Don't Look Back

Lake Howling #5

by Wendy Vella, Lani Blake

Second chance seduction.

Brad Gelderman rode his Harley into the small town of Lake Howling with one intention. Find Ethan, apologize, then leave. No messy emotion required. What he hadn’t factored on was arriving the day of his brother’s wedding, or meeting Macy Reynolds.

Disturbingly sexy she wants nothing from him but fun. Why not stay for a few days; they were consenting adults right! Not so much, because before he knew it his brother was digging into his soul, his father was causing trouble, and Macy was making his chest ache.

So what if touching her drives him crazy? He’s in control right?

Single mom Macy Reynolds has sworn off relationships for at least the next fifty or so years after the hell that was her married life! She definitely hadn’t planned on a night in the arms of the handsome Texan Brad Gelderman where he took her places she’d never been before. The man spells d-a-n-g-e-r, in flashing neon letters. She needs him to leave town so she can get on with living… alone, without that hot body. Really, she does!

A Texan Oil Baron threatens the town’s existence, but he hadn’t planned on butting heads with the Book Club! Follow Brad and Macy as they fight their growing attraction, all too aware that the scars of their pasts can easily threaten their hopes and dreams for a future.

If you enjoy your small town romance sizzling with a side of crazy, then Lake Howling is for you. Meet the real authority in town (the local book club ladies) and maybe a Gelderman can take you on a scenic tour! Dive into the ice cold lake, then warm up with a coffee and mystery muffin at The Hoot Café. Plenty of feels and LOL’s, all wrapped up in a town that will have you packing your bags to head there. Read Don’t Look back now!

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES
A Promise Of Home
The Texan Meets His Match
How Sweet It Is
It Only Took You
Don't Look Back
A Long Way Home
Then Came You
Faith and the Rock Star

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Amazon, Contemporary Romance

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2016

About the author

Wendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.

Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.


Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.

Reviews

[Marissa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤

I just love going back to Lake Howling! It's like a reunion with everyone. Macy and Brad's story was so sweet! They were the perfect match! ❤

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series hooked me from the very first novel, A Promise of Home. The moment I finished it, I sped through the rest because I honestly could not put them down. Don't Look Back is another great one in this series and what makes it extra special is our main characters, Macy and Brad. Macy and Brad were introduced early in the series. And what you don't realize when you meet them is that they are very alike. When we first see them, there is an immediate dislike. Macy was cold and stuck up and Brad was a sleazy angry drunk. However, what you don't realize at first is that they both were being abused and controlled in their lives. They were drowning and at the time no one was around to save them. Branna saved Macy. She saw behind the makeup and cold frontier and realized that this woman had a lot more going on. Branna pushed Macy to fight back because she was worth it. Her life was worth fighting for. Macy was abused physically and emotionally by her husband Brian. And by the end of Branna's story, Macy was free from him and left to have her son and begin healing. When we meet Brad in The Texan Meets His Match, we see a man who let his father control him and watch him drown in alcohol, to hide the true reach of his father's power over him. At the end of Ethan's story, we see the first hint of Brad trying to escape his father's control when he reaches out to Ethan. Macy and Brad's beginnings are awful but at some point everyone deserves a happy ending.

What makes Don't Look Back special, is that about 4 years have gone by from their introductions. Instead of a story where we see how weak these characters are and how they find each other and heal one another, we get a story where they have already battled through the worse of their insecurities and are reaching a point where they are just about ready to be happy and live again. Macy we have watched through the 4 novels before, slowly heal and raise her son with the support of her friends. She is stronger than she was and knows how to be independent. Brad we learn has left home 2 years ago and made himself a life. He may still be trying to figure it out how to be happy and let go of the past, but when a tragedy strike, he realizes that he needs his make amends with his siblings. By Brad reaching out to Ethan, it's another step forward in his life to finding happiness and peace.

This story is about how Macy and Brad bring out the best in one another. Brad teaches Macy that she has always been strong and that she doesn't have to let her friends fight her battles and always protect her. She can speak her mind and not be afraid to do so. It's okay to take control again because no one there will break her down. She is respected and able to take a stand. Macy teaches Brad to let emotion in and forgiveness. Because there is no way to heal if you cannot talk about what it is that is tearing you up inside. Their story is of two broken souls that have been healing slowly on their own but learn that together they are the happiness and love they deserve and have been looking for all their lives.

