Ty Porter is the guy Celia Park has crushed on since he was so kind to her in high school. They were friends then, but years later a whirlwind trip to Vegas created sparks. Next thing she knew, they were spontaneously standing at the alter in a pink Las Vegas wedding chapel. Celia couldn't believe she was in the arms of the man of her dreams. The morning after, however, her world came crashing down. Ty wasn't the man she thought he was...and he crushed her.
Five years later, Celia is struggling to make ends meet and provide for her daughter. Ty is a rodeo super-star, and Celia could care less. Her heart is hardened towards him and would happy to never see him again, although they're still connected in so many ways. When Ty enters into her life unexpectedly, it turns both of their worlds upside down.
Becky Wade creates the best male characters. Ty oozes masculinity. He's a bull rider, oh so confident, and has the physical appearance to match it all. Basically irresistible. But he's not perfect, by any means. He is flawed, especially when it comes to relating to Celia. She put her heart in his hands, and he trampled on it. So it's easy to understand why Celia would be so angry and hurt by him. And why she would keep the fact that she has a child a secret from him. Ty doesn't disappear this time, though. His reappearance into Celia's life is the very thing that God uses to break down the walls around both of their hearts.
This book was a joy to read. The thing that stands out to me the most is the witty banter that was present throughout the book between Ty and Celia. I caught myself smiling and even laughing out loud a few times. The sparks between them just fly off the page.
Ty is the kind of male character that you're drawn to. We all know that kind of guy...the one that can turn on the charm and have this magnetism that draws you in. Even if he's fictional, we can all think of someone in real life who is like that. The fact that he's SO confident and flirty just makes him even more irresistible. Celia is also a girl that all of us can relate to. She's trying to make ends meet, she wants to be a good mom, but has put her child on a pedestal. She'll do anything for her daughter and loves her more than anything else. Celia also struggles with unforgiveness. She is so hurt by Ty that the only love she trusts is the love she has for her daughter. Definitely relatable! I also appreciated the spiritual journey that both Ty and Celia had to go through. Everything wasn't all patched up when they looked deep in each other's eyes....God had to almost break them...physically and emotionally...to help them see the sin in their lives and turn to Him. The author notes at the end of this book that the theme is forgiveness. This theme is presented so clearly. And haven't we all struggled with forgiveness at some point in our lives? I know I have.
The romance in this story was pulse-quickening and sweet, but the way Ty and Celia were drawn back into the arms of God was the best part of this love story.
*I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House publishers to give an unbiased review*
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