Title:  Just Say Maybe
Series:  Thistle Bend #2
Author:  Tracy March
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  May 3, 2016
Publisher:  Random House Publishing – Loveswept
My Rating:  3.5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Real estate lawyer Holly Birdsong’s hike in the Rockies takes an unexpected turn when a smokin’-hot stranger tumbles off his bike and into her path. Turns out he’s purchasing the abandoned Lodge at Wild Rose Ridge, and Holly agrees to take him on as a client—despite her family’s traumatic history with the previous owner, who shamelessly abused the town’s goodwill at every turn. But when their professional relationship turns personal, Holly must reconcile the past with her hopes for the future.

Adding the rustic lodge to his portfolio of adventure properties isn’t just a business decision for Bryce Bennett. The rugged mountains also offer a killer setting for his extreme-sports camps for at-risk teens. What’s not in the blueprints is finding a kindred spirit in his irresistible lawyer, even if she seems apprehensive about getting involved in the deal. Bryce’s plan to ease her mind just might work, as long as no one discovers his secret. Yet he can’t stand hiding the truth from the woman who makes him want to build something permanent: a happily ever after.

I always enjoy returning to series, to the comfort of a known locale and a small town full of lively characters.  Thistle Bend is the kind of place that I grew up in, so this series feels like coming home.

Bryce actually does fall at Holly’s feet – sparking an instant attraction for them both.  Bryce’s plans for the abandoned lodge will bring some changes to a town that already has a history with that place.  Especially Holly’s family.  The discovery of a mystery will play strongly into their relationship and trust for each other, or lack of.

It’s human nature to want to hide parts of ourselves that we don’t think are likable – it’s deadly to a relationship to hide anything.  Both Bryce and Holly held things back, their own personal secrets that were not shared.  Bryce held off too long to reveal his – and the result was heartbreak and misunderstandings.  Holly was quite free with her hurled accusations at Bryce which he never countered.  This is why conversations and being honest with someone you profess to love is so important – and why characters don’t because it makes for a good story.

I enjoyed Just Say Maybe so much.  And it’s always a special treat to run into the Montgomery Sisters again.  I love secondary characters, they can add so much to a story and Just Say Maybe has some wonderful ones – along with a glimpse into the next story to come our way.

If you love Romance with a touch of a mystery, then this story and this series should be on your reading list.  A good solid story with believable characters, this one is well worth your time.

*I received an e-ARC of Just Say Maybe from the publisher, Random House Publishing – Loveswept and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Available for the Kindle