Beautifully written, action packed (because there is always a little danger and drama in the beautiful town of Lake Howling), and, of course, romance and love that everyone ones craves and wishes for themselves, this story is fantastic! A must-read in a series I hope will never end!

[Lisa Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I liked this book, just maybe not as much as the others. Perhaps the author tried too hard to have angst to solve. With is many issues there should have been more depth. Or less angst. I hope the next is more like the first two.

[April Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a resilient women

I was really looking forward to Macy's story, but was surprised when it also included Brad. But what a couple. I loved this story, and Billy just brings even more love.

[CMegow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Look Back

Another great story by Wendy Vella. Love how she pulls you into the story from the start. Ready for next.

[R M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the series so far. So glad to see a strong Macy taking on life and love. And to see the heinous Brad become human. Great love story of two broken people finding themselves and each other.

[Feija · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️ I loved this book!! Even if there were some inconsistencies whit previous books and in the book itself. But they were really minor.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was originally the first in the Lake Howling series that I read. It’s a slightly different experience to read it again now, having all of the background context of the people Macy and Brad were perceived as before this. Particularly Brad who didn’t have such a shining reputation in his brother’s book but has become the poster model for "strong, silent type" here. I was impressed to see the heart of gold beneath that tough exterior. And I've fallen in love with the woman that Macy has become by this book. I enjoyed the psychological thriller element, which forced our hero and heroine to pull together when they were working so hard to pull apart. Now I can’t wait to start the next book to see how different it looks in light of everything that’s come before it.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I found both Brad and Macy lovely and real. Macy comes into her own. Brad connects with Ethan and with society again.

I thought the end was over the top and stretched credulity. As with most of the Lake Howling series, there are typos and continuity issues, which are a pity. However, still a very good, satisfying read.

Standalone. 3rd person point of view following the main characters. Steamy.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh, who knew that Brad was actually a decent guy? The last we saw of him, he was his father’s puppet and clone. He sure changed! Don’t Look Back is book 5 in the Lake Howling series and all about Brad, Ethan’s brother, and Macy. They are alike in many ways. They bring out the best in one another. Just like all the others in this series, the story is told with humor and heart. The cast of characters is growing and every bit as fun as the core group.

[Marjana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book"
This is my first book by this author and I like the way this romance is written. It's funny, romantic with interesting twists, but it has serious part, dark history of main carachters and struggle to overcome it. It's very emotional and want more of it.

[Janeiowa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her Lake Howling series, but her NZ terms sometimes get in the way of an American reader. For the American market, she needs an American proofreader.

It’s a living room or family room, not a lounge.

A Harley is a motorcycle, not a motorbike that Brad rides.

It’s a kitchen counter, not a bench.


It’s windshield, not windscreen

[Gloria Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad finds love

This is Brad and Macy’s story. Macy had a horrible marriage and is now divorced, her ex in prison. Brad has never felt love from anyone. His father is a Texas oil baron and mean as hell. He goes to Lake Howling to seek out his brother, Ethan. He meets Macy and falls for her. Then his father tries to commandeer his life and all hell breaks loose.

[Miss M 🌻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one, all the characters have been recurring and this story was fun to read, they all have serious topics as the storyline and this one was interesting.

This is book 5/8 but I think I’m finished with the series, I read all the books about the characters I liked, not too interested in the others. Will be sad to not read about this town and the people anymore though.

[Cindy Mcmurray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, cried thoroughly enjoyed this romance

I didn't realize that Lani Blake was also the wonderful writer of Victorian(?) Romance books by Wendy Vella. Believe it or not (ha ha) her more contemporary romances are just as much fun. She also has a great fan club and responds to her fans quite frequently.) Now I have at least two time periods to enjoy 😉!

[Sue J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 next

The characters and stories are so rich. I’m sad to start reading the last book in the series. But I intend to start all over again so I can savor each word one more time.

[GuiltyPleasures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macy and Brad (or TJ)—two people who survived abusive relationships and find one another in the delightful setting of Howling. Surrounded by good friends, they find happiness together, overcoming threats on the journey.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Texan brothers

Ethan was getting married brad his brother rode into town he had no idea why he came but after the death of his friend he needed to see his brother what he didn't expect was to love the little town the people and thatched life would be full

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

[Debra Johnson]

Prch Amz July 12, 2024

[Sharon]

Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.

