I have read each of the books included in this set individually. Following are my reviews, originally posted on Rach Lawrence Books:
In Too Deep:
New Zealand police officer and dive team member Piper Harland left her home nine years ago after the death of her father and being dumped by her one true love. Ryan “West” Westlake never got over letting Piper go, but his home is on the island where they grew up, running his family’s business. Now Piper’s brother is in financial trouble, and she needs to return to the island to help save his business. She has to work alongside of West for six weeks in order to put everything back to rights—including her relationship with her family and friends.
Neither Piper nor West is willing to admit their feelings to the other. It’s an impossible situation anyway since she’ll be returning to the city. They both will need to decide what’s most important: staying the course or being truly happy.
In Too Deep was a flirty, fun, sexy read. Both main characters were stubborn, but they way the author had them butting heads was entertaining. Just when I thought it was starting to get old, they both gave in to the UST and allowed the fireworks to soar. That wasn’t the end of their banter though. It continued even during the intimate scenes, but it was appropriate for the characters as they were written and amusing for the reader.
The story was much more than a romance though. Piper had to let go of her guilt over her father’s death, and she also had to mend fences with her family. West had been holding on to a grudge thanks to his mother leaving him years ago that rendered him incapable of being happy in a relationship. All of these plot lines were tied together nicely with secondary characters who added depth and meaning to the story. There were a few instances of Piper’s brother’s point of view, but they were integral to the plot and not just there to get the reader interested in the next book (although I’ll add they did that anyway!).
I also enjoyed the way the author provided information on diving in a way any reader could understand. It was not too technical yet not too dumbed down.
In Too Deep is a must read for contemporary romance fans. I would definitely read more by this author and more of this series.
Hide Your Heart:
Bounty Bay native Lauren Taylor is happy to live a quiet life with her four-year-old son Drew, and her brother and his family close by. An abusive ex-husband and a former life in the spotlight keep Lauren from opening up to anyone. But all that will change if Nate Fraser has his way. Nate has purchased the house and land adjacent to Lauren’s, with plans to renovate and sell to someone who wants to turn the place into a celebrity retreat, bringing the paparazzi right back to Lauren’s front door.
Famed photojournalist and most eligible bachelor Nate Fraser never plans to stay in one place for very long. His life is one of travel and adventure. From his own childhood, Nate knows having a wife and child are out of the question with his lifestyle. His investment in the Bounty Bay property should provide a quick return, allowing him more freedom in the types of jobs he takes. He can’t let his attraction to his sexy neighbor and her loveable son put a kink in his plans.
When their attraction can no longer be denied, Nate and Lauren give in to temptation. Each of them knows better than to give their heart over to this temporary situation. But denying their love will only get them so far. Lauren will need to come out of her protective shell, while Nate needs to decide what he loves more: the freedom of traveling, or Lauren and Drew.
Tracey Alvarez has written another stellar contemporary romance in Hide Your Heart. The characters are deep and go through a lot of growth throughout the story. Even little Drew will squeeze your heart and hold on tightly. Although the situations aren’t necessarily relatable—wouldn’t we all like to be tall, gorgeous former fashion models?—their struggles are real. Lauren only wants to keep to herself and protect Drew, and Nate’s plan for his property threatens that. Even Nate himself, famous in his own right, is dangerous for Lauren to be around if she doesn’t want to be recognized.
Lauren is a strong woman; her past has seen to that. But she continues to grow and strengthen as her relationship with Nate progresses. Her initial reaction to him—fear to near passing out—is contrasted nicely with her trust in him later in the story when he grabs her ankle playfully and holds her down.
Nate knows what he wants out of life, and having a wife and kid don’t fit into that picture. His own relationship with his father is sprinkled throughout the story. We come to understand why Nate would never want to subject anyone else to that kind of life, but we also get to hear about the good times he remembers with his father. Comparing those times to Nate’s relationship with Drew will give you all the warm fuzzies.
I also appreciate the author’s descriptions of New Zealand. Even though I’ve never been there, I’m still able to picture the scenes as I read without feeling like I’m getting a geography lesson. The climate is worked right into the plot with rain storms facilitating the meeting between the main characters and necessitating their close proximity during the rest of the story.
Hide Your Heart is a must read for contemporary romance fans. Although it’s a standalone book, the secondary characters are nicely woven into the plot leaving you eager to read the next book. I’m looking forward to the next installment of the Far North series.
OR
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Customers who read this book also read
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2016
Top reviews from other countries
- Siobhan DavisReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 8, 2017
Two Great Series Starters - Highly Recommended
- Frankie MReviewed in Australia on October 30, 2016
Two stories full of heart (& a little steam too!).
