Hidden Summit (Virgin River, #17)

Dec 30, 2011 Beanbag Love rated it 4 of 5 stars

Not bad. Between 3.5 and 4.0, I think. This was the second book in the Virgin River series in a row that Carr has focused almost solely on the main couple. Unfortunately I felt that it caused some padding in the form of repetition in this case. The characters kept telling the same information over and over. To different people, of course, but it was still the same thing being played out again and again. We actually could have used a couple of side stories in this one.

But I loved Connor and Lesl...more

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Dec 20, 2011 Brie C. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner

To me the Virgin River books are a bit like comfort food, you know what you are going to get, they make you feel good and you always come back for more. This is the 17th book in the series but Robyn has reinvented it by infusing it with new characters, which allows new readers to jump right in, even if you haven’t read the other books.

Hidden Summit is the story of Conner Danson. After an unfortunate event where he ended up the only witness of a murde...more

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Oct 20, 2012 C rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I got this for free from amazon in one of those promotional deals. There are hundreds of those suckers available for free all the time, but I thought this looked interesting because of the plot summary--person with messed-up life moves to scenic small town and starts sorting their shit out. I LOVE that plot. I wish it worked in real life.

It started off a little awkwardly. I didn't realize this was part of a longer series and I guess I was supposed to know who people were? For a while I thought t...more I got this for free from amazon in one of those promotional deals. There are hundreds of those suckers available for free all the time, but I thought this looked interesting because of the plot summary--person with messed-up life moves to scenic small town and starts sorting their shit out. I LOVE that plot. I wish it worked in real life.

It started off a little awkwardly. I didn't realize this was part of a longer series and I guess I was supposed to know who people were? For a while I thought the whole town was full of people in the witness protection program who moved there and then by editorial mandate had to find love or ship out. It wasn't quite that, although I think the "find love or ship out" mandate is probably true.

But then I kept reading and everything really grew on me. I loved Leslie, who moved to Happytown to get away from her clingy ex-husband and start over (especially when she was kicking abusive dudes in the balls and/or turning a fire extinguisher on her creepy ex \o/). I especially liked how SANE she was, for a romance novel heroine. She didn't make stupid decisions and when she started dating the main dude, they took things slowly because they both had a lot of baggage and didn't want to get hurt. I mean, they really took things slow, they didn't just SAY they were going to take things slow and then five minutes later start declaring their love for each other per crazy romance novel tradition.

I also liked mustachioed-carpenter-supporter of his sister's family-witness protection-dude, Conner. He seemed like a nice guy, and was protective and family-oriented, but not in that weird way that usually ends up about controlling the woman. I liked his relationship with his sister (who he'd always helped out and taken care of, but with witness protection and all had to leave in another city). There was a scene that surprised me--when his sister Katie was talking about a new guy she was dating who really liked her kids, Conner said something like "don't leave him alone with them", and I thought to myself "did he just say...Nah. He must have meant something amusingly G-rated, like "those wild young kids will put him off children for life"" or whatever. It's a romance novel, after all, we're not going to discuss the possibility that your new boyfriend's a pedophile.

And then in a later chapter THEY DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY THAT HER NEW BOYFRIEND'S A PEDOPHILE AND HOW SCARY IT CAN BE INTRODUCING NEW PEOPLE INTO YOUR CHILDREN'S LIVES. He wasn't (I don't think) but it was still pretty amazing to see this addressed. And Conner handled it super cool, and was supportive of his sister while still letting her know he thought she deserved better. There was a nice subtle subplot about Katie being willing to settle for a quiet, settled life without passion that I thought resonated well with serious, hardworking Conner.

I just really liked everyone's interactions and that they seemed like real, normal people.(less)

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Apr 16, 2012 Star (The Bibliophilic Book Blog) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

This is the first book of the Virgin River series that I've ever read and I was pleasantly surprised to be so entranced with the characters and setting. I'm sure I'd have gotten even more out of it if I'd read any of the previous books. I love Leslie's dealings with her ex-husband Greg and the tender romance that appears even though neither Conner nor Leslie were expecting it. I like Conner's stand-up strength of character and you can see the same in Leslie - in the whole of the townsfolk even....more

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Jan 04, 2012 Suzanne Barrett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Leslie Petrusco needs to get away from Grants Pass where she's constantly running into her ex-husband. His cheeriness and delight at his new wife's pregnancy is more than Leslie can take, especially when he didn't want children with her. He's a changed man, apparently, one who wants to stay in touch, however, Leslie's had enough and accepts a transfer to Haggerty Construction's Virgin River branch where she fits in as the ultimate office manager.

