REVIEW: It’s in his Arms by Shelly Alexander

In It’s in his Arms (Red River #4) by Shelly Alexander, being a single mother isn’t easy for Lorenda Lawson, but finding the kind of man that cares enough about her and her kids to stay doesn’t seem possible. That is until her late husband’s twin, Mitchell Lawson arrives back in town willing to spend time with her sons and keep her safe from someone determined to scare her. But when Mitchell comes under fire from the townspeople, Lorenda is willing to do the same for him, even if her plan was something she never thought she’d do again. Will Mitchell be able to convince Lorenda to give him a second chance at love?

”I understand your concerns about the boys. The last thing I want is for them to get hurt. But, Lorenda, I am their uncle. I can’t stay away from them forever.”
She bit back the urge to say, “You’ve done a pretty good job of it since Cameron died.”
“I’ve got a bad feeling, Sparky. Sometimes safety trumps emotions.”

Ms. Alexander is a new author for me, but I loved the blurb of this book and had to read it. The way this story started had me laughing immediately due to the opening line. What is a Bulls***z? Why would they be for sale? However, it was the moment that Mitchell and Lorenda came face-to-face for the first time that had me flipping the pages of this story quickly, determined to learn how complicated the history between these two is and whether or not they can overcome the hurts of the past; hurts that Mitchell’s twin caused them both.

The dialogue was well-written and at various times amusing due to the things the heroine’s phone says, yet it was also intense due to what someone is doing to the heroine as well as the main characters back stories, because both Mitchell and Lorenda are keeping a secret about the man she once loved. Lorenda partially blames Mitchell for not convincing his twin to do the right thing by being there for her and their sons, but there’s so much more to it than that. Lies and truths are exposed and how they’re revealed was a delightful moment in this story, as it helps the main and also some of the secondary characters to heal from hurts of the past that led to the hero leaving town years ago. However, there were also some really good light-hearted moments that made me smile. The hero is good with his nephews, which is proven by how he makes sure the boys don’t forget their father and the way he teaches them things that he thinks they need to learn.

”They’ve been trying to throw us together. Two nights ago they put a garter snake in my bed. It wasn’t pretty.”
“Did it work?” Ella teased.
“I screamed so loud, Mitchell nearly beat down the door trying to get into my room.”
“Smart kids. You’ve got a regular Parent Trap going on at your house.”

Both the main characters were entertaining, and I loved how far Lorenda and Mitchell were willing to go for each other. The heroine is strong, brave and I liked how good of a mom she is and how determined she is to follow her dream of helping kids through music. Her boys clearly love her with how they react to everything that’s happening to her. Also, being part of the mommy mafia, a group of four best friends that get together for meals or drinks is good for her. She definitely needs their support and advice when it comes to Mitchell because her mother isn’t all that supportive.

While the hero, he was compelling. He was wrongly judged by the townspeople and it wasn’t easy for him to return to his hometown. Also, he’s kind, caring and I loved how protective he was. He would do anything to keep Lorenda and his nephews safe, even if it meant getting on her bad side by pointing fingers at someone that the heroine believes isn’t trying to scare her. How could she be so naïve?

Overall, Ms. Alexander has penned a wonderful read in this book, which encompassed a plot and dialogue that enthralled me from start to finish and two wonderful main characters that need each other to heal. The way this story ended was perfect, as Lorenda finally finds a way to make the town accept Mitchell for the good man that he is. Moreover, we finally find what decision the hero makes job wise and it’s a career he’s made for. Certainly, he has the skills to do it. I would highly recommend It’s in his Arms by Shelly Alexander, especially if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope, the marriage of convenience trope, the fake relationship trope or second chance romances.

Book Info:

Publication: January 3rd, 2017 | Montlake Romance | Red River #4

Lorenda Lawson has built a safe, sheltered life for her two young sons since their father was KIA several years ago. She has a beautiful cottage and a support network of family and friends. No one in Red River suspects that her marriage to Cam was ever less than perfect. Nobody, that is, except the gorgeous ex-SEAL who’s shown up after a long absence: Cam’s notorious twin brother, Mitchell.

Mitchell Lawson was a teenage rebel who fled Red River after the local watering hole burned down, choosing the military over jail. Now he has a new mission: making amends with the town and his sheriff father for his hell-raising days, while resisting the woman he’s always wanted. Between Lorenda’s warmth and sensuality and her boys’ mischievous matchmaking ploys, it won’t be easy.

When a string of fires breaks out, suspicious eyes turn toward Mitchell. Lorenda risks her reputation for his sake—but she’ll need to risk her heart, too, to bring this onetime bad boy home for good.