The Story Guy by Mary Ann Rivers

The Story Guy by Mary Ann Rivers
Published: July 8, 2013 by Loveswept
Source: From the publisher via netgalley

In this eBook original novella, Mary Ann Rivers introduces a soulful and sexy tale of courage, sacrifice, and love.

I will meet you on Wednesdays at noon in Celebration Park. Kissing only.

Carrie West is happy with her life... isn’t she? But when she sees this provocative online ad, the thirtysomething librarian can’t help but be tempted. After all, the photo of the anonymous poster is far too attractive to ignore. And when Wednesday finally arrives, it brings a first kiss that’s hotter than any she’s ever imagined.

Brian Newburgh is an attorney, but there’s more to his life... that he won't share with Carrie. Determined to have more than just Wednesdays, Carrie embarks on a quest to learn Brian’s story, certain that he will be worth the cost. But is she ready to gamble her heart on a man who just might be The One... even though she has no idea how their love story will end? [goodreads]

The personal ad that Carrie answers online is what drew me to this story (among trusted recommendations, of course).  Someone wants to meet at noon on Wednesdays in the park, for kissing, and kissing only?  How ridiculous!  And how FUN!  Of course, this is something I would never, ever do.  But that's the beauty of literature, it takes you on unexpected adventures that allows you to live vicariously through its characters.

I felt an instant connection to Carrie for personal reasons.  Here she was, this thirty something year old woman who has a job she likes, comes from a great family, and is surrounded by friends that love and support her.  All makes for a great life? Of course!  But then there's this missing element that nags at her.  Something that this single girl is all too familiar with.  It's only human to want to be with someone, to feel a personal, physical, and emotional connection with them.  I totally understood this want from Carrie and her need to answer Brian's ad.

What begins as this smoldering hot kiss one day in the park quickly becomes something that neither of them were quite ready for.  Brian has laid down the rules, explaining he can only do Wednesdays, offering only his lips and nothing more.  Carrie is caught between wanting to continue these irresistible kisses, yet knowing that in her heart she wants more than just Wednesdays -- and she wants it with Brian.

This novella follows a very to the point, and well balanced story.  The pacing was just the perfect amount, never feeling like anything was left out, but never racing ahead to the end either.  I found myself devouring this story in just a few hours.  The hotness factor was scorching, and quite possibly one of the best kissing scenes I've read in an adult book.  The attention to detail that Mary Ann Rivers gives to these two characters places you in the moment, almost as if you're witnessing something you shouldn't be interrupting.

Among the fun, quirky meet-up is a story that evolves into a richer, deeper path that these two characters find themselves wandering down.  I highly recommend this novella to those who are adult contemporary fiction fans that enjoy a heavy dose of romance, like me.