This is a refresh and re-release of a book originally released (in 2016) as Inescapable. I read it originally and re-read it recently and enjoyed it very much both times. It is the first book in a series; though I am unsure how many there are in the series – I only remember reading one more.
It is the story of Flick a small-town cook/bakery owner who is surrounded by family and immersed in the highs and lows of the small town of Mercy and of Kai a private security operative, and co-owner of a security company that is weighing up whether to make Mercy its permanent base. With a difficult childhood, military service experience and current work doing tough, high-stakes, peripatetic security work Kai is not looking for either a permanent relationship or to settle in Mercy.
The book creates 2 worlds for us to lean in to: the small town of Mercy with its characters, gossips and rhythm of life and the world of security work (3 more significant characters are introduced from this world, who feature in the later book(s)). These are quite a contrast. Mercy is most vividly drawn. The book also has 2 characters in Flick and Kai who are interesting, likeable and navigate the emotional arcs (learning to trust for both of them, carving a satisfying career path for Flick and learning to settle for Kai) in a realistic manner full of love and passion.
The book successfully combines its different elements, there is cosiness, shocking events, a bit of mystery and crazy characters as lovely add-ons to the emotionally satisfying romance. I very much enjoyed it and enjoyed it on several levels.