Kimber Leigh Reads

*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

This is my second Dakota Madison novel, and I found Community Service to be as lighthearted and sweet as Fire on Ice. Sometimes it's just nice to curl up with a book that will leave me happy: no major angst, no horrible broken hearts, just sweet romance. If you are looking for that kind of read, then Dakota Madison is perfect for you. And she has no shortage of titles as she wraps up her 12 novels in 12 months campaign. I have no idea how she does it.

Maggie grew up part of the geeky crowd in high school, secretly crushing on gorgeous jock Sawyer. Even in college, her self-esteem hasn't blossomed. Sure she's dated a few guys, but it never worked out for her. Maggie has high aspirations and her heart is set on a prestigious science graduate school. When she lands a highly sought after internship, she's shocked to find the object of her teenage crush as her internship partner. A distracted Maggie rear-ends a police car and is sentenced to community service. There she meets guy #2, Jude.

This novel contains a bit of a love triangle as Maggie meets two guys within days of each other. First there's Sawyer who is a paraplegic after a skiing accident his freshman year in college. Sawyer seems perfect for Maggie: he's a scientist in the same field as her, compassionate, caring, sweet. If only his overwhelming fear of rejection didn't make him push her away.

Then we have Jude, the hot lead actor at the theater where Maggie's doing her community service. Jude is a player through and through. Though he's too smooth, sexy, and arrogant, Maggie can't help the physical attraction she feels toward him. I despised Jude, wished he'd just disappear into the woodwork. Jude and Sawyer are old friends, but he treats Sawyer like crap, making nasty comments about his disability.

I was floored at the way Sawyer was treated by so many people simply because he's in a wheelchair. I really hope that's not the case in the real world. Maggie's mother blew me away with her overall nastiness towards Sawyer. This novel is definitely character driven. The character interaction has been my favorite part of both Dakota Madison's books that I've read. If you're looking for a sweet romance, add Community Service to your TBR list. Due to mature content, this book is recommended for ages 18+.