Audio #Review: If I Loved You by Mary J. Williams - 4 Wine Glasses

Title: If I Loved You 
Series: Harper Falls #1
Author: Mary J. Williams
Narrated by: Amy Robinson
Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins 
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-20-15
Publisher: Mary Williams
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Audible
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Welcome to Harper Falls, Washington. A place where everything you ever dreamed of can be yours. Especially love.

If all you wanted was one night would you take a chance on a man who wanted forever?Rose O'Brian wants to spice up her love life, and she knows that Jack Winston is just the man to help her. Unfortunately, Jack has a secret that is keeping his from the one thing he wants more than his next breath--Rose.

Rose has never believed in a happily ever after ending for herself; emotional scars run too deep. She tells Jack it's one night or nothing, but what she can't admit to him or herself is that he is the first man that has ever had her dreaming of more. When a demon from her past rears its ugly head will Rose have the strength to reach for what she wants? Can Jack convince her they have a future worth fighting for?

Linda's Thoughts:

ROSE FELT LIKE she had a neon sign flashing over her head—looking for a one night stand, only sex gods need apply.

IF I LOVED YOU by Mary J. Williams was a delightfully sweet, small town romance. It's the first book in a series about three friends - Rose, Dani and Drew -  in Harper Falls, Washington, finding their happy ever afters. I was so excited when the author offered me an audible review copy and I was not disappointed! This was the story of Rose O'Brian, a songwriter, and Jack Winston, a security expert.

Rose had experienced a terrible childhood. She still suffers the aftermath of the abuse she suffered. Because of that, she does not believe in marriage and feels that she is incapable of loving anyone. She is terrified of being hurt again. After experiencing another awkward date, Rose announced to her two best friends that she was writing off dating and men entirely. As an alternative, they urged her to go for a one-night stand with a hot guy instead. They're beyond astounded when Rose puts their option in action by propositioning and taking sexy Jack Winston home.

Jack has written off sex for one month - courtesy of a crazy bet that he's determined to win. Then... Rose hits on him and he can't tell her why he won't bed her. But... he doesn't want Rose to solicit anyone else as he wants her for himself. So... he has to spend time with her that only makes him want her more. Will Jack win the bet and will he end up with the girl of his dreams? You'll have to read this book to find out!

This tale was a wild emotional ride! I laughed, sighed and cried while listening to it. I loved both primary characters. Rose's tale broke my heart and Jack was such a perfect gentleman. He had earned a playboy reputation, but when he saw Rose, he knew she was THE ONE for him. He was strong, patient and so protective of her, but Rose understandably had some pretty secure fencing around her heart. I also really liked Rose's friends and Jack's family. His mother, especially, was just such an awesome character. The scenes with Jack's family were some of my favorites.

This book was narrated by Amy Robinson. This was my first time listening to her. She read the book; she did not perform it as there was no differentiation between her voicing of the characters. I was ok with that as the story was so good and Amy does have a pleasing, clear, distinct voice. However, there were numerous instances where she repeated herself or mispronounced words. At one point, you can hear something dropping in the studio that had nothing to do with the book; I actually listened to that section multiple times as I thought I'd missed something. These issues would not keep me from listening to her again, but I do wonder why she left the mistakes in and didn't take the time to correct them.

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes which illustrate the passion and humor to be found within this book's pages:

She drank in the sight of him, sure that anything so perfect had to be a dream.  He seemed bigger with just a towel wrapped around his waist.  It was amazing what wonders clothing could hide.  Over six feet of long muscled male.  Bronzed skin, lightly dusted with hair seemed to glow as he walked towards her.  He moved like an athlete.  Strong, confident strides that ate up the distance between them in no time. Her hands wanted to touch him, anywhere, everywhere.  His impossibly flat, firm stomach seemed to call out for her mouth to trace the ridges; her tongue eagerly memorizing every smooth, muscled inch. 

“Lose the towel.”  She wasn’t asking, she was pleading. Jack let the cloth fall to the floor. Eyes wide Rose gasped.  Mother Nature had been very kind to Jack Winston, and she was about to be a very grateful beneficiary. 

“Rose, sweetheart,” Jack stepped back when she would have touched him. 

“Oh, come on, Jack,” she groaned in frustration.  “I’ve been a very good girl.  Now it’s time for my reward.”

---

Jack looked over to the foot of the bed to see Edgar watching them; head cocked to one side and tail wagging furiously. “You don’t think he saw us, do you?”

---

Do you want to have to tell the doctor at the emergency room that the reason your wound opened up was because you couldn't keep your you know what in your pants." 

"First of all, I don't think I'd have to say you know what in front of the doctor."

This was my first book written by Mary Williams, but it most certainly won't be the last. This was an highly entertaining start to a promising new series! The conclusion had me holding my breath with a twist I did not see coming and then morphed into being jaw-dropping wonderful!

IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES, Dani's story, is the next book in this series and is already available as an ebook. I hope it will be released in audio soon as I would prefer to continue listening to the series. I highly recommend IF I LOVED YOU to anyone who enjoys fun, hot and sweet contemporary romances with great characters in a down-home setting.