Review: The Critic by Dyanne Davis

Let me begin this review by saying: Get this book! The Critic by Dyanne Davis is one of the most delightful romance novels I've read in a long time.

Although neither the title nor the cover makes a reader think the book is a romance novel, trust me, it is, and it's a romance with depth of characterization and lush sensuality. The Critic began life as something the author wrote just to take to her Romance Writers of America chapter meetings for her friends to read. Of course, they urged her to submit it for publication.

The trade paper edition was published by Parker Publishing, but now there is a new ebook edition: The Romance Writer Vs. The Critic. Unfortunately, this cover still doesn't well-represent this wonderful romance.

Details

Paperback Price: $10.95
Publisher: Parker Publishing, LLC (May 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1600430325
ISBN-13: 978-1600430329

Kindle Price: $2.99

Blurb It

Toreas Rose, an aspiring romance author, takes on Jared Stone, a romance-bashing literary critic and talk show host. (Don't you love it already?) Until Stone opened his big mouth on TV and trashed her beloved romance genre, the writers of romance, and the readers of romance, she was crushing on the gorgeous, hunky critic.

The old saying "out of the frying pan and into the fire" perfectly describes what happens when Toreas goes on Jared's talk show to defend romance and ends up creating a situation that is a publicity hound's dream come true.

Amidst their mutual attraction and growing desire, the publicity nightmare is the least of their problems as each confronts the demons of their respective pasts.
  
My Take

Jared is a hero in every possible sense even though he yields to his own insecurities -- after all, he's only human, and Toreas is maddening at times. In the beginning, Toreas seems capable, strong, and secure. As the story progresses, the reader -- and Toreas -- realizes that she's been carting around a lot of baggage.

Women especially will recognize all those "voices" in her head. Toreas learns that if she's going to be the woman she wants to be, then she must make peace with herself.There's a lot of character growth in this book. Each time you think Jared and Toreas are going to wind up in bed, those old insecurities push them apart.

As a romance reader and writer, the book is completely entertaining because it exposes all the stereotypes relating to this genre, gently pokes fun at publishing expectations, and shows why women readers have made this the most popular genre in the world. 

Takeaway Truth

Grab this book for your weekend read. You'll love it!