#romance #kristengranata #contemporary romance
* He’s a cop * She’s a suicide survivor * They’re next door neighbors * Pitbull puppy rescue * He teaches her how to cook * Lots of steam
A contemporary romance about survival, hope, and the healing power of love.
After surviving a suicide attempt, Phoenix Bridges has been given a second chance at life—one she isn’t sure what to do with. When she’s released from a psychiatric treatment center, she moves into her family’s old shore house in New Jersey to figure out how to start over. She expects the town to be desolate in the winter months.
What she doesn’t anticipate is the gorgeous, brooding cop who lives next door.
James Russo blames himself for being unable to save his mother years ago. Now he’s made it his life’s mission to help everyone he can. So when he catches a glimpse of his beautiful new neighbor crying through her bedroom window, he’s determined to be her refuge.
Sparks fly as they grow close and share their tragic pasts. But when danger unexpectedly strikes, James is helpless to stop it as Phoenix gets caught in the crossfire.
Will Phoenix fight for the life she never wanted, or will James lose the one he loves all over again?
*TW: This book contains some sensitive subject matter.
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My Thoughts:
Kristen Granata has written a heroine that is truly flawed, yet spectacular. I love how real and emotional the journey was in this book for Phoenix. The fact that she deserves good things and love is front and center. I have personally heard people say that people "like that" don't deserve any happiness or love. But this story gives hope and faith that anyone can come back from one of the darkest places they've ever been.
Even though this book deals with anxiety, depression, and speaks of suicide and addiction, I loved every bit of it. It brought such a rawness to people who struggle in life instead of everything being sunshine and roses. On top of the steamy romance, I thoroughly enjoyed Phoenix finding a kinship with Leo, James' brother. Her closeness with their father also brings a bit of peace to her while missing her own father.
Sprinkled with bits of humor, you get the whole package of a contemporary romance with this book!
I received a complimentary ARC copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
About the Author:
Kristen Granata is a bestselling romance author known for writing inspirational, emotional stories with realistic characters who struggle through the darkest parts of life and come out stronger on the other side.
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Kristen openly shares her mental health struggles with depression and anxiety. Her message is a beacon of hope to anyone who is suffering: You are not alone. She delicately weaves this theme into her writing, and demonstrates the ability of love to heal after tragedy.
When she's not teaching or writing, Kristen is reading, tripping over something, indulging in her messy love affair with popcorn, and annoying her wife and step-daughters by incessantly singing along to The Greatest Showman soundtrack.
Kristen was born in Brooklyn, New York. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife & her two step-daughters.