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Hope Springs #4
Bliss and the Art of Forever
Now that she’s committed to leaving Hope Springs, she’s falling for the wrong man…but he just might give her all the right reasons to stay.
Two years after her husband’s death, kindergarten teacher Brooklyn Harvey is leaving Hope Springs for her in-laws’ vineyard in Italy—with no plans of coming back. That is, until she meets a disarmingly sexy biker-turned-chocolatier. He might be the man of her dreams, but he’s also the father of one of her students; as such, he’s strictly off-limits.
Callum Drake knows a good thing when he sees one, and he doesn’t want to let Brooklyn get away, even if his rival for her affection is the ghost of her dead husband. He’ll do whatever it takes to win her over, including making chocolates concocted just for her—chocolates that evoke memories of their time together. But can he create a second love bright enough to pull her, and her heart, out of living in the past?
Two years after her husband’s death, kindergarten teacher Brooklyn Harvey is leaving Hope Springs for her in-laws’ vineyard in Italy—with no plans of coming back. That is, until she meets a disarmingly sexy biker-turned-chocolatier. He might be the man of her dreams, but he’s also the father of one of her students; as such, he’s strictly off-limits.
Callum Drake knows a good thing when he sees one, and he doesn’t want to let Brooklyn get away, even if his rival for her affection is the ghost of her dead husband. He’ll do whatever it takes to win her over, including making chocolates concocted just for her—chocolates that evoke memories of their time together. But can he create a second love bright enough to pull her, and her heart, out of living in the past?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2015
409 people are currently reading
746 people want to read
About the author
Alison Kent
129 books640 followersI often read of or hear about authors who knew they were meant to tell stories from the time they left the crib. Me? I didn't decide what I wanted to be when I grew up until I was thirty years old - and then sold my first book at thirty-four. Still, it was obvious that I always knew I was going places.
Like so many other authors, I was a voracious reader from day one, devouring everything from Nancy Drew to My Friend Flicka, which I remember sitting hovered over the heater vent in the kitchen floor to read while my father made his coffee.
I moved on to my mother's Phyllis Whitney, Dorothy Eden, and Mary Stewart gothics before discovering my first true romances written by Lucy Walker and set in the Australian Outback. And then, at last, when I was 18 I found 'The Flame and the Flower'. (My son almost spent his life as Brandon because of that, but I spared him and named him Casey instead!)
Why write romance? Because love stories have always been a major part of the books I've loved. Father Ralph and Meggie Cleary. (I did name my daughter Megan after reading The Thorn Birds! Do you see a trend here?) The aforementioned Brandon Birmingham and Heather Simmons. Wolf Mackenzie and Mary Potter.
Even more so, it's because I love writing romance heroes. The men who sweep both heroines and readers off their feet - not to mention their authors, too!
I've spent several years happily writing action adventure romance for Kensington Brava along with hot and sexy series romances for Harlequin Blaze. Now I'm thrilled to be a launch author for Vows.
Like so many other authors, I was a voracious reader from day one, devouring everything from Nancy Drew to My Friend Flicka, which I remember sitting hovered over the heater vent in the kitchen floor to read while my father made his coffee.
I moved on to my mother's Phyllis Whitney, Dorothy Eden, and Mary Stewart gothics before discovering my first true romances written by Lucy Walker and set in the Australian Outback. And then, at last, when I was 18 I found 'The Flame and the Flower'. (My son almost spent his life as Brandon because of that, but I spared him and named him Casey instead!)
Why write romance? Because love stories have always been a major part of the books I've loved. Father Ralph and Meggie Cleary. (I did name my daughter Megan after reading The Thorn Birds! Do you see a trend here?) The aforementioned Brandon Birmingham and Heather Simmons. Wolf Mackenzie and Mary Potter.
Even more so, it's because I love writing romance heroes. The men who sweep both heroines and readers off their feet - not to mention their authors, too!
I've spent several years happily writing action adventure romance for Kensington Brava along with hot and sexy series romances for Harlequin Blaze. Now I'm thrilled to be a launch author for Vows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 20, 2015
My Review:
This book was really good. It was so much more than I expected it to be and I love that when it happens with a book.
