True Hero - Amy Knupp (Lake House Books - Nov 2021)

Series: North Brothers (Book 5)

A one-night fling won’t change anything, right?
 
After suffering a terrible loss, fighter pilot Zane North walks away from his military career and returns home to start a new life—one he’s determined to control. Instead, he’s confronted by his sister-in-law’s unpredictable best friend, the one woman he can’t ignore.
 
Hayden Henry, an up-and-coming designer, has devoted herself to her job. She’s had her heart crushed before and isn’t looking to give love another try. Still, she’s always been intrigued by quiet, sexy Zane. So when he rescues her at her best friend’s wedding, she succumbs to one night with the irresistible pilot. But afterward, she realizes her heart isn’t her own anymore. Worse, their impulsive fling has life-altering consequences.
 
Following Hayden’s baby bombshell, Zane proves steadfast and dependable, so she cautiously lets him into her heart. But she soon realizes his is locked up tight. As she’s contemplating a life without him, a reminder from his past crushes Zane’s hard-won control. Will he keep his feelings safely in lockdown or will he dare to embrace his unexpected love for Hayden?
 
Very good book. Zane, a Navy fighter pilot, is the last of the unmarried North brothers. Unlike his brothers, who all work for the family sporting goods business, Zane followed his dreams of flying and became a Navy fighter pilot. But when a personal tragedy destroyed his love of flying, he returned home to rebuild his life. He plans to go to work in the family business. Zane arrived in time for his brother Cole's wedding to Sierra.
 
Hayden is Sierra's best friend and has an insanely busy life. She owns two businesses - a furniture store and her design business, plus she helps out at her family's restaurant. After being burned in several relationships, she wrote off men and now devotes her time to her businesses.
 
Though they've met before, Hayden's beauty and sweetness make a big impression on Zane at the wedding. But until he feels that he has his life under control, the last thing he needs is to get involved with Hayden. At the same time, Hayden can't keep her eyes off Zane. In addition to his sinfully good looks, a quiet air of mystery surrounds him. The sparks between them are intense, and they cope by avoiding each other as much as possible. Which works until Hayden's car won't start, and Zane is the only one left to drive her home. When their attraction burns out of control, Zane and Hayden decide that a one-night fling is just what they need. No muss, no fuss, and no commitments. However, fate has other plans. Neither has forgotten that night and now there is a permanent reminder. Hayden is pregnant, and she and Zane must figure out how to handle the situation.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Zane and Hayden. After recovering from the shock, both realize that they need to get to know each other before making any long-lasting decisions. Zane, who prides himself on his cool-headed control, does everything he can to make Hayden's life easier. While there are many sweet moments of the things he does to take care of her, there are times when he carries things a little too far. Hayden cherishes her independence, and Zane's involvement in every aspect of her life gets a bit frustrating at times. However, she knows she needs to make changes before the baby arrives, and Zane's pushing may be just what she needs.
 
The more time they spend together, the closer Zane and Hayden grow. Both have issues that hold them back from opening up to each other. Hayden has trust issues that frequently cause her to second guess Zane's actions. Zane's past haunts him, and he has spent so long locking down his emotions that he can't admit his feelings for her. When Zane receives a message that rips through his walls, he runs instead of leaning on Hayden, making her wonder if she's been left again. The pain each suffered brought me to tears, and all I could do was keep reading and hoping. The ending was fantastic, with an incredibly emotional scene as Zane faces Hayden. The epilogue was terrific with a fun twist. 

 

Fake Engagement, Nashville Style - Jules Bennett (HD #2811 - July 2021)

Series: Dynasties: Beaumont Bay (Book 3)

Saying yes should be strictly business…
Since it's only pretend, not a second chance.
 
