"Forever Safe" by Jody Hedlund

 


Preparing for her wedding should be one of the happiest times in Victoria Cole's life, but with an unknown assailant out to kidnap her, it's been far from ideal. Her father's wealth has always put her in some danger, but things become serious when Victoria's bodyguard is severely injured but manages to fiend off the attacker. Further attacks prove that it is no longer safe for her to stay in New York City.

Tom Cushman was reluctant to accept the position as Victoria's bodyguard, feeling like it was not his job to babysit a spoiled and rich young woman. While Victoria may be stubborn, there's also a sweetness to her that Tom cannot ignore. As the danger escalates, Tom suggests moving Victoria somewhere remote and unexpected. He knows just the spot - with his parents at the Race Point lighthouse on Cape Cod. 

The best way to keep Victoria safe is to keep her location completely a secret from nearly everyone back home, and to keep her identity under wraps from Tom's parents and other people they may meet at the lighthouse. Such measures and the isolated area allow Victoria to see a side of life that is completely new to her - no servants, no friends, no one to take care of things for her. Plus Tom's parents are unlike anyone she has ever met, and they challenge her view on the way life works.

This book had an interesting opening, but I felt like the middle section was mostly Victoria and Tom trying and failing to keep their relationship appropriate. That part was heavier on the romance than I prefer, and I wouldn't recommend this for young readers. However, the story rebounded with two big twists at the end which I did not see coming, which is highly unusual in this kind of novel. I look forward to reading the final book in this series soon!