Review: Emotional Journey of Two Complete Opposites That Fit Perfectly Together
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 4, 2013
Ashton Kirk has always been the dutiful daughter living her life as her parent's desire until the day a family scandal drives her into hiding in a most unlikely place.  She's always hobnobbed with the elite and never had to work up much of a sweat when it came to work, but her recent move to small town Paradise has completely transformed her.  Just when she thought she was running away from her problems, a whole new problem arises in the form of her new sexy neighbor Eddie West who has a lot of emotional baggage he tries to keep hidden too.  Once they meet a bumpy journey to a satisfying HEA ensues.Ashton is a likable character who's surprisingly sweet, and non-judgemental, considering her pedigree.  She's not afraid of hard work and quickly immerses herself in the family-like feel of the community. She became a stronger person as she created a life for herself and I applauded her for coming out of her high society bubble.  The only times she disappointed me was in her holding back until near the end of the story to admit the truth about herself even as Eddie is begging her for the truth.  I also disliked her wishy-washyness regarding her ex.  He only wants her for her pedigree, but Ashton is drawn to the certainty and comfort in the expected that he represents.  In a predictable turn of events, it takes a near death experience for her to realize who and what she really wants that finally allows for a sweet and hard-won HEA.Eddie West is by far the highlight of this story!  Sexy with a hint of bad boy courtesy of his tats and popularity with the ladies I found myself drawn to him and his charming and suave demeanor.  After an accident that takes the life of someone close to him he's left with scars inside and out that has left him with nightmares and survivor guilt.  He's drawn to Ashton the moment he sees her but knows she has secrets that he's willing to wait to hear.  With her he can be himself and sees a bright future when she smiles at him.  He opens his heart to her way before she acts on her feelings, he tells her the gutwrenching truth early on and it made him even more endearing.  He's clearly the better man and it's frustrating that he's kept in limbo so long.This is a well-written story with a slowly evolving romance between two characters from very different worlds.  The interactions between Ashton and Eddie crackle with sexual tension as their relationship evolves in a sweetly believable way.  There are very few sexual interludes as it's the emotional journey that's being focused on.  The colorful denizens of Paradise as well as the safety and support of small town living was vividly depicted and helped immerse me even further in the story.  Ms. Boniface has written an immensely satisfying story with a drool worthy hero that's still on my mind and I look forward to the next book in this series.