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Bounty Bay #6
Tame Your Heart
Loving your enemy is harder than you’d think…
Tui Ngata loathes the Griffin family after a wildfire tore through her family farm seventeen years ago and her father was accused of starting it. While on vacation in a tropical paradise she’s able to forget the bone-deep feud with her neighbors and find one night of pleasure in the arms of a handsome stranger. Until she finds out this stranger isn’t who she thought he was…
After his uncle died in the tragic fire that destroyed hundreds of acres of his family farm, Architect Kyle Griffin has made a life for himself far away from Bounty Bay. But he’s drawn back, forced into sorting out the mess and drama his Grandfather’s death has left behind. The distraction is hopefully one way to forget the beautiful woman who’s haunted his every waking moment since the end of his vacation. Except he can’t forget her, especially when he discovers the lasting consequences which will forever unwillingly bind them together.
But someone doesn’t want Kyle and Tui falling in love. And that someone is willing to raze their lives to ashes to prevent them fraternizing with the enemy.
TAME YOUR HEART is the sixth story in Tracey Alvarez’s Bounty Bay series, set against the stunning backdrop of Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you like heartwarming, sexy and sweet small town romances, you’ll love sharing the journey with these authentic men and women struggling to find their special someone. Welcome to Bounty Bay, where the reward of true love is a price only some are willing to pay.
Tui Ngata loathes the Griffin family after a wildfire tore through her family farm seventeen years ago and her father was accused of starting it. While on vacation in a tropical paradise she’s able to forget the bone-deep feud with her neighbors and find one night of pleasure in the arms of a handsome stranger. Until she finds out this stranger isn’t who she thought he was…
After his uncle died in the tragic fire that destroyed hundreds of acres of his family farm, Architect Kyle Griffin has made a life for himself far away from Bounty Bay. But he’s drawn back, forced into sorting out the mess and drama his Grandfather’s death has left behind. The distraction is hopefully one way to forget the beautiful woman who’s haunted his every waking moment since the end of his vacation. Except he can’t forget her, especially when he discovers the lasting consequences which will forever unwillingly bind them together.
But someone doesn’t want Kyle and Tui falling in love. And that someone is willing to raze their lives to ashes to prevent them fraternizing with the enemy.
TAME YOUR HEART is the sixth story in Tracey Alvarez’s Bounty Bay series, set against the stunning backdrop of Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you like heartwarming, sexy and sweet small town romances, you’ll love sharing the journey with these authentic men and women struggling to find their special someone. Welcome to Bounty Bay, where the reward of true love is a price only some are willing to pay.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2019
36 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Alvarez
37 books629 followersTracey Alvarez lives in the Coolest Little Capital in the World (a.k.a Wellington, New Zealand) where she’s yet to be buried under her to-be-read book pile by Wellington’s infamous wind—her Kindle’s a lifesaver! Married to a wonderfully supportive IT guy, she has two teens who would love to be surgically linked to their electronic devices.
Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.
When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework.
Tracey also writes flirty, dirty stories under the penname Jessie Logan.
Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.
When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework.
Tracey also writes flirty, dirty stories under the penname Jessie Logan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 20, 2019
Well, let’s start with this.
Tracey Alvarez’s writing always holds a special place in my reader-heart. There’ve been many times when I’ve favourited some of her books from either the Far North or the Down South series, but unfortunately, ‘Tame Your Heart’ isn’t quite one of them, even if it’s a long-awaited return to a stubborn Ngata sibling and a guy who, from the enemy-side of the fence, shouldn’t be a fantastic man but is—just as the former just refuses to see it.
And the story’s got enough hooks to pull you in, with several elements put together well enough—bad blood and even worse history between families, an accidental pregnancy, a one-night stand with the ‘enemy’, a small mystery—to keep the pages turning. What I did appreciated, was Alvarez’s subtle, nuanced portrayal of the Maori and their very personal connections to the land that they have, the stigma that had grown around the injustices they faced (and by extension, the indirect reference to the cultural trauma that they’ve suffered).
The addition of a fat ginger cat, is a bonus.
But what then, do you do, when you like 1 half of the pairing Alvarez has written and absolutely loathe the other?
I’ve always found it a fine line between someone trying to assert his/her independence and being obnoxious or TSTL about it and Tui Ngata fell into the latter category. In fleeing the very stigma she’d feared she’d become when she was a teen, Tui became the opposite thing she was afraid of: still stuck in a different rut of her own, a flight risk with a penchant for running and bolting at everything when she felt threatened at the ripe old age of 31 seeking to have fun and never being tied down.
I had a problem with her ‘wild-child’ character personally; counting the number of times she tried to leave, or storm out or deflect when the going got tough made me lose my patience with her just as Kyle seemed to have his own work cut out for him: to do everything within his means to get a fully-grown adult to learn what commitment is, who regressed into a teenage version of her hormonal self at every turn someone tried to be reasonable with her. Free-spirited she was not; instead I found her cowardly immature and rebellious for the sake of being so because she could, prone to making things all about herself and determined to deny/belittle what she had with Kyle just so that she could bail out.
My rating reflects my own conflict about the book and probably about the series so far. It’s also one that’s more disappointed than disapproving, where I wished the romance and the characters could have been done differently. The bottomline is this: there was so much I wanted to like—my own unreasoning love for New Zealand playing a big part of it along with Alvarez’s writing—and so much more I wished I could have rooted for.
Tracey Alvarez’s writing always holds a special place in my reader-heart. There’ve been many times when I’ve favourited some of her books from either the Far North or the Down South series, but unfortunately, ‘Tame Your Heart’ isn’t quite one of them, even if it’s a long-awaited return to a stubborn Ngata sibling and a guy who, from the enemy-side of the fence, shouldn’t be a fantastic man but is—just as the former just refuses to see it.
And the story’s got enough hooks to pull you in, with several elements put together well enough—bad blood and even worse history between families, an accidental pregnancy, a one-night stand with the ‘enemy’, a small mystery—to keep the pages turning. What I did appreciated, was Alvarez’s subtle, nuanced portrayal of the Maori and their very personal connections to the land that they have, the stigma that had grown around the injustices they faced (and by extension, the indirect reference to the cultural trauma that they’ve suffered).
The addition of a fat ginger cat, is a bonus.
But what then, do you do, when you like 1 half of the pairing Alvarez has written and absolutely loathe the other?
I’ve always found it a fine line between someone trying to assert his/her independence and being obnoxious or TSTL about it and Tui Ngata fell into the latter category. In fleeing the very stigma she’d feared she’d become when she was a teen, Tui became the opposite thing she was afraid of: still stuck in a different rut of her own, a flight risk with a penchant for running and bolting at everything when she felt threatened at the ripe old age of 31 seeking to have fun and never being tied down.
I had a problem with her ‘wild-child’ character personally; counting the number of times she tried to leave, or storm out or deflect when the going got tough made me lose my patience with her just as Kyle seemed to have his own work cut out for him: to do everything within his means to get a fully-grown adult to learn what commitment is, who regressed into a teenage version of her hormonal self at every turn someone tried to be reasonable with her. Free-spirited she was not; instead I found her cowardly immature and rebellious for the sake of being so because she could, prone to making things all about herself and determined to deny/belittle what she had with Kyle just so that she could bail out.
