When we last saw Gwen Carter, she had caught her lousy husband Liam O’Leary in bed with his girlfriend, given birth to their daughter Kaitlyn in the mWhen we last saw Gwen Carter, she had caught her lousy husband Liam O’Leary in bed with his girlfriend, given birth to their daughter Kaitlyn in the middle of a storm (without him) and decided to divorce the bum as well as tossing his last name for her and her child. It’s almost six months later and Gwen’s divorce set her back financially as she bargained for sole custody of her child. She’s starting a new career as interior design assistant in her mother’s company, struggling to rebuild her coffers and be self sufficient. And, she’s vowed to stay single, completely burned and done with romance. But then she didn’t bargain on Cade Paxton, the Aussie billionaire CEO who recently bought the Carter Island airline and who’s contracted her design services.
I’ve looked forward to my return to Carter Island before this book was announced. My love for this series is certainly no secret and I was hoping this would be about Gwen and am thrilled she was center stage. Cade was introduced in the last book when he purchased the airline and airport but not much was known about him. I loved his backstory, the tragic event that reshaped his outlook and had him being such a loner. Both he and Gwen were committed to leading solo lives but their mutual attraction was hard for them to ignore. Cade takes the lead in being willing to pursue a relationship but the perfectionist Gwen is focused on building a secure life for her and her daughter and being independent. The emotional bruises left from her miserable marriage are vivid and still visible so Cade takes his time, staying in the friend zone as they create a lovely and nurturing one.
Gwen is also still part of the small business partnership with her sister Molly and sister-in-law Callie. One of the best aspects of this story (and series) is the friendship and bond between these three women. They support each other fiercely but never overstep their boundaries. However, they don’t miss opportunities to give Gwen the nudges she needs to give a relationship with Cade a chance. And Cade? I fell for this man who loved Gwen’s daughter as passionately as her mother. Their interactions will melt your heart. I was so happy being in this story I didn’t want it to end. It was a beautiful conclusion to one of my most favorite series, one of the best romances I’ve read this year.
(Thanks to the author for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Merged review:
When we last saw Gwen Carter, she had caught her lousy husband Liam O’Leary in bed with his girlfriend, given birth to their daughter Kaitlyn in the middle of a storm (without him) and decided to divorce the bum as well as tossing his last name for her and her child. It’s almost six months later and Gwen’s divorce set her back financially as she bargained for sole custody of her child. She’s starting a new career as interior design assistant in her mother’s company, struggling to rebuild her coffers and be self sufficient. And, she’s vowed to stay single, completely burned and done with romance. But then she didn’t bargain on Cade Paxton, the Aussie billionaire CEO who recently bought the Carter Island airline and who’s contracted her design services.
I’ve looked forward to my return to Carter Island before this book was announced. My love for this series is certainly no secret and I was hoping this would be about Gwen and am thrilled she was center stage. Cade was introduced in the last book when he purchased the airline and airport but not much was known about him. I loved his backstory, the tragic event that reshaped his outlook and had him being such a loner. Both he and Gwen were committed to leading solo lives but their mutual attraction was hard for them to ignore. Cade takes the lead in being willing to pursue a relationship but the perfectionist Gwen is focused on building a secure life for her and her daughter and being independent. The emotional bruises left from her miserable marriage are vivid and still visible so Cade takes his time, staying in the friend zone as they create a lovely and nurturing one.
Gwen is also still part of the small business partnership with her sister Molly and sister-in-law Callie. One of the best aspects of this story (and series) is the friendship and bond between these three women. They support each other fiercely but never overstep their boundaries. However, they don’t miss opportunities to give Gwen the nudges she needs to give a relationship with Cade a chance. And Cade? I fell for this man who loved Gwen’s daughter as passionately as her mother. Their interactions will melt your heart. I was so happy being in this story I didn’t want it to end. It was a beautiful conclusion to one of my most favorite series, one of the best romances I’ve read this year.
the setup… Ellen and Tanya are childhood friends who seemed to drift apart after a pivotal encounter right before Ellen married her fiancé Troy. Tanya the setup… Ellen and Tanya are childhood friends who seemed to drift apart after a pivotal encounter right before Ellen married her fiancé Troy. Tanya met them for drinks, accompanied by a man that was quite appealing, at least on the surface. Though Ellen thought she and Tanya were as close as sisters, there was an edge to their relationship and Ellen was on the receiving end. Many years later, they had a chance meeting that upended her world.
the heart of the story… Have you ever had that friend who would deliver compliments that felt like they had barbs around them? That best describes Tanya’s behavior toward Ellen, at least in Ellen’s mind. There’s definitely a rivalry and it shaped Ellen’s life decisions even after they became estranged. That next encounter years later had a bombshell effect and even I couldn’t tell if Ellen’s imagination and paranoia were running amok or if there was game playing on Tanya’s part.
the narration… It’s Julia Whelan at her finest, capturing all of Ellen’s emotions so well, drawing me into her mindset as if I were there!
the bottom line… This was extremely thought provoking and unsettling. Don’t expect a straightforward ending, which I found provocative and appropriate. Did Ellen get what she deserved, was she played or was it just life? You’ll have to decide and I still haven’t made up my mind.
the setup… Nova Porter is the youngest of her siblings with brother Beckett being her biggest supporter all her life. She’s a tattoo artist and is workthe setup… Nova Porter is the youngest of her siblings with brother Beckett being her biggest supporter all her life. She’s a tattoo artist and is working crazily to open her new studio in Inglewide. Nova's not in a relationship (and doesn’t want to be) but wants a one night outlet to ease her stress. Charlie Milford, the straight-laced but fun loving investment banker, has flirted with Nova shamelessly for some time now so when he approaches her at his sister Stella’s wedding reception, he’s disbelieving when she makes her offer for a no-strings-attached night. But who knew their surprise chemistry would test that “business casual” arrangement?
the heart of the story… Frankly, I couldn’t get enough of Charlie and Nova. She’s truly an artist and doesn’t think of her tattoos as just body ink, but unique works of art that capture the essences of her clients. She’s fiercely independent and projects that proudly. Charlie is Stella’s recently discovered brother who clings to not only her but the town of Inglewilde, visiting almost every weekend from New York. They’re his family, accepting him as one of their own without reservation. Now he’s there for a month while Stella and Luka are honeymooning so he and Nova spend that time “productively.”
the narration… Jayne was lovely as Nova and Walker nailed Charlie. They put me in my happy place with their performances and strong storytelling skills.
the bottom line… What a fitting end to this wonderful series. I loved Nova & Charlie, individually and their “casual” romance. It’s quite steamy but what’s the most interesting are what’s underneath the so-called no-strings-attached encounters. Charlie grabbed my heart and never let go with his need to please and awful childhood. You couldn’t help but love him. I enjoyed every minute and just didn’t want to let go when it ended.
the setup… After years of numbing his pain with chloroform, Dr. James Madison has finally shed the drug addiction but not the demons from the war that the setup… After years of numbing his pain with chloroform, Dr. James Madison has finally shed the drug addiction but not the demons from the war that continue to plague him. He continues to live at Delilah’s, the town bordello, still struggling to regain the man he once was, when former Confederate Charles Park arrives with Helen Winters, his “ward” who was know as the Northern Spy. He’s got her on exhibition in a birdcage, promising anyone who can best him in a high stakes poker game will earn a night with her.
the heart of the story… Something in Helen’s eyes tells James they are kindred spirits on several levels. What Charles is doing to her offends every sensibility of the old James. He has so little confidence in himself but she becomes the lifeline and he hers. It was heartbreaking on so many levels, especially with drug addiction always in the background. Their attraction to each other was at a deeper level and not one borne of dependency.
the bottom line… I was rooting for James since the last story and was thrilled to see he’d overcome his drug addiction. The painful memories still remained and finding coping strategies was a challenge. Helen’s situation was the ultimate in degradation and is the toughest part of the story. I couldn’t imagine a suitable partner for James and Helen turned out to be ideal. The magic here goes beyond romance as it was the journey to the “other side” that is the triumph. Great ending to a highly emotional series.
the setup… Jane Tanner owns and operates a vintage thrift shop in Coyote Canyon, Montana while caring for her grandfather who has early onset dementia.the setup… Jane Tanner owns and operates a vintage thrift shop in Coyote Canyon, Montana while caring for her grandfather who has early onset dementia. Her two best friends, Talulah and Ellen, are now in committed relationships and she feels like life is passing her by. One night while she was at the pub with her friend Kurt Elway and had maybe one or two drinks too many, she asked him if he’d consider being her sperm donor. Prospects for a relationship look dim and Jane wants a baby before she gets too old to have one. Kurt has wanted to move out of the friend zone for a long time and sees this as an opportunity to get a step closer. Did I mention that Kurt is her sister’s ex-boyfriend and his brother is married to Jane’s best friend?
the heart of the story… Jane’s life was complicated before she made that offer to Kurt and after? Messy is an understatement, especially as she opts to keep Kurt’s involvement a secret from everyone, including her best friends and sister. They don’t even know about her decision to try to have a child. Then her sister breaks off her engagement and starts giving Kurt a second look. And, Kurt wants to impregnate Jane the “old fashioned way.” Every decision Jane makes seems to exacerbate the mess.
the narration… McFadden has narrated the entire series and does an admirable job of making Jane sound normal. Her storytelling skills are wonderful.
the bottom line… I like family drama and this was beyond the pale. Jane’s original decision to hide her plans from everyone just snowballed into a soggy mess that even I couldn’t figure a way out. Kurt was such a good guy and hung in there when I thought he should just run. I was glued to the story, needing to see how this played out. It wasn’t a perfect ending but pretty realistic. It was a good time, despite and because of Jane’s terrible choices. And, I could see one more book…
the setup… It’s been five years since Payden Thompson, the true heir to the Earl of Taviston title, and his best friend Robbie McClintock returned to Dthe setup… It’s been five years since Payden Thompson, the true heir to the Earl of Taviston title, and his best friend Robbie McClintock returned to Dunacres, Scotland to hunt down Cameron Plowman. He’s the man who falsely claimed their clan, murdered his parents and terrorized his family. Payden has returned to Philadelphia, triumphant but somewhat broken by the trauma of what he had to do to achieve victory. Clarice Endicott is the eldest of her three sister, an aging debutante from a well established family with no desire to marry and who secretly desires a more independent life. When she meets Payden, she’s both drawn to and resistant to this brooding man.
the heart of the story… Payden and Robbie were innocent, young and naive when they set out for Scotland, believing they would achieve their mission in six months and return home to their families. The five-year saga was brutal with them experiencing loss, imprisonment and the trauma from taking human lives. Payden is struggling to reconnect with his humanity and Clarice seems to be his touchstone. Both struggled with their feelings but he more so as he had no preparation for the world he returned to. I feared this story might be a chronicle of the experience in Scotland and loved that it was presented in flashbacks. Payden’s trauma was so realistic, suffering from what we’d call PTSD today. Clarice was a perfect match for him as she was fiercely independent with a personality well suited to the man and he to her.
the bottom line… I loved this final chapter in the series, focusing on the once carefree heir who in the process of retrieving his family’s title actually earned the right to lead the clan. It came at a cost but his family’s love and devotion to him helped lift Payden from the abyss. Though his relationship with Clarice was difficult, they could not deny their feelings. It was both heartbreaking and lovely to see them beat the odds and find their way to each other. This was a perfect ending to the series, befitting the strength and character of the entire Thompson family.
the setup… Five years ago, Megan O’Sullivan left her fiancé Isaac Quinn waiting at the altar and ran away to Dublin. Now her brother who lives in New Zthe setup… Five years ago, Megan O’Sullivan left her fiancé Isaac Quinn waiting at the altar and ran away to Dublin. Now her brother who lives in New Zealand is coming home for Christmas and her mother wants her there, too. Christian Fitzpatrick is dreading going home for the holidays, too, as his three siblings are all in committed relationships and he doesn’t want to be the only one on his own. When he stumbles into Megan at a Dublin pub, they reconnect as friends as they not only grew up together, he was the only witness to her flight from her wedding. As they share their reluctance to go home, Christian comes up with the bright idea for them to be in a fake relationship. He can support her with her family and vice versa for him. It can’t possibly work, right?
the heart of the story… Megan’s fears about returning home are well founded as her old friends sympathized with Isaac and abandoned her (it didn’t help that she didn’t defend herself). I really liked Christian who has a wicked sense of humor, is smart and successful in his own right. He’s got a great family who loves him, though he seems to believe they don’t expect much from him. The fake dating actually benefitted both of them in ways they never anticipated. Of course, their bond deepened and sometime during the holiday the friendship morphed into a romance.
the narration… I loved that both narrators are Irish as that enhanced the authenticity of the story. And, they were wonderful storytellers who embraced the essence of their respective characters.
the bottom line… It took some time to learn why Megan ran away from her fiancé and I always suspected there was a lot more going on than cold feet. Christian’s issues were a bit more complicated, too. All of that made for a more layered story, adding a bit more depth than I’d anticipated, a very good thing. It was great to be reunited with the Fitzgerald clan, including Andrew and Molly from the first book. Megan and Christian were wonderful characters, individually and as a couple. This holiday story is something special.
the setup… The Fairway Players are back, this time under the direction of Sarah-Jane MacDonald, replacing the Haywards. It’s a Christmas pantomime prodthe setup… The Fairway Players are back, this time under the direction of Sarah-Jane MacDonald, replacing the Haywards. It’s a Christmas pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk and for those of you outside of the UK, that’s a type of musical comedy stage production designed for family entertainment which was developed in England. Rehearsals are underway but the season isn’t fostering “goodwill to all men” as there’s an effort underway to undermine Sarah-Jane to unseat her as director for future performances. However, things get thorny when a dead body turns up on stage. Lawyers Femi Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd are back to sift through the emails, letters and other communications for now retired senior attorney Roderick Tanner to figure out the victim and killer.
the heart of the story… I love the epistolary story structure, especially on audio with multiple narrators. The emails are snarky, often passive aggressive and always entertaining. There are so many laugh out loud moments to distract you from figuring out the whodunit but that was secondary to the overall journey. Many of the Players from the first book return, this time with bigger roles and under suspicion. The day of the performance was a really fine piece of writing as multiple disasters were in play but as they say in the business, the show must go on!
the narration… This felt like a full cast production with the four narrators and all of them managed to embrace their characters so well they came to life. If you like audiobooks, then you’ll love this performance.
the bottom line… Femi and Charlotte set the stage as the story opens with them tasked with solving the mystery but it quickly transitions to the Players, all in fine form. This turned out to be even better than I had anticipated and it was fun getting back to Lower Lockwood. There’s a sort of twisty element to the conclusion, making this even more of a wonderful listening experience. It was a fine way to start off my holiday reading. 4.5 stars
the setup… Olive Torres and Ethan Thomas are getting married! However…they’re going to go it alone in Maui to avoid the Torres family wedding curse (rethe setup… Olive Torres and Ethan Thomas are getting married! However…they’re going to go it alone in Maui to avoid the Torres family wedding curse (remember twin sister Ami’s disastrous event?) and be mindful of her sister’s feelings as she’s still sort of recovering from her recent divorce. But Ami’s having none of it. She and her cousin Diego cook up a plan to secretly fly their entire family to Hawaii and both of them will plan the wedding in less than two weeks. What could go wrong, right? Well, the first hiccup comes when Ethan’s best man Brody insists on partnering with control freak Ami to help with the plans.
the heart of the story… Oh, what a good time I had here! It was lovely to see Olive and Ethan return to where it all started for them. It was even more fun seeing Ami in her element, even though she was in unfamiliar territory in seeking out and finding the deals to stay in her budget. Having Brody as a partner was fortuitous in so many ways as he lived on the island and had his own contacts, though it was their growing attraction to each other that made it an even better time. It was the journey that made this fun.
the narration… This full cast narration was an utter delight! It also included well-timed sound effects. Trust me…opt for the audio version for a really great time.
the bottom line… I squealed when I learned of this upcoming release as I had no idea there’d be a follow up story to The Unhoneymooners. The story was fun but the full cast narration just made this the best listening/reading experience. Lest I leave you with the impression that it was all fun and games, there was also some seriousness here as Ami had to deal with her ex-husband attending his brother Ethan’s wedding and Brody clearly had a backstory that caused him pain. It added some weight and was just an added bonus. I loved every moment, finishing it in one sitting. 4.5 stars
the setup… DI Kim Stone and DS Bryant are called to the grounds of a church where the body of Sandra Deakin lay. She was brutally stabbed and mutilatedthe setup… DI Kim Stone and DS Bryant are called to the grounds of a church where the body of Sandra Deakin lay. She was brutally stabbed and mutilated, found by one of the church’s bell ringers. When they discover that she’s a psychic as a profession, the field of suspects grows, including competition, disgruntled clients and family members. At the same time, the medical examiner divulges to Kim that he has a John Doe from the morning, knowing full well that she will also make it a priority to identify him, even though he died of natural causes.
the heart of the story… The investigation requires that the belief in psychics be explored…whether they truly have a gift or more an ability to skillfully read clues and lead people to think there’s truth in what they do. I found it fascinating as Kim rightly consulted a psychologist with the expertise to send her in fruitful directions, especially when more victims turned up. DS Penn was assigned responsibility for identifying the John Doe, knowing he’d be as dogged as Kim in the pursuit and he was. That led down unexpected paths and so did the main investigation, which included a ten-year old missing persons case. But the thing that gave me chills is DC Stacey Woods’ interview with a potential suspect who poses an ongoing threat. As intrigued as I was with the world of psychics, it was this plot line that gave me heartburn.
the narration… I’ve only read one book in this series because Jan Cramer’s performances for the audio version are utterly outstanding. I ignored the opportunity to read this story early, for free, waiting until the audiobook was released because she’s that good.
the bottom line… I love that I always seem to learn something new in this series, even when I’m unprepared for it. Whether you believe in some people having paranormal gifts or not, this investigation gave you science and psychology to ponder. I was stuck trying to figure out the killer this time, even though the clues were there. The side plots were equally engaging and the return of a past character ended up having an extraordinary impact on Kim, bringing me to tears with that ending. But, the saga involving Stacey continues and I’ll be on pins and needles until the next book…hurry! I inhaled this one.
the setup… Anthea Bryars is out for a walk near her Yardley Hall home when she notices a form laying in the snow in the woods. As she approaches, she sthe setup… Anthea Bryars is out for a walk near her Yardley Hall home when she notices a form laying in the snow in the woods. As she approaches, she sees that it’s a man and he’s unconscious and in desperate need of help. She arouses him and manages to get him back to the house despite his obvious head wound. She and her three half sisters, along with her former governess, work to nurse him back to health. The next day, he seems to have lost his memory. Unbeknownst to them, this stranger is Christopher Trant, Lord Denton, the man who has inherited Yardley Hall and has ordered them evicted. And, Christopher very much has his memory but had no idea this family relationship existed or were the “tenants” his solicitor referenced as the occupants. He just wants some time to change their opinion of “Wicked Cousin Christopher” and is quite taken with the appealing Anthea.
the heart of the story… This had so many of the elements I treasure in a holiday tale…a snowy background, a close-knit family and a lovely romance. At first I didn’t quite understand Christopher’s need for anonymity after he realized the error that was made and was ready to remedy the situation. But once his title would be revealed, they’d treat him differently. As an untitled stranger, the girls and Anthea related to him without filter or deference, allowing him to create relationships with all of them more naturally. Anthea was an interesting young woman who took on the responsibility of raising her three young half sisters following the death of her stepfather (Christopher’s uncle), their mother having died years before. Her attraction to Christopher was something she didn’t even try to mask as he reciprocated the same. The children were delightful and quickly bonded with Christopher but his subterfuge was always in the background. I knew the day of reckoning wouldn’t be easy.
the bottom line… Even though I knew the day would come when Christopher would have to reveal the truth of his identity, I loved how he related to his young cousins in the meantime and his pursuit of Anthea. Their attraction was strong but they were also well suited for each other. And speaking of the cousins, they all had unique personalities and brought lots of comic relief, especially little Edwina who seemed to have a vicious streak when it came to “Wicked Cousin Christopher.” I loved everything about the story as the focus was strongly on family and authentic relationships despite Christopher’s deceitful behavior. It was just what I’d hoped for the holidays. 4.5 stars
the setup… Mark and Rachel are married with two children and they decide to vacation on the Cape with her abrasive twin brother Geoff, his wife Sasha athe setup… Mark and Rachel are married with two children and they decide to vacation on the Cape with her abrasive twin brother Geoff, his wife Sasha and their two small children. Rachel and Geoff have their own method of communication that Mark and Sasha just accept as a “twin thing.”
the heart of the story… The story is told from Mark’s point of view as he privately observes everything going on around him but particularly some of the disturbing comments made by Geoff that he finds racist. It’s clear that he has a low opinion of his brother-in-law but is reluctant to discuss the issue with Rachel. And, by the way, some of his own personal observations are equally troublesome for different reasons.
the narration… I enjoyed the tone and style of the narrator, especially as he didn’t have much to sink into because of Mark’s rambling thoughts. I’d listen to anything he chooses to narrate.
the bottom line… Huh? The point of the story just escapes me, though I’m left with some strong opinions about Mark and Geoff. There’s a distinct family dynamic that appears to seriously differ from what they look like to anyone on the outside. Maybe that’s the point but it eluded me. The author has serious skills but I think I may find him more enjoyable in a full length story. 2.5 stars
the setup… It’s been over ten years since Emma Dean’s husband Harry died suddenly from a heart attack. He was president of the local bank, a family trathe setup… It’s been over ten years since Emma Dean’s husband Harry died suddenly from a heart attack. He was president of the local bank, a family tradition, and left her well cared for financially. Over the years, she’s carved her own path, creating and managing the town’s art center where she helps promote and feature local artists. Her son, Chris, a famous rock star and lead singer for DEAN, helps support her efforts. When she decides to empty out some of her husband’s old records to make room for her business, she discovers evidence of a longtime affair with a woman she knows well. It shakes her to her core, calling into question their entire relationship and the life they shared together.
the heart of the story… Even though Emma has made the art center a success, this was sort of her own coming of age story where she begins to see herself as more than Harry’s wife and Chris’s mother. She’s a preacher’s daughter who went straight from college into marriage, the more conservative and proper of her two best friends Maggie Flynn and Liddy Bryant (think signature pearls with every outfit). It was refreshing to see her go through the stages of new grief after discovering Harry’s duplicity as it was not only realistic but it helped peel back the veneer she’d developed during her marriage. For the first time, she makes decisions based on her own needs, including the possibility of a relationship with Owen Harrison who is from a prestigious family in the community and offers her new experiences well beyond that in Wyndham Beach. But it’s the surprise visitor who shows up at her front door that is truly life changing. It consumed me more than any of the other plot lines.
the narration… I found the two previous narrators were perfectly suited for their characters and it was no different here. She seemed to exemplify in voice, tone and affectation all that I believed Emma to be. I enjoyed her performance as she not only came across authentically as Emma but handled the other characters distinctively.
the bottom line… Before this story, I didn’t find Emma all that interesting beyond being the mother of a rock star. She shines here as she finds her own voice and makes some brave and important decisions that maybe she would have handled differently if she hadn’t become introspective about the realities of her marriage. There’s a major storyline that would be spoilerish to talk about so all I’ll say is that it was fascinating and life changing for Emma. While her romance with Owen was a bit tepid, I liked where it was going. I enjoyed the story overall and really believe the open threads go beyond my imagination and merit another book, at least a novella! I love this series and am not ready for it to end. Emma turned out to be a really nice surprise.
the setup… Country music star Colton Wheeler experienced a life changing moment with immigration attorney Gretchen Wheeler after the wedding reception the setup… Country music star Colton Wheeler experienced a life changing moment with immigration attorney Gretchen Wheeler after the wedding reception of Liv and Braden Mack. What was for him the start of something wonderful turned out to be something completely different for her as she woke and bolted. A year later, after endless attempts to reach out to her, Colton suddenly gets a visit and a business proposition from her. What he didn’t know was she is one of those Winthrops, that wealthy family who owns the ultimate whiskey brand. If ever Colton needed help from the Bromance Book Club, now was the time.
the heart of the story… I immediately liked Colton from earlier stories and highly anticipated this one. Gretchen was the woman who dumped Braden so I always wanted to know more about her. Her abandoning Colton after their one night of passion was inexplicable but after getting to know her family, clarity prevailed. They were over the top awful, their treatment of her even more inexcusable. I enjoyed the romance journey between Gretchen and Colton, how he came to appreciate her qualities despite her history and prickly nature and she slowly removed a lot of walls. She brought out the best in him and he gave her much needed courage and confidence. But, I was disappointed about her predictable behavior near the end and it didn’t ring authentic, putting a stain on an otherwise lovely romance.
the narration… I enjoy Eiden’s storytelling, especially those moments when the Bromance Romance Club is in full throttle. He not only does a great job with the male voices but handles the female characters nicely, not falling into that falsetto trap.
the bottom line… Colton and Gretchen’s romance was one of my favorites until that unfortunate moment near the end, leaving it on sort of a sour note despite them working through it. But there was so much to love about this story that it didn’t negatively change my overall opinion. Her family dynamics, his career issues and the Bromance Book Club shenanigans added many layers to this engaging story, having me experience a full range of emotions. If this is the last in the series (I hope not!), it’s been a great reading experience, especially on audio, and I got exactly what I hoped for in seeing men not only reading but embracing and promoting the romance genre.
the setup… This story resumes where it ended in the first book where Lily Kincaid runs into Atlas Corrigan for the first time in almost two years. She’the setup… This story resumes where it ended in the first book where Lily Kincaid runs into Atlas Corrigan for the first time in almost two years. She’s now divorced from Ryle and both are managing their parenting plan of 11-month old daughter Emerson. Atlas is now the owner of two successful Boston restaurants and life is good but he’s never forgotten the girl who gave him a lifeline when he needed it most, both physically and emotionally. He was also Lily’s first love so this chance encounter is serendipitous.
the heart of the story… I gotta stress that it’s important to read It Ends with Us before this one. It’s a continuing arc and while you won’t be lost, you’ll miss the important values of this story. In the first book, Lily makes the hardest decision to leave Ryle and end the cycle of abuse in her family. Here, she’s confronting those issues related to coparenting with her abuser who still hasn’t accepted responsibility or ownership of his own behavior. Lily makes some really smart decisions regarding their coparenting but also makes some missteps along the way that give Ryle ground to continue trying to insinuate himself back into a relationship with Lily. When she and Atlas decide to begin dating, that ignites Ryle’s worst instincts. Lily doesn’t always make the best choices when it comes to Ryle but I admired how she used certain methods to remind herself of why she needed to stay resolute. But it’s Atlas who stole my heart as he had every reason to become a bitter man but chose to see himself as the person reflected in Lily’s eyes. He learned compassion from her and is that man she saw him to be. He was just lovely.
the narration… I’m thrilled that two narrators were used as the story is told from both Lily and Atlas’s point of view. Both performances were wonderful as they made me feel like I was “hearing” the characters as I imagined them to be. They were outstanding.
the bottom line… Everything about this story lived up to or surpassed my expectations. When the first book ended, I let my imagination run amok as to what might be their happy ending. This was much better! Their paths to happiness were tricky and uneasy but it’s their unique history that continues to bind them. I loved getting more about Atlas’s history and what led to him being homeless. There are some surprises for him that made this an even richer story, even though there are already many layers emotionally. It was a wonderful story made even better by the narrators. If the audio version is an option, go for it.
Lady Imogen Ridley is in London for her debutante season but she’d rather be back at their country home in Hampshire, pursuing her true passion of eveLady Imogen Ridley is in London for her debutante season but she’d rather be back at their country home in Hampshire, pursuing her true passion of everything gardening. She comes up with a scheme where she’ll be caught outside a ballroom with a notorious rake, forcing a shameful retreat, but it backfires when she goes to the wrong location. However, she runs into American Caleb Black, a guest of the ball host who is in London to lay the groundwork for his family’s landscape business setting up an office in England. It’s more than a physical attraction as they have much in common. But Imogen’s titled father would never allow her to pursue a relationship with someone beneath their rank in society. However, Imogen and Caleb court danger when they attempt to find ways to be together.
I love how this series turns convention on its head with these heroines as I don’t believe every woman in this era was homogeneous in their behavior and there were many more like Imogen. She was willing to take risks for someone she believed would give her a more satisfying life, society be damned. I enjoyed how their relationship unfolded, first from a strong attraction and later to an affair of the mind. Imogen and Caleb were well developed characters but not without flaws, which just made them more interesting.
The story steps back to the moment of the first book so Imogen’s escapades run parallel with her cousin Stella’s and brother Eliot’s scandalous assignations. Knowing their truths added to the intrigue provided by Imogen and Caleb, especially since I never really understood her points of view in the previous two stories. Hers was the most dangerous of them all as her father yielded the most power and control over Imogen and wouldn’t tolerate this kind of behavior. He was an awful man who wasn’t above taking extreme measures and Imogen didn’t take him for granted. That added an extremely high level of tension, leading to an explosive climax. I’ve loved this series and am grateful for a most satisfying epilogue. I didn’t think Imogen would have the more interesting story of them all and am glad it surpassed my expectations.
the setup… Sasha Dillon is a phenom in the professional climbing world. One of the youngest, she’s the reigning world champion, the youngest, and has bthe setup… Sasha Dillon is a phenom in the professional climbing world. One of the youngest, she’s the reigning world champion, the youngest, and has been for the past five years. She lives in Scarlet Springs and is a member of the infamous Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue Team. She’s training for the upcoming world championship and is biking to one of her favorite climbing spots when an SUV passes by, spewing obscenities and later deliberately striking her, forcing Sasha over the embankment into a tree. She’s severely injured but is able to call for rescue. Denver Detective Darius Silva is asked to help investigate the hit and run. He’s a transplant from Los Angeles where he specialized in celebrity cases. Darius has to determine whether Sasha has a stalker or if this was just a random event. He’s not crazy about the assignment as his experience with celebrities doesn’t bring back fond memories.
the heart of the story… Though Sasha is injured badly enough for her to miss the championship, she will recover and be able to climb again. While she’s recovering, the community rallies behind her, taking turns in providing all the care and nurturing she needs. Darius is a bit jaded when he comes to the small town that quickly embraces him, surprised that Scarlet Springs isn’t at all like the stereotypical image he’d prepared for. It’s clear from their first meeting that there’s something different and special happening between Darius and Sasha but he’s resistant because anything else would be unprofessional. He also has a dark past that he left behind years ago and it’s clearly shaped him. But Sasha’s different, a woman with a big heart and kind nature who breaks through Darius’ shields. Meanwhile, he’s also making serious headway with the investigation, getting closer to uncovering the truth.
the bottom line… Sasha has been part of this series almost from the beginning and I’ve looked forward to seeing her as happy as what she’s brought to the community and the Team. She’s a fan favorite in the climbing community not only because of her skills but her giving spirit. While I loved her developing relationship with Darius and seeing him finally open up and accept the Scarlet Springs community, I was most intrigued by the investigation. I had early suspicions about that accident and my instincts were on target, though it was more than I’d fleshed out. I love this series because of the strong sense of community and service embodied by the residents. It resonated even more in this story as the town not only rallied around Sasha but thawed Darius’s damaged heart, giving him back what was taken from him as a teen. Maybe the ending was a little predictable but it was one I really wanted and loved.
the setup… Let me start by saying this is not a standalone! If you don’t read The Family Upstairs first…prepare to be lost. The Lamb siblings are back,the setup… Let me start by saying this is not a standalone! If you don’t read The Family Upstairs first…prepare to be lost. The Lamb siblings are back, this time adjusting to their reunion with each other and Lucy’s return to London. She and her oldest daughter, Libby Jones, are beginning to bond as they both are looking to create a new normal. However, when they locate Libby’s father and attempt to set up a visit with him in Botswana, he suddenly pulls up stakes and leaves. Henry gets a lead on where he might have gone and surreptitiously sets out to find him as he’s still obsessed with the man. Meanwhile, the human remains of Bridget Dunlop-Evers, known as Birdie, are discovered by a mudlarker on the shores of the Thames and DCI Samuel Owusu is doggedly determined to find out who killed her. Rachel Rimmer, Lucy’s ex-husband Michael Rimmer’s wife, gives us a view of the man from the time they first met until his death.
the heart of the story… There’s so much backstory from the first book I had to read a summary (Googled it!) to remind myself of certain details. It all came flooding back quickly and I got so hooked I abandoned sleep to finish. There’s not a lot of drama, except as it relates to Henry and his relentless pursuit of Phin. We know what he’s capable of so it was beyond creepy. Lucy has also taken her children with her to chase behind Henry, fearing he’d do something rash. Rachel’s point of view was extremely compelling, especially after knowing her as a self assured modern woman who’s taken in by Michael’s veneer. I was so invested in what happened to her and couldn’t wait until the story would transition back to her. DCI Owusu is always in the background, his investigation creeping closer to the truth of what happened in that house of horrors where the children were raised.
the narration… I was in heaven listening to this full cast narration. Everyone delivered the performance I needed, especially Dominic Thorburn as Henry. He was that man, full of arrogance and a little bit of crazy. This was the best in audiobook listening experiences.
the bottom line… I was satisfied with the ending in the first book but still had lots of unresolved issues that this story answered. It totally enthralled me as I worried for Phin, got caught up in Rachel’s unfolding drama and felt the tension brought on by DCI Owusu as he closed in on the Lambs. My expectations were high and this still managed to surpass them. I’m sparse on details for a reason and highly recommend the book in any format but the audio version is special. Jewell is an auto listen and remains so. It feels like we’ve seen the last of this family but there was a tiny little crack opened for possibly more. If so, I’m definitely in!
the setup… It’s been three years since Lady Merritt Sterling was widowed when her husband Joshua was lost at sea. She took over management of his shippthe setup… It’s been three years since Lady Merritt Sterling was widowed when her husband Joshua was lost at sea. She took over management of his shipping company, assisted by her brother Luke Marsden. The company has thrived but now is threatened because of one very angry customer, Keir MacRae, a whisky distiller from Islay whose shipment has met with all sorts of challenges since arrival. When he’s brought to Merritt’s office, the angry Scotsman sparks something inside her she hasn’t felt for a long time. Once he’s calmed down, Keir takes note of the remarkable woman in front of him and the feeling is mutual. She’s a bit more high born for his sensibilities but that feeling is definitely not mutual.
the heart of the story… It’s more Wallflower than Ravenel with this story, which is a really good thing! Merritt is the daughter of Lillian and Marcus Marsden, Lady and Lord Westcliff, as well as the best friend of Phoebe St. Vincent Ravenel. She’s bright, bossy and utterly delightful, which captivated Keir from the start. I loved their romance as it wasn’t bogged down by any silly angst or worry despite the very real obstacles they faced. It was also made clear early on that someone was out to harm him as two attempts were made on his life, the last one coming close to being successful. There were also questions and hints about his ancestry that kept me intrigued. But it was Merritt and Keir who kept me riveted to the story.
the narration… I’ve enjoyed every single performance in this series but this was even more special. Her mastery of Keir’s Scottish accent just made him more authentic and appealing. And, her voice for Sebastian St. Vincent was so…him!
the bottom line… I’ve loved this series and am sad to reach the end, even though this was a worthy conclusion. How fitting that it would feature the Wallflowers front and center, with a charming romance between two great characters. Merritt and Keir both had strong personalities and instead of butting like rams, they fit almost perfectly. Their banter was witty and fun, making this one of the best dialogues of the series. I’m glad I chose to listen to each of the stories as the narrator delivered outstanding performances for all. This was a nice mix of romance, humor, mystery and excitement. 4.5 stars
It was four years ago that Dougal Drummond set out to find Fair Ellen of the Isles, a legendary maiden supposedly being held against her will by her fIt was four years ago that Dougal Drummond set out to find Fair Ellen of the Isles, a legendary maiden supposedly being held against her will by her father in a tower on an island. He shipwrecked on Askaval and ended his quest there after finding his true love in that place. Now his cousin Will Mackinnon finds himself stranded because of a fierce storm on a remote, seemingly unoccupied island with a tower. Who do you suppose he found living in that tower, pointing a pistol right at him? Oh, it should be noted that Will derided his cousin Dougal something fierce for chasing after a fairy tale.
I believed unequivocally that the legend of Fair Ellen was indeed a myth when reading about Dougal’s quest in The Highlander’s Christmas Quest. How ironic that it’s Will who finds her, the one man who wasn’t even looking for her let alone believe she existed. Ellen turned out to be a formidable woman as she was reluctant to give him shelter from the storm, which persisted over several days. During that time, Will got to know a fascinating and intelligent mind behind the beautiful face and Ellen interacts with a man who has no interest in being the white knight who rescues her from the tower. These two couldn’t be better suited and their growing affection for each other was heartwarming.
This is an unconventional fairy tale and Ellen’s reluctance to be rescued is based on some valid considerations. As their feelings deepen, it becomes abundantly clear that Will has no intention of leaving the island without her. Their journey from strangers to lovers made for a great reading experience. This was a lovely way to end the series, one I’ve adored. From the Scottish settings, to the brawny Lairds and the high spirited women who married them, these stories have captured my imagination and catapulted me to mystical bygone eras. They put me in a happy place.
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