Audiobook provided by Valentine PR
Author: Jewel E. Ann
Narrators: Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige
If This Is Love is quintessential Jewel E. Ann. In the same tones of the Naked Fisherman series, this books is like Yellowstone, Dallas and Dynasty had a baby! You get all the grandeur of the powerful family and all the seediness that comes with it all.
You know things are going to be bumpy when you realize that Indiana was literally bought by to the patriarch, Fletcher Ellington, as a “gift” for his wife whom he adored and couldn’t have children. She learned at the tender age of four that, although Ruthie tends to her like a true daughter and loves her deeply, she doesn’t really “belong”.
Ruthie dies when Indiana is 8 year old and Fletcher spirals into grief and resents Indy. He couldn’t care less for the little girl. That’s when Milo Odell steps in. He’s Fletcher’s “ward” even though he’s 18. He’s sort of a ranch hand and Fletcher has a strong hold over him that we are initially unaware of. He gives Indy the attention she craves. The only love she gets is from her “aunt” and “grandmother” on Ruthie’s side. He becomes sort of a big brother figure (but that will change fast) and they are thick as thieves.
Soon, Indy is all grown up and feelings are deeper on both sides but Fletcher has plans for Milo. He is to marry Jolene, his niece and heir apparent and the woman Indy hates most in her life.
But Milo is hers… and she is his. If this is love….
Oh sweet lord. Kudos to Meg Sylvan (new to me) and Tim Paige (whom I love) for taking us through this journey of so much angst and pain and heartache. There are so many twists and turns and evil things happening to Indy and Milo that you can barely breathe. And it’s all there in their performances. Meg plays the sassy Indy, whose spirit is unbreakable and it’s amazing. Tim, loved the twang!
So, be ready for heartache and pain, but it all works out in the end!
Kudos for Jewel E. Ann for naming the man-stealing villainess Jolene! Perfect!
