A Beautiful Taste

by Lilliana Anderson

[Lynn]

Dakota Morgan is both head-strong and naïve as a thirteen year old girl. She has a crush on Brad Rae, an older boy who's enrolled in the Summer kayaking programme run by her parents. She knows he's interested in her too, but left feeling humiliated when he confronts her for being three years younger than himself. Over time, her love for Brad only get stronger and just when they reach a point they can finally act on their mutual attraction, everything they hoped and dreamed for is destroyed.

Thanks to his Aunt Sara, Brad's future prospects don't look quite as hopeless as they could have been. He may have dropped out of school, but he's working in a restaurant to train as a chef. He works during the evenings, so spends his days hanging out with other kids on the Summer programme he's attending. Brad can't believe that the girl that has caught his eye is three years younger than himself. Even worse when he's asked by her father to keep an eye on her so other hormonal teenagers in the group don't hit on her. He wants to move on, but the feelings for Dakota just wont go away, so he settles with a friendship. Just when there relationship is moving forward, and incident beyond his control changes everything.

This is such a heartwarming story and was immediately drawn to the protagonists and into the plot where we hope that love conquers all. You will root for Brad and Dakota to find a way back to each other and, will them to overcome both the physical and mental pain stemming from that fateful night seven years ago. Whilst it is easy to understand the anguish and resulting consequences Dakota has faced and is now living with. We are reminded that Brad also has to come to terms with what happened in order to move on. The author has done a wonderful job of dealing with a sensitive incident in a compassionate way, translated via the actions of the main characters. Dakota is living each day the best she can, but is suffocated by her overprotective parents. Brad is protective, caring and compassionate way beyond his young age. He's willing to do whatever it takes to finally be with the woman he loves.

I'm familiar with and like the author's writing style but unfamiliar with The Beautiful Series. I read “A Beautiful Taste” as standalone novel, but plan to catch-up with the rest of the series as soon as I can.

4½ Stars

***arc generously received from the author in exchange for an honest review***