Finding healing and love while discovering who you are
Phew - the feels in this book - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering. It packs an emotional punch. The story was expertly written and flawlessly delivered. It included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and a captivating storyline. Heather was kidnapped when she was 8 and brought to The Community, a cult, where she suffered isolation, indoctrination, abuse and deprivation. She does not remember her life before and believes her name is Sunset. After 2 decades she escaped and ends up living in the forest around small town Fallsport. Talon is former British special forces who is now a part time barber in Fallsport and also is a member of Eagles Point Search and Rescue based in the town. When a strange woman helps rescue a teammates girlfriend, Talon is obsessed with finding her, eventually believing she is the lost girl Heather. When he finally locates her it is right before a big snowstorm hits the area. Their deeper relationship develops organically and naturally as they spend time together waiting out the storm. I just loved the way Talon gently, lovingly, and beautifully helped Heather come out of the prison of her past trauma and begin to shine even when he knows he might only have her in his life briefly. The story included sweet moments, painful pasts, steamy scenes, supportive family and friends, heart clenches, fun, healing, and love. I love the central theme of found family in this series - that you can create the family you need. Eagles Point Search and Rescue, the men and their families they found, are the embodiment of family and love. I am looking forward to the final book in this series.