The Road to Rose Bend

Sweet story of friends to marriage of convenience to HEA Sydney and Cole have a long, intertwined history going far back into both their childhoods. He married his high school sweetheart, who later died in childbirth. She left their hometown behind and married Daniel, only to get divorced when she felt that her husband was the reason why she never developed drive to push for her career dreams. A one-night-stand with the ex-husband leaves her pregnant yet determined to make a life for herself, by herself, so she heads back to her hometown to start over. Losing his wife and child has left Cole deeply scarred and he honestly can't handle his attraction to a pregnant Sydney, nor is he ever again going to risk the kind of pain and heartbreak that love can lead to. Still, he can't seem to stay away, and when Sydney needs someone in her corner when her ex sues for custody of their as-yet-unborn child, Cole proposes the perfect solution - as long as they both understand that it's just friendship, with absolutely no possibility of romance. As this is a romance with a very satisfying HEA, these are famous last words, indeed. I love the chemistry that Sydney and Cole share, and she was so sweet and gentle with his heart while he tried to figure out what to do with all the unwelcome feelings. I was a left a little unsatisfied by her reasons for leaving her husband in the first place, as she seemed angry that he moved on with a woman who had the kind of career success she'd convinced herself she couldn't have while with Daniel. However, since the story is about her romance with her best friend's brother, we can forget the past with Daniel as easily as she does and wish her all the best in her future with Cole. Lots of wonderful secondary characters set in a charming small town gave this story depth with a nostalgic appeal. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Simone still has a few surprises up her sleeves. For many years I've known her as the author of scintillating love stories that could set bookshelves on fire. The Road to Rose Bend proves to be so much more. Coltrane and Sydney play the heart like a fine tuned violin. The strings play a heartbreaking melody of love lost, emotions challenged and souls learning to heal. Simone exposes a pain that turns a beautiful rawness into an uplifting symphony of courage. The Road to Rose Bend is a heartache to remember.

All I have to say is prepare yourself for an angsty, dramatic, heart tugging, roller coaster ride of raw emotions and feels as this incredible read. I really liked Cole and Sydney and found them very easy to relate to. Their chemistry, attraction and emotional turmoil was intense and tangible as the story unfolds. I'll be honest here and admit that I felt so much in regards to this couple. I think it's really hard not to considering the baggage and emotional wounds they carry. I loved it and look forward to a return trip to Rose Bend just as soon as possible. This is my frank, freely posted review.