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Red Maple Falls #9
Lusting After Layla
Danger meets the small town of Red Maple Falls in the newest installment of the utterly romantic series.
At twenty years old Layla Marshall devoted her life to raising her baby brother and sister after their mom died in a car accident. Now twelve years later and all grown up, her siblings have started their own lives, leaving Layla to combat loneliness in a much too quiet house. To fill the void, she finds herself spending time at the local bar with the sexy but mysterious tattooed owner who she has secretly harbored feelings for.
Pub owner, Declan Dwyer, has been living with a secret for the last five years, deceiving the people of the small town of Red Maple Falls where he has chosen to hide out. He has kept to himself, but Layla Marshall has been on his radar since the first time he laid eyes on her in her purple scrubs. He’s maintained his distance though, afraid of a past that could mean death to him or anyone he cares for.
When his past catches up to him, threatening to destroy all he has, Declan has to decide if he's going to flee again or stay and fight for a life and love he never imagined for himself.
At twenty years old Layla Marshall devoted her life to raising her baby brother and sister after their mom died in a car accident. Now twelve years later and all grown up, her siblings have started their own lives, leaving Layla to combat loneliness in a much too quiet house. To fill the void, she finds herself spending time at the local bar with the sexy but mysterious tattooed owner who she has secretly harbored feelings for.
Pub owner, Declan Dwyer, has been living with a secret for the last five years, deceiving the people of the small town of Red Maple Falls where he has chosen to hide out. He has kept to himself, but Layla Marshall has been on his radar since the first time he laid eyes on her in her purple scrubs. He’s maintained his distance though, afraid of a past that could mean death to him or anyone he cares for.
When his past catches up to him, threatening to destroy all he has, Declan has to decide if he's going to flee again or stay and fight for a life and love he never imagined for himself.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2019
186 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Paolo
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Short bio:
Romance author, lover of books, 90's pop music and happily ever afters. Writes YA under Tessa Marie.
Long bio:
Theresa Paolo lives in Long Island, NY with her fiancé and their fish. She writes steamy small-town romances with sassy heroines, sexy heroes and feisty townspeople. When she's not writing, she's reading, brewery hopping, or daydreaming. She loves coffee, all things Christmas and fall, and making lists.
She also writes YA romance under Tessa Marie.
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Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sDLm4v
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2uhOCa5
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2taVwy8
B&N: http://bit.ly/2u6lUcr
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2rmPYfl
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2pGF0E6
iBooks: http://apple.co/2qNthUA
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a FREE book: http://eepurl.com/_PwjL
Short bio:
Romance author, lover of books, 90's pop music and happily ever afters. Writes YA under Tessa Marie.
Long bio:
Theresa Paolo lives in Long Island, NY with her fiancé and their fish. She writes steamy small-town romances with sassy heroines, sexy heroes and feisty townspeople. When she's not writing, she's reading, brewery hopping, or daydreaming. She loves coffee, all things Christmas and fall, and making lists.
She also writes YA romance under Tessa Marie.
For updates on upcoming releases and sales, sign up to receive Theresa's newsletter: http://www.theresapaolo.com/p/sign-up-fo...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheresaPaoloAut...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheresaMarieP
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theresamariep/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/71...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresamariep/
Blog: http://www.theresapaolo.com/
If you subscribe to Bookbub make sure to give me a follow: http://bit.ly/2voBXyF
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 6, 2019
I think this one is my favorite of the series! If not Red Maple Falls, at least the Marshall family. <3 Theresa manages to make a sweet romance out of an intense suspense, perfectly balancing the tone to fit in with the series but also draw in a wider audience. Loved it!!
March 25, 2019
I absolutely loved this book, my favorite of all the series. I was sad when I got to the end.
May 6, 2022
The couple: Declan and Layla
Romance genre: secret identity; contemporary
Series: Red Maple Falls; Marshall Family
Length: 218 pages
Plot: After fleeing his violent family, Declan adopts a secret identity and buys a bar in Red Maple Falls. He likes it there, even if he doesn't fully integrate himself in the community. He's scared to settle down and then have to leave because of his past. But he meets Layla, and there's nothing more that he wants than to get to know her and make a life with her. He resists for a long time though (years), and she's frustrated but not holding her breath. But then his past comes back to haunt him and neither of them is safe from danger.