[Kat]

2 versions of this diff author names

[KAREN F TOMLINSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very good read

I just love this series. Makes you wish you lived in a town where everyone knows and cares for you.
All the friends have such a special bond.
The author has a great talent for making us laugh out loud.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Lake Howling series. I did not read the first four books before I read this story about Macy and Brad. In the beginning, the story was a bit difficult to keep up with the different characters especially since many of them are referenced by their nicknames. I’ll admit it made the first half of the story seem slow because I had to keep figuring out which name went with which nickname. So, I didn’t expect to get so involved and invested in the story.

The storylines are so good. I love Macy’s transformation from the victim to the strong, capable woman who stands up for herself and her friends. Macy’s interactions with her son, Billy are so tender and true. A mother’s love for her little boy is precious. Her relationship with her parents is very interesting and gives light to Macy’s marriage to Brian some background.

Brad is an intriguing character. He is full of resentment and hate for his father and his brother, Ethan, who lives in Lake Howling. Brad is on the path to correcting his bad behavior and making amends after a tragic accident. His reaction to the small town is fun and quirky. Brad learns a great deal while staying in Lake Howling about himself and his new relationship with Ethan. Macy’s mere presence gives Brad some things to think about as well.

I really enjoyed the book that I am anticipating the next installment.

[SynergyQuest · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - Who doesn't love a sexy, strong Texan, especially when Wendy Vella is crafting the man? Brad, affectionately nicknamed TJ, became a man he didn't like while working in his father's shadow. Breaking that connection and reshaping his life has led him to seek out his brother, Ethan, in Lake Hallow. What he finds there is much more than he bargained for. The brothers reunion is wrought with tension as the issue of abandonment, from the one who was left and the one who did the leaving, rear its ugly head. While this is going on in the background, TJ is drawn to Macy and her son. Soon a deep affection and unexpected love blossoms. There more to the story, of course. Lots of good tidbits and a few other major points. All you really need to know is that Vella has done it again. Whether it's a contemporary romance or historical, I've never been disappointed. If you're on the fence about buying this one, don't be, it's worth it.

I received a copy of this book, from the author, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in the Howling series that I've read. I'm now a converted fan of the series and will have to go back to read the books before this, but it's going to be difficult. I've fallen in love with the woman that Macy has become by this book and I don't really want to see her the way her friends describe who she used to be. Brad could be the poster model for "strong, silent type", but it's easy to see there's a heart of gold beneath that tough exterior. The psychological thriller element was somewhat unexpected, which forced our hero and heroine to pull together when they were working so hard to pull apart. I'm anxious to see what the next book in the series brings. At least I have four couples' stories to backtrack through while I'm waiting.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome contemporary romance. This book has heart as well as an exciting story. Macy was brought up in Howling and loves it and the people. Her ex is in prison for domestic violence and abuse. She is trying to be a member of the community and raise her son. Brad comes to town to visit his older brother. There is lots of tension because Brad always felt his brither left him behind to their abusive and controlling father. He is amazed how the community works together to help everyone but there are twists and turns coming that aren't good. The book revolves around different types of love (friends, family, parental). The reader gets to enjoy the ups and downs of the community as well as intrigue and drama. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Vella.

[Miriam Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really am liking this series about Lake Howling! There was so much depth to this story as both Brad and Macy were dealing with damaged past, then all the intrigue with the land, and dealing with the deranged ex-husband. I loved to watch as both Brad and Macy worked through their problems and tried to overcome the damage.

There was such a great cast of friends that bring another level of caring to this story. How can you not love a town where everyone looks out for each other and accepts a newcomer into their midst.

I felt so badly for Macy when Brad left but was thrilled when he came to her rescue and called to let her know that he loved her!

I am really looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I voluntarily received an Advance Reader Copy of this book**

Lake Howling does sound like somewhere I would like to go. Apparently that is where some really hot men live. Unfortunately, not all the men are Prince charming material. There is an ex-husband with control issues that will not go away.

This story is full of drama and suspense, and I loved every minute of it. I can hardly wait to read more about the people of Lake Howling. Anywhere with such an influential book club can not be a bad place.

[Susan Foulkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series that I've read but it won't be the last.

The main characters, Macy and Brad, were both likable and believable and their back stories were detailed.

The setting was quaint and the secondary characters interesting and quirky.

Although the story started out as a light read the psychological thriller element was gripping and well written.

I really enjoyed this story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems.