Now, I've not read the book where Chad was 'the bad guy' (TM), so I went into this book with no strong feelings about Chad. I saw a man who had made bad choices, who life had beaten down at every turn and he'd reacted badly to that beating, like a whipped dog biting the hand that feeds them. But a man who was try to put things right and questioning every action and reaction because of his past decisions. Jasper was a good guy but Chad, Chad just broke my damn heart, time and time again.
My favourite book of this series (although I did miss not having a visit to the summer fair!). Loved it.

Edit to add: Audio narration was excellent too. ( )

I was very curious to see how E. Davies could make me change my mind about Chad after making me dislike him so much in Shelter (from the first season of Hidden Creek). I loved how we got to see Chad from a more compassionate side, and we see him realizing that he wasn’t going down a good path and was trying to change his life around. Chad was made to work for his happiness, both from all the characters in Hidden Creek and from the readers. I liked how his past wasn’t glossed over. This wasn’t a “oh look, I want to write a book about him so like him now”. His flaws and past were spelled out and not ignored, and I found myself surprised at how much I was rooting for him to be accepted. He tried to make things better, and I loved that they gave him a chance for redemption. Jasper was a perfect fit for Chad. His lack of real past with Chad allowed him to go in with less of a filter, but he wasn’t blind to the past. It made him a wise and open hearted character. I loved them together.

Cora was once again so awesome. I just love her.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author ( )

Now, I've not read the book where Chad was 'the bad guy' (TM), so I went into this book with no strong feelings about Chad. I saw a man who had made bad choices, who life had beaten down at every turn and he'd reacted badly to that beating, like a whipped dog biting the hand that feeds them. But a man who was try to put things right and questioning every action and reaction because of his past decisions. Jasper was a good guy but Chad, Chad just broke my damn heart, time and time again.
My favourite book of this series (although I did miss not having a visit to the summer fair!). Loved it.

Edit to add: Audio narration was excellent too. ( )

Poor Chad. He made mistakes in the past, and now he's paying for them. He's working really hard to try and redeem himself, but it's hard when so many people of Hidden Creek don't really trust him. And it's hard for him to get out of his jerk-brain, the part of his brain that acts like a jerk to him and makes him have a hard time believing in himself.

Jasper is just a really sweet guy. He's just a good soul and just wants to make sure that everyone is happy. He's a just a good soul, really. And he wants to be a good soul who does dirty things with Chad.

I think that they make a good couple, and one that is pretty sweet. I like that they both have things to work on themselves and that helps them work through their relationship. ( )