The Promise of Rayne by Nicole Deese {Review}

The Promise of Rayne by Nicole Deese

Paperback, 325 pages

Published November 1st 2016 by Waterfall Press

Rayne Shelby has spent her entire life trying to earn the approval of her high-powered family, with the hope of one day managing her late grandfather’s prestigious Idaho lodge. But when she makes a mistake that puts her future in jeopardy, she faces an impossible choice: defy her family or deny her dream. The only way to fix the mess she’s created is to enlist the help of her neighbor, Levi, the apprentice of her family’s greatest enemy. And if Rayne gets caught crossing the divided property lines, the consequences will be irreparable.

Levi Harding has never forgotten the August night he shared with Rayne when they were teens—or the way she later rejected him. Despite his warring instincts, he can’t ignore her plea for help or the spark that’s ignited between them. But now, as wildfires bear down on their town and family secrets are revealed, their newfound alliance might just go up in smoke.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My Review: 5 Stars

Rayne is from a very powerful, controlling, and influential family. Years ago, there was a falling out with a close neighbor and family friend and now everyone on that property is an enemy, including hard-working Levi. 

My husband and I grew up pretty close to one another and I can't image life if our families were enemies. This story is kind of like a modern day Romeo and Juliet, with a few twists. Neither family would be happy to find Rayne and Levi consorting around town together, whether publicly or privately, as it's strictly forbidden, yet there's something there that continuously draws these two together. I could feel the nervous hesitation on Rayne's part, as they cautiously forge a friendship. Levi's mild frustration is evident in their encounters, on many levels, as he struggles to find a balance that keeps everyone around him happy.

The moments of trust, doubt, deceit, angst, and love are woven throughout in a masterfully brilliant way. The reader is emotionally engaged with these characters and their situations to the point of feeling like a secondary character in the book. I found myself wanting to tell a few people off, as well as swooning over some sweet and stolen moments, multiple times. Watching the sparks fly between these two almost started a wildfire of my own in my heart. 

Things come to a head as this town bands together to help those affected by a raging wildfire. Eyes are opened with the smoky air; hearts are stained with the sooty ash; and true feelings are recognized with the threat of danger. I loved every moment that I spent in Idaho, being a part of this story!

Content: mild moments of peril; mild, swoony romance; very mild reference to religion.

*I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Available NOW!
Buy Links:

 

Enter to WIN the Promise Prize Pack

here. 

About the Author:

  

  

Nicole Deese is a full time lover of humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled fiction. When she's not writing a sweet romance, she can usually be found reading one near a window while drinking La Croix. She lives in small-town, Idaho with her handsome hubby and two sons.