This book started off really strong for me and then fell apart through the middle into the end. So much was happening and I didn't feel the authenticity of the situation with the boys. Cleo's history didn't feel all that bad to me for such scrutiny when the primary goal is to keep the kids together. And the way Kace stepped up and Judd still didn't make a move towards that rubbed me the wrong way too. Lavinia didn't get fully solved and Judd's coming around happened so late in the book it was too late for me. The bright spot that I really adored throughout the story was Judd seeing something in Beckham that reminded him so much of himself and the lessons he brought to Beckham. It was worthwhile and made me feel hopeful at his turn around on the situation.

The darkness that was the foster care system experienced by Judd and his brothers broke my heart...the darkness deep within himself was his own daily battle, but through the glimpses of his genuine heart Judd’s true nature was manifested. And with Cleo as his perfect counterpoint, their story was truly touching.

With strong secondary characters, a sensitive plot, and the perfect mixture of drama and romance, the story effortlessly engulfed my emotions. I know that Ms Fossen always provides superior stories and characters in which to loose myself in completely from the first page to the last...this story was no exception.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Cleo's best friend died before she could finish her will and leave her kids to Cleo. Problem is their alcoholic grandmother thinks she gets to raise them and, use the money from the state to buy alcohol and drugs!
childhood than Cleo and, refuses to foster them. Fortunately, his brother agrees to do it. The best thing about large familes is that there is always someone to be there to help these children. The bad thing is that Judd is petrified that his alcoholism will return with all the new stress and, Cleo knows that she can't foster them because, she has a record of one offense at the age of 18.
This story is all about chosen families and how they can sometimes be so much better than biological families!

I liked the plot, even though it seemed superficial. I especially liked the way the all the characters interacted for the benefit of the children. Judd definitely had issues from his past that he wanted to keep as roadblocks, but Cleo and his integrity of doing what's right for the kids kept him grounded. Romance was throughout the book, with some hot scenes. Nothing was a surprise in the story, just a nice comfortable read for a weekend.