Series:
Love in the Valley (Book 2)
Unlike a fine wine…
some memories don't age well.
Unexpectedly back in town, Jack Clayton acted as if he'd
never crushed Sierra James's teenage heart. When he offered to buy her family's
vineyard, the former navy lieutenant knew Jack was turning on the charm, hoping
to win her over. No way would Sierra melt for him again; she was ready for
battle. But would denying what she still felt for Jack prove to be a victory
she could savor?
Good second chance romance. When Sierra and Jack were in
high school, Sierra was Jack's math tutor, even though she was younger. He had
a big crush on her, and just before his family moved away, he asked her to the
high school dance. And though she liked him too, when she learned of some
shenanigans related to the date, she turned him down flat. What she heard broke
her heart, and she's never forgotten or forgiven him.
After a devastating crash in her fighter, Sierra left the
Navy and returned home to try to rebuild her life. She helps her sister in the
family bakery and helps at the family winery. She also helps look after her
father, who has early-onset Alzheimer's. She has a new job lined up after the
new year that will allow her to continue her service to the military and use
her mathematical abilities. Jack Clayton is the last person she expects to see
walk into the bakery.
Jack is happy to see Sierra again, even though she broke
his heart when she refused his invitation. His family's company has big plans
in the area, and he hopes to spend time with her. Her continuing anger over the
dance confuses him, but that doesn't stop his flirting. When Sierra finds out
he's buying up the local wineries and is after her family's winery, she sees
red and blasts him. Undeterred, Jack challenges her to let him show her the
changes and the plans.
Underneath Sierra's antagonism is the realization that
she is attracted to him. She's determined not to fall under the spell of
"Jerk" Clayton again. But while spending time together, she sees
another side of him, and her heart is soon in danger. She knows they have no
future, as her life is in Missouri, and he will eventually return to Oregon.
Meanwhile, as Jack gets to know Sierra and spends some time with her family, he
is torn between business and pleasure. He needs the James winery to complete
his plans, but he knows Sierra is adamantly against selling, especially to him.
I ached for Sierra and Jack when the process was
hijacked. The timing was especially awkward, though it helped open Jack's eyes
to the depth of his feelings for Sierra. Sierra feels blindsided by Jack and is
left feeling used. She's no shrinking violet in the face of what she feels is a
betrayal and sets out to make her feelings known. I loved seeing her in action,
even though it didn't change the outcome. I loved the effect on Jack and seeing
how her example gave him the courage to stand up to his father. Jack refused to
give up and went after what he wanted. The ending was sweet and emotional. I
hope to see more of them in the next book (about Sierra's sister, Zoe) and see
how their love progresses.
It was lovely to read a book that takes place in the Midwest. With so many set in Montana, Texas, or other western states, it's nice to experience other locations. I'd love to see more variety on a regular basis. I remember when the Harlequin American line started there was more diversity in the locations.
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