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BOURNE picks up right where TORRENT left off...Find out what has happened to men returning from the battle, gravely wounded, to the Betarrinis, fighting for the men they love, and just who is hunting them next...

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2012

35 people are currently reading
3223 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Tawn Bergren

99 books3,765 followers
About

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).

Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).

The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,136 reviews698 followers
April 25, 2022
This novella picks up right where book three ends. I have mixed feelings with this one. It is fun returning and seeing what is happening with the gang, but it would have been nice if it had maybe picked up a few months later? Also, I wish this had been told entirely from Lia's POV. I personally felt like Gabi's story was wrapped up well with the trilogy and would have liked to see her more as a supporting character for Lia's story. I also wish this had been a full-length novel, and not just a novella. It did feel a bit rushed and wrapped up quickly.

I have always loved Luca's character, he provides so much lightheartedness in a pretty serious series. I think he and Lia have great chemistry and I think their relationship is more lighthearted, I like their banter and how they use humor in tough situations to help reassure each other.


Content Rated PG+
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: Moderate-Heavy
Other: Mild religious elements
Profile Image for Elaina.
350 reviews217 followers
December 13, 2016
4.5 stars

The thing that I loved the most about this book is that it was mainly focused on Lia and Luca. I was so happy to see more of them together since we didn't get to see as much in the last book, Torrent. Luca is probably my favorite male character out of the whole series...he is sweet, charming, and always making me laugh :P I am not saying that Marcello is bad necessarily (I know a lot of people like him better lol) I just like Luca's character a lot more in comparison :P

This was a novella, so it was short...but I still enjoyed it very much! Now I am onto the next novella, Tributary. :D
Profile Image for Veronique.
272 reviews166 followers
January 2, 2019
3.5 ⭐️

First read of the year a short novella about knighthood and courtships in to one of my favourite series.

We follow the she-wolves further into this series with again a well written fight scene at the end of the novel.

I love Gabi and Marcello and Lia and Luca so much together but I felt like this short novella could have been a whole book!

At this point because the novella was so short you didn’t get to see a lot about the characters and about the storyline and it was all quite hasty with little time to introduce the new story and a completely new plot.

Therefore I must give it a 3.5 ⭐️ rating. However it was still an enjoyable read and cannot wait to continue further in this series with just one more novella and one conclusion book to go!
Profile Image for Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids.
1,952 reviews209 followers
March 18, 2012
4.5 stars

Picking up right where Torrent leaves off, Gabi and Lia find themselves awaiting the arrival of their men, Marcello and Luca, along with their armies and Lord Greco. War still rages on, danger is an ever present thing, and someone's life is on the brink of ending. With everything that goes on in this book, I love how Lisa is able to blend together her suspense, love, action and humor. It's one of the things I've come to love about her series. BOURNE made me fall in love with this series all over again. I loved being back in 14th century Italy with Gabi, Lia, Marcello, Luca and Lord Greco. My only compliant is that this book had to end. I wanted more.

One of the things I loved about BOURNE is the dual points of views between the two sisters, Gabi and Lia. This is not something that's featured in any of the other books, and something I thought worked wonderfully for this novella. I loved being able to get glimpsed into both Gabi & Marcello, and Lia & Luca's relationships. I felt like I got to know each of them on a more in-depth level. In the previous three books I got to fall in love with Gabi and Marcello, and this time around I got to do that with Lia an Luca. I completely adore Lia and Luca!! They not only make me snicker, they make sigh over their sweet romance, and complete devotion to each other.

Lisa's writing with this novella is just as stellar as it is with the rest of the series. I love the attention to detail that she gives this delicate, and often times uncertain time period. She has a talent for bringing 14th century Italy to life in this story. The setting is one of my favorite things about these books. I feel like I'm getting a glimpse back in time with it. Lisa also does a wonderful job at making her characters stay as lovable and enjoyable as they've been through out the series. I seriously can't get enough of them, and this time around I was left wanting so much more from Lord Greco. Which is surprising given how he first started off in this series. His character has really come full circle with how much he's changed over the course of each of the books. I can't wait to read more about him in TRIBUTARY, the 5th book in the River of Time Series.

