The sophomore book in the Billionaire Builders series of Jennifer Probst does not disappoint. It is just as sassy, sexy and entertaining. there are times when Raven will really drive you batty with her attitude and Dalton will sleigh you but there is never a time when you won’t love them together or see the attraction and undeniable chemistry.

Raven is out for revenge against Dalton and his brothers. She is trying to keep her heart from falling and trusting Dalton. She wants to destroy them like they did her dad’s reputation. What she finds though is three men who were thrown into the middle like she was. She finds three men who are discovering what it means to be brothers again. What it means to love each other and support one another. And it is Dalton that is her biggest quagmire. he isn’t what she thought he was. He is kinder, gentler and raw with his feelings. He hides behind a facade but is more thoughtful and caring than she thought. He is more open with his past and himself. Raven at first keeps him away. She thwarts his advantage and stays righteous in her rage towards him and his family. Over time though he wears her down that and she needs her bar renovated. And Dalton is the best out there. He doesn’t pressure her though but lets her get to know him. And what she sees is a man who was just as gutted by what happened to destroy their families and who is just as lost about it. A man who is kind and loving and loyal to his brother. Who is comfortable in his own skin and with his feelings and owns them. All accept the one of love. He is afraid of that due to his mom’s death and the scandal of it all.

Dalton is the fun one. The laid back talented wordworker who is hardworking and kind. He is open with his feelings and thoughts and is just to prove his worth to his brothers. He gets frustrated at times with them but does know that they have his back no matter what. He is also frustrated with his attraction for Raven. He can’t explain why she takes up so much of his thoughts and emotions. he teases with her and respects her. Over time he does wear her down and we get a wild ride. We see them grow closer and learn about each other and help each other move on and gain a strength to face their future and feelings for one another. Dalton is more open than Raven but also more vulnerable and I was glad to her is brother was being protective of him in his talk to Raven.

When Raven finally accepts her feelings she hurts Dalton. She makes him feel as if he was a pawn and he does lash out. Lashes out to the point he almost loses her but we see his dogged determination to win her trust back. She doesn’t make it easy and almost lets go of something wonderful but realizes that he is worth it all. And in his determination we get swoonworthy moments and entertaining times.

This is a fun, sassy entertaining and sexy book of finding your way. Of finding love, support and respect. Of finding a way to let go and moving on from the past. We see two people grow and find their way to each other. We see them learn to trust and love. Learn to forgive and let go of the past. We get a sassy woman realize that the past is holding her hostage and that it is also hurting her. We see a man realize that he loves someone and needs to let himself be vulnerable and let someone in. When this happens we get some really intimate moments of talking and sexy times. We get a book that is raw in emotion, real in vulnerability of people and entertaining in the sass and chats of Dalton and Raven. We also see a family grow closer. A wildly wonderful and entertaining book and I can’t wait for the next in the series.

3.5 stars - Worth a Reader's time
It's hard to know how to describe this book...
Friends to Lovers almost fits because Raven and Dalton do develop a friendship first, but it's not exactly right. Enemies to Lovers doesn't really fit either because Dalton doesn't realize that they share a connection to a painful past event. I think we leave it at this is a "Good book."
Raven and Dalton are both interesting and somewhat complex characters that are fun to get to know and watch together. I appreciated the effort Dalton put into pursuing Raven both the first time and later when he had to rebuild the trust that he lost.
I had one big complaint about the book that kept it from being a 4 star read for me - The big fight/secret reveal and resolution happened fairly late in the book and there just wasn't a lot of time for our characters to get things right. The resolution was cute, but I think it could have been a little better had there been more time.
Over all this is a book I enjoyed and would recommend it. It's part of a series about the Pierce brothers, but it works very well all on it's own.

What do you get when you mix revenge with attraction?

Cal’s story in the first book had this “oh shit” vibe to it when he and Morgan were in each other’s face with their foreplay confrontations. But at that point we had very little information about the car accident that took the three brothers’ mother’s life.

Dalton suffered as a kid from the youngest child syndrome. He was teased and was at the receiving end of his older brother’s pranks. But he also enjoyed his mother’s attention. They had a special bond. Which is why her death was so devastating to him and why he never recovered emotionally.

