Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Carol is living out of her suitcase after graduating college. She had always thought she would head home after finishing school, but her parents are no longer around. So she is staying with extended family while she figures out what she wants to do with her life.
Aren lives on a farm just across the way from the family Carol is staying with. Aren has a bad reputation around town that is a result of issues from the foster family she was raised with.
A violent storm brings Carol and Aren together under tragic circumstances.
This was just an OK read for me. On paper, this book checks all the boxes for me. Drama, severe weather, trauma, angst, etc. But I could never click with the writing or the characters. Even though these characters were younger, the writing and dialogue gave me the impression that they were in their 50s/60s. It is going to sound picky, but I was also really bothered by the overuse of “percolating” coffee.
And the romance was strange to me. I think it again had to do with the dialogue. These ladies were overly mature in the way they discussed a potential relationship. There was no spontaneity. Everything was discussed and thought about. Very business-like decision making on whether or not to take friendship to another level.
The overall plot of this story was good. I liked Aren and her quirky ways. If you like romance where the couples talk and there is no miscommunication, than this is for you. I admittedly like more drama, angst, and conflict.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books for an honest review