Letting Go
By L.A. Fiore
Author’s Website: https://www.lafiorepublishing.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
*Beware of possible spoilers*
Cedar met Brock when they were eleven-years old. She walked into the fort in the woods to find a hungry and scared boy inside. Her generosity bound the two together for life. As the years passed, their friendship grew stronger. Until he pushed her away. So, when they finally reunited their bond grew stronger, and their relationship morphed into something new: inseparable lovers.
Brock grew up in a big fancy home, but what happened behind closed doors would be chilling to outsiders. Brock’s father was abusive, but he was always careful not to leave bruises where others could see. His mother never stepped up to protect him. Instead, she found comfort in her pills and wine and looked the other way, thankful that at least it wasn’t her being hurt this time.
Brock finally got out of the house and he and Cedar were planning a life in Manhattan when it all came crashing down. He was forced to flee and leave the girl he loved behind. Neither of them were ever the same again. They both survived, but weren’t truly living.
Finally, Cedar grew tired of living a shell of a life and made strides toward the dreams she had as a child. She quit her job, sold her condo, and bought a cabin in a small town in Wyoming. She never expected to find home in the small town of Little Hill and she never expected to find a man that could bring her back to life.
Unfortunately, everything isn’t as nice at it seems. Somebody is watching Cedar and they want revenge! The danger to her forces her past and current lives to collide together in a most unexpected way. What happens when she’s staring into the eyes of her first love? The one that got away. Will she go running back into his most familiar arms or continue going into the future with her new love?
I have to say … L.A. Fiore has a talent of making me bawl like a baby while reading her books! And, she definitely did it again! On one had it can be a bit embarrassing if anybody else is around when I’m reading, but on the other I just love that she can make me feel so deeply to elicit that kind of reaction and emotion! This, above all else is why she continues to be one of my favorite authors. I love emotional reads and she always brings it!
In the beginning, I wasn’t sure how I was going to like the book. All the scenes seemed too short and I just wanted more! I wanted to fall in love with Brock, but I was only getting small snippets of time with him. However, I understand why those scenes got cut short when there was so much going on later in the book! And, before he disappeared I had begun to love Brock. My heart absolutely broke for him. His father was a douche and his mother wasn’t much better. And, they cost him everything he loved. I’m surprised he turned out as normal and caring as he did with the upbringing he had. I have to put that fully on Cedar’s shoulders.
I really liked Killian as well. He was broody, charismatic, and quietly sexy! He seemed to have his hands in everything in that small town! It was great to see the perpetual bachelor fall in love. Although I don’t think he suffered, like Brock did and for that reason I really wanted Brock to find his happy. He more than deserved it.
I give major props to Cedar (and for Fiore’s writing of her character) to not drag both men around in a dreaded love triangle. From the moment Brock came back into her life this last time, she knew exactly who she wanted to be with and made no qualms about it. The three characters were forced to deal with it and find a way to move on and live in peace. I also have to give kudos to the guys because they were fairly civil for two men who loved her so.
“How the fuck did she get that up there?” Killian thought out loud.
Brock followed his stare then grinned. “She always did like climbing trees.” Looking back at Killian, he said, “Want me to go, Sheriff? I am younger and more spry.”
It did hurt to see the man that was left on the outs. I wanted to see him happy, but also didn’t want to see him with anyone else … at least in *this* book. I’m hoping that this is the beginning of a series and that we do see him happy eventually. If that’s the case, I’ll be ready to let him find love by his book, I swear!
I also really liked Liam. I felt this book barely scratched the surface on him though and that there is so much more to tell. And, it’s why I’ve convinced myself there are more books coming! Please!?!
Nevertheless, this was another great story by this talented author and I can’t wait to see what she cooks up next. And, yes, I’ll have the box of tissues nearby!
Fiore is also always kind enough to include a song playlist with her books, and I have one song I propose adding to it because it reminds me of Brock. Demons by Imagine Dragons.
