This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance Summary McKenzie Shaw is the mayor of Haven Point and she would do anything for her hometown and the people who live there. But when Ben Kilpatrick comes back to town, her blood runs cold. McKenzie once found herself infatuated with Ben, but when he turned his back on the town and let it go downhill she knew she couldn't just let that go. But when she learns that Ben is here doing some scouting for a new facility that could bring jobs and prosperity to Haven Point, she knows that she will have to be "nice" to him to show him that Haven Point deserves it. Ben has a war of feelings going on inside him, and the last thing he wants to do is be in Haven Point again, it brings back bad memories for him. At first McKenzie and Ben spend time together, and trying to ignore the chemistry they feel for each other, and even though the past comes back to haunt them, they will need to learn to let go of the past when love gets in the way.... The Hero Ben Kilpatrick has some horrible memories of Haven Point. He grew up in Haven Point, but when his younger sister was diagnosed with a deadly disease, his father turned on him in a very brutal way. He went from a loving father overnight to a man who belittled his son for the tiniest infraction. Even though Ben became a stronger person because of it, it ruined his childhood and teen years. His relationship with his mother is strained even though she suffered just as much as he did. Ben was a character that at first I didn't know if I would learn to like him. From the first book, we get some powerful negative emotions about him. But we see that not everything is black and white and Ben has had to deal with his own demons. I found Ben to be quite the hero, a man still trying to get over emotional baggage from his past and not trying to let it affect him too much. Even though he feels quite a bit of animosity from the town and especially McKenzie, I did like that he didn't let it get him down. I grew to really like his character throughout the book though, and I was impressed with how Thayne handles his flawed character to love. The Heroine McKenzie is not a passive woman to just let her town go downhill. She is a fighter and she has to deal every little thing concerning the town. She has a strong backbone and is quite stubborn and determined. McKenzie loves Haven Point and would do anything for the people who lived there and to make it a better place to live. What I was most impressed with was how selfless her character was in this one. She always puts the needs of others above her own. Now I loved McKenzie, her character was fun and spineless. I liked how bulldozed over problems and gets things done even if she is new at the job. I like how happy her character was despite what she went through growing up. She took the best of what she has in life and makes lemonade out of sour grapes. Plot and Story Line Redemption Bay follows shortly after book one, and we get Ben and McKenzie's book. And these two were simply fantastic together and I loved the fireworks that they put out. Now this I don't think was quite as good as book one...but it was still dang good!!! I had a blast with Ben and McKenzie and some of the secrets that become revealed were unique and unexpected. The story is just as well written and I like how this author had me falling in love with a character I wasn't sure that I would like and boy did I end up cheering for him. We get to see more enchantment of the small town of Haven Point. And I think I fell in love with it even more. I was quite enchanted by the community of Haven Point. I love how they stand together and do what is best for the town as a whole. The romance between Ben and McKenzie develops slowly and gradually, even though have some great chemistry it takes a while for them to act on it (considering they aren't the best of friends) it makes sense. But what Thayne does with these two is brilliant, their relationship became so real for me. These characters Thayne writes are very compelling and feel so human and people you could be friends with in real life. I love how this author just pulls you into a story that is endearing and full of emotion. The Cover Such a pretty night scene by the lake!!! I just love the lights and candles, with the mountains in the backdrop. Overall View Redemption Bay is a story you could never regret reading....it is simply magical with a quaint small town culture, characters that win your heart and a story that you don't want to end. A DELIGHT! Click To Buy On Amazon [foogallery id="24907"]