The Bridge to a Better Life (Dare Valley, #8) by Ava Miles

The Bridge to a Better Life by Ava Miles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sports hero and newly retired NFL quarterback Blake Cunningham wants a second chance at love…with his ex-wife. He's bought the house next door to her in Dare Valley and has built a bridge connecting their properties. It's his bridge to a better life, the one he lost when Natalie Hale left him after a family tragedy destroyed their marriage.

Natalie has just started a new job as the head caterer at the small town's historic hotel. When she discovers Blake has become the boy next door-literally-she secretly has to admit he still fires up all her engines and tugs at her heart. But the ghosts from their past seem too monumental to conquer.  

Blake vows to help Natalie remember the power of their love and friendship. With the intense sparks of attraction flying between them, Natalie begins to put her heart out there again. How can she resist Blake when he makes her laugh and swoon by even acting out her secret Outlander fantasy? As they both give love a second chance, they are forced to face their most disturbing memories, not only the tragedy that ripped their lives apart, but also the secret parts they were afraid to share...

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I honestly believe that The Bridge to a Better Life is one of the most powerful pieces of fiction you'll ever read.

It took me... oh, about 10 seconds to be smitten by Blake (and his football 'brothers'). I adored the way he wore his heart on his sleeve and the wholehearted love he showed Natalie. If all husbands took a lesson from him, I'm positive that the divorce rate would take a nosedive.

Natalie was more stubborn than a mule and I wasn't sure I was ever going to warm up to her. She handled her emotions by locking them away and pretending they didn't exist, mistakenly believing that it showed her inner strength. In reality, all it did was isolate her from everyone she cared about.

Her rekindled romance with Blake is probably Ms. Miles' most touching to date, tender and incredibly heart-felt. There's an underlying theme of dealing with grief and loss but it's Natalie's personal growth that really packs an emotional punch. Eventually, she realizes that she needs to show herself the same love and compassion she gives to others. I don't think there's a woman on this planet who doesn't need the reminder when we're guilty of treating ourselves far too harshly at times.

Unforgettable.



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