within his grasp.

But a chance encounter with Emma Devine changes everything. She’s on the run, desperate, and surviving by any means possible. His pastor’s heart longs to help her—and the rest of him is rather intrigued as well.

His random act of kindness brings them together, but Emma makes an unfathomable decision—one that threatens to destroy two lives, though her intention is to save one.

Four years later, Emma returns, seeking redemption. But can David—whose dreams took a very different course after their last meeting—forgive her and risk losing everything?

The Redemption of Emma Devine by Nancee Cain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Redemption in the Arms of a Good Man

In book one of the Pine Bluff series, The Resurrection of Dylan McAthie, David Patterson was the third wheel in a love triangle. Therefore, I didn’t root for him. He was a goody-two-shoes almost preacher who paled in comparison to the glittery rock star, Dylan.

But David shines so bright in this story! His integrity makes me swoony. He saves Emma’s life and is a guiding force behind her redemption.

David first encounters desperate Emma when she shoplifts peanut butter. He tries to help her, but then she shoplifts his heart. When she returns years later, can he forgive her crime?

I felt heartbroken for David when Emma’s actions ended his career dreams. The fact that he enacts kindness like saving a photo of Emma for Kensington is evidence of his pure, loving heart. The way he calls Emma “honey” is so endearing. It’s also awesome when he stands up to his mother assertively and respectfully.

And David sees the good in others, especially Emma:

“Your lovely eyes haunt me. They always have. These eyes have witnessed more of the disgusting, atrocious side of this world than I can imagine, yet they still reflect goodness and compassion. They still light up when they see those they love.”

The characters, conflicts, and communication difficulties all feel genuine in this story, and their resolution leaves a deep satisfaction. Just like in the first book, there’s Southern charm and fun humor, like the two “For Dummies” books owned by Emma and David.

Can’t wait for the next Pine Bluff novel! Excellent writing.

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Paperback: Amazon

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iBooks ~ Kobo

Paperback: Amazon

During the day, Nancee Cain works as a nurse/counselor in the field of addiction to support her coffee and reading habit. Nights are spent writing paranormal and contemporary romances with a serrated edge.

Authors are her rock stars, and she’s been known to stalk a few for an autograph, but not in a scary, Stephen King way. Her husband swears her To-Be-Read list qualifies her as a certifiable book hoarder.

Always looking to try something new, she dreams of being an extra in a Bollywood film, or a tattoo artist. (Her lack of rhythm and artistic ability may put a damper on both of these dreams.)