This charming, beautifully illustrated story tells what really happens in the bear shop when the lights go out at night. The signed, first edition (limited to 500 signed copies) is quickly becoming a collector's item.

This story started out with Riley and it was Riley all the way through. We went from his sudden appearance at the birthday party she was giving for a big shot (and after being separated for seven months) to his attempted reconciliation, all the way through the book. Her flash backs of how they met and married were cute. The story was almost typical Brown. First they were lovers, then married, then separated for along time and back together again for a happy ending. It's hard to imagine Riley calling someone Dim Whit and they would adore him. I thought the story had zero plot and not one character really grabs you. Maybe because there aren't many characters except Riley and Brin. This one was published in 1985 and is a reprint. It isn't new writing by Brown. Brown can write nice descriptive love scenes, but the overall story lacks suspense. It doesn't keep you enthused about turning the page because there was no doubt about what would happen at the end. I read the story in one evening. This is my third or fourth book by this author and I'm still not excited.

If you are looking for a quick read with lots of passion that can be read in one evening- you might try this one. Brin is a very successful TV producer while Riley, her husband of a little less that 2 years, is a celebrated morning talk show host. But there were problems and after time Brin needed to escape for her individuality's sake. So for 7 months they have been estranged. Now Brin is having to make a decision whether to divorce Riley and take an offer of a life time to produce an up-coming show that is a producer's dream- she has until tomorrow to decide. She is hosting a semi-formal birthday party for her boss when Riley shows up wanting to discuss what the problem was in the marriage. Not taking No! NOT RIGHT NOW! as his answer he works his way into the evening of events- causing it to be an evening of flashbacks, passion, hurt, and love for Brin and himself.

Yes, Riley was a jerk at times- but since we have jerks in real life shouldn't there be jerks in romance novels, too?! And, yes, it was corny at times- but fun. Another sweet romance to read in one evening.

I rated "Riley in the Morning" a four simply because I was a bit disappointed with the ending. The premise of the book is that TV producer Brin Cassidy and her estranged husband Jon Riley who is the star of his own morning show (you guessed it) Riley in the Morning duke out the problems of their relationship. Sandra Brown's idea for the story is not new, but still fun to read. This is a fast paced book, and doesn't take long to read. In short, the conflict arises when Riley decides it would be the appropriate time to discuss the status of their relationship the night that Brin is hosting a dinner party for co-workers. The book then whirlwinds into a two day long extravaganza that will keep you rooting for the couple.
To be perfectly honest, I was expecting a little bit more from the ending. I wouldn't go so far as to say I felt cheated, but I definitely felt like this was worked up to be more than it was. I think that the last few chapters are predictable, though I really don't think it takes too much away from the read. Again it doesn't spoil the book.
I'm still happy to recommend this book for a read sometime, but I would not recommend it as the first Sandra Brown novel to read. This is not the best example of the author's talent. I would suggest starting off with Sandra Brown's "Exclusive" if you've never read her work before. It's a fantastic starting point! I'd suggest saving this one for later if you're not familiar with Ms. Brown's work. If you've been reading Sandra Brown already, then by all means, live it up. It's still really fun!