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The O'Connells #1
The Neighbor
Park ranger Ryan is shocked when Jenny, a one-night stand from years ago, moves to his Montana town with her troublesome daughter, Alison. But he can’t resist the pull he feels toward her — especially once Alison goes missing and the truth about her daughter’s real identity comes out…
After the devastating loss of her husband, Jenny Sweetgrass packs up her teenage daughter, Alison, and moves to Livingston, Montana, hoping for a fresh start—that is, until Ryan O’Connell knocks on her door.
Park ranger Ryan is one of the six O’Connell siblings in Livingston, raised by an independent mom who has been a rock to him. He has a career he loves, and up until six weeks ago, he lived a comfortable life. When a new neighbor moves in and disturbs the quiet peace of the area, bringing with her a daughter who’s walking trouble, Ryan is shocked to discover that the woman is a one-night stand he picked up at a bar years ago.
Right now, the gorgeous Jenny isn’t too interested in making friends, but despite her cool façade, as Ryan gets to know her, he can’t fight an idiotic need to try to ease the pain he sees her trying to hide. At the same time, he knows deep down that both mother and daughter have a secret, and if he were smart, he would listen to his brother’s warning and walk away.
When Alison goes missing, everyone in town believes she simply ran off or found her way into trouble, but nothing about her disappearance adds up. She simply set out on an afternoon hike into the park and never came back.
Jenny soon learns she’s not alone when Ryan takes matters into his own hands and sets off with her into the park to find her daughter. What he doesn’t know is that Alison is actually his daughter, too, and when he learns the truth and the real reason she left, the secret could end up dividing the O’Connell family and the community.
After the devastating loss of her husband, Jenny Sweetgrass packs up her teenage daughter, Alison, and moves to Livingston, Montana, hoping for a fresh start—that is, until Ryan O’Connell knocks on her door.
Park ranger Ryan is one of the six O’Connell siblings in Livingston, raised by an independent mom who has been a rock to him. He has a career he loves, and up until six weeks ago, he lived a comfortable life. When a new neighbor moves in and disturbs the quiet peace of the area, bringing with her a daughter who’s walking trouble, Ryan is shocked to discover that the woman is a one-night stand he picked up at a bar years ago.
Right now, the gorgeous Jenny isn’t too interested in making friends, but despite her cool façade, as Ryan gets to know her, he can’t fight an idiotic need to try to ease the pain he sees her trying to hide. At the same time, he knows deep down that both mother and daughter have a secret, and if he were smart, he would listen to his brother’s warning and walk away.
When Alison goes missing, everyone in town believes she simply ran off or found her way into trouble, but nothing about her disappearance adds up. She simply set out on an afternoon hike into the park and never came back.
Jenny soon learns she’s not alone when Ryan takes matters into his own hands and sets off with her into the park to find her daughter. What he doesn’t know is that Alison is actually his daughter, too, and when he learns the truth and the real reason she left, the secret could end up dividing the O’Connell family and the community.
177 pages, ebook
First published January 31, 2020
372 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Lorhainne Eckhart
294 books901 followers"Lorhainne Eckhart is one of my go to authors when I want a guaranteed good book. So many twists and turns, but also so much love and such a strong sense of family."
(Lora W. Reviewer)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m2c0At
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3k6nP6z
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LEckhart
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New York Times & USA Today bestseller Lorhainne Eckhart writes Raw Relatable Real Romance is best known for her big family romances series, where “Morals and family are running themes. Danger, romance, and a drive to do what is right will see you glued to the page.” As one fan calls her, she is the “Queen of the family saga.” (aherman) writing “the ups and downs of what goes on within a family but also with some suspense, angst and of course a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.” Follow Lorhainne on Bookbub to receive alerts on New Releases and Sales and join her mailing list at LorhainneEckhart.com for her Monday Blog, books news, giveaways and FREE reads. With over 120 books, audiobooks, and multiple series published and available at all retailers now translated into six languages. She is a multiple recipient of the Readers’ Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance, and lives in the Pacific Northwest on an island, is the mother of three, her oldest has autism and she is an advocate for never giving up on your dreams.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m2c0At
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3k6nP6z
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LEckhart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lorhainneec...
