TRAVIS by Mia Sheridan brings us the story of a police chief whose life has never been on the right path. In keeping with that spectacular fashion, Travis is left picking up the pieces when the woman he’s decided to marry and build a life with is caught in bed with another man.
Travis Hale is the chief of police in Pelion, Maine, a small town that holds a lot of scarred memories for him. The day he walks in on his girlfriend having sex with someone else is just another scar to add to the list. When Travis pulls Haven Torres over for erratic driving, sparks don’t exactly fly. And when he finds out it was her brother he caught sleeping with his girlfriend, they are off to an even worse start.
I adored both of these characters. Travis had a sweet streak a mile wide, and Haven’s issues felt so in line with all she’d been through. She had such a soft spot for plants; as you learn about her and realize why, the more poignant that portion of the story becomes. They bring her joy as well as sorrow, and it hits you right in the feels. Their relationship really takes a turn when Travis realizes that Haven has her sights set on local golden boy Gage. This is the catalyst that really brings them together, and any romance reader knows where it goes from here. Feelings develop, and Travis can’t help but start wanting Haven all to himself. His plan deepens when he urges Haven to play hard to get with Gage and takes her on their own "pretend" dates around the area.
TRAVIS was such a sweet story. Feelings develop so slowly, and you’re rooting for this couple as they find their way together. I loved the slow build. The light angst in this story cut deep, and I couldn’t get enough of it. There was also a town meeting scene that was reminiscent of something that might happen at a Stars Hollow town meeting on Gilmore Girls. It had me laughing and cringing in equal parts as the town showed some of its true colors, but it was such a great part of the book.
I will say, the one thing that threw me for a loop was Travis being the "bad guy." We are told this a few times in the story, but that doesn’t show in this book. He was such a nice guy, and I loved him for it. It does make me want to go back and read the book Travis was introduced in, ARCHER'S VOICE. I think I would have seen that side of him there based on the comments in this book. Speaking of…if you’re a fan of Archer, you will see him in this one!
I loved TRAVIS, and it makes me want to pick up more of Mia Sheridan’s backlist. I will probably start with ARCHER'S VOICE so I can get that glimpse of the bad boy I’m looking for!
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Mia Sheridan comes the emotional, highly anticipated follow-up to Archer's Voice, following Archer's troubled brother Travis.
Perhaps Travis Hale's past is riddled with regrets, but his future looks limitless. He's the police chief in idyllic Pelion, Maine, women are regularly falling at his feet, and his family has mostly forgiven his mistakes. But when the new guy in town crosses him, things start to look shaky—especially when he meets the stranger's smoothie-making, birdseed-eating sister.
Haven Torres's life fell apart. Or, rather, burned to the ground. At the time, it seemed like a solid idea to jump in her car, her brother a mostly-willing co-pilot, and embark on a cross-country adventure for the summer. Especially if she can catch the attention of Pelion's most eligible bachelor, Gage Buchanan, before she goes. And after the local police chief tells her of her brother's scandalous misdeed, she knows without a doubt that Pelion is just another town where their stay is best short-lived.
Still, she and Travis form an unlikely friendship, and at first, it seems simple enough. She'll help him make her brother sweat a little, and he'll help her win over Gage. But then Haven starts to see the man beneath the brooding, and Travis starts to see the woman beneath the mess.
However, Haven refuses to be tied to Pelion. And Travis has vowed never to be second best ever again.
Before they know it, simple has started to look pretty complicated.