In the Moment

Cassie Edwards has finally found a home. She has purchased the 1870s Victorian mansion that once belonged to the only foster mother she felt cared about her, and she is  determined to restore the building to its former glory. Even she has to admit, there is a lot more than one person can handle, so when Rayne Tucket stops by one day and offers to mow her lawn, she hires him to do some of the heavier lifting. Rayne is on his way to fulfill a promise he made to a friend. Carrying many burdens from his time as a photojournalist in Afghanistan, Rayne never expected to find any semblance of peace while helping Cassie fix up her house. Will renovating the house help Cassie make a home, but also help Rayne heal? 

A contemporary romance dealing with hurt and healing, “In the Moment” is a sweet story that gives voice to the pain one feels in the face of loss. Cassie has a hard background that is not fully explored, but her attitude and knowledge lends itself to helping Rayne heal. Rayne deals with trauma over an incident in Afghanistan. His feelings are the focus of the story, as the romance mostly feeds it with plenty of smoldering scenes between the leads. However, the conflict is minor, the plot is predictable and basic, and the villain has no depth. Still, readers will find the story is emotional and steamy enough to stay enchanted.

Sarah E Bradley