Saving Jake

this story is full of what you want in a romance.

I’ve read plenty of stories featuring returning military men who just want to be left alone, and Jacob Lorde is typical of many. Years in the Marines have left him with one desire: going home to Blessings, to an empty house, and just stay there to deal with his own demons. But, sometimes the refuge you think you need isn’t what you really wanted, or needed at all.

Laurel is Jake’s next door neighbor, and she instantly recognizes the haunted looks and knows the troubled soul beneath the pretty shell. Dealing with her own version of PTSD, Laurel’s husband returned battered, bruised and broken, only to inflict his pain on her when he took his life, leaving her with a young daughter and his family full of hurt and blame for her.

These two have a wonderful balance: neither wants to risk developing feelings, but their relationship develops despite their self-protective walls. Adding to the softness and gentling that both need is Bonnie, Laurel’s daughter and her own childish sweetness that demands protection, adoration and attention. Slowly the two manage to lay some old demons to rest as they work through their own new realities, and find a way to walk in more sunshine than shadow.

Wonderfully playing the guilt, grief, fears and struggles with PTSD from both sides, Sala paces the romance gently, as Laurel and Jake come to appreciate and rely on one another. A gradual couplehood is built, with gentle reaffirmation and acceptance from the people of Blessings, as well as an oft-defeated antagonist, bent on hurting Jake’s reputation, and his repeated failures.

When you add in the fall events, school dress-up parades, the chatter from the ladies of the Curl Up and Dye, and a general feeling of caring so present in the town, this story is full of what you want in a romance.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.