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An Inconvenient Obsession
The Carrington family's island is up for auction…Now, that's an invitation Ethan Hardesty just can't refuse. This groundskeeper's son turned global entrepreneur has it all. All, that is, except a piece of the Carrington estate—the island that holds all his most pleasurable and painful memories.Ethan doesn't count on the beautiful Cate Carrington handling the transaction—and providing him with the perfect opportunity to take her into the bargain. But toying with the woman who was once the girl he loved and lost soon turns from a game into an all-out obsession.…
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
About the author
Natasha Tate
9 books31 followersNatasha Tate's romantic side has its roots in childhood. Ask anyone and you'll hear she spent too many of her formative years believing she was Cinderella. This despite the fact that she had two loving parents and no evil stepmother in sight. Her earliest drawings were of princess attire, replete with bows, ribbons, and multiple flounces. She warbled about her future prince during chores, and began each night by assuming the most earnest Sleeping Beauty pose.
Alas, school did not tolerate such fanciful notions, and she quickly learned to rely on romance novels to satisfy her cravings for happy endings. As an army brat and perennial new kid, she consumed a book a day, hiding them within her textbooks while training half an ear on her teachers' lectures. This habit persisted into college, despite her more traditional academic pursuits, equipping her with the skills needed to tame her own alpha male hero.
Now that she's married, and the mother of her three strapping sons, Natasha's experiencing her own happily-ever-after. As an author for Harlequin Mills & Boon she lives her dream of crafting fairytale romances set in modern-day, larger-than-life settings. Visit her at www.NatashaTate.com or email her at Natasha@NatashaTate.com
Alas, school did not tolerate such fanciful notions, and she quickly learned to rely on romance novels to satisfy her cravings for happy endings. As an army brat and perennial new kid, she consumed a book a day, hiding them within her textbooks while training half an ear on her teachers' lectures. This habit persisted into college, despite her more traditional academic pursuits, equipping her with the skills needed to tame her own alpha male hero.
Now that she's married, and the mother of her three strapping sons, Natasha's experiencing her own happily-ever-after. As an author for Harlequin Mills & Boon she lives her dream of crafting fairytale romances set in modern-day, larger-than-life settings. Visit her at www.NatashaTate.com or email her at Natasha@NatashaTate.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 16, 2011
This is the story of Cate and Ethan, who were once teenagers in the love planning to spend the rest of their lives together. Cate broke things off in the hope Ethan would reach his potential without her, but Ethan thought she considered him below her and still harbours resentment towards her. After her fathers death, Cate decides to sell the families private island (where she and Ethan had spent their time together) and Ethan, now a very successful businessman, buys it. Ethan plans to use this time to his advantage and seduce Cate and then leave her so that she feels the pain he once felt. Only nothing goes according to plan and Ethan discovers the difficult life Cate has had since they parted, and he cant help but feel the need to cherish her. As they grow closer it's clear that they never stopped loving one another, but there are secrets and events waiting to tear them apart again.
What a fantastic debut from Natasha Tate, reading this you would have no idea that she hasn't been doing this forever! Her voice and style slip seamlessly into the Modern line. This is a very emotionally charged book and this is apparent from the very first sentence that had me hooked. The characters are well crafted and the dialogue really sparkles, not to mention the passion is sizzling. I could have done without the 'miracle' at the very end, but perhaps that's just me.
I look forward to reading more from Natasha Tate in the future, she joins new writers such as Lynn Raye Harris and Maisey Yates, who have breathed new life into to Modern line and made it dazzling for a new generation of readers. Like me!
Recommended.
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
What a fantastic debut from Natasha Tate, reading this you would have no idea that she hasn't been doing this forever! Her voice and style slip seamlessly into the Modern line. This is a very emotionally charged book and this is apparent from the very first sentence that had me hooked. The characters are well crafted and the dialogue really sparkles, not to mention the passion is sizzling. I could have done without the 'miracle' at the very end, but perhaps that's just me.
