Love Me If You Dare (Coral Cove, #2) (Safe Haven, #2)

by Toni Blake

[Lynn]

This is a heartwarming story about new beginnings. It is about breaking down existing barriers and making yourself open to new ideas and feelings. Realising that change is something positive to embrace even if it means sacrificing the life you have carefully constructed.

Reece is a laid back kinda guy. He has a very good life in the small community of Coral Cove where he has lived all of his life. He likes things just the way they are, so has declined many offers to sell his small motel business to developers over time. This time though, the one dangling money in front of his eyes is a woman. Can he resist his urges and avoid this “problem” from the property development world?

Camille has her life just as she likes it - that is, her work is her life and family. Leaving Michigan after graduating college, she headed for a new life in Atlanta and never looked back. She earns a fabulous salary as a negotiator and owns a nice townhouse. She has everything she never had growing up in rural Michigan – money and financial security. After arriving in the small town of Coral Cove, the owner of her next property transaction isn't quite what she expected. He's laid back, scruffy, incredibly stubborn and oh so sexy! Maybe she has to turn on her charm and seduce an agreement out of him?

I love how the author set up the scenes to make us, the readers “see” Coral Cove. Not only does she bring the small town to life, the characters come alive too. You can really feel the push and pull between Reece and Camille as they both try and deny to themselves and each other the undeniable chemistry between them. All of this is accompanied by an interesting array of supporting characters including a pet “dinosaur” called Fifi and a stray cat called “Tiger Lily!” Each have their very individual part to play as the story unfolds and everyone blends well to compliment one another beautifully. Our protagonists' journey to find happiness with each other has its ups and downs, however the author makes the readers understand why things are as they are, so they see the full picture to explain the consequences of their actions.

This is the first book I have read by Toni Blake and look forward to reading more from her in the future. I'd especially love to see Tamra find someone to love and cherish in Coral Cove as her character really struck a chord with me. And maybe Fletcher too.

4½ Stars

***arc received courtesy of the publisher***