Ends of the Earth

Another great KA book I have waxed poetical about Keira Andrews before and, fair warning, I’m going to do it again. Ms. Andrews always gives a stellar book while taking me to a different place every time. This time I was in the wilds of Montana. Jason Kellerman wants to be a good dad. He gained full custody of his daughter Maggie when she was still an infant and he was still a teenager. Everyone said he couldn’t do it, but he was determined. He even had to fight off his own parents in order to keep his daughter. That meant plenty of sacrifices including working a dead-end job in a factory. But if it means he can give Maggie a good life then so be it. And she’s wanted this trip to Montana forever so he’s diligently saved to make it happen. I was glad Maggie wasn’t spoiled but also wasn’t a perfect child. Just an average eight-year-old. Camping in Montana is cool although, uh, bears. And I can say, having spotted a few on the property where I used to live, they do give you pause. But Maggie’s determined to experience nature and Jason’s there to protect and explore. Things take a turn for the better when they meet park ranger Ben. Ben’s been doing this practically his whole life and he loves his job. His boss who is also his ex? Not so much. And the fact the man moved on to start the family Ben so badly wants? Yeah, that hurts too. When he encounters Jason and Maggie, he searches for excuses to spend more time with them. Yeah, he adores Maggie – who wouldn’t? But he’s attracted to the much younger Jason. Spends a lot of time in his head trying to figure out how to get some alone time with the city slicker. Then Maggie’s kidnapped by a dangerous fugitive and all bets are off. There was a moment of two when I questioned Jason’s actions, but his love of his daughter was never in doubt. I liked how this book was a slow burn. It kind of had to be with a kid involved. But Ben and Jason do eventually find some alone time and then all bets are off. The happy ending was definitely in doubt. Ben’s never been anywhere but Montana, and Jason and Maggie’s life is back on the east coast. Obviously some kind of compromise is in order. And since this is a Keira Andrews book, I got my happy ending. Sometimes it’s worth taking a risk to find true happiness. I’ll also do a quick plug for Greg Boudreaux. His narrations are seamless, appear effortless, and are always a pleasure to listen to. So well done and a thoroughly enjoyable read.