Cassandra Taylor's ex-fiancé owes her -- big-time. Luke Sutherland shattered her dreams of happily-ever-after, and now she wants his help landing the wedding planning event of the year: his brother's celebrity nuptials. But Luke demands her help in return -- pretend to be in love with him so he's no longer Country Beat's most eligible bachelor. As their fake engagement rekindles real passion, will Cassie get her own fairy-tale wedding…or only more heartbreak?
 
Good second chance romance. Cassie and Luke knew each other years earlier but parted ways when their dreams seemed incompatible. After months of waiting for them to begin their lives together and constantly feeling that she came in second to Luke's work, Cassie left Beaumont Bay. Rather than go after her, Luke buried himself further in work to hide his heartbreak, eventually ending up with a successful string of breweries and brewpubs.
 
As the book opens, Luke feels hunted. Recently named Nashville's most eligible bachelor, he is the unwilling quarry of a multitude of marriage-minded women. Having been burned once, he avoids relationships and doesn't intend to marry. So picture his shock when Cassie walks into his office and asks him for a favor.
 
After leaving Beaumont Bay, Cassie went to work as an event planner. After several successful years working for someone else, she began her own wedding planning business. But she needs a high-profile wedding to give her the edge over other planners. When she hears about Hannah and Will's engagement, she decides to ask Luke to recommend her to them.
 
I loved seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Luke and Cassie. From the moment she appears in Luke's office, it is evident that the feelings between them never went away, though both try to deny them. Though disturbed by his reaction to her, rather than agreeing to her request and saying goodbye, Luke demands a favor in return. He wants Cassie to pretend to be his fiancée to discourage his pursuers. While Cassie doubts the wisdom of agreeing, she doesn't see that she has a choice.
 
I enjoyed seeing Luke and Cassie spend time together. They quickly realize that their attraction is as strong as ever, and they have no trouble remembering the good things about each other and their prior relationship. There are sweet scenes of them together and some very steamy ones when their attraction flares out of control. Both try to deny the growing feelings between them. I had to laugh as Luke's brothers do their best to make him see the light, and he stubbornly refuses to admit the truth. Even when Luke and Cassie can admit the truth to themselves, old fears and insecurities keep them from believing they have a future. It takes facing the impending end to their fake engagement for Luke to finally confess his feelings to Cassie and them to realize the misunderstandings that drove them apart eight years earlier. I loved seeing Luke's vulnerability as he took a chance and Cassie's shock as she realized she misinterpreted Luke's actions all those years ago. They still have details to work out, but their future looks bright.

Good Twin Gone Country - Jessica Lemmon (HD #2816 - Aug 2021)

Series: Dynasties: Beaumont Bay (Book 4)

"Please show me how to break a few rules…"
 
Hallie Banks is done being "the good twin," living in her superstar sister's shadow. But what does she know about letting loose and having fun? She needs a teacher, and fortunately, gorgeous bachelor bad boy Gavin Sutherland is up for the job. Soon Hallie bursts out of her comfort zone and loses herself to Gavin's sizzling touch. But living on the edge always comes with a cost…and now the moment of reckoning is nine months away!
 
Fun conclusion to the series. This is the story of Gavin Sutherland, youngest of the four brothers and unrepentant playboy, and Hallie Banks, the quieter, "good" twin to her superstar sister Hannah.
 
Hallie has always preferred living in the background, avoiding the spotlight, which works well as her sister's career manager. However, lately, she's felt as though something is missing in her life. She longs to break free of her fear of breaking the rules and do something outrageous and fun. Just talking to Gavin would be a start, but she feels like she turns into a blithering idiot whenever she's near him.
 
Gavin likes his bachelor life. He makes sure the women he's with know not to expect anything serious from him. He works hard as a music industry lawyer with his brothers' music studio, and he plays hard. He frequently sees Hallie thanks to her sister being married to his brother and their work together on Hannah's career. Gavin believes that Hallie doesn't like him because she won't meet his eyes and avoids him whenever possible.
 
