"I'll be back in a minute. Don't disappear on me."
"Never going to happen, bella dama. I'm here as long as you want me."
"What if I want you forever?"
"I'm praying like hell you do."
I. Love. This. Story! With every book I fall more and more in love with this crew! The men are sexy and strong, yet sweet and vulnerable and totally devoted to their women. The women are soft yet totally bad-ass, each able to hold their own, but at the same time, lost without their men. Perfect matches, each couple, and Brantley and Clara are no exception.
Brantley Morgan first laid eyes on her months ago. Instantly he knew. She was his. Now he and his daughter Bella are moving to town, and while he's tried to keep his feelings for her at arms length, the chances of them staying that way now that she's withing reach is next to impossible. Though his heart has been burned before, he knows it belongs to Clara, scars and all. Now, he just has to be patient until she realizes it too. But, will a threat from his past destroy them in the end?
Clara O'Bannon has survived hell. Although 3 years have passed, he still has a hold over her -even from the grave. She swore she'd never let a man in her life again, but with Brantley? All bets are off. She can't help herself from dismantling the wall she's constructed around herself and her sons, brick by brick. He's everything she could ever want, and the missing puzzle piece to her jigsawed life. But is it all too good to be true? Does she dare to dream that she could have it all, or will it all come crumbling down?
I love this crew so much. They are all so loving and loyal, and protective of each other. Brantley and Clara's story is heartbreaking, and one of recovery and progress and finally finding happiness. It's one of letting go of unfounded guilt and self-loathing, of accepting yourself and your scars and not letting the past define you, but letting it make you stronger.
There are triggers of domestic violence/abuse so if you are sensitive to that issue, just be aware.
Look, I am not a mushy person. I'm not overly fond of PDA's, and I rarely shed a tear. That being said.... I was total puddle of goo at the end of this one. Well done Ms. Parker. Well done.