Review: Engaging and sweet.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 4, 2014
3.75 stars rounded up because of the Outlaw triplets. *sigh*Now that Aubrey has returned home she finds that the connection she once shared with Booker is still there. Coming to terms with what kept her from returning home in addition to the secret she's been keeping from Booker is taking its toll on Aubrey, so she just prefers to stay clear from his path.Booker understands Aubrey's reasons for staying away from home and although he's had feelings for her for a while he doesn't believe he deserves her.What ensues is a story where danger, suspicion, secrets, confessions, betrayal and loyalty come into play.I loved how Zoe Dawson brought Aubrey and Booker's story to the page. Their connection jumped off the page the moment they first appeared together and it only strengthened as the story progressed. I appreciated the fact that it wasn't easy or wrapped up with a pretty bow. Both Aubrey and Booker had to deal with their past, secrets shared and their own insecurities. Most of all, I appreciated that the author gave me insight into Booker's life. Knowing his story, past and present, helped me connect to him and see how he had grown into a man worthy of something good.Of course, their chemistry was very good and I got to finally see them together, the author made my day by letting me experience it through Booker's eyes. L-O-V-E-D! I enjoyed their honest interactions and tender moments , but their banter they shared was my favorite thing in the story. I loved how they related to each other. It felt 'real', which I always enjoy in a story.I also enjoyed the secondary characters that were introduced, especially the Outlaw brothers. I loved seeing their closeness and complete loyalty to each other. I also liked Aubrey's best friends, Verity and River Pearl (but really? those names?!). I'm looking forward to reading more about them.My only negative would be that, in regards to Aubrey's past, some details were left in the air. I wanted to know more about why she 'had' to be perfect, what affected her enough to put herself under all that pressure. There were some details, but not enough to satisfy my curiosity and even the big reveal towards the end of the story didn't explain much. I didn't mind it, but I didn't see its necessity either.Other than that, I found Aubrey and Booker's story to be engaging and sweet with a nice mix of mystery, angst and romance.