Review: Hope Burns (Hope #3) by Jaci Burton

Hope Burns (Hope #3) by Jaci Burton

Published  September 30th 2014 by Jove

Paperback, 304 pages

Series: Hope

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Heat Rating: Steamy

Source:  I got a copy of this book from the publisher  in exchange of an honest review.
Amazon | Goodreads

Mature Content Advisory, must be 18+ for sexual content and other adult situations.

Summary from Goodreads

A novel of small-town hearts and big dreams...

Molly Burnett dreads returning to her hometown of Hope for her sister’s wedding, especially knowing she’ll have to endure a weekend with the one man she never wants to see again. It’s only a couple of days, so Molly will try to forget her painful past with high school sweetheart Carter Richards. Because despite the bitter memories, she still can’t forget what they once meant to each other.

But when Molly is forced to extend her stay, Carter sees this as his second chance to do things right, to start over again with the only woman he’s ever loved. This time, he isn’t going to let Molly run. Together they’re going to confront the past and put it behind them, and hope for a future as bright as the flame that still burns hot between them.

Welcome to Hope, a small town with a big heart and dreams. Molly's sister Emma is finally getting married and that means that Molly finally has to come home after leaving  many years ago due to a bad heart-break. The one thing Molly had hoped to avoid was the man who shattered her heart, Carter Richards, who is now all grown up and no longer the boy she remembers.

Carter is now a successful business man who works as a mechanic in his own garage and owns a small chain of them. He is very involved in Hope's community and has a great relationship with Molly's family despite what happened years ago.

I have to say I was very curious about this black cloud that hung over their heads and even though the situation was heartbreaking I wasn't sure it really called for her to run for as long as she did. They were both young and things got uncontrollable and Carter's actions may have been a little harsh, but in the end you cannot help but feel for the bot.

So when Molly's mother falls and suffers a few breaks. Molly has no choice but to stay behind and help take care of her. Avoiding Carter this time might not come as easy as she had imagined. I found myself rooting for them I really did. I thought they seemed like a sweet couple once together, but Molly doesn't want to suffer another heart-break with a man who has the capability to cause a lot of damage to her heart.

I like Burton's writing. The story seemed simple enough, with well rounded characters. Lot's of heart-warming relationships, friendships and setting. The story felt like I was after the character's everyday life, but it was done tastefully and still entertaining enough. 

The chemistry between Molly and Carter was clear, and I like how it grew as the story went on. If you are looking for a simple romance, with a bit of heart-breaking background, healing and strong sexually chemistry, this book is probably right for you.