Hi guys!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Today, we're closing out the first week of June (the first week already gone, whoa!) with a look inside the epages of a Contemporary Romance title you NEED TO KNOW. No, seriously! You know my preference for print and once I finished the read, I was immediately seeking it out in my favorite format only to find, *sniff* it's only in electronic media right now. Cie la vie...I'll keep my fingers crossed that one day my wish will come true while you scope out my thoughts on the e-version now, deal? Great! Ladies and gents, but mostly all my lady friends...today's ebook of choice is...
Love on the Slopes
Hartley Series, Book 1
by
Amy Manemann
B00WH2U4AK
About the book...
Jessa Hartley is haunted by memories of the night she threw herself at her childhood crush, Dominic DeRenzi – and he turned her away. Years later, Jessa has managed to put the past behind her and climb up the ranks as head instructor of the ski lodge she one day hopes to purchase. Only her plans take a nosedive when the smooth talking Italian shows back up in town. Even worse, he’s planning on purchasing HER lodge.
After surviving a disastrous marriage, Dominic DeRenzi returns to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, hoping to make a fresh start for him and his six year old son by purchasing the old ski lodge. Until a chance encounter with Jessa Hartley throws his well laid plans off track. The once innocent girl from his childhood has grown into the beautiful woman he always knew she would become, and he is painfully reminded of the night he over stepped his bounds and kissed her. Then broke her heart by sending her away.
Rekindling the flames of their past isn’t part of the plan, yet Dominic and Jessa soon find they’re helpless to stop the fire that burns brightly between them. He broke her heart the first time he left, but can he make her see this time around he’s here to stay?
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I HEART THIS BOOK!
No, really. Get me some snow and a pair of mittens and I'll carve it out in the nearest drift for the world to see.
Jessa is a firecracker, of course she had to be to some degree growing up in her large family with so many brothers (that whole pick or be picked on mentality), but she really makes her mark and not just on the slopes. She had a dream, made plans to follow it, and when it seemed just within her reach, it got pulled right out from under her by a wickedly handsome blast from her past with blue eyes to boot! Yep. Trouble here is spelled DOM, short for Dominic, and though his intentions for the lodge are good, those creeping into his mind regarding Jessa are more on the steamy side of things. Of course, the last thing on his mind is starting a relationship especially with the one woman he unintentionally burned before leaving town the last time he was here. Good thing that's ancient history and they can both be calm, collected adults about the whole situation, right? Yeah....I didn't believe them nor should you, but this isn't going to be a trip down the old bunny hill. Past, present, and possible futures collide creating a snowstorm of calamity that may cut off any happily-ever-after before it even begins. Will these two (with the adorable Dante, his son!) ski off into the sunset? Or will they get lost in the avalanche of emotions heading there way? The only way to find out is gonna be you spending some quality time with your favorite ereading app or reader. As for me...
I mentioned how great Jessa was, or rather is, but there is a SLEW of other fabulous characters to note! Of course, there is Dominic, the old flame, new boss, and maybe more. You can't help but fall under his spell (*sigh*) when you see where his heart really lies even after all he and his son have been through. Speaking of his son, Dante is such a sweetie! I mean, talk about insightful, the kid needs nothing spelled out to him....he's got it all figured out and not in an I-know-better-than-the-adults sorta way. His ability to see through all the hubbub and get right to the heart of the matter managed to move me more than I'd have imagined. Then there's Elaina, Lucy, Julianna, and all the other Hartley men...so many names and faces, so little time to explain them all, but from the sound of things, this is JUST THE BEGINNING! (Can we say the other Hartley books are definitely going on my wish list? Yes, yes we can. ^-^)
So, we've discussed the story and established I'm a fan, let's talk writing for a brief moment. The author really knows how to keep things from stalling even without the most involved story line. Don't get me wrong, there IS something going on here besides the potential hookup but it's not overly complicated so it could have left us hanging along the way. Pleased to say it did not and that I was hanging on every epage. The cast of characters is on the large side, but they are all introduced to the extent that we need to know them at this stage in the series, able to leave their mark while building their backstories for future releases. I liken it in series building style/power to Bella Andre's series, or Susan Mallery's wonderful world of Fool's Gold. There's plenty of stories to grow on just from this one release, and I for one will be watching for future installments. (Yes, I said it above and I said it again...it was worth the repeat.)
In conclusion, it definitely falls into the clean romance category of things as it has all the flirtation and sparks you could want with a courteous "fade to black" occurring just after the mind blowing kisses. It has heart and heat, snow filled adventures and business outings, all wrapped up in family and friends. You'll laugh at the antics, smile at the sweetness, sigh at the breathtaking "meetings" and just plain fall in love as the couple that should be decides whether or not they could be the last ones standing. I was sure rooting for them and I think you will be too.
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About the author...
Amy Manemann is an International Best Selling Author. She writes sexy and intriguing romantic suspense, young adult paranormal romance, contemporary romance (NEW), and dabbles in children's books. She resides in her hometown along the Mississippi river with her husband and their two children. When she isn't plotting her next book, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and diving into a good book.
Amy is also a site administrator for the World Literary Café, an online literary community for authors and readers. www.worldliterarycafe.com.
You can connect with Amy at www.amymanemann.blogspot.com.
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Special thanks to author Amy Manemann for the eARC for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, those forthcoming in the series, or the author, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title just hit virtual shelves April 2015, so be on the lookout for it at a virtual retailer of your choosing.
Until next time...happy reading!
Despite what sounds like a wonderful cast of characters I'm not sure this is one for me. Great insightful review, thank you.
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