Five years ago, Ariel Mallick experienced a devastating loss, and for a time, she didn’t know if she’d recover.
It took a while, but the widowed mother is in a good place now, focused on providing the best possible life for her four-year-old daughter and maintaining her career as a mechanic. Her life now is one that a few short years ago she didn’t think would be possible, and she won’t do anything to unsettle it.
Mathias Poole was born and raised in Thornehill Springs, and though many of the memories of his past are tinged with pain, he loves his town and is happy to be back home, especially since meeting Ariel.
To her surprise, Ariel feels a deep attraction to the handsome, reserved Dr. Poole. After an impromptu date, she finds herself caught up in a passionate whirlwind, one strong enough to make her wonder if she and Matt might have a chance at something real.
But not everyone in town is excited about Ariel’s new relationship, and to keep her daughter she might have to give up the man she’s come to love.
We both know that we shouldn't be together. This is what comes to mind for Ariel and Matt. Matilda added the extra stress that only a bad in law could. Yet the precious Danielle is what binds. This is a story of second chances, forgiveness and grievances.
First, I need to say this about a previous person’s review. They’re upset because they state as a CPS worker they know for a fact that there’s no such thing as grandparents rights. Wonderful, but that’s not necessarily true. If one of the parents has died, AND the grandparents feel that the child is not getting what they need, they can petition the court, which is exactly what happened in the story. Beyond that, to degrade the author’s writings as disappointing and grade the story low, because you felt that what they said was incorrect, was petty and a little childish. Grade on the story (how it’s presented) and any errors. Grading on a personal opinion can seriously hurt the writers reputation. It’s not cool. Don’t be that person. Just wanted to get that out there.
There are a few spoilers. I try not to divulge but sometimes it’s hard to leave a review without them.
I enjoyed the story. When I tell you I was talking-ish to myself about this grandma when she said some of the stuff that she said to the FMC. Buddy I was hot! She was completely out of line. It was also pretty apparent early on that Dani was her last tether to her son and that’s why she was the way she was. This DOES NOT excuse her behavior.
I also got the impression that she never liked Ariel which is why nothing Ariel did to try to throw her a bone would have mattered. I also agree with someone else who did not like the lawyer. I thought the lawyer was maybe friends with them, or somehow knew of them because I felt that did not give them good direction. Yes, Ariel made me angry when she got that summons and went directly over to Matilda and confronted her. I knew how it was going to turn out. She played right into her hand. At the same time Matilda was goading her and everyone saw that. So for him to push for her to talk with Matilda and not push more to fight bothered me a little bit. I was like get a new lawyer!
Anyway, clearly everything worked out and they got their HEA. I love the story. I just would’ve loved to have seen more of a bit of a love story between Ariel and Matthias. That part did fill a little rushed, which is why I only gave her four stars.
All in all, it was a great read. Strongly encourage you guys to check out the series.
I loved Dani. She was really cute and what made this book. I felt the the H could be a little intimidating to the h on purpose. For a psychologist he is very bad with feelings. I also wish they had shown more of a resolve or what had happened with Matilda rather than just ending it. Overall it was a good quick read. This was the first book I read from this series. Based on the bad reviews and some of the snippets from the book, I could not bring myself to read book number 1. Also I didn't see the point of saying he was an ex-SEAL. It didn't benefit the story at all. He definitely didn't act like a SEAL. The author should have just stuck with them going to college together or being best buds.
It didn't start that well and went downhill from there. The first book was quite good, the second okay and this one is a turkey. Dull predictable story with characters I haven't warmed to.