The legacy tree, not so much for me: (2008-04-15) 
I really liked the background of the story, old friend, falling in love etc... but it lacked spark for me. A good story in my opinion, particularly, romance story, makes me tingle and put myself in the character's shoes and I did none of that during this story. It was a fast read, but it was forgettable.

Rida's best one yet!!!!!!!!!!!!: (2003-11-11) 
Now, I love plus-size heroines b/c I am one too! This novel was the best Rida Allen novel so far! Even though it wasn't over 300 pgs. or anything it was good! I read liked both characters. They were friends before they became lovers and that was great. Of course I wish they would have made up quicker, but they were both stubborn people. I could tell they were really close even from the beginnng when they were children. Of course I love the epliogue! The love scenes were hot! And the novel was just great. I am so glad I read it.
If you love great characters, great love scenes, and a great ended with a plus-size woman, and the lean hamsome man who loves her, you will love this!

charming contemporary romance: (2003-01-23) 
Robyn Douglass and Erik Richards have been best friends for years having met as preteens during family camping trips. However, the duo has not seen one another in an eternity (five years to be exact) though they remain close via email and telephone and are only three driving hours apart. On Robyn's twenty-fifth birthday, Erik asks her to join him on a camping trip like they used to do together in the old days.

Erik desires the full figured Robyn and believes he loves her with all his heart, but because she shows no sign of sexual interest in him, he hides his feelings. He does not want to ruin their friendship or hurt his best buddy. Robyn feels the same way about Erik including hiding her heart's greatest desire from the man she has loved since she was a preadolescent. What will happen when they share a tent as insecurities and fears so far have kept this couple from revealing how much they love one another?

THE LEGACY TREE is a charming contemporary romance focusing on two buddies learning that opening up to one another requires risk but the awards are incredible. In some ways, this is an old fashion romance as two delightful lead protagonists with flaws and insecurities are already in love, but fear rejection from the person who means the most to them. Rida Allen stays with her prime theme from start to finish so those fans of an innocent somewhat heated tale of love will enjoy cuddling with the lead couple.

Harriet Klausner

Realistic heroine: (2002-10-13) 
Heroine: tall, plump or more

Robyn Douglass and Erik Richards have been fast friends ever since they met as pre-teens at a family campground. A return trip to the same campground years later soon turns into a steamy sojourn when the rains come pouring down and trap the two friends in their tent.

But can Robyn and Erik live with the change in their relationship once the sun returns from behind the clouds?

What worked for me:

The prologue was wonderful; I really could hear the two pre-teens talking "at" each other.

The love scenes were very sensual, but tastefully done.

Size-wise Robyn was definitely well-rounded, but the author leaves it up to the reader to decide just how abundant her curves are.

What didn't work for me:

Being the talkative, pushy kinda gal I am, I couldn't really get into Robyn or Erik's heads as far as how they came to let their new romance stall.

I know, I know. There really are twenty-five year old virgins in the world. But it always surprises me to find one in a non-inspirational contemporary novel.

I love details. This is why I read traditional Regencies. The bulk of their pages are made up of such minutiae that only a detail-oriented person could put up with. I think "The Legacy Tree" could have been that much richer had there been more background information woven into its pages.

Overall:

This sweet novella was a fast, fun read, especially if you cherish friends-turned-lovers stories.

Warning: there are some very steamy passages in this book.

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