2.5 stars
It was well written and I liked the premise initially but unfortunately I was really, really disappointed.
It just wasn't for me, I guess.
Looking forward to reading more from this author though ( )

Gemma Payton has a good opportunity start again. She was fortunate to survive an abusive relationship, but ended up in a situation that resulted in her going to prison. Alex Chambers offers her a job in his restaurant. He cares not one whit about her past, but is is concerned that he is so drawn to her. After his wife died a few years ago, he was just not interested in any relationship. Why things have changed now, he has no idea.

The hardest battle they have ahead of them is that there is an incident from their past, something absolutely horrible, that they share and will no doubt test the bounds of their newfound love of another. Gemma and Alex unknowingly enter a difficult relationship to begin with. Now, when facts are revealed, it is very hard to imagine them finding a happy future together.

Despite it all, Alex's sister Rachel plays the long-suffering matchmaker. She is bound and determined that Alex and Gemma are just perfect for one another. One person not so happy about them is Alex's father Thomas. There is just something bothering Thomas and just cannot let it go.

What a wonderful story of accepting someone despite impossible circumstances. This was a great debut novel by Moni Boyce and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Many thanks to BooksGoSocial and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )