From what I’ve seen of Jake in previous books, I knew his story would be extremely emotional. I didn’t realize how much more emotional things would get when Vanessa was introduced. I wasn’t always a fan of Vanessa’s sister Olivia, but Olivia’s story Smooth-Talking Cowboy helped me to understand her. I went back to not being an Olivia fan for a bit in this one. Don’t worry, she redeems herself. I also didn’t make it a secret that I have a problem with their parents. Man, I just wanted to scream at them! So many emotions were pulled out of me in this story. Sadness, anger, concern, joy, concern, love.

Jake has so many more secrets than anyone knows. He has a certain closeness with his brothers, especially Caleb, yet they don’t really know the real Jake. He does all he can to keep anyone from knowing the real Jake because then he’d have to deal with his secrets, he’d have to deal with his guilt.

I love that Jake and Vanessa have a fire that cannot be denied, but then forge a tight friendship where they share things with each other they haven’t shared with anyone else. Even when they decide it’s best to deny their chemistry, there is still a pull between them. The downfall to letting someone in and allowing them to see into all of those emotional nooks and crannies is those secrets can be used to hurt. And hurt they did. It’s better to hurt someone and push them away before they can do the same to you, right?

There are so many ups and downs in this story, a real roller coaster. I mean that in a good way. I loved it all. Not only did I enjoy seeing Vanessa and Jake get their HEA, I am very immersed in the Caleb/Ellie story. I found myself speculating their relationship like crazy. Thank goodness I don’t have to wait long for that story…and it’s a Christmas tale to boot!

This review can also be found on the book blog All In Good Time.