When it comes to matters of the heart, Lucian Rollins knows a thing or two about being alone. He's built an empire, not just of wealth and power, but of walls and defenses. Walls that keep people out, especially when it comes to intimacy and vulnerability. His father's legacy haunts him, and with it, a dark secret from the past that's kept him from truly connecting with others. For Lucian, relationships are a threat, a vulnerability he just can't seem to overcome.
Sloane Walton, on the other hand, is a force to be reckoned with. A small-town librarian with a heart of gold and a determination to carry on her father's quest for justice, no matter the cost. Her dislike for Lucian stems from a deep-seated anger and a distrust that's hard to shake. But when these two collide, sparks fly. Their initial encounter is nothing short of explosive, with bickering giving way to a steamy one-night stand. Yet, as they try to navigate their feelings, they realize that their differences are more than just skin-deep.
As the stakes grow higher, Lucian's past comes back to haunt him, and he's forced to confront the very same fears that have kept him isolated for so long. He's convinced that broken men break women, and he's determined to protect Sloane from the very things that hurt her. But will he learn to trust her, or will he continue down the path of solitude? With Sloane ready to start a family, Lucian is faced with a difficult decision: will he sacrifice his independence for a chance at love, or will he continue to play by his own rules?
As I reflect on this story, I'm reminded of a moment when I felt like I was trapped behind walls of my own making. I'd built a life, a career, and relationships that seemed to work, but beneath the surface, I was still hurt and vulnerable. The main character, Lucian, is a master of creating walls around himself - walls that keep people at bay, especially when it comes to intimacy and true connection. His past haunts him, and with it, a dark secret that's left him with a deep-seated fear of being hurt again.
As I read about Lucian and Sloane, I couldn't help but feel a sense of tension between them. Sloane is a breath of fresh air, a woman who's not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in. Her dislike for Lucian initially stems from a deep-seated anger, but as they navigate their feelings, they realize that their differences are more than just skin-deep. The way they clash and spark is undeniable, and their one-night stand is nothing short of electrifying. Yet, as they try to get to know each other, they're forced to confront the very fears that have kept Lucian isolated for so long.
As the story unfolds, Lucian's past comes back to haunt him, and he's forced to confront the limitations of his own heart. He's convinced that broken men break women, and yet, he's determined to protect Sloane from the very things that hurt her. But as I watched him grapple with his emotions, I couldn't help but wonder if he'd ever learn to let go of his defenses and trust the people around him. Will he sacrifice his independence for a chance at love, or will he continue to play by his own rules? The question lingers, leaving me to ponder the very same doubts that have haunted Lucian throughout his journey.
Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
This book is a gripping tale of two people, Lucian and Sloane, who collide in a way that ignites sparks. Their initial encounter is explosive, with a mix of anger and attraction that leaves readers eager to see what will happen next. As they navigate their feelings, they must confront the dark secrets of their past and the fears that have kept them isolated. The story is reminiscent of a moment when I felt trapped behind my own walls, and it made me reflect on the importance of vulnerability and trust.