My rating reflects my own conflict about the book and probably about the series so far. It’s also one that’s more disappointed than disapproving, where I wished the romance and the characters could have been done differently. The bottomline is this: there was so much I wanted to like—my own unreasoning love for New Zealand playing a big part of it along with Alvarez’s writing—and so much more I wished I could have rooted for.
March 15, 2019
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review
Unfortunately not my favorite - but that's a classic case of "It's not you, it's me", because it's not my favorite trope and I had some problems with Tuis character. But as always I loved Traceys writing style and the reunion with other characters, who are dear to my heart. So if you love romance with wonderful characters, great stories and beautiful settings read her books!
P.S. I hope Allie will get her own book, because I can't wait to read what happened to her!
------
Tui Ngata gönnt sich gemeinsam mit ihren drei Freundinnen Petra, Allie und Tori einen Urlaub auf Rarotonga, um sich zu erholen. Tui, die als einzige noch länger auf der Insel bleibt, lernt am nächsten Tag beim Schnorcheln Kyle kennen. Sie befreit den gutaussehenden Mann aus einer misslichen Lage und findet ihn sofort sympathisch. Um Abstand vom Alltag und ihrem berühmten Bruder zu bekommen, stellte sie sich ihm allerdings als Lizzie vor. Die beiden verstehen sich auf Anhieb und verbringen den darauffolgenden Tag gemeinsam, um die Insel kennenzulernen. Die Anziehung zwischen ihnen ist dabei unübersehbar und Tui wirft alle Bedenken über Bord – die Nacht mit Kyle ist unvergesslich. Als sich ihre Wege am nächsten Morgen trennen, ist sie sich sicher, ihn nie wieder zu sehen.
Zurück in Bounty Bay wartet Arbeit auf sie. Während ihre Eltern, die sich noch immer von einem Autounfall erholen, für einige Wochen wegfahren, kümmert sie sich um die elterliche Farm. Unterstützung erhält sie dabei von ihren fürsorglichen Brüdern Isaac und Sam. Bei Besorgungen in Stadt bekommt sie den Schreck ihres Lebens. Sie läuft Kyle über den Weg, der gemeinsam mit einem seiner drei Brüder unterwegs ist.
Und dessen Bruder ist kein Unbekannter. Erst jetzt fällt es ihr wie Schuppen von den Augen – Kyle ist einer der Griffin-Brüder und somit für ihrer Familie eine Persona Non Grata. Die Griffins und die Ngatas sind seit jeher miteinander verfeindet – Kyles kürzlich verstorbener Großvater stritt mit Tuis Familie um ein Stück Land, was in einer Tragödie endete, die Onkel dabei das Leben kostete. Kyle hatte Bounty Bay im Gegensatz zu seinen Brüdern nach dem Schulabschluss verlassen, um in Auckland als Architekt zu arbeiten und kannte Tui und ihre Brüder daher nicht. Jetzt, nach dem Tod des Großvaters und der überraschenden Testamentsverkündung ist er zurück. Stress ist also vorprogrammiert.
Denn sowohl Tuis als auch Kyles Familie sind entsetzt, als sie von der Affäre der beiden erfahren. Die beiden fühlen sich trotzdem stark zueinander hingezogen, auch wenn der Streit zwischen ihren Familien und andere Probleme ihrer gemeinsamen Zukunft Steine in den Weg legen. Auch die Wahrheit über die Tragödie, die zwischen den Ngatas und den Griffins steht, droht ans Licht zu kommen und das kann eine gewisse Person nicht zulassen. Für einen kurzen Moment scheint es also so, als gelänge es, die beiden zu trennen…
***
Tui Ngata kennen wir schon aus den früheren Büchern als taffe, sture, junge Frau, die sich als kleine Schwester in einer männerdominierten Familie durchzusetzen weiß. Liebe und Zuneigung sieht sie als Schwäche und auch Kyles Motive und Gefühle hinterfragt sie ständig. Ich hatte ein paar Schwierigkeiten mich mit ihrem Charakter anzufreunden.
Kyle mochte ich hingegen wirklich gerne – er ist ebenso stur wie Tui, was auch gut ist, denn er lässt nicht locker, als sie sich zurückziehen will. Außerdem gefiel mir seine Reaktion auf eine bestimmte Enthüllung, die Tui eher ablehnend sieht. Er ist ein ehrlicher, verantwortungsbewusster Mann, der Tuis Mauern überwindet und sich nicht unterkriegen lässt.
Das ist hier ein Fall von „It’s not you, it’s me“- Tracey Alvarez schafft es wie immer mir mit ihrem locker-leichten Schreibstil und dem Wiedersehen alter Freunde kurzweiligen Lesespaß zu verschaffen. Da allerdings ein gewisser Teil der Handlung nicht wirklich zu meinen Lieblingsthemen zählt und ich auch Tuis Reaktionen zeitweise nicht nachvollziehen konnte, gibt’s nur 3 Sterne.
Ich empfehle Traceys Bücher aber auf jedem Fall jedem weiter, der Romanzen mit wundervollen Charakteren, familiärem Zusammenhalt und natürlich dem großartigen Setting Neuseelands liebt.
P.S. Ich hoffe, dass Allie ihre eigene Geschichte bekommt, denn ich bin gespannt, was ihr widerfahren ist!
Unfortunately not my favorite - but that's a classic case of "It's not you, it's me", because it's not my favorite trope and I had some problems with Tuis character. But as always I loved Traceys writing style and the reunion with other characters, who are dear to my heart. So if you love romance with wonderful characters, great stories and beautiful settings read her books!
P.S. I hope Allie will get her own book, because I can't wait to read what happened to her!
------
Tui Ngata gönnt sich gemeinsam mit ihren drei Freundinnen Petra, Allie und Tori einen Urlaub auf Rarotonga, um sich zu erholen. Tui, die als einzige noch länger auf der Insel bleibt, lernt am nächsten Tag beim Schnorcheln Kyle kennen. Sie befreit den gutaussehenden Mann aus einer misslichen Lage und findet ihn sofort sympathisch. Um Abstand vom Alltag und ihrem berühmten Bruder zu bekommen, stellte sie sich ihm allerdings als Lizzie vor. Die beiden verstehen sich auf Anhieb und verbringen den darauffolgenden Tag gemeinsam, um die Insel kennenzulernen. Die Anziehung zwischen ihnen ist dabei unübersehbar und Tui wirft alle Bedenken über Bord – die Nacht mit Kyle ist unvergesslich. Als sich ihre Wege am nächsten Morgen trennen, ist sie sich sicher, ihn nie wieder zu sehen.
Zurück in Bounty Bay wartet Arbeit auf sie. Während ihre Eltern, die sich noch immer von einem Autounfall erholen, für einige Wochen wegfahren, kümmert sie sich um die elterliche Farm. Unterstützung erhält sie dabei von ihren fürsorglichen Brüdern Isaac und Sam. Bei Besorgungen in Stadt bekommt sie den Schreck ihres Lebens. Sie läuft Kyle über den Weg, der gemeinsam mit einem seiner drei Brüder unterwegs ist.