First thing you need to know about the hero...he's a badass biker who makes and breathes chocolates for a living and has changed his entire life for the sake of his 5 yo daughter. Seriously, how can you not love this guy? Callum is everything that could be awesome with an alpha male. He's entirely devoted to Addy and his whole world revolves around making sure that she's safe and cared for the way she deserves. He also owns a chocolate shop where he creates artisanal chocolates with only the best ingredients. Some of the most incredible scenes in this book are the ones where he's translating life events that he wants to memorialize into a chocolate. Seriously, my heart just melted a little bit more every time he did that. It was such a gorgeous way to show the heroine how much events in the book meant to him.
Then there's the heroine. She's a kindergarten teacher who no longer has ties to this small town after he husband, who was a firefighter, was killed on the job. It's been two years and she's planned a trip to Italy to visit his family and spread his ashes. She truly doesn't plan to come back. Not exactly the time to start up a new romance.
The story takes place over several months with a slow build up of the romance. For both these characters, they know that Brooklyn is leaving so to get involved is just going to hurt both of them. They know that, but they still can't resist.
It's a beautiful story set in the Hill Country of Texas (being a TX girl, I loved that ...I know it's set in Hope Springs, but I kept imagining Callum's shop in Fredericksburg...LOVE). The story is beautiful and evocative. The circumstances are heartbreaking, but still hopeful. And the characters...I loved Callum, Brooklyn, and Addy. I loved the dynamics between the three of them. The conflict with Callum's controlling mother. Brooklyn's friendships in the town...all of those things set up for a great story that I loved every bit of.
And BONUS!! There are recipes throughout the book. I plan to buy a print copy of this one when it comes available in April entirely for that reason...and also, this would be a great one to re-read again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This book was really good. It was so much more than I expected it to be and I love that when it happens with a book.
First thing you need to know about the hero...he's a badass biker who makes and breathes chocolates for a living and has changed his entire life for the sake of his 5 yo daughter. Seriously, how can you not love this guy? Callum is everything that could be awesome with an alpha male. He's entirely devoted to Addy and his whole world revolves around making sure that she's safe and cared for the way she deserves. He also owns a chocolate shop where he creates artisanal chocolates with only the best ingredients. Some of the most incredible scenes in this book are the ones where he's translating life events that he wants to memorialize into a chocolate. Seriously, my heart just melted a little bit more every time he did that. It was such a gorgeous way to show the heroine how much events in the book meant to him.
Then there's the heroine. She's a kindergarten teacher who no longer has ties to this small town after he husband, who was a firefighter, was killed on the job. It's been two years and she's planned a trip to Italy to visit his family and spread his ashes. She truly doesn't plan to come back. Not exactly the time to start up a new romance.
The story takes place over several months with a slow build up of the romance. For both these characters, they know that Brooklyn is leaving so to get involved is just going to hurt both of them. They know that, but they still can't resist.
It's a beautiful story set in the Hill Country of Texas (being a TX girl, I loved that ...I know it's set in Hope Springs, but I kept imagining Callum's shop in Fredericksburg...LOVE). The story is beautiful and evocative. The circumstances are heartbreaking, but still hopeful. And the characters...I loved Callum, Brooklyn, and Addy. I loved the dynamics between the three of them. The conflict with Callum's controlling mother. Brooklyn's friendships in the town...all of those things set up for a great story that I loved every bit of.
And BONUS!! There are recipes throughout the book. I plan to buy a print copy of this one when it comes available in April entirely for that reason...and also, this would be a great one to re-read again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 2, 2015
I really loved this sweet romance, and think it is my favorite book of the seres so far. I loved the two main characters, Brooklyn and Callum. They were wonderful together, and I enjoyed watching them figure that out. The background of Callum being a chocolatier with his fabulous shop created a great atmosphere for the story. I loved when Callum came up with chocolates for Brooklyn. I have enjoyed each book of this series, but this one was the top of the bunch for me, and it made me really want the next one soon!
February 27, 2015
I really hate giving "ok" ratings, but as hard as I tried it just didn't work for me.
Too bad, the biker was dreamy as hell.
Too bad, the biker was dreamy as hell.