Connor Danson (real name Danson Connor) had a bad...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Janet rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: women-s-fiction-esque, share-gone, cabin-romance

I posted this on the Book Lovers Message board earlier: "I was at Target yesterday, looking for some comfort reads, and I picked up the new Robyn Carr (Hidden Summit) and well, it was comfortable for sure. Like a pair of well-broken-in and enjoyed sneakers. Liked the H/h, fun to see old friends but about 2/3s through a biker stopped by and I thought, hmmm, new hero (or new potential hero pool to pick from?) and the hero's sister was in an iffy non-relationship. Well, before you can say or think...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, non-erotic

Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

Broken hearts and wounded souls that find their way to Virgin River discover a place with its own unpretentious, homespun magic. It is certainly not a community of saints. It is a community of flawed but caring people who create the magic in many ways—from helping an abused, single mother with housing, food, and even protection to just the good-humored courtesy of putting the seat down on the toilet. Somewhere amid this magic, love ab...more Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

Broken hearts and wounded souls that find their way to Virgin River discover a place with its own unpretentious, homespun magic. It is certainly not a community of saints. It is a community of flawed but caring people who create the magic in many ways—from helping an abused, single mother with housing, food, and even protection to just the good-humored courtesy of putting the seat down on the toilet. Somewhere amid this magic, love abides and wiggles its way into the hearts and lives of those who once seemed broken and wounded.

Conner Danson and Leslie Petruso come to Virgin River and work for Paul Haggerty in the construction business. Both of them arrive with emotional baggage that derailed their lives, but in different ways. Conner, who feels like he is being “punished by the whole universe”, is in hiding, waiting to testify against a powerful man in Sacramento. Moreover his business was burned down, and he is separated from his sister and her twin sons for whom he feels responsible. His secretive ways set him apart for a short time. But his six foot two “warhorse” physique with his handsome face and deep sexy voice, spontaneous charm, and his “what you see is what you get” manner make him too interesting to not notice. Even Leslie Petruso notices him and she has come to Virgin River disenchanted with men.

Leslie, the long-time office manager for Haggerty Construction’s main office in Grants Pass, comes to work in Paul’s young, fast-growing branch of the business. She needs to escape her ex-husband who won’t leave her alone even though he has remarried and has a child on the way. His narcissistic ways pass all reason. She’d kowtowed to his needs and ambitions for years then he set her aside for a “new model”. Leslie’s self esteem and confidence were demolished. Any idea she might have harbored about being able to give and receive sexual pleasure vanished. Even though her self-image is in tatters, she sets to work to put Paul’s office (a mobile trailer) in order. Her innate sunny disposition nature reemerges as she cleans floors, organizes files, and wins over the all-men crew. Her sense of humor and caring nature come out of hiding also.

In tiny increments, Leslie and Conner get to know each other. Both skittish of long-term expectations, they move along with humor, easy camaraderie, and poke fun at themselves, e.g. ”What a couple of go-gathers we are”. They progress from planting flowers in her yard to “friends with chemistry” to breathtaking love making that makes HIDDEN SUMMIT sparkle and sizzle.

The undercurrent of suspense about Conner’s danger of being found and killed and Leslie’s self-absorbed ex-husband’s outrageous pursuit of her builds tension and keeps one turning pages.

The secondary characters, many of whom a reader of the Virgin River series recognizes, make the story come to life. They reinforce the idea “that our biggest blunders can end up being the best thing that ever happened to us”. What fun it is to visit Jack’s Bar and find that Preacher is still the same eccentric cook as well as getting to catch up with what’s been going on with other vicarious friends in Virgin River.

The antagonists cannot be ignored, but they cannot override the magic that makes Virgin River that special place where love blooms. If you have not read other books in the Virgin River series HIDDEN SUMMIT is a good place to start then work your way backward to learn about other characters with captivating love stories and, of course, look forward to the next book REDWOOD BEND to find out more about Katie, Conner’s sister, and her twin sons.

Robyn Carr creates fascinating, life-like characters and strong, gripping conflicts with subtle humor, exquisite descriptions, and breathtaking, world shattering love scenes. Her books are keepers.