Und dessen Bruder ist kein Unbekannter. Erst jetzt fällt es ihr wie Schuppen von den Augen – Kyle ist einer der Griffin-Brüder und somit für ihrer Familie eine Persona Non Grata. Die Griffins und die Ngatas sind seit jeher miteinander verfeindet – Kyles kürzlich verstorbener Großvater stritt mit Tuis Familie um ein Stück Land, was in einer Tragödie endete, die Onkel dabei das Leben kostete. Kyle hatte Bounty Bay im Gegensatz zu seinen Brüdern nach dem Schulabschluss verlassen, um in Auckland als Architekt zu arbeiten und kannte Tui und ihre Brüder daher nicht. Jetzt, nach dem Tod des Großvaters und der überraschenden Testamentsverkündung ist er zurück. Stress ist also vorprogrammiert.
Denn sowohl Tuis als auch Kyles Familie sind entsetzt, als sie von der Affäre der beiden erfahren. Die beiden fühlen sich trotzdem stark zueinander hingezogen, auch wenn der Streit zwischen ihren Familien und andere Probleme ihrer gemeinsamen Zukunft Steine in den Weg legen. Auch die Wahrheit über die Tragödie, die zwischen den Ngatas und den Griffins steht, droht ans Licht zu kommen und das kann eine gewisse Person nicht zulassen. Für einen kurzen Moment scheint es also so, als gelänge es, die beiden zu trennen…
***
Tui Ngata kennen wir schon aus den früheren Büchern als taffe, sture, junge Frau, die sich als kleine Schwester in einer männerdominierten Familie durchzusetzen weiß. Liebe und Zuneigung sieht sie als Schwäche und auch Kyles Motive und Gefühle hinterfragt sie ständig. Ich hatte ein paar Schwierigkeiten mich mit ihrem Charakter anzufreunden.
Kyle mochte ich hingegen wirklich gerne – er ist ebenso stur wie Tui, was auch gut ist, denn er lässt nicht locker, als sie sich zurückziehen will. Außerdem gefiel mir seine Reaktion auf eine bestimmte Enthüllung, die Tui eher ablehnend sieht. Er ist ein ehrlicher, verantwortungsbewusster Mann, der Tuis Mauern überwindet und sich nicht unterkriegen lässt.
Das ist hier ein Fall von „It’s not you, it’s me“- Tracey Alvarez schafft es wie immer mir mit ihrem locker-leichten Schreibstil und dem Wiedersehen alter Freunde kurzweiligen Lesespaß zu verschaffen. Da allerdings ein gewisser Teil der Handlung nicht wirklich zu meinen Lieblingsthemen zählt und ich auch Tuis Reaktionen zeitweise nicht nachvollziehen konnte, gibt’s nur 3 Sterne.
Ich empfehle Traceys Bücher aber auf jedem Fall jedem weiter, der Romanzen mit wundervollen Charakteren, familiärem Zusammenhalt und natürlich dem großartigen Setting Neuseelands liebt.
P.S. Ich hoffe, dass Allie ihre eigene Geschichte bekommt, denn ich bin gespannt, was ihr widerfahren ist!
March 29, 2019
What happens when your one-night stand on holiday turns out to be your mortal enemy? Romeo and Juliet comes to contemporary New Zealand.
Tui Ngata has always had the wanderlust, never settling down and refusing to conform to the racist sterotype of the unemployed, single parent Maori woman. She combines house-sitting with a job as a surgical transcriber until her father's accident forces her to come home to Bounty Bay and care-take the family home and animals while her parents go away.
Architect Kyle Griffin got away from his toxic grandfather and alcoholic mother and has made himself a new life in Auckland. Brought back to Bounty Bay by his grandfather's funeral he is horrified to find that the wily old man has left the shares in Griffin Honey Limited between the four Griffin brothers with him owning 51%.
The bad blood between the Ngata and Griffin families started when Kyle's grandfather wanted to buy some of the Ngata's land, every time they refused to sell he came back more aggressively. Then a suspicious fire was started on Ngata land which resulted in the death of the Griffin brothers' uncle. The Griffins blamed the Ngatas for starting the fire and vice versa. So how will their families react when they discover that Kyle and Tui have had a relationship?
First off, I don't really understand the fire thing. Why would the Ngata's set a fire on their own land? Why was Kyle's uncle trespassing on Ngata land? If he wasn't trespassing then did the fire spread from Ngata land to Griffin land? Why would the Griffins pick on Tui's brother Sam at school and claim he started the fire?
I have to say I haven't really warmed to the last two Bounty Bay novels or the characters, I have loved reading Tracey Alvarez's other novels but maybe my interest has moved on. This was okay but I wan't invested in the characters and I didn't think the plot was believable.
Tui Ngata has always had the wanderlust, never settling down and refusing to conform to the racist sterotype of the unemployed, single parent Maori woman. She combines house-sitting with a job as a surgical transcriber until her father's accident forces her to come home to Bounty Bay and care-take the family home and animals while her parents go away.
Architect Kyle Griffin got away from his toxic grandfather and alcoholic mother and has made himself a new life in Auckland. Brought back to Bounty Bay by his grandfather's funeral he is horrified to find that the wily old man has left the shares in Griffin Honey Limited between the four Griffin brothers with him owning 51%.
The bad blood between the Ngata and Griffin families started when Kyle's grandfather wanted to buy some of the Ngata's land, every time they refused to sell he came back more aggressively. Then a suspicious fire was started on Ngata land which resulted in the death of the Griffin brothers' uncle. The Griffins blamed the Ngatas for starting the fire and vice versa. So how will their families react when they discover that Kyle and Tui have had a relationship?
First off, I don't really understand the fire thing. Why would the Ngata's set a fire on their own land? Why was Kyle's uncle trespassing on Ngata land? If he wasn't trespassing then did the fire spread from Ngata land to Griffin land? Why would the Griffins pick on Tui's brother Sam at school and claim he started the fire?
I have to say I haven't really warmed to the last two Bounty Bay novels or the characters, I have loved reading Tracey Alvarez's other novels but maybe my interest has moved on. This was okay but I wan't invested in the characters and I didn't think the plot was believable.
March 15, 2019
Tame Your Heart by Tracey Alvarez
Bounty Bay #6
Tui Ngata is on her annual holiday with friends when she hooks up with a guy that really sets her alight BUT as it is to be a holiday romance no last names are shared and all is supposed to be fun then done. When Tui sees Kyle again she realizes that he is a Griffin and his family and hers have been sworn enemies for nearly two decades. The chemistry is still there but she is not planning to settle down and neither is he and with the family feud...it is not meant to be...right? Well, with one thing and another going on and an arsonist on the loose and then a surprise or two this book suddenly is more than a sweet little holiday romance that becomes more because it becomes a LOT more...and it is a book I will definitely revisit again in the future. I love this author’s books and look forward to reading each one when it is available. New Zealand is a place I would love to visit someday and if not in this lifetime then perhaps in my next one ;)
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Bounty Bay #6
Tui Ngata is on her annual holiday with friends when she hooks up with a guy that really sets her alight BUT as it is to be a holiday romance no last names are shared and all is supposed to be fun then done. When Tui sees Kyle again she realizes that he is a Griffin and his family and hers have been sworn enemies for nearly two decades. The chemistry is still there but she is not planning to settle down and neither is he and with the family feud...it is not meant to be...right? Well, with one thing and another going on and an arsonist on the loose and then a surprise or two this book suddenly is more than a sweet little holiday romance that becomes more because it becomes a LOT more...and it is a book I will definitely revisit again in the future. I love this author’s books and look forward to reading each one when it is available. New Zealand is a place I would love to visit someday and if not in this lifetime then perhaps in my next one ;)
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
March 12, 2019
The Capulets and Montagues, the Hatfields and McCoys, the Ngatas and the Griffins. So maybe the bad blood between the families wasn't quite legendary but since a wildfire tore through her family farm seventeen years ago and both sides believing the other set the blaze there has been a bitter feud. Living side by side the families ignored one another until... On a girls trip, Tui Ngata has the most incredible night of her life with a stranger. Kyle Griffin left home to go to school and never came back. Now a successful architect he only comes back to Bounty Bay after the death of his grandfather to sort out the mess of the family business. One night. Two lovers. Two families. A lifetime of hate, one night of love. Hongi.
