Wrong for Him by Christi Barth

Wrong for Him by Christi Barth
Love Lottery Book Three
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Amelia Kirkland’s been head-over-heels for Teague Sullivan forever. Not that she’s ever let him know—as her brother’s best friend, he’s officially off-limits. That’s even more true once they become partners in rehabbing a historic inn. She can’t risk what she’s building with her brother and her friends just to fulfill a lifelong crush. Can she?

When Teague left the Special Forces, he didn’t know what would come next. Until his best friend, Alex, won an inn as a lottery prize and made him a partner. It’s his shot at getting everything he’s always wanted. Except for Alex’s beautiful sister. Amelia’s friendship was a lifeline while he was deployed, but that’s a line he can’t cross. He owes his friend too much to betray his trust. Now, though? Working and living with her every day? He wants more.

If their secret romance is discovered, it could ruin everything before the inn has a chance. But does their one shot at happiness require them to break all the rules?

I love reading a book series because it gives me the feeling of coming home. Wrong for Him is book three in the Love Lottery series. I fell in love with the cast of characters in book one and my love only grew larger in book two. At the end of book three I felt like they were my family. There is ‘prim and proper/OCD’, Alex, who has a sister named Amelia. Amelia is the guru of landscaping and always wearing gardening clothes. Amelia and Everleigh are best friends. Everleigh is the latest fashion trend and social butterfly. Alex and Teague are best friends. Teague is the retired military buff. Therefore, Teague and Alex are like brothers to Everleigh. Teague is like a brother to Amelia. The main characters were brilliantly created in an opposites attract kind of way. They would tease and banter with one another making me laugh. They had each other’s back when something went wrong. They were in every sense a family. Technically they either came from a broken family or didn’t have a family.

The four main characters that I listed above are from the city and they play a lottery and win a historical inn located in a small town. The adjustment from city to country is a hoot. What I especially loved was how they were welcomed by the small town. The cast of characters grew spellbound and yet each new character was well developed and relatable. I’d go as far to say they are unforgettable.

It’s worth mentioning in my book two review I voiced my concern over not seeing a book four listed or to be announced. I was really looking forward to a love story between Nora, the inn cook and James the high school shop teacher. Well, I’m ecstatic to tell you that Nora and James’s love story was included in book three, Wrong for Him. It was a double romance story. Two for one. Although, the main romance was between Teague and Amelia. Therefore, I’ll stay focused on them.

Teague and Amelia are the classic “friends turned lovers” trope. It was tricky because Teague is Amelia’s brother, Alex’s best friend. They have the “best friend code about not dating sisters”. Teague is seven years older than Amelia. Teague also was adjusting to civilian life after leaving the military. Amelia had childhood trauma she was working through that affected her relationships with her brother and Teague’s. She was no longer a child and wanted to be taken seriously by the people that she loved and respected. The romance between Teague and Amelia is heartwarming, sensual, complicated and genuine.

There is more than meets the eye when regarding the plot. I was pleasantly surprised with the plot regarding the inn’s cupola. Readers will know what I’m talking about when they get to that part. I’m sad the series has come to an end. I will cherish the entertainment it provided me. I appreciated the epilogue at the end, let’s just say it gave me a definite ‘book glow’. I will have to add Christi Barth to my favorite author list. I absolutely loved her writing style in all three books in the series. The Love Lottery Book series will go on my keeper shelf.