Crushing on Love (Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, #4)

by Melissa Foster

[Lynn]

Solitude on the mountain. That's just how Steve Johnson likes his life as he literally lives where he works. He's a ranger and wildlife consultant and prefers a quiet laid-back lifestyle away from hustle and bustle of a town. When Shannon Braden comes back to spends time researching foxes, he can no longer deny his attraction to her, only she lives on the East Coast and is only here a short time. He doesn't do casual relationships plus, she just doesn't stop talking and shatters his peace! 

Shannon enjoyed the time staying at her Uncle's ranch so much whilst doing research that she seizes an opportunity to come back to Colorado again. Her motives are personal because she wants to know if there's a real attraction between the gruff man who lives on the mountain or not. This time around she's staying in a cabin close to his to tempt fate. Knowing she's only here a short time, a short fling is just what she needs, only the big man on the mountain doesn't do 'casual' hook-ups. 

I admit to feeling a little bit nervous about how Steve 'Grizz' Johnson would handle a woman like Shannon 'Butterfly' Braden. I strongly relate to his personality traits and know that this woman with her effervescent personality would be a bit too overbearing for him to deal with sometimes. Of course, I needn't have worried because the author has a knack of bringing together couples that don't instantly seem like a good fit. Easy banter flies effortlessly between the pair and it's adorable. Both are clearly attracted to each other, but both are on different pages when it comes to whether to act on their sizzling chemistry or not. Their mutual love of wildlife is their common bond and when Steve wants to protect a piece of land from becoming developed, Shannon uses her skills to show Steve how to make his wishes come true. A gesture which lays tentative foundations for a future together.

Compromise. This couple had it by the bucket load, but it took a time to get to the place they needed to be on the relationship front. Their ability to meet each other half way is palpable, as they get to know and understand each other's personal needs and adapt themselves accordingly. Steve is passionate, yet reserved. Shannon's need for personal company and be near to her personal creature comforts. It's important to her, but she realises she can have both. 

One of the biggest pulls for me with Melissa Foster's books is the strong sense of family and/or community within the beautiful stories she writes. The secondary characters never dominate, but always enhance an enticing plot. Crushed On Love is a very sexy read with fabulous dialogue exchange against a backdrop of the Colorado mountains.

Another first-class book finished and enjoyed. 

***arc generously received courtesy of World Literary Press via Tasty Book Tours***