Review: When I'm Gone by Abbi Glines

When I'm Gone by Abbi Glines
Series: Rosemary Beach #11
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: April 7, 2015 by Simon and Schuster
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Purchased
Find it here: GoodReads | Amazon










Synopsis

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines comes the next new adult novel in the Rosemary Beach series, in which we meet Mase, a Texas heartthrob rancher first introduced in Take a Chance who comes to Rosemary Beach and stirs things up.


I had an urge to fix all her problems. Which was stupid. 
She was doing fine without me. But something about those big eyes…

Mase Colt-Manning has always preferred his humble life as a Texas rancher to his birthright as the son of a legendary rock star. In fact, he rarely visits his father’s rarefied world in Rosemary Beach, especially if it means bunking at his vile half-sister Nan’s house—until one visit leads to a chance encounter with a young, gorgeous house maid who awakens him with her off-key but spirited imitation of a country music star.

Reese Ellis finally has her freedom. After escaping a lifetime of abuse from her parents and classmates for an undiagnosed learning disorder, she seizes the opportunity to be a house maid to some of the richest families in Rosemary Beach. But her job is in jeopardy when she causes an accident at the home of her most important client, Nan Dillon. When a hot, half-naked stranger with a cowboy’s swagger comes to her rescue, she’s intrigued—then afraid once he shows his own interest. Reese has never met a trustworthy man in her life. Will Mase be any different? 

My Thoughts


My love for the Rosemary Beach series knows no bounds and I'm actually running out of superlatives when it comes to review time. I always know what I'm going to get when I pick up the latest entry and Abbi never disappoints. I've been excited for Mase's story and When I'm Gone delivered big time, while introducing a woman that will change Mase's life forever.




It was impossible not to love Reese and really root for her. This was a young woman who had known nothing but cruelty and neglect and abuse and had never had someone to encourage and support her. Despite that, Reese never became bitter but instead has maintained her sweet nature and good heart. Her background, coupled with an undiagnosed learning disorder has left her feeling distrustful and ashamed, but that hasn't stopped her from gaining her independence and supporting herself. Cleaning the homes of Rosemary Beach's wealthiest residents isn't her dream job, but she's good at it and takes pride in her work. And it's there she meets Mase Colt Manning.



Mase is visiting Rosemary Beach from his family ranch in Dallas when he meets Reese. And she makes an instant impression. Fans of the series will remember how protective Mase was of his sister Harlow in Take a Chance and One More Chance. Mase will do anything to protect and care for those few that he holds dear and that extends to Reese here - in a big way. From taking her to the hospital for stitches to shielding her from the wrath of Nan, Mase's protective nature is in full effect. And it had me falling for him hook, line and sinker.




Reese struggles at times but she is a real fighter and tries so hard. I loved that about her. Mase became the man who took the time to see Reese's good heart and did his best to show her she was worthy of love and kindness. The steps he took to help her overcome her learning disability, giving her an opportunity to help herself... how can you not love this man? Mase fights for Reese but will Reese's insecurities allow her to fight for Mase?

The relationship between Reese and Mase is one that brings on all the swoony feels. This isn't a case of insta-love. Instead, there is a friendship first and their relationship develops over time through their phone calls and Mase's visits back to Rosemary Beach. I loved seeing Reese's trust in Mase and her willingness to open up to him. And Mase's utter devotion to this girl who took him by surprise and made him want to be the only one to love and comfort her was enough to turn me into a sappy pile of mush. I was desperate for a happily ever after for these two special people.

Mase and Reese's story continues in When You're Back and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for them.

I leave you with a little example of all that is Mase Colt Manning:
"You are perfect. So perfect that you take my breath away. I'm completely obsessed with you. You're all I see anymore, Reese. Nothing about you is broken. Please, don't let me ever hear you say that again. I want you to see yourself the way I do. This breathtaking beauty who has me so completely fascinated. She's a fighter. She's strong. She's fun, and she is kind and honest. She doesn't judge others. She accepts people for who they are. She doesn't expect anything but gives beauty to the world around her freely. That is who I see, Reese. That is who you are. See that, too, sweetheart. Please, see that, too."

Are you also a fan of the Rosemary Beach series? Have you read Abbi's Sea Breeze series? I'd love to hear about your favorite book or couple from the series. Tell me about it below!

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