They’re back! When I first read about Kate and Ian back in book one of the Stud series (Almost In Love) I just knew I’d be seeing them again. It’s four years later and Ian is ready to take their relationship to the next level. Kate, however, is hurtling full speed ahead on the career track and won’t let anything derail her from her goals. Much as she’d love to spend more time with the ultra-hot Ian, he’s just too much of a distraction. In this prequel to their main story, the author creates a delightful romance filled with realistic characters and scenarios. Kate is representative of every woman who longs to have it all – a top-notch career and a loving family life. Ian has no intentions of derailing her career, but he, like most men, wants a bigger piece of her attention. Set in snowy Chicago around the holidays, Almost Romance is a quick and terrific read to kick off your holiday season. And I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what else Ms. Gilmore comes up with for this charming couple in Almost Hitched.

Finally we get the skinny on Kate and Ian. I wasn't sure what happened to them after meeting them in Barry and Amber's story "Almost in Love". I knew their first time had very different effects on both of them. Ian seemed more lost and she just seemed annoyed. I'm glad they found their way. I can't wait to read more of their story in "Almost Hitched".