October 16, 2019
Heart breaking beautiful story of two broken souls find there way forward together
November 5, 2017
This book took me back to what I loved about the first two books. Book three kinda fell flat for me, it was nice to read a well written romance with great characters.
Another second chance romance.
Brooklyn is rebuilding her life after the death of her firefighter husband. He left her with specific instructions what she needed to do after his death, the most important of these, was to never stop living. She’s doing her best to honor his wishes, she has made plans for her future, started her packing. Now she just has to finish out the school year and she can move forward with what she promised.
It’s not until she meets the father of one of her kindergarteners that she realizes she has neglected her husbands most important instruction. She’s moving through life, but not truly living life to the fullest.
Callum is a bit of a mystery to the folks of Hope Springs Texas. A tall, muscular, handsome, tattooed, ex-motorcycle club member who is now a renowned chocolatier. A biker candy maker. He left his former life, to make a better one for his six year old daughter. A second chance to make things right. Having been burned by his daughters mother, he’s been reluctant to get close to any woman. Until he meets Brooklyn.
Neither are looking for a relationship, but when it’s meant to be, it’s hard to fight.
I really liked these characters. Callum was such a good man, a great dad. So sweet and gentle. Very romantic. Brooklyn struggles with wanting to do right by her husband but also wanting a new life with Callum and Addy. She did get a little stubborn and whiny at times about leaving, the constant back and forth got a bit old after awhile. But overall I loved them both.
A great book, great characters. Told from three different points of view. A standalone with a happy ending (though I would have loved an epilogue).
And as with the first book, there are several yummy looking recipes included.
Another second chance romance.
Brooklyn is rebuilding her life after the death of her firefighter husband. He left her with specific instructions what she needed to do after his death, the most important of these, was to never stop living. She’s doing her best to honor his wishes, she has made plans for her future, started her packing. Now she just has to finish out the school year and she can move forward with what she promised.
It’s not until she meets the father of one of her kindergarteners that she realizes she has neglected her husbands most important instruction. She’s moving through life, but not truly living life to the fullest.
Callum is a bit of a mystery to the folks of Hope Springs Texas. A tall, muscular, handsome, tattooed, ex-motorcycle club member who is now a renowned chocolatier. A biker candy maker. He left his former life, to make a better one for his six year old daughter. A second chance to make things right. Having been burned by his daughters mother, he’s been reluctant to get close to any woman. Until he meets Brooklyn.
Neither are looking for a relationship, but when it’s meant to be, it’s hard to fight.
I really liked these characters. Callum was such a good man, a great dad. So sweet and gentle. Very romantic. Brooklyn struggles with wanting to do right by her husband but also wanting a new life with Callum and Addy. She did get a little stubborn and whiny at times about leaving, the constant back and forth got a bit old after awhile. But overall I loved them both.
A great book, great characters. Told from three different points of view. A standalone with a happy ending (though I would have loved an epilogue).
And as with the first book, there are several yummy looking recipes included.
January 11, 2016
Love Love this book. Though it is built as part of the Hope Spring series none of the main characters of the previous books interacts with the two main characters. Kaylie's stepmom interacts with Brooklyn and some of the main characters names are mentioned. Brooklyn is a kindergarten teacher who is having a dads read at her school. When one of her students Adrianne dad enters the classroom she cannot help but be drawn by the tattoo long hair motorcycle driving man who happens to make chocolate for a living. Brooklyn has been a widow for two years. Her firefighter husband dies in a fire. For the two years she reads and basically leaves a non-existence life until she meets Callum. With each page and chapter you get to know more about both characters. You feel the intensity of Brooklyn’s loss as she gets ready to go Italy to throw her husband’s ashes but becomes conflicted after feeling things for Callum she thought died with her husband. Callum’s trying not push Brooklyn and feeling thorned but having to compete with the ghost that is Brooklyn’s dead husband. Some chapters are told by Callum’s point of view others by Brooklyn and a few by his daughter Addy. A truly wonderful read love it and look forward to her next book in this series
February 1, 2015
This story was so sweet. I liked the slow burn of the romance, yes there was an instant connection between the couple, but things proceeded slowly. I loved how Callum got to know Brooklyn and surprised her with special chocolates, which showed Brooklyn how much he paid attention to her. I found it telling how both Callum and Brooklyn shared secrets with each other early on and how it continued as their relationship grew closer.
