Review: Haven't read this series? What are you waiting for??
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 4, 2013
5 stars...and coming from me, that's saying a lot!!!Sometimes good things can come from great sadness.  Julia has given up her life and moved to Sommersgate house to care for her nephew and two nieces as part of her brothers final wishes after his and his wife's tragic death.  But Julia isn't alone in her task.  Per their wishes, she is to raise the children in England, in this house with the houses master, her brother in law Douglas.  For the first time Julia lays eyes on Douglass fifteen years ago there is something about him that she is drawn to buts he can tell he is broken.  Over time, she has suffered an emotionally abusive marriage and as a result locked away her heart.  Now she is back with Douglas after all this time, dealing with death and heartbreak and the desire she still feels for him.Douglas has been attracted to Julia from the moment he first met her fifteen years ago.  She is different from every women he has ever known in that she challenges him at every turn.  After spending more time with her, Douglas comes to a decision, she will marry him and decrees it to be so.  When Julia once again defies his wishes, Douglas has to rethink his plan of approach.  A cunning business man, Douglas is emotionally broken after enduring years of emotional abuse from his father and complete lack of indifference from his mother.  He knows he will have to open himself up to Julia is he has any chance of winning her but can he take a chance with his heart?I loved, loved, loved this story.  Any of you who read my reviews here know that I rarely give 5 star ratings.  To get one from me, the story has to touch me...make me feel for the characters...frustrate me at times...and not want to put the story down.  This one did all that and more!  I loved Julia...her strength and devotion to the children and her fire when fighting with Douglas are such a joy to read.  And Douglas....typical KA alpha (and on the list of my favorites after this read). Beautifully broken, with do much to give once it is finally pulled out.There is a supernatural element to this story, which is a beautiful, tragic love story all it's own.My thoughts:Character development: 5Level of Romance between characters: 5Passion/Heat level: 5(chemistry between Douglas and Julia is sizzling right from the start but because of the story elements, it is a slow build.  So worth the wait!)Angst/Heartbreak: 5 (oh the hurtles and heartbreak, my heart is still recovering and at times, I was teary)Cliffhanger?: No, although part of a series, this is a stand alone book and comes with an amazing epilogue.Overall, I can't believe I didn't read this one sooner.  This is the one KA series I hadn't tackled and I am really enjoying them all so far.  I will say that this one is a slow start, but there is a lot of back story to build so stick with it...once you hit the 17% mark won't want too put it down.  Another winner from the amazing Kristen Ashley!!!