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Catalina Cove #6
The House on Blueberry Lane
"If there's one thing Jackson knows how to do, it's how to pluck those heartstrings."—BookPage
All he needs is a second chance
All she wants is no strings attached
The biggest mistake of Jaye Colfax’s life was letting Velvet Spencer leave. For three years, they were together exclusively and it was great—at least for Jaye. But Velvet wanted more. Jaye wouldn’t commit to anything because he just didn’t believe in love or marriage. Tired of waiting, Velvet left him without so much as a goodbye. Only then did Jaye realize he’d been too proud to admit he loved her. But it was too late—his stubbornness had cost him the love of his life.
It took Jaye two years to find where Velvet had gone. Now, he’s come to Catalina Cove to prove his love and win back her heart. He’ll do whatever it takes, even buy the local bank and move in next door. But will Velvet have him?
All he needs is a second chance
All she wants is no strings attached
The biggest mistake of Jaye Colfax’s life was letting Velvet Spencer leave. For three years, they were together exclusively and it was great—at least for Jaye. But Velvet wanted more. Jaye wouldn’t commit to anything because he just didn’t believe in love or marriage. Tired of waiting, Velvet left him without so much as a goodbye. Only then did Jaye realize he’d been too proud to admit he loved her. But it was too late—his stubbornness had cost him the love of his life.
It took Jaye two years to find where Velvet had gone. Now, he’s come to Catalina Cove to prove his love and win back her heart. He’ll do whatever it takes, even buy the local bank and move in next door. But will Velvet have him?
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 26, 2022
296 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
895 books3,588 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
September 29, 2022
idk why but I found the dialogue very stiff and awkward
August 6, 2022
I was waiting for the next installation of my Catalina Cove family but this one kind of leaves you wanting more .The story was a bit long drawn out, taking forever for the characters to fall back in love . The ending could’ve been the middle and then that would’ve left time to find out more about this couple and the other families. There wasn’t really an issue in this book I guess there was a bunch of meddling people but the plot really wasn’t that thick. Their love was a little bit cliché but it was a nice story
May 15, 2022
It seems that a great deal has changed for Miss Velvet Spencer in the two years since she made the heart breaking decision to end things with the noncommittal love of her life. One Jay Colfax.
While trading the hustle and bustle and friends of her former life in Phoenix, Arizona.
For a new life of relative obscurity in the tiny, touristy, New Orleans adjacent, town of Catalina Cove, Louisiana.
She has settled in. Found a beautiful apartment in a renovated mansion. And is a respected teacher at the local high school. With it seems, all thoughts of Mr. Jay Colfax and his sinful sensuality well in her life's rearview.
That is until he becomes her new neighbor.
Next door neighbor. To be exact.
Yep...
Jay Colfax. Love of her life. Unwilling to commit. Capable of making her have some of the most powerful orgasms of her life with nothing more than a kiss. Has settled in as her neighbor for at least six months. While he over sees the opening of a new bank in Catalina Cove.
And try as she might our dear Miss Spencer can't resist the idea that she may be open to a no strings attached fling with the man that once held her heart.
This is a book that is delicate on well written sweetness and charm in every area except SEX. Catalina Cove is so well described that you almost want to pack your bags and move there from word one. All.of the supporting characters are so full of quirk and nuance that they read more like old friends. And even Jay's plan to win and woo his lady love. Can be described as subtle.
But there is absolutely nothing subtle about the chemistry that jumps off of every single page of every single scene in which these two are involved.
It's almost as though the romance is hidden in the sex.
At least until the physical connection deepens to something more at about 65% of the book.
Though the sex to love story plot takes up a great deal of the story. There are thankfully a great number of smaller interwoven subplots that provide both depth and a welcome distraction from Velvet and Jay's supposed secret sexual shenanigans. It is within these subplots that most of the story, character development and interaction, and secrets, plots, manipulation, and reader to story connection is to to be found.
In short...
While this read goes a little overboard the the sexual attraction aspect of what is essentially a "second chance romance". Brenda Jackson's The House On Blueberry Lane is a book that is a book that will make you believe in the power of the fickle heart. And that even the most wounded of men can also allow love to remove the thorn from a long wounded paw.
Reviewer's Note
WTF Are You Reading would like to thank Harlequin Desire and Netgalley for providing the review copy on which this critique is based. The opinions herein area own. And have been in no way influenced by any agency outside of myself.
While trading the hustle and bustle and friends of her former life in Phoenix, Arizona.
For a new life of relative obscurity in the tiny, touristy, New Orleans adjacent, town of Catalina Cove, Louisiana.
She has settled in. Found a beautiful apartment in a renovated mansion. And is a respected teacher at the local high school. With it seems, all thoughts of Mr. Jay Colfax and his sinful sensuality well in her life's rearview.
That is until he becomes her new neighbor.
Next door neighbor. To be exact.
Yep...
