I was so excited to get my hands on Finding Gavin after I read Forgiving Reed by C.A. Harms. While I wasn't sure what I would think of Maria or Gavin after how they both acted in Forgiving Reed, I loved that book so much that I really wanted to know them better and get more of these Southern Boys. I will say that after reading Finding Gavin, something happened that has never happened to me before with a series. For the first time, I honestly couldn't pick which book I liked more. When it comes to a series, there is always one that sticks out to me more than the others or one that I identify with certain characters more. But that didn't happen after reading these two books. I love them both so much, and I think that has everything to do with the fabulous writing of C.A. Harms. She has created such emotional and heartfelt stories that I just never want them to end.
Gavin made Maria no promises, and she wasn't expecting any even if she had been hoping for more. But with Gavin going through a rough divorce, Maria had no one to blame but herself for getting hurt. She never expected to fall for Gavin, but she couldn't stop herself. After a lifetime of rejection though, Maria is left broken hearted and even more discouraged than ever. But just when Maria believes that she has lost yet another chance at happiness, things change and Gavin finally starts to let Maria in. But just because they both want to face their feelings for one another and see where that leads them, doesn't mean that things will be easy. Gavin and Maria quickly find out that falling for someone means risking everything and having to fight for what you want. Can they have a shot at happiness together, or will there be too much for them to overcome?
I will be the first to admit that all through Forgiving Reed, I kind of thought that Gavin was a dog. He didn't treat Maria right, he seemed to be jerking her chain, and I didn't like the fact that he wasn't divorced and yet he was sleeping with Maria and Josie. But it was quickly revealed that we didn't know the entire story when it came to Gavin's past or present. He wasn't actually with Maria when he was with Josie, and things with his ex were beyond complicated. He really proved himself to me in this book though, and underneath it all he was so sweet and had so much love to give. He had a big heart and had been through so much, and his bitchy ex had done a lot of damage. But with Maria's love and kindness, he found that he was able to view things differently and I loved seeing him come around. Gavin more than made up for his bad behavior in this book and he was exactly what Maria needed, just as she was what he needed. Maria was also more than I had ever thought, and I loved seeing how much she kept hidden from most people but was able to share with Gavin. She was so much stronger than she showed, and had been through more than most would ever have guessed. She never let on just how much she had been hurting because of her father and brothers leaving her, but it was clear that she needed someone like Gavin to show her that she was worth being loved and that she deserved happiness. Gavin and Maria were perfect for one another, and I thought that they fit together so naturally. These two had it all, and I loved seeing their chemistry develop from the physical into a connection that no one could break.
Overall, I honestly loved this book just as much as the first and I cannot wait for more in this series. I can't say enough good things about these books other than that they are absolute must reads to me. They are beautiful and emotional, and have their ups and downs. But they always have the message of hope and love, and I really enjoy seeing how the characters are able to heal one another and open up in a way that makes them vulnerable. They support one another and the love they share is unconditional. I loved seeing more of Kori, Reed and Rhett, and I also really liked getting to meet Maria's brother Colt. He had his heart broken, and I can't wait to see the women who will be the one to help him heal. I know that C.A. Harms will give us another beautiful story with real and unique characters, and I am looking forward to getting to know Colt better. I think that these books really do have something for everyone and if you are looking for a heartfelt and beautiful journey with each book that this series is one that you won't want to miss!
**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**
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I love it when an author can take a character that I didn't like and convince me to love them. That's cool that the books are so good that you can't form a preference- great reader problem. ;)
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