Raise your hand if you have daddy issues. Whether he was overbearing or absent, the majority of us deal with this in some form. For me, mine wasn't around so I had trust issues when it came to relationships. I eventually grew up and got over that, realizing that EVERYONE makes mistakes when they're younger, and I've been married for almost nine years.
Nicki's daddy issues were that he spent the majority of her life behind bars. The worst part of the whole experience was that Nicki's mother wasn't even motherly. Nicki pretty much raised herself and grew to be independent and leery of emotionally close relationships. Her most recent relationship has disaster written all over it but Nicki's stubbornly blind to that fact and listening to her head instead of her heart.
The day Nicki's father shows up on her doorstep is a turning point in Nicki's life ... she just doesn't realize it at first. Ronnie has spent the past 17 years in prison healing himself emotionally, growing stronger spiritually, and determined to make amends with his family whenever he gets out. Breaking through Nicki's walls seems impossible. Will he ever be able to get Nicki to forgive him? Will Nicki be able to let go of her suspicious nature and be able to trust Ronnie to stick around this time?
Even though he started out on the wrong foot in Nicki's life, I liked Ronnie. He was resilient and wouldn't let anything keep him down. I could relate to Nicki but I was annoyed by her unwillingness to realize her relationship with her fiance was doomed. The signs were there.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to those who want something to read on a cozy afternoon while it's raining outside.
*A physical copy was provided by the publisher, Gallery Books, in exchange for an honest review.