Ultimately, this is a second chance romance. But where it’s a bit more unique than many of the other second chance books out there, is that we actually get the full story of Alina and Chase. They met when she was 11 and he was 13. They were extremely close as children, and yet, despite their shared attraction as they got older, neither of them acted on it until the end of high school. But tragedy, deception, lies, and betrayal brutally ripped them apart. When Chase returns to town and ends up working a construction job at the dance studio Alina works at, their old chemistry kicks back into high gear, and all those old feelings, including the broken hearts, come roaring back.
Getting their full story from children was such a nice touch here. We get a much deeper than usual emotional tie to them before their ultimately given their second chance. As the reader, we know what really happened on both sides, but of course, they need to figure that out to heal and move forward. But he’s determined to win her back, not even fully realizing what she believes about why he left in the first place, and she’s determined not to let him break her heart again. It’s a very emotional tug of war, and a very steamy, very satisfying reunion.
The narration is excellent, emotional, tonally perfect, and well paced. Two excellent narrations who really know what they’re doing.