Raine

by J.C. Valentine

[Cocktails and Books]

I thought the premise of this book was interesting. The nerdy, loner girl is done wrong by the football star and it's his older brother that comes to the rescue.

Raine was a somewhat naive girl who had to grow up fast after her "dreamy" boyfriend turned out to be the biggest d-bag. Hurt, broken and left with a constant reminder of how she was wronged, Raine had put on her big girl panties and prove to herself and everyone else that she can move on without the help of anyone. And she existed, scrimping by. But when her ex's big brother runs into her at Wal-Mart, her life turns.

Jarret was always the black sheep of the family, but there was something about Raine that kicked his protective instincts into gear and demanded he take care of her. At first, he thought it was because he was doing the right thing after his brother abandoned her. But her discovers that with Raine by his side, for the first time, he's happy and feels like he has everything.

Raine and Jarret have some pretty big obstacles to navigate. But they somehow manage to forge a solid friendship that builds into more. Jarret is supportive of Raine, even when her independent streak grates on his nerves. He understands her need to prove to everyone that she can do what she's doing without their help. But at the same time, he's determined to make sure her place is at his side. Raine fights Jarret's protectiveness while at the same time wanting more of it. She's terrified she's going to find herself back in the place she was a few months ago. Both Raine and Jarret have to learn to trust and to believe in not only themselves, but each other. When they do, they discovered they are much stronger together and can stand up against those that want to tear them down.
RAINE was an enjoyable read. I felt like each of their parents and Jarret's brother got off to easy considering the things they had done to the hero and heroine. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more closer with those plot lines, but in all it was a good story that ended with this couple finally getting everything they wanted.