Unsuitable

So interesting! Realistic romantic fiction that explores some fascinating social realities without at all being preachy or a tract. Very dimensional characters. Well-crafted characterisation, something I require in this kind of genre fiction. I really liked it! I believed the characters, bought their motivations and back-stories, was glad for their growth–yup, down for all of it. I also very much loved how the kids were REAL KIDS!

This was my first book by Paton but won't be my last.

3.5 stars
Ainslie Paton makes a great point in Unsuitable about sexism, gender roles and society's expectations, starting with the characters' names (Charlie and Les: female; Polly and Reece: male). I'm just not sure that she makes a great romance. I loved the fact that Audrey was unapologetic about wanting to pursue a high-powered career while also being a mom. I loved the fact that Reece was unapologetic about wanting to be a nanny. I loved the holy terror that was three-year old Mia, and I especially loved the understated secondary romance between Audrey's best friend Les and Reece's best friend Polly (check out the author's website for a cute short story about those two).

But for some reason I just didn't feel the same chemistry between Reece and Audrey that I did with the couples in some of Paton's previous books, most notably Detained and Floored. The relationship that develops in Unsuitable is more gentle (although no less passionate) than those two full-throttle novels, and the angst quotient is lower. That doesn't make Unsuitable any weaker, it's just not my personal romance catnip.

I also had a bit of a problem with the ending. It felt like Paton undercut her message a bit by having Audrey be perfectly happy with one child, not feeling like she needed more children to be fulfilled as a woman - and then falling pregnant with twins!

Still a big fan of this author, and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.