I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Until You Loved Me by Brenda Novak Series: Silver Springs #3
Published by Mira Books on July 25th 2017
Genres: Contemporary
Goodreads
FINAL DECISION: My favorite book in the series. This unexpected pregnancy story moves in a direction I did not expect and I really enjoyed the quiet and personal relationship that develops between Ellie and Hudson.
THE STORY: After the betrayal by her fiance, Ellie Fisher tosses off her normal staid scientific personality and has a one night stand with a stranger. Finding herself pregnant, Ellie finds out that the stranger is actually a famous quarterback, Hudson King. Hudson, scarred by his abandonment as an infant and his time in foster care, at first believes that Ellie planned to “catch” him. But the reality of their baby drives him to want to be a part of his child’s life. The two agree to live together in Silver Springs until after the baby’s birth. As these two get to know one another, they find the passion that immediately flared between them reigniting.
OPINION: I really enjoyed this book. The story didn’t go in the fashion I expected and I enjoy being surprised by the direction a story goes in. Ellie and Hudson have a personal and emotional journey and I liked the slow buildup to their happy ending.
I have become a fan of these small town romance series. Although this book has characters who both come from the big city, there is something quiet and intimate about their relationship as it takes place in Silver Springs. The best part of this book is the day to day living where Ellie and Hudson work out and work through their relationship.
Ellie is a woman who has been concerned primarily with her work. The betrayal by her fiance tosses her into Hudson’s arms. The two have a connection that goes beyond sexual but both turn away after that first night. The unexpected pregnancy brings them back together in difficult circumstances. Ellie’s inherent decency causes her to tell Hudson of her pregnancy. I liked that because when she discovers who Hudson is some of the details made me think that Hudson would discover the pregnancy in another manner. I was impressed that the story didn’t go for the over-dramatic plot device but rather the personal work that has to be done between these characters.
Can I say that Hudson is adorable? He is a man who is struggling as this book goes on. Not only do we have the unexpected pregnancy but also Hudson’s attempts to discover his origins. There are both interesting parallels and interesting differences between Hudson’s past and the present. Those issues are subtexts to the story which give it depth and meaning, but don’t distract from the central story of Ellie and Hudson. (I also love a man who cares for a sick woman). Hudson’s commitment phobia is completely understandable considering his past. I loved how he works through his issues and demonstrates what a decent and caring and kind man he is.
The plot in the story about Hudson’s past brought some drama to the book that really takes place on the ground of two people living together and learning about one another and building a relationship.
This is the best of the series so far.
WORTH MENTIONING: I wish we had seen more of the characters from the first two books in the series.
CONNECTED BOOKS: UNTIL YOU LOVED ME is the third book in the Silver Springs series. It can be read as a standalone because the books are only loosely connected by the location and the hero’s connection with the New Horizons Boys Ranch.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a review or write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.