Harley Kenyon has guarded a secret for eighteen years. Telling would only hurt her son, and Harley would do anything to protect Knox. Colton Savage–the wild, impetuous rock star–is back in town to clean up a few of his messes. She could never resist his charms. His promises prove empty, and more than once, he’s left her for his seductive music career. But when the high school orchestra needs … Colton’s skills, he promises to stick around. He’s not the man he was before and vows to spend his life proving it. Does she dare to believe him? Being with Colton means telling her secret. Will Harley finally reveal what she knows and risk losing her second chance at happiness, or will she keep her secret and send away the only man she ever loved?
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I read a Hidden Gems early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I so enjoyed this book about second chances and new beginnings. The characters leap off the page while the storyline alternately breaks your heart, gives you hope for second chances, and strips you bare with its earnest writing. Colton Savage is a washed-up, alcoholic rock star with an ego the size of Texas and an attitude that knocks you over with his audacity and vulnerability. He’s home after 18 years because he’s lost in self-pity and anger. Harley Kenyon is 45 years old and has loved Colton for more than half her life. He’s the love of her life, yet she’s stayed in the shadows, always afraid of his rejection after he made it big. Her life revolves around her 18 year old son, Knox, and her art students. When Colton and Harley are reunited by happenstance and some sneaky moves by Colton’s family, sparks fly and the chemistry sizzles. When all is said and done and long-held secrets are finally revealed, can Colton and Harley look towards a new beginning, or will past hurts and fears destroy their future for good?
There is so much heart-wrenching emotion in this book, and the supporting characters just add that much more vibrancy and depth to the storyline. Stacey Wilk’s writing and descriptive, evocative prose is spot-on and she weaves a tale of pain and redemption like nobody’s business!!!
Musician Colton and single mom and art teacher Harley are forty something characters whose lives have been intertwined since they were teens. Their young romance fell victim to his dreams of finding fame as a rockstar; a life in which he made no room for Harley except when it was convenient for him. Harley genuinely desired for Colton to fulfill his dreams but her her heart ached at how easily he could walk away again and again. Now many years later, his fading career and some deep soul searching during a visit home has made him face some hard truths and acknowledge his feelings for Harley. Harley’s dream is finally coming true but being with Colton means revealing the secret she’s been keeping for eighteen years and risking her chance at happiness.
There are no villains here and no heroes. Colton and Harley are just two imperfect human beings just trying to live their lives the best they can; trying, but not always making, the best choices. The characters are complicated and have their faults but overall are likable. It’s a really emotional, well-written story that pulls at your heartstrings and it has a great ending, touching and sweet.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
This is a very enjoyable read.
I was hooked from the very beginning.
This story is entertaining, fast paced, lots of drama, chemistry and a brilliant second chance romance.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Colton Savage, rock star, unwillingly returns to town after a stint in rehab. Anger at his brother and alcohol put a hold on his career and now he has to get back on track. Running in to Harley Kenyon, the girl he left behind, was not on his list but his nephew, Cash, engineers their first meeting. Harley is teaching art at the local school and raising her teenage son, Knox. She also teaches a special art class for those in need of a way to express their feelings and emotions. Harley was not ready to face Colton. She has kept a secret from him and knows that if he stays in town she will have to face the consequences. Colton finds himself staying in town when the high school orchestra needs someone with a music background to direct the final concert of the season. An emotional romance as Harley and Colton struggle with their feelings for each other. Can Colton really be the man that Harley needs? As secrets are revealed, can there be a second chance for them? I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)