Author: Katie Shepard
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle ARC
No. of Pages: 416
Date of Publication: April 25, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
DESCRIPTION:
After being hospitalized for panic attacks two years after his mother’s death, charitable foundation executive Teagan van Zijl is dragged by his sister to a wilderness therapy retreat in Montana. Lost in the woods, Teagan nearly gets eaten by a bear but is saved by an angel in muddy hiking boots—the program’s handywoman, Darcy Albano, that is. After spending the summer with Darcy, Teagan realizes he doesn’t want to return to New York without her. He hires Darcy as his sober companion—a position he doesn’t actually need filled and for which Darcy is completely unqualified—hoping she can help him figure out how to move forward. But once they get to the city, all Teagan can think of is how to confess the truth while keeping her in his life.
H
Darcy Albano thought she was going to work as a wilderness guide when she was hired on the camp staff, but ended up a handywoman instead—only the latest screwing-over she’s endured since her ex stole her car and her parents ruined her credit score. But Teagan van Zijl is the silver lining she didn’t expect to appear—clearly going through something but willing to commit to Darcy’s unique brand of wilderness education as the cure for what ails him. They form an unlikely bond based on the unexpected support they provide each other. Darcy never imagined staying in the city, but with Teagan’s unshakeable belief in her abilities, anything seems possible.
MY THOUGHTS:
Teagan van Zijl is not sure why his sister dragged him to a wilderness therapy retreat in Montana after being hospitalized for a panic attack. The retreat location is actually a deluxe rehab location and now Teagan is about to undergo intense therapy, therapy he really doesn’t need. While it is true that Teagan’s anxiety doesn’t fit the purpose of what is offered at the retreat, for the sake of his sister, he agrees to stay.
Darcy Albano is taking college courses and one day hopes to be a park ranger. Her current job was to be a wilderness guide at the retreat where Teagan is at now, but in all actuality, she is a glorified handywoman. When she hears that Teagan is at the retreat for his alcoholism, she takes a personal interest in keeping him on the straight and narrow. However, it is his mental health at risk, and this is something that Teagan keeps from Darcy.
Teagan and Darcy actually meet when he takes a walk that lands him right into the path of a bear. Darcy notices his absence and manages to save his life. When Teagan must return home for the work that led to his anxiety attack, Darcy decides to go with him to serve as his sober companion, as she still believes he is an alcoholic. Meanwhile, the two share a connection, albeit tenuous at times. Will Teagan ever be able to reveal the truth to Darcy, and how will she handle things? This was a sensitive story filled with sexual tension and a delightful happy ending.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
I studied Soviet history and worked in human rights law before burning way, way out and achieving professional tranquility as a simple country bankruptcy lawyer. It’s just as exciting as it sounds!
I live in Texas with my husband, kids, and elderly rescue cat, but am often found hiking in the mountains of Montana or the virtual woods of Thedas.
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