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Jan 02, 2012 Lea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

As a favor to her friend and colleague Max, a Sacramento District Attorney, Brie Valenzuela, arranges lodging and a job in Virgin River for Conner Danson, a witness who needs to be hidden. Conner saw a high-profile and well known businessman shoot another man and stash the body in the dumpster behind his hardware store. Conner’s store was subsequently burned to the ground and his life threatened. He needs protection and refuge until he can testify at the bad guy’s trial. Robyn Carr ramps up the...more As a favor to her friend and colleague Max, a Sacramento District Attorney, Brie Valenzuela, arranges lodging and a job in Virgin River for Conner Danson, a witness who needs to be hidden. Conner saw a high-profile and well known businessman shoot another man and stash the body in the dumpster behind his hardware store. Conner’s store was subsequently burned to the ground and his life threatened. He needs protection and refuge until he can testify at the bad guy’s trial. Robyn Carr ramps up the suspense in the opening pages of Hidden Summit and introduces an extremely strong, appealing hero in Conner Danson.

Conner’s life has been irrevocably changed as a result of doing the right thing. He called the police immediately after witnessing the shooting and agreed to testify against Regis Mathis, a man he can unquestionably identify as the murderer. Was doing the right thing worth losing his livelihood and having his life turned into a living nightmare for? Conner has asked himself the same question during lengthy periods of reflection and loneliness while suffering an exile from those close to him. Carr provoked considerable empathy for Conner for a variety of reasons but I also admired his strength and resolve. He presents as an honest, forthcoming man who calls a spade-a-spade and doesn’t lie well. Conner has considerable personal baggage as well. Previously married, his ex-wife proved to be a sex addict who cheated on him constantly, so he tends to be cynical regarding the institution of marriage and relationships.

About the time Connor is getting settled in to the picturesque, cloistered town, Leslie Petruso arrives in Virgin River. Leslie is reeling from a painful divorce that left her with low self esteem and very little dignity. Back home in Grants Pass Leslie encountered her ex-husband and his new younger, now pregnant spouse everywhere. Her ex has been on a mission to be Leslie’s close friend and make sure everyone in town is aware that he is doing his best to make sure they are on good terms, despite the fact he cheated on his wife of 8-years and made sure she was left with very little of the money accrued during their union. In essence, Leslie was deeply hurt, and taken to the cleaners financially to boot. One thing becomes clear, for her emotional health she had to leave her home and put some distance between herself and her horrible ex. So she approaches Paul Haggerty, a good friend and son of her longtime employer for a job and refuge. Paul runs a construction company in Virgin River and is badly in need of an administrative assistant. He also has property that he makes available for Leslie to rent. She is perfect for the job, Leslie is smart and efficient, she knows the business and gets his mess organized quickly. Leslie is also accustomed construction workers and keeps everyone in line. She feels comfortable in the little town and her emotional stress immediately lessens. Leslie has no intention of opening her shredded heart to another man, and I have to say I related to her resolve given what she has endured at the hands hands of her self obsessed ex-husband. However, things change, she meets Connor.

Things get off to a rocky start for these lovers. When Connor first meets Leslie, she is with Paul (a man of integrity in a committed marital relationship) who is offering her support and a friendly shoulder to cry on before getting her settled into her new home. Connor automatically assumes she is having an affair with a married man who it just so happens turns out to be his employer. Leslie and Connor have instant sexual chemistry but she is deeply offended when she discovers Connor’s suspicions regarding her private life and takes him to task. Eventually Connor earns his way back into Leslie’s good graces and once he discovers she is available his tactics in wooing her certainly won my heart. Carr pens light sensuality into the loves scenes of this novel. What impressed me was the author develops a mature relationship between these lovers. They are both in their 30’s, have suffered hurt and loss and are taking small steps back to trust and intimacy. Theirs is a believable story. Connor is absolutely awesome in his understanding of Leslie’s issues, the damage her ex caused to her self esteem and confidence where men are concerned. And, Leslie finds she is comfortable being open and honest with Connor about her feelings. Carr crafts a hero and heroine who have more in common than they initially realize.

In the background of Connor and Leslie’s relationship is vivid imagery of the country and the sense of community that is inherent to the town. Carr brilliantly instills such warmth into a fast paced narrative that grabbed me from the opening pages and kept this reader enthralled. The dialogue is crisp and laced with wonderful humor. There is plenty of conflict, Connor is forced to keep many secrets from Leslie because of his situation. The villain gets out on parole and presents a looming threat with lethal connections. Connor is well hidden in Virgin River, or is he?

Carr pens an exciting, surprise ending for Hidden Summit which offers an HEA that will warm your heart. This book was a cover to cover read for me, I became completely invested in Leslie and Connor’s story and wanted to see them together, two people at the crossroads of their lives who meet under highly unusual circumstances and endure. I can see why Robyn Carr receives such high accolades from so many readers. If all my 2012 reads are this good, I’m in for a great year.(less)

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Dec 31, 2011 Ruth rated it 3 of 5 stars

Leslie's ex divorced her but won't let her alone so she moves to Virgin River to work for her boss' son. Conner witnessed a murder and then has his business burned. The DA happens to have an ex-assistant who lives in Virgin River so he gets hidden there for a few months, where he goes to work for her boss. There is practically instant attraction, though neither of them say they are looking. As is usual in these books, there are a couple of steamy scenes. I enjoyed watching these two let go of th...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Sharon Redfern rated it 5 of 5 stars

Hidden Summit is Robyn Carr’s latest visit to Virgin River. Connor Danson is in town under a false identity while he waits to testify in a murder trial. He is the only witness to the crime and his custom carpentry business was torched in an attempt to intimidate him. He decides to work for Haggarty Construction while in town.
Leslie Petruso has also come to Virgin River to get away from something- her ex-husband. I enjoyed the little twist Ms. Carr put in this relationship-rather than a nasty ex,...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-challenge, netgalley

I have never read any of Robyn Carr's books prior to this book. I was a little apprehensive to start so far down in the series, but this book totally stood alone!

Conner is a good blue collared worker who witnesses a murder while taking the trash out from his small business. That night totally changed Connors life! He had to go into protective custody and his sister and twin nephews had to be moved to protect them as well. Conner just wants to get back to his life when he goes to Virgin River to...more

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Dec 23, 2011 Viviane Crystal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Leslie Petruso and Conner Danson are some duo! Both are loaded with pain and look forward to a life unencumbered with a member of the opposite sex. Leslie was married to a man who wound up cheating on her and now, even though they are divorced, just won't leave her alone. So she leaves to take a job as far away as she can get from him as she knows her old friends and neighbors either pity her or wonder what she did to push Greg into the arms of another woman who is now carrying a baby he swore h...more

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Dec 01, 2011 Julie Barrett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr
Connor is under the witness protection program, kind of, before he goes to testify in a trial that

will put a mob type guy away for a long time. his ex wife is a sex addict.
Leslie has been divorced from her spouse for quite some time but wants to still be her friend.
Neither are sure just how long they will be in virgin river but love how everybody helps each other
out to accomplish things. It's like having a family with no strings. Her ex keeps coming into town
to harass...more

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Nov 20, 2011 Maggie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance-novels

This is my first foray into the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr. I know! How have I avoided them? There are, like, twenty of them. I'm pretty sure Target holds stock in them by how much space Carr takes up in their book aisle.

Leslie's just broken up with her egotistical, no-good ex-husband. He cheated on her, and since Leslie dedicated her life to promote his (he wants to be a big man on campus... mayor, and things like that), she was understandably devastated. Worse, her ex-husband, Greg, aft...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Regina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-contemporary, arc-publisher-netgalley, romance, favorite-series

3.5 Stars. This book is good solid fun. Fans of the Virgin River series will enjoy it and I do believe that even if a reader has never picked up one of the Virgin River books before, Hidden Summit can be read as a stand alone. However, having said that, readers committed to the timeline in Virgin River likely want to stick to the path of reading the books in order as there are changes in characters’ lives throughout the series.

Hidden Summit introduces several new characters to the Virgin River...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Jael rated it 3 of 5 stars

Connor Danson and Leslie Petruso are both running away. Not just from love, but from their former lives. Leslie is running from a self-absorbed ex-husband. Connor is running for his life. The only eyewitness to a murder, Connor is trying to lay low until the trial. While they're trying to avoid all the complications of a relationship, that's unavoidable in Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr.

Virgin River is a small town where everyone knows each other. People look out for each other. You do something ou...more Connor Danson and Leslie Petruso are both running away. Not just from love, but from their former lives. Leslie is running from a self-absorbed ex-husband. Connor is running for his life. The only eyewitness to a murder, Connor is trying to lay low until the trial. While they're trying to avoid all the complications of a relationship, that's unavoidable in Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr.

Virgin River is a small town where everyone knows each other. People look out for each other. You do something out of character, and the next day everyone knows about it. This is the town where Connor and Leslie seek refuge.

Connor is a hard-working guy. He has movie-star hero looks. Connor sounds like a hero. He loves working with his hands. He is used to taking care of his widowed sister, Katie, and her twin boys. He is used to working long days. But all of that has been taken away. He puts his life on the line to do what is right. He's the type of person you want in your corner. He sounds too good to be true. Connor's new life in Virgin River is complete with a new job with the local construction company and a small cabin by the lake. The No. 1 piece of advice he has been given is to avoid romantic relationships. That should be easy since his ex-wife cheated on him numerous times. He is a little jaded when it comes to love. That is until he first lays eyes on Leslie.