The story gets off to a rough start between Hallie and Gavin as she steps out of her comfort zone, and Gavin mistakes her for her sister. Gavin sticks his foot in his mouth with some observations about Hallie (he thinks he's talking to Hannah), and Hallie doesn't react well. I enjoyed the scene the next day as the truth came out, and they cleared the air. Hallie makes up her mind to ask Gavin to teach her how to break free of her rut. When he confesses to needing help with the interior decorator for his house, Hallie offers up a trade - lessons in rule-breaking for her assistance with his home.
 
I enjoyed watching Hallie break out of her shell. Gavin does a terrific job of starting her out slow and working up to more daring things. I loved how she thought she was doing great when she drove the sports car a whole eight miles per hour over the speed limit. Neither expected to discover their attraction reciprocated. I liked seeing Hallie take the initiative, though I must admit that her rule-breaking in that instance was asking for trouble. Gavin is honest about his attitude toward relationships which suits Hallie just fine.
 
I loved watching the development of the relationship between Hallie and Gavin. They have fun together, and their chemistry is undeniable. Gavin is sweet in his determination to help Hallie fulfill her goals, and sometimes she surprises him. I loved the skinny-dipping scene at the lake and his shock at her actions. Hallie's insights into Gavin made helping the interior decorator a breeze. The more time Gavin and Hallie spent together, the deeper their connection grew. Hallie suspected early that she fell for him, but Gavin resisted admitting his feelings for a long time. His brothers see it and call him on it, but Gavin refuses to give in.
 
Hallie is shocked when she gets pregnant (no idea why she's shocked considering the rule she broke). She knows Gavin's views on marriage and children, but she finds she wants more than he's willing to give. She breaks off their relationship without telling him why, leaving Gavin wondering what went wrong. He spends several miserable days before Hallie's friends and sister confront him and point out his idiocy (without giving away her secret). I loved how he saw the light and immediately set out to make things right. I loved his big moment at the end, and his heartfelt "I was convinced loving someone meant missing out on life. You taught me being in love made life better" and "I'm about to break the biggest rule in my world and beg you for forever." One of the things I loved about Gavin was that he saw past her resemblance to her sister and loved Hallie for herself. I also liked how Hallie gained more confidence in herself as she stepped out from Hannah's shadow.
 
The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to the series. I enjoyed seeing all four couples together and catching up with their lives. I had to laugh at Gavin poking at Cash about who has the better house. Hallie's happiness and contentment are evident, as is Gavin's joy in his life. 

 

Waking Up Married - Reese Ryan (HD #2793 - Mar 2021)

Series: Bourbon Brothers (Book 5)

What's wrong with a little fake marriage between friends?
 
Their night on the town is a blank, but when Zora Abbott and Dallas Hamilton awaken in a Vegas hotel room, they're man and wife. With news of the nuptials spreading virally, the high-profile best friends decide to stay married, temporarily. Maybe under the cover of marriage, Dallas can even make his best friend's baby dream come true. But can their friendship survive their newly unleashed passions?
 
Fantastic friends-to-lovers story. Zora is the youngest and only girl in the family and had to fight to earn her place in the family's bourbon business. She is intelligent, fierce, and doesn't put up with anyone's BS. Zora also envies those family members who found their true loves and started families. Each new addition brings home how much she wants that for herself. Tired of waiting for Mr. Right, she decides to go ahead and become a single mother. Before facing her family with her decision, Zora wants her best friend's opinion and support.
 
Dallas is a talented furniture maker and designer. He and Zora became best friends in kindergarten when she confronted the bullies tormenting the new kid (loved that story and the way Dallas told it!). For years, he and Zora were each other's "plus ones" at various events when they weren't involved with other people. That was often the case with Dallas, whose relationships tended to be short-lived. That's okay with him because he doesn't see himself as a husband and father, thanks to the poor example of his own father.
 