New York Times & USA Today bestseller Lorhainne Eckhart writes Raw Relatable Real Romance is best known for her big family romances series, where “Morals and family are running themes. Danger, romance, and a drive to do what is right will see you glued to the page.” As one fan calls her, she is the “Queen of the family saga.” (aherman) writing “the ups and downs of what goes on within a family but also with some suspense, angst and of course a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.” Follow Lorhainne on Bookbub to receive alerts on New Releases and Sales and join her mailing list at LorhainneEckhart.com for her Monday Blog, books news, giveaways and FREE reads. With over 120 books, audiobooks, and multiple series published and available at all retailers now translated into six languages. She is a multiple recipient of the Readers’ Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance, and lives in the Pacific Northwest on an island, is the mother of three, her oldest has autism and she is an advocate for never giving up on your dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 29, 2020
DNF at 48%
Jenny is incredibly frustrating as a main character. She’s a pushover as a mother and has some pretty mean thoughts about her daughter. She’s perpetually pissed at...everyone. And she seems to think that keeping someone’s child from them...like, not even telling them they have a child...is not a big deal.
And she seems to have built this false narrative in her head that the one-night-stand, biological father of her child is a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” type despite the fact that she was the one who left him while he was sleeping and never contacted him again.
Once we get to the point of her being in shock that her emotionally abusive husband would dare reveal a hurtful secret to his not-daughter, I’d had enough.
I don’t understand Jenny as a character at all.
Jenny is incredibly frustrating as a main character. She’s a pushover as a mother and has some pretty mean thoughts about her daughter. She’s perpetually pissed at...everyone. And she seems to think that keeping someone’s child from them...like, not even telling them they have a child...is not a big deal.
And she seems to have built this false narrative in her head that the one-night-stand, biological father of her child is a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” type despite the fact that she was the one who left him while he was sleeping and never contacted him again.
Once we get to the point of her being in shock that her emotionally abusive husband would dare reveal a hurtful secret to his not-daughter, I’d had enough.
I don’t understand Jenny as a character at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. I wished that there were scenes that had been played out a little more. I'd of loved to see this book a little longer. Especially a scene that happens towards the end. I won't disclose what I'm speaking of in case of spoiler alerts. I'd hate to cause somebody not to read the book because I disclosed something that I shouldn't have. Either way, it's an interesting read.
February 4, 2022
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Great duet performance by new-to-me narrators.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook. When I got my copy, I didn’t know that it was a duet recording. For those that don’t know what that is, it means that, in this case, the female narrator does all of the female voices and the male narrator does all of the male voices. So both voice actors are speaking in each chapter. It’s usually a pretty expensive way to have an audiobook made. I have only encountered a few of them and this one was really good.
Fernando Gonzales voice is so nice and smooth and sexy to listen to; I will definitely look for more books that he’s performed. The story was also really good even though it wasn’t difficult to guess one of the big secrets. There was so much richness to the story and things that happened after the secret was revealed kept me listening intently to this audiobook.
I really enjoy audiobook that are between 3 and 6 hours long because I can pretty easily listen to them in one evening. Listening to The Neighbor was a great way to spend an evening working around the house.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Great duet performance by new-to-me narrators.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook. When I got my copy, I didn’t know that it was a duet recording. For those that don’t know what that is, it means that, in this case, the female narrator does all of the female voices and the male narrator does all of the male voices. So both voice actors are speaking in each chapter. It’s usually a pretty expensive way to have an audiobook made. I have only encountered a few of them and this one was really good.
Fernando Gonzales voice is so nice and smooth and sexy to listen to; I will definitely look for more books that he’s performed. The story was also really good even though it wasn’t difficult to guess one of the big secrets. There was so much richness to the story and things that happened after the secret was revealed kept me listening intently to this audiobook.
I really enjoy audiobook that are between 3 and 6 hours long because I can pretty easily listen to them in one evening. Listening to The Neighbor was a great way to spend an evening working around the house.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
October 21, 2020
Start by using words like asshole, and I quit right there. This author is history.
December 19, 2020
With this book, the author has introduced her readers to another strong family that will steal hearts and foster rapt investment in the lives of each family member. This is the first in a series of books about the O’Connell family....a family of six siblings raised by a fierce, determined single mom. None are without flaws or idiosyncrasies, but each is a loved, and valued member of tight family unit. They look out for each other, and support each other with unconditional love and loyalty.
