Wild at Heart (Healing Harts, #4)

by T. J. Kline

[Lynn]

Bailey is the baby of the close-knit Hart family. She's feisty and independent...a rebel who dreams of making a career out of singing. She's a hot topic of conversation for the local gossips and wants to get away. Her mother took off to live her dream, leaving Bailey behind with her Father. Now Bailey wants to leave the same quiet town and chase a record contract with her band. But, lurking underneath her bravado is a young woman who is insecure. A talented singer. Bailey believes she's not as good as her cousins. And, will her cousins actually let her go?

Chase is the assistant sheriff and local hero. He was welcomed back after working in Oakland, but he only told his good friend Justin Hart the reason for his return. He's on the radar of many single women, but only has eyes for one woman. Only she's a Hart and off limits.

It is so easy for the reader to empathise with Bailey as she struggles to do what is best. She's torn between going to Los Angeles and staying in the small town where she helps her cousins. There is Chase too...the guy she's had a crush for what seems like forever. Only, cousin Justin is an overprotective ass and makes her feel guilty for wanting to branch out on her own. Chase will do whatever he can to make Bailey stay, knowing he'd never be able to act on his feelings despite her being the only woman to have his heart. He has to keep within boundaries to avoid provoking his friend Justin. He also knows he has to face his own demons if he wants to find true happiness for himself.

Ms Kline has woven a heartfelt story about two people drawn to each other, only to dismiss the idea of being together. It's easy to understand Chase and Bailey's connection to each other. They have an easy, fun way of communicating which makes the conclusion so much sweeter when they realise what they both want...each other.

Wild At Heart is a slow burn friend to lovers tale that can be read as a standalone novel. However, I heartily recommend reading other titles in the Healing Harts series.

4 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Avon Impulse via Edelweiss***