This is a must read for fans of The River of Time series! I am completely in love with this series, and featured it as one of my top favorite reads for 2011. I couldn't read Waterfall, Cascade and Torrent fast enough. Lisa Bergren has created a series that's full of romance, action, love, historical references, faith, friendship, betrayal and so much more. This entire series will make you wish you could take a trip back to the 14th century Italy to spend the day with Gabi, Marcello, Lia and Luca. If you're looking for a series that is full of sweep you off your feet romance, tough heroines, exciting action, and fabulous story telling, I highly recommend picking this one up!
Profile Image for TinaB.
587 reviews143 followers
July 25, 2015

Bourne is a glimpse into the events going down after Torrent's battle and Paratore's death. Its a hint of possibilities these richly complex characters are going to take and how much depth character development is going to become. I could break this all down and tell you about the writing, the drama and the voice of Lia, which was well done or the heated love story of Luca and Lia, but I really only want to talk about Lord Greco.......and this is where I think Lisa can really expand on the RofT story, especially with the appeal of his character.

Greco is best described as an unpeeled onion, we know he's good looking and strong...however his depth of emotion and political driven aspirations truly make him a fascinating character with layers to unveil. While Greco spends most of his time in Bourne with self-loathing and bordering on martyrdom, he certainly takes the cake as character champion in the end.

This is a world of war, disease, and savagery....but I still want to be there. I want to ride its horses, wear its dresses, and marry its men.
Profile Image for Maria.
243 reviews
April 15, 2020
Loved it!
I was absotutely delighted to see POVs from Lia! It was so good to see her and Luca's relationship develop. I love Marcello and Gabi, but Luca and Lia are simply so cute together! Luca is funny, caring, and seriously hot which means... he's perfect for Lia! Honestly though, he is super funny and charming which is adorable, but when he takes charge, boy is he powerful!
For those action fans, fear not! I was hoping to get a slow-paced 'peaceful' novel, but this one was rife with intrigue and a new threat.
One of my favourite characters Rodolfo plays a big part in this novel and I'm really looking forward to reading more about him! He's such an interesting character, with so many layers, I'm really hoping he finds a girl in the next novella.
Honestly, this could've been a whole novel, but I was still glad to get back to Medieval Italy.
Onto the next novella!
Profile Image for Fearfully CREATED.
51 reviews49 followers
February 1, 2023
Nothing less than a 5 ⭐️ read! Finished it in less than a day. It’s a short one, but a good one! Though she be little, she be fierce kinda thing 😂😂
Profile Image for eve.
123 reviews5 followers
July 15, 2020
07.13.2020. //
Wanted a quick light read since since I haven't indulged in a while. Picked this series up again. I'm laughing at my old reviews b/c it is quite a bit cheesier than I remember (also I read this on my iPod the first time...? That was definitely a while ago). Still, if you can get past that all the books in the series are crazy page turners. Heroine is 17/18, so cheesiness to an extent is understandable. Still enjoyed though!


09.04.2014. //
I had to go back & reread the series after Deluge. So, so good!! Just as much of a page turner as it was the first time I read it. Enjoyed getting to experience little moments I'd forgotten about throughout. Love these characters & their story!!


02.28.2012. //
I enjoyed Bourne SO much!!! True, it was rather short (and there is the fact that my eyes still feel funny from staring at my iPod for so long ;P), but other than that, I didn't find it lacking in any way! Well, I would've liked it even better if there had been more Gabi & Marcello in it, but the developing romance between Lia & Luca kinda made up for that.
I loved getting to know Luca better. I was rather surprised at that other side of his personality. Like when he got angry at Greco? I certainly didn't expect him acting like that. I've always thought of him as "The Guy Who Can make a Joke Out of Everything", and now? Well, let's just say I like him a whole lot better than I did. ;)
There wasn't that much of Greco, though. He was acting kinda weird... which I get, with him becoming 'the traitor' and all. Marcello was recovering from injuries for more than half of the book. Missed him. Gabi & Lia? They were pretty much their old selves. ;)
So, ummm... GO READ BOURNE NOW!!! You have to! Drop your schedule, book list, etc. and READ it! Sleepless nights are going to be coming your way if you don't.
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,210 reviews599 followers
March 13, 2023
Blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/RTAATW8V...

