4.5 stars!
This may be my favorite in this series so far. The book, set before and around the Spring Rains festival in this sleepy but welcoming Wyoming town, has exactly that feeling - of gentle cleansing, of renewal and new growth, of washing away the past.
Chris is Daniel's brother (read my review of Winter Cowboy if you want my thoughts on Daniel), who was in the car with Micah during the accident, and who not only lost his leg, but also got some bad scars from the fire that consumed the vehicle, only narrowly escaping certain death when Micah pulled him from the wreckage. Chris is still grappling with guilt and some depression from the events at the end of Summer Drifter (a book you should definitely read).
Noah and his son Fox have escaped Noah's abusive cheating ex-husband, coming to Whisper Ridge where Noah has fond memories of his great-aunt Lily and her diner where he spent many hours as a child. He's inherited the place and looks to make a fresh start with his son. Running a diner isn't as easy as one might think, especially considering that the place has sat empty for about a year and needs some repairs and new equipment. But Noah is determined to make this work, determined to give Fox a sense of normalcy again, and to provide as best as he can for his son.
First off, this is a romance, so romance things happen between Chris and Noah, but most breathtaking for me was the gentleness and sureness with which their love develops and grows, how it cleanses them as they grow closer, how they find hope and trust in each other, how Noah looks at Chris not with pity but treats him like a whole person, something that Chris has been missing in quite a while.
Sure, there's some drama, but not within the relationship, even when Noah's asshole ex tries to screw with their new life, and it was over quickly. I enjoyed visiting with Micah and Scott and Rachel again, and even Daniel seems to have got his head out of his ass, probably thanks to Micah.
Fox was well portrayed as a teenager, who's had to deal with the uprooting of the only life he's known, having to watch his father abuse his dad (Noah), but also allowed the mood swings of teenagedom and the angst and confusion that comes courtesy of that age. Thankfully, he finds some good friends quickly at the high school where Chris teaches. I think the author did a fabulous job with him, making him feel very realistic and believable.
Both Chris and Noah are vulnerable, but both possess a quiet strength and abilities that complement each other. Their relationship felt organic to me, and I really enjoyed their open honest conversations, and how easily they fell in love. I also quite liked how the author allowed their story to unfold without rushing anything, and how well suited she made these two characters to each other.
There is some drama with the local bigoted preacher man, but it doesn't really impact the relationship between Chris and Noah negatively. I don't want to reveal too much here - you should read this book.
This also nicely sets up the next book, Into The Fall, which is going to be Neil's (the town sheriff) and Connor's (Quinn's bodyguard/PI) story. Having seen some of their interactions, that book promises to be lots of fun!! Can hardly wait.
Spring Rains was a great read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Would definitely suggest you read this book, and while it could be read as a standalone, I would not recommend that. Start with Winter Cowboy, rage at Daniel like I did, enjoy Summer Drifter, and then slide ride into Spring Rains. So worth it!
** I received a free copy of this book from its author as an ARC. **