Alex is such a wonderfully drawn study of a man who had to take on so much from an early age and how that follows him even as he's successful. Greer is quiet strength, as she's been throughout the series. This book does a deep dive into mental health issues with a beautiful sensibility. A strong end to the series. ( )

If you like the others in this series, you will like this one. ( )

Greer met Alex, her friend Kit's brother, a few years earlier. But, Alex was a world famous photographer and traveled the world. Now 2 years later, at Kit's wedding, Alex returns to walk his sister down the aisle. Greer is stressed because she just found out that she is missing an art class required for her graduation. When she sees Alex having a panic attack, she goes to help him.
Alex agrees to help Greer with her photography class, and to stay in town for a while.
Greer is hiding that she suffers from an illness which causes her pain. She finally opens up to Alex about it, but fears that he will feel obligated to stay with her vs. doing the job he loves.
OK ending to the trilogy of 3 friends who won the lottery, and later find love. ( )

Greer Hawthorne, the third friend of the lottery-winning trio, decides to use her winnings to go to college. Minus just the art credits she needs for graduation, she turns to world-famous photo-journalist Alex Averin, in town for his sister Kit's wedding. She's had a crush on him for years but Alex never stays in one place long enough to develop any relationships, much less with his sister's best friend.
I loved this story. Both Greer and Alex are damaged people which draws them to each other in a good way. They are exactly what each other needs. I did think the story behind Greer's issues was drawn out a bit too long, but otherwise, this is a lovely story about two lonely people who find each other. ( )

This damn book. It is sure detrimental to my sleep habits, but so so good for my heart.

I started making a list right around the 30% mark of all the things I wanted to include in the review. I wanted to be prepared, and not have a bunch of nonsense that was all gushy about how good it was. I PROMISED. I'm about to break that promise. (I will shockingly ignore the list, so you're welcome)

First, you must read this series. I've inadequately reviewed all of them.(https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2207707286?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1 and https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2234274788?book_show_action=false&from... )
Kate Clayborn officially writes intense romances that somehow avoid angst-making melodrama.


The series is done now--once this is released. It's one of my favorite. You deserve this: Go get started.

These are layered romances, layered characters, real development and good jobs. These relationships are real to me too. In fact in my review for [b:Beginner's Luck|35717661|Beginner's Luck (Chance of a Lifetime #1)|Kate Clayborn|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1500650717s/35717661.jpg|57220819], I mention how painful and real I thought Kit's relationship to Alex (her brother and hero of this book that I'd like to climb) was fantastically done, as it is here. I love seeing his angle, and while he was all swoony in the prior book, I'm going to tell you that you have seen really nothing yet. Perfect. Heck no. This is Kate Clayborn (this is a thing we get to say now!) but he is compelling, intense, beautiful, and many other things.

And Greer, well, I think I posted an update that said I don't know who I'm more in love with. I really did love them both. Greer's quiet observations of the world around her to her participation in it were just really beautifully drawn. She's easy to adore. Unassuming yet assertive, brave, caring and appreciative.

Do the goodies stop there? No. That would be a stellar romance though. This is better than that. Because we still have Kit, Greer's family, and of course Zoe. We have a wonderful female-centered novel with subtle feminist touches (as we've seen throughout the series). And of note, neither the heroes nor heroines remotely resemble one another.

What stops me in my tracks anytime I read a romance is the idea of relatable multi-dimensional characters, in settings I can feel, with relatable problems. Honestly, give me a mundane love story that feels like it could be me or anyone I know any damn day. The magic of Kate Clayborn and authors like her is how the ordinary becomes extraordinary to read. This was fabulous. I was nervous. We were waiting for this couple. It was worth the wait.


Adding: For a more adequate review (Blackjack is always excellent, adequate doesn't describe her):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2337334071?book_show_action=false&from...
Thanks to netgalley/publisher for an advanced copy of this book ( )