When he sets his eyes on Raven, My Place’s owner (that bar where the brothers got drunk in on their mother’s anniversary), he’ll do anything in his power to get her.

The book actually starts with Raven’s side of things from 5 years ago, when her father died. And that’s when we realize her father was the man in the car with Diane Pierce. The hatred and need for revenge on the Pierce family and Dalton’s appeal clash for Raven. Her struggle is real, but she heals in such a beautiful way.

Dalton on his part is so damaged by his mother’s death, by her betrayal, that he convinces himself that long term isn’t for him. This is the truly heartbreaking part of this love story.

The story arc here is incredible. There’s a meticulous emotional growth for both characters. Probst was able to nail the development of Dalton and Raven’s character. Both have such emotional baggage that they battle each other and themselves in an effort to get what they yearn for.

Jennifer Probst did an excellent job proving there are things worth the struggle and effort that forgiveness requires. The pain in forgiving is worth it when such strong love is within reach.

I loved this one.

The book is about of Raven, the owner of My Place that is something between restaurant and bar, and she is a mixologist (bartender) that have a gift to make incredible cocktails and beverage. The male protagonist is Dalton, the younger brother of Calton and Tristan. Have a gift from his grandfather with the woodworking and Raven hire him to come back to life her bar.

They met in the day of the anniversary of the death of his mother when they all (Calton, Tristan and Dalton) go to My place, in separates ways and trying to hide from each other and for fate find each other there. That what the moment that Raven knew about who they are and that start the fascination of Dalton for Raven. After that and for the next year, Dalton goes regularly to her bar trying to catch her attention and her approval to his proposition of fix her bar. She tried to ignore him but he keeps insisting until she have a interview for a magazine and think in fix the bar that anyway thought on doing that year, just that any other company can't do the job with so short notices and Dalton is the only available to do it in three weeks. So she hire him.

Characters

I love the attitude the Raven because she's the rights amount of toughness, stubbornness and sweet. Is like the perfect human ever. She flirts with the customers while rejects them, charms them, but kick them too if do something. Can protect her alone with needing a prince in shiny armor. But in the same time, know how to open herself. What I don't like of her was that she keeps the secret way to far, but if you consider the events, it's reasonable.


About Dalton, he's all want in a man, he's so charming an loyal, the only thing that make him back off is the event of his mom accident, something he not deal with until Raven revels her secret. As much I want him for me, I know that Raven is his soul mate. If they both were a couple in real life, it will be as same as unstoppable that they are in the book, or even more.

I recommend this book?
Absolutely yes! In fact a recommend all this author's books, cause they all always the perfect amount of erotica and romantic scenes. She never disappoint me!

With this book, she just earned a forever fan! :)

I'm waiting for the other books of this series and of other series.

(I received a early copy of this book in exchange of a honest review).

5 She's The One Stars!
Dalton Pierce felt broken after his mother passed away. He moved to California to put some distance between himself and the rest of his complicated family. After his father dies he moves back home to run the family business, Pierce Brother's Construction with his two older brothers Caleb & Tristan. Over time Dalton & his brothers rebuild their relationship and become a real family again. He now is happy living in Harrington, Connecticut spending most of his time getting paid to do what he loves. His passion is woodworking & Pierce Construction keeps him very busy.

On his down time, Dalton is known as quite the ladies man, often frequenting the main hangout in town called My Place. It's a restaurant/ bar he enjoys going with his brothers to relax. It's owned by a gorgeous woman named Raven Hawthorne. Dalton is intrigued by Raven & has been trying for months to get her attention with no success. He can't figure her out, but for some reason she doesn't seem to like him. Her attitude even almost seems personal & he wonders what exactly she has against him. He's never had trouble picking up women till now.

Raven Hawthorne's father was killed in a horrible car crash when she was a teenager. Her father had been her entire world. When she found out he was on his way out of town leaving for Paris with Diane Pierce, she was devastated. She wanted someone to be angry at, and she decided to hate the Pierce brothers. For years she wanted revenge. She blamed their family for taking her father away & ruining his reputation with their lies. She painted a picture in her mind of the Pierce brothers & then she had to see them all face to face when they started showing up in her bar. Luckily they had no clue who she really was.

