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The Moorehouse Legacy #1
The Rebel
NOTE: This is a re-issue of BEAUTY AND THE BLACK SHEEP Book 1 from the Moorehouse Legacy series.
Nate Walker has never shied away from the hard road. Even when it meant leaving behind his family, wealth, and the fiance who only wanted a rich man. Nothing was going to stop him from opening his own five-star restaurant.
Nate Walker has never shied away from the hard road. Even when it meant leaving behind his family, wealth, and the fiance who only wanted a rich man. Nothing was going to stop him from opening his own five-star restaurant.
And he was on his way until his car broke down on a dark road in the Adirondacks, leading him right to White Caps Inn and Frankie Moorehouse.
Suddenly Nate has a job he doesn't really need and an affair that has to end when summer does. Except Frankie has a way about her. She gets under his skin. She even makes him want to do what he never thought he could stay forever.
298 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2005
336 people are currently reading
2180 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Bird
38 books1,192 followersJessica Bird also writes as J.R. Ward
Jessica Rowley Pell Bird was born on 1969 in Massachusetts, USA. She is the daughter of Maxine F. and W. Gillette Bird, Jr. She began writing as a child, penning her thoughts in diaries as well as inventing short stories. She read her first Harlequin Presents novel in a rose garden when she was in her teens. She was hooked immediately. By the time she went to college, she had boxes and boxes of Harlequins and Silhouettes. Every year, her mother would ask why all those books had to live in the house and Jess would reply that if even one of them disappeared she would know. (She'd catalogued them.)
Jess finished her first romance manuscript the summer before her freshman year of college. She attended Smith College and graduated with a double major in history and art history. She then received a law degree from Albany Law School. Shortly after that, she began working in the healthcare industry in Boston. She spent many years as one of the premier medical center’s Chief of Staff. While working as a lawyer in Boston, she completed two novels more and started a number of partials. In 2001, Bird married John Neville Blakemore III. Both her mother and her new husband kept telling her to send something in to an agent, a publisher, the Tooth Fairy, anyone. She thought they were nuts, but eventually got her nerve up and bought a lot of stamps. Since getting published, she has written contemporary romances as Jessica Bird and paranormal romances as J. R. Ward. She has been a Rita Award finalist, received two Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice nominations and has been a HOLT medallion finalist.
New England born and bred, Jess is surprised to find herself living south of the Mason Dixon line. (But that's what happens when you marry a Southern gentleman.) She and her husband live with their golden retriever, who oversees her writing in a supervisory role.
Jessica Rowley Pell Bird was born on 1969 in Massachusetts, USA. She is the daughter of Maxine F. and W. Gillette Bird, Jr. She began writing as a child, penning her thoughts in diaries as well as inventing short stories. She read her first Harlequin Presents novel in a rose garden when she was in her teens. She was hooked immediately. By the time she went to college, she had boxes and boxes of Harlequins and Silhouettes. Every year, her mother would ask why all those books had to live in the house and Jess would reply that if even one of them disappeared she would know. (She'd catalogued them.)
Jess finished her first romance manuscript the summer before her freshman year of college. She attended Smith College and graduated with a double major in history and art history. She then received a law degree from Albany Law School. Shortly after that, she began working in the healthcare industry in Boston. She spent many years as one of the premier medical center’s Chief of Staff. While working as a lawyer in Boston, she completed two novels more and started a number of partials. In 2001, Bird married John Neville Blakemore III. Both her mother and her new husband kept telling her to send something in to an agent, a publisher, the Tooth Fairy, anyone. She thought they were nuts, but eventually got her nerve up and bought a lot of stamps. Since getting published, she has written contemporary romances as Jessica Bird and paranormal romances as J. R. Ward. She has been a Rita Award finalist, received two Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice nominations and has been a HOLT medallion finalist.
New England born and bred, Jess is surprised to find herself living south of the Mason Dixon line. (But that's what happens when you marry a Southern gentleman.) She and her husband live with their golden retriever, who oversees her writing in a supervisory role.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
August 27, 2011
Beauty and the Black Sheep is my first Jessica Bird read, even though I’ve been a huge fan of J.R. Ward for years, and I have to say that I loved this book almost as much as I love her Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Almost. I just can’t find anything or anyone to top those tormented Brothers and their battle to save the race.
But I digress…
In Beauty and the Black Sheep we are given a very sweet, feel good romance and characters who are so real and so honest in their actions and reactions that we can’t help but relate with them and everything they experience. We feel the heartache of their struggles as they try to come to grips with what they want to do as opposed to what they need to do and we feel their joy as they meet each new trial head on and come through it all stronger, happier people.
While this is a shorter novel, it is by no means a short story. What I mean to say is that in the 250 pages of this book, we’re given a well developed storyline and characters full of such depth and integrity that I didn’t feel cheated in any way. And to go a step further, we’ve been well prepped for the upcoming stories because even the secondary characters in Beauty and the Black Sheep don’t feel secondary at all. We know them well, and we want to find out what direction their lives go in.
I really loved seeing little glimpses of The WARDen in this book through use of words, descriptions and phrases. I can't wait to read the next book, His Comfort and Joy.
Edited to add: This book has been re-released under the title, The Rebel.
October 9, 2009
If you're feeling a little down and in need of a sweet and "feel good" romance, look no further... Pick this book up and I assure you that you'll close it with a smile on your face. Nate, the hero, is a-dor-a-ble and I could eat him with a spoon... *sighs*
Frances "Frankie" Moorehouse is her family's last stand. She's been taking care of her younger sister Joy and her grandmother Grand-Em (who suffers from dementia and requires a lot of TLC), worrying about his absent brother Alex, and managing the family's decaying B&B since her parents died around 10 years ago, and now she's on the verge of a nervous and financial breakdown. The ceiling of her office has just collapsed under the pressure of 20 gallons of water, thanks to her house's ancient plumbing, and her cook has quit without notice, leaving her stranded with some very impatient and hungry guests. Could things get any worse? Yes and no...
Nate Walker has left his job as the chef of a 4-star restaurant in New York City and is on his way to meet his friend Spike in Montreal, where they hope to find a suitable place to open their own restaurant, when his car Lucille dies - with a bang, not with a whimper - and leaves him to walk on foot to the nearest town. Fate plays its hand, and Nate ends up knocking on Frankie's B&B door. It doesn't take long until he realizes she's in serious need of a cook and, hey, he's a chef! So he puts his chef's knives to good use and saves the day, or better, the night.
Nate is a gift from God: besides being too yummy for words, he's a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a classically trained chef who's worked in Paris. And he's willing to stay and work as Frankie's new cook for the next 2 months, putting a temporary stop in his search for the perfect place to open his and Spike's own restaurant. It isn't a bad deal, since the summer season isn't exactly the best for opening their new business and he'll have something to do while he waits. Not to mention that he's very attracted to Frankie and he wouldn't mind getting up close and personal with her...
Nate and Frankie's relationship doesn't flow smoothly, of course. Both of them have troubled pasts and a lot of issues to work through. Neither is seeking a long-term relationship - after all, he's going to leave after Labor Day - and Frankie already has enough problems on her plate, but you can't always put a lid on your emotions, can you?
This was a very enjoyable read, and I really loved Nate. He was sexy, caring and protective, without being overbearing. If he had one "flaw" was, he was too patient. I mean, I lost count of the times Frankie jumped to the wrong conclusion about him and he just forgave her. He wasn't a pushover, but I got the feeling that their relationship was uneven as he definitely gave more than he received. To be fair, Frankie wasn't "bad" and she grew on me in the end, but I admit that I came close to yelling at her once for her continuing distrust. If it wasn't for her, this would have been a 5-star reading for me.
As the 1st book in the Moorehouse Legacy series, Beauty And The Black Sheep not only told the story of the eldest Moorehouse sister, Frankie, but also gave enough tidbits about her siblings, Joy and Alex, to make me interested in reading their stories. Nice going, Ms. Bird!
Frances "Frankie" Moorehouse is her family's last stand. She's been taking care of her younger sister Joy and her grandmother Grand-Em (who suffers from dementia and requires a lot of TLC), worrying about his absent brother Alex, and managing the family's decaying B&B since her parents died around 10 years ago, and now she's on the verge of a nervous and financial breakdown. The ceiling of her office has just collapsed under the pressure of 20 gallons of water, thanks to her house's ancient plumbing, and her cook has quit without notice, leaving her stranded with some very impatient and hungry guests. Could things get any worse? Yes and no...
Nate Walker has left his job as the chef of a 4-star restaurant in New York City and is on his way to meet his friend Spike in Montreal, where they hope to find a suitable place to open their own restaurant, when his car Lucille dies - with a bang, not with a whimper - and leaves him to walk on foot to the nearest town. Fate plays its hand, and Nate ends up knocking on Frankie's B&B door. It doesn't take long until he realizes she's in serious need of a cook and, hey, he's a chef! So he puts his chef's knives to good use and saves the day, or better, the night.
Nate is a gift from God: besides being too yummy for words, he's a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a classically trained chef who's worked in Paris. And he's willing to stay and work as Frankie's new cook for the next 2 months, putting a temporary stop in his search for the perfect place to open his and Spike's own restaurant. It isn't a bad deal, since the summer season isn't exactly the best for opening their new business and he'll have something to do while he waits. Not to mention that he's very attracted to Frankie and he wouldn't mind getting up close and personal with her...
Nate and Frankie's relationship doesn't flow smoothly, of course. Both of them have troubled pasts and a lot of issues to work through. Neither is seeking a long-term relationship - after all, he's going to leave after Labor Day - and Frankie already has enough problems on her plate, but you can't always put a lid on your emotions, can you?
This was a very enjoyable read, and I really loved Nate. He was sexy, caring and protective, without being overbearing. If he had one "flaw" was, he was too patient. I mean, I lost count of the times Frankie jumped to the wrong conclusion about him and he just forgave her. He wasn't a pushover, but I got the feeling that their relationship was uneven as he definitely gave more than he received. To be fair, Frankie wasn't "bad" and she grew on me in the end, but I admit that I came close to yelling at her once for her continuing distrust. If it wasn't for her, this would have been a 5-star reading for me.
As the 1st book in the Moorehouse Legacy series, Beauty And The Black Sheep not only told the story of the eldest Moorehouse sister, Frankie, but also gave enough tidbits about her siblings, Joy and Alex, to make me interested in reading their stories. Nice going, Ms. Bird!
June 3, 2010
4 stars – Contemporary Romance
I'm a big fan of J.R. Ward's BDB series, and I also love contemporary romance. So when I found out the "WARDen" had written contemporary romance as Jessica Bird, I of course just had to check them out. This is the first book in her Moorehouse Legacy Silhouette series, and it's a pretty good read.
Frances "Frankie" Moorehouse is struggling to keep her family's rundown, historical B&B in the Adirondacks in upstate New York running, and although cocky chef Nate Walker drives her crazy with frustration (and lust), he just might be the salvation she and her family's failing business needs.
It's a sweet, charming romance with great writing. I would have rated it even higher, but Frankie's standoffish, superior rude attitude towards Nate got old real fast for me. I was also a bit disappointed by the very mild, PG-ish romance and mostly off the page love scenes, so J.R. Ward fans beware...you definitely won't find her signature steamy sex scenes here. But despite that, it's an endearing story and a worthwhile, quick contemporary read. I'll definitely continue on with the rest of the series. 4 stars!
I'm a big fan of J.R. Ward's BDB series, and I also love contemporary romance. So when I found out the "WARDen" had written contemporary romance as Jessica Bird, I of course just had to check them out. This is the first book in her Moorehouse Legacy Silhouette series, and it's a pretty good read.
Frances "Frankie" Moorehouse is struggling to keep her family's rundown, historical B&B in the Adirondacks in upstate New York running, and although cocky chef Nate Walker drives her crazy with frustration (and lust), he just might be the salvation she and her family's failing business needs.
It's a sweet, charming romance with great writing. I would have rated it even higher, but Frankie's standoffish, superior rude attitude towards Nate got old real fast for me. I was also a bit disappointed by the very mild, PG-ish romance and mostly off the page love scenes, so J.R. Ward fans beware...you definitely won't find her signature steamy sex scenes here. But despite that, it's an endearing story and a worthwhile, quick contemporary read. I'll definitely continue on with the rest of the series. 4 stars!
