What I did to my family is unforgivable, leaving home just after our parents were killed. Then I spent eight years suffering in a place I finally escaped from. Now, I can sense they're after me, and if I have to, I'll bolt again. The problem is Bryce, stealing himself into my heart. I have to remember permanence, stability, and love are for other people. Not me. I'm just good at hiding.
Bryce
I don't know what her secret is--or why she sets me on fire. Whatever she's done, I don't care. As part of Colton Security Systems I'm trained to look for signs, but when it comes to Chole, it's all mixed signals, all the time. She's a flight risk for sure, and I don't know what she's running from. I can see fear in her eyes and it's driving me crazy.
When the Russo parents died a decade ago, they left the care of their four daughters and adopted son to ‘Uncle’ Geo. Eldest daughter, Chloe, was overcome with guilt and responsibility and the expectation she’d take on the ‘motherly’ duties that would be on her to fulfill. Chloe dropped out of college and left all she knew. Now she’s back.
Luckily, Chloe’s new boss/future brother-in-law/security firm owner makes concessions for her to work as the chef at her family’s ex-hotel. When Fin’s operative, Bryce, looked at Chloe, he noticed three things; her looks, the secrets in her eyes and the anxiety of her posture. Bryce wants to uncover the secrets and relieve the anxiety make a life with Chloe.
It doesn’t take Bryce long to learn though Chloe may be there to reconcile with her family, she left her family to join a cult with a charismatic leader and though he hasn’t found out much else yet, he won’t ignore how stressed Chloe looked when she returned from errands saying she was being followed. Rating: 4.25stars
So Chloe’s returned, having disappeared many years ago after their parents sudden death. It’s all clouded in mystery, but we soon start to find out bits and pieces of where she’s been, and more importantly what’s she’s been through!
Bryce is determined to find out about Chloe’s past, as it’s clearly still affecting her present. She’s always on edge, but he’s not the only one who’s noticed some strange behaviour.
Both Chloe and Bryce have a past they want to try to get away from, but that past is about the come back to haunt them.
This was as really good read, when it all started kicking off I couldn’t read it fast enough to find out what was happening.
Chloe may have run away from her family but she suffered in her absence and struggled to be able to return. Bryce is riddled with guilt regarding events that happened whilst serving as a SEAL but is intensely attracted to Chloe and is fully aware she is running scared and is a flight risk. This story is that of their relationship and how to keep Chloe and the Russo family safe. I did wonder why we didn’t hear anymore about Claire’s pregnancy but just a minor point.
The Russo's and all the guys that work for Colton security are all great people. Glad Chloe was able to come home and find love with Bryce. They are a great couple and had to fight for their love.
Chloe left her family after hitting bottom. Her parents were killed by a drunk driver and she couldn’t cope with raising her younger siblings. Bryce carried around guilt like it was a part of him. Together they will learn to trust, love and survive.
I loved this book by Rebecca Ryan. I also loved these characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of Rebecca’s books.