Tracey Alvarez is a Queen. No matter what is going on in my life, in my world, I can open one of her books and be transported. I'm swept away to the wild beauty of New Zealand. I most likely will never visit NZ but in my mind and in my heart not only have I been there but I have friends and family there. I cheer for the All Blacks, I've danced the haka, eaten my fill at a Christmas Day hangi. I'm more a local than a vacationer. I'm whānau. So to say I was thrilled that the youngest Ngata's story was to be shared is an understatement. I knew it would take a special man to tame Tui. I did not expect Kyle. To be honest, I did not expect Tui, at least the real Tui. The Tui that she showed the world was a beautiful, confident, outgoing woman always looking for her next grand adventure. The youngest of the family, the beloved, protected daughter, and baby sister. She hid her fears and weaknesses well. The real Tui has so much more depth to love. Kyle was as good and honorable as any man could be. He is a true prince to his sea witch As far as the Griffin's went, I had never given them much thought. Old man Griffin was as mean as they come and I love Pete. Didn't need to hear any more. However, meanness leaves a scar. Loss leaves an open wound. The Griffin boys carry both. Two families living side by side for a lifetime yet they couldn't be more different. One full of love. laughs, and happiness. The other full of spite, secrets, and pain but also love. Light and dark. Until Tui and Kyle.
Tracey always finds a way to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Every day, common events become 'moments'. The way Tui and Kyle met, the way they saw one another, the way Tui gave Kyle her big news or Tui trying to capture the cows or dealing with Great Aunty Polly, Sam and Isaac going to visit Kyle or Beaker's adventures; I could go on and on. Each moment becomes special. There is something so distinctive about Tracey's characters, something so true and heartfelt. I've never made it through one of her books without crying; tears of all types but mainly happy tears. I read the last fifteen minutes of this book with blurred eyes full of tears. I end each book with a silly smile on my face. I carry the happiness of the characters with me for days. If I haven't made it glaringly clear already, I believe I am Tracey's biggest fan. I can't get enough of her writing. Which brings me to my only complaint. I enjoyed the ending but would have loved an epilogue. I still needed more!
Tracey Alvarez is a Queen. No matter what is going on in my life, in my world, I can open one of her books and be transported. I'm swept away to the wild beauty of New Zealand. I most likely will never visit NZ but in my mind and in my heart not only have I been there but I have friends and family there. I cheer for the All Blacks, I've danced the haka, eaten my fill at a Christmas Day hangi. I'm more a local than a vacationer. I'm whānau. So to say I was thrilled that the youngest Ngata's story was to be shared is an understatement. I knew it would take a special man to tame Tui. I did not expect Kyle. To be honest, I did not expect Tui, at least the real Tui. The Tui that she showed the world was a beautiful, confident, outgoing woman always looking for her next grand adventure. The youngest of the family, the beloved, protected daughter, and baby sister. She hid her fears and weaknesses well. The real Tui has so much more depth to love. Kyle was as good and honorable as any man could be. He is a true prince to his sea witch As far as the Griffin's went, I had never given them much thought. Old man Griffin was as mean as they come and I love Pete. Didn't need to hear any more. However, meanness leaves a scar. Loss leaves an open wound. The Griffin boys carry both. Two families living side by side for a lifetime yet they couldn't be more different. One full of love. laughs, and happiness. The other full of spite, secrets, and pain but also love. Light and dark. Until Tui and Kyle.
Tracey always finds a way to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Every day, common events become 'moments'. The way Tui and Kyle met, the way they saw one another, the way Tui gave Kyle her big news or Tui trying to capture the cows or dealing with Great Aunty Polly, Sam and Isaac going to visit Kyle or Beaker's adventures; I could go on and on. Each moment becomes special. There is something so distinctive about Tracey's characters, something so true and heartfelt. I've never made it through one of her books without crying; tears of all types but mainly happy tears. I read the last fifteen minutes of this book with blurred eyes full of tears. I end each book with a silly smile on my face. I carry the happiness of the characters with me for days. If I haven't made it glaringly clear already, I believe I am Tracey's biggest fan. I can't get enough of her writing. Which brings me to my only complaint. I enjoyed the ending but would have loved an epilogue. I still needed more!
March 24, 2019
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 3/24/19.
There were things I loved about this book--Beaker, the ginger cat who loathes his owner but loves both of the women who he's loved, is right up there! Even if I hadn't seen Ms. Alvarez's cat all over Instagram, I'd know she was a cat owner by how spot-on she was with his character ;) I also really enjoyed Kyle's character and how he always tried to do what was best for those he loved, even when those he loved were behaving in an altogether less-than fashion (Beaker included, sadly). I loved seeing glimpses of so many past book characters (no worries, though--this would work fine as a standalone too) and the idea of the "bet" that Tui and her friends made at the beginning of the book. (Fingers crossed that we'll see more results from the challenge in future books!) Most of all, I loved being back in Bounty Bay, even if it made me tear up even more when I saw bits on the news and internet about the recent tragedy there (I saw a single picture of a sign that said "We are all whanau" one morning and just about lost it--I wouldn't have even known what that meant except for these books)
I loved the eco-tourism angle here, and Kyle's job designing eco-friendly, sustainable homes. I enjoyed how Tui and Kyle met, and their instant connection.
Then there were the bits that made me a bit nuts--Tui, unfortunately, was very tough to get behind at times. Her determination not to live up to (down to?) the prediction that one person made about her as a teenager seemed over the top--she's twice the age now that she was then, and clearly a responsible adult with a job, even if she doesn't have a permanent home she provides for herself just fine--she's obviously not going to be "bludging off the government" and just as obviously is not at all "like" what Judgy McJudgerson said she was all those years ago. Her independence felt forced at times, and the reason why she ultimately decided to leave Kyle was infuriating. (His reason for turning around and leaving her later was equally maddening, but it made slightly more sense--even if it was just as wrong.)
I'm still not sure how I feel about the antagonist of the story--I almost feel as if I should re-read, looking for clues.
The ending was very sweet, though, and I'm looking forward to seeing future Tui and Kyle together in later series books. As always, I loved being back in the "Land of the Lord of the Rings," and two thumbs up to Ms. Alvarez for putting the Maori glossary in the front of the book for easy access!