July 11, 2011
Opening line:"The only warning Frankie Moorehouse had that twenty gallons of water were going to fall on her and her desk was a single drop."
I don't generally read a lot of Harlequin but I am a huge fan of JR Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood which is how I discovered her alter ego Jessica Bird. I enjoyed this, her debut novel and could definitely hear Ward's voice in the writing, particularly when it comes to her sexy yet somewhat tortured male characters. And although this is a predictable, feel good romance Bird kept my interest throughout the engaging love story with interesting secondary characters and multiple POV's. In fact she's left me curious enough that I'm going to have to read the rest of the Moorehouse Legacy series to find out what happens to them all.
Ten years ago Frankie's parents died in a boating accident leaving her to raise her younger brother and sister and care for Grand-Em who suffers from dementia (I loved Grand-Em) To help pay the bills Frankie's turned the family's 6th generation mansion into a Bed & breakfast/restaurant. Unfortunately without the money for upkeep the walls are literally crumbling down on top of them. Tonight the chef's quit and Frankie's reached the end of her endurance, she's exhausted and if business doesn't pick up soon she's going to have to sell.
As fate would have it chef extraordinaire Nate Walker's beloved car Lucille has just broken down leaving him stranded on the side of the road. In his search for a phone so he can continue on to New York, Nate unknowingly enters the chaos of Frankie's kitchen. And before she can say "no soup for you" he's saved the night, putting her naïve staff to work and whipping up a fancy chicken dish for the starving guests.
The attraction between our pair is instantaneous (this is Harlequin after all) but Frankie's not going to be taken in by Nate's green and gold flecked eyes or his athletes body easily she's been burned once too many. That's a good thing too because in Nate's opinion Frankie really needs to dial down the attitude, though he can't help wondering what lies beneath the glasses and baggy clothes or how she'd look if she would just smile. Maybe he'll postpone buying that restaurant in New York, just for the summer of course, help Frankie get back on her feet before he leaves. I mean what's the worst that could happen? It's not like he's going to fall in love or anything. It's not like he'll mow her lawn wearing nothing but a pair of cut-offs, sweat trickling down his muscled chest. Cheers!
I don't generally read a lot of Harlequin but I am a huge fan of JR Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood which is how I discovered her alter ego Jessica Bird. I enjoyed this, her debut novel and could definitely hear Ward's voice in the writing, particularly when it comes to her sexy yet somewhat tortured male characters. And although this is a predictable, feel good romance Bird kept my interest throughout the engaging love story with interesting secondary characters and multiple POV's. In fact she's left me curious enough that I'm going to have to read the rest of the Moorehouse Legacy series to find out what happens to them all.
Ten years ago Frankie's parents died in a boating accident leaving her to raise her younger brother and sister and care for Grand-Em who suffers from dementia (I loved Grand-Em) To help pay the bills Frankie's turned the family's 6th generation mansion into a Bed & breakfast/restaurant. Unfortunately without the money for upkeep the walls are literally crumbling down on top of them. Tonight the chef's quit and Frankie's reached the end of her endurance, she's exhausted and if business doesn't pick up soon she's going to have to sell.
As fate would have it chef extraordinaire Nate Walker's beloved car Lucille has just broken down leaving him stranded on the side of the road. In his search for a phone so he can continue on to New York, Nate unknowingly enters the chaos of Frankie's kitchen. And before she can say "no soup for you" he's saved the night, putting her naïve staff to work and whipping up a fancy chicken dish for the starving guests.
The attraction between our pair is instantaneous (this is Harlequin after all) but Frankie's not going to be taken in by Nate's green and gold flecked eyes or his athletes body easily she's been burned once too many. That's a good thing too because in Nate's opinion Frankie really needs to dial down the attitude, though he can't help wondering what lies beneath the glasses and baggy clothes or how she'd look if she would just smile. Maybe he'll postpone buying that restaurant in New York, just for the summer of course, help Frankie get back on her feet before he leaves. I mean what's the worst that could happen? It's not like he's going to fall in love or anything. It's not like he'll mow her lawn wearing nothing but a pair of cut-offs, sweat trickling down his muscled chest. Cheers!
August 8, 2011
Opening Line: The only warning Frankie Moorehouse had that twnty gallons of water were going to fall on her and her desk was a single drop."
Ten years ago Frankie's parents died in a boating accident leaving her to raise her younger brother and sister and care for Grand-Em who suffers from dementia (I loved Grand-Em) To help pay the bills Frankie's turned the family's 6th generation mansion into a Bed & breakfast/restaurant. Unfortunately without the money for upkeep the walls are literally crumbling down on top of them. Tonight the chef's quit and Frankie's reached the end of her endurance, she's exhausted and if business doesn't pick up soon she's going to have to sell.
As fate would have it chef extraordinaire Nate Walker's beloved car Lucille has just broken down leaving him stranded on the side of the road. In his search for a phone so he can continue on to New York, Nate unknowingly enters the chaos of Frankie's kitchen. And before she can say "no soup for you" he's saved the night, putting her naïve staff to work and whipping up a fancy chicken dish for the starving guests.
The attraction between our pair is instantaneous (this is Harlequin after all) but Frankie's not going to be taken in by Nate's green and gold flecked eyes or his athletes body easily she's been burned once too many. That's a good thing too because in Nate's opinion Frankie really needs to dial down the attitude although he can't help wondering what lies beneath the glasses and baggy clothes or how she'd look if she would just smile. Maybe he'll postpone buying that restaurant in New York, just for the summer of course, help Frankie get back on her feet before he leaves. I mean what's the worst that could happen? It's not like he's going to fall in love or anything. It's not like he'll mow her lawn wearing nothing but a pair of cut-offs, sweat trickling down his muscled chest.