This is a story of family dynamics, teenage angst and rebellion, and secrets that can tear a family apart. Ryan, a Park Ranger, is surprised to discover his new neighbours are a rebellious, snarky teenage girl and her mother, Jenny, a woman from his past. It doesn’t take long to notice that mother and daughter are at odds, with the teenager hurling a great deal of angst, animosity and anger toward her stressed and overwhelmed mother. When the teenager, Alison, goes missing, Ryan sets out to help Jenny locate her wayward daughter, with the help of his brother Marcus, a local cop. The hunt for clues to her whereabouts leads to the discovery that the troubled teen is his daughter, leaving Ryan shocked and angry. As the search continues, Jenny is forced to reveal more about her past with her late husband, his murder and the source of Alison’s angst and need to rebel. After locating the missing teen, more secrets come to light, and Ryan becomes a mediator between mother and daughter. In spite of their rough start, this group of three begins to make emotional connections. Ryan’s close knit family step up to stake a claim on Jenny and Alison, to offer support and to help them clean up the mess left from their past troubles. Can Ryan, Jenny and Alison forge a new life together? Or will Ryan just be the dad who loves next door?
The strong, realistic and very relatable characters in this book drew me into their story and held me captivated until I read the very last page. I look forward to reading the other books in this series, to discover more about each member of the O’Connell family and the family dynamics and connections. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 4, 2020
A Fast read
I enjoyed this book by an author new to me. Turned around and bought the rest of the O'Connels series. Characters were realistic, book ended too soon and left me wanting more. Primarily about a one night stand and the now angry teenager produced from that night. A malicious now dead husband, and an O'Connell to the rescue. I loved it!
I enjoyed this book by an author new to me. Turned around and bought the rest of the O'Connels series. Characters were realistic, book ended too soon and left me wanting more. Primarily about a one night stand and the now angry teenager produced from that night. A malicious now dead husband, and an O'Connell to the rescue. I loved it!
January 30, 2020
This has all the elements that make this a wonderfully engaging romance. It has an angsty teenager, a new next-door neighbor who happens to be a former one-night stand, a mountain-side search that causes secrets to be revealed, a bit of intrigue with a few surprising twists and more. All Ryan O’Connell wants is to set some ground rules for his new next-door neighbor, but when he meets Jenny and Alison Sweetgrass, he’s about to have the tables turned on him in a life changing way.
There’s more to this than just a love story. It’s about the strength of a supportive family and life choices made, good and bad. You’ll find this to be a fast-paced and appealing tale that will capture your interest and a bit of your heart. The characters are well-drawn, and the storyline will keep you involved from beginning to end, which will definitely leave you wanting more. But know there’s going to be so much more to the O’Connells’ story; questions to be answered you may not yet realize to ask. This is a great introduction to all the characters in what’s going to be a wonderful series.
There’s more to this than just a love story. It’s about the strength of a supportive family and life choices made, good and bad. You’ll find this to be a fast-paced and appealing tale that will capture your interest and a bit of your heart. The characters are well-drawn, and the storyline will keep you involved from beginning to end, which will definitely leave you wanting more. But know there’s going to be so much more to the O’Connells’ story; questions to be answered you may not yet realize to ask. This is a great introduction to all the characters in what’s going to be a wonderful series.
April 19, 2020
A wonderful start to this new series by Ms. Eckhart. Jenny Sweetgrass has moved back to Livingston, Montana after the death of her husband. Her teenage daughter is determined to make life difficult and annoys the next-door neighbor with her loud music. Jenny is shocked when Ryan O’Connell marches over to complain about the music. How could she have known that Ryan, a man she shared one night with so many years ago would be her neighbor. Ryan is a Park Ranger and one of six siblings of the O’Connell family raised by their mother after their father left. Ryan steps in to help search when Jenny’s teenage daughter, Alison, is missing. What will happen when Ryan learns the truth about her daughter? I am so looking forward to the upcoming stories about Ryan’s unique siblings and family. (by paytonpuppy)
February 1, 2020
Whenever I listen and/or read a story by this author, I know I will be captivated by it . This first book in this new series, did just that.
This first story centers around Ryan O’Connell, one of six siblings and a park ranger.
His new neighbor is Jenny Sweetgrass. Jenny, a widow, and her teenage daughter are now in Montana hoping to start over.
Ryan is attracted to Jenny, but he suspects the ladies are keeping secrets. When Allison goes missing and Ryan decides to help Jenny, he has no idea that life as he knew it, would never be the same.
This engaging story is about family, hope and second chances , with some mystery thrown in.
I was entrusted a copy of this book . The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This first story centers around Ryan O’Connell, one of six siblings and a park ranger.
