This Loving Feeling

A Mirror Lake Novel

by Miranda Liasson

Samantha Rushford’s future looks bright: the high school art teacher is getting ready to leave Mirror Lake and move to Boston with her ambitious boyfriend, and she hopes a diamond ring is just around the corner. But her past still has a hold on her—especially the bittersweet memory of her rebellious ex, who kissed her passionately before he left town without a word.

Since then, Lukas Spikonos has parlayed his rebel ways into life as an up-and-coming recording artist. When he shows up for a surprise gig at the high school prom, Sam is more dumbstruck than starstruck—he used the words of a poem she wrote about their breakup to create a number one hit. But Lukas hasn’t returned just to impress students; he’s facing some real-life responsibilities and needs Sam’s help. But she has her own unresolved issues about the life she wants to lead. Will the music—and the pull of true love and family—put their hearts back in harmony?

I remember Lukas & Sam from This Love of Mine and that I couldn’t wait to find out how they come back together again.  And Liasson delivers a winner.

It’s quite a few years later and Sam’s ready to start a life with someone else … then Lukas comes back into town.  Even though she’s tried very hard to move on, having Lukas nearby is throwing everything into turmoil.

Lukas has worked very hard to be successful.  A foster kid who never really knew love or family, he doesn’t believe that he’s got what it takes to be in a relationship.  He’s convinced that leaving was the best thing he could do for Sam.  Until he sees her again.

I adored these two together.  Sam tries so hard to be the good girl but she’s hiding her spirit and trying to fit into what she thinks she should want, not necessarily what she does want.  Having her sexy and oh-so-tempting ex around, showing her what a great man he’s grown up to be, definitely isn’t helping things.

And while Lukas may not think he has what it takes to be a family man, especially with the crazy life of an up-and-coming rock star, his actions definitely speak loudly.  He may not have had the best childhood but he’s turned into a kind and caring man.  He just has to learn to believe in himself.

It is so great seeing these two come together again.  While they have a few bumps getting there, they manage to figure out what works for them and throw everything they have into making it work.  Knowing that things will work out makes it easier to sit back and see them work through their issues.  Those growing moments just grabbed my heart and didn’t let go.