This is a second-chance love story ten years in the making.
Ten years ago they met and shared an immediate connection. But Gavin Masterson was the oldest son of wealthy parents who happened to be the employer of Raven's mother and herself. So Raven was the help and considered off-limits. But Gavin was young and not afraid to push for what he wanted. He was handsome, charismatic, and caring. And Raven found it hard to resist his charms. And he liked how real and honest she was. They were young and falling for each other until Raven was forced to make a hard decision and they split broken-hearted. 

Ten years later, Gavin lives across the world and things have changed in their lives. But Gavin needs to come home to deal with some things.  And they are about to come face to face again.

There are unresolved feelings, past pain, hidden truths, and situations that need attention. Gavin is trying to figure out how to juggle all the parts of his life while coming to terms with the past that was never fully addressed. I truly felt his conflict and struggle. And Raven is doing what she feels she needs to and is unsure of how much of the past to keep secret or to reveal. So it is a confusing and challenging reunion. 

Raven and Gavin are from opposite sides of town. She works for his household and though Gavin is intrigued by Raven, his mother would never approve of him pursuing one of the help. They were doomed from the start, because young relationships don’t stay secret, but neither is prepared for facing the other in the present. Ten years later, and Gavin returns home unexpectedly. He never imagined he’d find Raven in his father’s house again, nor did she expect to find him home suddenly. Ten years later, and the heartache feels just as fresh, the secrets too close to the surface to allow them to ignore their pasts.

I loved seeing both the past and present between Raven and Gavin. Their past was a little on the predictable side, thanks to Gavin’s mother, but the way their past played out in the present was unexpected and sweet. Raven’s return to the Masterson employment added a heartwarming thread as well, and I loved the care she showed to Mr. M as well as what we learn about him throughout.

Their present was not as predictable and they had a lot of uncomfortable pieces to deal with as they confront not only their past but what is unfinished between them. It was quickly clear that the feelings each had been harboring for the last 10 years were not as finished as either would have anyone believe and facing each other again has brought it all to the surface.

I loved the arch of the side characters, particularly Raven’s best friend, Marni, and Gavin’s brother, Weldon. These two know secrets about Raven and Gavin’s past and though they protect what they know, they also use it to push Raven and Gavin in pivotal moments.

This is a second chance standalone with deep connections between the past and present. It is full of tension and drama, family expectations and illusions, and the real life implications of interference and preconceptions.