Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Terrific story about two sisters who want to take back their lives, and the men who help them do it. It's also a story of family, support, and love, letting go of the past and taking chances.
Phoenix had a happy life until a burglary and assault threw it all into turmoil. After months of drifting, she's determined to find her independence and reclaim her life. Taking a job as the groundskeeper at Cooper's Charm will get her back into the career she loves with enough physical activity to keep her distracted from her past. She doesn't expect the bigger distraction of her sexy, widowed boss. Cooper purchased the resort several years earlier, after the murder of his pregnant wife. The first two years were spent just trying to make it from day to day, but he's slowly found peace in his surroundings and the varied life of the resort. He still grieves for his wife, but he's more at peace, until a sexy, hurting Phoenix starts to get under his skin.
I loved the development of the relationship between Cooper and Phoenix. I loved their first encounter, the sparks that were there between them, and the wary way they danced around them. Cooper is aware of Phoenix's past, which brings out the protectiveness in him. Phoenix is still dealing with the aftermath of the robbery and the effect it had on how she sees herself. Cooper is patient in the way he lets Phoenix get to know him and become comfortable around him. She is surprised by the fact that, in spite of his size, she is never afraid of him. I liked the slow and steady growth of their relationship, as the chemistry between them builds. One of the things I liked best was their ability to communicate, not just the everyday job-related stuff, but also those things that were more personal. I loved their honesty, as both agreed that they weren't into playing games with feelings. Phoenix also has some self-esteem issues about her body because she is quite curvy. Cooper finds her very sexy and has no trouble letting her know the effect she has on him. After a bit of excitement at the end, both Phoenix and Cooper were able to admit their feelings for each other and move on together.
Phoenix's sister, Ridley, had recently been through a painful divorce, leaving her cynical and a little bitter. When she arrives at Cooper's Charm to check up on Phoenix, she is at loose ends and impulsively offers to act as the resort's housekeeper. This also puts her near Baxter, the resort's scuba instructor. The sparks between them flew fast and furious. I loved the back and forth between them. Baxter is commitment-shy after a bad breakup and is known as quite the player, but there is something about Ridley that gets under his skin. Ridley is only looking for a fun time, however Baxter blasts right through the walls she has erected around her heart. It was fun to watch these two chase each other and try to keep their emotions out of it. An unexpected development forces them to face their feelings and make some decisions.
There was a bit of suspense involving Phoenix. It appears that someone is targeting her, and the question is who and why? There are several suspects, but I was pretty sure who it was from the beginning of the incidents. The resolution was a nail-biter with Phoenix's life on the line. I loved how it turned out, especially seeing Phoenix regain that last piece of herself.
Phoenix had a happy life until a burglary and assault threw it all into turmoil. After months of drifting, she's determined to find her independence and reclaim her life. Taking a job as the groundskeeper at Cooper's Charm will get her back into the career she loves with enough physical activity to keep her distracted from her past. She doesn't expect the bigger distraction of her sexy, widowed boss. Cooper purchased the resort several years earlier, after the murder of his pregnant wife. The first two years were spent just trying to make it from day to day, but he's slowly found peace in his surroundings and the varied life of the resort. He still grieves for his wife, but he's more at peace, until a sexy, hurting Phoenix starts to get under his skin.
I loved the development of the relationship between Cooper and Phoenix. I loved their first encounter, the sparks that were there between them, and the wary way they danced around them. Cooper is aware of Phoenix's past, which brings out the protectiveness in him. Phoenix is still dealing with the aftermath of the robbery and the effect it had on how she sees herself. Cooper is patient in the way he lets Phoenix get to know him and become comfortable around him. She is surprised by the fact that, in spite of his size, she is never afraid of him. I liked the slow and steady growth of their relationship, as the chemistry between them builds. One of the things I liked best was their ability to communicate, not just the everyday job-related stuff, but also those things that were more personal. I loved their honesty, as both agreed that they weren't into playing games with feelings. Phoenix also has some self-esteem issues about her body because she is quite curvy. Cooper finds her very sexy and has no trouble letting her know the effect she has on him. After a bit of excitement at the end, both Phoenix and Cooper were able to admit their feelings for each other and move on together.
Phoenix's sister, Ridley, had recently been through a painful divorce, leaving her cynical and a little bitter. When she arrives at Cooper's Charm to check up on Phoenix, she is at loose ends and impulsively offers to act as the resort's housekeeper. This also puts her near Baxter, the resort's scuba instructor. The sparks between them flew fast and furious. I loved the back and forth between them. Baxter is commitment-shy after a bad breakup and is known as quite the player, but there is something about Ridley that gets under his skin. Ridley is only looking for a fun time, however Baxter blasts right through the walls she has erected around her heart. It was fun to watch these two chase each other and try to keep their emotions out of it. An unexpected development forces them to face their feelings and make some decisions.
There was a bit of suspense involving Phoenix. It appears that someone is targeting her, and the question is who and why? There are several suspects, but I was pretty sure who it was from the beginning of the incidents. The resolution was a nail-biter with Phoenix's life on the line. I loved how it turned out, especially seeing Phoenix regain that last piece of herself.
Steamy read with a small town feel and a heart-warming ending. Small doses of thriller accompany parallel love stories of two sisters looking for a fresh start at a campground.
damn, another great book! loved it. :)
