When You're Back

Mase and Reese's story, which started in When I'm Gone, continues here and it's one filled with jealousy, secrets, and terrors from the past.

Both Mase and Reese envision a future together but outside forces seem intent on planting seeds of doubt and mistrust. After a brief separation to visit family, Reese joins Mase at the ranch and it's there she meets Aida. Aida and Mase were raised as cousins, although there is no blood relation, and it quickly becomes apparent to Reese that Aida has set her sights on Mase and would much rather be kissing cousins.

Reese is determined to continue her efforts to learn and spread her wings and she accepts a job as the assistant to the wife of a fellow rancher. Her confidence blossoms as she pushes herself and it's there that she again encounters Blaire Finlay's brother, Captain. Despite his insistence that he's just being friendly, Reese is unnerved by his flirting and his comments meant to cast doubt on Mase's commitment to her.

I loved seeing Reese push her boundaries and taking more control of her life. There were times where her continued uncertainty about the depth of Mase's feelings for her was frustrating (what more can he do or say to show her he is head over heels in love?), but considering her background and the lack of any experience or role model it was understandable. I liked seeing her interactions with Mase's mother, Maryann, and found myself wishing for more. I did find it surprising that there was no mention of Reese continuing to work with a tutor/therapist for her dyslexia.

Mase is a character that is impossible not to love. He loves fiercely and was willing do anything for those he cared about. When Harlow was overwhelmed by Kiro's acting out, Mase was at her side. When Reese needed him, he was there for her. The few times Mase felt like he got his priorities wrong or let Reese down, he instantly made it right.

This was the first Rosemary Beach novel not to take place in Rosemary Beach and it was a refreshing change of scenery. New places, new people. Captain was intriguing and that plot twist has me dying to know about his background. And there's Vile Aida... she's like Vile Nan, Texas-style. Even as much as I enjoyed the new setting, I loved the trips back to Rosemary Beach and the appearance of the characters I've come to know and love (Grant and Harlow are just the sweetest).

When You're Back is very much a story of Reese and Mase navigating their still-new relationship, learning to trust, and understanding the commitment they have to one another. This is another compulsively readable entry into the Rosemary Beach series. And as long as Abbi keeps writing them I'll be reading them!