Tate Duncan was delivered a blow a few weeks ago after he learned that his childhood held some secrets even his adopted parents weren't aware of. His personal life takes another hit when his fiancee breaks off their engagement, too.
One thing Tate does have is his work. Specifically the wellness community he put all his hopes, dreams, and effort into making a reality is thriving. One resident, Hayden Green, needed the change to her personal life and decided that moving and opening her own yoga studio is just what she needed to get away from her toxic family situation.
Tate and Hayden have crossed paths before, but now Tate is taking another look, and once together they click, but with everything Tate has recently gone through is adding a new relationship to the mix what he needs?
I was a little on the fence about starting this one. I've just gotten into the fall groove with my reading, I wasn't necessarily ready to head into Christmas yet. But I'd say the holiday themes are pretty light. In fact, I felt like the fake fiancee trope which is touted in the book blurb wasn't as big a proponent of the story as I imagined it would be.
Instead, I really liked digging into Tate's life more. After the surprising turn of events the previous book (One Night, White Lies) took I'm happy that Tate got his story. Really, I loved the way Jessica Lemmon handled the whole situation. In the way that, yes, it Tate's path in life was hugely derailed - not to mention his sense of identity - but he begins to question everything about himself and his (adoptive) parents. You completely feel that sense of adriftness in Tate's life, but you also feel how he wants to get back on a path. I loved that it wasn't really a big momentous occasion that brings Tate back, but instead it's the little things, the day to day. Familiarizing himself with the new normal.
I really loved Hayden as Tate's match. She's a veritable well of strength and she's built everything on her own time, her own terms. Having come from a toxic family, I appreciated that she understood the idea of only being able to control so much of a situation. One this she could certainly control were her own actions and decisions. She didn't have to answer to any one else. I think she was just perfect for Tate.
Overall, you can't really go wrong with Jessica Lemmon. She delivers time and time again, and while it seems that the bachelor pact series is closed, I'm excited to see what she has in store for us next.