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
There were things I loved about this book--Beaker, the ginger cat who loathes his owner but loves both of the women who he's loved, is right up there! Even if I hadn't seen Ms. Alvarez's cat all over Instagram, I'd know she was a cat owner by how spot-on she was with his character ;) I also really enjoyed Kyle's character and how he always tried to do what was best for those he loved, even when those he loved were behaving in an altogether less-than fashion (Beaker included, sadly). I loved seeing glimpses of so many past book characters (no worries, though--this would work fine as a standalone too) and the idea of the "bet" that Tui and her friends made at the beginning of the book. (Fingers crossed that we'll see more results from the challenge in future books!) Most of all, I loved being back in Bounty Bay, even if it made me tear up even more when I saw bits on the news and internet about the recent tragedy there (I saw a single picture of a sign that said "We are all whanau" one morning and just about lost it--I wouldn't have even known what that meant except for these books)
I loved the eco-tourism angle here, and Kyle's job designing eco-friendly, sustainable homes. I enjoyed how Tui and Kyle met, and their instant connection.
Then there were the bits that made me a bit nuts--Tui, unfortunately, was very tough to get behind at times. Her determination not to live up to (down to?) the prediction that one person made about her as a teenager seemed over the top--she's twice the age now that she was then, and clearly a responsible adult with a job, even if she doesn't have a permanent home she provides for herself just fine--she's obviously not going to be "bludging off the government" and just as obviously is not at all "like" what Judgy McJudgerson said she was all those years ago. Her independence felt forced at times, and the reason why she ultimately decided to leave Kyle was infuriating. (His reason for turning around and leaving her later was equally maddening, but it made slightly more sense--even if it was just as wrong.)
I'm still not sure how I feel about the antagonist of the story--I almost feel as if I should re-read, looking for clues.
The ending was very sweet, though, and I'm looking forward to seeing future Tui and Kyle together in later series books. As always, I loved being back in the "Land of the Lord of the Rings," and two thumbs up to Ms. Alvarez for putting the Maori glossary in the front of the book for easy access!
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 9, 2019
An excellent story. Tui Ngata, younger sister of Isaac and Sam, whose stories were earlier in the series, is on holiday in Rarotonga in the Cook Islands with her three best friends, an annual holiday they enjoy together. Her friends return to New Zealand, but Tui has two and a half days of relaxation left as her job is more flexible. She is swimming in the sea when she sees a man in obvious difficulty, in the clear sea she can see he has lost a flipper, and he is floundering because his swim shorts, bought in a hurry, are too large and falling off, and he is trying to retie the cord to hold them up. She dives down and rescues his flipper. He introduces himself as Kyle, and they begin an easy friendship, they feel instantly comfortable with each other. They only tell each other their Christian names, although Tui uses her middle name - Lizzie. They spend the rest of her holiday time together, but Lizzie/Tui won't let him go to the airport with her, she regards Kyle as a holiday romance, and leaves without looking back, they haven't even exchanged phone numbers.
Of course, the best laid plans ... Kyle goes home and back to working at his business as a successful architect in Auckland, then he gets a call from his brother. Their grandfather has died and he needs to go home to Bounty Bay to help sort things out. Tui is also at home- in Bounty Bay, and they meet by chance. Not good, their families have been deadly enemies for many years, caused by a squabble over land that ended in tragedy. They find they are still very attracted to each other, but family, and other issues keep getting in their way. There are also some strange things happening, mainly to Kyle.
They manage to somewhat resolve all the issues, but both their families have to agree to resolve some of the problems, and that makes life difficult. When danger strikes, which they react to in different ways, it appears that it is the end for their relationship.. For a while it doesn't seem there is going to be a happy ending! This is a powerful story of love, hatred and revenge, and is a real page-turner, you need to know what will happen next. A worthy addition to the series. Tracey draws you in, you get emotional about the characters, and want everything to turn out well.
Well worth reading.
Of course, the best laid plans ... Kyle goes home and back to working at his business as a successful architect in Auckland, then he gets a call from his brother. Their grandfather has died and he needs to go home to Bounty Bay to help sort things out. Tui is also at home- in Bounty Bay, and they meet by chance. Not good, their families have been deadly enemies for many years, caused by a squabble over land that ended in tragedy. They find they are still very attracted to each other, but family, and other issues keep getting in their way. There are also some strange things happening, mainly to Kyle.
They manage to somewhat resolve all the issues, but both their families have to agree to resolve some of the problems, and that makes life difficult. When danger strikes, which they react to in different ways, it appears that it is the end for their relationship.. For a while it doesn't seem there is going to be a happy ending! This is a powerful story of love, hatred and revenge, and is a real page-turner, you need to know what will happen next. A worthy addition to the series. Tracey draws you in, you get emotional about the characters, and want everything to turn out well.
Well worth reading.
March 18, 2019
Was not really expecting this to be a romance/suspense--pleasantly surprised by it though! Just gave the Hatfield/McCoy aspect a whole other dimension! ( For non-US readers, Hatfields and McCoys are two families famous for having a 30+year feud over the death of one of the McCoys, blamed on a Hatfield who was actually sick in bed at the time.) Tui and Kyle hook up in Rarotonga, not knowing that their families own neighboring farms in NZ, with each family blaming the other for a wildfire that killed Kyle's uncle. Both Tui and Kyle left home early on and had never run into each other on rare visits back. They are shocked, needless to say, when they meet by accident in their hometown in NZ. Neither expected to see each other again, even though they had "instalust" and thoroughly enjoyed their time together in Rarotonga. Once they re-meet, they have to overcome several major hurdles--the built-in families' hate, the memories of how well they got along "before", and seeing if they actually do like each other--if they can get past the Ngata and the Griffin thing (while keeping the lust factor in the background).
The whole reconnection, internal conflicts and actual physical ones were well done, really making me pull for the two to get together. And even though I had a glimmer of "who done it"when new problems, violence and fire broke out, I was not really sure until the person was caught.
Other surprises kept popping up, and I was thinking "Good Lord, what now?" but it all ends well for now, and the wrongs are, if not forgiven, at least put to rest on all sides. Would definitely recommend this book.
The whole reconnection, internal conflicts and actual physical ones were well done, really making me pull for the two to get together. And even though I had a glimmer of "who done it"when new problems, violence and fire broke out, I was not really sure until the person was caught.
Other surprises kept popping up, and I was thinking "Good Lord, what now?" but it all ends well for now, and the wrongs are, if not forgiven, at least put to rest on all sides. Would definitely recommend this book.
March 18, 2019
🐝 Honey and 💕hearts in a compelling Romeo and Juliet family drama Kiwi style😯
👍👍😍👥🌅Wow, did this romance get knuckle-biting exciting! I loved the couple's first meeting and heady attraction, the headaches and travails of dealing with their feuding families, and especially hero Kyle's upstanding character throughout with the touch of humor added by his pet 🐱cat nemesis. The Maori heroine is a free spirit wannabe who actually cares perhaps more deeply than even she realizes about the approval and expectations of her loving family.
The romance develops quickly, but it's not Insta-love. Just enough obstacles and angst to make the ending all the sweeter. There's heat and 🔥 fire in more ways than one! Very well-written and descriptive without going overboard or too explicit. Alvarez stays focused on the main point, something I greatly appreciate.
Thank goodness that, NO thanks to the novel's villain, their romance does not end up as tragically as Romeo and Juliet's ill-fated attempt to love despite their antagonistic families.