Leslie hopes a new job will give her a fresh perspective on life. In Grants Pass, Leslie's former home, it was all about her ex-husband Greg. How to make Greg look good. How to further Greg's career. Leslie's voice didn't matter. When he wanted out, Leslie was sure she was free of him. Greg has a new life complete with a pregnant wife, what does he want with Leslie? Greg's character just didn't make sense. He wants his ex-wife as a BFF and potentially have a big part in his child's life. Why? He made it clear Leslie didn't make him happy. But keeping her tied to him gives Greg some type of control. What he does to Leslie in this book are more like stalking than attempts at friendship. Sure former spouses can be friends, but what Greg was doing to Leslie in this book was out there. Virgin River offers Leslie an escape from Greg's madness. Love is not on the agenda. But as luck would have it Leslie and Connor are working at the same construction company. What could possibly happen?

Connor has spent so much time working he has forgotten what love feels like? How can he make an attempt at love given his situation? Who wants to be with a man who has to constantly look over his shoulder? What kind of future can they have? When Connor meets Leslie he feels something but doesn't know what it is. A spark? Attraction? Leslie takes a little more time to feel the sparks. Sure Connor is cute, but he's just one of the many guys she is surrounded by at work.

There are some very sweet moments between Leslie and Connor. They can connect in a way that wasn't possible with their former spouses. Before long the romance is hot and intense (if you're a prude it's not for you). Both of them are finally happy, but sometimes the relationship borders on sappy. Once the sex starts, the dialogue between them is so cutesy. It's a relationship with no attachments or expectations, at least that's what they hope. It's a house of cards as long as Connor is the only witness in a murder investigation. He wants to take control of the situation, but at what cost? The ending leaves you hopeful for the future, but it also seems wrapped up a little too neatly. It's a fun read and I'll be back for more in the series soon.

Rating: Give it a try

Note: I received a copy of the book from the author's publicist (Little Bird Publicity) in exchange for an honest review. (less)

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May 26, 2012 Laurie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, family, touch-of-hot, servicemen

I liked this book, but it was not especially original like the other books in this series. The hero, Conner was a rough-around-the edges character. His best traits were that he was honest and reliable. The heroine, Leslie was trying to start her life over in Virgin River. Her best traits was that she was also reliable, but had a sense of humor that helped her through life's rough patches. Although this was a good story, I had a hard time believing that BOTH of their ex-spouses were unfaithful an...more

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Jan 19, 2012 AnneOK rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads

Another wonderful addition to the Virgin River Series. I am certainly eager for the next book to get another look at Conner and Leslie - their story ended much too quickly. Hoping that Conner's sister Katie and her twins make their way to Virgin River where she'll find a wonderful HEA as well. As with all the others, each visit to the little mountain town leaves me with a smile on my face.

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Feb 22, 2012 Lawana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: robin-carr

Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr

ROMANCE UNDER CONSTRUCTION...

When Connor Danson becomes an unwitting witness to a violent crime, he is forced to leave Sacramento and keep a low profile until the trial is over. He arrives in the tiny mountain town of Virgin River with a chip on his shoulder and an ache in his heart.

Leslie Petruso didn't want to leave her hometown either. But she can't stand another minute of listening to her ex-husband tell everyone that his new wife and impending fatherhood are the b...more

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Dec 20, 2011 Debbie rated it 4 of 5 stars

After being the only witness to a murder and reporting it Danson Conner’s been threatened, his business burned to the ground and the only way the DA can protect him, his sister and her two boys is by placing them with new IDs in separate parts of the country. And so he finds himself in picturesque, remote Virgin Rivers where he’s to stay until the trial. Now known as Conner Danson he’s found work and a lady that makes his temperature rise. But Conner doesn’t trust easily, he’s got major baggage...more

After being the only witness to a murder and reporting it Danson Conner’s been threatened, his business burned to the ground and the only way the DA can protect him, his sister and her two boys is by placing them with new IDs in separate parts of the country. And so he finds himself in picturesque, remote Virgin Rivers where he’s to stay until the trial. Now known as Conner Danson he’s found work and a lady that makes his temperature rise. But Conner doesn’t trust easily, he’s got major baggage.
Leslie Petruso’s life took a dramatic change when her marriage raveled and now the place she’s called home forever seems more like a prison especially when she can’t seem to stay out of sight of her ex and his new pregnant wife. To make matters worse he still wants to be friends. The only regret in leaving is that her beloved parents are here but she needs a change of scenery. Now she just wants to run as far away as possible and thanks to the generosity of her former boss she’s found sanctuary in Virgin River. Trying to settle into her new life the last thing she needs is a pair of knowing blue eyes to mess with her finally settling life.
Leslie and Conner want to resist the temptation and attraction they feel for each other, but it seems the Universe sees it differently. What will happen when this “Hidden Summit” reveals the secrets of these two deserving of happiness lonely people.

