I had a really hard time warming up to this book. It wasn't that there was a big thing wrong with it, but more like there were several smaller things and, put together, it was just a little too much for me.
I suppose the most prominent problem was that I didn't think that the two main characters had any chemistry. A major part of the plot is that Cici came to Montana to meet one brother, Liam, but felt no chemistry with him; instead, she supposedly had all the feels for his other brother Logan. The fact that I felt no sparks either way was therefore instantly problematic.
Another issue is that she's supposedly keeping this big secret about her parents. Yes, the secret was big, but it was never really clear to me why she didn't feel like she could tell either Liam or Logan. Even knowing that people back home in Texas believe the worst of her wasn't enough for me to buy into this plot point.
When the truth comes out and there's drama as a result, the story gets mildly interesting for a short bit. But then Logan's ongoing reaction and Cici's ongoing reaction to Logan's ongoing reaction puts us right back into yawn territory. If there wasn't any chemistry to start with, there certainly isn't any chemistry now.
The writing style was okay but I couldn't help but feel like the author was borrowing phrases left and right from other romance books. It's true that there's a certain amount of repetition when you stick with any one genre, but it just didn't feel new or genuine to me. There's also superfluous description and repetition at times that I don't think the author noticed, but perhaps a good editor would. For example, we're told more at once that Logan's brother. Connor has blonde hair like his father and that he and his brother Liam take after his mother. And the phrase "to steep" in someone (like tea?) Was original the first time, but awkwardly noticeable the second.
Of course, some of these things are minor, but when put together, it made for a book that was readable but not particularly interesting or memorable. I think there are a lot of people who might like this author and her writing style. But I don't think this is a writer that I will come back to in the future.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!