Expected publication date: July 18, 2017
Cover blurb:
There’s nothing that single mom Liv Preston won’t do if it means making her six-year-old son smile again. After a heartbreaking two years, her little family is due for some fun in the sun. She just didn’t expect to find it in the big, rugged, Search and Rescue hero next door—who shows her just how exciting, and sexy, life’s adventures can be.
As head of Reno’s K-9 search division, Ford Jamison knows what it takes to make life-and-death decisions on the fly. He doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t do regrets, and has never doubted his instincts—until he makes a promise that turns his world upside down. Desperate for redemption, he returns to Sequoia Lake, only to find himself face-to-face with his past…and the one woman he can’t have. Not when his secret would destroy her—and everything she holds dear.
For Liv, finding love once was a gift. Finding it twice seems impossible, until the moment Ford’s lips meet hers. Love doesn’t always come easy, but when it’s right, it’s worth fighting for…
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May I be honest? I’ve kind of been going through a reading slump recently, as embarrassing as that is to admit. Unfortunately it happens a lot more than it used to, and is characterized by stopping and starting multiple books until finally something clicks. This time I appear to have overcome it in about a week with the wonderful world of small town contemporary romances! The key for me was Marina Adair’s recent Sequoia Lake series beginning with ‘It Started with a Kiss’ which I devoured, then I immediately logged into Netgalley to get this second book in the series.
Olivia (Liv) Preston was introduced in the first book as the widowed mother of a young son who moved to Sequoia Lake after the death of her husband. Her son Paxton survived the accident however the trauma caused him to develop selective mutism. He has difficulties speaking to anyone except for Liv and his beloved stuffed animal Superdog Stan.
Ford moves in next door and brings with him his search dog Bullseye, and immediately a friendship is born between Paxton and Bullseye. As it turns out, there is a reason why Ford has moved close and I don’t want to spoil anything, but that subplot is very important to the storyline and I thought it was very moving. Of course since this is a romance, Liv and Ford share an instant attraction though it takes time for her to be comfortable with the thought of dating again. She does come off as a little cold at times, but eventually their relationship moves forward until she finds out the secret Ford has been keeping from her.
I enjoyed this second outing, especially with the humorous aspects provided by Ford’s friend and boss Harris along with the crew of ‘blue haired biddies’! I’m hoping the third book will feature Harris…perhaps paired with a certain wine bar manager? I can’t wait to find out!