Robyn Carr continues to delight us with her Virgin River series and as she takes us from winter into spring and summer she brings us yet another couple who delight us and another story that catches our interest and our imagination and won’t let us go until we finally turn the last page. And where sometimes the intrigue of our characters is enough in this one she brings us another more sinister element to make us bite our nails as we read on to find out what happens. She does this with her own uniqueness and ability to spin a tale and with her down home narrative that makes these chapters in her characters lives easy for us to read and hard for us to put them down. In this novel she shows us the vulnerabilities of her characters and in spite of them their wish to find love and happiness within the limits of Virgin River. Conner and Leslie are yet another couple deserving in their own HEA who just happen to find themselves in this magical place and yet in this romance she brings us suspense and danger that will also delight any crime drama lover. The romance is sweet and romance lovers will eat it up while they keep their fingers crossed that this deserving couple will find what they seek. The love scenes will also warm you up on a cold winters day with the intensity and sensuality that we associate with Ms. Carr.
If you’ve never journeyed to Virgin River please don’t stop here, there are many more to tickle your senses and satisfy your cravings for wonderful stories and unforgettable romances. If you are a constant visitor in Ms. Carr’s epic town you won’t be disappointed with this trip either.
Thank you Ms. Carr for yet another great getaway to your imaginary town that feels so real I can’t wait until my next visit.
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Jan 03, 2012 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, contemporary

Grade: B+

When I read the blurb for Hidden Summit I was so thrilled to see a heroine with my name! I can't tell you how rare it is. I don't remember ever read a romance with a heroine named Leslie. But that's just a bonus since this is Robyn Carr's Virgin River series.

If you have to hide out, Virgin River, California isn't a bad place to do it. Conner Danson has lost everything and is now pretending to be someone else. I was expecting him to be a bitter recluse but he surprised me. He's friendly...more Grade: B+

When I read the blurb for Hidden Summit I was so thrilled to see a heroine with my name! I can't tell you how rare it is. I don't remember ever read a romance with a heroine named Leslie. But that's just a bonus since this is Robyn Carr's Virgin River series.

If you have to hide out, Virgin River, California isn't a bad place to do it. Conner Danson has lost everything and is now pretending to be someone else. I was expecting him to be a bitter recluse but he surprised me. He's friendly with the locals and slowly becomes part of the community. In doing so he also starts a friendship/romance with his co-worker Leslie Petruso.

Leslie Petruso is leaving her past behind for a new start in Virgin River. Her ex-husband is a complete ass, I couldn't believe some of the stunts this guy pulled! He definitely had a few screws loose. What she finds is a new home, new friends and a new guy. She hit the jackpot! She's smart, funny and a good friend. She's an easy heroine to like.

The romance is sweet and easy. Surprisingly it was Connor doing the chasing. I thought it would be Leslie trying to pull him out of his shell but it turned out he just couldn't resist her! She's the one who tries to put the breaks on and it makes sense since her ex is El Wackjob! Conner is persistent and woos Leslie, giving her every reason to say yes. I liked how Carr kept the power in this romance equal, with both saying how they felt and actually talking about their past relationships and the difficulties they have to over come.

It was great seeing the Virgin River gang. Jack is still as friendly, and nosy, as can be and Mel is there to rein him in. Brie got some page time, since she is Conner's local contact. And there are some fairly new residents that we got to see more of. Leslie and Conner fit right in with this close-knit community.

There is a suspense plot running through the story but much of the time I forgot about it. It stayed mainly in the background until near the end. The resolution to the plot felt rushed. It was the weakest part of the story. The main focus is on the developing romance between Leslie and Conner. Carr does do a nice job of including the other residents without loosing sight of the romance.

