Dream: Rosewood Bay Book 4, Carly Phillips

 

When the past you were trying to protect turns out to be your son's handsome new teacher, it'll take a lot more than new-found attraction to sort through all the tangled feelings he inspires.  Andi made a mistake, a few of them, and she's determined to live life for herself to atone for those bad choices.  Her devotion is to her son first and her independence second.  There's nothing else on that list.  Kyle has other things in mind, but only if he can move beyond how badly Andi hurt him a decade earlier.  When Andi's biggest bad choice shows up and threatens their budding romance they'll both have to make concessions if they hope to weather the storm together and come out stronger on the other side.

This story really tackles a big issue and does so with aplomb.  In this relatively short novel all the biggest points of spousal abuse from the victim's perspective were included without making the entire story a mission statement of sorts.  Valid points and key thoughts and emotions those who've been abused think and feel were well-covered and portrayed.  It was subtle in its approach and the focus was kept on the path to healing, recovery, and love.  But most of all, it is the strength on the other side that was kept in the forefront of our minds as we watched Andi deal with her situation.

And when things really went down I wanted to cheer!  Andi did the smartest, bravest thing she could have possibly done.  I was so proud of her and the wisdom she employed rather than her stubborn insistence on independence and a misplaced sense of responsibility and accountability.  When Kyle chose to have her back it showed a different kind of bravery that I completely respected and admired.  To choose to support instead of suppress, it takes someone with immense love and faith to give in to the situation as it was presented.

Both of these characters were strong, forgiving, and eager to act on the chemistry that was absolutely palpable.  This was a riveting story full of healing, hope, love, and no small amount of sexy, dirty-talking steam.  An excellent addition to the Rosewood Bay series.

*$4.99 on Amazon!