I love the rural 🌄North Island New Zealand 🌅setting for this Bounty Bay romance series. I have not read quite all of the series so far and think that, though family members and friends from previous books who are fellow Bounty Bay residents do appear as secondary characters, each novel is comfortably read as a standalone. The carryover characters give the story a strong atmosphere of family and small town solidarity.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
👍👍😍👥🌅Wow, did this romance get knuckle-biting exciting! I loved the couple's first meeting and heady attraction, the headaches and travails of dealing with their feuding families, and especially hero Kyle's upstanding character throughout with the touch of humor added by his pet 🐱cat nemesis. The Maori heroine is a free spirit wannabe who actually cares perhaps more deeply than even she realizes about the approval and expectations of her loving family.
The romance develops quickly, but it's not Insta-love. Just enough obstacles and angst to make the ending all the sweeter. There's heat and 🔥 fire in more ways than one! Very well-written and descriptive without going overboard or too explicit. Alvarez stays focused on the main point, something I greatly appreciate.
Thank goodness that, NO thanks to the novel's villain, their romance does not end up as tragically as Romeo and Juliet's ill-fated attempt to love despite their antagonistic families.
I love the rural 🌄North Island New Zealand 🌅setting for this Bounty Bay romance series. I have not read quite all of the series so far and think that, though family members and friends from previous books who are fellow Bounty Bay residents do appear as secondary characters, each novel is comfortably read as a standalone. The carryover characters give the story a strong atmosphere of family and small town solidarity.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 22, 2019
Tame Your Heart is a modern take on the most classic romantic story known to a human - Romeo & Juliet.
Vacation in a tropical paradise. Girl - Tui - meets a guy - Kyle. They have an instant attraction, sparks of lust fly in the air. It's too good to be true. But in the end, they both decide to go their separate ways with no intention to ever see each other again. But the serendipity sometimes can be really treacherous. A few weeks later they meet only to find out that they have even more in common than they originally thought, but not in a good way. Because for the last seventeen years there has been an ongoing conflict between their families. A real tragedy had happened, someone even died. And now her family hates his family, his family hates her family. You know the drill. But in contrast to Shakespeare's story, Tui and Kyle are no longer teenagers, the story takes place in beautiful New Zealand, there is one very grumpy orange cat, lots of humor and most importantly everything ends with a happy ending.
The author succeeds to keep her book fresh and interesting from cover to cover. For me, Tracey Alvarez once again shows that she is a queen of her genre, she proves that romance books don't have to be shallow, superficial stories focused only on lust. With ease, she takes a deep dive into morally complex problems without giving up on some good-natured banter at the same time.
I requested a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are my own.
Vacation in a tropical paradise. Girl - Tui - meets a guy - Kyle. They have an instant attraction, sparks of lust fly in the air. It's too good to be true. But in the end, they both decide to go their separate ways with no intention to ever see each other again. But the serendipity sometimes can be really treacherous. A few weeks later they meet only to find out that they have even more in common than they originally thought, but not in a good way. Because for the last seventeen years there has been an ongoing conflict between their families. A real tragedy had happened, someone even died. And now her family hates his family, his family hates her family. You know the drill. But in contrast to Shakespeare's story, Tui and Kyle are no longer teenagers, the story takes place in beautiful New Zealand, there is one very grumpy orange cat, lots of humor and most importantly everything ends with a happy ending.
The author succeeds to keep her book fresh and interesting from cover to cover. For me, Tracey Alvarez once again shows that she is a queen of her genre, she proves that romance books don't have to be shallow, superficial stories focused only on lust. With ease, she takes a deep dive into morally complex problems without giving up on some good-natured banter at the same time.
I requested a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are my own.
March 11, 2019
4.5 stars!
Tui Nagata is the baby girl. With two overachieving brothers, she’s always felt like she’s had to live up to them. Without any great talent like her brothers, she decided to take flight and live each day to its fullest. On a girls trip she meets a man. An instantaneous connection leads to a wonderful night. With no intention of ever seeing him again, she takes leave the next morning without a last name or contact information.
Kyle Griffin is the oldest of 4 and a successful eco-home architect in Auckland. After news of his Grandfather’s death brings him home to Bounty Bay, he runs into the woman he spent an unforgettable night with. Shocked when he finds out she’s actually the daughter of his neighbor, a neighbor that his family harbors years of anger and resentment towards after a horrific fire burns the Nagata land and takes the life of Kyle’s Uncle.
This was a great addition to the series. I loved Tui’s strength and vulnerability when she finds out her life has taken a different turn and fell in love with Kyle. He’s an honorable, caring and giving man who finds himself balancing two feuding families and the love of his life. Finding out who started the fire and the actions of the criminal took me completely by surprise. I thought I had it figured out and boy was I wrong. Great twist Tracy!
I was gifted this ARC by the author for my honest review.
Tui Nagata is the baby girl. With two overachieving brothers, she’s always felt like she’s had to live up to them. Without any great talent like her brothers, she decided to take flight and live each day to its fullest. On a girls trip she meets a man. An instantaneous connection leads to a wonderful night. With no intention of ever seeing him again, she takes leave the next morning without a last name or contact information.
Kyle Griffin is the oldest of 4 and a successful eco-home architect in Auckland. After news of his Grandfather’s death brings him home to Bounty Bay, he runs into the woman he spent an unforgettable night with. Shocked when he finds out she’s actually the daughter of his neighbor, a neighbor that his family harbors years of anger and resentment towards after a horrific fire burns the Nagata land and takes the life of Kyle’s Uncle.
This was a great addition to the series. I loved Tui’s strength and vulnerability when she finds out her life has taken a different turn and fell in love with Kyle. He’s an honorable, caring and giving man who finds himself balancing two feuding families and the love of his life. Finding out who started the fire and the actions of the criminal took me completely by surprise. I thought I had it figured out and boy was I wrong. Great twist Tracy!
I was gifted this ARC by the author for my honest review.
March 20, 2019
When a steamy vacation lover ends up a member of a despised neighboring family, what's the next step?
After meeting and getting physically intimate on vacation, Tui and Kyle thought they would never see each other again. While that's a-OK with Tui, Kyle can't get the "sea witch" who enchanted him out of his head. Kyle's life takes a detour when he has to return to the family homestead to sort out his grandfather's will and the ensuing family drama. Running into Tui was unexpected, but exciting... until his brother calls her out as part of the loathed Ngata family, who owns the adjacent land. The families have hated each other, ever since a fire damaged both properties and killed Kyle's uncle. Each family blames the other for the blaze and there was never conclusive evidence to nab a culprit.
As Tui and Kyle start to navigate nearly two decades of family conflict, they are also forced to deal with the consequences of their vacation hook-up. While Tui fights her attraction to Kyle, Kyle is ready to fight to keep her.
Kyle is one those characters you cheer for. He was a stand-up guy, who supported his family as best he could, even if he disagreed with all their choices. He put in the effort to convince Tui he was worth the risk to her heart. Even though Tui had some immature moments, I generally liked her as a character. She stood by her family and really put it on the line for Kyle in the end. I felt like she was ready to no longer be the baby of the family, but a woman who could ask for what she wanted with her family supporting her the whole way.
