Review: Very good contemporary romance :D
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 18, 2014
4 starsThis was a very good story. I liked Belle and Grant and their story was very good. This is the first book I've read by this author and based off this I will probably read more of her books in the future. Obviously I didn't read book #1 before this but I didn't have an issue with confusion because of not reading it first.Belle is a nurse and a really nice woman. She grew up sheltered due to heart issues that caused her to need multiple surgeries when she was younger. Belle finally managed to break loose from her over-protective family and out on her own for the first time. She wasn't expecting to become the victim of a stalker on the first day she moved in to her new house.Grant is a former police detective and former military. He was injured and badly scared when an explosion went off while he was on a raid of a drug den. Grant’s family has been trying to get him to join up with their security team but he hasn't wanted to. Grant’s been staying inside his house most of the time as he’s having a hard time dealing with others seeing his scars. His beautiful next door neighbor’s house getting broken in to is just what he needs to pull him out of his shell.Belle has a bit of trouble when moving in to her new house when a family friend, Palo, is being rather brutish and rough with her. Grant happens to hear the raised voices and when the woman’s voice sounds upset, he goes to check it out. Grant saves Belle from Palo's attentions and then they talk. Grant tries to keep his scars hidden but Belle can see them. She’s not bothered by them though and Grant is happy about this but unsure how much Belle would want to be around him. That night, Grant sees someone trying to break in to Belle’s house and runs the intruder off. He decides to protect her and sleeps at her place (on her couch) to safeguard her. The next day, Belle is attacked again while swimming in the middle of the day. Belle is saved in the nick of time but once again, the attacker gets away. Grant is even more determined to keep Belle safe and stays with her even after the she gets a security system installed. Belle is attracted to Grant and is sure he’s attracted to her but he doesn't make a move. They share a kiss that Belle started but when Grant doesn't follow up on it she’s unsure what to do. Eventually things come to a head and Belle demands to know what they “are”. Grant didn't want to presume anything and kept thinking she wouldn't want him but when she confronts him, Grant lets her know that he's more than willing to start a relationship with her. Once that’s cleared up, Belle makes sure they start things out right and shows him just how little she cares about his scars, all his scars all over his body. There’s some drama as they try to figure out who the bad guy is and Belle ends up in more danger before things are settled. After the bad guy is taken care of, Belle and Grant are able to explore their blossoming relationship and start their HEA.This was a very enjoyable story. I really liked Belle and Grant and was happy to see them get together because I couldn't help rooting for them from the beginning. I’ll probably read more of this series when I have time. I’d recommend this book. Thumbs up. :D* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a good job.