Barrett has been a bit lost for a long time. While serving his country, his marriage fell apart. Since he's arrived home, he's struggled to find his place back in his home town - he doesn't really feel like he fits in until he and his brothers form a new chapter of the Savage Kings MC. He's been living like a monk, with no interest in finding a new relationship. When he finds out that his ex is getting remarried, he convinces himself that seeing her happy with another man is exactly what he needs to close that chapter of his life and move on. What he doesn't count on is running into his ex's sister at the reception and coming to her aid. He actually was attracted to and met Lyla before her sister (his deceitful ex-wife), but Lyla's social awkwardness didn't allow them to connect way back then.
Now, years later, Barrett comes to her rescue. He gets her cleaned up and treats her wounds. Despite his determination to treat her like a sibling, they jump headlong into a one-night stand. For Lyla, it's revelatory - she lost her virginity to someone she trusts and thoroughly enjoyed herself. What neither of them are willing to admit is that they want to see each other again. Both feel constrained by Barrett's failed marriage and the fact that Lyla is his ex-wife's sister.
A mysterious figure begins to stalk Lyla. Add in an overprotective father that also happens to be president of a rival MC bent on driving the Savage Kings out and it looks like Barrett's chance with Lyla is over before it can even get started.
While Barrett, a.k.a. Bear, may look like a big tough guy, he's actually got quite a sensitive heart. He has been deeply affected by his ex, his past with his family, his military history and the aftermath of several deployments. He could have come back bitter and angry, but instead he strives to find a way to reconnect with his family and to help others. Layered over this sensitive heart is the physically and mentally strong soldier that the army created. He'll use those skills to protect Lyla. Hopefully along the way, he can convince her to give him a real chance.
Lyla has been cloistered for her entire life. Now, as an adult, she's struggling to exert her authority over her own life. Her sister has treated her badly for years, eating away at her opinion of herself. Besides the squick factor of seeing her sister's ex-husband, she can't really believe someone who looks like Bear would be interested in a long-term relationship. It takes her a while to believe that his affection is real, but it's a real joy to watch her character learn to see herself as desirable and independent.
I really liked Barrett/Bear in this story. Despite his rough exterior, he has a heart of gold and devotes himself fully to Lyla. Lyla grew on me over time as her self esteem grew and she went for what she wanted in life.
The mystery to the story provides a background hum of malice through the story, keeping the reader turning the pages to find out what's really going on. This aspect of the story, combined with the romance between our star-crossed lovers makes for a good suspenseful romance read.
Four stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.