Monday, December 28, 2020

Boone - Emily March (St. Martins - Jan 2021)

Series: The McBrides of Texas (Book 3)
            Eternity Springs (Book 18)

With his smooth talk, rugged good looks, and deep pockets, native Texan Boone McBride appears to be a man who has it all. Few people know about the heartbreak behind his decision to leave home, family, and career for the isolation of a small town in the Colorado Rockies. Luckily, time and life in Eternity Springs has worked its healing magic upon his wounded soul, so when he meets obviously troubled Hannah Dupree, Boone sees a chance to pay his good fortune forward. The last thing he anticipates is tumbling into love.

Tragedy has taken everything Hannah loves, and her will to keep going is failing. So when Boone strides into her life determined to save her, it's easier to go along with him than to resist. Soon she is drawn into the fabric of life in Eternity Springs, and as her spirit begins to heal, her strength returns, and she's able to go toe-to-toe with this hardheaded, big-hearted Texan. But just when love blooms and happiness is within their grasp, shadows from the past threaten. Hannah and Boone must stand strong and united in order to defeat old ghosts―if they are to create a brand-new life together.


This was a terrific conclusion to the McBrides of Texas subset of the Eternity Springs series. It is a story of love, loss, and healing. Boone is one of the three McBride cousins who inherited the land called Enchanted Canyon back in Texas. Boone doesn't spend much time there, having moved to Eternity Springs, Colorado, after a devastating loss sent him looking for peace and escape. After five years, he's gained the reputation of a smooth-talking, charming ladies' man, but also a man with a big heart. He's ready to move past the pain of his past and is advised that the best way to do so is to "be a light" for someone else.

Hannah has been on the run from her past for three years. After a tragedy took everything that mattered from her, she feels no hope of happiness in her future. She has reached the end of her rope and contemplates her options as she stares at Eternity Springs from the overlook at Lover's Leap.

When Boone sees Hannah standing there, he's compelled to stop. As soon as he gets close to her, he recognizes the pain in her eyes. I loved how Boone stepped into her circle and began talking to her, distracting her from her thoughts. Some of his conversation was pretty ridiculous, but he was desperate to pull her back to the land of the living. I loved how he talked to her about Eternity Springs and encouraged her to explore the town. He even goes as far as to offer to rent her the guest cabin on his property. Boone is quite the steamroller, and he soon has her settled in and ready to explore.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hannah and Boone. The connection is there from the start, thanks to their similar pasts. Boone is further along the road to healing and quickly realizes that Hannah is someone very special. I loved seeing how his kindness and empathy helped Hannah begin to live again. There is a little bump in the road when someone from Boone's past throws a life-changing curveball into his world. It is something that Hannah feels that she isn't equipped to handle. I appreciated how Boone tries so hard not to push her too quickly out of her comfort zone. As a result, she adjusts faster than she expects.

I especially enjoyed Boone's determination to romance Hannah. When Boone makes a decision, he goes all-in, and this was no exception. There were some sweet scenes of them together, from stargazing to glamping. Hannah helps Boone out of several crises that also serve to bring them closer together. I loved seeing the effects of Boone's attention as Hannah's formerly dark existence began to add color and light. Like Boone, when Hannah makes a decision, she commits fully. Their big moment at the end is fantastic, with a fun twist that I didn't see coming. I laughed out loud at Boone's reaction, especially his comment about his cousins. There's one last crisis they have to deal with, but by doing so together, they banish the last of their ghosts and move ahead in a life full of love.

I've never read any of the Eternity Springs books but will have to do so. I'd like to know more about Celeste, who plays an integral part in all three McBride books. I liked what I read about the town and its people and look forward to getting to know more about them. I especially enjoyed the way the women of the town rallied to help Boone with an emergency.

There wasn't much time spent in Enchanted Canyon, but that doesn't mean Tucker and Jackson were left out of the book. Both of them have their moments to shine. I loved how Boone called them for advice when he panicked a little about his feelings for Hannah. They provided an excellent combination of teasing, which he deserved, and truth, which he needed.

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