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Review

4.5 stars!

The third book in the Camp Bexley series, this is the story of troubled, mostly absent brother, Benson. It’s an emotional and sexy romance with beautifully written character development, and I loved it!

Benson Bexley’s world fell apart when his twin brother died when they were both 15. It triggered a lot of change for his family, and for him personally, and as soon as he graduated high school, he packed up and took off travelling, desperate to put his past and all of his emotions, behind him. He has spent ten years aimlessly wandering, not making any connections, and only staying in sporadic contact with his family. Until his younger brother’s accident has him returning home and facing his family and his past for the first time in a decade.

Brooklyn went to high school with Benson, and she runs into again him when he signs up for a mixed media art class that she is running. He has no recollection of who she is and the special connection that they forged during their senior year, and he has no idea that he broke her heart. So when he hits on her, she instantly dismisses him, still hurt by his actions before he left town, and wanting nothing to do with the cold, cocky player.

It’s a great set-up, and once the art lessons start, we get to see Benson in his element – confident, smooth and flirtatious, with a no-fucks-given attitude. His persistent pursuit of his ‘teacher’ is so entertaining, and Brooklyn decides to use the opportunity to get some revenge on the boy who broke her heart, knowing that it’s only a matter of time before he ups and leaves town again.

But Brooklyn’s class is not just about art, it’s about exploring yourself – your past, your present, your fears and inspirations, who you are and who you want to be. It’s the last thing that Benson expected, and it’s everything that he never knew he needed.

“I’ve never met anyone like you. Someone who sees the simplicity in the most complicated things. Someone who challenges me to work harder and dig deeper than I ever cared to before … Someone who, for the first time in a long time, inspires me.”

This book surprised me. I thought it was going one way, but it went somewhere completely different, and I was effortlessly caught up in the ride. Brooklyn’s art lessons have Benson digging deep, and he has some pretty huge revelations which have him assessing his life, his family, and the crippling pain and unnecessary guilt that have plagued him for so long. It’s quite deep, and he learns so much, and I loved watching him come to understand and accept it all.

“Watching you and feeling that tug to ride again made me realize how detached I’ve been these last ten years. I mean, I guess that was the point of my travels – to become detached – but what was the point in it all if I only continued to hurt the people who cared about me most?”

And Brooklyn is right there with him on the journey. Firstly as an adversary pushing him to explore his feelings, then as a friend, and when the tension between them becomes unbearable, as a lover. The chemistry between these two is absolutely electric, and the sex is steamy and passionate, and there’s plenty of it! This book is so, so sexy, and all of that intimacy shows us the growing connection between Benson and Brooklyn as their relationship shifts and changes and they come to mean so much to each other.

“You’re optimistic and talented and so damn beautiful.” His eyes dip to my lips before resting back on my eyes. “I mean that, you know. More than I’ve ever meant it in my life. You’re beautiful. Inside, outside, and all the spaces in between.”

I felt so much for these two! They’re both dealing with things in their personal lives, and though they become each other’s refuge and support, they still have a lot to work out together. It’s a beautiful relationship, and though there is some drama, they handle is sensibly and maturely, and I loved watching them work through everything and find their HEA.

“My weakness is you, Brooklyn Kennedy.” He reaches out and takes my hand then pulls me closer. “You’re also my strength, my light, my balance, my focus. You’re the contrast I never knew I needed. You make me want to stand still. Right here with you.”

It’s beautifully romantic with lots of feels, and I was completely swept up in Benson and Brooklyn’s story. Along the way, we get to see all of Benson’s brothers, and there is a nice lead in to Cayson’s book coming up next.

I loved this book. It was so much more than I was expecting it to be, and I loved the journey.

4.5 stars

A Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

Camp Bexley