There is something about an insecure, vulnerable hero that gets me every time, and this was the perfect example. Our boy puts on a scowling, brave face and keeps his walls up sky high, but he is the softest, sweetest man on the inside. I adored the unique meet cute between these two, their early conversations and the way they fell for each other without ever meeting in person. That was such a great juxtaposition to the awkwardness of their in-person, present day encounters, shaping a second chance romance that came in a different kind of way. The secret pining, charged sexual tension, and roommate situation were just the icing on the cake, and this ended up being another very, very solid read from Silver. It's one of her earliest works, but the ties to the beloved Chestnut Springs series and her signature vibes made it an equally memorable read. I loved it!
The story follows Violet, a woman who recently got her big break as a jockey to a sensational horse. Her career is just getting started, so breaking a leg in an accident is the last thing she needs. Even worse? The only place she can stay on the property while recovering is with the grumpiest man on the planet - also known as the man who broke Violet's heart two years ago before they even knew each other's names. Violet and Cole met online when she decided to be a little wild and brave, and they developed an anonymous friendship over the course of a year. But just as they were headed towards something more, Cole closed up without explaining why. So Violet cut him out of her life - until now. As the two get to know each other in person for the first time, the chemistry from their past crackles in the background. But Cole is still as closed-off as ever, so that means they're still at a standstill.
I seriously enjoyed the first book in this series, so I've been eagerly awaiting the next to come out on audio. Sure, I could binge the series on kindle at once, but these intermittent audio releases mean I have a little treat to look forward to every few months - and what a treat this was! This is one of Silver's earliest works, but the quality is absolutely still there. It's obvious why she became so popular only a short time later, and the vibes are so reminiscent of the Chestnut Springs series. In fact, Violet's overprotective brothers are the heart of that series, so there were so many little ties to the books I fell in love with. But I also fell in love with these characters too. Violet is gentle but strong, the kind of woman who can handle a man like Cole. He's been dealing with PTSD and other trauma-related issues, which makes him so reluctant to opening up. He knows a good thing when he sees it, but he's scared to take a chance. My heart hurt for him the more I got to know him, and it was easy to see how gone he was for his girl. Their relationship relies on him finding the strength to push through his discomfort and uncertainty, which made this an emotional read. I loved the sexual tension that was woven into the story paired with those heavier undercurrents, which really reminded me of Silver's newer work. All in all, well worth a read - and here's hoping the next audio edition comes soon!
Audio note: Worth the wait! I'm definitely glad I waited for the audio, it was such a great way to experience the story. Vanessa Edwin is probably my favorite female narrator, her voice is so relaxing to me. And I love Connor Crais' deep voice, which was perfect for Cole. Together, they brought so much emotion and complexity to the story, which made it feel like a true performance. The runtime (9 hours) was ideal for bingeing, and that's exactly what I did. Not sure I can recommend this as a workday/office listen, as their meet cute was of a semi-scandalous nature and it was revisited many times throughout the book. But I wholeheartedly recommend the format.
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The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime. | Learn more
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Reviews with images
This couple was EVERYTHING!
"You don’t look at me like I’m tragic. You look at me like we’re inevitable.”OH MY GAWD!!! This book, this couple, they had me hanging on every word, every interaction, and eventually their HEA.“I know you see yourself as dark. But you aren’t. You’re swirling color, all different shades, a mosaic. You’re complicated and beautiful. And I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.”Cole has seen and endured tragedy to the point he feels he doesn't deserve love, even if he desires it deeply. He constantly sabbatogaes anything good because he doesn't know how to deal, but Violet, the one person he obsesses over, refuses to let him get away with his surly self. She's determined to make it on her own and is adamant not to let another man walk all over her. These two were all kinds of sexual tension, explosive chemistry, and I couldn't get enough!!!“You fell in love with that woman’s drive. Her passion. Her spark for life. Her light. But light is tricky. It slips through your fingers. It’s fleeting. It comes and goes. We never get to possess it; you can’t hold it in your hand. We just get to enjoy it. And if you can figure out a way to just let go and enjoy it, you’ll be one of the lucky ones.”If you haven't started this series, you are missing out, and I highly recommend you start now!! I'm living and loving my Elsie Silver era!!
Top reviews from other countries
Maria Irles Galeote
I love this book more than I can describe.
Reviewed in Spain on May 26, 2024
