#MeanttoBeMine Archives - Jessica R. Patch

You ever read a book that makes you want to gush and ramble on about how great it was? Yeah, that’s my predicament. I’ve been reading for a long time. And I’m a super-fan of romance. Becky Wade is at the top of my inspirational romance author list. Here’s a peek at her newest contemporary romance, Meant to Be Mine.

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school–irresistible. When their paths cross again after college–still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia’s ready to be Ty’s wife, but Ty’s not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia’s buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty’s achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn’t forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

Why is Becky Wade at the top of my list? Because as a reader there are few things I love and Becky packs it all into one story for me.

A setting that feels real.
Small-town Texas. Quirky characters filling it up and great descriptions that plunk me down in the hubbub of it all. Yep. I felt the heat, the smells of the bakery, the hay and sweat.

Heroes that know how to be a man.
Protective, generous heart, rough around the edges. Not afraid to whip somebody for messing with his girl, or his family. I love it. I love heroes who can provide for the one he loves and is willing to sacrifice anything to do so. I like tough exteriors and gooey insides. I like flawed. I like charm and flirty behavior. And Becky Wade gives me everything I want.

Heroines who know how to be a woman.
I like strong and yes, stubborn heroines who can take care of themselves but also would like to be pampered and spoiled by the hero even if they won’t admit it at first. I like to see tenderness and some fire. Again, I get a well-crafted and real heroine in this story!

Loads of Romantic Tension
This comes in the form of looks, touches, even knock-down drag outs when they don’t get along (and by knock-down drag out, I mean bickering–never actually hitting one another lol). I love witty, sharp banter that’s laced with serious flirting. Yep, you give me that and I’ll sink down and love you like a loyal puppy. I like lots of “almost” moments. It drives me nuts in a good way. And yep, Becky Wade gives me page after page of this!

Spiritual truths that naturally develop
When it comes to inspirational fiction, I want to see faith but I want to see it happen naturally as situations come up. Characters won’t always make the right choices or say the right thing at every given moment. And they don’t always spout scripture or even open a Bible. But sometimes, they do. Depending on how the story develops. Becky Wade knows how to do that. It never feels like she’s inserting Christian faith elements simply because it’s her job and she has to find a good place to do it. Nor does it feel like the story is a big platform for her to toot her faith. It’s simply real fictional characters struggling and making every day choices. Sometimes letting their faith guide them and sometimes not. I can relate.

If I could star it over 5, I would. I’m looking forward to the next story in her Porter family series. And I thank Bethany House for the copy in exchange for an honest review. All of my opinions are well, mine.

@BeckyWadewriter
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What kind of heroes/heroines do you like in a romance?