His new neighbor is Jenny Sweetgrass. Jenny, a widow, and her teenage daughter are now in Montana hoping to start over.
Ryan is attracted to Jenny, but he suspects the ladies are keeping secrets. When Allison goes missing and Ryan decides to help Jenny, he has no idea that life as he knew it, would never be the same.
This engaging story is about family, hope and second chances , with some mystery thrown in.
I was entrusted a copy of this book . The opinions expressed are solely my own.
February 1, 2020
I was so excited to hear about this new series by Lorhainne Eckhart as I am a big fan of her work. I was not disappointed! Park Ranger Ryan O’Connell is living a pretty pleasant life. A career he loves and a nice quiet neighborhood when he gets home. That is until the new neighbors move in, blasting music at all hours. When Ryan makes an attempt to resolve the situation, he finds that the neighbor is question is a teenager with an attitude and a mouth to match. As her mom Jenny comes home, she is quite annoyed to find that Ryan has no memory of them knowing each other from long ago. Ms. Eckhart’s understanding of a family dynamic is masterful. I hope this series will continue for a long, long time.
February 25, 2020
This book is about a family living in Montana in a small town, Jenny has moved with her daughter into her aunties house after her death.Her next door neighbour is Ryan O’Connell who she had a one night stand with a few years ago they are both shocked at their first meeting.Jennys daughter Alison is rebelling since moving causing trouble at school and skipping lessons.Alison runs away and hide so Ryan and his brothers search for her the story unravels from there with a few twists causes Jenny and Ryan to fall in love this is a second chance romance and worth reading looking foreword to reading about the rest of the O’Connells.
February 4, 2020
This book kept me entertained from the first page through to the end . It is a second chance romance between Ryan and Jenny . It started as a one night stand and years later they meet up as neighbors . This had all the right components to make a great story. There was conflict, romance, mystery, love, suspense and a HEA. The chemistry between Jenny and Ryan starts slowly but eventually gets to a nice sizzle. The O'Connell Family are a warm and loving family with lots of interesting characters. I can't wait to read the next in the series. I received this ARC in return for an honest review.
February 9, 2020
4.5 stars ***** fate always has different plans. Jenny has an angsty teenage daughter from a one nighter with Ryan. She never told him about her and ends up moving into an inherited house next door after a tragic situation. Oh, there are so many secrets... sometimes sharing the load can resolve problems. I liked how Ryan’s family helped and supported them while things were being sorted out. This is a great beginning to a new series! Well written and great read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
February 15, 2020
Jenny and her daughter Alison move to a small town after her husband dies. He was shot and killed but who did it? That is a very large secret hanging over Jenny and her daughter. Her new neighbor is Ryan O'Connell. Jenny is floored when she sees him as a long time ago they had a one-night stand but he doesn't remember it. Alison is trouble with a capital T and Jenny has had enough. Then Alison goes missing. Tantrums. Silence. Loud music. Trouble. What a fantastic story and I cannot wait to read more from the O'Connels.
May 3, 2020
I have become a big fan of Lorhainne Eckhart’s books and this one is no exception. The characters are interesting and the storyline just grabs you from the beginning and does not let you go. I have not read the other books in this series but I was still able to follow the plot but now I just have to read the other books. Such a great read
I received an Arc copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
I received an Arc copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
January 31, 2020
Jenny and Ryan had a one night stand years ago. When he gets a new neighbor fate has Jenny inheriting her late aunts house. Things don’t start out great with them or with Jenny’s daughter. He helps her when her daughter goes missing and lots of secrets are revealed. Will he be able to take care of all of them? Great new series
February 5, 2020
I have been a fan of Lorhainne Eckhart ever since I read the first book in The Freissens series. When I saw this new series starting I knew I had to read it also. The story definitely did not disappoint me! It is filled with strong, but flawed, characters and the O'Connell family that loves each other and will do anything for each other. I can not wait for the next book in this series!
March 21, 2020
This second chance romance kept me entertained from the first page through to the end.
There was conflict, romance, mystery, love, suspense and an eventual happy ever after.
The O'Connell Family are a warm and loving family with lots of interesting characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There was conflict, romance, mystery, love, suspense and an eventual happy ever after.
The O'Connell Family are a warm and loving family with lots of interesting characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2020
Ryan has new neighbors. Jenny and her teenage daughter Allison have just moved in. Allison is a wild child who pushes every boundary she can. But then she goes missing and Ryan and his family come to the rescue. Only to find out that the wild child is none other than his daughter from a one night stand. Interesting story and good characters.