The big reveal at the end was well-written. When you think you have an idea, Tracey twists it just enough to be believable, but still enthralling.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
After meeting and getting physically intimate on vacation, Tui and Kyle thought they would never see each other again. While that's a-OK with Tui, Kyle can't get the "sea witch" who enchanted him out of his head. Kyle's life takes a detour when he has to return to the family homestead to sort out his grandfather's will and the ensuing family drama. Running into Tui was unexpected, but exciting... until his brother calls her out as part of the loathed Ngata family, who owns the adjacent land. The families have hated each other, ever since a fire damaged both properties and killed Kyle's uncle. Each family blames the other for the blaze and there was never conclusive evidence to nab a culprit.
As Tui and Kyle start to navigate nearly two decades of family conflict, they are also forced to deal with the consequences of their vacation hook-up. While Tui fights her attraction to Kyle, Kyle is ready to fight to keep her.
Kyle is one those characters you cheer for. He was a stand-up guy, who supported his family as best he could, even if he disagreed with all their choices. He put in the effort to convince Tui he was worth the risk to her heart. Even though Tui had some immature moments, I generally liked her as a character. She stood by her family and really put it on the line for Kyle in the end. I felt like she was ready to no longer be the baby of the family, but a woman who could ask for what she wanted with her family supporting her the whole way.
The big reveal at the end was well-written. When you think you have an idea, Tracey twists it just enough to be believable, but still enthralling.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
March 13, 2019
Tame Your Heart is another winner in an awesome series! I loved how Tui and Kyle met. Talk about a unique meet-cute! I enjoyed how their relationship developed in spite of the obstacles standing in their way. And there were a ton of obstacles all anchored by deep-rooted mistrust and hatred. Having met Isaac and Sam in previous stories, I was pleased with what a strong woman Tui was. She had to be strong to have grown up with such over-protective brothers and father. Kyle was a romantic and a strong man who was perfect for Tui. Beaker was delightful and brought humor to the story. I had the arsonist figured out before the reveal but I was surprised at how far the person went. Having figured out who it was in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the story.
I strongly urge you to read this story if you like well-written books with realistic, likable characters that draw you in from the first page and don't let go until the last word is read. I urge you to read the entire Bounty Bay series.
I strongly urge you to read this story if you like well-written books with realistic, likable characters that draw you in from the first page and don't let go until the last word is read. I urge you to read the entire Bounty Bay series.
March 20, 2019
Once again Ms Alvarez brings us back to the beautiful country of New Zealand, the town of Bounty Bay where the residents are full of heart, except when they are feuding. Tui and Kyle meets at Rarotonga and have instant chemistry, not knowing that they belong to feuding families in Bounty Bay. After one night of pleasure, and thinking that they will never meet again, both of them are shocked when they bump into each other at Bounty Bay. Lots of drama ensue.
Unlike the other Bounty Bay books, Tame Your Heart contains lots of suspense. Not only do they encounter lots of obstacles, especially with the hostile members of Kyle's family and Tui's 2 very stubborn and hot-headed brothers, someone does not want Tui and Kyle to be together and is willing to do anything to stop the truth from coming out.
Ms Alvarez does a fantastic job with the suspense of the story. Definitely looking forward to more of such stories from her.
** I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Unlike the other Bounty Bay books, Tame Your Heart contains lots of suspense. Not only do they encounter lots of obstacles, especially with the hostile members of Kyle's family and Tui's 2 very stubborn and hot-headed brothers, someone does not want Tui and Kyle to be together and is willing to do anything to stop the truth from coming out.
Ms Alvarez does a fantastic job with the suspense of the story. Definitely looking forward to more of such stories from her.
** I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2019
Tui and Kyle are the latest couple in Tracey Alvarez's Bounty Bay series, set in the far north of New Zealand. The location is definitely a star of these books, with Tame Your Heart centering on two family farms that sit next to one another, with a beach in between. Tui and Kyle meet on vacation and don't expect to see one another again, until they run into each other in their tiny hometown and realize that not only are they from the same place, their family are bitter rivals. The Romeo-and-Juliet aspect is not over-dramatized here, with genuine emotion expressed by both families as they work to accept Kyle and Tui's relationship. There's a lot of conflict in this book, with the family rivalry, an arson plot, and Tui's struggle with the idea of settling down in one place with one person. Tracey Alvarez handles it all deftly and wraps it up with a satisfying happy ending in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
March 10, 2019
A huge fan of the Bounty Bay series, I looked forward to Tui’s story. As usual, Tracey Alvarez did not disappoint. Unusual though, was how much anxiety I had despite knowing the romance HEA genre rules.
Tui meets Kyle while on vacation and they click. Unbeknownst to either are their true identities which when discovered pitches them headfirst into their families long Shakespearen feud. I couldn’t help rooting for both as they navigated uncharted waters both in their relationship and circumstance and in their families hatred of one another
The ending is a twist that wrenched my heart and caused the aforementioned anxiety. Family dynamics, suspense, a feud, and two people trying hard to make a budding romance work. Score another for Alvarez in this series.
I received a preview copy in exchange for my review.
Tui meets Kyle while on vacation and they click. Unbeknownst to either are their true identities which when discovered pitches them headfirst into their families long Shakespearen feud. I couldn’t help rooting for both as they navigated uncharted waters both in their relationship and circumstance and in their families hatred of one another
The ending is a twist that wrenched my heart and caused the aforementioned anxiety. Family dynamics, suspense, a feud, and two people trying hard to make a budding romance work. Score another for Alvarez in this series.
I received a preview copy in exchange for my review.
March 19, 2019
I'm always excited when another book from Tracey Alvarez lands in my Kindle. I hurry through whatever I'm reading to get to it, and it's like coming home - that easy style, the characters I love so much and, for someone who would normally reads books set in the US or UK, I love the New Zealand setting. And Ms. Alvarez writes New Zealand well, making her books a refreshing change.
I loved Kyle as a character, (I'm too old to call him a book boyfriend), and, in my mind's eyes, Tui stood out, but not like the girl on the cover, which is okay. We all have to power to imagine how characters look, and that is part of the joy of reading. And Tui was so well written, I immediately had her in my mind.
The twist was an interesting addition to the story, and I really didn't see the end playing out as it did.
A great read, as always.
I loved Kyle as a character, (I'm too old to call him a book boyfriend), and, in my mind's eyes, Tui stood out, but not like the girl on the cover, which is okay. We all have to power to imagine how characters look, and that is part of the joy of reading. And Tui was so well written, I immediately had her in my mind.
The twist was an interesting addition to the story, and I really didn't see the end playing out as it did.
A great read, as always.
March 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! Tui and Kyle are a hot commodity from the moment they met on a one night hook up while on holiday, but they don't realize at the time that their families are arch enemies, so when they unexpectedly see each other again in Bounty Bay reality hits and the story takes off. I loved the chemistry between these two, hot, steamy, sassy, funny and a great couple to follow along with in the stunning New Zealand background. The twists in the story kept the story interesting, didn't expect it when the shoe finally dropped. Loved Kyle's grumpy ginger cat (LOL), he had me rolling throughout the book. The Ngata clan is an interesting mix of protective, hot headed and loving people, so when they all get together its never a dull time. Adore this author and series!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
March 16, 2019
This is book 6 in the Bounty Bay series and it features to Tui Ngata and Kyle Griffin. She’s difficult to be sure! He is just plain awesome! Fate had a plan all along for these two feuding families. I guess it just goes to show how children can grow up influenced by adults in their family, right or wrong. I was so not ready for the HUGE plot twist. No no no! It couldn’t be! It left me with my mouth hanging open. There was a fantastic ending though:
“-hold my beer, will ya?” (Ha, ha! You’ll have to read it to understand)
I love coming back to Bounty Bay to visit with this completely amazing and growing whanau. Another fan-freaking-tastic book from this extremely talented author. I can’t wait for more!
“-hold my beer, will ya?” (Ha, ha! You’ll have to read it to understand)
I love coming back to Bounty Bay to visit with this completely amazing and growing whanau. Another fan-freaking-tastic book from this extremely talented author. I can’t wait for more!
March 20, 2019
I started this book anticipating a sweet, romantic love story. After Tui's return to Bounty Bay, and reading a little further, I picked up the anger and hostility between the two families.
I liked Kyle. I liked Tui, when she wasn't beating herself up with her thoughts about how her family perceived her. Kyle's character seemed pretty consistent throughout and he also seemed to bring out the best in Tui. They had a seductive, sensual chemistry, and wicked banter to go along with it.
Although I could understand the anger and hostility, after a while, it became tedious. There was a surprise here, a twist there, that kept me a bit off balance, but also added to how the characters and storyline were so well written.
All of this ultimately get us to the romantic HEA that shows life in Bounty Bay is still full of family, love, and support.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I liked Kyle. I liked Tui, when she wasn't beating herself up with her thoughts about how her family perceived her. Kyle's character seemed pretty consistent throughout and he also seemed to bring out the best in Tui. They had a seductive, sensual chemistry, and wicked banter to go along with it.
Although I could understand the anger and hostility, after a while, it became tedious. There was a surprise here, a twist there, that kept me a bit off balance, but also added to how the characters and storyline were so well written.
All of this ultimately get us to the romantic HEA that shows life in Bounty Bay is still full of family, love, and support.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
March 20, 2019
The Ngata and the Griffins are neighbours but hate each other since a fire in Ngata’s land took place more than twenty years ago. When Tui Ngata mets a handsome and interesting man from Auckland while on vacation and they have an intense one day relationship, she didn’t know that he was Kyle Griffin, the oldest son, and that she was getting pregnant. Can they have a chance, once they meet again in Bounty Bay and they realise that all odds are against their future together? Can Tui finally let herself fall in love and dream about a family with her family’s enemy? A powerful and emotional love story.
March 19, 2019
The Hatfields and McCoys have nothing on the Ngatas and the Griffins. But when a chance meeting and no last names produces a connection beyond simple chemistry, can Tui and Kyle just let it go? Can anything convince wild child Tui to give up her wandering ways? I love the Ngata family dynamics, at 31 Tui is still the baby and her big brothers won’t let her forget it, but Kyle’s family is totally different. This angsty falling in love story also has a suspenseful side that keeps us guessing making it a must read.
March 20, 2019
Tame Your Heart is Book 6 in the Bounty Bay series. It tells the story of Tui and Kyle. This can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series. This book was just as great as all of the rest in this series. Tracey Aalverez really brings the people and places of New Zealand to life. Tui and Kyle’s families have been feuding for a while and it sets up some hurdles for them but nothing they can’t overcome. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I look forward to the next book Mrs. Aalverez writes. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2019
It's always a treat going back to Bounty Bay, and this time we also get bonus Rarotonga! Tui is a bit prickly and not the easiest Ngata to love, but Kyle is great and I adored their initial meeting during a swimming togs emergency. Unfortunately, they later discover their families are at war, and I have to say the Griffins are a nasty bunch. I was surprised by the identity of the bad guy, and the final drama was gripping. Best of all, Tui has a tight group of girlfriends who, I hope, will get their own books in due course. I'm especially intrigued by whatever happened to Allie.
March 29, 2019
Are there more to come in the series?
I think I liked this book best because it was set on the farm. It had a slightly different trajectory. I want to see what happens now that they are so bleeding. I want to know more about how they all interact as a whanua and how they develop the honey and the cattle and the ecotourism. I want to know what the new house looks like, who wins Vee's baby pool, and how Tua and Kyle mature in their relationship.
But ... Really? The final scene? How corny can you get? It turned into a Hallmark movie ending! Which I guess was the inside joke.
I think I liked this book best because it was set on the farm. It had a slightly different trajectory. I want to see what happens now that they are so bleeding. I want to know more about how they all interact as a whanua and how they develop the honey and the cattle and the ecotourism. I want to know what the new house looks like, who wins Vee's baby pool, and how Tua and Kyle mature in their relationship.
But ... Really? The final scene? How corny can you get? It turned into a Hallmark movie ending! Which I guess was the inside joke.
March 17, 2019
Two people meet on holiday and hit it off. They spend two incredible days together, never expecting to see each other again.
Then one day, in the girl's home town in Bounty Bay, she encounters the man from her holiday fling. However, there is now a lot more to their stories, but you're better to read the whole story, as Ms Alvarez has laid it out.
It is a very heartwarming and very down to earth, portraying the New Zealand love of family at it's finest.
Then one day, in the girl's home town in Bounty Bay, she encounters the man from her holiday fling. However, there is now a lot more to their stories, but you're better to read the whole story, as Ms Alvarez has laid it out.
It is a very heartwarming and very down to earth, portraying the New Zealand love of family at it's finest.
March 19, 2019
This is my favourite of the series so far i absolutely loved it. Tui is a brilliant character and i love how she stands up to Issac and Sam. Kyle is swoon worthy and i love the chase between the to of them, the will they wont they is brilliant. I also loved finding out about the fued between nagtas and griffens and the who done it part of the book.
I was given this as an arc copy for an honest review.
I was given this as an arc copy for an honest review.
March 24, 2019
Loved Tui and Kyle! Personal challenges, feuding families and someone who wants to ensure they don't stay together. As always, Tracey Alvarez weaves an engaging, emotional story, with wonderful characters in a lovely setting. Although this can be read as a standalone, having read the previous books in the series and gotten to know the characters - the Bounty bay friends and family - adds to the experience.
April 20, 2019
Tui has her story!
I've been waiting for wild child, free spirit Tui to get her own story and I was not disappointed. It was lovely to spend awhile in Bounty Bay with the Ngata whanua and meet Kyle and the Griffin clan. Of course, the road to HEA must have some bumps and curves, which makes it all the more special. This was another wonderful addition to the Far North series! Can't wait for the next one.!
I've been waiting for wild child, free spirit Tui to get her own story and I was not disappointed. It was lovely to spend awhile in Bounty Bay with the Ngata whanua and meet Kyle and the Griffin clan. Of course, the road to HEA must have some bumps and curves, which makes it all the more special. This was another wonderful addition to the Far North series! Can't wait for the next one.!
August 12, 2019
Loving despite problems
Kyle Griffin and Tui Ngata came together during vacation and meeting again without knowledge of ever doing so brings with it family controversy and problems. But that was only the beginning because baby was in ubating nicely and so were their emotions and the ever present threat that stood over, centre all around them. Just when would it make it's appearance known. Read and you'll know the answer.
Kyle Griffin and Tui Ngata came together during vacation and meeting again without knowledge of ever doing so brings with it family controversy and problems. But that was only the beginning because baby was in ubating nicely and so were their emotions and the ever present threat that stood over, centre all around them. Just when would it make it's appearance known. Read and you'll know the answer.
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