Dalton Pierce, the youngest of the brothers was the most beautiful. He was cocky, charming & women everywhere loved him. He didn't waver in his pursuing of Raven. He made multiple advances, & Raven rejected him every time. She didn't want to like him, or find him attractive and hated that she did. The more she was around him she saw he was funny and sweet. He begins restoring her antique bar, & they end up spending more time together. She was focused so long on payback, she never thought about how the Pierce brothers were also left behind. Dalton surprises her with his thoughtfulness & kindness, and eventually a connection forms. They had more in common than she realized & share a chemistry that's extremely intense. He's a complication she doesn't need, but slowly she's beginning to care for this persistent beautiful man.

Dalton & Raven finally give in to their attraction and the closer they get, the more conflicted Raven feels. Can she bury the past & move on to have a future with Dalton? He broke down all her barriers and had the potential to destroy her if she fell for him.

Dalton didn't really believe in love before Raven. He's never felt this strongly about a woman & wanted to explore what was between them. For the first time he wanted more than just something casual, but when all Ravens secrets are revealed will it bring them closer together or tear them apart?

I loved the delicious, bearded, man bun wearing Dalton Pierce! This youngest Pierce brother totally stole my heart! He had such a kindness about him, & his sense of humor was sexy as hell. So far he's my favorite of the Pierce brothers, but I can't wait for the hot suit wearing Tristan up next! :))

Although the second book in a series, this is a stand-alone romance which can be enjoyed by readers who have not read the first, which I have not. Raven and Dalton originally fight their attraction to each other but find themselves increasingly drawn together. However, there is a secret involving their families which could destroy their future, and neither is aware that they share a past connection. Jennifer Probst writes likable characters who must find a way to overcome the pain of the past in order to find their happily ever after.

Holy Heartbreaking Angst Alert - I was not expecting that from this story. Jennifer Probst always delivers heartfelt emotion and very real characters. Any Time, Any Place is no exception. The storyline and cast of characters are rich and engaging and fully developed. Even with the angst, this book is a joy to read.

Raven and Dalton share a complicated past linked together by a tragic, life-altering accident. While both have struggled, they've deluded themselves into believing they understand and have accepted their parents' seemingly rash decisions. It is not until they are confronted with one another and their intricate connections that they realize how little they have accepted and understood. The path to that place is strewn with bad decisions and hurt feelings. But, those emotions are scattered among some truly romantic notions and seductive moments.

Raven and Dalton are incredibly strong characters so well developed and lovingly crafted that you'll understand, care for and respect each of them. Raven is independent and self-assured. But, she has to challenge herself to be vulnerable and open. Dalton is constantly trying to prove himself worthy and shows himself to be a man of honesty and passion.

Any Time, Any Place is the 2nd book in the Billionaire Builders Series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. And, while it is filled with angst and some really raw emotion, it is also filled with love and romance and really terrific characters! This is quickly becoming one of my most anticipated series and this installment should not be missed!

An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review. This book received a 4.5 Rating on BFF Book Blog. BFF Book Blog also uses a set of icon ratings. This book received additional ratings for: angst, butterflies, hero, heroine, romance, steamy and supporting characters.

This is the book for all of us sexy, banter lovers. The sexual tension just sizzles as Raven and Dalton flirt and lust for each other. This second book in the Billionaire Builders series is about the youngest, Pierce Construction brother Dalton and Raven the local owner of “My Place” bar and restaurant. Together they have off the chart chemistry which Dalton wants to pursue and which Raven has all kinds of reasons to avoid not the least of which is the fact that Dalton’s mother and Raven’s father died running away together ten years prior. But it seems Dalton is unaware of their connection and Raven can’t bring herself to tell him.

This is a yummy, page turning, super sizzling read. Dalton is absolutely a wonderful hero. Raven and Dalton have so much in common that we really pull for their happily-ever-after. My only negative is that the description of Raven’s looks was more like a description of Disney’s Malevolent, hardly flattering, at least in my opinion.
“…Her eyes slanted up at the sides like a cat’s; they were the color of soot with a tinge of smoke grey around the rims. Her face was long and lean, with a sharp chin and nose and heavy brows. Her lower lip plumped out; her upper one was defined. She was wicked tall, with small breasts, long arms and legs, and narrow hips…”

This is a standalone read with side characters that were presented in the first book of this series. It is not necessary to have read that book to enjoy this one.

Jennifer Probst does it again! 5 stars!! I loved this book so much!! Such an awesome story! Raven & Dalton are a great couple and they truly have so much in common as they find out as their relationship progresses. They are such deep and well developed characters that it is a pleasure to be in their presence. When it comes to their passion they sizzle together and it is so hot!
I was hoping throughout that the sins of their parents were not going to destroy what they were building together.
Raven is such a strong young woman who owns her own bar and in general is just pretty kick-butt.
Dalton is a woodworker and is very interested in getting his hands on Raven's bar so he can restore it and Raven. She wants nothing to do with him at first though for reasons he did not know.
Eventually his charm wears her down and their passion is undeniable. They fall in love and that complicates everything once Raven tells Dalton who she is and that she has known who he was all this time.
Luckily as you would hope in a romance, they finally manage to get through everything for their HEA.

A complicated trek delivers a bigger reward. I can think of no better words to describe Dalton and Raven. Any Time, Any Place is an ode to heartbreak that blossoms into a melodic symphony of healing. The road is tedious and the secrets are abundant but Ms. Probst gives a bountiful beauty to a sometimes tragic aria. Dalton has magic in his hands and hope in his heart. His restoration skills are legendary. Inspired by the past he thrives on rebuilding the broken, making old like new. Raven is a project on the mend. Past betrayal has led her to close herself off as she works to move on with her life. Beauty draws him in but can love make him whole? Or will the past destroy his chance at a future? Jennifer Probst took a soap opera and made it into a modern fairytale.

Once I started reading Any Time, Any Place I couldn’t put it down until I finished and then I just wanted to start reading what may come next in this series. I had a soft spot for Dalton from day one and that soft spot went nowhere. The adoration I hold for Dalton is beyond words. While in Raven’s case I was just intrigued to dive into her past and the connection that she has with the
Pierce brothers. Any Time, Any Place was such a wonderful novel. It was full of heartache, chemistry between Dalton and Raven, heart fluttering moment, with the past and present colliding for all involved. Raven gets more than she bargained for were Dalton is concerned but when Dalton wants something he gets it – that included working on her bar and working over Raven. Dalton knows nothing of his connection to Raven but Raven knows all about it. What she doesn’t count on is the fact that life and love isn’t exactly black and white. I definitely can’t wait to read more from the Pierce Brothers. I would easily give Any Time, Any Place 5 Stars.

I enjoyed reading Everywhere and Every Way, the first book in this series (still haven't reviewed it because I was a slacker in 2016). To say I was intrigued is an understatement. I was HOOKED! As with any Jennifer Probst book, we get a lot of romance and heartache and chemistry!

HGTV Roots!

Back in the day (okay, when I was in college), I loved watching HGTV, so this was right up my alley! I absolutely loved that this story is about the youngest, Dalton. He is definitely the sensitive brother in the group and I loved that he is matched with someone who is independent, and not as emotional as he is.

The Man Bun

I'm probably NOT going to get Pierre to wear his hair in a man bun BUT this totally works for Dalton! I can actually picture him scruffy and sporting his man bun. Totally HOT! And DREAMY!

The Romance

The chemistry between Raven and Dalton is SIZZLING! I also loved that their romance was slow and was established by their friendship! We definitely need more friendship to lovers trope in romance!

Raven and Dalton meet at My Place, Raven's bar where she also bartends. When Raven gets offered a feature in one of the magazines, she contracts with Pierce Brothers and Dalton to restore her bar even though she knows HOW the brothers are related to her father.

The development between their romance is perfect. As I've said, I really enjoyed reading about how their love slowly blossomed. Although I didn't really care for what Dalton did in the end, it still didn't ruin the story for me.

The Heartache is real

This is the book where we find out what really happened to Dalton's mother and Raven's father. We finally see how the brothers work their issues and also how Dalton resolves his hurt. He IS the mama's boy, after all.

And I have to admit, I shed a few tears, too!

The only thing that turned me off (a teeny tiny bit) is how his being a mama's boy ALMOST ruined his life with Raven. I DO understand it, but what he was pretty bad, IMHO.

I don't think this author can write a bad book! Love the premise. Love all the brothers. Love the setting. Just overall fantastic writing. A pleasure to read!

One of my favorite romance authors! She has become a "can't miss"author for me,

Book Title: Any Time, Any Place (Billionaire Builders 2 )
Author: Jennifer Probst |Website| Twitter| Facebook|
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 2
Format:Paperback, Ebook
Cost: $16.00
Pages: 400
How I got it: Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: Jan 24th 2017
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
HGTV’s Property Brothers meets The Marriage Bargain in this second volume in the Billionaire Builders series, an all-new heart-wrenching and sexy contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst. When she was a teen, Raven Bella Stratton’s father was killed in a horrible car crash. The bigger shock was the discovery of a woman with him—Diana Pierce—and their two fully packed suitcases with airline tickets to Paris. Devastated by her father’s betrayal, Raven went to live with her aunt, never truly overcoming the traumatic event. When she discovers that the mysterious woman had a family with a husband and three boys, Raven vows to leave the memory of her father behind. Until Dalton Pierce visits one night and suddenly her past challenges her future... Leaving his life in California behind to run Pierce Construction with his two older brothers, Dalton Pierce has enjoyed returning home and studying his passion of woodworking. But when he visits the local bar with his brothers one evening, he’s immediately drawn to the smart-mouthed, badass, sexy bartender who sets his body on fire. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem as intrigued by him, and his multiple advances are met with rejection. When he offers to restore the bar back to its original glory, he begins to work with her on a daily basis, and falls harder. His plan of seduction slowly weaves a web around them both, until they are caught up in the spell. But Dalton doesn’t know the secret that can either destroy them both...or finally mend two broken hearts.

Email Jennifer Probst has a new book, would you like to review it. Me *psst would I?? Is that a legitimate question?? Types response immediately Why yes. yes I would. Takes book and reads it in 2 days, Me: Sigh now I must purchase all the books here take my money.

This is pretty much how the last few days have gone in my corner of the reading world. Once I read this I was too hooked to put it down. I really loved the characters in this one and I loved that we got a mostly well adjusted couple trying to find their way around life and love in this city. As a women who lives in Connecticut, a Connecitcuter?? Is that even a word?? Nah we'll just stick to New Englander it sound better, I absolutely loved that this book was set in my home state, even if the town is fictional, I mean there are a few towns it could be based on but definitely not a real Harrington in CT. I loved having a book based in CT since that's my play ground and I don't have to imagine too hard the landscape. or how our summers re just so darn hot (although right about now I would gladly take some of that heat).

So away from me and onto the book review, this book is the journey of a pretty wild and successful bartender turned owner and another of the wealthy brothers from the Pierce Brothers Company. This is going to be the tale of the young woman who's father was also involved in the crash that took the life of the mother of the Pierce boys. It's a great story of the redemptive power of love, forgiveness and knowing the one's truth.

So we get to meet Raven and she's pretty badass, she is a bartender with a really cool idea of her own bar & is doing everything to make her baby succeed and in doing so is making a name for herself in town, as well as around the state. Given the opportunity to showcase her baby and bring in more people Raven has to decide if taking on the Pierce brothers is worth the hassle it will bring. After her tragedy of her father's passing; she'd been hell bent on revenge and destruction and this job, this career has been what has saved her, she became a bit of a loose cannon and roomed allover chasing an answer that she couldn't find anywhere else but home. Having made the decision to change her life around she's really enhanced her life and even though she has wicked chemistry with Dalton she's staying as far away as she can, because his family destroyed hers.

