Waylaid: A True North Novel

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 I've been waiting for Daphne and Rickie's story for a long time and this did not disappoint at all! This book starts off a little after Dylan's book, Heartland ends. It's the summer and Rickie is staying with the Shipley's and working at their farm. Daphne is in the midst of moving back to Vermont after transferring from Harkness College to Moo U. Things between her and Rickie are pretty icy. They're both holding onto secrets that influence every one of their interactions. Rickie and Daphne met for the first time almost three years ago. They spent more than six hours together and make plans to hang out again. But Rickie ends up ghosting Daphne and when they meet again years later, he acts like he doesn't remember anything from their time together. So, Daphne keeps her distance and avoids Rickie. But what she doesn't know is that Rickie truly doesn't remember it. He lost almost an entire year's worth of memory and since then he's been doing everything he can to remember. Since the day he forgot, he's had PTSD, that doesn't correlate with what he's been told happened that night. And because he forgot everything about that year, he doesn't even remember the people who can provide him with answers. So, as Rickie tries to remember his past, while trying to start a future with Daphne, she's running from not just her past, but also her present so she can have the possibility of the future she's always dreamt of. She hides the truth behind her transfer to Moo U, and pretends that everything is fine, and goes about her life. When she finds out that Rickie truly doesn't remember, she thaws towards him, and together they begin to heal from their respective secrets and work to find a way forward. But then both their pasts come together in a way that neither of them expects and they find out that the only way through is together. Rickie and Daphne's story was truly worth the wait. It was heartbreaking and painful at times, but through all that they went through, they managed to find joy with each other too. Daphne's headstrong and needs to maintain control through everything in life. But Rickie makes her loosen up and live in the moment. And in turn Daphne steadies Rickie when he's been feeling adrift since his accident. Even with all their struggles, Bowen manages to keep this book light-hearted and fun. And that's what I love about her books! This one in particular was absolutely wonderful, with a really great romance, and friendship and all the Shipley goodness that we can find in a True North book! While it's not necessary to have read the previous books, it'll definitely enhance your enjoyment of this book. I'd recommend this if you're looking for a well written romance that doesn't shy away from the dark moments, but leaves you feeling happy and satisfied! :)

Wow! That's all I had for a while after reading this. This is exciting, heartbreaking, touching, emotional, and so sexy, I couldn't put this down. Daphne and Rickie don't have an easy time but the chemistry and connection they share can't be denied.

4.5* I would read about the Shipley family and their friends forever, if Ms. Bowen was so inclined to keep writing about them! 8 books in and I love how every story in the True North series has been unique, no two couples going through, or dealing with, the same issues. And that continues with Daphne and Rickie's story, probably the most interesting and complex one of the series! I was so happy to finally read Daphne's story, she's been a bit of a prickly character in the background and I was anxious to get to know her better. Waylaid was more than I expected and surprised me in the best ways. And that's mostly thanks to Rickie, oh how I loved him! He's too charming for his own good, but also incredibly sweet, fun, and I adored how he was with Daphne. These two were so entertaining and wonderful together- the witty banter, the chemistry, the give and take. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Rickie's head injury. Wow, that seems really odd to say, reading it back! Who gets enjoyment out of an injury?!? But there it is... Things didn't seem to sit right, when it came to his memory loss and I felt so bad for him as he tried so hard to remember what happened that night. Especially as he and Daphne became closer and he realized there was more to their history than just a car ride. I wasn't expecting everything to come full circle the way it did, Ms. Bowen did a great job with that part of the storyline, keeping me on my toes. Fun, flirty, with a whole lot of heart, Waylaid is a terrific addition to the True North series! I hope there's more to come, I'll never get enough of the Shipleys! I need that pill that will transport me to a fictional world.