Commentary: I haven't read this series or the author before, but I liked this entry. It was sweet, not too much suspense, definitely slow burn, a good guy who just wants to make things right, and a heroine who needs a little good in her life. I will definitely look into other books in the series.
Grammar/formatting: a couple of typos/homophones that could have been fixed; nothing major though
Previous book in the series: Blindsided by Brooke
Next book in the series: Jaded Until Jax
Romance genre: secret identity; contemporary
Series: Red Maple Falls; Marshall Family
Length: 218 pages
Plot: After fleeing his violent family, Declan adopts a secret identity and buys a bar in Red Maple Falls. He likes it there, even if he doesn't fully integrate himself in the community. He's scared to settle down and then have to leave because of his past. But he meets Layla, and there's nothing more that he wants than to get to know her and make a life with her. He resists for a long time though (years), and she's frustrated but not holding her breath. But then his past comes back to haunt him and neither of them is safe from danger.
Commentary: I haven't read this series or the author before, but I liked this entry. It was sweet, not too much suspense, definitely slow burn, a good guy who just wants to make things right, and a heroine who needs a little good in her life. I will definitely look into other books in the series.
Grammar/formatting: a couple of typos/homophones that could have been fixed; nothing major though
Previous book in the series: Blindsided by Brooke
Next book in the series: Jaded Until Jax
September 26, 2023
Luke Declan Dwyer grew up in the life of crime. His father was the president of a biker club known for doing illegal transactions. Robbing, chopping cars for profit. The one thing his father wouldn't do was sell drugs, & weapons. Unfortunately, other members of the club wanted to branch out. When his father was murdered at 16 Declan decided decided to remove himself from that life. To get out he had to work with an undercover Fed O'Reilly, & brought down the club that he was protected by while growing up.
Got all his tattoos relating to his biker life covered. Moved to the tiny town Red Maple Falls, & opened a bar. He doesn’t get too close to anyone — to keep them protected from his past. Layla Marshall is making it difficult for the pub owner to keep his distance…
The day before opening Calhoun's bar 5 yrs. ago Layla Marshall walked in after her long shift @ the senior home & asked for a cup of coffee.
When the owner stated he wasn't officially open. She apologized & was ready to leave. Owner Declan was already hooked. He decided to let her stay. & make her a cup of coffee. She has been coming for that cup of coffee ever since. However, during that time. Layla has secretly harbored feelings for the sexy owner of Calhoun's. Through the years Layla is not any closer knowing the mysterious Declan's life. Layla's life has not been easy, with many sacrifices to keep her siblings together. With the death of her mother in a car accident. Her father walking out on the family. Put Layla as the one to be the parent to take care of her younger siblings, Now that her brother Chase is dating a Hollywood start, Their father choose to make a buck by being a victim in the public's eyes. It puts a toll on Layla especially now that she is living in a quiet home with her siblings on their own. Declan thru the years is her saving grace. Her time to not feel lonely. She just wish she could get much closer to him. Can Layla get the mysteries biker to open up about his life? Can Declan believe he can actually have a future without danger touching the love of his life? Will Declan’s past ruin their future?
Read the story of a smoldering love story between a Pub owner & a RN. With funny moments from the cast of town folks.
Got all his tattoos relating to his biker life covered. Moved to the tiny town Red Maple Falls, & opened a bar. He doesn’t get too close to anyone — to keep them protected from his past. Layla Marshall is making it difficult for the pub owner to keep his distance…
The day before opening Calhoun's bar 5 yrs. ago Layla Marshall walked in after her long shift @ the senior home & asked for a cup of coffee.
