Possible trigger warning: This book contains mild reference to domestic violence, parental neglect and traumatic loss of close friends. It is a “fade to black” romance and has occasional swear words.
Under Juniper Skies is Book 1 of Claire Cain’s latest series. Juniper View is a small town, not far from “Silverton” a small-town ski resort in Utah. It is a dual POV book, meaning the reader is privy to the inner thoughts of both main characters.
Here in “Juniper View” we meet “Sam” and “Grant”.
Grant has become the local sheriff, kind of by default, but his character makes him perfect for the job. He's a strong, silent type, who is constantly trying to do the right thing. He’s also a single parent after close friends of his were killed in an accident. Their two young daughters became his afterwards which led to his retiring from the Army and moving back to Juniper View.
Sam is in search of a new beginning. She’s been working for over a year to extricate herself from her old life in LA and an abusive ex-husband. She’s grown up scratching her way out of difficult situations and is hoping she and Mr. Bingley, her cat, will finally be able to find a quiet, peaceful life here in Juniper View – as soon as she can get the tire changed on her junker car that went flat just outside of said destination.
Now you KNOW Grant shows up to help, right? But Sam has trust issues and insists on changing her own tire with as little help as possible from "the man who looks more like the movie version of a hot cop, rather than a small-town law enforcement officer". Eventually, she makes it to Juniper View, and her new life is now underway.
Need I mention their romance is fire? They’re both so careful, for good reason because of things they’ve endured prior, his young kids, etc., but their mutual attraction and friendship grows and eventually there’s no denying it.
These characters are expertly developed. The pacing is just right, and we become well acquainted with the new town and some of its shops, and proprietors. A few of the characters we’ve already met in the Veterans of Silver Ridge series make an appearance briefly. (Claire’s books are always written in such a way that they can stand alone, but you’re seriously missing out if you stop at just one. Just sayin’. 😉) Grant’s siblings and side-character stories are just aching to be told!
I can’t wait for the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.