Noel and Leon. Noel is bit bitter about Christmas, and her cheating ex-husband who was sick. She finds herself attracted and aroused by Leon, whom she meets on a business trip. After she embarrasses herself, she finds that there is something she doesn't know about Leon that changes everything. Then a surprise visit further complicates everything.
Is she too old to believe in love? Will she ever get the Christmas spirit? This novella has a strong storyline and some sexy scenes while delivering on the romance. I liked Noel and Leon a lot. The way they initially got together was both funny and endearing. So, if you're looking for a short and satisfying read, for Christmas or whenever, this could be it.
I enjoyed it and took time to re-read it! A mature heroine, nice!
I really Liked the cast of characters in this story. They developed into true to life people. These are adults, with adult issues and all the good or bad that implies. I like it when I "know" who they are, and I really idenified with Noel and her struggles, within herself and in her life... Like, being "curvy," she can't see how beautiful she really is. And coming out of a toxic, 14 year marrage to a cheating husband hasn't helped. Now, being single for about a year she is starting to develope some independence. (and right here I had a mental rant) Dave, her ex-husband, announces he has testicular cancer and begs her to move back in through his chemo treatments and take care of him just until things get better! (what nerve).... So now her ex is also her roommate!.....then, while on a business trip for one of her clients, she meets Leon Hallas. The draw is Instant. It's relentless. It's a freaking hot whirlwind.... with the hottest man she's ever seen, and he wants her! But how is this going to work out... (because of Dave) ....and Dave is keeping a couple secrets of his own. All I will say is, if you look up the meaning of "Cad" in the dictionary, I'm pretty sure his picture will be there.
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I've read two of author Theriot's books, and this one grabbed me from the get-go and I finished reading it in mere hours. I love the age group she uses in her romance stories, and unfortunately there is usually a man doing the cheating yet the woman winds up getting more than her just rewards. In Unwrapping Noel, Dave is the jerk, and Noel is the woman being jerked around. I'm not a physical person, but I wanted to punch Dave smack in his lying face.
Noel stumbles like most women who learn they've been 'played' yet her rebound is quick as she becomes more independent after they split,
Once Noel heads to California on business,she meets Leon, who is also suffering from dragging baggage from a recent relationship/breakup. Still, there is a sexual attraction between Noel and the silver haired, Leon. Wow, did I ever swoon over this dynamic character.
It is incredibly refreshing to read about women over 40 dealing who are dealing with relationship struggles, because in today's world this is a huge reality. And not having the perfect body seems to be only one of the insecurity issues plaguing women of a certain age - especially if their husband is constantly yanking them down until their self esteem all but vanishes. Unfortunately, even after they divorce, Dave wants to keep latched onto Noel and continue sucking happiness from her (he plays the sympathy card here, but I won't insert a spoiler). Just know he's a genuine jackass.
Will Noel gain strength and force Dave to get lost, so she can truly begin a new life that doesn't include him?
Will Noel and Leon get beyond their personal issues, and form a bond that no one can break?
Unwrapping Noel is not just for women, and not just for women over 20. It is a story about human insecurities and finding one's inner strength. I'm ready to read more....
