I don’t know if I’ve ever talked about how much trash I am for second-chance romances, but I am absolute trash for second-chance romances. So, I may be just a tad bit biased, but I enjoyed this one exactly as much as I expected to.

Things did tend to move too quickly in regard to the second-chance relationship, but I feel like it was handled really well in this novel because both characters were aware that some things (like saying those three words, or even thinking about moving in together) were going to be too fast, but I liked that neither character tried to pretend like their previous relationship didn’t exist. They acknowledged their past relationship frequently, actually, mostly because they had no choice. If they wanted their relationship to succeed this time around, they need to eventually clear the air and remove all the bitterness and heartbreak that hung around.

In terms of the conflict, I actually like how realistically it was dealt. I don’t know if this counts as a spoiler, but I liked that no character ran out to “play hero” and risk their own life to protect another. What I really loved, though, is the communication between the couple that this story revolves around. There was no miscommunication for the sake of it (like a lot of romance novels); there may have been one scene where a character chose to withhold pertinent information, but it wasn’t kept a secret for long, which was refreshing.

Honestly, all in all, I found this story to be gripping, sweet, and sensual. The side characters are a hoot and a half, and while this is the sixth book in a series, you can definitely read this one, at least, as a standalone. The love scenes — all of two — weren’t my favorite, but that’s only because I’m picky and want a more emotional experience than physical; I know how sex works, I don’t need a play-by-play, as steamy as it may be.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

My sincere gratitude to Barclay Publicity for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.