Review: The Deepest Night by Kara Braden

Title: The Deepest Night by Kara Braden
Longest Night Series Book Two
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 288 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

When everything you love is on the line…

The Isles of Scilly off the coast of England are remote, windswept and wild. They’re the perfect place for Ray Powell to recuperate after the toughest Afghanistan mission the military contractor has ever run. Except instead of the peace and quiet he so desperately needs, he’s faced with a beautiful American woman who instantly challenges his iron control.

It’s best to proceed with caution…

Seeking her own safe haven, Michelle Cole is intrigued and flustered by the intensely compelling and irresistible man.

As their cautious friendship slowly builds into simmering attraction, their hearts and souls are about to be broken open…if they’ll allow it.

The Review:

The Deepest Night is a sweet, angst free romance. Kara Braden once again brings together a charming couple in another wonderfully unique setting and the resulting love story is absolutely delightful. Although the novel is the second installment in the Longest Night series, it can be read as a standalone (but I also recommend the first book in the series too).

In this outing, a British B&B on the Isles of Scilly is the perfect location for an unexpected holiday romance between Ray Powell and Michelle Cole. Needing to decompress after a harrowing mission, Ray returns to his favorite island where he is surprised by his attraction to Michelle. Michelle is also drawn to the handsome stranger, but she has a dismal track record with men and she finds it difficult to believe Ray is truly interested in her.

Michelle has a few self esteem issues and a recent betrayal by a friend leaves her questioning her judgment. As a result, she is even more cautious than before when it comes to making decisions both professionally and personally. Once her initial fears about why Ray is staying at the B&B are laid to rest, Michelle lets down her guard and enjoys getting to know him while he shows her the wonders of Scilly. But she still remains reluctant to act on their mutual attraction.

Ray is retired from the Royal Marines and he is presently the vice president of a private firm which deals in security for both the military and civilians. He shies away from commitment of any kind except when it comes to his career. He is very dedicated to his career and does not take much time off from work.

Both Michelle and Ray are endearingly inept when it comes to relationships. Fortunately, they each have a close friend they can turn to for advice. Michelle remains close to her fun-loving college friend Vicky who advises her to throw caution to the wind and enjoy a vacation fling. Ray’s bond with his business partner Preston extends well beyond their professional relationship and he proves invaluable when it comes to matters of Ray’s heart.

The relationship between Michelle and Ray is slow growing and it is such a joy watching them get to know one another. Their growing friendship provides a firm foundation for their evolving feelings for one another and although they do run into a few issues, they take the time to talk through their problems. Although they fall in love very quickly, the depth of their emotions is believable.

The Deepest Night is a well-written and captivating novel. Kara Braden does a wonderful job bringing the Isles of Scilly vibrantly to life and it is an idyllic backdrop for Michelle and Ray’s burgeoning romance. It is a superb, drama free addition to the Longest Night series that old and new fans are sure to love.