"Rainfall" by Alison Rhymes is the thrilling first installment in the Seattle Blades series, blending elements of hockey romance, second chances, and a surprise baby twist.
Tropes:
🏒Hockey romance
🏒Second chance
🏒Secret baby
🏒Angsty
“You’ve always called me Superstar, but in my life, the star has always been you. My true North, my guiding light. The one thing that’s always been true.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️.5
This novel unravels the story of Isla Cole and Cillian Wilder, whose youthful love was torn apart by Cillian's pursuit of an NHL career, leading to heartbreak. However, when Cillian returns to Seattle five years later, he discovers an unexpected secret – he's a father.
I'll start by saying that I'm not a fan of the cheating trope. So, if you share my sentiments, this book might not be your cup of tea. However, I received it as an ARC and decided to set aside my reservations to give it a fair chance. With that said, here's my honest review.
Cillian and Isla's relationship began when they were 19, deeply in love and dependent on each other. However, as Cillian's NHL dreams took him to Boston, their connection slowly unraveled. Cillian became emotionally attached to Trina, a photographer for a Boston hockey team. Although Isla sensed the growing emotional distance, it was difficult for both of them. Cillian's actions went too far when he kissed Trina while still in a relationship with Isla. Isla's life took a significant turn when she discovered she was pregnant and witnessed Cillian with Trina in a compromising situation during a video call.
Five years later, Isla is a part of the Fan Development Team, while Cillian is drafted by the Seattle Blades, a turn of events that Isla had anticipated but still found challenging. The animosity between them was palpable when they first reunited. Both were very young when their relationship faced these dramatic changes and in their own ways, they had faults in the situation. Although not excusing Cillian's cheating, they both played a role. Isla's actions kept Cillian away from his daughter Sadie. Cillian returned to Seattle as a more mature individual, focused on his career, daughter, and earning Isla's forgiveness. Isla struggled to trust him again, fearing more heartbreak.
The book addresses important topics, including postpartum depression, which Isla battled after giving birth to Sadie. The pregnancy was a difficult time for her, but with family support and therapy, she managed to overcome it for the sake of her daughter.
Cillian sought a second chance with Isla, who still loved him but was burdened by her past fears. Forgiving someone who broke your trust is no easy feat, but they both worked hard to rebuild and rekindle their relationship. It was a journey fraught with challenges, yet their growth during their time apart allowed them to mature and work on themselves. Timing isn't always perfect, and sometimes we need to overcome obstacles and grow to be ready for a second chance.
“But faced with the consequences of our actions, we could rail against them or accept them and make the best of it. Make better of it.”
Sadie, their daughter, was undeniably a sweetheart. From the very first moment she met Cillian, she recognized him as her father. When she asked if she could call him "daddy," it was a heartwarming moment that melted the hearts of everyone involved. Their bond, right from the beginning, was truly unbreakable.
The novel also offers a healthy dose of spice, especially as 19-year-old Cillian matures into a more experienced lover. His dirty talk is his expertise, and their intimate moments are fiery and passionate. If you enjoy the tropes mentioned earlier and steamy romance, this book is worth considering.
Ultimately, "Rainfall" teaches us that we may not always understand why things happen or want to give someone a second chance, but if both parties are willing to work things out, it's a valid choice. Isla faced her fears and sought therapy, while both she and Cillian put tremendous effort into their relationship and becoming better for the sake of their daughter.
Thanks to Alison Rhymes & Wordsmith Publicity for the search copy in exchange for my honest review.
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