It was interesting how family played a role in this one. Brooklyn was trying to let someone go, while still holding tight. I hated what Brooklyn was going through, but she needed to let go for her own sanity. Callum's family was so different, his mother made me want to slap her, while his father was a anchor. Addy seemed to steal all the scenes she was in, even when she was pitching a fit.
I loved how this one ended, loved that each one realized what was important and went for it.
It was interesting how family played a role in this one. Brooklyn was trying to let someone go, while still holding tight. I hated what Brooklyn was going through, but she needed to let go for her own sanity. Callum's family was so different, his mother made me want to slap her, while his father was a anchor. Addy seemed to steal all the scenes she was in, even when she was pitching a fit.
I loved how this one ended, loved that each one realized what was important and went for it.
September 29, 2015
A very sweet story. I mean, with a plot line like this...an ex biker with chin length hair, endless tattoos, a chocolatier, and immense love for his 6 yr old daughter?! Sign ME up! BUT...this is a VERY slow burn story with steam on the PG side. An enjoyable read, just a bit too tame for me. 3.5 solid stars.
Read
February 16, 2015
This looks like Callum and his daughter Addy!
October 19, 2015
Interesting story, just was confused as to why she introduced two brand new characters to be the main characters in the story when the series wraps with 5 books. Why she didn't explore Will Bowman's story will remain a mystery to me.
January 21, 2015
Disappointed. The writing was good, the story had amazing potential but the characters were a snore fest. Really? An ex biker is this boring? Bummer.
February 25, 2016
Has receipes for chocolate things. Not nearly enough sexy scenes but sweet.
November 14, 2015
Enjoyed this book. Only criticism was the storyline with Callum's mother - seemed to fade into nothing.
April 15, 2018
**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
Although this book is part of a series this book can very much be read as a stand alone book.
Although i liked this book there were recipes that were included that felt superfluous to me and made the book shorter than i thought it was.
Brooklyn is a lonely woman still grieving two years later after the death of her firefighter husband. It is only after meeting one of her pupils parents that things start to change for her.
Callum Drake is an ex biker, returned home only because of his daughter years ago. In Brooklyn he find the first person to tempt him since Addy was born and someone he finds to gets close to very quickly.
It was a good read but it didn't't light my fire or left me wanting more, it just satisfied the craving a little.
Although this book is part of a series this book can very much be read as a stand alone book.
Although i liked this book there were recipes that were included that felt superfluous to me and made the book shorter than i thought it was.
Brooklyn is a lonely woman still grieving two years later after the death of her firefighter husband. It is only after meeting one of her pupils parents that things start to change for her.
Callum Drake is an ex biker, returned home only because of his daughter years ago. In Brooklyn he find the first person to tempt him since Addy was born and someone he finds to gets close to very quickly.
It was a good read but it didn't't light my fire or left me wanting more, it just satisfied the craving a little.
May 20, 2019
Maybe 3.5.
Sorry ... kinda shallow - prefer the guy to be older or that protagonists are the same age.
But thankfully, that wasn’t harped on, and I just got to savor a relationship that was developing at just the right speed. It was sweet and complex, but oh-so-satisfying, just as I imagine one of Callum’s Bliss chocolates would be.
Brooklyn has her head on right, methinks, and she gave her dead husband his due. She didn’t just snap her fingers and replace Artie with Callum when the latter showed up for story hour in her classroom. The packing up of the old house correlated to the small but reasonable steps she was finally taking to accept Artie’s exhortation to move on if his job claimed him before they grew old together.
Addy is adorable, too!
I look forward to more in this series!
Sorry ... kinda shallow - prefer the guy to be older or that protagonists are the same age.
But thankfully, that wasn’t harped on, and I just got to savor a relationship that was developing at just the right speed. It was sweet and complex, but oh-so-satisfying, just as I imagine one of Callum’s Bliss chocolates would be.