Hidden Summit is another terrific addition to this beloved series. (less)

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Jan 27, 2012 Hsiau Wei rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2012

This is the 17th book in the Virgin Series under the author and tell the story of Conner and Leslie, both the newbies in the community. Conner is under the protection of the police as he is the sole witness for a crime that involving a highly regarded person in the society. When his shop was burned down to the ground, the police relocate him to a new town with new identity; Virgin River. Leslie on the hand, a divorcee came to Virgin River to seek peace and away from her stalker ex husband who do...more

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Jan 17, 2012 Lillie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, i-own, paperback, received-for-promotion, review-copy, series, harlequin-and-imprints

See the full review at: Read My Mind

My Review:
Despite the plethora of books Robyn Carr has published, HIDDEN SUMMIT was my first read by her. This of course, means that I have never been introduced to her Virgin River world, which has flourished since the first book. There are many relationships and characters that have probably grown throughout the series, and I haven't had a chance to immerse myself in their world before now. If I had any reservations about this, they were swiftly put to rest...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Jacqueline rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: from-the-library, contemporary-romance, small-town

I really enjoyed this right up until the end when the author dropped the ball and then went on ahead and kicked it into the next county. Big spoiler! (view spoiler)

Other than that the book was...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Marya Kowal rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: contemporary romance series lovers

It's another Virgin River book with two new characters.

He is hiding out and building houses while waiting to testify at a murder trial, and she is running away from a creepy ex.

I've got to say, the appeal of this book is less about how fabulous it is, than about how enjoyable I find the town of Virgin River and all it's inhabitants. I really enjoy the continuity of the relationship between the older characters...and the chance to see what's happened to the storylines I most enjoyed. Carr update...more

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Jan 04, 2012 Ally rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, ebook, netgalley

Sick of running into her cheery ex-husband and his new wife, Leslie Petruso accepts a job at the Virgin River branch of Haggerty Construction and takes the high road right out of town. Now she's got Paul Haggerty's business running like a well-oiled machine. In fact, things are so busy Paul jumps at the chance to hire an extra set of hands.
Just like Leslie, Conner Danson has been burned by love. But if Leslie was disappointed by her relationship going bad, Conner was decimated. He's got no time...more Sick of running into her cheery ex-husband and his new wife, Leslie Petruso accepts a job at the Virgin River branch of Haggerty Construction and takes the high road right out of town. Now she's got Paul Haggerty's business running like a well-oiled machine. In fact, things are so busy Paul jumps at the chance to hire an extra set of hands.
Just like Leslie, Conner Danson has been burned by love. But if Leslie was disappointed by her relationship going bad, Conner was decimated. He's got no time for women…although he spends an awful lot of time pretending not to notice Leslie. And she's pretty busy "ignoring" the chemistry between them.
According to Conner and Leslie, they have only one thing in common—they're done with love. But everyone in Virgin River can see that things are heating up at Haggerty Construction. And as far as Paul Haggerty can tell, the best thing he can do is hang on to his hard hat and watch the sparks fly!

After being a little disappointed with Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr I didn’t have high hopes for Hidden Summit even though the blurb really interested me. However, I should have known Robyn Carr never disappoints me with two books in a row! Ms Carr with Hidden Summit really brought the series back for me. It wasn’t that I was getting tired, or even bored of the series I think it was that I wasn’t as overwhelmed or as fascinated with some of the recent previous characters as I had been with the first seven or ten books. Yet Hidden Summit gives us two brilliantly written and interesting characters that have a lot going on in their lives that quite quickly absorbs the reader into the storyline.
The opening of Hidden Summit quickly gets you involved in what’s happened with Conner and why he’ll be living in Virgin River (because sadly Conner needs a reason and doesn’t understand that it’s the place to be to fall in love. Pffft... men!) And then Leslie, I quickly fell in love with Leslie, she’s a really brilliant character that I couldn’t help but root for throughout the book. She’s been through so much with her jerk of an ex-husband and needs to get away from him and Virgin River is just the place for her to be. I felt that Leslie was such a positive ray of sunshine throughout Hidden Summit, even when things got hard she really tried not to let them get to her and preserved through and came out a much better and stronger person at the end. Which really appealed to me and made Hidden Summit all that more special for me. While I enjoyed Conner just as much as Leslie I think I preferred Leslie although they make a seriously great couple and you couldn’t help but feel for both of them throughout the novel I really felt more for Leslie than I did with Conner although what drove him to Virgin River was just as bad if not worse for Conner than for Leslie.
I had several ‘awww that’s sweet’ moments reading Leslie and Conner’s story and really enjoyed their budding relationship.
As always the ‘regulars’ (how I’ve come to know them) make their appearances which I always enjoy and it’s great to see what’s happened with them since their book or since they last appeared. The main other couple we got to see a little more of an update on was Cheryl and Dan which was really lovely.

Favourite Quote: “And besides, only a fool would go up against me, two little old ladies and a minister again.”

