I liked what this book had to say about living with chronic pain, but the relationship had no oomph to it. We’re told a lot about how these guys have had bad experiences in past relationships, but I think instead of plopping us straight into the ‘stranger comes to town and hijinx ensue’ I would have appreciated a scene with Ash leaving his old life, or a chapter of the drive out, with him reflecting on why he’s upping stakes and heading west. 

I skimmed a lot of the last 10%, especially the epilogue. I’m indifferent to them, usually, but I think books with

out a third act breakup

rarely need them. I also think the setting up of future books was pretty prominent, which is not my favorite. I like to be left in a tiny bit of suspense about who the next book will be about. Not sure I’ll continue in this series, but I generally do enjoy this author.