His return means a second chance
Or a threat to her life…
Marissa Noll has built a good life for herself since
Jared Miller left her for the rodeo circuit. When he returns to their hometown
injured from a bad bull ride, her desire for him sparks back to life -- and she
realizes that she's being stalked. Is the timing just a coincidence, or is she
a fool to trust a man who's already hurt her once?
Good second chance love story mixed with an engaging
suspense plot. Marissa and Jared were a couple throughout high school and
college until Jared decided to quit school and join the rodeo circuit. He was
hurt and angry that she wouldn't drop everything and go with him. Marissa was
heartbroken when he left despite their plans for the future. She pulled herself
together, finished school, and started her physical therapy business in their
hometown. Five years later, she has a successful business and is dating the
local veterinarian. She's shocked when Jared shows up at her office, needing
physical therapy for a bull-riding injury and expecting to be friends.
After five years on the circuit, Jared is ready to come home.
He's shocked at the condition of his father's ranch and heartbroken at the
changes he sees in his father, who has early-onset dementia. He looks forward
to seeing Marissa again and is surprised at the cold reception he gets.
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship
between Marissa and Jared. Each believes they have moved past their broken
relationship - until they see each other again. Both are surprised by the
resurgence of their old attraction. It doesn't take long for Jared to realize
that his feelings for Marissa have never disappeared, and he wants her back in
his life. He also knows he has a long way to go to regain her trust. Marissa
also realizes that she still loves Jared but is wary of risking her heart again
on someone who could leave her behind again.
Complicating matters, Marissa has a boyfriend she has
been dating for several months. David is a nice but very busy man, so they
don't see as much of each other as they could. It doesn't take Marissa long to
realize that what she feels for David is a pale imitation of her feelings for
Jared, and she knows she must end things with him.
Adding to Marissa's troubles, she realizes she is being
stalked. At first, it felt like being watched, but then matters escalated. She
received a threatening note attached to a brick thrown through her window, a
hit-and-run driver t-boned her car, and her home was torched. Jared's
protective instincts are aroused despite Marissa's insistence that she can take
care of herself. I loved that Jared was there to support her, even when she
tried to resist him. As the attacks increased in intensity, I had a couple of suspects
in mind, and I was happy to see that my top suspect was the guilty party. The
final confrontation was a nail-biter with an unexpected resolution.
I enjoyed seeing Jared and Marissa grow closer and look
at ways to make both of their dreams come true. Marissa is finally starting to
trust Jared again when he receives an unexpected offer. Marissa immediately concludes
that he will bail on her again without giving him a chance to talk it over with
her. I wanted to shake her for her lack of confidence in him and his feelings
for her. Jared knows he needs to do something to show her the truth and comes
up with an over-the-top demonstration of his feelings and intentions.
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