When the owner stated he wasn't officially open. She apologized & was ready to leave. Owner Declan was already hooked. He decided to let her stay. & make her a cup of coffee. She has been coming for that cup of coffee ever since. However, during that time. Layla has secretly harbored feelings for the sexy owner of Calhoun's. Through the years Layla is not any closer knowing the mysterious Declan's life. Layla's life has not been easy, with many sacrifices to keep her siblings together. With the death of her mother in a car accident. Her father walking out on the family. Put Layla as the one to be the parent to take care of her younger siblings, Now that her brother Chase is dating a Hollywood start, Their father choose to make a buck by being a victim in the public's eyes. It puts a toll on Layla especially now that she is living in a quiet home with her siblings on their own. Declan thru the years is her saving grace. Her time to not feel lonely. She just wish she could get much closer to him. Can Layla get the mysteries biker to open up about his life? Can Declan believe he can actually have a future without danger touching the love of his life? Will Declan’s past ruin their future?
Read the story of a smoldering love story between a Pub owner & a RN. With funny moments from the cast of town folks.
April 9, 2022
Lost youth
Layla had taken on all the responsibility. Her father had left when she was just a kid, and after her mom's death, her brother, having no idea what to do with two teenage siblings, had joined the military believing that the money he could send home would be the best help he could provide, and Layla had left college to raise their youngest siblings. Years of working all the time to pay bills and keep a roof over their heads had gotten to be the norm. She still picked up shifts, often doing a double at the nursing home to make more money. When asked, she couldn't remember the last time she'd done anything just for fun.
Even the little old ladies who'd become like family to her insisted that she needed to go have some fun. She was pretty sure she didn't even remember how to relax, to say nothing of how to have fun.
Such a goid book! Its filled with attraction, anticipation, and a dose of fear. You'll be turning the pages as fast as you can to find out the resolutions to many different scenarios--like who keeps getting the prohibited chocolate bars for the diabetic patient?! Enjoy.
Layla had taken on all the responsibility. Her father had left when she was just a kid, and after her mom's death, her brother, having no idea what to do with two teenage siblings, had joined the military believing that the money he could send home would be the best help he could provide, and Layla had left college to raise their youngest siblings. Years of working all the time to pay bills and keep a roof over their heads had gotten to be the norm. She still picked up shifts, often doing a double at the nursing home to make more money. When asked, she couldn't remember the last time she'd done anything just for fun.
Even the little old ladies who'd become like family to her insisted that she needed to go have some fun. She was pretty sure she didn't even remember how to relax, to say nothing of how to have fun.
Such a goid book! Its filled with attraction, anticipation, and a dose of fear. You'll be turning the pages as fast as you can to find out the resolutions to many different scenarios--like who keeps getting the prohibited chocolate bars for the diabetic patient?! Enjoy.
December 23, 2020
This is book nine in The Red Maple Falls Series and it is Layla and Declan's story. Layla has raised and looked after her siblings since there mother was killed in a car accident but now they are all grown up and she doesn't know what to do with herself and she is so lonely so she spends some of her time talking to Declan in the pub. Declan owns the local pub but he has secrets that can't be revealed as it could get any person that he gets close to could get killed if it rears its ugly head and he is not willing to take a chance. Layla and Declan had great chemistry between them but will they ever act on it with all that is surrounding them. Wow this is definitely my favourite book in this series and I couldn't put it down and I can't wait to read the next book. Theresa Paolo is an amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to keep her reader's turning the pages. I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2021
I love this story!! This is the ninth story in the "Red Maple Falls" series and the third one in the "Marshall Family" series. It's a stand alone read with some connected characters. This is Declan "Luke" Dwyer and Layla Marshall. These two met five years earlier when she stumbled into his pub needed an escape and cup of coffee. Since the day they met the attraction has been there. However, she has no time for relationships and he has a past that prevents him for getting close to anyone. I love their story. We have met them in previous stories so I was so excited to finally get his history and see these two find love. I love the characters in the nursing home as well. This story has humor, passion, suspense, danger and good twists. I highly recommend all of the stories and look forward to reading Jax's story.
