When I'm Gone ~ Abbi Glines ~ Quick Review

Today's review comes from my library "to be read" list. I'm a late comer to this series, but I am enjoying it.

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 first introduced in Take a Chance who comes to Rosemary Beach to stir 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?

Elizabeth's Review 

3.5 Stars

I am new to Abbi Glines and the Rosemary Beach series, but it didn't feel that way when I was reading When I'm Gone. This is a sweet story focusing on Reese and Mase. Reese had a horrible childhood and escaped to Rosemary Beach and has carved out a new life for herself. A series of passing encounters with Mase grew into friendship then romance. I found myself liking both characters. Reese is much stronger than she gives herself credit for and it was easy to respect how she handled herself. I don't think there is a guy with a bigger heart than Mase. He tempered his first reaction and attraction to Reese and that led to them developing a deep connection. I did find myself a little frustrated with Reese and the conflict that she allowed to drive a wedge between her and Mase. Given everything he had done for her up to that point, she should have felt that she could talk to him. As much as I was frustrated by the source of the conflict, I loved the resolution. I've only read the 10th and 11th books of this series and would love to go back and read it from the beginning.