I look forward to reading more from Natasha Tate in the future, she joins new writers such as Lynn Raye Harris and Maisey Yates, who have breathed new life into to Modern line and made it dazzling for a new generation of readers. Like me!
Recommended.
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
November 12, 2011
Good read,Ethan-Cate were teenage lovers but Cate sacrificed her love for Ethan's dreams which Ethan interpreted as Caye was only toying with him he is bitter leaves to earn loads of money and make his dream come true while he is away Cate has an accident which scarred Cate physically and emotionally,she built barriers to protect herself then Ethan comes back in intensions of revenge but soon he realises he still has feelings for her and also makes Cate tell him truth about her decision to make him go away and what happened after accident
Ethan-Cate spend time together,build new memories and Ethan realises he does'nt wants any revenge,he wants to love and Cherish Cate forever but he has already set the plan in motion and now he is scared of losing Cate again the second time.The inevitable happens Cate is destroyed,Ethan accepts that he wanted revenge but he has changed but Cate does'nt believes him and says its over but then Mrs.Bartholomew makes Cate realise what is she doing again,Cate goes to Ethan,both apologize to each other and take a leap towards their HEA.Ethan was too pushy in the beginning,later the way he heals Cate with tenderness and patience melted my anger away.
Overall a good read
Recommend it
Ethan-Cate spend time together,build new memories and Ethan realises he does'nt wants any revenge,he wants to love and Cherish Cate forever but he has already set the plan in motion and now he is scared of losing Cate again the second time.The inevitable happens Cate is destroyed,Ethan accepts that he wanted revenge but he has changed but Cate does'nt believes him and says its over but then Mrs.Bartholomew makes Cate realise what is she doing again,Cate goes to Ethan,both apologize to each other and take a leap towards their HEA.Ethan was too pushy in the beginning,later the way he heals Cate with tenderness and patience melted my anger away.
Overall a good read
Recommend it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2018
Fair to midland read about reunited sweethearts. Another reviewer, Kelly in 2011, hit the nail on the head with her comparison to Again the Magic. This was almost like a modern day version.
I didn't feel the need for so much angst and anger. The reasons for the adolescent breakup was weak,
Also, I'm not a fan of authors that have pages and pages into chapters and chapters of the same scene, the same day or the same night. Come on, move it along. I prefer a longer timeline of events.
I didn't feel the need for so much angst and anger. The reasons for the adolescent breakup was weak,
Also, I'm not a fan of authors that have pages and pages into chapters and chapters of the same scene, the same day or the same night. Come on, move it along. I prefer a longer timeline of events.
November 2, 2011
I picked up this book because I met the author and thought she was sweet. Now, I don't usually pick up categoricals, but I read the back cover and I liked it. I figured it would be a good book to read on the plane ride home, so I bought it.
I won't re-hash what the book is about here, because the back cover sums it up quite nicely. What I can tell you is this: this is the first time I have ever thought of writing the author and saying, "Hey, you don't know me, but I loved your book."
See, I'm not a person who writes fan mail (or hate mail, for that matter). In fact, I've never done it, not even in my biggest "fan girl" moments. Yet I'm considering it even now.
I loved this book. It was remarkably well written. In fact, I started reading it at the airport and finished reading it that same night, because I literally could not put it down. The sex scenes were well written, surprisingly frequent, and hot. The pace was fast, and the characters were delightfully flawed. I loved Ethan, the dark and broody hero. I loved Cate, a heroine who was both literally and figuratively scarred, and still in love with the hero so many years later.
This is a little jewel of a book. At 187 pages, it's not long, but it was so tightly written that even one more word would have been too many.
I won't re-hash what the book is about here, because the back cover sums it up quite nicely. What I can tell you is this: this is the first time I have ever thought of writing the author and saying, "Hey, you don't know me, but I loved your book."
See, I'm not a person who writes fan mail (or hate mail, for that matter). In fact, I've never done it, not even in my biggest "fan girl" moments. Yet I'm considering it even now.
