Ty has big ambitions – and big problems, too. It has long been his goal to win a coveted Key Award and the title of Custom Homebuilder of the Year to prove to himself and to his father that he has what it takes to win these prestigious awards. The project he hopes will gain him these is in the works. In steps problem number one: his crew. His journeyman is a genius, but none of the crew trusts him and won’t follow his orders. They are getting more and more behind schedule. Problem number two: his ex-girlfriend is pregnant and claims he is the father. He steadfastly refuses to believe her, to the point of refusing to give a DNA sample. The dates are all wrong, and she slept with someone else behind his back. What else can hamper his success? A hysterical phone call from Nicki, the one woman he has stuck by, his best friend of sixteen years, throws an unexpected, though not unwelcome, wrench into the works. Days later, she turns up on his doorstep, a wounded bird looking for refuge in the one place she had always found it – his arms. Yet there is something between them neither has felt – or rather admitted to themselves to have felt – before: attraction. The air between them positively sizzles with it, and it is not long before they give in to their desire for one another. But Ty is keeping the paternity suit from her, even as they share work and sinful pleasure. With Nicki’s history keeping this from her is a mistake, and Ty knows it. How long is it going to take him to confide in her? Will he win the awards – and the love of his life who has been there all along?

Nicki has only ever been able to count on one person in her life: Ty. He comforted and protected her as a child, and continued to do so up until he left Chicago for Fort Lauderdale without a word two years ago. When she was feeling down, whenever she had problems ... whenever her mother inflicted an emotional hurt. It is only natural that following an abusive episode with her now ex-fiancé that she should run to him for solace, though she cannot bring herself to confide in him what sent her running to him. Being back in his company is like being at home. She feels at home in his house, building site that he has turned it into or no. She works with him on his project, helping to iron out kinks in the plans and provide an interior decorator’s touch to the house. Though now a nude model for art students, she had interned as an interior designer for Ty’s father’s company. Why her reference was withheld when her work was beyond reproach is unknown to her, though it has caused her to doubt her own abilities in that field. Soon she adds another secret she is keeping from Ty, one that would anger him, one that causes her much guilt. With all these secrets between them, will they be able to build a solid relationship that will last? Can there bloom between them a love so strong that it can overcome the obstacles in their path?

I believe this is Penny Dawn’s first novel, and can tell you in all honesty that should her following stories be of the same standard she will enjoy much success as an author. The characters are well developed, with secrets, differences and difficulties. They enjoy various successes, yet also have faced disappointment, rejection and failure. They are very likeable, and much varied. Verna is charming, Mandy rouses empathy, and the work crew gives rise to frustration. Hope is felt by the reader throughout the storyline. Hope that a relationship will work between Ty and Nicki. Hope that they each achieve their hearts’ desires, both personally and professionally. There are many obstacles that enter their path; the question is are they able to surmount them and gain a relationship closer than any they have yet shared? Or do they lose it all, lifelong friendship included? There is sex in this story line, which is fairly detailed and takes place in several locations. The language used is inoffensive, as is the characters lovemaking. If you like a contemporary romance with a little turmoil and a lot of heat, pick up Measuring Up today to give you a great, enjoyable read that will leave you anticipating more from Ms. Dawn.


Reviewed by: Elizabeth