One year ago, Matt Riley lost his brother, Chad, to a deadly fire. Both were firefighters and he watched his brother perish. As if that wasn’t bad enough, he had the horrible experience of having to tell his sister-in-law, Gracelyn her husband was gone. Matt made it his mission to support her and the two children during the next year, both sort of propping each other up when he tried to drown his sorrows and she struggled to move forward. Now on the occasion of the one-year anniversary of Chad’s death, their consolation turns to something much, much more.
The idea of a brother taking up with his brother’s wife isn’t a new one but it’s always intriguing and this one lives up to that expectation. Complicating matters is Matt having always been attracted to Gracelyn though he’d never, ever considered crossing that proverbial line. When their passion was unleashed, it was pretty combustible. These two were fearless in their feelings for each other but highly fearful of condemnation from family and colleagues. They had reason to be wary, especially of reactions from Matt’s mother, his ex-wife and their children. I thought this story got all these dynamics right especially if their relationships as aunt and uncle would transition to that of a stepparent. It’s complicated and I liked that these issues were front and center.
I enjoyed this story and felt the narrators captured the personalities of both Matt and Gracelyn. The pacing was great and I was very invested in the story. I wish we had more insight into what happened between Gracelyn and Matt in that past year as it would have made their relationship feel less like something instant. Otherwise, this worked very well for me. There were no easy answers and the resolutions felt realistic. A warning though…the steam level is off the charts!
Book Info
- Release Date: November 9, 2018
- Narrators: Samantha Cook & Joe Arden
- Audio Length: 5 hours, 32 minutes
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(I received a complimentary copy from Caffeinated Services in exchange for an unbiased review)
It sounds like you had fun with this one, Jonetta! Wonderful review and hopefully if there is another installment (?), it’ll be a touch more complete to round out the story.
Thanks, Jennifer! It was a bit steamier than my normal preference but the story was so strong. As far as I know, this is a standalone and had a satisfying ending.
Great review, Jonetta!
Thank you, Darinda!
Sounds like quite a good story and complicated like so many things seem to be today. Happy you enjoyed this one, Jonetta!
Thanks, Marialyce! It did indeed deal with some very relevant topics.
EGGCELLENT REVIEW Jonetta! One of my book goals this year is to finish an audio book. Do you have a suggestion of one that you’ve like the most (audio wise)?
Thank you and I certainly do, Christina! That would be Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent. The audio performance is outstanding with about six narrators.
YASS I read her Lying In Wait last year so I’ll add this one to the TBR and listen to it!
You will love it!
Looks good and I don’t mind steamy as long as it doesn’t take over the entire story!
That it doesn’t and I’d give it 5 🔥 out of 5!
I’m glad you enjoyed this steamy read. Great review! 🙂
Thanks, Suzanne!
Glad you liked it! Excellent review!
Thanks, Deanna!
fantastic review Jonetta! This sounds great!!
Thanks, Mackey!
Great review! I debated about getting this for review but I just already had too many at the time. Maybe I will get to it because it certainly sounds like I would enjoy it. Anne – Books of My Heart
Thanks, Anne! I liked the complicated relationships.