This novel is part of a series though I had no problem enjoying it as a standalone.

Maddie and Aiden shared sweet chemistry and enough conversations with depth that I could buy into their developing feelings easily enough. I did have mixed thoughts about Maddie’s reason for putting distance between her and Aiden. It seemed like it would have been simple to clear up her concerns with a conversation, given Aiden’s upbringing odds were strong that he’d stand on a particular side of that issue but at the same time I guess I could see where she would feel too vulnerable to risk it, how she might fear rejection over something that already had her feeling defective (which she is not.).

I liked the romance but I appreciated that it wasn’t the only thing going on. I wonder if some readers might find that this isn’t quite as focused on the romance as they’d prefer but I’ve been in something of a reading slump the last few months and having other aspects of the story (two mysteries and volunteer work with a trio of teens) in addition to the romance really helped me feel engaged the entire time I was reading, it felt like there was always something happening, no noticeable lulls in the action. ( )

This is one of those sweet opposites attract romance. I enjoyed the characters and descriptions of the scenery. ( )