Waiting for Sunrise: Baytown Boys Book 7, Maryann Jordan

Two lonely souls find a haven with one another.  Belle and Hunter have a lot in common and the town they live in is the perfect setting for affection to grow into something warm and long-lasting.  It's not a perfect place though, and danger lurks closer than either of them realize.  If Belle can't truly make peace with herself and her past and if Hunter can't resolve the problems nipping at his heels none of their affections will have a chance to dig deep and grow into their own happily-ever-after.

Belle is the kindest, sweetest, most giving nurse but all that light came from darkness.  Just like the sunrises she watches each morning, she decides to let darkness, disappointment, and negativity be washed away by the promise of a new day, a new start, a new chance to do some good.  And when a man shows up that just might be able to add a lot more good to her world she'll find out that it takes more than good thoughts and hard work to make love last.  Sometimes dreams might have to change.

Hunter, however, is determined to make sure all Belle's dreams come true.  But only if he can work out his own issues.  He's got a weight hanging over him that keeps him from going all-in with Belle but he just can't seem to help himself and stay away from her.  No stranger to an unfortunate past himself, he finds empathy in and for Belle.  Their hearts sink deeper and deeper the closer they get to one another and if Hunter doesn't get his issues sorted all the closeness in the world won't change the dangers and circumstances that could keep them apart.

Both Hunter and Belle were nice characters.  They had depth, heart, and strong wills.  Together they made an ideal partnership in every way that mattered.  I felt for Belle and her struggles with her past.  Childhood and adolescence can be tricky and sometimes hurtful periods in life and while many people could easily become bitter, jaded, or hardened I respected and admired that Belle chose to be the wonderful person she was.  She was a strong character despite her insecurities and knee-jerk reaction to Hunter's revelation; I enjoyed her because she was multi-faceted and real.

Hunter was more of a mystery because of his specific circumstances but his earnestness and care for Belle showed the heart of a good man.  As a partner for Belle he provided support, genuine care and concern, and love.  They were well-suited and a pleasure to read about.

While it was a bit slow at first, there were hints here and there that kept the story moving to a dramatic reveal that ignited the romantic conflict between Hunter and Belle.  While that was resolved wonderfully by the end, the actual drama, once it was clear that the climax had arrived, was kind of like a firework: big, loud, and attention-grabbing but quickly fades.

The secondary dramatic conflict in the story revolving around their professions was kind of a surprise.  I actually didn't see the culprit as the culprit because I was caught up in my suspicions about other characters.  Well-played.

All in all I really enjoyed this story.  It was sedate most of the time but not boring.  There was an incredible amount of tenderness, in fact, that was the most consistent thing in the entire book.  I loved how supportive and devoted both Belle and Hunter were of one another.  Adding the drama from the nursing home and the trailer park gave even more interest into them as individuals because of Belle's relationship with a young woman and Hunter's possibly shady dealings.  A great story with great MC's that earn their place in a series with the other stellar residents of Baytown.

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