Bound

Two souls lost in an abyss trying to move forward without forgetting.

Kate Camden is suffering and just trying to get by day by day until she graduates college. Graduation is close, but her mother is worried that Kate is not appreciating the life she is currently living due to the pain she is still suffering. She convinces Kate to attend a grief support group. Across the room, listening to Kate's story is pro hockey player Jason Ryker. The world only sees the pro-athlete and does not see the man in pain, sick with grief and loss. Kate and Ryke start talking and they start to share their pain and each start to wonder if there could be more.

Brenda Rothert deals with grief, loss, pain, anger, and survival in Bound (2017) the first in the “Fire on Ice” series. These are some tough topics, but you do not drown in the emotions. Rothert does not let the romance disrespect the losses and she allows it to grow naturally. Kate and Ryke deal with how falling in love can feel like a betrayal – how moving on can feel that way. Rothert deals with all of the emotions with sensitivity while still giving us a good old-fashioned romance. She finds the perfect balance and I enjoyed the book. Let me remind you that I am the girl who cries during the preview to the movie Lassie (Dir. C. Sturridge, 2005). (laugh) No tears while reading this book. I just enjoyed the Rothert's writing and Kate and Ryke's romance and I think you will too.