Beautiful story! The premise caught my attention swiftly, but it's the writing that mesmerised me and gave me goosebumps. I admit I have a weakness for impossible romance that really tears hearts apart, and if there is jail or crime involved, oh yeah. And the first scene is just perfect setting for this.
Samantha is hired to defend a criminal, but she comes face to face with her stepbrother. Fifteen years apart and he's become a muscled, tattooed giant. Oh, the feelings! The double POV lets you into the mind of these two lonely characters who have drifted apart against their will. I would feel their sadness, the sweet memories they shared of their younger years together, and that deep, painful, bittersweet longing they have for each other.
There are many aspects I loved: Samantha's brave and honourable spirit, Brandon's rough criminal life, and his tender need to be the person he was with Samantha in the past, the poignant dialogues, the barely contained chemistry, and the suspense plot that puts both characters in dangerous situations.
Again, this author has surprised me with a lovely story full of feelings, action, and wonderful characters that strike me as real as myself.
Favourite quotes:
I wonder if it's me, if I scare the good times away or somehow don't deserve them for more than a moment.
I'm like a square peg in a round hole most of the time, but I'm in too deep to get out unscathed.