I loved this book. It was remarkably well written. In fact, I started reading it at the airport and finished reading it that same night, because I literally could not put it down. The sex scenes were well written, surprisingly frequent, and hot. The pace was fast, and the characters were delightfully flawed. I loved Ethan, the dark and broody hero. I loved Cate, a heroine who was both literally and figuratively scarred, and still in love with the hero so many years later.
This is a little jewel of a book. At 187 pages, it's not long, but it was so tightly written that even one more word would have been too many.
March 24, 2021
This is the first HP I have read from this writer Natasha Tate. I am pleasantly surprised. This was very, very good.
I love the passion and the chemistry between them. And there were some really emotional scenes in this book. They were so very well written that it touched me.
I like a revenge theme. I like a besotted, dominant hero who can’t stay away from the heroine. I like a virgin heroine. I like a H who can’t keep his hands and other body parts off the heroine’s body. This HP novel has it all.
This is 4,5 stars. Or 4,75 stars.
The reason I chose for a 4 stars rating, is because I think that their ‘miracle’ at the end of the book spoiled the end a bit. The writer should have stopped there. And also because the reason that she broke up with him many years ago was just ridiculous. And the third reason for giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is that the first night they met each other after so many years, was described in too many pages. It ‘dragged’ a bit. I like the story to move on to the next day.
Nevertheless, I will be looking for more HP’s of this writer.
I love the passion and the chemistry between them. And there were some really emotional scenes in this book. They were so very well written that it touched me.
I like a revenge theme. I like a besotted, dominant hero who can’t stay away from the heroine. I like a virgin heroine. I like a H who can’t keep his hands and other body parts off the heroine’s body. This HP novel has it all.
This is 4,5 stars. Or 4,75 stars.
The reason I chose for a 4 stars rating, is because I think that their ‘miracle’ at the end of the book spoiled the end a bit. The writer should have stopped there. And also because the reason that she broke up with him many years ago was just ridiculous. And the third reason for giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is that the first night they met each other after so many years, was described in too many pages. It ‘dragged’ a bit. I like the story to move on to the next day.
Nevertheless, I will be looking for more HP’s of this writer.
December 5, 2011
The book is basically a catalog of the absolute worst cliches from romance novels. The heroine is beautiful and rich, but a wishy washy deer in the headlights. The hero is a hyper-masculine, super-wealthy creep, who bullies his way into the heroine's bed. The relationship between the two of them is incredibly disturbing. He's a miscreant who pushes her around, and she's a totally spineless masochist who is turned on by his bullying. I could not wrap my mind around how his behavior was supposed to be viewed as in any way a turn on--not by the heroine, and certainly not by readers. Their first kiss sent cold chills down my spine. It wasn't steamy. It was gross.
I felt so icky reading this. I seriously wish I'd never read this book, because I feel slimy every time I think about it.
I felt so icky reading this. I seriously wish I'd never read this book, because I feel slimy every time I think about it.
March 17, 2022
The Carrington family's island is up for auction…Now, that's an invitation Ethan Hardesty just can't refuse. This groundskeeper's son turned global entrepreneur has it all. All, that is, except a piece of the Carrington estate—the island that holds all his most pleasurable and painful memories.Ethan doesn't count on the beautiful Cate Carrington handling the transaction—and providing him with the perfect opportunity to take her into the bargain. But toying with the woman who was once the girl he loved and lost soon turns from a game into an all-out obsession.…
November 4, 2011
This brings to mind a similar plotted book although the genre is HR the characters are by far more complex and rich. (
)
I just didn't find any depth to the h/h and felt so much anger and really no forgiveness.
I love tales of childhood sweethearts reunited. Over all good not great.
) I just didn't find any depth to the h/h and felt so much anger and really no forgiveness.
I love tales of childhood sweethearts reunited. Over all good not great.
Did Not Finish
July 2, 2022This reminded me so much of "Again the magic" by Lisa Kleypas. I read about 50% of this till now so let's see the similarities between both the books(warning- spoilers below):
-the kind housekeeper who saw both the H and h grow, and when the hero returns and wants her to stop working in the h's estate and move with him, the aged housekeeper insists that she won't leave the h because the h needs her.
-a very beautiful h who has a relationship with the house's help boy and they both grow up together having feelings.
-they never consummate the relationship while they were young
-the h breaks things off with the H because her father sorta blackmails that he'll offer the H an internship in exchange.
- the young H in love was adamant that time that he'll only leave if she forces him to and therefore the h comes up with cruel things to say to the H about his position, wealth, belittling their love, etc to push him away.
-the h has an accident which causes scars in her legs
-the H becomes a moneyed famous person and returns to the h in the guise of a business deal.
- the H seduces the h with the intention to cleanse his system free of the h's memories and the pain.
-For their first time, the h insists that they don't have sex in the bedroom because the H might see her scars and be repulsed. Therefore she convinces the H to take her against the wall(in Lisa Kleypas's book -it was against a tree. Rest same)
-In their first time, the H finds out the h remained a virgin all this while and he is shocked. When the h says that the first time sex is all they'll have, he shouts that this fifteen minutes doesn't equal the years they spend apart, that it's only over when he says so, that he'll have her whenever and however he wants, etc etc. This dialogue after the first time sex reminded me the most of the H and h's dialogue in Lisa Kleypas book. You can compare and see.
This all is off the top of my head. I'm not continuing the book right now because of the same reason I didn't like Lisa Kleypas's book- the hero didn't seem to remain a virgin for the heroine while they were young and in love. I understand that he slept with women in their separation after she hurt him, but it's not acceptable to me that he didn't seem to control his libido enough to wait for the heroine to share their first time together, especially given that they are childhood loves. These are my observations till the 50% point.
-the kind housekeeper who saw both the H and h grow, and when the hero returns and wants her to stop working in the h's estate and move with him, the aged housekeeper insists that she won't leave the h because the h needs her.
-a very beautiful h who has a relationship with the house's help boy and they both grow up together having feelings.
-they never consummate the relationship while they were young
-the h breaks things off with the H because her father sorta blackmails that he'll offer the H an internship in exchange.
- the young H in love was adamant that time that he'll only leave if she forces him to and therefore the h comes up with cruel things to say to the H about his position, wealth, belittling their love, etc to push him away.
-the h has an accident which causes scars in her legs
-the H becomes a moneyed famous person and returns to the h in the guise of a business deal.
- the H seduces the h with the intention to cleanse his system free of the h's memories and the pain.
-For their first time, the h insists that they don't have sex in the bedroom because the H might see her scars and be repulsed. Therefore she convinces the H to take her against the wall(in Lisa Kleypas's book -it was against a tree. Rest same)
-In their first time, the H finds out the h remained a virgin all this while and he is shocked. When the h says that the first time sex is all they'll have, he shouts that this fifteen minutes doesn't equal the years they spend apart, that it's only over when he says so, that he'll have her whenever and however he wants, etc etc. This dialogue after the first time sex reminded me the most of the H and h's dialogue in Lisa Kleypas book. You can compare and see.
This all is off the top of my head. I'm not continuing the book right now because of the same reason I didn't like Lisa Kleypas's book- the hero didn't seem to remain a virgin for the heroine while they were young and in love. I understand that he slept with women in their separation after she hurt him, but it's not acceptable to me that he didn't seem to control his libido enough to wait for the heroine to share their first time together, especially given that they are childhood loves. These are my observations till the 50% point.
November 3, 2022
While this book got all the angst that I’ve wanted, I think that…
ETHAN SHOULD GO TO JAIL FOR WHAT HE DID
AND CATE, BABY, WHY ARE YOU SUCH A SOFTIE WHERE IS YOUR BACKBONE GURL HAVE SOME DIGNITY AND MAKE THE MAN GROVEL AND BEG FOR FORGIVENESS
ETHAN. JAIL. NOW!!!
GRRRRRRR
ETHAN SHOULD GO TO JAIL FOR WHAT HE DID
AND CATE, BABY, WHY ARE YOU SUCH A SOFTIE WHERE IS YOUR BACKBONE GURL HAVE SOME DIGNITY AND MAKE THE MAN GROVEL AND BEG FOR FORGIVENESS
ETHAN. JAIL. NOW!!!
GRRRRRRR
February 15, 2014
Reviewed by Desere
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
In her debut novel Natasha Tate introduces us to Ethan and Cate. As the blurb suggests these two are destined to rekindle a passion so fierce it seems it never burned out. The author took me on a magical journey of old flames reunited, secrets revealed and unforgettable passion ignited!
What I liked about the book was the way in which the author introduced me to the characters, giving me ample personality traits and looks to allow my imagination to create my own picture as to what they look like and understand how their heads work. In some books I have really had a hard time trying to match the characters up with the information given and most times I fall back on plan B, which is to look at the front and try to see if the images on the front cover matches up.
I especially liked that the author does not leave anything to the imagination when it comes to the end of a dramatic scene. Sometimes when reading a book and a scene comes along where there is an argument and it suddenly ends with one person saying something dramatic and that’s it. Then the next chapter would start as if nothing happened and I start to wonder if I missed a page. But this author does a beautiful job of guiding you through it all without it being boring and overwritten.
Natasha Tate is a true gem when it comes to her writing, her books are fun, fresh, brilliantly written, has unforgettable plots and amazingly memorable characters. Ethan and Cate will certainly be with me for a long time.
Favorite Quote: “don’t you know what my life is like without you in it?”
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
In her debut novel Natasha Tate introduces us to Ethan and Cate. As the blurb suggests these two are destined to rekindle a passion so fierce it seems it never burned out. The author took me on a magical journey of old flames reunited, secrets revealed and unforgettable passion ignited!
What I liked about the book was the way in which the author introduced me to the characters, giving me ample personality traits and looks to allow my imagination to create my own picture as to what they look like and understand how their heads work. In some books I have really had a hard time trying to match the characters up with the information given and most times I fall back on plan B, which is to look at the front and try to see if the images on the front cover matches up.
I especially liked that the author does not leave anything to the imagination when it comes to the end of a dramatic scene. Sometimes when reading a book and a scene comes along where there is an argument and it suddenly ends with one person saying something dramatic and that’s it. Then the next chapter would start as if nothing happened and I start to wonder if I missed a page. But this author does a beautiful job of guiding you through it all without it being boring and overwritten.
Natasha Tate is a true gem when it comes to her writing, her books are fun, fresh, brilliantly written, has unforgettable plots and amazingly memorable characters. Ethan and Cate will certainly be with me for a long time.
Favorite Quote: “don’t you know what my life is like without you in it?”
November 22, 2013
This book would have been a 3-stars if not for Ethan's declaration of love in the last 20pages. I've read a bunch of Harlequin and Mills books and I have never been so moved by the hero's remorse and declaration of love. Cate was lovely and kind without being annoying. She showed steely resolve when needed and protected her broken heart fiercely while Ethan was ruthless to protect his broken heart. Was interesting two see two characters motivated by similar feelings but dealing with it in two different ways, but coming together despite their obstacles. Very good second chance at love story.
4-Stars
4-Stars
November 9, 2014
i thought cate was too gud to be true. her reason to alienate him did not make sense. his life was not in danger, so what the hell!? u stick wid the one u love and dunt leave him to fend for himself unless extreme circumstances. i do not think they cud still be in love after 10years. they were not the same persons and cate was badly damaged both inside and out. ethan behaved like a thwarted and selfish young man instead of the experienced man of the world he was.
March 5, 2016
Liked the hero more than the heroine.
September 26, 2011
Absolute trash. Didn't realise what is was until I was a few chapters in and then my "can't walk away from a book" philosophy kicked in. Wish it hadn't....
October 4, 2011
An irresistible page turner. It's got scenes that sizzle and characters that hold you enthralled with their undeniable chemistry and emotional tension. A must read and a definite recommend.
October 24, 2012
I really liked this book.
February 12, 2013
This novel was so well written, the characters amazing, and the ending was wonderful.
A good book to be read…
A good book to be read…
June 20, 2013
Good story! It nearly made me cry.
Read
April 14, 2017great book,love it
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews