4.5 stars

I really adored this story. It’s just so sweet, while also being sexy and thoughtful. Trixie and Nick are definitely made for each other. Their chemistry is amazing and I love how clueless they both are in the beginning. Both trying so hard to be the “friend” they think the other wants and needs. Doing everything in their power to not cross any boundaries.

To be frank, the last book in this series didn’t do it for me. It wasn’t bad, but I’m just so used to loving this author’s stories that it threw me for a loop. I’m elated that this story had me thoroughly engaged and I didn’t want to put it down.

This is one of those stories where you keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, but the couple finds a way to talk a lot of their issues through instead of dropping a bomb and exploding their budding relationship. Not that there’s not any strife or angst, this is a romance after all. But it’s all handled so well. In some ways, Nick and Trixie are in their own little world staying out on Nick’s ranch. They go out and see other people, but most of the day is spent with just the two of them. A great way to deepen their intimacy.

There are layers to Nick that aren’t obvious to even some of his closest friends and family. He took a lot on his shoulders in the past and never asked for recognition or anything in return. Which also means he kept a lot inside. Never wanting to add to anyone’s problems, he never reached out with his own issues. Not even for a friendly ear.

Although Trixie hasn’t taken the weight of her whole family’s problems on her shoulders, she is still a people pleaser. She loves and respects her family so much and they don’t always realize when they’re not extending the same courtesy to her since she doesn’t always speak up. But when she does, to her family’s credit, they finally listen.

Trixie and Nick see these things about each other. They understand and admire each other in such a beautiful way.

You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.