After finishing Calamity Rayne Gets A Life, I couldn’t wait for this next book. The first in the series had me snorting, sighing, and steaming up so much, I had to see how Rayne and Hale’s story played out. Lydia Michaels did not disappoint me. I think this book had even more calamity moments than the last.
I can’t stress enough that you must read the first in the series before you move to this book. You will simply be lost if you don’t. And you won’t get any sense of appreciation for how much Rayne has grown at this point. The first book left us with a doozy of a cliffhanger. Rayne and Hale were just beginning to explore their relationship when everything fell apart. Rayne’s best friend, Elle, who had always been her greatest confidant and supporter, was horribly injured in a car accident and was in a coma. Rayne, who had always depended on the guidance of her friend, returns to Oregon to be by Elle’s side. Her friend was broken and there would be no returning to Florida as long as Elle needed her. Rayne missed Hale, Elara, and the Davenports tremendously and she knew she wasn’t done with them yet, but Elle took precedence now. She only hoped that her relationship with Hale could survive the time and distance, because this was one problem she couldn’t run away from.
I fell even more in love with the characters in this book, if that’s possible. They both faced so much in this book. At times, I wanted to shake them but they managed to find their way in the end without my help. I was proud of Rayne’s growth in this book especially. As much as she wanted to be back in Florida, she knew she wouldn’t leave Elle behind. I loved her loyalty to her friend who had always been there for her. I cheered when she honed her Davenport skills to take charge of the situation. Once she did return home, it wasn’t like it had been before. She was dealing with Elle’s slow but steady recovery. Hale had Elara to take care of, Rayne didn’t know what she wanted to do next with her life. All her life, she’d let others direct what she should do. First Elle, then Remington, then Hale. She wanted to call the shots now. But could she deal with the consequences of the choices she made?
Hale was even dreamier in the second book. He was so supportive of Rayne while she was caring for Elle. He was her anchor. I loved his above and beyond effort to help Rayne. Rayne was Hale’s escape from the pressures of life but after her return, pressures from Elara’s mother escalated. Hale wanted to be the one to save the day but it was more than he could handle. It was hard for him to accept help with the situation, especially when that help came from someone who had broken his trust before.
I think I love this series so much because I can identify with it. At this age, I am an expert in love, heartbreak, disagreements, doubts, and embarrassment. Even while chuckling at the calamities, there’s something thoughtful, provocative, and honest in this story. The family dynamics and how they influence our choices and reactions were very real. This story was sexy and funny but there was also a rawness and authenticity to it showing the path to love is never smooth. I hope there’s more in the series. I would love to see more of Rayne and Hale and find out how their life is progressing, and I’m dying to know more about Elle and Barrett!