I don't read a lot of Harlequin but I am a huge fan of JR Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood which is how I discovered Jessica Bird. I enjoyed this, her debut novel and could definitely `hear' Ward's voice in the writing particularly when it comes to her sexy yet somewhat tortured male characters. And although this is a predictable, feel good romance Bird kept my interest throughout the engaging love story with interesting secondary characters and multiple POV's. In fact she's left me curious enough that I'm going to have to read the rest of the Moorehouse Legacy series to find out what happens to them all. Cheers!
Here's the correct reading order for the series
(The Moorehouse Legacy)
1-Beauty And The Black Sheep
2-His comfort and Joy
3-From The First
4-A Man In A Million
(The O'Banyon Brothers)Bird/Ward has never completed series
1-The Billionaire Next Door
Ten years ago Frankie's parents died in a boating accident leaving her to raise her younger brother and sister and care for Grand-Em who suffers from dementia (I loved Grand-Em) To help pay the bills Frankie's turned the family's 6th generation mansion into a Bed & breakfast/restaurant. Unfortunately without the money for upkeep the walls are literally crumbling down on top of them. Tonight the chef's quit and Frankie's reached the end of her endurance, she's exhausted and if business doesn't pick up soon she's going to have to sell.
As fate would have it chef extraordinaire Nate Walker's beloved car Lucille has just broken down leaving him stranded on the side of the road. In his search for a phone so he can continue on to New York, Nate unknowingly enters the chaos of Frankie's kitchen. And before she can say "no soup for you" he's saved the night, putting her naïve staff to work and whipping up a fancy chicken dish for the starving guests.
The attraction between our pair is instantaneous (this is Harlequin after all) but Frankie's not going to be taken in by Nate's green and gold flecked eyes or his athletes body easily she's been burned once too many. That's a good thing too because in Nate's opinion Frankie really needs to dial down the attitude although he can't help wondering what lies beneath the glasses and baggy clothes or how she'd look if she would just smile. Maybe he'll postpone buying that restaurant in New York, just for the summer of course, help Frankie get back on her feet before he leaves. I mean what's the worst that could happen? It's not like he's going to fall in love or anything. It's not like he'll mow her lawn wearing nothing but a pair of cut-offs, sweat trickling down his muscled chest.
I don't read a lot of Harlequin but I am a huge fan of JR Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood which is how I discovered Jessica Bird. I enjoyed this, her debut novel and could definitely `hear' Ward's voice in the writing particularly when it comes to her sexy yet somewhat tortured male characters. And although this is a predictable, feel good romance Bird kept my interest throughout the engaging love story with interesting secondary characters and multiple POV's. In fact she's left me curious enough that I'm going to have to read the rest of the Moorehouse Legacy series to find out what happens to them all. Cheers!
Here's the correct reading order for the series
(The Moorehouse Legacy)
1-Beauty And The Black Sheep
2-His comfort and Joy
3-From The First
4-A Man In A Million
(The O'Banyon Brothers)Bird/Ward has never completed series
1-The Billionaire Next Door
December 2, 2018
Quería probar qué tal escribía la autora, más que nada para saber si valía la pena que diera una oportunidad a la famosa saga de "La hermandad de la daga negra". Además, tengo debilidad por la novela romántica contemporánea - sí, sí, pese a que termine por pillarme cabreos terribles -. El caso es que "Un soplo de aire" no ha estado mal. Quiero decir, es una historia sencilla, muy rápida, diría (escribiría) yo.
Si tuviera que destacar un "pero" escogería precisamente esa palabra: rápida. Pasa todo de forma precipitada y, aunque es cierto que quieres seguir leyendo para ver cómo llegamos a un final más que evidente; se hace ameno. Un libro entre libros, a mi juicio.
No sé si seguiré con la saga, pero os animo a que le deis una oportunidad si no sabéis con qué libro echar un tarde de domingo.
Si tuviera que destacar un "pero" escogería precisamente esa palabra: rápida. Pasa todo de forma precipitada y, aunque es cierto que quieres seguir leyendo para ver cómo llegamos a un final más que evidente; se hace ameno. Un libro entre libros, a mi juicio.
No sé si seguiré con la saga, pero os animo a que le deis una oportunidad si no sabéis con qué libro echar un tarde de domingo.
May 23, 2011
*Update May 21/11* This is confirmed as a re-release of Beauty And The Black Sheep (The Moorehouse Legacy, #1)from the Moorehouse Legacy series.
I'm watching this.. Not much info on it yet but I'm sure its a re-release of one of Ward's earlier Harlequin Jessica Bird books.
They're all really good, You can see the BDB taking shape in her (strictly) romance heroes.
~MY REVIEW~
Ten years ago Frankie's parents died in a boating accident leaving her to raise her younger brother and sister and care for Grand-Em who suffers from dementia (I loved Grand-Em) To help pay the bills Frankie's turned the family's 6th generation mansion into a Bed & breakfast/restaurant. Unfortunately without the money for upkeep the walls are literally crumbling down on top of them. Tonight the chef's quit and Frankie's reached the end of her endurance, she's exhausted and if business doesn't pick up soon she's going to have to sell.
As fate would have it chef extraordinaire Nate Walker's beloved car Lucille has just broken down leaving him stranded on the side of the road. In his search for a phone so he can continue on to New York, Nate unknowingly enters the chaos of Frankie's kitchen. And before she can say "no soup for you" he's saved the night, putting her naïve staff to work and whipping up a fancy chicken dish for the starving guests.
The attraction between our pair is instantaneous (this is Harlequin after all) but Frankie's not going to be taken in by Nate's green and gold flecked eyes or his athletes body easily she's been burned once too many. That's a good thing too because in Nate's opinion Frankie really needs to dial down the attitude although he can't help wondering what lies beneath the glasses and baggy clothes or how she'd look if she would just smile. Maybe he'll postpone buying that restaurant in New York, just for the summer of course, help Frankie get back on her feet before he leaves. I mean what's the worst that could happen? It's not like he's going to fall in love or anything. It's not like he'll mow her lawn wearing nothing but a pair of cut-offs, sweat trickling down his muscled chest.
