THE PATRON by Tess Thompson

 

She’s afraid to take risks. He’s an incurable daredevil. When tragedy throws them together, will it spark a lasting devotion?

Crystal Whalen isn’t sure why she should go on. Two years after her husband’s death on a ski trip, she’s devastated when a fire destroys her quiet Colorado mountain home. And when she can’t keep her hands off the gorgeous divorcé who’s become her new temporary housemate, it only feeds her grief and growing guilt.

Garth Welte won’t be burned again. After his ex-wife took most of his money, the downhill-skiing Olympic medalist is determined to keep things casual with the sexy woman he can’t resist. But the more time they spend with each other, the harder it is to deny his burgeoning feelings.

As Crystal’s longing for the rugged man’s embrace grows, she worries that his dangerous lifestyle will steal him away. And although Garth believes she’s his perfect girl, the specter of betrayal keeps a tight grip on his heart.

Will the thrill-seeker and the wary woman succumb to the power of love?

The Patron of Emerson Pass is the emotional second book in the Emerson Pass Contemporaries small-town romance series. If you like lyrical prose, unexpected chances at happiness, and uplifting stories, then you’ll adore Tess Thompson’s sweet tale.

MY THOUGHTS: 

Another great Emerson Pass book by Tess Thompson.

I actually devoured this one. It started out strong and kept on going. The chemistry between the two characters in this book was so good. So real. You feel both of their fears. Fear of rejection and fear of loss. In Emerson Pass love seems to always prevail though.

Crystal and Garth were just neighbors. Until they weren't. Until the fire. Sparks started to fly in more ways than one between these two. They are both sort of broken from being hurt and yes burned. Not physically burned but emotionally. Crystal is trying to get over the loss of her husband and her unborn child. She blames herself and doesn't think she deserves to move on. Garth was hurt by his first wife and is afraid of being hurt again. Though he is finally willing to jump back in with Crystal and wants them to be together in every way. He fell in love. She's still afraid.

Two accidents bring these two back to reality in every way. People from their pasts seem to give them the strength to move forward and have the life they both deserve. The happiness and love they both want and need. Secrets are revealed in this book also. I do admit to figuring out rather quickly the secret Crystal's mother kept for years. But still it was great to find out for sure. 

I think there will be at least two more love stories from the characters in this book. Also the birth of a new baby. Brandi and Trapper are expecting and Brandi is on bed rest. There will be happiness there I know.

The letters at the end of this book took me back to other books by Tess Thompson that were wonderful. The recipes sound delish and I will be trying a few of them. This book was such a relaxing read for me. I usually read thrillers so this was truly a breath of fresh air. 

Set in Emerson Pass, Colorado, it has such beautiful scenery. Written in a way that makes you feel it. Then the accidents of course. You feel that ice and the slide. The crunch of metal. The cold. It's written in a way that you feel everything. 

Thank you to #NetGalley, #TessThompson, #Independentlypublished for this ARC. This is my own true feelings about this book.

A big 5/5 stars and high recommend. If you like romance that is not to mushy this is the book for you. I loved it!