From Netgalley & the publisher
Virgin River #17(less)

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Jan 29, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books-read, romance

Very good book. When he came to Virgin River to wait to testify, Connor was so angry at everything that had happened to him. Leslie was happy to be there because it got her away from her ex. Connor went to work for Paul and rediscovered his love of working with his hands. He also started to get to know Leslie. She found that the more time she spent in Virgin River the more of her old self she got back. Her self-esteem had been very low thanks to her ex. There were several times he showed up in V...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, fiction, netgalley, romance, read-2011

Posted on Book Chelle.

I only started reading the Virgin River series in the summer of last year. I read them quickly, without breathing for air. The series quickly became a guilty pleasure, and I accepted every single word that Robyn Carr wrote. Like many contemporary romances, the characters had a love story where the love was sweet and the pleasure steamy. But there was a point in time when the stories started to blend together, and while I normally enjoy seeing the original characters, I was...more Posted on Book Chelle.

I only started reading the Virgin River series in the summer of last year. I read them quickly, without breathing for air. The series quickly became a guilty pleasure, and I accepted every single word that Robyn Carr wrote. Like many contemporary romances, the characters had a love story where the love was sweet and the pleasure steamy. But there was a point in time when the stories started to blend together, and while I normally enjoy seeing the original characters, I was getting tired of them. I think I was burned out. So, like a lot of other times, I stepped away from the series.

Until now.

Robyn Carr's Hidden Summit is the seventeenth book in the series. I believe I skipped a few books, but it didn't matter. Carr brought me back to the quaint town that I first fell in love with. Everything was where I left it, and the characters were there to welcome me back. But don't get me wrong. I was a little hesitant to read this. And to my surprise, I found comfort in the familiarity of the characters. Hidden Summit was clearly different from the other titles in the series.

Carr introduces us to Conner Danson. He escapes to Virgin river after witnessing a murder in Sacramento. Conner's move was a precaution after his hardware store was burned to the ground. The DA forced him to lay low until the start of trial. His sister and nephews had to be separated from him, to further increase protection. He was secretive and mysterious, but slowly warmed up to the town. He quickly became a part of the charm and found himself caring more than he thought possible.

Leslie was also running, but from her ex-husband, and the constant reminders in Grants Pass. Leslie is the tie to the rest of the folks at Virgin River. She was formerly an office manager for Haggerty Construction, and when the going got tough, she had a second family to welcome her. Like a lot of female leads in romance novels, Leslie has a few self-esteem issues. But after a divorce, I think that's natural, don't you think? So it wasn't too cliché, but I think Carr did a great job of writing Leslie's character.

There's a kinship between Conner and Leslie that was enjoyable to read. Their relationship was easy and their chemistry was realistic. It wasn't filled with fluff and rainbows. I could imagine this scenario, minus the murder and trial, with one of my friends. Oh! And how could I miss the quick wit and easy banter between the two? The dialogue was comedic relief at its finest.

I'm telling you, there was something different about Hidden Summit in comparison to the others. It was a pleasure getting to know Conner and Leslie, together and individually. Carr also only mentions a few of the familiar townsfolk. It wasn't overpowering and they didn't take away from the main focus of the story. Hidden Summit was truly Conner and Leslie's story, through and through.

I felt like some scenes were stretched out while other scenes needed something more. There was a good amount of back story, but I wanted more. While a good part of the book is well-paced with a good proportion of detail to action, the last third or so seemed rush. Maybe it was me and how I absorbed the book. So you'll have to read it for yourself to see if you feel the same way.

Hidden Summit is a great book as a stand alone, but fills your reading soul with the comfort and warmth that is popular in Robyn Carr Virgin River books. I suggest picking this up for a lovely romantic read to kick in the new year.(less)

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Dec 31, 2011 Sue rated it 5 of 5 stars

Connor Danson is in Virgin River under false pretenses. He witnessed a prominent Sacramento businessman murder a man & as the only eyewitness he has gone into hiding.
Leslie Petruso comes to Virgin River to escape the unwanted friendship of her ex-husband. He wants her to be friends with him and his new, pregnant wife. Les wants nothing to do with them do she comes to Virgin River to work for Paul Haggerty's construction company. As luck would have it Connor is just starting working for Paul...more

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Jan 25, 2012 Alicia rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books-read, 2012-reviews

Having never read any of Carr’s previous Virgin River books, I had no expectations coming into this one. I was enjoying this book up until Carr used the term mustache ride and tried to make it sound sexy. That pretty much traumatized me….and made me laugh. This is probably because I find mustaches super creepy.

Ignoring that part, I could have done without Leslie and Conner. I think it would have been more interesting to follow Conner through the investigation. The investigation wasn’t portrayed...more

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Hidden Summit (Virgin River #17)

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