Wow. 

I am speechless. Not really. I have a lot to say. Firstly, I cried a lot. I’m a big crier in general, but I cried in basically every chapter written from Zach’s POV because he was such a precious baby angel who gave me allllll the feels. I was patiently waiting to read this book because after meeting Zach in book one, I knew he would be my favorite male lead in the series. I’m a huge fan of the sensitive, emotional leading man and that is him to a T. Don’t leave out the fact that he’s also a virgin! *swoon* He was my every fantasy come to life. 

When this book opens, we meet Lark, who has arrived at the Shipley farm to stay for the harvesting season. We’d never met or heard about her before this book, so it took me a couple of pages to warm up to her. Lark is May Shipley’s best friend from college. As you read, it becomes glaringly obvious that Lark is suffering from some deep issues but we aren’t privy to them until much later. Lark has PTSD and very horrific dreams almost every night. Zach becomes the one she turns to, because he comforts her and brings her out of her nightmares. They have a lot of chemistry, but because Zach is inexperienced, they don’t jump into a sexual relationship. Well…I say that, but I just checked and they definitely had sex before the halfway point in the novel, so maybe it was quick? ANYWAY – it’s clear that Lark becomes dependent on Zach to help her with her issues, even though she doesn’t divulge the full extent of them to him. This story was a beautiful representation of the repercussions of untreated/misdiagnosed mental health issues and trauma. Lark suffers so deeply on her own, she can’t even voice her fears to her best friend because she’s so wrapped up in all of it. Her journey throughout this story was powerful and moving. 

I would like to note that although this story is filled with a lot of drama, there wasn’t as much angst as there could have been and for that I am truly grateful. There were at least 4 different occasions where an OW/OM could have been introduced to add some extra pizzazz, but I think Sarina Bowen did a marvelous job of keeping the reader focused on what was important in this book: Lark’s growth. Lark starts out this story in the mind frame that psychologists and psychiatrists can’t help her and she just needs to get away and rest. This is why she ends up at Shipley Farms. Then she comes to realize that you can’t run away from your problems, and it’s always okay to ask for help when you need it. 

I LOVED THIS BOOK WITH ALL MY HEART. The sexy scenes were on point as always, but the story as a whole was what truly captured my heart. I cannot wait to keep going with this series and pick up the next couple of books!! Love love love! 5 stars!