Brooklyn has her head on right, methinks, and she gave her dead husband his due. She didn’t just snap her fingers and replace Artie with Callum when the latter showed up for story hour in her classroom. The packing up of the old house correlated to the small but reasonable steps she was finally taking to accept Artie’s exhortation to move on if his job claimed him before they grew old together.
Addy is adorable, too!
I look forward to more in this series!
March 4, 2023
**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
Although this book is part of a series this book can very much be read as a stand alone book.
Although i liked this book there were recipes that were included that felt superfluous to me and made the book shorter than i thought it was.
Brooklyn is a lonely woman still grieving two years later after the death of her firefighter husband. It is only after meeting one of her pupils parents that things start to change for her.
Callum Drake is an ex biker, returned home only because of his daughter years ago. In Brooklyn he find the first person to tempt him since Addy was born and someone he finds to gets close to very quickly.
It was a good read but it didn't't light my fire or left me wanting more, it just satisfied the craving a little.
Although this book is part of a series this book can very much be read as a stand alone book.
Although i liked this book there were recipes that were included that felt superfluous to me and made the book shorter than i thought it was.
Brooklyn is a lonely woman still grieving two years later after the death of her firefighter husband. It is only after meeting one of her pupils parents that things start to change for her.
Callum Drake is an ex biker, returned home only because of his daughter years ago. In Brooklyn he find the first person to tempt him since Addy was born and someone he finds to gets close to very quickly.
It was a good read but it didn't't light my fire or left me wanting more, it just satisfied the craving a little.
February 13, 2018
For the most part I liked this one-I liked learning about chocolate, and seeing a single father character, but I have the same problem I had with the other books in this series-they're good up until the end when they just speed up. People go from not dating to getting married in the span of 2 seconds.
February 17, 2018
New cast of characters
Interesting new characters with their own issues and strengths. A new bitch mother to mess with things. And a delightful little 6 year old. Who pulls it all together.
Interesting new characters with their own issues and strengths. A new bitch mother to mess with things. And a delightful little 6 year old. Who pulls it all together.
March 30, 2018
Great book
This story is about love and heartache. It is the story of two people, their tragic heart breaks, a meddling mother and a chance at love if they will just let go of the past.
This story is about love and heartache. It is the story of two people, their tragic heart breaks, a meddling mother and a chance at love if they will just let go of the past.
April 24, 2018
Definitely one of my favorites of this series. I enjoyed reading about new characters rather than the group from 1-3. However, I am looking forward to see how the author ties them all together in book 5. I don't want this to be the last of Callum and Brooklyn!
March 24, 2023
Great Book!!
Loving this series!! It’s a great set to sit down and cuddle up with hot chocolate and a blanket and just read. Love the story. The characters. All of it. I’m off to read the next one now!! Highly recommend this book!!
Loving this series!! It’s a great set to sit down and cuddle up with hot chocolate and a blanket and just read. Love the story. The characters. All of it. I’m off to read the next one now!! Highly recommend this book!!
June 4, 2017
Great Book! Full of twists & turns
September 14, 2017
I love this series!!!
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
September 28, 2017
I've really loved this series so far! Well written, loveable characters and can't wait to read the next :)
October 7, 2018
Sweet romance with lovely characters. Just the thing for reading on a grey day!
November 8, 2018
Bliss and art of forever
Also enjoyed this book,Teacher,student and father.so nice to see problems solved and a new relation start.Just wished it had gone further.
Also enjoyed this book,Teacher,student and father.so nice to see problems solved and a new relation start.Just wished it had gone further.
August 17, 2019
Bliss and. The Art of Forever
This book has an easy. To follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of contemporary, romance novels.
This book has an easy. To follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of contemporary, romance novels.
September 24, 2019
Excellent
Great story, loved it. So far this series has been great, looking forward to the next one and the next one.
Great story, loved it. So far this series has been great, looking forward to the next one and the next one.
March 4, 2021
A sweet love story. Liked it as much the second time as I did the first.
September 15, 2021
Honest review
LOVE, LOVE, LOVED theses characters and the storyline. So much healing and changing from the past and hoping to find a healthier future.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVED theses characters and the storyline. So much healing and changing from the past and hoping to find a healthier future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews