ABOUT THE BOOK
A car accident on prom night changes everything for eighteen-year-old Maverick Harrington. In a flash, he loses two best friends: one who dies in the crash, the other who carries the blame. Finding hate easier than grief, Maverick’s heart slowly hardens. Now twelve years later, he runs Harrington Ranch, bearing the family name on his shoulders and wearing the past like a brand on his heart.
Iris Sullivan didn’t have the sense to leave Ironwood, where loyalty is law. She’s raised her son in the same town that turned its back on her, surviving on stubborn resilience as a single mother. When a golden opportunity takes her back to Harrington Ranch, she comes face-to-face with the man who once said she was dead to him. But forced proximity has a way of weakening defenses.
As old secrets and new sparks ignite, Maverick starts to see the woman behind the whispers—and the twelve-year-old boy whose legacy he can’t ignore.
MY REVIEW
I can’t believe this is my first Willow Aster novel, but it certainly won’t be my last. Maverick and Iris were best friends until the deadly consequences of that night twelve years ago. Now, life has thrown them together again, and it is time for redemption, but can they forgive?
Iris is the town pariah after a car accident killed her friend and her son’s father. Iris’ strength, resilience, and perseverance are beyond compare. My god, the way they all treated her was vicious and uncalled for. I don’t think I would have the courage to stay in a town like that. Watching her deal with the fallout of her choices was so painful and inspiring. She was trying so hard to build a future for her son, Linc, and he loved being at the Harrington Ranch, where Iris had bittersweet memories with the Harrington family. But the memories hurt, and so did seeing the man she loved and lost.
And, Maverick Harrington… what a jerk. I had misgivings about this guy at first. He said he loved her, but he turned his back on her at the worst time in her life. Boy, did he need a wake-up call, and he got it when he found out the truth. Maverick finally steps up big time as the responsible man he’s meant to be and protects her from the hatred. That scene when his family finds out the truth about that night had me sobbing!!! In addition, Maverick’s relationship with Linc is moving, as he recognizes Linc as an innocent child caught up in all the madness and nurtures his love for the ranch.
I was really glad the author didn’t just wrap things up in a hurry and instead let us see what’s in store for Iris and Linc with their new family. It is a solid example of character growth and a well-rounded plot. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
If you’re a fan of second chances, small-town drama, and the journey of emotional healing, then you’ll absolutely want to grab a copy of Savage Heart. Just make sure to have some tissues on hand.
Thank you to Ms. Aster for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Willow loves nothing more than writing the day away—anywhere will do. Her husband and kids graciously put up with her endless daydreaming; otherwise, the writing would never get done. Her furry sidekick, Winston, is always by her side while she writes about characters that beat all odds and the kind of unconditional love that endures.
Follow Willow on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok.
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