January 3, 2021
I really enjoyed the story of Layla and Declan. Layla gave up her future plans to bring up her younger siblings when their mother died. Now they have left home and she is still working mega hours and taking no time for herself but feels quite lonely. She has a good friendship with Declan and regularly stops for coffee at his bar. Declan has developed feelings for Layla he has kept hidden for fear of bringing his past to her door. But feelings grow no matter how you try and control them and as soon as Declan and Layla become a couple for the whole town to see his past comes calling. Lots of action, soul searching, family, love and hilarity especially from the care home residents!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2021
I really liked this story. This is the first book I've read from this author. This story is about Declan and Layla. There is romance, suspense, drama, tension, chemistry and lots of love. She's spent her life raising her sibling and now that they have grown and moved on she's finding that her life is empty and lonely. Declan is hiding from his past and he's attracted to Layla but worries that his past could catch up with him. I loved how they developed their relationship with friendship and then watching how their love grows stronger. What's going to happen when Declan's past catches up? Will he fight for the life he's found and the love he has? Can't wait to check out move of Red Maple Falls. I received an ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2021
They say timing is everything, and it looks like Layla Marshall picked the wrong time to start living her own life. She has spent many years caring for her brother and sister after their mom was killed in a car accident. She’s now alone and spends time at a local bar where she had met the tattooed owner she can’t stop thinking about.
Declan Dwyer spent the last 5 years living a lie, hiding in the small town of Red Maple Falls with his dangerous secret. He has tried to stay isolated, but he has been attracted to Layla since they first met. Now they are ready to move ahead with a relationship, only to have Declan’s past finally locate him. Will he run again? Or has he found something worth staying and fighting for?
Declan Dwyer spent the last 5 years living a lie, hiding in the small town of Red Maple Falls with his dangerous secret. He has tried to stay isolated, but he has been attracted to Layla since they first met. Now they are ready to move ahead with a relationship, only to have Declan’s past finally locate him. Will he run again? Or has he found something worth staying and fighting for?
January 4, 2021
Declan became friends with Layla after she walked into his new pub 5 years ago looking for a cup of coffee after working a double shift at the nursing home. He holds off on anything more afraid his past will catch up with him and she'll get hurt in the crossfires. Layla sacrificed a lot for her younger siblings. And I don't know how she doesn't get down at her job especially when the residents she gets close to pass away. Current residents Frieda, Ethel, and Arthur are outspoken and a riot. Declan finally decides to take a chance on dating Layla when he finds out his past is coming for him. There was plenty of suspense, humor, and sexy romance. The undercover cop O'Reilly sounds interesting and I wouldn't mind hearing more about him in a future book.
January 7, 2021
The attraction between Layla and Declan has been burning slowly for 5 years. He was attracted to her since the day they met but with a dangerous past which could catch up with him at any time he stayed away from getting attached and personal relationships. But the day came when he could not resist her anymore and decided to take a chance. But soon after his past is threatening to catch up with him. Willhe be able to protect her from what is coming? And will she even want to stay with him when she knew what his past holds? This is a slow burn love story with a good measure of suspense thrown in which make for good, entertaining reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2022
sweet
Cute story. Declan was starting over after everything in his life blew up. He erected high walls around his life and heart, not planting roots to protect himself and those around him from fallout from his past. Layla having raised her younger brother and sister after her mother died doesn’t know how to relax and not go go go. Five years later Layla and Declan are finally admitting the king harbored feelings for one another. He is tired of running and she wants no more silence in her life and home. But then a friend from his past comes back to warn him an enemy is getting out of jail. A former undercover cop o’Reilly comes to help. Craziness ensues. Loved how the town rallied around Declan and Layla.
Cute story. Declan was starting over after everything in his life blew up. He erected high walls around his life and heart, not planting roots to protect himself and those around him from fallout from his past. Layla having raised her younger brother and sister after her mother died doesn’t know how to relax and not go go go. Five years later Layla and Declan are finally admitting the king harbored feelings for one another. He is tired of running and she wants no more silence in her life and home. But then a friend from his past comes back to warn him an enemy is getting out of jail. A former undercover cop o’Reilly comes to help. Craziness ensues. Loved how the town rallied around Declan and Layla.
January 5, 2021
I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a sweet romance with some suspense and drama from his past. Layla and Declan have a chemistry between them that cannot be denied. She has raised her siblings and now realizes she wants her own life. He wants her but is worried that he is always having to watch over his shoulder for his past to come calling. They might just have to fight for a future together. I thought that this was a well written story. The characters were perfect for each other
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2021
Layla has raised her younger siblings after the death of their mother, and throughout the last five years her "comfort place" has been at Declan's pub to drink coffee. I loved the way he just makes her feel at home, then when they fall in love he claims to be her boyfriend and fiance to the towns people who are in everyone's business. That is just the way it is in Red Maple Falls. But when danger comes the people in the small town are helping in every way possible, because they really care.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2019
A mix of romance, emotion, tension, suspense, chemistry, and a lot of love. After keeping their feelings secret for 5 years, Declan and Layla both acknowledge the attraction they have for each other. Layla, having raised her younger brother and sister, is finally ready to move forward with her own life. Declan, having hidden out in Red Maple Falls for 5 years, decided its time to start living just as his past catches up with him. A page turner and a great read!
January 4, 2021
I've read several books written by Theresa Paolo; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2021
Layla has been raising her brother and sister after they lose their Mom. Declan is the owner of the bar that Layla starts to frequent when loneliness becomes too much. Layla and Declan become friends but he has a secret that could bring danger to anyone involved with him. How long can they deny the connection that develops between them? What happens when his past catches up with him?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2021
I loved the story of Layla and Declan.He was hiding from his past and she was beginning a new chapter in her life. They were friends first and their love grew stronger each day. I would definitely recommend this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2021
This book is filled with lots of love and all these other emotions. They kept their feelings hidden for 5 years but now they've come to see it for what it is. Layla has spent years raising her younger siblings but now she's ready to do something for herself. This will have you reading until the end!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2021
Book nine in the Red Maple Falls series a well written story with a very good storyline the story held my interest until the end. Layla Marshall and Declan Dwyer's story of suspense, drama, danger, kidnapping, a villain, and romance. The story was well worth reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2021
A romance you can't stop reading. A sweet, small town romance that you'll love reading and getting swept up in. The characters are engaging, well developed and easy to love. Small town romance at its finest in this wonderful, heartwarming story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2021
The book is an enjoyable mix of romance, emotion, tension, suspense, and small town read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2021
Awesome book, an emotional read about Layla and Declan. He has been in hiding from his former gang and doesn't want to get close to anyone. However Layla slowly breaks all of his walls down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2021
I enjoyed this storyline it is interesting and well written with characters that are engaging and well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages. I am looking forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2022
it was an ok read.
Slow and boring…took 90% of the book to get to the bad guy and then it was over. This was a 0$ book so it was a no loss. I wouldn’t pay more than .99. Not sure i will read this author again.
Slow and boring…took 90% of the book to get to the bad guy and then it was over. This was a 0$ book so it was a no loss. I wouldn’t pay more than .99. Not sure i will read this author again.
April 12, 2022
3.5 stars…without reading prior books it’s hard to get a feel for where Layla was in her life story. The author tells you her back story, but it’s not enough. It makes her relationship with Declan come across too fast.
April 26, 2022
A thoroughly good read
I love the way Theresa Paolo builds her stories . Side characters that grow on you. A little suspense and action and a whole lot of will they finally . HEA 😎😎😎
I love the way Theresa Paolo builds her stories . Side characters that grow on you. A little suspense and action and a whole lot of will they finally . HEA 😎😎😎
May 17, 2019
Wow. This book was different than the other ones I read. There was action in this one. I wasn’t expecting this plot to go the way it did but I am glad it did. It was a bit of a change.
June 23, 2019
I loved Declan, loved Layla, and really loved the feisty residents of the nursing home. Does any elderly person in this town have a filter? Another enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews