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Appleton Vale #1
The Sweet Spot
The Sweet Spot is a classic love story with a sexy, modern edge, set in the sleepy West Country village of Appleton Vale, and in the glittering world of professional golf.
Olivia escapes London to overcome memories of heartbreak, and moves to Appleton Vale to ghostwrite the autobiography of Sebastian Bloom, former world number one golfer and global icon. But he doesn’t make things easy for her; Olivia is not ready for a new relationship and fights her feelings for Sebastian.
Their story comes to a head at the most prestigious golf tournament in the world, The Open Championship, where Sebastian’s return to form sets up an explosive clash with his lifelong rival, Troy McLoud.
As the lives of Olivia, Sebastian and the residents of Appleton Vale interweave, passions flare and the stakes rise.
Olivia escapes London to overcome memories of heartbreak, and moves to Appleton Vale to ghostwrite the autobiography of Sebastian Bloom, former world number one golfer and global icon. But he doesn’t make things easy for her; Olivia is not ready for a new relationship and fights her feelings for Sebastian.
Their story comes to a head at the most prestigious golf tournament in the world, The Open Championship, where Sebastian’s return to form sets up an explosive clash with his lifelong rival, Troy McLoud.
As the lives of Olivia, Sebastian and the residents of Appleton Vale interweave, passions flare and the stakes rise.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2017
About the author
Anneli Lort
2 books5 followersAnneli Lort lived with a charming cast of characters in her head for a number of years before she found the time to sit down and bring them to life in the Appleton Vale series. Once she put pen to paper her imagination was free to create a character driven world of contemporary romance that is both heartwarming and engaging.
In a public relations career that spanned more than two decades Anneli worked for some of the world’s biggest sporting companies. With this came an access-all-areas pass to some of the greatest sports events on the planet where she saw for herself the tension, drama and emotions that were played out behind the scenes.
While TV audiences around the world watched the sporting excitement unfold, she was there to witness first-hand what really happened before and afterwards – the untold stories the rest of the world never got to see. Using this unique insight into the tangled lives and loves of professional athletes Anneli developed the idea that eventually became The Sweet Spot.
Anneli lives in a village much like her fictional creation - Appleton Vale - that is nestled against the foothills of the South Downs. She spends her days working in brand communications, writing, walking the dog – Hector – and riding her New Forest Pony Henry. The dog shares the house; the horse has his own rather spacious accommodation.
She is currently using her wealth of experience to write the follow-up books to The Sweet Spot.
In a public relations career that spanned more than two decades Anneli worked for some of the world’s biggest sporting companies. With this came an access-all-areas pass to some of the greatest sports events on the planet where she saw for herself the tension, drama and emotions that were played out behind the scenes.
While TV audiences around the world watched the sporting excitement unfold, she was there to witness first-hand what really happened before and afterwards – the untold stories the rest of the world never got to see. Using this unique insight into the tangled lives and loves of professional athletes Anneli developed the idea that eventually became The Sweet Spot.
Anneli lives in a village much like her fictional creation - Appleton Vale - that is nestled against the foothills of the South Downs. She spends her days working in brand communications, writing, walking the dog – Hector – and riding her New Forest Pony Henry. The dog shares the house; the horse has his own rather spacious accommodation.
She is currently using her wealth of experience to write the follow-up books to The Sweet Spot.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 10, 2017
The Sweet Spot (Appleton Vale Book 1) by Anneli Lort utilizes Lort's background in public relations in the sports world. As a debut novel, Lort offers a glimpse into the competitive world of the professional world of golf, complete with the egos, emotions, and drama. When the lead character Olivia decides to leave London for a chance to ghostwrite an autobiography of golfer Sebastian Bloom, she has no idea what she is getting involved in. The story is well written as we get to know Olivia who is running from her emotional and violent past, while perhaps getting involved in a steamy new romance. Lort manages to capture well the insecurities that are faced with new love, along with competitive nature of sports, with the many strong personalities therein. An engaging and entertaining light read, this story is recommended for a pleasant diversion.
July 8, 2017
A unique insight into the tangled lives and loves of professional athletes
British author Anneli Lort makes her literary debut with a book that will appeal to golfers and to those who follow the sport as well as all readers who enjoy the inside story of how the professional sports world functions. She worked in public relations for a number of global sports brands, giving her an access-all-areas pass to some of the world's greatest events. In this role she observed the tension, drama and emotions that were played out behind the scenes and was there to witness first-hand what really happened before and afterwards. This is the rich and enviable background she brings to her first novel. She lives in South Downs, England.
Anneli opens her book with the flavor that pervades this delightful tale. From Chapter 1, Olivia swore blue murder as she was nearly taken out by an oncoming battered Ford Fiesta speeding down the middle of the winding country lane. “What do you think you're driving? A bloody Routemaster bus?” she screamed at the passing car, only to be rewarded with the middle finger and a bundle of profanities from its elderly gentleman driver. She shook her head in frustration and pulled off the road into a lay-by overlooking the village of Appleton Vale, her new home. She was unprepared for the simple beauty of the village nestling in the valley. Of course, it helped that she had arrived on an unusually lovely October day, the sun at its very finest angle, hanging low in a motionless, brilliant-blue sky. As she breathed in the heavenly countryside air, she briefly recalled the conversation she'd had with her editor, Stella, when she'd asked for a sabbatical. “Are you completely stark raving mad? You'll hate it in the sticks and I need you here,” Stella said, astounded. “Don't stand in my way,” pleaded Olivia. “I've got to get out of London, it's suffocating and I need time and space to sort my head out. I almost died,” she reminded her boss. “And writing a book for a known misogynist is going to help?” was Stella's disbelieving riposte. “I've heard he's got a foul temper.” “Really, you're using that to force my hand?” Olivia shot back. “I'll be fine. Besides, there's no way any man is ever laying a hand on me again, well not the way Saul did.” Olivia winced as she remembered the violent battering she'd received from her ex-boyfriend. She'd spent a week in hospital and several more licking her wounds. During those dark first days, she'd swung so dramatically from one emotion to another that she'd given herself mental whiplash. But by the time her body had healed and the bruises had faded into obscurity, Olivia had hatched a plan to get her life back on track. Offered the chance to ghostwrite Sebastian Bloom's autobiography, she'd jumped at the chance to do it and leave London at the same time. Hopefully, getting her teeth into a new and all-consuming project would help her forget her recent past. And now here she was, about to enter the unknown world of quintessential English village life, and she was terrified. Etc.’
The synopsis better details the plot – ‘The Sweet Spot is a classic love story with a sexy, modern edge, set in the sleepy West Country village of Appleton Vale, and in the glittering world of professional golf. Olivia escapes London to overcome memories of heartbreak, and moves to Appleton Vale to ghostwrite the autobiography of Sebastian Bloom, former world number one golfer and global icon. But he doesn’t make things easy for her; Olivia is not ready for a new relationship and fights her feelings for Sebastian. Their story comes to a head at the most prestigious golf tournament in the world, The Open Championship, where Sebastian’s return to form sets up an explosive clash with his lifelong rival, Troy McLoud. As the lives of Olivia, Sebastian and the residents of Appleton Vale interweave, passions flare and the stakes rise.’
Tasty, full of flavor and merely a hint of what a fun book this is to read. Welcome to the literary world, Anneli Lort!
British author Anneli Lort makes her literary debut with a book that will appeal to golfers and to those who follow the sport as well as all readers who enjoy the inside story of how the professional sports world functions. She worked in public relations for a number of global sports brands, giving her an access-all-areas pass to some of the world's greatest events. In this role she observed the tension, drama and emotions that were played out behind the scenes and was there to witness first-hand what really happened before and afterwards. This is the rich and enviable background she brings to her first novel. She lives in South Downs, England.
Anneli opens her book with the flavor that pervades this delightful tale. From Chapter 1, Olivia swore blue murder as she was nearly taken out by an oncoming battered Ford Fiesta speeding down the middle of the winding country lane. “What do you think you're driving? A bloody Routemaster bus?” she screamed at the passing car, only to be rewarded with the middle finger and a bundle of profanities from its elderly gentleman driver. She shook her head in frustration and pulled off the road into a lay-by overlooking the village of Appleton Vale, her new home. She was unprepared for the simple beauty of the village nestling in the valley. Of course, it helped that she had arrived on an unusually lovely October day, the sun at its very finest angle, hanging low in a motionless, brilliant-blue sky. As she breathed in the heavenly countryside air, she briefly recalled the conversation she'd had with her editor, Stella, when she'd asked for a sabbatical. “Are you completely stark raving mad? You'll hate it in the sticks and I need you here,” Stella said, astounded. “Don't stand in my way,” pleaded Olivia. “I've got to get out of London, it's suffocating and I need time and space to sort my head out. I almost died,” she reminded her boss. “And writing a book for a known misogynist is going to help?” was Stella's disbelieving riposte. “I've heard he's got a foul temper.” “Really, you're using that to force my hand?” Olivia shot back. “I'll be fine. Besides, there's no way any man is ever laying a hand on me again, well not the way Saul did.” Olivia winced as she remembered the violent battering she'd received from her ex-boyfriend. She'd spent a week in hospital and several more licking her wounds. During those dark first days, she'd swung so dramatically from one emotion to another that she'd given herself mental whiplash. But by the time her body had healed and the bruises had faded into obscurity, Olivia had hatched a plan to get her life back on track. Offered the chance to ghostwrite Sebastian Bloom's autobiography, she'd jumped at the chance to do it and leave London at the same time. Hopefully, getting her teeth into a new and all-consuming project would help her forget her recent past. And now here she was, about to enter the unknown world of quintessential English village life, and she was terrified. Etc.’
The synopsis better details the plot – ‘The Sweet Spot is a classic love story with a sexy, modern edge, set in the sleepy West Country village of Appleton Vale, and in the glittering world of professional golf. Olivia escapes London to overcome memories of heartbreak, and moves to Appleton Vale to ghostwrite the autobiography of Sebastian Bloom, former world number one golfer and global icon. But he doesn’t make things easy for her; Olivia is not ready for a new relationship and fights her feelings for Sebastian. Their story comes to a head at the most prestigious golf tournament in the world, The Open Championship, where Sebastian’s return to form sets up an explosive clash with his lifelong rival, Troy McLoud. As the lives of Olivia, Sebastian and the residents of Appleton Vale interweave, passions flare and the stakes rise.’
Tasty, full of flavor and merely a hint of what a fun book this is to read. Welcome to the literary world, Anneli Lort!
August 28, 2017
A debut novel by Anneli Lort finds romance in the world of professional golf, which is a first in sports romance for me.
Olivia leaves London and her less than perfect past behind her to take a chance on a promise of a new future to ghostwrite the autobiography of Sebastian Bloom. Being in the close proximity of the renowned golfer brings forth a possibility of a hot romance.
This was a lovely romance of two broken people, fighting the devastating demons of their pasts. It was an engaging and emotive read that lead the reader through the drama and hope of a happy ending that was finally met. It was a different read being in the sport of golf but showed me that golf wasn't a boring sport after all. I definitely would recommend this to other readers who love to have that emotional rollercoaster with plenty of steam and a happy ending. Four stars.
Olivia leaves London and her less than perfect past behind her to take a chance on a promise of a new future to ghostwrite the autobiography of Sebastian Bloom. Being in the close proximity of the renowned golfer brings forth a possibility of a hot romance.
This was a lovely romance of two broken people, fighting the devastating demons of their pasts. It was an engaging and emotive read that lead the reader through the drama and hope of a happy ending that was finally met. It was a different read being in the sport of golf but showed me that golf wasn't a boring sport after all. I definitely would recommend this to other readers who love to have that emotional rollercoaster with plenty of steam and a happy ending. Four stars.
July 10, 2017
The Sweet Spot by Anneli Lort is a charming love story that blends together two fractured lives that have been significantly damaged by others.
Sebastian Bloom is a dashing charismatic pro golfer who is still dealing with the pain and suffering experienced through the death of his wife and daughter who were involved in a fatal car crash on Christmas Eve. His last interaction with his wife was through a confession that she was unhappy and had been unfaithful (her lover was Sebastian's archrival on the golf course). She informed him that she was leaving and taking their daughter with her. His medication of choice for healing became bottles of scotch.
Olivia Carmichael, a beautiful and talented award winning writer, has been assigned to write the autobiography of Sebastian Bloom. Her involvement in an abusive relationship rendered her hospitalized because of a fractured jaw, three broken ribs and a lacerated spleen. However, the emotional pain, distrust of men and suffering was deeper and would require a longer period of time for healing.
The Sweet Spot by Anneli Lort is a wonderfully written love story that is replete with the ups and downs of amour and repairing trust when there has been mistrust.
With the backdrop of PGA tournaments coupled with a wonderfully developed cast of characters, with their own love stories, this book is an excellent feel good read that will warm the hearts of the reader and restore one's belief in fairy tales coming true.
Sebastian Bloom is a dashing charismatic pro golfer who is still dealing with the pain and suffering experienced through the death of his wife and daughter who were involved in a fatal car crash on Christmas Eve. His last interaction with his wife was through a confession that she was unhappy and had been unfaithful (her lover was Sebastian's archrival on the golf course). She informed him that she was leaving and taking their daughter with her. His medication of choice for healing became bottles of scotch.
Olivia Carmichael, a beautiful and talented award winning writer, has been assigned to write the autobiography of Sebastian Bloom. Her involvement in an abusive relationship rendered her hospitalized because of a fractured jaw, three broken ribs and a lacerated spleen. However, the emotional pain, distrust of men and suffering was deeper and would require a longer period of time for healing.
The Sweet Spot by Anneli Lort is a wonderfully written love story that is replete with the ups and downs of amour and repairing trust when there has been mistrust.
With the backdrop of PGA tournaments coupled with a wonderfully developed cast of characters, with their own love stories, this book is an excellent feel good read that will warm the hearts of the reader and restore one's belief in fairy tales coming true.
March 21, 2023
I read this book based on the 4.30 rating. I am absolutely shocked this book would receive this rating. This is a story about a relationship between a domestic abuse survivor and an alcoholic abusive man who has managed to enjoy a successful life based on his good looks and a trust fund. Why would this supposedly smart woman, having survived a near death experience at the hands of her boyfriend, fall in love with an emotionally and physically abusive man? Why does his poor downtrodden sister and his subjugated housekeeper continue to live with him and expose themselves to his abuse? And why are we supposed to feel pity for him? Perhaps the clue can be found in the amount of alcohol consumed by every character in this story. Apparently getting drunk is the excuse for bad behaviour in Appleton Vale. And apparently, we, the readers, are supposed to be impressed with the private jets and the lavish lifestyle of the rich and famous which can make forgiveness towards bullies so much easier. I cannot understand how this story managed to get by the editors and the publishing company. One star is too much for this distasteful effort.
July 31, 2017
I am just going to start off with I really dislike golf. Too slow. So you would think I would be turned off to this book, not the case! In fact, I found it super interesting and properly paced...unlike golf.
My point is, you don’t have to like golf at all to enjoy this book. It will give you some interesting insights into the sport. Turns out it is a bit more scandalous then what our grandfathers were watching.
You probably should enjoy love stories, this one will have you on the edge of your seat / page. There is so much drama, hurt and triumph in this book. It makes you want to give the characters a hug then fight with them to get their lives back on track. The main character leaves town and begins a new project which leads her to the new love interest.
I genuinely enjoyed this story. I felt it was very well written and had moments that made me feel really connected with the characters. Which, to me, is always a sign of excellent writing.
My point is, you don’t have to like golf at all to enjoy this book. It will give you some interesting insights into the sport. Turns out it is a bit more scandalous then what our grandfathers were watching.
You probably should enjoy love stories, this one will have you on the edge of your seat / page. There is so much drama, hurt and triumph in this book. It makes you want to give the characters a hug then fight with them to get their lives back on track. The main character leaves town and begins a new project which leads her to the new love interest.
I genuinely enjoyed this story. I felt it was very well written and had moments that made me feel really connected with the characters. Which, to me, is always a sign of excellent writing.
July 10, 2017
A story of love, loss, and running away only to find a new love
This is a great romance story with a lot of emotions. Olivia is the female character who has experienced a love filled with violent emotion and fear. As Olivia takes a journey to a new place running from her past, she finds that things aren't always as easy as they seem. Fighting her emotions and trying not to give in to desire she finds the passion burning deeply. The story is very well written and leads you through a journey of emotion and anxiety. Great characters who anyone can relate to. I thought this was a great book and would recommend to anyone who knows the loss of love and a new path opening up for you.
This is a great romance story with a lot of emotions. Olivia is the female character who has experienced a love filled with violent emotion and fear. As Olivia takes a journey to a new place running from her past, she finds that things aren't always as easy as they seem. Fighting her emotions and trying not to give in to desire she finds the passion burning deeply. The story is very well written and leads you through a journey of emotion and anxiety. Great characters who anyone can relate to. I thought this was a great book and would recommend to anyone who knows the loss of love and a new path opening up for you.
January 28, 2025
Amazon Prime reading.
Heartbroken journalist needs a new job in the countryside so takes one up with washed up golfer who only plays well when he's happy. You can see where this is going. She's kind and sweet and the whole village who know everyone and everything love her except from said golfer who is of the British upper crust. I had to flip so many pages to find parts where something actually happens, then I missed his tragic back story of a failed love life.
It was decent and I've scored it higher than what I might normally only because it has a different setting than what I usually come across. I still think golf is boring though.
Heartbroken journalist needs a new job in the countryside so takes one up with washed up golfer who only plays well when he's happy. You can see where this is going. She's kind and sweet and the whole village who know everyone and everything love her except from said golfer who is of the British upper crust. I had to flip so many pages to find parts where something actually happens, then I missed his tragic back story of a failed love life.
It was decent and I've scored it higher than what I might normally only because it has a different setting than what I usually come across. I still think golf is boring though.
August 3, 2022
I'm A Fan !!!
A brilliant read. The characters were strong supportive and brilliant . I really enjoyed how the whole community was like an extended family . This book had a roller coaster of emotions from being to end. I'm not a fan of golf but this was sexy ,delightful read. I was hooked from the first chapter. A must read.
A brilliant read. The characters were strong supportive and brilliant . I really enjoyed how the whole community was like an extended family . This book had a roller coaster of emotions from being to end. I'm not a fan of golf but this was sexy ,delightful read. I was hooked from the first chapter. A must read.
March 23, 2023
The Sweet Spot
This story kept me reading until late at heightened night until I finished it! It was a wonderful story, with trials and tribulations throughout the lives of these two lovebirds! It has a great ending, that I won't spoil, but you'll love it!
Terrie Stamey
This story kept me reading until late at heightened night until I finished it! It was a wonderful story, with trials and tribulations throughout the lives of these two lovebirds! It has a great ending, that I won't spoil, but you'll love it!
Terrie Stamey
September 24, 2023
Grief and guilt
Olivia is recovering from a severe beating and takes a job out of London to heal and regroup. She falls in love with the village but, not so much with her boss/subject. She is writing his life story.
Olivia is recovering from a severe beating and takes a job out of London to heal and regroup. She falls in love with the village but, not so much with her boss/subject. She is writing his life story.
June 9, 2024
An engagingly elaborate story of two people with supposedly intimate and loving relationships in their lives causes them heartbreak and forces them to rethink their choices and go forward with resilient love!
October 29, 2023
Good story if you understand and like golf you may enjoy it more x
December 19, 2023
A story with a difference!
This is a charming romance story for Golf lovers and romanticism, my Son is a Golf Pro so I imagined he was playing in Augusta..
This is a charming romance story for Golf lovers and romanticism, my Son is a Golf Pro so I imagined he was playing in Augusta..
June 29, 2022
An enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading about two people who have both suffered. A famous golfer and the woman who is going to ghost write his autobiography. Vivid characters were interesting and convincing. I didn't think that I would enjoy this story, because
I'm not a fan of golf, but it didn't dwell too much on it.
I enjoyed reading about two people who have both suffered. A famous golfer and the woman who is going to ghost write his autobiography. Vivid characters were interesting and convincing. I didn't think that I would enjoy this story, because
I'm not a fan of golf, but it didn't dwell too much on it.
March 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and how the story and characters developed. I hope that this isn't the end of their story and look forward to seeing where the series goes.
Read
August 9, 2017I can’t. I can’t read on. Contemporary romance this might be but the huge info dumps and coarse language grates on my nerves and the inclusion of a family with a wife who is suffering from vascular dementia at the age of 35 is neither romantic nor pleasant to read. And for the life of me I wonder why the author had to choose something so awful.
The main characters are shallow and thin, there are some utterly stupid people (the mother who tells her son he needs to get a Labrador puppy for his children and is going to arrange it without even considering the cost – minimum £750?? – or whether it’s appropriate) the insta-lust-sex at 34% without there having been ANY real development of a relationship in the story.
I gave up highlighting the ‘fuck’ ‘crap’ ‘shit’ ‘Christ’ ‘bloody’ etc comments. Don’t get me wrong - I have no objection to swear words WHEN they are appropriate - but this lot sounded like a load of badly behaved teenagers.
As for Olivia? I have no idea how old she is - although we are told that she was a teenager in the 1990s which means she has to be at least 32 and could even be several years older. Shame she didn’t act it.
== Olivia held back and silently watched him. Shit he looks angry, she thought. Double shit, he’s got no shirt on. She let out an involuntary gasp, admiring the way his muscles rippled with every stroke of the axe. ==
Not rating at this moment in time.
The main characters are shallow and thin, there are some utterly stupid people (the mother who tells her son he needs to get a Labrador puppy for his children and is going to arrange it without even considering the cost – minimum £750?? – or whether it’s appropriate) the insta-lust-sex at 34% without there having been ANY real development of a relationship in the story.
I gave up highlighting the ‘fuck’ ‘crap’ ‘shit’ ‘Christ’ ‘bloody’ etc comments. Don’t get me wrong - I have no objection to swear words WHEN they are appropriate - but this lot sounded like a load of badly behaved teenagers.
As for Olivia? I have no idea how old she is - although we are told that she was a teenager in the 1990s which means she has to be at least 32 and could even be several years older. Shame she didn’t act it.
== Olivia held back and silently watched him. Shit he looks angry, she thought. Double shit, he’s got no shirt on. She let out an involuntary gasp, admiring the way his muscles rippled with every stroke of the axe. ==
Not rating at this moment in time.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews