Rating: Very Good
Source: Publisher
Description: When Tessa Alexander came to Sanctuary Island, she left behind a marriage to a man who didn’t love her the way she loved him. When she finally found the strength to set them both free, she discovered friendship and self-acceptance in her adopted hometown. Now she’s settled into a quiet life on her own—never expecting to see her husband again.
Johnny spent almost two years deep undercover, unable to let his wife into his cold, dangerous world. He’s shaken to the core when he comes home to find her gone. It’s painfully clear that Tessa is no longer the timid young woman he married—she’s become a force of nature, a brave and determined beauty. Johnny can’t let her go without a fight so he sets out to seduce his own wife. But will passion alone be enough to convince Tessa that her new life should include a second chance at happiness with a man who must learn to believe in love?
Genre: Romance - Contemporary
Why I Picked This Book: I enjoyed the first book in the Sanctuary Island series and wanted to read more.
My Impression: After reading some dark mysteries I found myself craving a romance - preferably something sweet and simple and healing. Well this one was definitely sweet and it was definitely healing but I'm not so sure how simple it was. These characters have some serious depth and some serious issues that have to be tackled as the story goes along.
The story itself reminded me of a historical romance - one where the husband in a marriage of convenience realizes that he's actually in love with his wife. This is one that I wouldn't have thought would work in a contemporary but Everett did it brilliantly. This was made sense and held together and was a completely plausible situation for both of these characters with their particular personalities to end up in. At the beginning I was very concerned about the balance of power. Tessa is very young and completely desperate when she and Johnny get married. Johnny is young (though not as young) and is far more in control of the situation. It could have very easily slipped into creepy territory and it was a relationship that I really couldn't see how it could get past the beginning. How could it ever be a relationship not built on gratitude and desperation?
I really loved the way Everett developed their relationship in such a way that the reader got to know the characters as they got to know themselves. It completely pulled me into the story and I absolutely flew through it. She was brilliant with the addition of side characters - especially Marcus and Quinn. They're the main couple in the next book and after meeting them in this book I cannot wait to read their story and read more about them.
This is only the 2nd Sanctuary Island book I've read but I had no problem getting to know the community and I didn't feel like I was missing out by not reading the previous books (though you can bet they'll be on my TBR). This was a fantastic read with characters I really connected with, a setting I want to see more of, and a lot of heart. My only complaint is that I seriously want a sticky bun after reading about the treas Miss Patty and Tessa are working on!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Yes! I'm really looking forward to starting the next book in the series!
Would I Recommend this Book?: Absolutely! I think most contemporary romance fans would enjoy this series - particularly fans of Emily March's Eternity Springs series.
This sounds like such a unique contemporary romance. I agree, it does remind me of a historical romance. I'm so glad that you enjoyed this. I'm a little nervous, because I feel like it might be a but angsty, but I also kind of want to try it out. I want to see how Everett handles everything.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the next book has a heroine named Quinn!! Now I feel like i need to read that just on princple! :)
I'm always excited to pick up on new to me series, and I find many here on your blog! I love your thought that it reminded you of a HF in which the husband realizes he is in love with his wife... and the fact that it's sweet but not fluffy. I can see myself reading this, as I switch back and forth between mysteries and contemporary fiction. Good review!
ReplyDeleteYou are making me want to pick up this one, I avoided it due to avoiding review books, however I can still pick it up in the future. I have enjoyed all my visits to the island. Like to see development of characters as you describe.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good one. :)
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed Lily Everett's writing. I read some of her earlier books in this series and almost took the arc of this one that I was offered but didn't because I am trying to be responsible and get caught up. I am totally regretting that decision because this sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteOh I might have to check out this series. I don't know this author but sounds good. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI would read this :)
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