When I'm With You by LaConnie Taylor-Jones
Reviewed by Tavares S. Carney
Echelon Books: 8
Amazon: 4
Love Lost, Found and turned Upside Down
The storyline of When I'm With You centers on main characters, Caitlyn Thompson and Marcel Baptiste, an unlikely pair given their upbringing. While the two may be from opposite ends of the track, what they share in common is the very thing that brings them together - a heart for helping others. Caitlyn, being an executive director of a youth center and Marcel, the mystery philanthropist.
As circumstance would have it, Caitlyn stumbles into the auto dealer headed by none other than Marcel, who'd already reviewed a proposal for the youth center and, prior to their chance meeting, had already decided to fund youth center programming. Marcel knew who Caitlyn was, but she not he. After funding the youth center as the "mystery" philanthropist, Marcel quickly learns that Caitlyn's emotions are not to be played with. Suffering from a horrible experience from her past, Caitlyn drives a hard bargain in the "trust men" lane.
Smitten with Caitlyn, Marcel Baptiste is determined to make Caitlyn his one and only. This is a romance story; however, the dramatic subplots have thematic significance and draw the reader in. Caitlyn is avoiding a stalker/abuser ex and Marcel is in a business bidding-war, in addition to helping Caitlyn locate her biological father. Through various occurrences and as scenarios presented themselves, Marcel continuously proved himself and his love for and to Caitlyn, who eventually lets all guards down.
I especially enjoyed the fact that Marcel did not allow money to be his main priority or go to his head. Instead, his character displayed genuineness and sincerity.
The book contains topics such as philanthropy, family and marriage, as well as unhealthy and healthy male/female relationships.
