I have read quite a few of Powell’s books and thoroughly enjoyed them, but this is not one of her best. I didn’t feel there was enough explanation as to what the problem was between Kirsten and Bennett all those years ago. Why was Kirsten so scarred? Also, I didn’t quite feel the connection between the two leads. Having said that the book was full of wonderful supporting characters, and did make for a worthwhile read.
I was given an advance review copy via NetGallery in return for an honest opinion.

Reading of this book has been quite entertaining, the plot and the characters are interesting, the story is well developed and well-paced. Perhaps my only complaint is that the issue that both main characters had seventeen years ago has not been well explained and goes over and over along the story. Kerstin's insecurities and fears in some crucial moments has been a little bit annoying also. Poor Bennett is really getting so many mixed signals from Kerstin all the time. But the book has more positive than negative things, so it's worth reading.

This was a pretty ok book up until just over half way. Then it became an awesome book! Whew, some hot action and some really well thought out words on LOVE v sexual desire. Powerful and absorbing I just loved this book!

VK Powell is one of those authors that I really enjoy because her writing is simply good.  Her stories are gripping and I find myself diving in and getting lost in the lives of all the characters.  I enjoy a good romance with a little angst.  Complexity between the main characters is the chemistry that helps keep the pages turning for a solid romance.   This was a solid read.  I look forward to reading more from this author.  I highly recommend.

This novel remained narratively consistent with earlier works by Ms. Powell, with the additional benefit of the architect/law enforcement subplot which does not arise often and proved to be more dynamic than I anticipated.  However, the romance was subpar, the characters (specifically, Kerstin) were lackluster and I was left wanting more fire/action from the tale, despite the youthful involvement between the women.

Relationships are complex because people are complex. Bennett Carlyle is not the person she was and feels good about the person she has become but once in awhile her confidence wanes. Kerstin Anthony is in her own words, hot and cold and has trust issues. The yes, no, maybe was too much at times as they attempted to work through their relationship hang ups. But you know what, in my opinion, this is real life relationship stuff which like life can be unforgiving as well as unpredictable.

Bennet Carlyle and Kerstin Anthony haven't seen each other in nearly 20 years, not since they kissed as teenagers before being ripped apart. Now an architectural project brings Kerstin back to Greenboro to redesign Bennet's new police station. Old hurts and old feelings are brought back to the surface as they work together on this new project and the chemistry between them is stronger than ever. 

I didn't love either of the main characters and I didn't personally connect with either of them. But that's just me personally. Especially Kerstin, I had a really hard time understanding her because she was so different than myself. But you know what, she was real and she was unique and she was strong and fascinating, and I'm glad the author told her story. I may not understand her, but I'm sure there are other who do undertand her and feel her struggle. Many thanks to the author for adding some realness and variety to the happy go lucky world of romance. I did really love the other Carlyle sisters and I would love to read their stories in the future! *Hint* Hint*

I felt like a lot of the initial pacing in the story didn't feel very realistic. It was always a -lets meet for two minutes and pick this up five days later - in an attempt to draw out the resolution between the two characters. It didn't feel very realistic that older, mature, professionals would do something like that, no matter their feelings. I started to almost role my eyes every time they were slowed down again by the exact same thing. I felt like the slow burn could have been done in a slightly different way. The second half of the book was great though! The pacing was good, the secondary characters were amazing and helped create a rich and warm story, the family drama and work drama all came together and kept me hooked until the end. And gosh I love love love angsty angsty romance!

I can't believe that this is my first V.K. Powell! I look forward to delving into her other books, because the writing is definitely superb. 

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

An honest review thanks to NetGalley.  I have read Powell before, but I think this is my favorite out of her books.  I just got the connection between the two main characters, their backstories were well told, though it would have been nice to have a little more shown to us about backstories.  The secondary characters, especially Bennett's sisters, were amazing and really made the book even more.  This is a great romance book that will not let you down!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36524124-captain-s-choice

This was immersing and interesting. I enjoyed the large family, some police work and some architectural work. However we never got into any of it in detail and frankly it was hard to believe that Kersten was as good as made out to be. I mean come on who doesn't go through another project manager's now before meeting a client?

Little things like that took down a star for me, otherwise the angst and history between them was engaging. Oh and the ending was nicely done and Kersten redeemed some of her professionalism for me.

Bennett and Kirsten were reunited, in a work related situation, after a 17 year absence from each other’s  lives. Both teenagers suffered from a misunderstanding that continued to wreck havoc on their now  adult lives. As expected, the  emotions of both women were seesawing throughout the story as they tried to navigate both a working relationship and an attempt of a more personal one. 
     All the characters were intriguing and complex. The secondary characters added another layer of depth to this great storyline. The interactions, whether at the police station, Bennett’s home, at the hospital, or New York City, were fast moving and engaging. 
    I especially  liked the family dynamics of this story, including how they made a difference in the life of a foster child.The family members were always there for each other; their bantering added to lighten up some tense aspects of the story.

3 1/2 Stars. This is an angst filled romance. I can find romances hit or miss when they are filled with angst. I quickly realized that was the kind of book this was going to be, I accepted it, and then I found myself enjoying the story more. Overall, I ended up liking this more than I expected.

Bennett has just been promoted to police captain. Her new job comes with overseeing the building of a new substation. Bennett just really wants to be with her officers, not an architect. When she takes the first meeting with the architect, she is shocked to see her old high school girlfriend Kerstin. How can she work together with one of her first loves she never really got over? And what will happen if her old feelings are still present?

I thought most of the characters in this book were really good. I loved Bennett and her whole Carlyle family. In fact, I think Powell could easily make this into a series starring the other Carlyle sisters. Although, I do have to admit I had a little trouble with the other main Kerstin. She is not the most likeable character, she absolutely has flaws. But I don’t want to read about perfect people all the time and she grew on me more as the book went on.

What I thought Powell did well was the chemistry and sexual tension. Even though at times I thought Bennett could do better than Kerstin, I still got their connection. The sex scenes were also pretty steamy. However, one of the sex scenes is different than you would expect. It really showed a deeper understanding into one of the characters. I applaud Powell for taking a little bit of a risk. It made me a little uncomfortable, and I like books that can poke at me a bit.

If you are not a fan of angst, this book is probably not for you. If you enjoy a good angsty romance, give this book a chance. I really hope Powell will consider turning this into a series. I would love to read about Ben’s other sisters, either the doctor or police officer. Either way I look forward to what Powell is going to write next.