Cory Johnson fled Bayville as an eighteen-year-old following the suicide of his father. He’s estranged from his abusive mother and has made a life for himself as a successful lawyer in Los Angeles. While Cory’s career is rewarding, he’s unable to connect to people because of his upbringing.When Cory’s mother dies he grudgingly returns to his hometown to handle the estate. Rhys Tucker owns the … owns the construction company that is going to renovate Cory’s childhood home. Rhys has harbored a crush for Cory since they were in high school. When Cory comes home, Rhys takes that opportunity to get close to Cory. Or at least try to.
Their physical chemistry is undeniable, but will Cory ever be able to have a real relationship with Rhys after being so emotionally scarred by his past? Can a heart as damaged as Cory’s every really come home?
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I can’t say this was my favorite book by this author. There are many others of hers that I truly enjoy but I felt this one fell short of the mark. With an interesting premise and hints of bonds healing someone suffering, I was eager to read the story. Where it fell short was in character development and the relationship progression. Potential was high, execution was relatively low.
Cory has a lot of emotional baggage and trauma. I ached for his situation and even though I didn’t connect with his character at all, I could see how he would behave the way he did. Rhys was a bigger draw because he was a brighter, lighter character that had the potential to draw Cory from the darkness of his past, but there were quite a few things he did that left ambiguity rather than a clear path for Cory to follow.
Without giving anything away, I’ll just leave my frustration with both men by saying that neither man resonated with me and their actions, while some were understandable, most of them were confusing, maddening, and absolutely unpleasant. The overall story suffered because of the characters but I definitely enjoyed the setting and the sweet gestures and confessions that were included. They saved the story from being dismal and distasteful, instead it was merely disappointing.
I enjoyed reading this book. The main characters were an interesting duo, persistence pays off!
5 big stars What a heartbreaking and heartfelt story this was. No sugarcoating feelings, it was pure, honest and not even all pretty at times, but throughout these moments you could feel where is came from, I cried loudly.
Cory had a more than miserable youth and it shows, he has an attitude which requires a manual, and now he’s back. After fifteen year he’s back.
To sell his parents house now his mother also died. Sell and get the hell out of Bayville again.
Rhys can’t believe his eyes, there is Cory, he had a crush on him for over fifteen years and now he’s back!
Rhys is trying hard to get closer to Cory only Cory has a shield as thick as an elephant.
When this shield around him is starting to crack Cory can’t handle the light that is coming in.
Rhys is desperate to lose Cory again now he finally has him.
Every step further in this read my eyes got more and more blurred. I loved Rhys determination and I loved Cory for his strength.
Their characters stayed consistent and that was a great job. Because, Cory has an complicated personality. He is emotionally so detached, it hurts to watch him struggle. Covering it with witty comments and sarcastic humor
At thirty three he has to face all the consequences of his past every day.
The pace to the breaking point was unnerving, really well done, I loved it how it all worked out. An outstanding written story, sublime convincing put down. I couldn’t find an error if I were looking for one. It stayed strong consistent and coherent.
A story where feelings are all over the pages, with winsome and endearing characters.
I loved this heartbreaking story immensely.
I really enjoyed this book by this new to me author. Cory returns to his hometown after the death of his mom. He left this town at the age of 18 and never looked back. He doesn’t have the best memories of that place and doesn’t want to be there. Rhys is the contractor in charge of renovating his mom’s house. Rhys had the biggest crush on Cory and he sees this as his opportunity to see if there is something there. There is a spark between the two but Cory has these strong tall walls he has built up in order to survive a less than stellar childhood. Can Rhys get through to Cory or is Cory’s heart to damaged to love another? I really enjoyed their story and I would recommend it to all. I can’t wait to read what this author puts out next….well done!
When Cory comes back to his hometown when his mom passed away he is surprised that the sweet Rhys remembers him. Cory is emotionally stunted from his bizarre upbringing. Rhys has had a crush on Cory ever since he was nice to him in high school.
Really great story of healing and redemption. Sweet and sexy with depth. It is easy to feel for Cory. Rhys is so sweet and patient. Wonderful read.
This is a terrific book, I couldn’t put it down. Rhys and Cory pulled on my heartstrings with their story. The author did a great job of conveying the carrying emotions of these characters. I enjoyed following along as Rhys and Cory navigated the bumpy paths of their journey. A book well worth reading.