Dalton isn't aware of why the woman's he's so attracted to won't even give him he time of day. After his mother's passing, he took off to California to make a life for himself and there really got to know his passion and began making a name for himself in the industry. He has a love and passion for wood (ohhh the things I could do with that statement, but I'm going to be good) and a serious talent for making amazing restorations, however he's bored and looking for a project to inspire him and even though he wants to get his hands on Raven, he wants her bar even more.

I really loved the coming together of the couple in this, they felt like two strong willed people circling each other and trying to find a way to be friends while keeping their armour in place. Raven knew who he was, he didn't know who she was, but he was too chicken to step up the challenge she laid out. I loved that she made her wished plain, that she knew what she wanted and the fun time he offered wasn't enough for her anymore and she didn't hesitate to say so. Her life was going to way she wanted for the first time in a long time and she wanted a partner that would understand her quirks without smothering them. I really loved that Raven was a bartender, and a fan of creating great drinks (as a bartender myself I love that look of surprise when they try a drink and love it). Being that I know the career she's in made me love her more, made me love the crew that worked for her and made me especially love Al because I assure you there are tons of him working in bars everywhere.

Dalton was a good guy who loved a good time and was honest about it. He was fascinated by Raven and when he realized her needs and his weren't linking up he offered friendship and really meant it. He hoped for more but understood that she wasn't going to give him that more. My favorite scenes are when they both are having fun, and then he nerds out on her only to discover she's just a big of a nerd. I loved them hanging out on the porch and him sharing his favorite myths with her and I just knew he wasn't going to be a happy camper when he found out who she was.

They both as kids blamed the other without really thinking about how their parents where grown adults who made their own *albeit effed up * decisions. I loved the female friendships, the lack of cattiness, even the characters that seemed ditzy turned out to be pretty bad-ass as well. I really loved the look at the familial friendships as well, how much the brothers loved and respected each other, even though as the youngest Dalton was a little more sensitive to the teasing. I'm looking forward to more books from the series including their co-workers I'm really hoping it's not just the brothers getting stories, or if it is then at least the other characters get their stories in the books.

I loved how the characters had to learn that the past shouldn't be used as an excuse, and that even if this isn't your path, it can still be traversed well. This isn't where Raven or even Dalton thought they would be; but as time passed, and needs changed and got clearer; they each had to learn to grow and to let go of the things that wouldn't help them, and yet it very muuh was the past that pushed them along.

I'm glad Raven wasn't a push over and that when it came down to it, she still valued herself and what she brought to the table. I'm also Dalton recognized a gem when he found it and learnt to treasure it. Funny I just realized how much the fact that he's into restoring items, by stripping them down to their most basic and how she's into finding new ways to make the old fun again, works not just for their careers but also for their relationship. Yeah I loved this one, definitely read it my loves.

★★★★☆
I'm looking forward to book three and to finding out what happened with is brother, I'm also looking forward to reading book 1, because you know I had to buy it right??

Happy Reading and I'll see you next time

3.5 stars

When she was a teenager, Raven Stratton's father was killed in an automobile accident. Even worse, was that he was not alone. He was in the car with a married woman, Diana Pierce, along with their packed suitcases and plane tickets to Paris. Devastated by the public embarrassment and shame, Raven goes to live with her Aunt.

Then one day Dalton Pierce, the youngest son of the woman her father was running away with, walks into her bar. He is not aware of who Raven is or their shared circumstances "secret" of their past. He works with wood and is intrigued with Raven's bar and when hired by Raven to restore it, he is even more intrigued by her. The shared secret of their past has effected both of their lives.

Raven vows she will not let this man get close to her. His family placed the blame on her father and she puts up a wall around herself while Dalton tries his best to win her over. Both are attracted to each other and thus begins the "dance" of their love story.

As with most romance books, the ending is not a BIG surprise. The way the characters get to the ending is what makes these books intriguing to the reader. This is my second book by this Author and most likely will not be my last. I enjoyed the story and found this book to be a fast read. This book also deals with grief, pain, trust, healing, starting over, letting go, taking chances and of course love.

