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Review

3 stars

I like a love story that features older characters – those that are supposedly more mature, and who have had a chance to experience life a bit and are at a different stage of their lives than characters in the majority of romance books. And in this case, we get a second chance-at-love story between two characters in their mid-40s with a whole lot of history.

“See me.”
“You’re all I see.”

This book is part of the Sexy Silver Foxes series. It can be read as a standalone, but be aware that it follows on from other books by this author and some of the minor side characters have already had their stories told. I wasn’t aware of that when I started this book, but it didn’t impact on my enjoyment of the story at all, just something worth noting.

Mati, Denton and Chris grew up in their small country town as the best of friends. They did everything together, but Mati and Denton shared a special bond. As neighbours, when Denton would be subjected to abuse from his father, he would creep into Mati’s window where she would provide him with comfort that he so desperately needed. But as teens everything began to change as hormones came into the mix. Chris was the one who acted on it, fighting for Mati in the only way he knew how, and when Denton broke Mati’s heart, he was there to pick up the pieces. Almost 30 years later, Chris’ tragic death has left Mati a widow, and she’s just found a letter from her deceased husband telling her to contact Denton.

Since Denton ran away from the town of his youth he has gone on to become a rockstar, with his band achieving huge success. Now in his mid 40s, the band is no longer playing, but Denton still models, gracing the cover of magazines, and is a budding photographer himself. But when a family tragedy calls him home, he will finally be forced to face up to his past, and the girl that he left behind.

It’s a great setup, and I was so excited to see how Mati and Denton’s reunion would come about. From the first contact I could feel the connection and chemistry that existed between them, and I knew it wouldn’t be easy given the circumstances, but I wasn’t expecting the steamy and emotional rollercoaster ride that was to come.

“That man is still the boy who loved you.”

Without being too spoilery, the feels that were always there between Mati and Denton flare back to life, and Denton doesn’t hold back in his quest to have the one woman he has always wanted.

“Don’t ever think I don’t want you, Mati. You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”

There are a lot of years of anger, hurt and guilt between them, and they quickly find themselves in a messy reunion complicated by all of those feels, a whole lot of lust, and their unique personal situations. They have a lot to work through, and it’s not an easy path for them, but the emotion is there and their attraction is undeniable.

“Can you move on?” I ask…
“Everyone tells me it’s time,” she whispers.
“Time for what, Mati?”
“You to kiss me.”

I did have some issues with the way this one played out… only minor spoilers, but tagged just to be safe.

Through it all, I was pleased that Mati’s relationship with Chris was respected. She loved her husband, and they had a good life, and by the time Denton comes back in to her life she knows she’s ready to move on, and I really liked that. But I also loved that there was such a strong connection between her and Denton, a sense that they were always meant to be, and I love that we got to see them finding their way back to each other.

Overall, I did enjoy this one. It had its frustrations, yes, but I enjoyed the emotion and the intensity of Mati and Denton’s reunion. I liked the side characters who all contributed so much to the story, and the book ends in a great place with an epilogue that made me smile.

“I am … in love with you. I always have been, and I always plan to be.”

3 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.