As the book opens, Zora joins Dallas in Las Vegas to support him as he receives a prestigious award for his furniture designs. They then plan to celebrate Zora's upcoming birthday. From the moment of Zora's arrival, there is a feeling that something is changing. Both Zora and Dallas determinedly work to preserve their friendship, ruthlessly suppressing any hint of attraction. A spontaneous kiss under the mistletoe a few years earlier started a slow burn that was about to burst into flame. Their post-ceremony celebration included some potent cocktails and some enhanced brownies, leading to waking up the next morning in bed together and wearing wedding rings. Unable to pretend it didn't happen, thanks to a viral video of the wedding, Dallas and Zora agree to stay married for at least a year.
 
I loved seeing the progress of Dallas and Zora's relationship from friends to lovers. Though Zora freaks out at the marriage, Dallas finds that he doesn't mind at all. In fact, he wants to make it real. I loved watching him negotiate the "terms" of their bargain to his best advantage, including offering to make her baby dream come true. From the beginning, Dallas does everything he can to show Zora how right they are together. I loved the little things he did, from making sure she got the waffles he promised her (fantastic scene!) to having her back when dealing with her family.
 
Zora's fear of losing their friendship causes her to fight her growing feelings for Dallas. Though she freely admits they love each other, she's not so convinced about the "in love" part. She doesn't want to deprive either of them of that lightning bolt "aha" moment when they meet the right person. She doesn't realize that she and Dallas have already passed that point, thanks to their well-developed friendship. She especially worries about Dallas sacrificing his happiness in his desire to make things perfect for her.
 
I ached for them both when he confesses his feelings, and she doesn't reciprocate, not because she doesn't care but because of what he gives up. I understood why she wanted to ensure his needs counted as much as hers. I ached for them both as she pushed him to accept the opportunity in Iceland. I loved seeing how their time apart helped Zora come to terms with her feelings for Dallas (with a bit of brotherly encouragement) and what she did about it. The twist at the end regarding the direction of the family company and Zora's part surprised me. The epilogue was sweet and perfectly showcased Dallas and Zora's relationship. 

 

Killer Conspiracy - Lena Diaz (HI #1997 - May 2021)

Series: Justice Seekers (Book 3)

To rescue the son he never knew
 
He'll protect the woman he can't forget.
 
Six years ago, First Daughter Harper Manning destroyed Gage Bishop's Secret Service career. Now his beautiful charge is back with shocking news: their baby lived and is being held hostage. Gage vows to find and protect the child, even as Harper threatens his professional restraint. As they peel back the layers to get to the truth, can they also uncover why their baby's life became such a gut-wrenching conspiracy?
 
Good second chance story mixed with intense action and suspense. The story opens as the Justice Seekers provide extra security for an appearance by the former POTUS. Gage, who used to be a Secret Service agent assigned to that same president, foils an assassination attempt. The scene between Gage and Manning, who Gage does NOT like, led to a meeting between Gage and Manning's daughter Harper. Six years earlier, Gage was part of Harper's protection detail while she was at college. Gage's honor refused to let him act on the attraction between them, so when she claimed she was pregnant with his baby, he didn't believe her. It also cost him his job.
 
Current day, Harper needs his help. Though told that their baby died, Harper recently received a ransom demand claiming their son was alive. I ached for Gage as he learned the truth and dealt with the emotions stirred up. He was determined to help though Harper had some issues with his take-charge attitude.
 
This book is full of twists and turns and unrelenting tension. Gage enlists the other Seekers to help discover the truth. While he is at her home questioning Harper and collecting information, they barely escape an attack that seems intent on ending her life. I was glued to the pages as Gage put his life on the line to keep her safe. The attack brings up questions about whether it is related to the ransom or the attack on the former president. As the Seekers delve deeper into both events, they uncover disturbing connections. I ached for Harper over the revelations that ensued. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat and my heartbreaking for Harper.
 
