This book was exactly what I was looking for after reading an overly sweet series. The overly sweet, full of fluff novels sometimes leave a bad taste in my mouth (hehe) and unsatisfied. I want characters who are a little broken, perhaps hurting or damaged or at least complex enough that I have something to attach to. It doesn't have to be full on ptsd, but maybe they've had let downs, a bad relationship, lost someone they loved. Why is this important? Because it makes the HEA much more satisfying. When characters are able to overcome those issues to be together, it makes me cheer. I love the characters in this book. Oliver is someone who has been abandoned, had a hard life, and he acts like it. He doesn't have the best coping mechanisms and needs time to think events through. Mac is in mourning and coming to terms with his sexuality. After reading so many novels that have gay bashing as a central conflict, this was refreshing. Mac doesn't freak out that he's attracted to men. He needs to readjust his thinking, but he doesn't have a crisis over it. There's some mention of being openly gay in a small town, but thankfully no bashing. These characters don't have to live in fear of getting beaten. The conflicts that are present are natural and unforced and more to do with events in their lives than a community of haters. This is a sweet novel, and there is fluff, especially with Mac towards the end, but it's not so overwhelming my eyes are in danger of permanent roll. This isn't a long or complicated novel. It's a fun, light read with a good buildup of sexual tension and satisfying HEA. This was a feel good story. Set high up in Maine life is slow and idyllic. Mack, the sheriff is deeply closeted. Maggie was Mack's best friend and recently found out that she had a brother, Oliver, out in Seattle. Before she can go and meet Oliver, Maggie dies of a heat attack brought on by an unknown medical condition. Mack brings Oliver to Hope Cove where Oliver gets to know his sister though he journals. He also falls for Mack but runs when he finds that he has the heart defect that killed Maggie. There is very little angst in the story which is perfect for me. There are three very interesting secondary characters worth noting, Declan a policeman, Haydn, Oliver's out and proud friend and Jeremy a lonely but brilliant young boy who becomes a friend to Oliver. Hopefully these three will be expanded on in the next book as they have so much potential. You will not find a lot of action in this story. The sex is abundant and sweet. What you will find is a comfortable story to relax into.
What do You think about Brokenhearted (2013)?
Sexual activity with an acting up heart condition?
—mErDzKy09
