About the Book:
Lily Turner was married to her best friend. Trouble was, it wasn’t much more than that. After the romance ended, so did the marriage.
When Lily met Casey Dunlap at a local café, their attraction was immediate, yet innocent, his sexy charm instantly drawing her in. When their harmless meetings slowly evolved into more than just friends, Lily struggled with the magnetic pull Casey had on her, not knowing what to do.
It should have been easy – she was no longer going to be married. She had no reason to drag her feet…
Except that Casey was nearly fifteen years her junior – only ten years older than her teenage son. What would her kids think? How could she possibly do this?
My Review:
I love finding new to me authors. I really enjoyed this sexy story about an older woman/younger man. The author avoided a lot of clichés which made for a thoroughly readable romance.
The gorgeous cover and description really grabbed my attention plus a trusted blogger friend highly recommended this book. ‘The Reason’ had ordinary people dealing with normal day-to-day issues plus a lovely romance, incredible chemistry and my favorite trope.
“I hate he can’t give me words –not even a fight. I guess I’m not worth his energy.”
Lily Turner is witnessing the end of her marriage. Lily, the devoted wife and mother, is struggling with the new “normal” of her life. Enter the very unexpected Casey, a young man who has the potential to turn her well-ordered life upside down.
Casey is not what he seems at first. Lily is attracted to the sweet, sexy and caring Casey but their timing is all wrong. Not until a life-changing event occurs does Lily realize that there is potential for a wonderful relationship with Casey.
“We’ve built a friendship slowly and steadily. Do I want it to be more? Yes, I think I do. Not only am I physically attracted to him, I’m emotionally drawn to him, as well. What has been lacking in my marriage, I’ve found in the form of a much younger man.”
When these two finally connect and Casey enters Lily’s life, sparks fly! But tenstions buil as it becomes clear that Casey wants more. Is Lily ready to ignore convention and open herself to a relationship with a man 15 years younger?
I loved Casey and his mature ways and loving attitude. He was perfect for Lily! Lily had lost much of herself during her marriage and she struggled with finally doing something for her and allowing herself to be truly happy.
“Casey fills in the missing elements I’ve dearly craved over the years. I don’t know if I’ve ever had this much chemistry with my husband, even. It’s a heartbreaking thought. So, yes, after much contemplation, I decide I want to see him again; to respond to him a bit more to see if this –whatever –goes anywhere.”
The realness of these characters kept me engaged in the story. Although I do not avoid love triangles, ‘The Reason’ is not that kind of story so don’t let the synopsis scare you away. The book is sexy and romantic and has just the perfect amount of angst. I enjoyed Lily’s journey and look forward to the author’s next book.
“Why me, Casey?” His frown is instantaneous.
“Why not you, Lily?”