Genres: Contemporary Romance
Goodreads
Hope Breeds Life...
Sometimes destiny and fate have a weird way of reminding us of our inescapable vulnerability, but more importantly our inexorable humanity. Life is fleeting, and what little time we have left in this world, we must make do with what we have, and cherish those whom we love by our side.
Fresh back from the Jackson Reese Press Tour, sports journalist Catalina Pardo rushes back to British Columbia after receiving unexpected and distressing news. With the help of award winning photographer Stryder Martynus, Catalina is determined to prevent the news of tragedy and heartbreak from governing her life again.
Together they will embark on a new journey of introspection to overcome the ghosts and raw emotions of their pasts−on a long and unpredictable road full of complicated circumstances−to find healing, hope and salvation.
The smallest of gifts−like a friendship bracelet−have the power to save your life, and unlike fairy tales, happy endings are seldom guaranteed...
“The world could crash down around me and I wouldn’t give a damn. Right here, right now is where I want to be; lost in my lady’s embrace.”
It is a rare book that can have you smiling from beginning to end because you can’t help yourself. Catalina, Stryder and Jax are portrayed in such a way that by the time you’ve finished the book, you feel like you’ve caught up with family members. They’re vivid, wonderfully depicted characters that face challenges that can cripple and maim but together, these three persevere and you find yourself cheering the entire time for everything to be all right.
Finding Reese is book two in the Safelight series and is a direct continuation of Chasing Reese, book one so if you haven’t read (OMG why not?!), pick that up first or risk spoilers. The chapters are told in the POV of one of the three main characters which I loved since we glimpses into each of the characters thoughts and works so well.
In the end of book one, Jax has been buried in an avalanche of snow and Catalina and Stryder are frantic, praying that their friend has come out of it alive. With the help of a gift from Catalina, they realize that their friend is alive and Jax is rescued but not without costs. Jax suffers a severe case of PTSD and a multitude of physical injuries. Catalina and Stryder struggle to keep their friend and brother from tipping over the edge of a cliff that he won’t be able to return. Jax suffering had me to the point of tears at times with how much he suffered, especially emotionally, having survived and wondering “why me?”
Throughout all this, Catalina and Stryder are having their own crisis. They are passionately in love in love with one another but both are scared of what the future holds. Catalina, having her husband and child ripped from her life four years ago, never thought she feel the type of love that she has for Stryder. Stryder, after having been burned by his ex-wife Olivia, Jax sister, never thought he’d allow someone into his soul. Their path won’t be an easy one but their story is told so beautifully, I wish I can rewind to the moment before I started the book, just so I can experience it again. Pick this up and experience, not read, but experience, this amazing book.
“Sometimes destiny and fate have a weird way of reminding us of our inescapable vulnerability, but more importantly our inexorable humanity. Life is fleeting; and what little time we have left in this world, we must make do with what we have and cherish those whom we love by our side.”