***3.5 Stars*** 
 It's taken me a few days to get my thoughts and feelings straight about this book and I think I've finally come to something of a conclusion, though that could shift at any given moment (I'm a Libra, so I'm allowed), and that conclusion is that while I didn't absolutely adore this book, I didn't hate it. Instead it falls into that realm of like/really like because the journey was an interesting one and it did pull out some pretty strong emotions out of me while reading, both the good and bad and so that definitely pushes the book into the win column of things. 
 Now I've read the excerpt that the author released and I saw a few teasers that had me wondering what I'd gotten myself into. I don't have tropes or triggers that I just can't handle, but even I had a moment of "Oh shit..." going on. But I got my head back in the game and decided to trust the journey and I have to say that I ended up liking Zach. The excerpt and teasers that were released do NOT do him justice because of the extremely limited information given. Zach made mistakes, no doubt and at the start I wanted to do him bodily harm, but he was in that young and dumb mode (not an excuse, just the truth) and now he's become a responsible member of the community and an amazing father. He admits to his past sins and doesn't deny his failings, but has moved forward and though he is a bit high handed, he's still a good man. 
 Shelby, well, my feelings towards her are a bit more convoluted. I cannot imagine the pain that having to give up your child for adoption would cause, even if you agree that it's in the best interest of the child, but it would damn well tear me to shreds. So I empathized with Shelby and could understand her actions following it. I also understood that she was going through a total life upheaval with moving back home after her divorce, but I wanted to shake her many times throughout a good portion of the book because she didn't stand her ground, admittedly sometimes she had to go with the flow, but still. I hate to call her a doormat, I do, but that's how she came across and it drove me nuts. Thankfully, her backbone does get stronger, and I ended up liking the woman she became after the fog lifted, but dear lord my eyes hurt from all the rolling up until then. 
 This is a second chance at love story and holy hell is there a lot of baggage. Zach is doing his best to get Shelby back. Shelby won't let go of past hurts, but can't say no to Zach. And their ex's are absolute asshats and had me snarling many times and wanting to do physical harm, especially Zach's. But with the help of old friends and their kids, who were awesome even when they added to the drama at times, they found their way back to each other. The road was a bumpy one and though there were times when I wanted Shelby to fight a little harder or demand a little more, in the end they did belong with each other and I was happy that they got their HEA. 
 Wide Open Spaces is my first book by Aurora Rose Reynolds,I didn't know it was the 2nd book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone and I did end up enjoying it. The writing was engaging and the dual 1st person POV done well. I loved the kids, Aubrey is my hands down favorite, and how integral they were to Zach and Shelby's story. I enjoyed the way the epilogue was done and how it tied up some of the loose ends without dragging things out. The teaser for the 3rd book in the series has peaked my interest, so I'll be keeping an eye out for it. 
 ~ ARC received from TRSOR Promotions in exchange for an honest review ~