Review: Wonderful followup to Brokenhearted!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 28, 2013
This is the second book in a series that should be read in sequence if you truly want to appreciate the story, the town and the characters.Declan Grant has always known he wanted to be a cop. Even after a “scandal” at his former job with the Police Department in Austin left him broken and without a job, he still wanted to be a cop. Aimlessly driving trying to find himself, he wound up in Hope Cove and found not only himself, but where he wanted to be. He finds himself questioning his morals and conscience when a routine call changes his life, irrevocably.Lucas Hale never thought he’d amount to much, but he’s as happy as he can be as a fisherman working odd jobs on various boats. When a mistaken mutual attraction almost costs him his life, he too finds his way to Hope cove and Declan. Lucas is fragile and beyond broken, he’s shattered. He’s afraid to be honest with anyone, especially himself, about who he is as it almost got him killed. But he can’t help the growing attraction for the tall, handsome deputy that apparently saved his life.When Lucas moves into Declan’s home temporarily due to his injuries and no other options, the two quickly find their way into each other’s arms. These two can only do things slightly backwards and at light speed, and they seemingly fall in love almost overnight. When Declan accidentally breaks a promise he made to Lucas, he can’t get away from Declan fast enough. Can these newborn lovers get past their bruised egos and obvious issues with trust long enough to actually talk about what happened?As I said this is definitely insta-love, but Ashwood added the appropriate amount of water. Both men have trust issues for similar reasons. But the way they fit together and compliment each other like pieces of a puzzle was so well written and conveyed. Lucas is terribly troubled and haunted by what has happened to him, and he can only see what Declan did as a betrayal of trust, whether it was his intention or not. I loved how the author kept us abreast of the latest in Mack and Oliver’s life as well in this installment.Ashwood certainly has a keen knowledge of the male anatomy, and it shows in every book she writes. Though Declan and Lucas don’t have earth shattering sex, they share a passion for each other that is undeniable, and it radiates off the pages. I most definitely recommend this book, this series as well as Ashwood’s previous works. Read them all, loved them all, fantastic up and coming M/M writer!!** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through M/M Good Book Reviewers **[...]