Jay Colfax. Love of her life. Unwilling to commit. Capable of making her have some of the most powerful orgasms of her life with nothing more than a kiss. Has settled in as her neighbor for at least six months. While he over sees the opening of a new bank in Catalina Cove.
And try as she might our dear Miss Spencer can't resist the idea that she may be open to a no strings attached fling with the man that once held her heart.
This is a book that is delicate on well written sweetness and charm in every area except SEX. Catalina Cove is so well described that you almost want to pack your bags and move there from word one. All.of the supporting characters are so full of quirk and nuance that they read more like old friends. And even Jay's plan to win and woo his lady love. Can be described as subtle.
But there is absolutely nothing subtle about the chemistry that jumps off of every single page of every single scene in which these two are involved.
It's almost as though the romance is hidden in the sex.
At least until the physical connection deepens to something more at about 65% of the book.
Though the sex to love story plot takes up a great deal of the story. There are thankfully a great number of smaller interwoven subplots that provide both depth and a welcome distraction from Velvet and Jay's supposed secret sexual shenanigans. It is within these subplots that most of the story, character development and interaction, and secrets, plots, manipulation, and reader to story connection is to to be found.
In short...
While this read goes a little overboard the the sexual attraction aspect of what is essentially a "second chance romance". Brenda Jackson's The House On Blueberry Lane is a book that is a book that will make you believe in the power of the fickle heart. And that even the most wounded of men can also allow love to remove the thorn from a long wounded paw.
Reviewer's Note
WTF Are You Reading would like to thank Harlequin Desire and Netgalley for providing the review copy on which this critique is based. The opinions herein area own. And have been in no way influenced by any agency outside of myself.
June 1, 2023
"Whatever. For us, it will always be blueberries."
Such a Loving and Beautiful Series Finale with Jaye & Velvet! 💗
Such a Loving and Beautiful Series Finale with Jaye & Velvet! 💗
August 31, 2022
3.7 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
For two years she had tried building another life for herself without him in Catalina Cove, and had done a fairly good job.
And now he was here.
If you read One Christmas Wish, the previous novel in the Catalina Cove series, you'll remember Velvet being stunned at seeing Jaye at a town council meeting. It was a small glimpse of the two but the charged atmosphere between them had me anticipating their novel. It wouldn't be necessary to read all the previous books in the series but this book is number six, there are a lot of previous characters making appearances and two past couples having their wedding, so you could be a little lost in regards to friendships and relationships. I did think the chemistry and big focus on Velvet and Jaye, mostly, covers any new to the series-ness, though.
He'd decided at that moment to prove how wrong she was, and that it was in his makeup to care that much.
The story starts off with Velvet coming home from that council meeting and Jaye coming to talk to her. We learn that while they dated for three years in Phoenix, Jaye was immediately upfront with just wanting a sexual relationship that would never lead to marriage but over time, Velvet grew to love him and thought he felt the same for her. When Velvet discovers Jaye doesn't, or won't admit, he does in fact love her, Velvet leaves without telling him and escapes to Catalina Cove to mend her broken heart. The reader gets Jaye's pov and we learn in the two years since Velvet left him, he's discovered that he did love Velvet and hired a private investigator to find her. When he learns she's in Catalina Cove, he uses his business to buy a bank there and rents the upstairs of the Victorian house Velvet is staying in. Oh yes, our man Jaye is pulling out the stops to win Velvet back.
He wanted love. He needed to prove to her that he loved her above all else. And he did love her, with every beat of his heart and with every breath he took.
For her part, Velvet thinks it's all a coincidence that Jaye has business in the town she lives in, it's been two years since she's heard from him. So, we get that sparking beginning, readers knowing Jaye is ready to do some working, and Velvet trying to deny her feelings for Jaye, thinking she doesn't love him anymore. After that first meeting, we get two flashback chapters of Velvet and Jaye's first meeting in Phoenix and how their relationship started. I loved this, often this is just done in inner dialogue remembering by characters but getting to actually “see” and experience it with the characters gave me a more solid emotional foundation with the characters relationship.
In essence, Velvet was giving him a taste of his own medicine. She was willing to engage in affairs that went nowhere, too. He was getting just what he deserved.
However, it was not what he would accept.
After those two chapters, the story goes back to present time and Velvet is struggling with still being physically attracted to Jaye. At around 30%, Jaye gets a little taste of his own medicine when Velvet comes to him with an idea to reinstate their just sexual relationship. Velvet thinks Jaye is hesitant because he thinks she loves him, she's lying to herself that she doesn't at this point, but he's really hesitant because he realized he loved her and now he wants more. It's a little comedy of errors as Velvet is lying to herself and Jaye is hiding his true feelings because he doesn't think Velvet will believe he truly loves her yet, they both ultimately want the same thing but they're bungling around. The slight exasperation I had as a reader was tampered with the sexual heat the two have. Jaye doesn't want Velvet to think he's just there for the sex, so he lets her initiate all the sexual moments, something Velvet doesn't catch onto until later.
