From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan comes a charming, emotional romance about redefining dreams and discovering unlikely love along the way.
Life for Emma isn’t good. The world knows her as Princess Anya on Dark Castle, but then her character gets the axe—literally. The cherry on top is finding her boyfriend in bed with another woman. She needs a break, and sanctuary comes in the form of Rosemont, a gorgeous estate in California promising rest and relaxation.
Then she meets the owner’s equally gorgeous grandson, ex–hockey player and current recluse Lucian Osmond, and she sees her own pain and yearning reflected in his eyes.
He’s charming when he wants to be but also secretive and gruff, with protective walls as thick as Emma’s own. Despite a growing attraction, they avoid each other.
But then there’s an impromptu nighttime skinny-dip, and Lucian’s luscious homemade tarts and cream cakes start arriving at Emma’s door, tempting her to taste life again…
In trying to stay apart, they only grow closer—and their broken pieces just might fit together and make them whole.
Emma is a well-known, and successful TV star and Lucian is a well-known and successful hockey star – both are a kind of “former.”
Their connection was really special. Like two lost and broken souls who found each other without searching. The attraction between them was written in a very convincing way, and their inner wars with themselves were on a healthy, sensible level. There was no attempt to add unnecessary drama.
I loved that it wasn’t a way to the man’s heart was through the stomach but the opposite for a change—sort of. Lucian left sweet gifts for Emma every morning at the door, and what sane girl could refuse such a thing? Not me!
The sub-characters were a great addition! The dynamics between the characters and the main couple were fun to read!
I loved that the ending wasn’t some fairy-tall and unrealistic part. It was a good ending that made my heart feel happy and still leaves us with our feet on the ground.
I’ve read this book and listened to the audio with narrator Ava Erickson which I really love! I love her pleasant voice, the way she leads the story as if you can see the character right in front of you with all the expressions and thoughts.
And, of course, Jacob Morgan was so excellent. His voice is very Lucian with the deep tone and how he said the French dishes he made… YEAH, that was very yummy (double meaning!)