Samantha has loved her brother’s best friend, Elijah, for as long as she’s known what love is. So, when he kisses her, only to immediately call it a mistake, her heart shatters. Knowing she can’t stay and pretend everything is fine, Samantha leaves town, putting distance between herself and the man she’s always loved. Five years later, she returns home brokenhearted and pregnant with another man’s child. The moment Elijah hears the news, he knows this is his second chance and this time, he’s not holding back. He lied to her on that fateful night, afraid of hurting Samantha and damaging his relationship with her brother. Now, though, all bets are off. I loved how Samantha’s brother, Kane, immediately steps up, offering her a place to stay for as long as she needs and supporting her without hesitation. But from the second Elijah walks in and calls her “Sassy,” it’s clear there’s no competition. Elijah never once doubts that Samantha and her baby, both belong in his life. He doesn’t care who the biological father is; this is Samantha’s child, and he intends to love and protect them both as his own. From being her shoulder to cry on, to giving her a job and a car, Elijah is all in, ready to give her everything, including his heart. I especially loved that he was upfront with Kane about his intentions to pursue Samantha, and that Kane didn’t kick up a stink about it. When I picture the perfect leading man, Elijah fits the bill: caring and devoted, stubborn without being overbearing, determined but never forceful. The only thing I kept waiting for were those dirty, sweet, addictive letters. While there were chocolates and flowers, there was just one letter, near the very end, but honestly, it said everything that needed to be said. And while that letter finally helps Samantha face her feelings, it takes one potentially lethal accident to truly tear down the walls around her heart. As always, this is a heartwarming, relatable, feel-good story from Hope that settles right in your heart and stay there.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.