I don't read a lot of Harlequin but I am a huge fan of JR Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood which is how I discovered Jessica Bird. I enjoyed this, her debut novel and could definitely `hear' Ward's voice in the writing particularly when it comes to her sexy yet somewhat tortured male characters. And although this is a predictable, feel good romance Bird kept my interest throughout the engaging love story with interesting secondary characters and multiple POV's. In fact she's left me curious enough that I'm going to have to read the rest of the Moorehouse Legacy series to find out what happens to them all. Cheers
I'm watching this.. Not much info on it yet but I'm sure its a re-release of one of Ward's earlier Harlequin Jessica Bird books.
They're all really good, You can see the BDB taking shape in her (strictly) romance heroes.
~MY REVIEW~
Ten years ago Frankie's parents died in a boating accident leaving her to raise her younger brother and sister and care for Grand-Em who suffers from dementia (I loved Grand-Em) To help pay the bills Frankie's turned the family's 6th generation mansion into a Bed & breakfast/restaurant. Unfortunately without the money for upkeep the walls are literally crumbling down on top of them. Tonight the chef's quit and Frankie's reached the end of her endurance, she's exhausted and if business doesn't pick up soon she's going to have to sell.
As fate would have it chef extraordinaire Nate Walker's beloved car Lucille has just broken down leaving him stranded on the side of the road. In his search for a phone so he can continue on to New York, Nate unknowingly enters the chaos of Frankie's kitchen. And before she can say "no soup for you" he's saved the night, putting her naïve staff to work and whipping up a fancy chicken dish for the starving guests.
The attraction between our pair is instantaneous (this is Harlequin after all) but Frankie's not going to be taken in by Nate's green and gold flecked eyes or his athletes body easily she's been burned once too many. That's a good thing too because in Nate's opinion Frankie really needs to dial down the attitude although he can't help wondering what lies beneath the glasses and baggy clothes or how she'd look if she would just smile. Maybe he'll postpone buying that restaurant in New York, just for the summer of course, help Frankie get back on her feet before he leaves. I mean what's the worst that could happen? It's not like he's going to fall in love or anything. It's not like he'll mow her lawn wearing nothing but a pair of cut-offs, sweat trickling down his muscled chest.
I don't read a lot of Harlequin but I am a huge fan of JR Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood which is how I discovered Jessica Bird. I enjoyed this, her debut novel and could definitely `hear' Ward's voice in the writing particularly when it comes to her sexy yet somewhat tortured male characters. And although this is a predictable, feel good romance Bird kept my interest throughout the engaging love story with interesting secondary characters and multiple POV's. In fact she's left me curious enough that I'm going to have to read the rest of the Moorehouse Legacy series to find out what happens to them all. Cheers
October 10, 2015
Blue Ribbon Rating: 5 out of 5
Original Review Link
For Frankie Moorehouse, White Caps is more than just a Bed & Breakfast. It’s her childhood home…and it’s falling to pieces. Frankie’s worked herself to the bone trying to keep her parents’ legacy going, while supporting herself, her sister and her grandmother, and she’s barely making ends meet. And when her chef up and quits one night, it’s the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
Nate Walker is the rebel in his family. He’s not a corporate suit, but a chef making his own way in the world. While driving through the Adirondacks, Nate’s car breaks down, and he’s forced to hoof it to the nearest residence, which just happens to be White Caps. The disastrous kitchen that greets him puts Nate in his element, but beautiful, frosty Frankie Moorehouse knocks him off-balance. He convinces her to hire him for the summer, but the more time Nate spends around Frankie, the harder it is for him to imagine leaving her. What will happen when the summer comes to an end?
J.R. Ward may be known as a powerhouse paranormal author, but she’s every bit as strong in the contemporary romance genre. THE REBEL is an utterly fantastic book, filled with love, passion, hardship, discovery and humor. I love this book, plain and simple.
Frankie and Nate are two characters who don’t take the easy road in life, but work long and hard – and often against the odds – to achieve their goals. They’re people that you not only have to like, but respect. The romance between them both fires the blood and warms the heart, making for a wonderfully satisfying love story. In addition to Nate and Frankie, Ms. Ward brings the entire cast of supporting characters to life in THE REBEL so perfectly that I felt like I could simply fall into the story. I cared about these characters and their struggles, so I was invested in THE REBEL and finished it wanting to dive into THE PLAYER and THE RENEGADE, the other two Moorehouse siblings’ books.
For those unfamiliar with THE MOOREHOUSE LEGACY series, THE REBEL is a re-issue of BEAUTY AND THE BLACK SHEEP, which Ms. Ward wrote as Jessica Bird. I’m ecstatic that the Moorehouses’ stories are back in print, for this is a series that’s not to be missed!
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Original Review Link
For Frankie Moorehouse, White Caps is more than just a Bed & Breakfast. It’s her childhood home…and it’s falling to pieces. Frankie’s worked herself to the bone trying to keep her parents’ legacy going, while supporting herself, her sister and her grandmother, and she’s barely making ends meet. And when her chef up and quits one night, it’s the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
Nate Walker is the rebel in his family. He’s not a corporate suit, but a chef making his own way in the world. While driving through the Adirondacks, Nate’s car breaks down, and he’s forced to hoof it to the nearest residence, which just happens to be White Caps. The disastrous kitchen that greets him puts Nate in his element, but beautiful, frosty Frankie Moorehouse knocks him off-balance. He convinces her to hire him for the summer, but the more time Nate spends around Frankie, the harder it is for him to imagine leaving her. What will happen when the summer comes to an end?
J.R. Ward may be known as a powerhouse paranormal author, but she’s every bit as strong in the contemporary romance genre. THE REBEL is an utterly fantastic book, filled with love, passion, hardship, discovery and humor. I love this book, plain and simple.
Frankie and Nate are two characters who don’t take the easy road in life, but work long and hard – and often against the odds – to achieve their goals. They’re people that you not only have to like, but respect. The romance between them both fires the blood and warms the heart, making for a wonderfully satisfying love story. In addition to Nate and Frankie, Ms. Ward brings the entire cast of supporting characters to life in THE REBEL so perfectly that I felt like I could simply fall into the story. I cared about these characters and their struggles, so I was invested in THE REBEL and finished it wanting to dive into THE PLAYER and THE RENEGADE, the other two Moorehouse siblings’ books.
