“Sunlight,” book two in Devney Perry’s Haven River Ranch series, weaves a heartwarming tale set in a small town in Montanna. The novel’s blend of an accidental pregnancy plot with the dynamics of forced proximity, delivered a mix of cheerfulness and depth of emotion, that promises to keep readers engrossed in the unfolding story and intimately connected with the characters’ lives.
From USA Today bestselling author Devney Perry comes a sweeping Western romance about undeniable attraction, unforeseen circumstances, and seemingly unbeatable odds. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: Sunlight
Author(s): Devney Perry
Series: Haven River Ranch #2
Also in this series: Crossroads
Narrator(s): Stephen Dexter, Ava Erickson
Published by Brilliance Audio on October 15, 2024
Pages: 300
Length: 9 hours and 16 minutes
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Source: Kindle Unlimited, Netgalley
Format: Audiobook, eBook 
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
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My first day in Montana, I got into a tug-of-war over a grocery store shopping cart. The most handsome man I’d ever seen broke up the scuffle before he asked me on a date. I was seconds away from accepting but then he told me his name.
As an owner of the Haven River Ranch, Jax Haven wasn’t my boss. But he wasn’t not my boss either.
Obviously, my only option was to turn him down, scurry away, then pretend like he was a stranger on my first day of work. And obviously, I could never, ever admit that he was my secret crush.
For as hard as I work at my job, I work twice as hard to pretend Jax doesn’t exist. I don’t let myself think about his dazzling eyes or charming smile. I refuse to acknowledge how good he looks in a pair of faded Wrangler jeans. And as tempting as he is in a cowboy hat, Jax is a distraction I cannot afford.
Everything was going according to plan until the annual holiday party. Until I drank one too many flutes of champagne and let him sweep me off my feet. After a night in his bed, there was no more ignoring Jax Haven. Not when I’m pregnant with his baby.
“Sunlight” delivers the captivating tale of Jax, the younger brother of West Haven who appeared in Crossroads. While it’s the second installment in the series, it works well as a standalone.
From the moment Jax met Sasha, he was taken aback by the profound effect she had on him. Their initial encounter resulted in charming and flirtatious exchanges that had the reading grinning from ear to ear. The playful banter continued until Sasha realized she would be working closely with Jax, which led her to abruptly ending their light-hearted exchanges. Immediately, she erected walls, that presented a challenge for Jax to overcome. Despite her efforts to maintain a professional distance, the attraction between them was undeniable. Eventually, a relaxed evening out and a couple of drinks led to a night filled with passionate intensity, leaving them with an unforeseen consequence: pregnancy.
Sasha has made a firm decision to distance herself from everyone, including Jax. It’s admirable that he chose not to pressure her and respected her boundaries. Yet, this doesn’t imply that he gave upon her. He’s consistently present, supporting her at every turn, even when she believes she doesn’t need him.
As the story unfolds, Sasha’s secrets come to light, revealing the myriad of struggles she faces. The plot thickens with a mysterious figure from her past. While my theories about this person were completely wrong, the unraveling of this mystery was fascinating. Emotions run deep in this part of the story, with Sasha’s anguish so vivid, it’s easy for readers to feel empathy towards her.
Jax and Sasha’s chemistry is undeniable, creating a delightful duo. Their exchanges are so engaging they’ll leave you with a smile on your face. The inclusion of secondary characters added depth to the story, enhancing the reading experience.
For those in search of a heartwarming romance, this one is sure to delight. It’s a feel-good story that I thoroughly enjoyed and would happily recommend to fellow readers.
I have listened to Ava Erickson several times, but this is my first experience with Stephen Dexter. The chemistry between these two narrators is undeniable! I enjoyed their performance and look forward to more collaboration between these two. Stephen brought the character of Jax to life in a way that’s hard to resist. Meanwhile, Ava lends her voice to Sasha, embodying the character’s vulnerability with such finesse that it becomes a highlight of her performance. Together, they elevate the audiobook to a wonderful level of storytelling. It’s simply beautiful.
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About Devney Perry
Devney is a USA Today bestselling author. Born and raised in Montana, she loves writing books set in her treasured home state. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her husband and two sons. Writing one book, let alone many, was not something she ever expected to do. But now that she’s discovered her true passion for writing romance, she has no plans to ever stop. Devney loves hearing from readers! Connect with her on social media.
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