February 5, 2020
A great new series coming from Lorhainne. This first one was definitely an appetizer for more to come. The story was heart wrenching at times and showed what a family support is all about. Looking forward to Marcus’s story and Lukes’s.
March 1, 2020
The Neighbor
Oh, my gosh! I already know this is going to be just as good as all the other books! I am so ready to move with him, myself! I would have ththought she did it too! I just downloaded Book 2!!!
Oh, my gosh! I already know this is going to be just as good as all the other books! I am so ready to move with him, myself! I would have ththought she did it too! I just downloaded Book 2!!!
January 31, 2020
This new series gets off to a cracking start with Ryan and Jenny’s story and what a story it is! Such a well written, intriguing and addictive book which I thoroughly enjoyed.
February 2, 2020
I loved this book. Can’t wait to read about the rest of the family.
February 4, 2020
Another awesome book that I couldn’t put down! Love the twists and turns within the book. Excited to see more about this family!
February 18, 2020
Good read
Enjoyed the book grabbed you from the beginning and didn’t disappoint. Strong characters and family connection. Bad boys, sassy woman and a single mom.
Enjoyed the book grabbed you from the beginning and didn’t disappoint. Strong characters and family connection. Bad boys, sassy woman and a single mom.
March 30, 2020
Fantastic
A nother great novel from this author as I was hooked from the start. Ready for second one to start reading.
A nother great novel from this author as I was hooked from the start. Ready for second one to start reading.
April 28, 2021
Good family relationships. Good short read.
July 4, 2020
I really like this new series & am anxious to read the next one.
May 25, 2023
Bad Narration
June 25, 2022
Whilst I seriously enjoyed this novel, it was nowhere near as suspenseful and romantic as I was expecting. I mean, I was expecting a whole lot of steam and action that you just couldn’t look away from. Instead, it was an unexpectedly sweet love story that had more darkness to it than anticipated. In fact, when I reflect on the story line, for me, this is very much a story about a dark and hidden past being moved on from and a happily ever after being found.
I love the fact that this novel was medium-paced, it was definitely hard to put down (because I wanted to know what was happening to Alison), it wasn’t impossible. And, the outcome of Alison’s going missing was nowhere near as dark as I was expecting. I mean, probably a bit hard to have a happily ever after, romantic ending in a story that ends the way my brain was expecting… but that probably says more about my brain than anything else (and let’s just not go there).
My favourite thing about this story was the O’Connell family. They’re such a great, tight-knit group. And, having only grown up with one sibling myself, what I always dreamt of in a family. I love the idea of the chaos that is inspired in every gathering of the clan. And the way that they rally together to ensure Alison is found and bought home safely? It’s just too damn adorable.
This is probably more of a psychological suspense novel than a physical one. Jenny’s abusive past and her ability to overcome it hold true to form. It’s not as if everything is magically fixed when Ryan decides to come into her life, but rather, it takes time. Plus, all of the crap that her ex hangs over their heads, even from the grave… wow. I had a bit of a sick feeling in my gut throughout reading this for that fact alone. Eckhart does such a brilliant job of giving you just enough information to make you feel seriously uncomfortable. Which makes me REALLY excited to read The Third Call.
I love the fact that this novel was medium-paced, it was definitely hard to put down (because I wanted to know what was happening to Alison), it wasn’t impossible. And, the outcome of Alison’s going missing was nowhere near as dark as I was expecting. I mean, probably a bit hard to have a happily ever after, romantic ending in a story that ends the way my brain was expecting… but that probably says more about my brain than anything else (and let’s just not go there).
My favourite thing about this story was the O’Connell family. They’re such a great, tight-knit group. And, having only grown up with one sibling myself, what I always dreamt of in a family. I love the idea of the chaos that is inspired in every gathering of the clan. And the way that they rally together to ensure Alison is found and bought home safely? It’s just too damn adorable.
This is probably more of a psychological suspense novel than a physical one. Jenny’s abusive past and her ability to overcome it hold true to form. It’s not as if everything is magically fixed when Ryan decides to come into her life, but rather, it takes time. Plus, all of the crap that her ex hangs over their heads, even from the grave… wow. I had a bit of a sick feeling in my gut throughout reading this for that fact alone. Eckhart does such a brilliant job of giving you just enough information to make you feel seriously uncomfortable. Which makes me REALLY excited to read The Third Call.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews