Right Where We Belong by Brenda Novak
Silver Springs #4
Release Date: October 31, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads
Synopsis
New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak returns to Silver Springs with a moving story about rebuilding your life when you've got nothing left to lose.
Savanna Gray needs a do-over. Her "perfect" life unraveled when, to her absolute shock, her husband was arrested for attacking three women. With her divorce settled, she takes her two children home to Silver Springs to seek refuge between the walls of the farmhouse where she was born. It needs a little TLC, but she's eager to take control of something.
Gavin Turner understands the struggle of starting over. Abandoned at a gas station when he was five, it wasn't until he landed at New Horizons Boys Ranch as a teen that he finally found some peace. He steps up when Savanna needs help fixing things--even when those things go beyond the farmhouse.
Despite an escalating attraction to Gavin, Savanna resolves to keep her distance. She trusted her ex, who had a similarly tragic background, and is unwilling to repeat her past mistakes. But it's hard to resist a man whose heart is as capable as his hands.
It was so nice to sit down with my friends in Silver Springs. Not only did I get better acquainted with Gavin, I was introduced to a new neighbor in Savanna as well as getting to spend a little time with Eli and Aiyana. A treat all around.
Gavin came to New Horizons via a wretched childhood where his father allowed his stepmother to abandon and beat him. His foster family wasn't much of an improvement. But Aiyana Turner gave him the love he needed to overcome all that and find some peace. So it was disheartening that someone he was somewhat involved with would take advantage of his past to affect his future. Especially when he'd only just met Savanna.
Savanna came to Silver Springs to escape a very ugly and public set of circumstances. She's closed the door on that part of her life but meeting Gavin wasn't part of her plan.
Both Gavin and Savanna have every reason to be commitment-phobic, particularly Savanna. Imagine finding out the person you've shared your life with, had children with, was capable of such violence. But there was something between them that immediately clicked. They tried to talk themselves out of starting anything but it seemed fated. All they had going on individually though would have made most mortals run in the opposite direction so it was testament to their strong connection that they "stuck".
I loved watching Gavin and Savanna together. They had some great moments of fun banter as well as some serious romance. Gavin's honesty was refreshing as was Savanna's actually. Neither seemed averse to telling the other how they felt even if they did, on occasion, leave out a few details for the other's protection. The villainous supporting cast was very well done. I honestly couldn't stand any of them and that Novak developed them well enough to evoke such strong negative emotion says a lot. On the flip side, watching Eli and Aiyana conspire together in matchmaking efforts was fun and seeing Savanna and Gavin with Savanna's kids was heartwarming.
The only drawbacks were due to a few places where my suspension of disbelief was stretched a bit. Otherwise, Novak delivered a well-crafted story with characters so well drawn I both loved some and hated some. I'll be looking forward to my next visit in Silver Springs.
Until You Loved Me by Brenda Novak
Silver Springs #3
Release Date: July 25, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads
Synopsis
Sometimes starting over means finding everything you've been missing...
After catching her fiance cheating - with another man - usually straight-laced, workaholic scientist Ellie Fisher liberates her wild side just long enough to indulge in a passionate one-night-stand with a tall, dark stranger she meets at a trendy Miami bar. Embarrassed by her recklessness, she ducks out the following morning without learning the guy's full name, something that shouldn't have been a problem...until a pregnancy test turns positive.
Being a professional football player, Hudson King has always been cautious around women. But this one had been different - so disinterested in his celebrity, so convincingly into him. When Ellie tracks him down, claiming she's carrying his baby, he's stunned. And more than a little betrayed.
But after growing up as an orphan, he'll do anything to stay involved in his child's life, so he urges Ellie to move to Silver Springs where they can co-parent. Hudson has a lot of love to give - certainly enough for his child, and when their initial spark reignites, perhaps for Ellie too...
This third installment in the Silver Springs series had a little different feel in that it didn't all take place in Silver Springs, and we didn't spend much time in town or with the locals. But I certainly didn't love it any less!
Hudson King is a graduate of New Horizons, the school for troubled boys located in Silver Springs. Being a starting quarterback for a professional football team, he's a success story for the school and he spends a lot of time and money mentoring the boys there. But Hudson's life prior to New Horizons wasn't smooth. He was abandoned and passed in and out of foster homes so much he has a difficult time trusting anyone...especially women.
Ellie Fisher is doing post-doctoral work in immunology - specifically diabetes. She's always been more likely to spend time with a book or in the lab than out with people. Recently, she's been dealing with a broken engagement having found her fiance with another man...both of whom she works with.
Hudson and Ellie meeting seems serendipitous. He appreciates the fact she doesn't seem to know who he is and he can, therefore, relax and be himself. She appreciates that he doesn't seem to mind discussing philosophy, science, politics, and religion over making small talk. When they both throw caution to the wind and spend the night together, things seem perfect. But Ellie runs the next morning, mortified over her reckless behavior. Unfortunately, 7 weeks later she's dealing with the consequences of that night...alone.
The circumstances of Ellie and Hudson reuniting were entertaining, and then kinda scary. Watching as they move past feelings of betrayal and recriminations was endearing. Seeing them learn to trust one another and make an attempt at building a life together, for the sake of their child, was as well. Novak once again delivered a riveting story with such well developed characters. Hudson's issues and actions and reactions were all so true to who he was and the man, and father, he wanted to be. Ellie was the most genuine person you could ever meet. I couldn't imagine not liking her. Being witness to them building on their chemistry, turning it into so much more while dealing with difficult life changes...well, it's something I've come to expect from Novak, something she does well. And she didn't let me down.
Once again, I'm clamoring for my next visit to Silver Springs.
No On But You by Brenda Novak
Silver Springs #2
Release Date: June 1, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads
Synopsis
Struggling to make ends meet after a messy divorce, Sadie Harris is at the end of her tether. Her waitressing gig isn't enough to pay the bills let alone secure primary custody of her son, Jayden, a battle she refuses to lose. Desperate, she accepts a position assisting Dawson Reed the same Dawson Reed who recently stood trial for the murder of his adoptive parents. Joining him at his isolated farm seems risky, but Sadie is out of options.
Dawson has given small town Silver Springs plenty of reasons to be wary, but he's innocent of the charges against him. He wants to leave his painful past behind and fix up the family farm so he can finally bring his dependent sister home where she belongs.
As Sadie and Dawson's professional relationship grows into something undeniably personal, Sadie realizes there's more to Dawson than the bad boy everyone else sees he has a good heart, on that might even be worth fighting for.
My second visit to Silver Springs was utterly satisfying. No One But You delivered a compelling story with fully-realized characters. I was tense, worrying over how things would work out, but I also was "melty" over Dawson, Sadie, and Jayden. *sigh*
Sadie Harris is doing her darnedest to gain her independence, her freedom, from her soon-to-be ex-husband and create a life for herself and her 5 year old son, Jayden. It's not easy since she's been unable to find a decent paying job and her ex is having problems letting go. When she applies for a position with Dawson Reed, she's apprehensive. After all, Dawson was accused of murdering his parents. But he was acquitted. And this job would really benefit Sadie's future.
There was something - a pull? - between Sadie and Dawson from the get-go. But neither of them were in a good spot to start up a relationship. And Sadie's issues soon became Dawson's, since her ex is a cop. These two had already endured so much but as they got closer, it was clear they had something special. Maybe because they both believed in the other? I admired them both - Sadie for using her wits in dealing with her ex and Dawson for being so determined to find justice. They were both hard working and together they were stronger. I liked what they brought out in the other - they were equals in the relationship, professional and personal - and that was especially good for Sadie.
The suspense over trying to figure out whether Dawson would clear his name and over an incident with Sadie kept me glued to the pages. On top of that, the worry over what Sadie's ex was going to do next and if he'd get away with it had me tied in knots. Especially since it seemed Sadie and Dawson were on their own where law enforcement was concerned.
I really like how Novak inserted commentary on how people are "tried and convicted" by the media these days as well as demonstrating that not all law enforcement are good, nor are they all bad. It was relevant and added that much more depth to Sadie and Dawson's story.
I'm very eager for my next visit to Silver Springs, a town and community I'm coming to really like.
Finding Our Forever by Brenda Novak
Silver Springs #1
Release Date: March 21, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the author. This did not affect my rating and I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads
Synopsis
The search for her birth mother brought Cora Kelly to the New Horizons Boys Ranch. Getting a job there was easy enough, but confiding in Aiyana, the ranch's owner, that she's really her daughter? Cora's not sure she can do that, not unless she's confident the news will be welcomed. And once she gets to know Elijah Turner, Aiyana's adopted son and ranch manager, that decision becomes even more difficult.
Although Elijah can't deny his deep attraction to Cora, he's always struggled with trust. Anyone with his past would, and there's something about the ranch's newest employee that isn't exactly as it seems. But if the feelings she awakes in his guarded heart are any indication, she might be just what he's long been waiting for.
The premise of Finding Our Forever really appealed to me - I mean, finally finding your birth mother only to fall for her adopted son? Good stuff, right? And for the most part, it was.
Cora has always felt not quite whole having been adopted and not knowing anything about her birth mother. She's finally found her - she founded and runs a school for troubled teen boys - and she's accepted a job working as an art teacher. This will, hopefully, enable Cora to get to know her birth mother and then she can decide whether or not to tell her who she is. But she didn't count on Eli.
Elijah "Eli" Turner is the adopted son of Aiyana - a boy rescued from a terribly abusive home. He's become an incredible man, working at the school, giving to the boys there...but he doesn't trust easily. There's something about Cora, though. He's enamored.
And then there's Aiyana - this compassionate, giving woman who works tirelessly to help these boys who wouldn't have a chance otherwise. Why would she have given up her own child?
I really enjoyed my introduction to this new series and the characters of Silver Springs. The romance between Cora and Eli was heartwarming to watch develop even if I was upset with Cora for keeping her secret. I did feel the story could've had more depth if Eli's story had been explored a little more. For someone who claimed he wasn't to be trusted with Cora's heart, he certainly showed no real signs of not wanting it. I suppose when it's the one there's no stopping the heart, but still...
I also felt the reveal was a little easy and therefore anticlimactic. The emotion I was expecting would be there wasn't. But overall, the story was pleasant and compelling. I look forward to spending more time in Silver Springs, getting acquainted with the town and its inhabitants.
Discovering You by Brenda Novak
Whiskey Creek #10
Release Date: May 24, 2016
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #CleanSweep
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N
Synopsis
Can she ever trust another "bad boy"?
India Sommers once had the perfect family--until an ex-boyfriend broke in and shot her husband. Not only did that cost her the man she loved, a respected heart surgeon and the father of her child, but she also feels responsible. Charlie died because of the people she hung out with before she had the strength to change her life.
Just after moving to Whiskey Creek with her little girl, Cassia, to start over, she's learned that her ex-boyfriend's trial ended in a hung jury. He's getting out of jail; he could try to find her again. And that's not all that scares her. She's extremely attracted to her next-door neighbor, but Rod Amos is the handsome "bad boy" type that's given her so much trouble in the past. If she got involved with him, her in-laws would sue for custody of Cassia.
India has to keep her distance from Rod--but the more she gets to know him, the more difficult that becomes.
Discovering You was another satisfying installment in the Whiskey Creek series. I quite enjoyed getting Rod Amos' story with a side of Mack Amos' story. (I can't wait for the rest of that one!)
All of the Amos brothers have wild child reputations and Rod earned his early. But you know the old adage "don't judge a book by its cover"? Well, there's certainly more to Rod than his tattoos and troubled youth would have you believe. Underneath all that, and the walls he's built to protect himself from heartbreak, is a kind, loyal, hardworking man. And once he meets his new neighbor, India, the true Rod really begins to shine through.
India's been through so much in the last year. She's working hard at rebuilding a life for her and her daughter and has come to Whiskey Creek for that fresh start. India's resilience is amazing and says a lot about her spirit. She's endured a lot of tragedy and loss and yet she's still such a bright spirit. Her immediate attraction to Rod concerns her because she's had some questionable judgement with men in her past but spending time with him - especially seeing him stand up for her in a difficult situation proves she's outgrown her had choices - Rod fits her perfectly.
The suspense element created around India's husband's killer gave Discovering You an edge. With the exception of a few decisions India and Rod made which I felt were a little too far-fetched, Novak made it all so real. One thing that bothered me though was India's lack of contact with her daughter. I understood everything she was thinking and feeling with regards to her in-laws but I felt I would have fought them harder. The side story between Mack and Natasha also added depth to the story overall. I felt for them both and the position they were in - I'm not sure I agree with Mack's thinking but I admire his commitment to making sure Natasha's future is bright - keeping all her options open.
Overall, Discovering You was a great read. I did miss my friends from Whiskey Creek since this story focused solely on the Amos' but I know I'll catch up with them soon. Getting to see Rod fall hard was wroth not spending time with them. I look forward to visiting Whiskey Creek again soon.
A Winter Wedding by Brenda Novak
Whiskey Creek #9
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads
Synopsis
One Christmas can change your life...
Kyle Houseman believes he'll never find anyone he could love as much as Olivia Arnold, who's now married to his stepbrother. Not only did he lose her, he's been through one divorce and has no desire to go through another. He's determined to be extra careful about the next woman he gets involved with--which is why he fights his attraction to the beautiful stranger who rents his farmhouse for the Christmas holiday.
Lourdes Bennett is a country music artist. She's only planning to stay in Whiskey Creek long enough to write the songs for her next album--the album that's going to put her back on top. Her dreams don't include settling in a town even smaller than the one she escaped. But as she comes to know Kyle, she begins to wonder if she'd be making a terrible mistake to leave him behind.
Picking up the latest installment of Whiskey Creek is always like sitting down to coffee with old friends. A Winter Wedding was no exception. And despite the tension and angst, it left me feeling warm, cozy, and comfortable...and all caught up with my gang.
Kyle is such an upstanding, good guy. He's always there for his friends and he even continues being there for his ex-wife, Noelle, despite all her manipulations and machinations. So I was thrilled at the prospect of him finally finding that special someone.
Lourdes finds herself in Whiskey Creek under different circumstances than she had planned. After things going south in her professional and personal lives, she's in town to lie low, regroup, and work on a new album. She also find herself on the receiving end of Kyle's hospitality and generosity.
Novak did a fine job of creating the scenario whereby Kyle and Lourdes met. I thoroughly enjoyed watching as they got to know one another. They had an instant chemistry but became friends first before realizing what they were both feeling might be a little more than friendly. Even though they knew each other for a short amount of time and were both essentially hung up on others, their attraction was strong. Maybe things happened at a rapid speed but I felt like it was organic between them.
I appreciated how Kyle and Lourdes dealt with the trouble they were each experiencing in their private lives. They were both mature and gracious, for the most part, in the face of the turmoil it was causing. Those making the waves, Noelle and Derrick, needed to take serious stock of their lives and do some growing up. They both behaved immaturely, although Noelle's behavior was extreme.
I always adore getting to spend time with my friends in Whiskey Creek and being there as Riley and Phoenix planned their wedding was a delight. I love the special bond between this group and that I get to be a part of it. I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
The Secret Sister by Brenda Novak
Fairham Island #1
Release Date: July 28, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Mystery
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads
Synopsis
Did she once have a sister? Has her mother lied all these years? Why?
After a painful divorce, Maisey Lazarow returns to Fairham, the small island off the North Carolina coast where she grew up. She goes there to heal - and help her brother, Keith, a deeply troubled man who's asked her to come home. But she refuses to stay in the family house. The last person she wants to see if the wealthy, controlling mother she escaped years ago.
Instead, she finds herself living next door to someone else she'd prefer to avoid - Rafe Romero, the wild, reckless boy to whom she lost her virginity at sixteen. He's back on the island, and to her surprise, he's raising a young daughter alone. Maisey's still attracted to him, but her heart's too broken to risk...
Then something disturbing happens. She discovers a box of photographs that evoke distant memories of a little girl, a child Keith remembers, too. Maisey believes the girl must've been their sister, but their mother claims there was no sister.
Maisey's convinced that child existed. So where is she now?
Can you imagine starting to have vague memories of someone - possibly a sibling - but someone you don't really recall? Someone no one has ever mentioned? And having those memories corroborated by the sibling you did grow up with? This was just one of the many things Maisey Lazarow faced up her return to Fairham.
Maisey has returned home after a 10 year absence, in order to support her brother as well as heal her own wounds following her divorce. In coming home, she's putting herself in the firing line of her mother, who has never been happy or supportive of how Maisey's chosen to live her life. Being home also puts her in the path of Rafe Romero, a man she knew when she was a teen and would rather not see at this point in time. Being home pits Maisey against her mother once again, leaving her to buck against her mother's strict demands, expectations, and rules.
There's so much going on in The Secret Sister, with both Maisey and Keith trying to carve out new lives for themselves and hold their won against their formidable mother. Then there's the mystery sibling - did she or did she not exist? And if she did exist, what happened to her? And finally, there is the romance between Maisey and Rafe. I think Novak brilliantly balanced all the elements of the story. I enjoyed watching as Maisey made decisions on living her life even when they went against what her mother wishes. When we first meet Maisey, she's rather broken. I enjoyed seeing her blossom, become so vibrant and full of life.
It was difficult to watch Keith struggle with his issues and act so horribly at times. I was happy when he seemed to get his life on track.
Maisey and Keith's mother, Josephine, was a piece of work. Coming from a wealthy family, she was so focused on appearances, reputations, etc., and wasn't a nurturing type - at all. The events that transpired over the course of the story had definitely effects on all the characters - good effects.
My favorite part though was seeing Maisey and Rafe connect. Although Maisey is divorced and suffered terribly during her marriage, seeing her light up and regain her confidence as she spent time with Rafe and his daughter, Laney, left me feeling warm and fuzzy. :) Rafe is such a kind and gentle man. He's settled down since his wild youth and witnessing how he is with his daughter was heartwarming.
I did feel like a few resolutions were too easily gained. But overall, The Secret Sister was exceptional.
This Heart of Mine
Whiskey Creek #8
Release Date: March 31, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads
Synopsis
First love. Second chance?
As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson becamse her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him--especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next!
Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob's father isn't exactly welcoming.
Riley doesn't trust Phoenix, doesn't want her in Jacob's life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he's about to find both--if they can forgive the mistakes of their past...
This Heart of Mine was quite an emotional read for me. I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes throughout most of it. It was an engrossing, powerful story - maybe my favorite in the series so far.
phoenix - noun - a person or thing that has become renewed or restored after suffering calamity or apparent annihilation
This is such an appropriate name for this brave and resilient woman. To endure all Phoenix had, and continued to once she returned to Whiskey Creek, she truly rose from the ashes. Phoenix has spent half her life in prison for a crime she maintains she's innocent of. She's missed out on raising her son, Jacob, as a result. She did all she could to be a part of her son's life and protect him, as well as Riley -- all at considerable personal cost. And she maintained her dignity. As Kyle stated,
"Most people in your situation would've let resentment and bitterness eat them alive. But you've managed to avoid that. As far as I'm concerned, someone like you will win out in the end," he replied.
I've always liked Riley but I feel for him a little more after this story because we got to see this other side of him. He is a good man and he was doing what he thought was best to raise Jacob. That he managed to approach Phoenix with more of an open mind -- let himself see her through his own eyes rather than the perceptions of others, made me proud.
Maybe the fact that I'm a mom is why Phoenix's story resonated so deeply with me. I can't imagine missing out on my kids' lives for any reason. She missed out on so much. Yet she was grateful to Riley for doing such a great job in her stead. And she was grateful for the present -- the time to get to know Jacob now. Phoenix is a character I greatly admire.
I always say how much I enjoy returning to Whiskey Creek. It's so good to sit down with my good friends to catch up. In This Heart of Mine, my friends made me proud to be in their acquaintance. Obviously, I was moved by Phoenix and Riley's story. As much as I'll be eager to meet up with all the characters from Whiskey Creek soon, I'm really excited for what comes next for Phoenix, Riley, and Jacob.
The Heart of Christmas
Whiskey Creek #7
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads
Synopsis
Just call her Christmas Eve...
Eve Harmon has always enjoyed Christmas, but this year it reminds her of everything she doesn't have. Almost all of her friends are married now, and that's what Eve wants, too. Love. A husband and kids of her own. But the B and B she manages, and even Whiskey Creek, the small Gold Country town where she was born and raised, suddenly seem...confining.
Eve's worried that her future will simply be a reflection of her past. There's no one in the area she could even imagine as a husband - until a handsome stranger comes to town. Eve's definitely attracted to him, and he seems to have the same reaction to her. But this darkly mysterious past could ruin Eve's happily ever after - just when it finally seems within reach. And just when she's counting on the best Christmas of her life!
It's always such a pleasure to return to Whiskey Creek. I've become so fond of all the characters, they're like friends. I was happy that Eve got her story and curious to see how it would turn out.
Eve Harmon is just a lovely young woman She's one of those women you know you'd shy away from because of her looks but would be drawn to nonetheless because of her genuine affability. She's sweet, loyal, and would do anything to help someone in need. She just happens to be turning 35 and, not being married yet despite most of her friends being so, is making her take stock of her life.
Brent Taylor/Rex, happens upon Eve on her birthday, when she's feeling a bit sorry for herself. They spend the night together, which is all Brent could promise. But he's finding it hard to leave Eve, even thought it's really in her best interest that he do exactly that. Brent isn't what he seems and his past puts Eve, and everyone in Whiskey Creek, in possible danger.
I really liked the element of suspense that Brent/Rex brought to the story. I liked watching as Eve helped him heal from his past. I also enjoyed the mystery of "Little Mary" - the story Ted decided to work on, with Eve's help. I hope that element continues. Although I'm still a little unhappy with Cheyenne about certain decisions she made, it was nice to see her and Dylan so happy. Despite a certain thing that happened between Eve and Brent, which I thought was a bit trite, I enjoyed how their story evolved and where it ended up. And of course, I adored seeing the group rally around Eve when she needed them most.
The Heart of Christmas was a satisfying return to Whiskey Creek...kind of like cuddling up under a favorite blanket. It's warm, comfortable, familiar, and makes you feel good. This group of friends continue to endear themselves and I'll be eager to return again.
A Matter of Grave Concern
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: October 7, 2014
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 5 Suspenseful Bookworms
Goodreads
Synopsis
When Maximillian Wilder hides his noble identity and joins the notorious body snatchers known as the London Supply Company, the last thing on his mind is love. He's worried about Madeline, his vanished half sister, who was last seen in the company of Jack Hurtsill, the gang's conscienceless leader. Raiding graveyards, stealing corpses, and selling them to medical colleges as dissection material is dirty work, but Max knows he must gain Jack's trust. He's determined to find out what happened to Madeline - and to bring Jack to justice if she was murdered for the coin her body could earn.
Beautiful, spirited Abigail Hale, daughter of the surgeon at Aldersgate School of Medicine, detests the challenging, hard-bargaining Max almost as much as Jack. But she must procure the necessary specimens if she is to save the college and her father's career. She believes she is going to be successful - until Jack double-crosses her. Then she's swept into a plot of danger and intrigue, one where Max must intervene to protect her, no matter the risk to his plan...or his heart.
It's been a long while since I read a good Victorian era historical romance. A Matter of Grave Concern is so, so good. It has mystery, intrigue, and two main characters who are strong, willful, and determined, and the sexual tension/chemistry between them is fantastic.
Abigail Hale is the daughter of the chief surgeon at Aldersgate School of Medicine. She is an unconventional young woman, to say the least. She has been raised by a distant father while living at the college, being exposed to medical academia, and attending lectures. Abby dreams of admission to the medical school and following in her father's footsteps rather than marrying and the tedious life that would entail. It is because of this dream, and the duties she takes on at the medical school that she happens to meet Max Wilder.
Max Wilder is a member of the London Supply Company. When he and Abby first meet, he's delivering a corpse to Aldersgate. Max is certainly handsome and seemingly well-educated. He's also cunning and manages to take more from Abby than the ten guineas the corpse should have cost her. He also manages to protect her from the less than honorable intentions of the leader of his group of resurrection men. But as we get to know Max, we see there's more than meets the eye - he has a few secrets.
The London Supply Company provides a service to medical colleges that is important, necessary, and illegal. This period of time in London, medical schools receive cadavers for study from the government. Those hanged, for example. However, there aren't enough to go around and as it's a requirement to have studied anatomy and dissection to obtain a medical degree, the resurrection men fill in the supply...by, as their name implies, resurrecting, or robbing, graves. This historical element really added that much more depth to this story.
Of course, the resurrection men weren't necessarily honorable men and after the first meeting between Abby and the body snatching men of the London Supply Company, Abby finds herself held against her will, at least initially, and then working alongside Max to solve the mystery that brought him to Wapping in the first place.
As this is an historical romance, I quite enjoyed the evolution of Max and Abby's relationship. The sparks were flying from their first meeting as Abby speaks her mind and never does what Max expects her to. But the mystery and intrigue elements made for a much more complex, rich read. There were twists and red herrings thrown about that had me constantly second-guessing what I thought I'd had figured out. And as it turned out, I was wrong.
A Matter of Grave Concern was enormously entertaining. I've read and enjoyed Novak's contemporaries but I think I enjoyed this historical even more. I'm certainly going to be checking out her other historicals. If you like historical romance that incorporates interesting history along with the romance, I highly recommend this one.
Woohoo! Yet another book off my e-reader. :) *pats self on back*
For those of you who've read Brenda Novak's Whiskey Creek series, I think you're gonna love Come Home to Me. For those of you who haven't, get started! You don't have to read the series in order (I haven't) but, of course, I'm sure it adds to the experience of getting to know all these fabulous characters!
***
Come Home to Me by Brenda Novak
Whiskey Creek #6
Release Date: March 25, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Synopsis
Home is where her heart is...
When Presley Christensen returns to Whiskey Creek with her little boy after two years away, she has completely changed her life. She's made peace with her past and overcome the negative behavior that resulted from her difficult childhood. Now she's back in the small town that was the closest thing to "home" she ever knew - the town where she can be with the sister who's her only family.
There's just one catch. Aaron Amos still lives in Whiskey Creek, at least until he moves to Reno to open a branch of the Amos brothers' auto body shop. And no matter how hard she's tried, Presley hasn't been able to get over him. Seeing him again makes the longing so much worse. But she hopes she can get through the next few months, because she can't fall back into his arms...or his bed. She's come too far to backslide now. And there's a secret she's been guarding - a secret she'll do anything to protect.
Brenda Novak really has a way of sucking you into a story. I loved returning to Whiskey Creek again and getting better acquainted with Presley and Aaron. Their story was a little darker than Ted and Sophia's (the last book in the series I read - you can read my review here) and I liked it even more for that darkness. Hmm, what does that say about me?
Presley Christensen is back in Whiskey Creek after two years. She wasn't in the best place when she left town. She made many bad decisions as a result of coping with her childhood but she's struggled to put her life together - to be a better person - for her son, Wyatt. Now, she's looking to get her yoga/massage business up and running so she can provide a better life for her baby, be closer to her sister, Cheyenne, and maybe finally get over Aaron.
Aaron Amos has worked hard at overcoming his childhood. He and his brothers have made their auto body shop successful and seem to have put the past behind them. Aaron is planning on expanding the shop - moving to Reno. That is until Presley moves back to town. Presley, the one girl he can't seem to forget. The one girl he'd like to have forgive him for how he treated her two years ago. And if they happen to fall back into bed together, well, all the better.
I adore Presley and Aaron, They both had terrible childhoods and they really 'get' one another. But Presley knows their relationship was always one-sided - her side - and doesn't want to fall back into the self-destructive habits she once had. Bless her heart - she tries so hard to stay away from Aaron - both for her sanity and because of the secret she harbors. But Aaron won't give up. And honestly, I think Aaron was clueless as to how deep his own feelings ran for Presley. They're like magnets though, these two. It was fun watching the pull.
The sub-plots of Presley's secret and Cheyenne's conspiring for Dylan's happiness kept me on edge, as did Riley's pursuit of Presley. I knew things might blow up in Presley and Cheyenne's faces. And Riley's a nice guy but not the right guy. :) I'm eager for the next installment to see what happens with Cheyenne and Dylan. The Amos brothers are about to undergo another dramatic change as well, which I'm also anxious to see play out.
The ending for Presley and Aaron was a little too fast and tidy for me. However, I'm thrilled they have everything out in the open now. I so enjoyed my visit to Whiskey Creek with Come Home to Me.
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
***
Synopsis
When Presley Christensen moves back to Whiskey Creek to be closer to her sister, Cheyenne, she’s expecting bad boy Aaron Amos, her greatest temptation, to be moving away in a matter of months. She has a secret to keep from him, one she’ll protect with her life. But her feelings haven’t changed where he’s concerned, and a lot can happen in a short time…
**Teaser**
"I don't understand why we can't be friends."
"Because, where you're concerned, there's no middle ground for me. I can't be friends with you, no without wanting to rip off your clothes."
"See? Nothing's really changed."
-Aaron & Presley, eARC Loc 1200
Right Where We Belong by Brenda Novak