I liked how Gage and Harper reconnected. Both of them had done things in the past that they regretted and needed to earn forgiveness for. I thought Harper's actions that night were especially bad considering how they would be viewed were the tables turned. Gage's refusal to believe Harper was understandable considering he had no memory of the event, but he also should have trusted her enough to listen to her explanation. Once he knows the truth, Gage's guilty feelings are overwhelming. It doesn't take long for either one to realize that their old feelings had never died. There were still a couple of rough spots when information uncovered rouse Gage's suspicions, and he doesn't react well. Fortunately, that doesn't last long, and he redeems himself well. The ending was sweet but heart-wrenching, with Gage and Harper putting the past to rest and looking forward to the future. 

Second Chance Love Song - Jessica Lemmon (HD #2804 - June 2021)

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!

Cowboy Under Fire - Lena Diaz (HI #1967 - Dec 2020)

Series: Justice Seekers (Book 1)

A Justice Seeker known for getting answers is about to face the ultimate test...

With his black Stetson and nose for the truth, former cop Dalton Lynch is the perfect addition to the Justice Seekers organization. Then a case lands in his lap that puts him right in the line of fire -- and has Hayley Nash leaning on him for answers in the death of her friend. They might share a tense past, but Dalton pushes that aside to do what he does best: get the facts. Only problem is, with their history, Dalton finds working with the spirited web expert to be an exercise in restraint -- especially when it comes to keeping his hands to himself.

Good book. The Justice Seekers is a private investigative company made up of former law enforcement personnel. Each of them was pushed out of their job because they were framed, accused of wrongdoing, or pushed back against the wrong person. The only thing they were guilty of was being honest cops. Now they help others who have been let down by law enforcement.

The Seekers recently lost one of their own in a gruesome murder that may be linked to the murder of a local woman. Dalton, a former Montana cop, has been working hard on the case but is hampered by a local blogger, Hayley. She believes that Dalton murdered her friend Bethany himself. She stalks and hounds Dalton, using Bethany's notes and diaries to try to prove his guilt, but no one believes her. Then Hayley takes it a step too far by breaking into his home, searching for evidence, and ends up in jail for breaking and entering.

Strangely enough, Dalton isn't angry with her. He even offers to help her if she helps him. Hayley hesitates to trust Dalton, as she believes he may be playing her, but it's the only way she can get out of jail. I wasn't thrilled with Dalton's methods, though they were effective. It helped that he felt guilty about it. I liked watching him try to make amends. Dalton likes Hayley's loyalty to her friend, her determination to get answers and can't deny that he's attracted to her.

I enjoyed the development of Dalton and Hayley's relationship. Once they get past the mutually suspicious stage, they connect over their determination to get at the truth. Dalton is a little handicapped by his boss's cynical nature and over-the-top methods of trying to get answers. I ached for Hayley, who was jerked around by Mason's heavy-handed methods, and for Dalton, who was forced to participate. I was glad when Dalton finally put his foot down and stopped the harassment. I thought that Hayley was pretty forgiving once she knew that Dalton had confidence in her innocence. She and Dalton grow closer as they pursue the truth. When Hayley ends up in danger, both she and Dalton realize the depth of their feelings. They just have to stay alive long enough to do something about it.

The suspense was outstanding. Hayley's belief in Dalton's guilt wasn't easily overcome, and Mason's threats didn't help. Things started to change when Hayley showed them Bethany's pictures with the link to the one Seeker's death. The tension ramped up when Hayley's websites contained photos of the murder scenes, and she went from investigator to suspect. It quickly became evident that someone wanted Hayley to take the fall for the murders. As more and more evidence points to Hayley, can they convince the other Seekers that she is innocent? The twists and turns kept me glued to the pages until the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that I didn't see coming. I loved seeing Hayley use her computer skills to help save the day, and Dalton risk everything to save her life.

I liked getting to know some of the other Justice Seekers. Each of them appears to have a specialty, and I look forward to seeing more of them. I liked Brielle and her support of Hayley, as well as the way she teased Dalton. Mason was my least favorite because of his cynicism and the way he treated Hayley. He did appear to change some by the end of the book, so I will keep an open mind about him.

