Games of the Heart (The ‘Burg Series Book 4)

A beautiful story. Games of the Heart will definitely be one of my favorite rereads, but I’m finding that just about every single KA book is. Lol

Summary:
Mike Haines sits on his balcony looking across the field at the Holliday farm, but he isn’t remembering his high school girlfriend, Debbie Holliday. No, he is thinking of her little sister, Dusty, who always had a smile, was energetic, artistically gifted, and what he never realized, a balm to his soul. Tragedy hitting the Holliday family has Mike thinking of Dusty now. Her older brother died suddenly at a young age. His last memory of Dusty is of her as a bitchy teenager who upped stakes and split town as fast as she could go as soon as she got the chance. Now Mike feels that Dusty hasn’t changed at all; leaving her mom and dad, older sister, heartbroken sister-in-law, and nephews to swing while she lives a good life in Texas. But after glimpsing Dusty at her brother’s funeral and then her not turning up for the graveside service or the house for company, Mike decides Dusty needs a lesson and he’s just the man to give it to her. What Mike doesn’t realize is Dusty is a different person. He is very wrong in his assumptions and is made to know it when Dusty lets rip what’s really going down with her family. Debbie has never liked her sister Dusty, and Debbie is a ball-buster full of bitterness and anger. She went against her brother’s wishes for his burial, then proceeded to pressure his family while in their grief to get her own way. After laying it out for Mike, Dusty does what she always does, makes a decision and acts on it. In this case, she’s been in love with Mike Haines from the age of twelve, but she was too young for her and he was seeing her sister. They did have a special bond, though, and in that hotel room, after a bad day and an emotional cleansing, she makes her play, for Mike. Mike doesn’t know how or why, but he’s down with Dusty’s play. They decide to see where this could lead, but Dusty lives in Texas, Mike in Indiana, its not going to be easy, but they feel there is something there. When Mike learns some disturbing news about Dusty’s history, he makes a bad decision, deciding he cant take the chance and risk getting hurt like he did in the past, especially because he has two teenage children. He doesn’t want a woman he has to fix. But when he confronts Dusty, she lays it out het again, and this is Mike’s third strike where Dusty is concerned. Three times he has been a dick, but this last time Dusty wont tolerate. mike sees he was wrong and tries to make amends, but Dusty heads back to Texas. Mike thinks its well and truly over, but luckily he has a very observant teenage daughter who loves her dad. Reesee, Mike’s daughter approaches Dusty’s nephew, Fin, (whom she has crushed on for forever) and lays out the circumstances hoping he can help get Dusty back for her dad. Again, luckily, Fin has a valid and important reason for getting Dusty home and to do this semi-permanent. His mom has totally checked out, he has a younger brother and a farm that needs working. He cant go it alone, and his Aunt Dusty loves the land as much as he does. Dusty does just what her nephew thought she would do, and moves home straight away. Mike takes no time at all to reconcile after learning Dusty has moved back home. Hesitant at getting her heart broken again, Dusty is a tough sell, but Mike is determined and he cares just as deeply for her as she does for him. Now, back on track, their relationship progresses and Dusty gets down to sorting out her sister-in-law, working the farm, and getting know Mike’s kids. She is also firmly entrenched in watching the fairytale love story of Reesee and Fin. Things do not brighten up by any means. Debbie is back and not happy that Dusty has Mike, so she fights back dirty by compromising the farm that so many of her family love by bringing in a shady developer. Mike activates the men of the ‘burg and an investigation ensues to try to stop whatever the developer has going to intimidate the Holliday family into selling. He must also put a stop to Debbie’s hateful war. On top of this and his regular work load, Mike’s ex-wife has decided to step up, but Mike isn’t convinced. He’s heard this before and has no faith, but he has to deal with the plays she’s making, for their kids. Through the pall of grief and the stress of having their livelihood and family history threatened, a bigger and more menacing problem is brewing. With bullies targeting his family, Mike must stay on alert to keep them safe because he has a bad feeling. Something is coming. No telling what it is, but it’s coming and it could destroy the dream Mike and Dusty have finally found together.

Fantastic story line. I loved Mike. He was pure alpha and I loved everything about him. Dusty was a strong heroine. She was independent, but soft enough to capture the love of a badass and not only make herself happy, but also ease any burden he might feel. That was an awesome combination, and by far, Dusty has to be one of my absolute favorite KA heroines. The alternating POV’s were fantastic as well. We got a look at everyone central to the story including Reesee and Fin. It was awesome, and their relationship was divine. They were made for each other and I adore the high school sweetheart/soul mate angle. I know I said that the precious book, Golden Trail, had one of the best epilogues, but this one is just as good,if not better. I loved it, and it took me exactly where I wanted to go. I just wish I knew more about Ryker. He is really pushing his way into this gang, and I want more of his story!! <3

Okay, so. I did NOT want to read this one. Mike annoyed the ever-lovin’ crap outta me in At Peace & after reading that, I wasn’t sure if I could like his story. But my friend Rochelle said this was her FAVORITE of the series & she convinced me to give it a try. And I do LOVE KA, so… : )

I am so glad I read this!!!!! Oh my heck, Mike is TOTALLY … I don’t even know. But this story is absolutely fabulous, and as a bonus, we get to see the relationship develop between Rees & Fin. And others have said they steal the show, goodness… *swoon* Yep, this could totally be one of my favorite KA’s. So. Yeah. If you’re like me & hesitating about giving Mike a shot after reading At Peace – give him a shot. He’s worth it. : )

Audiobook edit: Every time I read this book, I’m surprised by how much I loved it. Which is weird. This is an excellent book with the perfect voice for Dusty. Though I do still think I love Rees and Fin’s romance more than Mike and Dusty’s. Still excellent book.

As always, a great, amazing read! I loved Dusty and Mike’s story. Though, I possibly loved Fin and Reesee’s story more! This book maybe Dusty and Mike’s but Fin and Reesee kind of stole the show. Awesomeness abounds!