“I only wanted you.”
The story was mostly focused on Jaye trying to show Velvet that he loved her and was ready for a commitment. He opens up to her about his mother, the reason he was wary of trusting love, asks her to jog with him in the mornings when in Phoenix he always said that was his alone time, and just generally tries to be there for her in all the little ways a partner would be outside of the bedroom. There were two little side plots involving one of Velvet's highschool students and his father trying to pressure her to pass his son and towards the end it weaved into the other little plot of a man in town trying to get Velvet to date him. They worked to build and give an ending scene, that while had twinge of sappy to it, was still sweet.
Drawing in a deep breath, he just stared at her, willing her to read in his gaze what she would not accept in his words.
Since this is sixth in the series, there were a lot of characters that sometimes got a little overwhelming but I actually could have read more scenes with Velvet and her bestfriend Ruthie and other friends like Sierra. All those secondary characters were around but they didn't emotionally interact with Velvet as much as I would have liked. Around 65% Velvet finally admits to herself that she still loves Jaye and we get more movement on their relationship. While I liked Jaye's plan, it did cause some of the middle to drag a little bit as he calmly and quietly, but at times too passive, showed up for Velvet outside of the bedroom, the non-movement went on for about 15% too long. The biggest surprise and best was me glancing and thinking the book cover was pretty generic, I'm here to tell you it's one of the sweetest parts of the book. These two were sweet and definitely sexy. There was a moment that I think gave us a little clue to who is next up to fall in love in Catalina Cove and if so, I'm looking forward to reading about Jaye's younger brother Franklin falling next.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
For two years she had tried building another life for herself without him in Catalina Cove, and had done a fairly good job.
And now he was here.
If you read One Christmas Wish, the previous novel in the Catalina Cove series, you'll remember Velvet being stunned at seeing Jaye at a town council meeting. It was a small glimpse of the two but the charged atmosphere between them had me anticipating their novel. It wouldn't be necessary to read all the previous books in the series but this book is number six, there are a lot of previous characters making appearances and two past couples having their wedding, so you could be a little lost in regards to friendships and relationships. I did think the chemistry and big focus on Velvet and Jaye, mostly, covers any new to the series-ness, though.
He'd decided at that moment to prove how wrong she was, and that it was in his makeup to care that much.
The story starts off with Velvet coming home from that council meeting and Jaye coming to talk to her. We learn that while they dated for three years in Phoenix, Jaye was immediately upfront with just wanting a sexual relationship that would never lead to marriage but over time, Velvet grew to love him and thought he felt the same for her. When Velvet discovers Jaye doesn't, or won't admit, he does in fact love her, Velvet leaves without telling him and escapes to Catalina Cove to mend her broken heart. The reader gets Jaye's pov and we learn in the two years since Velvet left him, he's discovered that he did love Velvet and hired a private investigator to find her. When he learns she's in Catalina Cove, he uses his business to buy a bank there and rents the upstairs of the Victorian house Velvet is staying in. Oh yes, our man Jaye is pulling out the stops to win Velvet back.
He wanted love. He needed to prove to her that he loved her above all else. And he did love her, with every beat of his heart and with every breath he took.
For her part, Velvet thinks it's all a coincidence that Jaye has business in the town she lives in, it's been two years since she's heard from him. So, we get that sparking beginning, readers knowing Jaye is ready to do some working, and Velvet trying to deny her feelings for Jaye, thinking she doesn't love him anymore. After that first meeting, we get two flashback chapters of Velvet and Jaye's first meeting in Phoenix and how their relationship started. I loved this, often this is just done in inner dialogue remembering by characters but getting to actually “see” and experience it with the characters gave me a more solid emotional foundation with the characters relationship.
In essence, Velvet was giving him a taste of his own medicine. She was willing to engage in affairs that went nowhere, too. He was getting just what he deserved.
However, it was not what he would accept.
After those two chapters, the story goes back to present time and Velvet is struggling with still being physically attracted to Jaye. At around 30%, Jaye gets a little taste of his own medicine when Velvet comes to him with an idea to reinstate their just sexual relationship. Velvet thinks Jaye is hesitant because he thinks she loves him, she's lying to herself that she doesn't at this point, but he's really hesitant because he realized he loved her and now he wants more. It's a little comedy of errors as Velvet is lying to herself and Jaye is hiding his true feelings because he doesn't think Velvet will believe he truly loves her yet, they both ultimately want the same thing but they're bungling around. The slight exasperation I had as a reader was tampered with the sexual heat the two have. Jaye doesn't want Velvet to think he's just there for the sex, so he lets her initiate all the sexual moments, something Velvet doesn't catch onto until later.
“I only wanted you.”
The story was mostly focused on Jaye trying to show Velvet that he loved her and was ready for a commitment. He opens up to her about his mother, the reason he was wary of trusting love, asks her to jog with him in the mornings when in Phoenix he always said that was his alone time, and just generally tries to be there for her in all the little ways a partner would be outside of the bedroom. There were two little side plots involving one of Velvet's highschool students and his father trying to pressure her to pass his son and towards the end it weaved into the other little plot of a man in town trying to get Velvet to date him. They worked to build and give an ending scene, that while had twinge of sappy to it, was still sweet.
Drawing in a deep breath, he just stared at her, willing her to read in his gaze what she would not accept in his words.
Since this is sixth in the series, there were a lot of characters that sometimes got a little overwhelming but I actually could have read more scenes with Velvet and her bestfriend Ruthie and other friends like Sierra. All those secondary characters were around but they didn't emotionally interact with Velvet as much as I would have liked. Around 65% Velvet finally admits to herself that she still loves Jaye and we get more movement on their relationship. While I liked Jaye's plan, it did cause some of the middle to drag a little bit as he calmly and quietly, but at times too passive, showed up for Velvet outside of the bedroom, the non-movement went on for about 15% too long. The biggest surprise and best was me glancing and thinking the book cover was pretty generic, I'm here to tell you it's one of the sweetest parts of the book. These two were sweet and definitely sexy. There was a moment that I think gave us a little clue to who is next up to fall in love in Catalina Cove and if so, I'm looking forward to reading about Jaye's younger brother Franklin falling next.
August 5, 2022
I enjoyed this book and it made me feel good to see this second chance love win! So it’s 5 stars to
Me off that alone lol! Brenda Jackson books are comfort and pallet cleanser reads for me
Me off that alone lol! Brenda Jackson books are comfort and pallet cleanser reads for me
July 28, 2022
Ms. Brenda put her foot in this book. All of the steam and some small town mess to boot!
August 25, 2022
He had a dose of his own medicine
Jaye Colfax found out that what is good for the goose is good for the gander the hard way and almost too late. His no relationship with sex only almost cost him the only woman he loved. He let what happened to his parents control how he felt about women.
After being in a going nowhere fast relationship with Jaye, Velvet wanted more and deserved more, so she did the only thing she could do to preserve her heart, she disappeared. Jaye realized he messed up royally and was determined to win her heart back. But first, he had to find her and develop a plan. At first, Velvet thought he was manipulating her but when she found out what ALL he'd done, she quickly realized he had really changed.
The town's folk of the Cove, sure were a bunch of nosey busybodies, tending to everybody's business. That Webb Crawford and his sister are a bunch of snotty entitled privileged a-holes. Velvet had a good reason to keep her relationship with Jaye on-the-undercover. But in the end, Jaye was making the effort to do what it took to get her heart and love again.
Favorite Quote: “Whatever you want, Velvet, I will give it to you. No matter what it is.”
Jackson, Brenda. The House on Blueberry Lane (Catalina Cove) (p. 223). HQN Books. Kindle Edition.
NOTE: The book was read with the addition to sync listening to it by using Audible.com. The narrator, Ron Butler has a beautiful voice that made the story come to life. He was excellent with a feminine voice without overdoing it as well as that wonderful baritone he used for the main character. I could listen to him talk all day.
Jaye Colfax found out that what is good for the goose is good for the gander the hard way and almost too late. His no relationship with sex only almost cost him the only woman he loved. He let what happened to his parents control how he felt about women.
After being in a going nowhere fast relationship with Jaye, Velvet wanted more and deserved more, so she did the only thing she could do to preserve her heart, she disappeared. Jaye realized he messed up royally and was determined to win her heart back. But first, he had to find her and develop a plan. At first, Velvet thought he was manipulating her but when she found out what ALL he'd done, she quickly realized he had really changed.
The town's folk of the Cove, sure were a bunch of nosey busybodies, tending to everybody's business. That Webb Crawford and his sister are a bunch of snotty entitled privileged a-holes. Velvet had a good reason to keep her relationship with Jaye on-the-undercover. But in the end, Jaye was making the effort to do what it took to get her heart and love again.
Favorite Quote: “Whatever you want, Velvet, I will give it to you. No matter what it is.”
Jackson, Brenda. The House on Blueberry Lane (Catalina Cove) (p. 223). HQN Books. Kindle Edition.
NOTE: The book was read with the addition to sync listening to it by using Audible.com. The narrator, Ron Butler has a beautiful voice that made the story come to life. He was excellent with a feminine voice without overdoing it as well as that wonderful baritone he used for the main character. I could listen to him talk all day.
August 7, 2022
I really liked this book!!! I expected I would because I love reunion romances/second chance. And Velvet being a "secret heiress" - and ... there was some 😒... and I got a bit worried especially about that one meeting - but! I was glad to see while it was a smidge OTT it definitely wasn't wangst or over the top or drawn out - it was resolved nicely.
I also love me a smitten hero, and Jaye is that. He was ... I mean he was stupid AF and kept Velvet in a non relationship for three years. And then he's like "oh shit I love her."
And! I like that Jaye FINALLY tells her - but also Velvet is like "... PFFFTTT." Heh. But it's also important that she "figures it out" herself.
I was kinda annoyed she gets "outed" by Reed.
Like one of the themes in the book is nice people care about who a person is not their net worth. [>.> and also be kind to everyone cuz they might be a surprise heiress]
Blergh I'm kinda blanking now but it did feel like there were some unintentional backhanded compliments.
Not a big deal though - just some nitpicky stuff.
:X It's been a while since I read the Catalina Cove books so I didn't remember all the everyone/how their romances go :X
But it was fun that they're all friends and have cameos but this book definitely can stand alone too.
B
I also love me a smitten hero, and Jaye is that. He was ... I mean he was stupid AF and kept Velvet in a non relationship for three years. And then he's like "oh shit I love her."
And! I like that Jaye FINALLY tells her - but also Velvet is like "... PFFFTTT." Heh. But it's also important that she "figures it out" herself.
I was kinda annoyed she gets "outed" by Reed.
Like one of the themes in the book is nice people care about who a person is not their net worth. [>.> and also be kind to everyone cuz they might be a surprise heiress]
Blergh I'm kinda blanking now but it did feel like there were some unintentional backhanded compliments.
Not a big deal though - just some nitpicky stuff.
:X It's been a while since I read the Catalina Cove books so I didn't remember all the everyone/how their romances go :X
But it was fun that they're all friends and have cameos but this book definitely can stand alone too.
B
November 25, 2022
Love found a way
Velvet Spencer came to Catalina Cove to escape heartbreak and further her dreams. Jaye Colfax came to Catalina Cove to get back the love of his life. Velvet was not happy to see Jaye but a plan she considered may work with him there. Jaye hired a PI to find Velvet an had a new determination to make her his. Others have their sights on them but sparks begin to fly. See how their lives unfold. Great read
Velvet Spencer came to Catalina Cove to escape heartbreak and further her dreams. Jaye Colfax came to Catalina Cove to get back the love of his life. Velvet was not happy to see Jaye but a plan she considered may work with him there. Jaye hired a PI to find Velvet an had a new determination to make her his. Others have their sights on them but sparks begin to fly. See how their lives unfold. Great read
July 19, 2023
This small town, second chance romance just wasn’t for me. I don’t know if I needed to have read the earlier books in the series or I’m just judging it too harshly for what it is. But it felt way too trite a d formulaic for my tastes. I hated the FMC’s name, Velvet. For fans of Belle Calhoune and ok on audio.
August 9, 2023
Oh, my. What I thought was a light romance was all about sex,sex,sex and poorly written to boot.
May 16, 2023
Loved this book about Velvet and Jaye. Second chance at romance. You don't miss the water until your well runs dry.. Some lessons are better learned late then never, This is what Jaye had to learn. I loved how Ms Jackson kept the same characters circulating throughout this series. Another 5 star worthy rating.
April 17, 2024
Jaye and Velvet's second-chance romance was so good. He came to prove his love for her. She refused to give him her heart again but can't deny the intense sexual chemistry they share. She thinks one night with him is all she needs to get him out of her system. What could go wrong?
I really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed this book.
October 9, 2022
*3.5 Stars!*
April 21, 2025
Although I could not follow Velvet’s storyline initially, I grew to understand her feelings about Jaye.
I love their romance and enjoyed this book.
I love their romance and enjoyed this book.
October 14, 2022
Just something to get the edge off. Nothing special about this book and not much really that interesting. Solely read it to stop being lovelorn. Wish there were more banter and actual build up. Alas..
August 24, 2024
Cute story however it focused on primarily 2 characters where as other books on the series focused on multiple characters
November 26, 2022
I loved it! I hope we can get another story from Catalina Cove. I highly recommend if you are a lover of HEA stories! ❤️
December 5, 2022
Really?? No. Just No. I wanted so much to like this book. I really did. Every page was a struggle until the last 5 or so chapters. To become interested in the last 4 chapters is ridiculous. I say 4 because I could have lived without the final chapter as well.
Velvet was unbearable. She whined about her relationships with Jaye through the majority of the book. It was frustrating and exhausting. I really don't have a problem with the h doubting the H's love or honesty about his love. For me, part of the romance is that it doesn't take practically the ENTIRE book for the reconciliation!
Yes. Jaye screwed up. No doubt. Velvet's hesitation was understandable. Wasn't she supposed to be like 25+ years? It felt more like I was dealing with a high school romance. Her friend's attempts at the use of common sense made her attitude even more frustrating.
Then there was the dialogue. I had to check the publication date to make sure it was 2022. The whole body covered with "passion marks" thing (along with some other dialogue) made me feel like I was reading something from another era.
There were sex scenes in the book that I could have easily bypassed. No real chemistry between the two characters, no build up of sexual tension, no nothing. I was so over this book so early on. I hate to have a DNF, so I pushed through.
The early Westmoreland, Steele Family, Bachelor in Demand, and even some of the Madaris family books held me captive. I think I may have reached the point were the newer books are not for me. They felt older than the old books to me. It makes me sad. I listened to the audiobook. Maybe reading this would have been different. I doubt I will ever know.
Velvet was unbearable. She whined about her relationships with Jaye through the majority of the book. It was frustrating and exhausting. I really don't have a problem with the h doubting the H's love or honesty about his love. For me, part of the romance is that it doesn't take practically the ENTIRE book for the reconciliation!
Yes. Jaye screwed up. No doubt. Velvet's hesitation was understandable. Wasn't she supposed to be like 25+ years? It felt more like I was dealing with a high school romance. Her friend's attempts at the use of common sense made her attitude even more frustrating.
Then there was the dialogue. I had to check the publication date to make sure it was 2022. The whole body covered with "passion marks" thing (along with some other dialogue) made me feel like I was reading something from another era.
There were sex scenes in the book that I could have easily bypassed. No real chemistry between the two characters, no build up of sexual tension, no nothing. I was so over this book so early on. I hate to have a DNF, so I pushed through.
The early Westmoreland, Steele Family, Bachelor in Demand, and even some of the Madaris family books held me captive. I think I may have reached the point were the newer books are not for me. They felt older than the old books to me. It makes me sad. I listened to the audiobook. Maybe reading this would have been different. I doubt I will ever know.
July 26, 2022
The House on Blueberry Lane by Brenda Jackson Catalina Cove #6
8 hours and 57 minutes narrated by Ron Butler
368 pages PB, 319 Kindle & Ebook, 320 HB
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Louisiana, Graphic Sexual encounters, Secrets, Small Towns, Food, Classism, Second Chance Trope, Commitment Issues, Spoilers For Previous Books, Drama
Rating as a movie: N-17 for sexual content
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My thoughts: 4:45:50 Ch. 17 - I'm really upset this book came in at 10 p. m. shortly after I decided to go to bed. So, far it has the usual faults but it is very enjoyable. Not my favorite trope, and I'm not a fan of the love interest. I am happy to hear about all of the babies, I've been waiting forever.
So, this book contains the usual overuse of phrases, this time was "sex on legs," and the nearly virginal woman and the reformed rake scenario. Overall the story was interesting, I appreciated it wasn't predictable but there was a particular scene I could do without. I was really excited to get updates on the previous couples but I couldn't keep up with all of the offspring. If you jump in without reading the other books, you'll get a good recap on each couple's story.
Recommend to others?: Yes. I think this is great series. I'm looking forward to more.
8 hours and 57 minutes narrated by Ron Butler
368 pages PB, 319 Kindle & Ebook, 320 HB
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Louisiana, Graphic Sexual encounters, Secrets, Small Towns, Food, Classism, Second Chance Trope, Commitment Issues, Spoilers For Previous Books, Drama
Rating as a movie: N-17 for sexual content
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My thoughts: 4:45:50 Ch. 17 - I'm really upset this book came in at 10 p. m. shortly after I decided to go to bed. So, far it has the usual faults but it is very enjoyable. Not my favorite trope, and I'm not a fan of the love interest. I am happy to hear about all of the babies, I've been waiting forever.
So, this book contains the usual overuse of phrases, this time was "sex on legs," and the nearly virginal woman and the reformed rake scenario. Overall the story was interesting, I appreciated it wasn't predictable but there was a particular scene I could do without. I was really excited to get updates on the previous couples but I couldn't keep up with all of the offspring. If you jump in without reading the other books, you'll get a good recap on each couple's story.
Recommend to others?: Yes. I think this is great series. I'm looking forward to more.
September 24, 2024
Another Catalina Cove winner. Jaye and Velvet's second chance love story was wonderful to read.
9/6/24 Listened to the audiobook. Loved the story and narrator. Ron Butler really brought the characters to life.
9/6/24 Listened to the audiobook. Loved the story and narrator. Ron Butler really brought the characters to life.
October 26, 2022
Ugh. I struggled through this one. The dialogue was stiff, Velvet & Jaye’s romance was meh. I just couldn’t get into it. I kept thinking it had to get better with such a high average rating, but it never did…
August 17, 2022
I tried. But it just wasn’t good. I really wanted it to be good, but I just had to stop reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 20, 2022DNF 25%. Just not my style.
August 2, 2022
Brenda Jackson returns to Catalina Cove with an emotional, and steamy, story of second chances. I became intrigued by Velvet and her mysterious background while reading book five, One Christmas Wish so, of course, I was excited to learn book six would be her story. It was another satisfying visit to the place, and with the characters, who have made Catalina Cove one of my favorite fictional stops.
Whether this is your first, or sixth, visit to Catalina Cove, Jackson's descriptions bring the small bayou town to life. Each visit makes me wish even more that it was a real place. I want to walk the path along the river, start my day with the mouth-watering blueberry muffins at the Witherspoon Café, sip a cold beverage while watching the sun set, indulge in the daily soup special at the Green Fig, dig into delicious, freshly-caught seafood, and hang out with all my favorite Catalina Cove residents.
Let's talk about those residents. While each book focuses on a primary couple, Jackson surrounds them with a lively secondary cast of characters who bring friendship, conflict, and intrigue to the story. It feels very much like actually living in a small town, with all it's quirks and complications.
And then there's our main couple, Velvet and Jaye. He's set on earning a second chance. She's set on flipping the romantic tables, offering him a no-strings affair with hearts definitely not engaged. He broke hers once; she's not going to give him an opportunity to do it again. I enjoyed their journey. While they reconnected sexually almost immediately, the author took her time with them emotionally. Trust lost takes time to recapture and Velvet needed that time - along with Jaye's actions - to reach a point where she was willing to reopen her heart. It was worth the wait.
As I mentioned earlier, The House on Blueberry Lane is the sixth book in Brenda Jackson's Catalina Cove series. While characters from earlier books make appearances in this one, and Velvet was introduced in book five, it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. However, don't be surprised if once you finish The House on Blueberry Lane, you immediately search out the other books in the series. I recommend them all.
ARC received for fair and unbiased review
Whether this is your first, or sixth, visit to Catalina Cove, Jackson's descriptions bring the small bayou town to life. Each visit makes me wish even more that it was a real place. I want to walk the path along the river, start my day with the mouth-watering blueberry muffins at the Witherspoon Café, sip a cold beverage while watching the sun set, indulge in the daily soup special at the Green Fig, dig into delicious, freshly-caught seafood, and hang out with all my favorite Catalina Cove residents.
Let's talk about those residents. While each book focuses on a primary couple, Jackson surrounds them with a lively secondary cast of characters who bring friendship, conflict, and intrigue to the story. It feels very much like actually living in a small town, with all it's quirks and complications.
And then there's our main couple, Velvet and Jaye. He's set on earning a second chance. She's set on flipping the romantic tables, offering him a no-strings affair with hearts definitely not engaged. He broke hers once; she's not going to give him an opportunity to do it again. I enjoyed their journey. While they reconnected sexually almost immediately, the author took her time with them emotionally. Trust lost takes time to recapture and Velvet needed that time - along with Jaye's actions - to reach a point where she was willing to reopen her heart. It was worth the wait.
As I mentioned earlier, The House on Blueberry Lane is the sixth book in Brenda Jackson's Catalina Cove series. While characters from earlier books make appearances in this one, and Velvet was introduced in book five, it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. However, don't be surprised if once you finish The House on Blueberry Lane, you immediately search out the other books in the series. I recommend them all.
ARC received for fair and unbiased review
August 4, 2022
Snobbery exists even when the snobs have no reason to be!
Such was the case with some wealthy members of the Catalina Cove community! They met their match though when they sought to try and shame heiress and committed school teacher Velvet Spenser. Jaye aka Jackson Colfax, Jr of the Phoenix, AZ Colfaxes was in Catalina Cove for one major mission to win back the heart of one Velvet Spenser. Webb Crawford and his equally snobbish sister Laura behaved like their little bit of wealth put them above their other Catalina Cove residents with the exception of Reid LaCroit and Ray Sullivan and of course now Jaye and Velvet. Mean-spiritedness was in great supply by some in the Cove who had appointed themselves the morality police. It was good seeing those people who had devised a shaming of Velvet get shamed themselves! It was especially gleeful to witness the looks on Webb and his sister's faces when they learned just how wealthy Velvet is since they had been disparaging her since she came to the Cove and rebuffed Webb's attempts to get her in his bed. That look on their faces and the members of the school board who was in cahoots with Webb and the harbinger of everything ugly toward others, Dwight Beaks was absolutely priceless!!!! Velvet was no pushover and now everyone in the Cove knows that too! So glad Jaye was successful in his quest to win back the woman he loves. To get the essence of what I just shared, one must read the book from cover to cover and if you are a fan of Brenda Jackson novels as I am, you will also get the audio book too. Thank you Mrs. Jackson, I feel we are that much closer to learning all about all other members of the Cove before we are able to revisit the Outlaws/Westmorelands!!! I can hardly wait for the next novel to be released! Great job Mrs. Jackson a really great job indeed.