For those unfamiliar with THE MOOREHOUSE LEGACY series, THE REBEL is a re-issue of BEAUTY AND THE BLACK SHEEP, which Ms. Ward wrote as Jessica Bird. I’m ecstatic that the Moorehouses’ stories are back in print, for this is a series that’s not to be missed!
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
May 5, 2017
3.5 stars
This book was very good plot wise. I loved the idea and execution of it. Nate, a drifter chef looking for a place of his own to buy, stumbles upon White Caps Bed and Breakfast when his car breaks down. There he meets Frankie Moorehouse, the struggling owner of White Caps. They fall into a relationship and eventually into love. And Nate gives up his chance for a restaurant to stay at White Caps with Frankie and help her repair the B&B she loves. A perfectly interesting plot. And I loved Nate. He was utterly adorable.
My problem was Frankie.
With regards to her, this book was nothing but a constant state of misguided and hurtful assumptions about Nate. She never bothered to talk to him until after the fact, when he was hurt or pissed that she, yet again, did not even bother to ask him what the hell was going on. I'm sorry, but I cannot abide that in a character, let alone one I am supposed to feel some kind of sympathy or love for. There is no excuse for always assuming the worst about someone, especially when they constantly prove how reliable they are. It's a totally dick move, and I do not appreciate it. At all.
However, I am extremely intrigued by the two romances that were introduced. I adore Gray from An Irresistible Bachelor and love him even more in this book, despite the fact that he was barely in it. I can't wait to read about him and Joy Moorehouse, Frankie's younger sister, when their book is reissued as The Player in December. I'm also intrigued by Alex Moorehouse who is quite obviously going to end up with his best friend's widow, Cassandra Cutler. I look forward to seeing how that is going to come about. Also, this isn't a romance, but I can't wait to read more about Spike, Nate's friend, too. His book is the fourth in the Moorehouse series, so his will be coming hopefully soon.
Overall, The Rebel was very good. I enjoyed it. I just could not handle Frankie.
This book was very good plot wise. I loved the idea and execution of it. Nate, a drifter chef looking for a place of his own to buy, stumbles upon White Caps Bed and Breakfast when his car breaks down. There he meets Frankie Moorehouse, the struggling owner of White Caps. They fall into a relationship and eventually into love. And Nate gives up his chance for a restaurant to stay at White Caps with Frankie and help her repair the B&B she loves. A perfectly interesting plot. And I loved Nate. He was utterly adorable.
My problem was Frankie.
With regards to her, this book was nothing but a constant state of misguided and hurtful assumptions about Nate. She never bothered to talk to him until after the fact, when he was hurt or pissed that she, yet again, did not even bother to ask him what the hell was going on. I'm sorry, but I cannot abide that in a character, let alone one I am supposed to feel some kind of sympathy or love for. There is no excuse for always assuming the worst about someone, especially when they constantly prove how reliable they are. It's a totally dick move, and I do not appreciate it. At all.
However, I am extremely intrigued by the two romances that were introduced. I adore Gray from An Irresistible Bachelor and love him even more in this book, despite the fact that he was barely in it. I can't wait to read about him and Joy Moorehouse, Frankie's younger sister, when their book is reissued as The Player in December. I'm also intrigued by Alex Moorehouse who is quite obviously going to end up with his best friend's widow, Cassandra Cutler. I look forward to seeing how that is going to come about. Also, this isn't a romance, but I can't wait to read more about Spike, Nate's friend, too. His book is the fourth in the Moorehouse series, so his will be coming hopefully soon.
Overall, The Rebel was very good. I enjoyed it. I just could not handle Frankie.
November 2, 2017
Iba todo muy bien hasta que resolvieron toda la historia en las últimas 20 hojas.
La historia comienza cuando Nate se accidenta cerca de un hotel que prácticamente se está cayendo a pedazos y llevándose consigo a su joven dueña Frankie. Nate con sus manos bendecidas en la cocina resulta ser la salvación del negocio de Frankie, y él quiere algo más que dinero a cambio. La quiere a ella.
Como dije, todo iba muy bien, partes muy lindas, confesiones especiales y cuando las cosas comienzan a marchar, en una página se derrumban y en otras dos páginas ya ellos están comprometidos y se acaba el libro, jaja.
Me quedó como WTF.
La historia comienza cuando Nate se accidenta cerca de un hotel que prácticamente se está cayendo a pedazos y llevándose consigo a su joven dueña Frankie. Nate con sus manos bendecidas en la cocina resulta ser la salvación del negocio de Frankie, y él quiere algo más que dinero a cambio. La quiere a ella.
Como dije, todo iba muy bien, partes muy lindas, confesiones especiales y cuando las cosas comienzan a marchar, en una página se derrumban y en otras dos páginas ya ellos están comprometidos y se acaba el libro, jaja.
Me quedó como WTF.
January 13, 2016
Contemporary Romance Horribly contentious
Yikes, this is the most combative "romance" I've ever read. It was like one of those couples on the Amazing Race who spend the whole trip yelling at each other, so that you've got your fingers crossed hoping they'll get booted off at the end of each episode.
The hero spends the whole time mad at the heroine for continually rushing to judgment without listening, a completely fair assertion. Frankie, the heroine, is so uptight and controlling, it makes the love story ludicrous.
When, my friends, in the history of love has a man ever fallen for a shrew with stringy hair, heavy glasses, bags under her eyes, and pants that look like two trash bags slung together. A description straight out of the book, by the way.
And whoever did the cover art didn't read the book. The heroine doesn't smile, not once!
One last irritation, both men in the story are 6'7". I am really getting tired of this over exaggeration in the romance genre. I come from a family of big, strong, men. My husband, my son, my dad, all well over 6'. My brother is 6'5". I'm here to tell you that once you get over 6'2 or so, things just get awkward. I can't imagine the permanent crick in the neck you'd get from looking up at a 6'7" husband. I do admit that I'm looking at this from the shy side of 5'4".
Definitely not recommended, unless you thrive on conflict.
There are a couple of intimate scenes, which I found uncomfortable since they went to bed angry, and, to the best of my recollection, one or two bad words.