An Everyday Hero - Laura Trentham (St. Martin's - Feb 2020)

Series: Heart of a Hero (Book 2)

At thirty, Greer Hadley never expected to be forced home to Madison, Tennessee with her life and dreams up in flames. A series of bad decisions and even worse luck lands her community service hours at a nonprofit organization that aids veterans and their families. Greer cannot fathom how she's supposed to help anyone deal with their trauma and loss when everything that brought her joy has failed her.

Then Greer meets fifteen-year-old Ally Martinez, a gifted girl who lost her father in action and now hides her pain behind a mask of sarcasm. But Greer sees something undeniable that she can't walk away from. To make matters more complicated, Greer finds herself spending more and more time with Emmett Lawson―a man with both physical and emotional scars of his own. When a situation with Ally becomes dire, the two of them must become a team to save her―and along the way they might just save themselves too.

Fantastic story of love, loss, and second chances. The characters are relatable, real people with believable problems and reactions. I loved that they all had good days and bad days, the occasional foot-in-mouth moment, and undeniably good hearts that were buried beneath layers of pain.

Greer left her small hometown to follow her dream of stardom in Nashville. Ten years later, she returned home, broke, and with her dreams shattered. Adding insult to injury, she found her boyfriend in bed with another woman. The book opens with Greer in front of a judge after combining too many drinks with her anger led her to inflict damage on the local bar. The judge sentences her to community service hours at an organization that uses music to help veterans and their families. Having put her music behind her, Greer is none too happy with the charge. That starts to change with her first assignment.

Ally is a fifteen-year-old girl hiding a lot of pain behind an armor of attitude. Her father died in Afghanistan, and her mother isn't handling her grief well, leaving Ally floundering. Greer is no soft-spoken therapist, and she and Ally butt heads before Greer finds a small crack in the armor. I loved watching Greer encourage Ally to express her feelings by writing song lyrics. Greer's honesty about the efforts ("they're going to suck at first, but they'll get better") goes a long way toward earning Ally's trust. Greer doesn't expect to care as much as she does, and that caring leads to some heartwrenching moments. Not only does Greer help Ally deal with her pain, she receives some unexpected healing in return.

Greer's other challenge is recently returned veteran Emmett. Emmett came home missing a leg and suffering from overwhelming survivor's guilt. He isolated himself from everyone, hiding out in a cabin on the family property, drinking too much, and wallowing in self-pity. Greer remembers Emmett from high school as the golden-boy football hero and her secret crush. Emmett tries to run Greer off with anger, and a shotgun blast in the air in their first encounter. She's made of sterner stuff, though, and faces him down. Though tempted to give up on him at first, Greer persists. It was fun to watch her call him on his attitude, and it wasn't long before he looked forward to her visits. I especially enjoyed watching her drag him back into the world of the living with some not-so-gentle boots to the rear.

I liked watching the relationship between Emmett and Greer develop. They begin as adversaries, as Emmett wants to be left alone, and Greer refuses to indulge him. Emmett resents the pity and ultra-caring he experiences from most people and finds Greer's sass and sarcasm refreshing. I loved his surprise when he realized that he was ready to come out of isolation. I also liked that it wasn't all one-sided. As Emmett got to know Greer, he found himself wanting to help her the way she helped him. There are some sweet scenes of him offering support as she faces her demons. And under it all is a simmering attraction that soon draws them even closer.

An unexpected twist reveals a connection between Ally and Emmett. I ached for Emmett and its effect on him and loved the straight talk from Greer that helped him through it. Ally also helped by being her practical, honest, and straightforward self. The scene between Ally and Emmett was amazing in its depth of emotion and its impact on both of them. I loved the solution they came up with to deal with the crisis. The epilogue was terrific. I loved witnessing the changes a year made in their lives.