Such was the case with some wealthy members of the Catalina Cove community! They met their match though when they sought to try and shame heiress and committed school teacher Velvet Spenser. Jaye aka Jackson Colfax, Jr of the Phoenix, AZ Colfaxes was in Catalina Cove for one major mission to win back the heart of one Velvet Spenser. Webb Crawford and his equally snobbish sister Laura behaved like their little bit of wealth put them above their other Catalina Cove residents with the exception of Reid LaCroit and Ray Sullivan and of course now Jaye and Velvet. Mean-spiritedness was in great supply by some in the Cove who had appointed themselves the morality police. It was good seeing those people who had devised a shaming of Velvet get shamed themselves! It was especially gleeful to witness the looks on Webb and his sister's faces when they learned just how wealthy Velvet is since they had been disparaging her since she came to the Cove and rebuffed Webb's attempts to get her in his bed. That look on their faces and the members of the school board who was in cahoots with Webb and the harbinger of everything ugly toward others, Dwight Beaks was absolutely priceless!!!! Velvet was no pushover and now everyone in the Cove knows that too! So glad Jaye was successful in his quest to win back the woman he loves. To get the essence of what I just shared, one must read the book from cover to cover and if you are a fan of Brenda Jackson novels as I am, you will also get the audio book too. Thank you Mrs. Jackson, I feel we are that much closer to learning all about all other members of the Cove before we are able to revisit the Outlaws/Westmorelands!!! I can hardly wait for the next novel to be released! Great job Mrs. Jackson a really great job indeed.
February 5, 2025
3.7/5 * *rounded up**
Jaye and Velvet were once enthralled in a whirlwind romance filled with steamy, toe curling chemistry and intimacy. After years of commitment from Velvet's perspective and lack of intention from Jaye, Velvet decides to move to a new town far from her Phoenix lifestyle. For the past two years, Velvet has built a life in Catalina Cove, but everything changes when she unexpectedly runs into Jaye at a town hall meeting. The town where her new life is forming has betrayed her in the figurative sense by allowing her old love to not only open a new bank but also reside ,while he manages the new branch, in the house adjacent apartment. Unbeknownst to Velvet, the past two years have changed Jaye tremendously in which nothing about his arrival to Catalina Island is coincidental, instead, a well devised plan to win back the love of the only woman he wants to be with.
The story overall was cute but contains quite a few steamy/spicy open door scenes. The audio version only had one male narrator, so sometimes distinguishing between the change in characters was a bit confusing in the beginning. The storyline had some great secondary characters that added a good perspective to the story. Velvet and Jay's romance felt almost teenage nuanced in some instances, and the relationship overall does not have considerable depth but readers will still find enjoyment in celebrating their wins.
Jaye and Velvet were once enthralled in a whirlwind romance filled with steamy, toe curling chemistry and intimacy. After years of commitment from Velvet's perspective and lack of intention from Jaye, Velvet decides to move to a new town far from her Phoenix lifestyle. For the past two years, Velvet has built a life in Catalina Cove, but everything changes when she unexpectedly runs into Jaye at a town hall meeting. The town where her new life is forming has betrayed her in the figurative sense by allowing her old love to not only open a new bank but also reside ,while he manages the new branch, in the house adjacent apartment. Unbeknownst to Velvet, the past two years have changed Jaye tremendously in which nothing about his arrival to Catalina Island is coincidental, instead, a well devised plan to win back the love of the only woman he wants to be with.
The story overall was cute but contains quite a few steamy/spicy open door scenes. The audio version only had one male narrator, so sometimes distinguishing between the change in characters was a bit confusing in the beginning. The storyline had some great secondary characters that added a good perspective to the story. Velvet and Jay's romance felt almost teenage nuanced in some instances, and the relationship overall does not have considerable depth but readers will still find enjoyment in celebrating their wins.
June 24, 2024
Emily Henry who? Just kidding. Wowwwww, Brenda Jackson IS GOOD!! How did I not know about her before??? I jumped into this book without knowing anything about it (grabbed it at the library).
I love her writing style. I love how well she paints the scenary and all the Catalina Cove scenes. I was never bored, as her descriptions were so JUICY. Every sense was explored.
I really liked Velvet's character. I didn't like what Jaye did and would personally have a hard time trusting any man again. It's interesting to see their different POVs. They both saw things so differently.
The ending I thought was really good and the plot twist perfect.
TOO MUCH SEX. TOO MUCH. UNREALISTIC THEY BOTH CAME IMMEDIATELY EVERY SINGLE TIME. FROM JUST PENETRATION. NOPE. NOPE. NOPE. But good fantasy.
The only thing I wish was that she WAS only a teacher. I wished Jaye would have truly liked her for her and not for her "posh upbringing." I wish at the ending (the meddling townspeople), it would have been enough for her too be a teacher, instead of her proving her worth only by it being revealed
I love her writing style. I love how well she paints the scenary and all the Catalina Cove scenes. I was never bored, as her descriptions were so JUICY. Every sense was explored.
I really liked Velvet's character. I didn't like what Jaye did and would personally have a hard time trusting any man again. It's interesting to see their different POVs. They both saw things so differently.
The ending I thought was really good and the plot twist perfect.
TOO MUCH SEX. TOO MUCH. UNREALISTIC THEY BOTH CAME IMMEDIATELY EVERY SINGLE TIME. FROM JUST PENETRATION. NOPE. NOPE. NOPE. But good fantasy.
The only thing I wish was that she WAS only a teacher. I wished Jaye would have truly liked her for her and not for her "posh upbringing." I wish at the ending (the meddling townspeople), it would have been enough for her too be a teacher, instead of her proving her worth only by it being revealed
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