Series: Dynasties: Beaumont Bay (Book 2)
He chose country music over the one who got away. Well,
now she's back…
Country music star Cash Sutherland is too successful for
his own good. Seen as a bad boy in need of redeeming, he and his label are
doing all they can to revamp his reputation. They've even hired eager
journalist Presley Cole, who's ready and willing to print the cover story that
will make both their careers. The only problem? She's the woman he left behind,
and she's not ready to forgive him for breaking her heart…
Terrific second chance love story. Cash and Presley knew
each other in college and had a fairly intense relationship. That all ended
when he dropped out of school his senior year to pursue his dreams of a
Nashville music career. Refusing even to consider a long-distance relationship,
Cash turned his back and walked away, leaving Presley brokenhearted.
Years later, Cash is a country music star who made his
dreams come true. But he also has thick walls built around his heart, keeping
people at a distance. While his success is satisfying, it hasn't made him as
happy as he thought it would. Cash finally realizes the price he paid for that
success - losing the one woman he truly loved. When a DUI tarnishes his
reputation, he and his brothers know he needs some help. His brothers hire Presley
to write a story that will return the shine to his star.
After the breakup, Presley concentrated on her journalism
studies and tried to consign Cash to her past. Years later, she works for a
worldwide magazine but is still stuck in Florida. If she can impress her boss
with this story, Presley can write her own ticket to anywhere in the world. All
she has to do is manage the interview without risking her heart.
I enjoyed watching the rekindling of the relationship
between Cash and Presley, though there were also a few times I wanted to smack
them for being blindly stubborn. Cash and Presley's first meeting came as a
complete shock to Cash and happened as he had a bit of a freak-out in the service
elevator. All of Presley's good intentions went out the window when Cash kissed
her, and old feelings came roaring back to the surface. Cash, who still feels
guilty over how he broke up with her, is equally affected. To say that he wasn't
happy to find out she was there to interview him would be putting it mildly,
but his brother Gavin pointed out that they could trust her to be fair. Cash is
skeptical, but that doesn't stop him from inviting her to stay with him.
It is clear from the start that the feelings Cash and Presley
had for each other in college never faded. Sparks flew whenever they were
together. The attraction continues to build until neither can resist giving in,
though both insist it's a short-term, no-strings thing to give them closure on
their previous relationship. I loved watching them spend time together, from
talking about his career to hanging out together. Both of them fight their
growing feelings. Cash believes that Presley has never forgiven him for the way
he left her and that he wouldn't deserve it anyway. Presley is equally sure
that he never really cared for her. The best she can do is write her story and
move on with her life.
There are a couple of rough patches caused by Presley's pursuit
of the story. One happens when she gives her opinions about why he does the
things he does and asks questions about his family. Cash's reaction is less
than polite (okay, her timing wasn't the best, either), and they exchange harsh
words. I liked Cash's apology, which was sweet and very Cash-like. Later, Presley
makes a very boneheaded mistake while trying to discover the inspiration for
his signature song. She earned Cash's anger and hurt, and I appreciated what
she did about it.
It is the ending that provides a roller coaster of
emotions. From Cash's confession to Presley about the origins of his song to Presley's
reaction, the pain for both of them leaps off the page. I ached for Cash and
his misery while at the same time I wanted to push him into the lake for being
such an idiot. I loved seeing Gavin's version of support and how he dragged
Cash off. I liked seeing Presley put her hurt behind her to write one of the
best stories of her life, then make an important decision about her future. I
loved the scene at Luke's bar when Cash finally read Presley's article and his
relief and happiness at the surprise waiting for him. I loved watching the last
of his walls come crashing down as he finally stops fighting the past. The
epilogue was fantastic, and I loved Cash's new version of The Apology Song.
Oh, yeah. I was curious about Cash's car, as I'd never heard of a Bugatti Chiron. All I can say is WOW!
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