Received from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to thank Jennifer Probst, Gallery and Netgalley for giving me this book for my honest review.
Review by Stephanie
4.5 Stars
I fell in love with The Billionaire Builders when I read Everywhere and Every Way (book one) so I was super excited when I saw book two on netgalley. Jennifer is an amazing writer and she fills the pages of her books with raw emotion. I was completely drawn into this book and could not put it down.
Jennifer tackles some deep emotional storylines and she does it with some amazing grace and beautiful detail. I love reading her books because they are so much more tan romance, they are real life well more life they are a vacation from your real life to enjoy someone else’s real life.
Jennifer is a sure thing for me and I cannot wait for the third book in this series!

4 Sins of the Past /Love for the Future Stars
* * * *
When you have experienced personally the ramifications of parents' sins of the past...How do you let go and move forward...This is the dilemma we are confronted with in Any Time, Any Place.
For our two main characters have had their younger selves impacted by the actions of their parents to mold how they think about relationships and forgiveness.

When both of them are drawn to each other...we know of the undercurrent of omission taking place...and we know it will eventually come into play...

There is much to enjoy in this series... the crafting, humor, family and heart.

I just loved this story! I thought I loved the first one but I love this one more. Raven lost her dad when he dies in a car accident on his way to the airport with a married woman. The woman's husband and children painted an awful picture of her father that he just wanted the woman for her money...it was so bad the gallery he sold his paintings in took them down and sent the back to her. Years later Raven still wrestles with unknown of why he was leaving her, who was that woman, did he plan to come back? Now Raven has taken on a antique bar that is really picking up in business because her drinks and food are amazing if fact so much a magazine is doing a feature on it.
Dalton has a woodworking business which is part of the Pierce brothers building business and it works out well for him. When he first goes to My Place Ravens bar she throws him and his brothers out because she knows who they are, their mother was running away with her dad and they and their father made her life hell. None of them realize who she is because her dad always called her Bella which she doesn't go by anymore. Dalton can't take his eyes off of her so when she lets them back in Dalton tries everything to date her but she won't do it. Dalton talks her into letting him restore the bar for the magazine and they become closer even to the point of being friends but Raven still doesn't tell him who she is. When they become friends with benefits she knows she should tell him but she can't.
There are so many emotions in this story but I really loved how strong Raven was both mentally and physically and how slowly Dalton started to evolve. This can be read as a standalone but the story does connect with the prior book and I can't wait for the next one!

Ms. Probst is on my auto buy list. I truly enjoy the whole lot of sexy and heart mixed in with excellent dialog and old fashioned family values in her stories.   The chemistry between Dalton Pierce and Raven Bella Stratton is off the charts and yet their relationship is stalled before it can get off the ground.  There's definitely a mystery here that readers will enjoy getting into...
Dalton is the baby and once the darling of his beloved mother. His soft emotional inside is well hidden beneath his broody exterior. He knew his mother was unhappy and would have wished her every chance of happiness but her when she abandoned him to run away with another man leaving her children behind he never recovered.  He lavishes all his soft tenderness in coaxing out unbelievable results from the wood he works with, enjoying all that women have to offer without ever letting them touch his soft inner core until Raven comes into his life.  For the first time he's exerting effort to make inroads with a woman who wants nothing to do with him.   His devotion and sensitivity to winning Raven will win readers hearts.
Raven has kicked around the world fighting the demons that plague her when she's left orphaned and abandoned by her beloved father. The Pierce name is anathema to her since Diana Pierce is the woman who stole her father away from her in more ways than one.  Dalton manages to break through all her walls and defenses and burrow his way inside her heart.  She's finally able to come to terms with her childhood an put it behind her and move on with her life. Will Dalton meet her halfway when the truth is revealed?
This book evokes soft tender feelings. Dalton will steal a piece of your heart as he charms his way into Raven's heart. He is the perfect male complement that any women would wish for in her life: soft, tender, romantic, sincere.  Raven is a kick ass heroine and that's not just before she can take down Dalton Pierce on the mat.  I enjoyed how both characters worked their way through their troubled tangled pasts to find absolution and peace.