Yikes, this is the most combative "romance" I've ever read. It was like one of those couples on the Amazing Race who spend the whole trip yelling at each other, so that you've got your fingers crossed hoping they'll get booted off at the end of each episode.
The hero spends the whole time mad at the heroine for continually rushing to judgment without listening, a completely fair assertion. Frankie, the heroine, is so uptight and controlling, it makes the love story ludicrous.
When, my friends, in the history of love has a man ever fallen for a shrew with stringy hair, heavy glasses, bags under her eyes, and pants that look like two trash bags slung together. A description straight out of the book, by the way.
And whoever did the cover art didn't read the book. The heroine doesn't smile, not once!
One last irritation, both men in the story are 6'7". I am really getting tired of this over exaggeration in the romance genre. I come from a family of big, strong, men. My husband, my son, my dad, all well over 6'. My brother is 6'5". I'm here to tell you that once you get over 6'2 or so, things just get awkward. I can't imagine the permanent crick in the neck you'd get from looking up at a 6'7" husband. I do admit that I'm looking at this from the shy side of 5'4".
Definitely not recommended, unless you thrive on conflict.
There are a couple of intimate scenes, which I found uncomfortable since they went to bed angry, and, to the best of my recollection, one or two bad words.
March 26, 2012
2 1/2 stars, really.
At first comforting in its predictability, but the one-dimensional characters got on my nerves and some of the issues just seemed so contrived and far-fetched. JR Ward/Jessica Bird usually throws in some steamy smexing but this was not the case here, either. Meh.
At first comforting in its predictability, but the one-dimensional characters got on my nerves and some of the issues just seemed so contrived and far-fetched. JR Ward/Jessica Bird usually throws in some steamy smexing but this was not the case here, either. Meh.
August 24, 2015
romance carino, ma lontano anni luce dalla serie della Confraternita.
April 8, 2015
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" Who would have thought that Jessica Bird (aka the incomparable J. R. Ward) could write a book less than half the length of her Black Dagger Brotherhood books that is still a lovely and satisfying story? Well, that's exactly what she accomplished in Beauty and the Black Sheep. The heroine runs a Bed & Breakfast out of her family's old Victorian home on Saranac Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. I certainly couldn't have asked for a more beautiful setting, and it's there, over a summer, that love blooms between her and her unexpected new chef. I was very pleasantly surprised – although perhaps not too much so – to find this book was an engaging read that was every bit as enjoyable as Ms. Bird's longer books that I've read.
Frankie is an incredibly responsible woman who has shouldered the burden of taking care of her family ever since her parents both drowned in a vicious storm on the lake. At the time, her younger sister, Joy was still in high school, so Frankie not only became a parent to her, but also a caretaker to her elderly grandmother who has dementia, as well as taking up the running of the family's B & B. Despite her lack of formal training, she's very competent at her job, but the old house is literally falling down around her ears, then her chef quits out of the blue on Fourth of July weekend. She's pretty much up a creek without a paddle until Nate shows up at her door. Initially, Frankie is somewhat miffed at having her space invaded by a stranger even if he is undeniably handsome and did save her bacon. Frankie is used to being in control and giving all the orders, so when Nate swoops in and takes over, it makes her a little prickly toward him at first. At the same time though, she's very vulnerable and can't deny how good it would feel to have someone help share her burden. I love Frankie for her plain Jane looks. She wears glasses and baggy clothes and has ordinary brown hair that is a bit mussed up. She thinks of Joy as being the beauty in the family, while she's just plain old Frankie, so it's a little hard for her to fathom why Nate is interested in her. After being badly hurt by a former flame and with so much on her plate, she institutes a hand-off policy with Nate, but soon finds it hard to resist his charm and persistence. Occasionally she jumps to the wrong conclusions about him, but she's always quick to apologize if she's wrong. Frankie is a well-rounded heroine who loves her family and is dedicated to her business, and even though it scares her to death, she makes room in heart for Nate as well.
Nate came from a wealthy family, but was disinherited when he chose to become a chef instead of doing what his father wanted and going into law or politics. He's made a name for himself in the culinary world, but what he really wants is to start a restaurant of his own, where he can be the boss in the kitchen. He and his friend have been looking for a place to buy, but haven't found anything in their price range yet. He's headed to Montreal to check out a potential prospect, when his car breaks down in a rural area of upstate New York. He ends up at White Caps, Frankie's B & B, where it's obvious that they're having a kitchen emergency. I love Nate's take charge attitude in the kitchen. He has a talent for giving rapid-fire orders, while still making everyone feel needed and appreciated. He just instinctively knows how to handle each person in Frankie's life in exactly the right way. Physically, Nate is pretty much like the men of the BDB, very tall and muscular, with dark good looks. I adore him for falling for the plain girl over her gorgeous sister and making her feel like a princess. He has a strong personality that makes him want to take charge, but he understands Frankie's reluctance at first, and is patient enough to humor her. In addition to his culinary skills, he's pretty handy with household tools. A chef and a handyman? Where can I sign up for a Nate of my own?;-) What I liked most about Nate is that he truly wants to share Frankie's load and lets her lean on him when things get really rough. Nate thought he didn't want a wife and kids, but the right woman coming into his life, really made him change his tune.
For such a short book, I was surprised to see that Ms. Bird managed to fit in a few short POV scenes for other characters. This was great, because it really whetted my appetite for their upcoming stories. Joy has a sweet air of innocence about her. She's great with her grandmother, having a wonderfully calming influence on her when she's particularly agitated. She's had a crush on Grayson Bennett for years and lives for the times when he comes to visit the area each year. Little does she know that Gray has noticed her too and been having some naughty thoughts about her. These two become the hero and heroine of the next book, His Comfort and Joy aka The Player. We also get a few glimpses of Frankie and Joy's brother, Alex, who comes home to recuperate after a horrific boating accident that killed his sailing partner, and it appears he has a lot more than broken bones to mend. He'll become the hero of the third book, From the First. Nate also has a few phone conversations with his best friend and business partner, Spike, who becomes the hero of the fourth book, A Man in a Million.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Beauty and the Black Sheep. I just love how Jessica Bird can create exquisite sexual tension between her couples with smoldering looks and the barest of touches. I was also impressed with how well she was able to build her characterizations in such a short space. I always felt like I fully understood them and their motivations. Honestly there's really nothing I would have changed about the book, so the only reason I knocked off a half-star is because a few of the earlier chapters seemed to lag a little. During those times, I wasn't quite as stoked to get back to it as I normally would be with a five-star read, but otherwise, it was a perfect and sweet, little story.
