While being captured in Uganda, Arden fights to find herself again and get over the trauma. Along comes Neil Hartley who changes her life. I loved this couple and the fresh & interesting plot. It’s a refreshing change then what is written these days. The main couple were both sweet & kind people individually and together they just sparkled. For me though, the best part was the humor and ribbing of the Hartley siblings. I love when there are light moments written in a story when it has a dark/serious theme.

Arden was a reporter who manged to get captured by human traffickers. She managed to be among the lucky ones who got saved after sometime and is back in her hometown trying to live a normal life after the whole ordeal. This is is hear life after the pain and learning to heal and learning to continue on with her life. Neil Hartley is offering nothing more then friendship while she heals but it seems that is slowly turning into more.

I liked this book it was sweet and uplifting and getting to see how this character was dealing with her life. I loved that it shows that she didn't come out unscathed. Sometimes when I come across books like this they come out completely unphased meanwhile this characters Arden, had her blips here and there but was learning to continue on. I loved seeing how Neil was helping her out and getting to know his bit of his own story. I thought it was interesting seeing Ardens point of view in having reporters and others kinda hounding her when they wanted a interview or were just plain nosy and how it was dealt with. I enjoyed the relationship between Arden and Neil and seeing her slowly but surly getting used to life after. Overall it was a really great book I really enjoyed it.

Oh, be still my beating heart! What a wonderful, emotion filled, sweet romance that seriously had me in tears in the chapter ONE! When does that happen?! Never!
Even though the plot touches some serious and heavy topics as targets of the investigative reporter's interests, it mostly has a focus on the tender, fragile, adorable romance that is budding between Arden and Neil. The plot is original, fresh, and has just enough angst and deep emotions mixed with the beauty of Texas prairie and the love of a family, attraction, and worries about the future to make it believable, authentic, and satisfying cowboy romance tale.
Arden Wilkes PTSD was given such authenticity, that it took my breath away, and yes, had me in tears. The emotions are raw and real, the horrors she had gone through in Uganda were unimaginable. I am glad that the author didn't indulge with more details into the capture as it is now, and how she underlined the fact that one can not judge the whole nation because of a few bad apples.
Arden is struggling to find herself again after the tragedy, wondering about her future, and worried with the financial burden, her parents are under because of her father's heart attack.
Neil Hartley knows something about survival, and the nothing short of amazing connection he immediately forms with Arden is the life preserver that Arden needs to start the healing process she desperately requires to be able to move on from Uganda.
Both Neil and Arden are characters easy to like and relate to. Even with opposite lifestyles, they have much in common with their values, beliefs, and love for the Texan landscape. I adored them together, as well as with their families. The banter and fun with the Harley siblings were a delight, and I do hope I get to witness the rest of the gang to fall hopelessly and helplessly in love, as well.
The depth of the emotions, the love for a family, the care for the land, and most of all the precious, dreamy romance in a story that took me by surprise, captivated my mind and charmed my heart.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Milburn done an amazing job with this book and I can't wait for the next one!

Arden suffers from PTSD and crippling fear after returning home from being kidnapped by human traffickers. A nice man named Neil senses what she is experiencing and helps her when he is in the right at the right time. It isn't long before they begin to develop feelings for each other.

Neil, who is one of the nicest characters developed, is a gem of a character. Arden doesn't come across as real as Neil does. The trauma is not described in a fashion that let me as the reader understand what she experienced, although Arden shares a few details. The results of the trauma are more realistically described. Arden overcomes and they have an HEA ending.