Review: Perfect Embrace by Kaylee Ryan (Mason Creek #8)


Note: An advanced reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author.

Perfect Embrace is my first read in the multi-authored Mason Creek small-town romance series, but it's certainly not my first read from bestselling author Kaylee Ryan. If the first seven books are anything like this one, I'm guessing that they can all be read as standalones. Yes, they share one setting, and yes, there are recurring characters, but while my curiosity was piqued with regards to the stories of certain couples who show up in this new book, I never felt as if I was missing vital information to have total enjoyment.

This eighth Mason Creek book features a single father still grieving the loss of his beloved wife and a bookstore owner who unexpectedly becomes the one person he and his twin daughters need in their lives. The former is Grayson Davis, thirty and Mason Creek's very own fire chief; the latter is Laken Abbott, twenty-eight and owner of One More Chapter. He lost his wife, Holly, three years prior and he takes care of their four-year-old twins, Hayden and Harlow, with the help of his parents and in-laws. She's had a crush on him since high school, but could anything blossom between now that he's finally noticed her?

This was a surprisingly lighthearted read, albeit with a sprinkling of angst. I enjoyed seeing Grayson and Laken's relationship develop from nothing more than near strangers to friends and then much more. I empathized with Grayson's feelings of guilt, and I understood the grief he was going through, where sometimes he was okay, and other times, the loss still knocked him over. I think that Laken coming into his life, and in turn, that of his girls, was a turning point, and her love and patience went above and beyond. I was moved by this story of beautiful love, grief, and family, to the point that I plan on checking out both upcoming AND past Mason Creek books. 4.5 stars for Perfect Embrace!

Release Date: 15 July 2021

Date Read: 12 July 2021

Learn more about Kaylee Ryan.

Pre-order Perfect Embrace on Amazon.

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