I was so happy when I heard that Lisa Bergren decided to write more River of Time books! I had thought that Torrent was the end, but thankfully I was wrong! I think Bourne might actually be my favorite in the series and that's saying something considering they're all favorites of mine! :D

I loved how there was a lot of Lia and Luca's story (they are my favorite characters) in Bourne. I also really enjoyed how the story's point-of-view changed from Gabi to Lia throughout - it was great getting to see what each sister was thinking.

Bourne is a short novella (about 120 pages), but it didn't seem that short when I was reading it. Right away my emotions were caught when I learned that Marcello had been injured and from there it was just an emotional roller coaster.

While Bourne would probably be great on it's own, I do recommend first reading Waterfall, Cascade, and Torrent. If you enjoy YA, fantasy, and/or romance novels, I think you'll love the River of Time series!

I loved every part of Bourne! I am happily (and somewhat impatiently) waiting for the next River of Time release from Lisa Bergren!

*I received a complimentary pdf copy of this book from the author for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Profile Image for Small Review.
612 reviews221 followers
August 14, 2017
Originally posted on Small Review

This is a review for book #3.1 in the River of Time series and THERE ARE SPOILERS in this review for earlier books!

Don't want spoilers? Check out my reviews for the first three books:

Waterfall
Cascade
Torrent

Whenever I read an "extra" like a novella or short story, I always have a few nagging questions and, ok, I'll admit it, fears. The worst thing an author can do to a beloved story is stretch it beyond its limits, and oftentimes that's exactly what happens with little extras like this.

But...but it's the River of Time! Let's be honest here, I would probably gobble up anything even remotely related to this series.

But I'm also super picky and because I love these characters so much, I'm really protective over them. I can't bear to see them fall victim to series stretching. My heart would break to see them in filler stories or, worse, forced rehashes of the same old plotline.

So it was with an emotional mess of unbridled elation and gut-punch dread that I entered Bourne.

And thankfully, I had nothing to fear!


Is there a point to the story?

Yes! The fact that this is a novella and not a full-length novel plays zero part in the story's construction. This is not an "add on for fans"--the plot is original and makes sense as the logical fallout of the events in Torrent. I also finally got to learn more about the mysterious brotherhood! The best way to think of Bourne is to just forget that it is a novella and treat it like part one of the next full book in the series.

The story picks up almost immediately after the end of Torrent and it is essential that you read Waterfall, Cascade, and Torrent before reading Bourne (unless you want massive spoilers for the first three books). The same breakneck pacing mixed with tender character moments and thoughtful soul searching that characterized the first three books is present again in Bourne.

The only time I felt the limitations of the novella length was at the end. Yes, there is resolution, but the greater story arc that has been set in motion promises MUCH more to come. Seeds have been planted and threads have been left dangling, and of course I am dying to find out what happens next! I wouldn't say the end is a cliffhanger exactly, but Lisa is certainly a diabolical tease.


Do I get to see the characters I know and love?

Yes! All of my favorite characters make an appearance (except the ones who have DIED! Oh Fortino!), although for many it is a tantalizingly small appearance. Marcello, Gabi, and Greco all play a decent role but the meat of this story is Lia and Luca (yay!). Though, even there, the short nature of the book makes it so that none of the characters get as much page time as I wanted.

But that's not a criticism of Lisa. You see, this series is like a pastry shop. I love it so much that I want to scarf down everything all at once without waiting. But that really isn't possible (my mouth is, regrettably, just as small as the rest of me). The same goes for these characters. I want to absorb all of their stories, secrets, hopes, fears, desires, everything all at once. Like book osmosis. And that's not possible, so I need to learn how to be patient and savor what I do have.

And, oh my, what a treat I have in Bourne! I have always been a huge Lia and Luca fan, and I am VERY happy with the events of Bourne. It wasn't just that things finally happened (but, total YAY for things finally happening!), it was HOW they happened. Luca's personality was so perfectly displayed in the most adorable, swoony, heart-melting, giggle-inducing scenes of PURE WIN. The witty banter between Lia and Luca was everything I had been hoping for and more. I couldn't have daydreamed it better.


Does the author mess with a good thing?

Not much is different from the first three books, and that is a very good thing. There isn't any new girl causing love drama, Marcello and Gabi don't have a "misunderstanding" to carry the plot, and the characters don't suffer mysterious personality transplants.

What IS different is the inclusion of Lia's perspective! Gabi still narrates plenty (and it was such a comfort to be back in her head again), but the introduction of Lia's POV was thoroughly welcome.

I'll blushingly admit that Lia left me a little star struck in the first three books. She was just so darn cool with her arrows and calm reserve. I loved this opportunity to get into her head and see the "woman behind the mask."

Her voice is similar to Gabi's, but her caution and control seen in the previous books came through in her narrative as well. While I can't help but get swept up in Gabi's romantic view of the 14th century, Lia has always been the character my practical side can relate to. I hope more books are told from her POV in the future.


Bottom line

LOVE! More please!

Oh, and can someone magic me up a print copy please? That man on the cover would look so nice on my shelf.

FYI, the length is about 160 pages.

Originally posted on Small Review
Profile Image for Jen Halligan.
516 reviews252 followers
March 9, 2012
Originally posted on A Book and a Latte:

I am so addicted to the River of Time series, to the characters… I devoured Bourne as soon as I got my hands on it! Bourne picks up right where Torrent ends, and in true River of Time fashion, I was immediately taken back to 14th century Italy.

Bourne, unlike the other novels, alternates between Gabi and Lia’s perspectives. I LOVED this… I loved getting to know Lia more, and seeing her and Luca’s relationship from the inside. Also, Lia’s modern day references had me snickering! I really enjoyed seeing more of Grecco in this novella too, and can’t wait for Tributary (book #4, title may not be final) to get more of his story.

I feel like all my reviews for the River of Time books say the same thing… but it’s true… these books are all made up of fantastic story-telling, sweet romance, and action that keeps you glued to the page! This story – these characters – remind you that life is short, a gift, and to look for and hold on to the light/love/hope where you can find it.

Bourne is a fantastic novella – generous in length (1/3 the size of full novel) - and will leave you pining for more. This is a must-read for River of Time fans!
Profile Image for Katie.
Author 2 books128 followers
March 22, 2012
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.

Once again, I come to the end of a River of Time book, and all I can say is "Awesome, awesome, AWESOME!!!" From page one, Lisa Bergren's unique writing style captures my attention and takes me back to medieval Italy to once again experience an adventure with my favorite fictitious characters!

For those of you who weren't sure if Bergren could pull off another awesome, one-of-a-kind, pulse-pounding adventure in a third of the usual pages....she CAN!!! Bourne packs a big punch and an even bigger adventure!! There is one scene where a man uses Lia to get Luca to cooperate, but besides touching her, it goes no further. Bergren handled this--and Gabi and Marcello's intimate hubby/wife moments--very well, in my opinion

All the characters in Bourne--Gabi, Lia, Marcello, Luca, Greco, to name a few--are so well known and loved, I was thrilled that I could read about them once again. Luca and Lia's romance moves forward just a bit more in the novella, which thrilled me. And Luca's protectiveness over Lia was so "aww"-worthy.

And since I am such a big Greco fan, let me just say that while he is going through a lot of guilt and inner turmoil, he is still an amazing guy--and totally swoon-worthy! His guilt only makes him more noble in my eyes...if only Luca would see it, too! ;-)

The plot was awesome--lots of adventure that never ends from start to finish. And the ending promises more. All I can wonder is...when is the next one coming out?? Seriously, do NOT miss out on this next book in the River of Time series!!
Profile Image for Abigail.
111 reviews30 followers
February 29, 2012
So, I wasn't crazy about this installment of The River of Time series. Bourne picks right up where Torrent left off, directly after the ending battle of the latter book. Unlike the first three books of this series, the point of view switches between Gabi and Lia....which is basically the only thing that saved it for me. In all honesty, I'm kinda getting sick of Gabi. When the series first started I really liked her; she felt real and relatable. Now I just wanna smack her upside the head.

I guess I feel like all Gabi does now is get herself into trouble and drool over her now husband. And if she says "my man" again, I'm going to throw something against the wall (since this was an ebook, I can't really do that without hurting my Itouch....) And all she does is think about him....like lives, breaths, and drools Marcello. Her whole relationship is starting to get shallow. I get that originally she was all gooey, but now that she's married, it's time to grow up and get a life. I'm not saying that married life is boring or unromantic or anything, but I also don't think people are obsessing over each other at that point...it's time to get a grip.

Now that I've voiced my displeasure with Gabi, let's talk Lia. I actually really like Lia, not to mention Luca (who was my favorite from the start). I feel like both of these characters have really grown up and matured through the first three books, and now, after much waiting, begin to move closer in their relationship. And even in getting closer, neither of them are really drooling or obsessive like Gabi. Even though Luca is always overly dramatic about his love for Lia, he still feels real to me because it's part of his personality. He was already dramatic and funny before Lia and Gabi showed up on the scene. Lia and Luca's relationship just slid together like just as it ought to have. So basically, the parts of this book written in Lia's point of view saved this novella from being a total flop for me.

Besides Gabi, I have one other complaint. I have for the longest time loved Bergren's books because they're clean. But I'm starting to question whether she's going to cross the line.... Because right now, in this book, in my opinion, she's bordering the dangerous line of going to far. I get that the era this is written in could be pretty crude, but this is fiction. You don't have to follow exactly the way it went - especially when you decide to stick time travel in there. There were a handful of scenes in this book I thought was bordering on inappropriate, most of which I thought were completely unnecessary. If more details go into such scenes and said scenes keep coming up more frequently, Bergren just might lose my respect for her as an author.

As for whether or not I'll read any future books in this series....we'll see. If there are future books written in Lia's point of view, I'll probably read them. If they're in Gabi's point of view, probably not.

I bought this book, and therefore was not required nor asked to write a review, nor a positive one at that. I was not compensated for this review.
Profile Image for Karin.
Author 15 books260 followers
March 4, 2012
NOTE: You should read The River of Time Trilogy before reading this book. (WATERFALL, CASCADE, and TORRENT)

BOURNE starts right where TORRENT ends. Castello Forelli is dealing with the wounded from the battle. Gabi, instead of enjoying her first days as a bride, finds herself organizing the people of the castle in order to best help the wounded. She finds it difficult to keep her mind on her duties as Lady of the Castle since her own husband, Marcello, is severely wounded. Gabi and her family must reaffirm their commitment to remaining in the 14th Century after seeing so many die.

As much as Gabi wishes for some peace, she knows it is unlikely. The Firenze are after revenge since being pushed back across the border. This time they are playing dirty by targeting certain members of the secret brotherhood that came to Marcello's aid. Not only are they killing the men involved, but their families and servants, too. Gabi and Lia are thrust into the battle again. The She-Wolves are more than willing to fight side-by-side with the men in order to ensure the safety of the people.

BOURNE is just as exciting as the other three books in the series even though it is a novella (1/3 of the size of a regular novel). It didn't take any time at all for me to be transported back to the 14th Century again. In this book we get to hear from Lia's point of view as she deals with her feelings for Luca. I loved that and it makes sense since Gabi and Marcello are already married. Lia and Luca are the ones that will struggle to get together now. And then there is poor Greco. My heart just aches for him. He feels guilty for being a traitor to his people and for his feelings for Gabi. Lisa Bergren really needs to find him a girl. (I actually wonder if we don't meet her at the end of BOURNE.)

If you haven't heard of this series start reading it now. It really has it all - adventure, romance, humor. Lisa Bergren has a knack for creating some wonderful men. Marcello, Luca, and Greco really come to life. I wish I was living in Castello Forelli so I could look at them all the time. Better yet, I'd like to be Gabi or Lia!

You can buy BOURNE right now for the Kindle for $.99. Believe me, it is totally worth it.

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Bourne-River-Ti...

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bourn...

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Profile Image for Julie Graves.
966 reviews38 followers
February 27, 2012
Bourne takes place right after the last battle in Torrent. Many have died in the battle and there are many injured at the Castello Forelli. Gabi must put in an appearance to all of the injured since she is now lady of the Castello. She and her family must do their best to stitch and bandage up all of the injured. They must also see to the proper burial of all those who lost their lives for the Forelli family.

Just when they think that there will be peace in the land a band of mercenaries is going around seeking revenge on the brotherhood. Already two castles have been attacked. Gabi, Lia, Luca and Rodolfo must warn the other brothers of what is coming. Once again the She-Wolves have been placed in peril. Will they be able to reach Luca’s family in time to save them?

Bourne is the first of three e- novella’s that will be published this year. Bourne didn’t lack any of the excitement that the full length novels carried. I was once again transported to 14th century Tuscany with the hunky knights Marcello, Luca and Greco. Bourne explores Lia and Luca’s relationship a bit more and also delves a little into how Lord Greco is dealing with his guilt about betraying his country. I feel so bad for Lord Greco! He needs to find a woman who will love him and whom he can love in return. He has so much passion to give and he really is a good guy, I hope that love is in his future! I’m looking forward to the next installments of The River of Time series. I can’t get enough!!

Today you can get your copy of Bourne on Amazon for .99:
http://www.amazon.com/Bourne-River-Ti...

You can also get it at Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...

Also a Nook copy will be available soon.

This series was my number one pick for 2011. A must read!
Profile Image for Heather.
1,066 reviews94 followers
January 1, 2016
It just gets better and better. Loved this. It was even more exciting, more fun, and more captivating than Torrent. I was completely impressed, and can now say this is most definitely one of my favorite series. I cannot wait for more.

And now to backtrack a little … I forgot to mention something in my review of Torrent. When I reviewed Waterfall, I expressed my opinion regarding the men in the book. Specifically, I touched on my opinion about Marcello and Luca, saying I liked Luca better. By the time Torrent was over, I decided that Marcello is equally amazing. So, for those of you who read that review, know I came around. Both are great guys.

And now back to Bourne … which, yes, I downloaded right after I finished Torrent, and read almost immediately after writing the subsequent review. LOL Anyway …

This time around we have alternating Gabi and Lia perspectives, and I really liked seeing things through Lia. My only complaint was that I felt her voice was a tad bit too similar to Gabi’s. There just were occasions when she sounded similar enough that I forgot for a moment that I was reading Lia’s account of events. Still, I was so glad to finally get a glimpse into Lia’s mind. And I was glad to see that she was more thoughtful than Gabi, in many cases not pursuing an action because she recognized the wisdom of waiting. I liked her voice a bit more than Gabi’s and hope we get to see more from her in future novels (or novellas, as the case may be).

In case I wasn’t clear enough above, I am very anxiously looking forward to Tributary! (Hurry up, please, Lisa!)
Profile Image for Amber.
390 reviews116 followers
March 1, 2012
Fantastic! Another action packed Gem!! Lisa T. Bergren has created such an alluring world for her readers.

I love the action, suspense and the chemistry between the characters. I have grown so fond of her characters and feel a connection with them. It's truly magical when you feel completely immersed into a story. After reading Waterfall, Cascade, and Torrent, I knew without hesitation I had to read Bourne.

In Bourne, the POV alternates between Lia and Gabi, which I like. I felt like I got to know Lia a little better because of it.The relationship between Lia and Luca really develops through Bourne. It was a nice paced read.

There isn't a whole lot of Lord Greco, ladies. But I truly believe that in this short installment, he is fighting his own personal demons while we get a more intimate look into Lia and Luca's budding relationship.

This is a bridge between Torrent and Tributary. I absolutely love this series for so many reasons. I can almost guarantee if you read this series, you will be in it for the long haul.

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Bourne-River-Ti...

Nook:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bourn...

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Profile Image for Christine.
653 reviews86 followers
April 25, 2012
I thought that TORRENT was it. I read it thinking, "Man, what a great ending!" And then Ms. Bergren gave us "RIVER FOLK" some more. And I'm so glad she did, no matter how much I wish this book was the size of a full novel. But, hey, I'm not complaining.

BOURNE picks up right where TORRENT left off. So, all our medieval knights are returning after a battle and we find that things aren't as great as we'd hoped. Poor Gabi.

But, don't be discouraged, because Ms. Bergren does what she does best, and takes a seemingly hopeless and devastating situation and turns it around. This isn't to say that the books can't continue. Because they definitely can. But, I'm not sitting in front of my iPad doing all I can to not scream and scare my children.

What I love most about this novella is that we get a little more Lia and Luca. They are just so sweet together! And, I think it's fantastic that we get to know Luca a little bit better. He really is a tease with a huge sensitive side. I can't resist that. And, I'm hoping Lia can't either. So, for those of you Lia and Luca fans, this one will make you happy. After the Gabi/Marcello story (which STILL isn't over), it's nice to see these two get their time in the spotlight. Their romance is a completely different kind than Gabi and Marcello's. And I'm enjoying it thoroughly.
Profile Image for Rachelle Cobb.
Author 9 books313 followers
July 17, 2021
I've been eagerly awaiting this next chapter of the River of Time Series ever since I finished Torrent and realized that more was on the way! I was so excited when Lisa T. Bergren announced she was not done with these characters.

Bourne starts right where Torrent left off. In the middle of adventure, drama, and action!

I must confess I was a little nervous that perhaps Bourne wouldn't have the same feel of the other three books ~ that maybe something would have changed or that I wouldn't like Lia's point-of-view. Nah. My fears were unfounded and my expectations surpassed! I finished Bourne in a day and Lisa T. Bergren had me cheering, sighing, laughing, wincing, and rooting for the characters the whole way through ~ as usual!

The turmoil, the triumph, the laughs, the life in this book just dazzle from the first word. I loved every minute of this story! My favorite part was how I felt so much ~ Gabi's realization that she bears certain responsibilities, Lia's wrestling with seeing a different side of Luca ~ all the heartache and joy just blasted from the page.

My only complaint is that Bourne is about 1/3 the size of the other three River of Time novels and I was so not ready for the ending! That said, it was a great ending. At one point, I was reading through my fingers because I was so nervous...but that's all I'll say! No spoilers!
Profile Image for ضحى الحداد.
Author 3 books637 followers
May 12, 2015
For such a light short novel I sure did have a hard time finishing the thing .. I found myself wondering ( why am I still bothering with this series ? ) but then comes this scene that makes all the torture worthwhile, I have to admit .. my main issue with the series is not the plot but the main protagonist (Gabi) god I just hate this selfish spoiled girl .. she always gets what she wants without caring about her family .. get a grip girl Marcello will not be there for you forever .. on the other hand I did enjoy Lia's perspective and she's the reason I decided to finish this series once and for all
Profile Image for Jaime.
554 reviews17 followers
May 25, 2017
I really enjoyed it. I liked seeing the world through Lia's eyes and *squeals* more between her and Luca. But I liked that we still got to see what was going on with Gabi and Marcello. There was action, romance, some sadness (thankfully not too much, but it's realistic) even a little comedy from Luca and Lia's narration. It kept me interested. Battle scenes were pretty awesome, as always.

I think it was BEAUTIFUL. And I hope more are on the way. Especially so I can figure out this whole "secret brotherhood" thing and see if poor Lord Greco will find hope and love too. :D
Profile Image for Jessica.
225 reviews
March 16, 2012
I loved this quick little read. It was fun to see the progression of Gabi's character from girl to woman. I felt like she gained maturity through her experiences. I loved Lia and Luca's story. They are both such fun characters. In some ways though I feel like the story could end here and I wouldn't be missing anything. I feel like Marcello and Gabi and Luca and Lia have been resolved. I would love to see a new book through the eyes of Lord Greco.

I really enjoyed it and I felt like it wrapped up the whole series nicely!
Profile Image for Julia Trotter.
442 reviews
March 15, 2012
So lovely! I love that all the books in this series pick up the action right where it left of in the previous book. I'm so pleased to see some of this novella written from Lia's POV, I absolutely adore when we get another characters POV. Also, I'm so obsessed with Luca and Lia.

This just made me so excited for the 4th book!
Profile Image for Lucy Qhuay.
1,351 reviews155 followers
August 9, 2014

This is a nice short story for the fans of the series, albeit not as good as the books, obviously.

I must say I didn’t like seeing Greco suffering so much. I hope he finds a woman who loves him. Maybe Luca’s sister may be the one for him.

Also, Gabi’s sister, Lia, is damn annoying in this one. Why can’t she do what she is told? Uff!
Profile Image for leanna  -when am I not bored-.
9 reviews
September 27, 2012
Wow! lisa did amazing on her first three of this series!! oh my gosh! She made these characters come alive! she makes it as though im living in ancient italy! i love them! i cant wait ubtil tributary is done!!!
Profile Image for Kristen.
1,711 reviews46 followers
April 12, 2016
4/2/16- Love this series...what more can I say?

9/6/14 - Love it, love it!

9/9/13 - Re-read - Wonderful series!!!

9/17/12 -
I'm so glad she wrote more...I felt Torrent ended too abrubtly...so happy I could read more.

Love this series!!!

Moral Note: Violence
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