Karin Baine

Good book about two people who must overcome painful pasts before they are willing to risk their hearts again. After escaping an abusive relationship, Bonnie applied to open a chocolate shop at a Scottish castle. She formed a friendship with the Duke of Arbay as they corresponded about their plans for the shop and looked forward to her arrival at the castle. Imagine her dismay upon arriving and discovering that the duke has died and his son isn't interested in their plans.

Ewen Harris was estranged from his father and hasn't returned in many years. The last thing he wants is to be saddled with a castle with so many bad memories. Unfortunately, the terms of the will state that he can't sell the property for a year. His initial response to Bonnie's arrival was to send her on her way.

I liked seeing Bonnie have the confidence to stand up to Ewen and his reluctance to honor his father's deal with her. That got her foot in the door and a chance to make her dream come true. She has no idea that he intends his "trial period" to be the beginning and the end. I liked her confidence and enthusiasm as she got the shop up and running. Meanwhile, Ewen flounders as he tries to keep the castle business going. He is overwhelmed trying to handle the commitments already made. He never expected Bonnie to step up and walk him through the steps he needed to take.

I liked seeing Bonnie and Ewen become friends as they worked together. Underneath their growing friendship are sparks of attraction neither want to admit to. Bonnie is still recovering from her previous relationship and is wary of trusting any man. Ewen also has a failed relationship in his past that has affected his willingness to trust. But the more time they spend together, the closer they become and the stronger their attraction. Can they give in to that attraction without risking their hearts, or will they want more?

Just when I thought they might realize they belonged together, Ewen allowed his fears to push him away from Bonnie. Then Bonnie misunderstands something she sees, and instead of confronting Ewen about it, runs away. I wanted to shake them or lock them in a room until they figured things out. I liked the ending and seeing how both overcame the obstacles that kept them from moving forward. The epilogue was sweet.

#netgalley… (mehr)

Very good book. Georgiana is a combat medic, wounded in action, and an amputee because of it. She is also a princess and heir to the throne of a small country. As a result of her injury, she lost her work as a medic and now struggles to adjust to her new life. When the book opens, we see Georgiana doing her intense physical workout, determined to return to her previous physical condition. She dislikes being the object of pity and distances herself from the people around her, including her parents. Worry over Georgiana leads her mother to ask Dr. Edward Lawrence to look in on her. The encounter does not begin well as Georgiana resents his intrusion. While Georgiana treats Edward quite rudely, Edward maintains his calm and convinces her that using his clinic would help her recovery.

Edward and his business partner run a rehab clinic that serves everyone but specializes in working with amputees. As if the clinic weren't enough to keep him busy, he is also setting up a charity to help child amputees and spends the rest of his spare time caring for his elderly parents. The last thing he has time for is a relationship, but something about Georgiana draws him to her.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Georgiana and Edward. I liked how Edward gave her the space and privacy she wanted for her workouts but didn't let her push him entirely away. He quickly saw through the attitude to the insecurities she tried to hide. The loss of her leg and subsequent job loss left Georgiana feeling useless and unattractive, while Edward sees the inner strength that drives her. As they spend time together, they become friends. I liked how Georgiana saw the benefits of Edward's charity idea and offered to help. And when an emergency gave Georgiana the chance to use her medical skills, she realized she wasn't so useless after all. I loved how her joy at that encouraged Edward to ask for her help with a very young patient of his. The scene with Georgiana and young Hannah was terrific. I loved seeing the effect helping Hannah had on Georgiana, showing her how much more she had to give.

The more time Edward and Georgiana spent together, the more the simmering attraction between them grew. I loved how Edward's attention increased Georgiana's belief in herself to the point where she was ready to face the public again. I loved how she revealed her "cosmetic surgery" and used it to help others. I enjoyed seeing the sparks between Georgiana and Edward build during that gala and how they finally gave in to them. Their happiness was evident, as were their dreams for the future. But when Georgiana received disturbing medical news, she pushed Edward away rather than becoming another burden for him to find time for. I ached for Edward, who 1was blindsided by her withdrawal. Advice to both of them came from an unexpected source, giving each something to think about. I loved Edward's big moment as he showed her how important she was to him. The epilogue was a terrific conclusion and peek into their future.… (mehr)