First love. Second chances. In Catalina Cove, anything
can happen…
Bryce Witherspoon's heart races every time she sees
Kaegan Chambray. Everyone in town knows they can't stand each other, but the
truth is, even though the man broke her heart ten years ago, she still feels
that irresistible, oh-so-familiar jolt of desire.
When Kaegan returned to Catalina Cove to run the family
business, he knew there'd be no avoiding Bryce. The woman he thought he'd one
day marry was instead the biggest heartbreak of his life. But when Bryce lets
slip a devastating secret, he discovers just how wrong he was to let her go all
those years ago.
He knows they both still feel the spark between them, but
it'll take more than attraction to convince her. Kaegan will pull out all the
stops to show Bryce he's the man who can give her the future they once dreamed
of -- if only they give love a second chance.
Terrific story of second chances, friendship, and
forgiveness. I have been waiting for this book ever since reading the first two
in the series, Love in Catalina Cove and Forget Me Not. It was clear in both
books that there is history between Bruce and Kaegan. The palpable animosity is
only eclipsed by the sparks that are also there.
Bryce and Kaegan, along with Vashti, were best friends
growing up. After Vashti moved away, Bryce and Kaegan's friendship evolved into
love, which lasted through high school and into college. But a misunderstanding
split them apart, and they have spent the last ten years hating each other
because of it. With Kaegan's recent return to Catalina Cove, seeing each other nearly
every day only aggravates the feelings.
I had to laugh and roll my eyes at Kaegan and Bryce.
Though both insist that they detest each other and have moved on from their earlier
relationship, it is evident to their friends (and the reader) that that is
anything but the truth. As readers, we finally get the story of what drove the
two apart. I must admit that though I sympathized somewhat with Kaegan, I leaned
more toward Team Bryce on this issue. When Kaegan saw his girl in the arms of
another man, he immediately jumped to the conclusion that she had betrayed him.
Rather than confronting her and finding out the truth, he broke up with her in
a cruel manner. When Bryce went to him to try to explain, he refused to listen
and behaved even worse. Bryce was brokenhearted but also furious that he hadn't
trusted her enough to even listen to what she had to say. That lack of trust
crushed her.
I enjoyed the rekindling of their relationship. Since Bryce
and Kaegan shared the same group of friends, they saw each other frequently and
the sniping at each other was a constant. I liked Vashti's attempts to get them
past it and at least repair their friendship. The most recent party at Kaegan's
house was pretty much the last straw for Bryce after Kaegan's most recent
attack. When he made some snide comment a few days later about the wedding that
Bryce attended, she finally unloaded on him. It was immensely satisfying to see
Kaegan realize just how big a mistake he'd made and what an utter ass he was. He
also finally admitted to himself that he still cared for her and that he wanted
back in her life.
Kaegan had a difficult task in front of him. He knows he
has to earn back Bryce's trust before she risks her heart on him. He is patient
and persistent. I loved watching him take the friendship road first. He works
his way back into her life by offering to help her study for her real estate
exam. There were some sweet scenes as he worked hard to keep his attraction
under control and do what he can to help her. He's also a little devious as he
finds ways to remind her of the good times in their past.
Bryce is understandably wary of Kaegan's about-face. She
is glad that he knows the truth and has admitted his stupidity, but she's not
willing to risk her heart on him again. Bryce expresses her forgiveness, and
agrees to see if they can be friends again, but insists that there will be
nothing more. But try as she might, it is hard to deny the way he still makes
her feel.
I liked watching Kaegan and Bryce get to know the adult
versions of each other. Both have changed. Bryce is more independent. Kaegan
had been her focus before their breakup, and she now looks to herself for
happiness and satisfaction. Kaegan is more confident in himself. He no longer
has the insecurities of his childhood as the son on an abusive drunk and looked
down on because of his heritage. I loved Kaegan's support of Bryce and his
confidence in her professionally, especially when it came to the other agent he
used. The attraction between them had also changed, and the heat between them
was intense.
It took Bryce a bit longer to realize the truth of her
feelings, and when she did, it was almost too late. Unknown to both Kaegan and
Bryce, there was someone who did not like their rekindled romance. My mind went
to two people when the incidents began but quickly settled on one of them. The tension
increased as this person became more resentful. I was glued to the pages as
Bryce ends up in extreme danger. I loved the presence of mind that helped her
escape and provided a very satisfying resolution. I liked Kaegan and Bryce's
big moment at the end.
One of the great things about this book was the depth of
the friendships. I loved the give-and-take among the men as they gave Kaegan a
hard time, but they were there for him when he needed them. Vashti's need to
end the split between Kaegan and Bryce showed how much both meant to her. I
loved seeing everyone come together at the end.
I hope that this isn't the last of the Catalina Cove
books. I love the location and the people. I'm also intrigued by the brief
mention of a Madaris coming to the Cove, and wondering if there is going to be
a crossover book. I can't wait to see what's in store for the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment