In her brand-new series, Brenda Jackson welcomes you to Catalina Cove, where even the biggest heartbreaks can be healed… aunt’s B and B. Her homecoming gets off to a rocky start when the new sheriff, Sawyer Grisham, pulls her over for speeding, and things go downhill from there.
The B and B, a place she’d always found refuge in when it seemed like the whole world was against her, has fallen into disrepair. When a surprising benefactor encourages Vashti to reopen the B and B, Vashti embraces a fresh start, and soon old hurts begin to fade as she makes new memories with the town—and its handsome sheriff…
But some pasts are too big to escape, and when a bombshell of a secret changes everything she thought was true, Vashti is left reeling. With Sawyer and his teenage daughter determined to see her through the storm, though, she’s learning family isn’t always a matter of blood—sometimes it’s a matter of heart.
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Favorite Quotes:
Scott isn’t the only guy I’ve loved that let me down. Therefore I can’t be one and done. I’m two and through.
Ms. Gertie would also butt heads all the time with Sheriff Phillips, all generations of them, and was quick to remind them that she delivered them into the world and would have given them an extra whack on their rear end if she’d known they would grow up to be power-grabbing men.
My Review:
Oh what a tangled web vile and duplicitous snobs can weave just to save face. I enjoyed this cleverly knotted and intriguing tale, it progressed slowly yet I enjoyed every little twist and turn. The ending may seem far-fetched unless you understand the social influence and structure of small-town living, then it becomes all too plausible. The storylines were easy to follow, engaging, deliciously spiced, and pricked my curiosity. I am itching to uncover more about the secondary characters Ms. Jackson was taunting me with – she is such a clever tease! I was enamored with her large and varied cast and am primed for return trips.
An alluring and entertaining start to the new series by one of my favorite storytellers, Brenda Jackson. Ms. Jackson surely knows how twine the words together so that the reader gets lost in the world she has built, with the characters she has created.
Love in Catalina Cove starts a bit slow to me, as the stage is set for the new series. The characters are intriguing, both the main as well as the secondary cast and crew are attractive people, the kinds you want to get to know, and spent time with.
Vashti Alcindor and Sawyer Grisham might seem at the first look like the total opposites with a little in common, but as I got to know them better, that was proved wrong. They are both focused, hard-working, professionals. They are kind and considerate people, they both love kids, and especially Jade, Sawyer’s daughter. They are passionate and loving, yet logical and forgiving. I liked the connection between them, the slow burn developing into an inferno, the sizzling flame into something meaningful and lasting. They both had faced loss and heartache in their lives, the tragedies shaping them to be the people they are today.
The betrayals by their loved ones, the surprises in the plot towards the end of the story, are stretching my imagination a bit too far with all the coincidences and twists of faith. I’m still digesting them, not sure what to make of it all.
Regardless, the Catalina Cove with its inhabitants captured my heart. They pulled me into their lives, and I felt like a part of the small southern town while visiting them, getting to know them, and learning about their lives and loves, joys and heartaches.
A compelling and enthralling start to the new series
~ Four Spoons
This author used to be one I would purchase when anything new would come out. Not anymore. I will read the books I have already purchased, but hesitate with anything new.
This particular book was better than the last two books I read. The thing that made it better was the pregnancy plot. Most of it I figured out early on, but it had a couple of twists that were interesting. That is not to say that I hadn’t already figured out the twists by the time they were confirmed.
I started out listening to the audio book, but the scene transitions caused me to wonder if I had received an audio version with errors. Foe example, Vashti and Bryce went from talking about Keegan as party to a conversation with Kia and her mom.
I kept wondering, “Who is Kia? What does this have to do with anything?” I found it to be extremely irritating. Luckily, I had the book, and discovered the Kia reference was the beginning of a new chapter. At least with the book, I could “see” the new chapter. With the audio version, there was no understandable segue to the introduction of Kia to the story. I figured out her role quickly, after wondering why she was mentioned in the first place. After that happened a few times, I just switched over to the ebook.
I didn’t like Vashti. I thought she was childish and somewhat rude. I also thought if she was that distraught about the way other teenagers treated her SIXTEEN YEARS ago, she should have sought out some therapy with her 6 figure salary.
Her relationship with Sawyer was not the most interesting part of the book. The dialogue and description revolving around the romance and the sex scenes felt stilted and out dated. There was really nothing sexy about them to me.
So, although the mystery and intrigue around the pregnancy was easy to figure out, it was the most entertaining part. I felt like there was too much filler in this book. Too much repetitive dialogue.
I would go ahead and recommend this book. I think people should read it and make their own judgments.
Adding this one to the TBR list.
I love a second chance romance and Vashti and Sayer have the perfect set up to make it work. Eventually. Small towns, big secrets and second chances, go together well in my book and this is a good example of the genre. A good, satisfying happy ever after.
Awesome book
Very good read
A second chance at romance, as well as a second chance for the life they wanted. Vashti and Sawyer set the pages on fire with their personalities and passions. It’s a roller coaster ride to a happy ending. Small towns, big secrets and second chances, Ms Brenda Jackson is the Queen of Romance. This one is a must read.
Brenda Jackson is one of those amazing authors who bring you into a story and make you feel as if you are a part of the community.
Vashti Alcindor left Louisiana under a cloud of shame and remorse never planning to return. When she inherits her beloved aunt’s B and B, fate conspires to bring her back home where she belongs.
Widowed sheriff, Sawyer Grisham has no plans to fall in love again. He’s happy with his ‘friends with benefits’ relationship but upon meeting Vashti Alcindor sparks fly.
Determined not to give the small town anything more to talk about, Vashti tries to resist the pull of desire for the handsome sheriff, but they are constantly thrown together making resistance futile.
When the past and present collide, Vashti risks losing everything to discover the truth about the child she believed died in child birth. Can her relationship with the sheriff survive the lies and manipulations of others? Can they trust each other when others have hurt them?
Brenda Jackson brings the small town of Catalina Cove to life with people who feel like friends, neighbors and family. She is the queen of happy endings, but she sure makes her characters work for it.
This is a must read for anyone who loves small town, second chances and hunky heroes.
It was a good plot with several interesting twists at the end. The only drawback was that the sex scenes or almost sex scenes were written in great detail. After so many sexual encounters or near encounters, it started to become boring. I got it the first time…there was hot attraction between the main characters. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Slow start but definately keep reading
Very interesting, a real page turner, happy, sad, and kept my interest through out the book.
A good story one that I stayed up WAY too late to finish.
Vashti Alcindor left Catalina Cove after a devastating pregnancy left her childless and heartbroken. After university, she moved to New York City and vowed to never return home. Unfortunately, she finds herself returning when she inherits her aunt’s Bed and Breakfast. Her return does not go as well as she thought when she is given a ticket by the new sheriff, Sawyer Grisham, and her bid to sell the B&B is thwarted. When she is approached by a secret benefactor to renovate and reopen the place, she decides to do that. She finds the old hurts are healing as she also finds the new sheriff not only sexy but also a big help. Then she learns of a secret that turns into a betrayal for more than just Vashti. Vashti has a lot to handle, but together with the sheriff as well as his daughter, she may be able to.
Brenda Jackson packs quite a bit into the pages of Love in Catalina Cove. Secrets have a habit of never staying that way as Vashti and others soon learn. Both Sawyer and Vashti discover things that rock their perception of reality and what they thought of their family. It is only with love can they come together and heal those betrayals. It is amazing how one thing can cause all the past to come undone. This is an incredible story filled with romance, love and betrayal. Once you start it you will not want to put it down as you are drawn into the web of the mystery, the secrets and finally the betrayal. Excellent from page one to the last page, you do not want to miss this one. It will stay with you long after the last page has been read.
This was a terrific start to the new series. Vashti left her hometown behind years earlier, determined to escape the heartbreak and memories that were there. However, the recent death of her aunt left Vashti as the owner of her aunt’s inn, and she reluctantly returned to take of selling the place. On the way into town, she had a bit of a confrontation with the sheriff, who pulled her over for speeding. Though neither made a good impression on the other, under the antagonism there were sparks of attraction.
Vashti was determined to get in and out of Catalina Cove as quickly as possible. She had loved and lost her first boyfriend there when she got pregnant and he didn’t stand by her. Because she refused to name the father of her baby, she drew a lot of gossip and condemnation from the townspeople. Her parents, always concerned with the way things reflected on them, sent her away to have the baby and tried to talk her into giving it up for adoption. Though she planned to raise the baby herself, her son died, leaving her heartbroken. More recently, she divorced her cheating husband, and has declared herself “two and through” in the relationship department. When the sale of the inn fell through, Vashti was surprised to receive an offer to help her keep and reopen the inn, giving her the chance to make a fresh start.
Sawyer moved to Catalina Cove with his teenage daughter, Jade, after the death of his wife. After time in both the military and the FBI, Sawyer was ready for a more laid-back career. It would also give him more time with his daughter. Jade was the focus of his life, and he had no plans for another serious relationship, much to the dismay of the single women in town. I loved seeing the two of them together. Sawyer is a terrific dad, and it’s obvious that he and Jade have an amazing relationship.
I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between Vashti and Sawyer. The sparks were there from the moment they met, but each had a different way of looking at them. Vashti was more than willing to indulge in some discrete time together. On the other hand, Sawyer was intrigued and mesmerized by Vashti and wanted to see if there could be something more. Though initially resistant. Vashti eventually came around, and they began to see each other regularly. I really liked how the initial attraction morphed into friendship and then into something deeper. Both Vashti and Sawyer had dealt with loss in their lives, which made them more empathetic to each other when they shared their stories. I loved that Sawyer was such a rock for Vashti when a shocking secret was revealed. His calm and logical way of looking at things helped Vashti sort through everything she felt. There was a point near the end where their faith in each other was badly shaken, but once again, cool heads and logical thinking brought clarity. I did think that Sawyer needed to grovel just a little more than he did to make up for his actions, but that was a small thing in the overall picture. I loved seeing them overcome all the challenges and find happiness together.
Jade was one of my favorite characters. She was a teenager who was secure in the love of her family, which gave her the confidence to be herself. I loved her relationship with Sawyer and how they could talk about anything. Their conversation about friends with benefits had me laughing out loud at Sawyer’s surprise and shock. It was sweet to see the way that Jade worried about her dad being lonely. I liked how Vashti connected with Jade, outside of the relationship with Sawyer. I especially enjoyed Jade’s job interview with Vashti. Jade has a kind and caring heart, and I loved how she called Sawyer for help when she saw Vashti crying. Jade’s maturity and compassion were in full force at the end.
A considerable part of the story was about Vashti’s past and the effect it had on her life. The pregnancy itself and her decision not to reveal the father put her at odds with her parents and the entire town. Those attitudes were what drove her away from Catalina Cove, and made her reluctant to return. It was only her good memories of her aunt and her times at the inn that made her receptive to the suggestion of reopening the inn. Vashti was surprised by the changes in attitudes once she was back, which made her decision that much easier. However, she received the opposite of support from her parents, who were not pleased with her plans. That attitude became even worse after Vashti talked to an old friend who dropped a bombshell about Vashti’s pregnancy and baby. The more I saw of Vashti’s parents, the more I saw them as people who were far more worried about other’s opinions than about the right thing to do. As Vashti searched for the truth about what really happened sixteen years earlier, Sawyer’s support was vital. Though some of the truth was made apparent early on, there were several twists to the story that came as a surprise, including one enormous bombshell at the end.
Having read this first book in the series, I can’t wait to read the others. Fortunately, I already have the second book “Forget Me Not,” which is the story of the mysterious Ray Sullivan. I am also looking forward to finding out more about Kaegan and Bryce, who seem to have a history that no one knows about. I expect some fireworks in their book.
I just loved this book all the characters were delightful. Brenda Jackson always does a wonderful job. This is one you’ll read again.
This book is Brenda Jackson at her best! I couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait for the next one.
Guest Review by mom, romance fanatic, and (someday) published author Summer Raines!
This is a hard review for me to write because I find myself very conflicted. I was excited to get this book, a “bombshell of a secret” sounded exciting. I also have a soft spot for Louisiana, so that was a bonus. I even teared up a little in a few spots. But I was mostly bored. My conundrum is that even though this book didn’t really do it for me, I could see that a lot of people WOULD enjoy it.
Vashti has a checkered past that she holds against herself more than anybody else really does. When she’s forced to return to her hometown almost two decades after scandal, she’s well educated and has made something of herself. She’s inherited her aunt’s B & B which has fallen into disrepair, but Vashti has the training and knowledge to save it.
Sawyer and his teenage daughter have been touched by tragedy, but they admire Vashti and stand by her side when everything starts going sideways. They teach her that family isn’t always a blood relation, sometimes it’s just about love.
Here’s what bothered me:
The secrets and mystery seemed to reveal themselves very early on. In the middle of chapter eight I had a LOT figured out already. If you’re one of those people who can watch a detective show and say, “He did it!” in the first 20% of the story, you’ll see everything coming a mile away in this book. True story- I slammed the cover shut on my Kindle and said, “Oh my God. I know what’s going to happen.” That’s no fun. I want to be shocked.
Sequel Bait. There was enough backstory and explanation on characters, I started envisioning what would happen down the line to the rest of the townspeople.
Extra Words. I’m sorry. I see this a lot, so I know it’s a popular writing style but I can’t stand it. If you allow me to witness a scene between two characters, I don’t want a blow-by-blow every time they tell someone else what happened. I’d much rather you cut the extra stuff and give me a shorter book. Have you ever witnessed something, and so many people ask you to retell the story that you begin to bore yourself? That’s how I feel when every detail and spoken word is recounted to every other character.
Sexy Times. I liked the sex part of the sex scenes. However, I had a hard time believing people would think certain phrases when checking each other out. I know we’re all unique… but some of it left me confused, rolling my eyes, or ranting. I try to make sure I never put spoilers in my reviews, so I’ll word this carefully- Sawyer does something after a bout of lovemaking (I think it’s their second time) that would frighten most women. When you see a man do this in movies and TV, the girl is always freaking out, telling all her friends, and looking over her shoulder because she’s scared she’s now being stalked (and she usually is). But hey, we’re all different so maybe some women would think it’s hot. To each their own.
The “love” started happening too fast. Vashti and Sawyer have been through some crap storms before meeting each other. Understandably, they aren’t ready to have a deep relationship in their life. They just want to explore the sexual chemistry between them. But when they decide it’s best to take a break from seeing each other, both of them start thinking that it’s not just sex, it’s feelings floating close to their heart that draws them to one another. Ummm, they’ve spent a few hours together a few times and had brain melting sex. I think the “feelings” are an excuse, in the moment, to get another great lay. I can’t say I blame them, but it’s lust not love at that point.
I’m rating this particular book 2 stars because I think it could’ve been saved with a short stint in rehab. There were some great elements and characters, but the falling in love should take longer if it’s going to bust the romance stigma.
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from NetGalley, free of charge.
And don’t forget to follow the Romance Rehab blog for more rants, raves, and other fun romance-y stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/
I absolutely, completely, and totally, enjoyed this book!!! I haven’t read a Brenda Jackson book in years and I am not sure why. I’ve always liked her books. I am so glad to have found her again. I’ve been reminded why she is so fabulous!
I was seriously enraptured with this book. I found myself rushing through things so I could sit down and read again. It had a great story line, well several really. Wonderful and interesting characters, all with a story. I wanted to know about all of them! The book had a captivating and suspenseful story plot keeping thoroughly intrigued and engaged.
Vashti is a strong and independent woman, well she had to be with the hand life has dealt her. Traumatic teenage experience coupled with a shattered marriage would leave anyone with a hardened heart, yet, Vashti proves she’s still an incredible loving and caring soul. I loved that despite everything she still had a soft side and allowed herself to be open to new people and new experiences.
Sawyer, wow! What to say about this hot alpha male?! He’s an ex-military man, now a sheriff. Another character that should have a hard edge. Yet, after losing his wife, we find him displaying an incredible gentleness with his teenage daughter. Their relationship is beautiful. He is such a great dad. Due to guilt, he fights his attraction to Vashti, feeling somehow like he is betraying his dead wife.
To see these two great people finally come together is heartwarmingly awesome. But, of course the story doesn’t end there. The drama really begins to kicks up, as a hidden secret starts to unfold! One so devastating that it could be the end of the best relationship these two characters have ever found.
I don’t want to give anything away, other than to say I really, really dislike Vashti’s parents. GRR! This story is a fantastic read! The fell in love with the characters and their relationships. I’m glad they had each other to weather the brewing storm. This book is definitely a must read!! I look forward to the next story in this series. But, I really can’t wait for Kaegan and Bryce’s story!!
I read a copy of this book vie netgalley. My honest and fair review is voluntary.
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