Beauty and the Black Sheep was originally published as part of the Silhouette Special Edition line, but was recently republished as a stand-alone book that was retitled, The Rebel. No matter what title it goes by, this is the first book in The Moorehouse Legacy. This series basically dovetails right off of Ms. Bird's An Irresistible Bachelor, in which both Nate and Gray played prominent roles. It's an excellent start to this new-to-me series, and I can't wait to read Gray and Joy's story soon.
"4.5 stars" Who would have thought that Jessica Bird (aka the incomparable J. R. Ward) could write a book less than half the length of her Black Dagger Brotherhood books that is still a lovely and satisfying story? Well, that's exactly what she accomplished in Beauty and the Black Sheep. The heroine runs a Bed & Breakfast out of her family's old Victorian home on Saranac Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. I certainly couldn't have asked for a more beautiful setting, and it's there, over a summer, that love blooms between her and her unexpected new chef. I was very pleasantly surprised – although perhaps not too much so – to find this book was an engaging read that was every bit as enjoyable as Ms. Bird's longer books that I've read.
Frankie is an incredibly responsible woman who has shouldered the burden of taking care of her family ever since her parents both drowned in a vicious storm on the lake. At the time, her younger sister, Joy was still in high school, so Frankie not only became a parent to her, but also a caretaker to her elderly grandmother who has dementia, as well as taking up the running of the family's B & B. Despite her lack of formal training, she's very competent at her job, but the old house is literally falling down around her ears, then her chef quits out of the blue on Fourth of July weekend. She's pretty much up a creek without a paddle until Nate shows up at her door. Initially, Frankie is somewhat miffed at having her space invaded by a stranger even if he is undeniably handsome and did save her bacon. Frankie is used to being in control and giving all the orders, so when Nate swoops in and takes over, it makes her a little prickly toward him at first. At the same time though, she's very vulnerable and can't deny how good it would feel to have someone help share her burden. I love Frankie for her plain Jane looks. She wears glasses and baggy clothes and has ordinary brown hair that is a bit mussed up. She thinks of Joy as being the beauty in the family, while she's just plain old Frankie, so it's a little hard for her to fathom why Nate is interested in her. After being badly hurt by a former flame and with so much on her plate, she institutes a hand-off policy with Nate, but soon finds it hard to resist his charm and persistence. Occasionally she jumps to the wrong conclusions about him, but she's always quick to apologize if she's wrong. Frankie is a well-rounded heroine who loves her family and is dedicated to her business, and even though it scares her to death, she makes room in heart for Nate as well.
Nate came from a wealthy family, but was disinherited when he chose to become a chef instead of doing what his father wanted and going into law or politics. He's made a name for himself in the culinary world, but what he really wants is to start a restaurant of his own, where he can be the boss in the kitchen. He and his friend have been looking for a place to buy, but haven't found anything in their price range yet. He's headed to Montreal to check out a potential prospect, when his car breaks down in a rural area of upstate New York. He ends up at White Caps, Frankie's B & B, where it's obvious that they're having a kitchen emergency. I love Nate's take charge attitude in the kitchen. He has a talent for giving rapid-fire orders, while still making everyone feel needed and appreciated. He just instinctively knows how to handle each person in Frankie's life in exactly the right way. Physically, Nate is pretty much like the men of the BDB, very tall and muscular, with dark good looks. I adore him for falling for the plain girl over her gorgeous sister and making her feel like a princess. He has a strong personality that makes him want to take charge, but he understands Frankie's reluctance at first, and is patient enough to humor her. In addition to his culinary skills, he's pretty handy with household tools. A chef and a handyman? Where can I sign up for a Nate of my own?;-) What I liked most about Nate is that he truly wants to share Frankie's load and lets her lean on him when things get really rough. Nate thought he didn't want a wife and kids, but the right woman coming into his life, really made him change his tune.
For such a short book, I was surprised to see that Ms. Bird managed to fit in a few short POV scenes for other characters. This was great, because it really whetted my appetite for their upcoming stories. Joy has a sweet air of innocence about her. She's great with her grandmother, having a wonderfully calming influence on her when she's particularly agitated. She's had a crush on Grayson Bennett for years and lives for the times when he comes to visit the area each year. Little does she know that Gray has noticed her too and been having some naughty thoughts about her. These two become the hero and heroine of the next book, His Comfort and Joy aka The Player. We also get a few glimpses of Frankie and Joy's brother, Alex, who comes home to recuperate after a horrific boating accident that killed his sailing partner, and it appears he has a lot more than broken bones to mend. He'll become the hero of the third book, From the First. Nate also has a few phone conversations with his best friend and business partner, Spike, who becomes the hero of the fourth book, A Man in a Million.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Beauty and the Black Sheep. I just love how Jessica Bird can create exquisite sexual tension between her couples with smoldering looks and the barest of touches. I was also impressed with how well she was able to build her characterizations in such a short space. I always felt like I fully understood them and their motivations. Honestly there's really nothing I would have changed about the book, so the only reason I knocked off a half-star is because a few of the earlier chapters seemed to lag a little. During those times, I wasn't quite as stoked to get back to it as I normally would be with a five-star read, but otherwise, it was a perfect and sweet, little story.
Beauty and the Black Sheep was originally published as part of the Silhouette Special Edition line, but was recently republished as a stand-alone book that was retitled, The Rebel. No matter what title it goes by, this is the first book in The Moorehouse Legacy. This series basically dovetails right off of Ms. Bird's An Irresistible Bachelor, in which both Nate and Gray played prominent roles. It's an excellent start to this new-to-me series, and I can't wait to read Gray and Joy's story soon.
August 24, 2015
Cosa s’inventerà mai la Ward per un contemporary?
Me lo sono chiesta poco prima di iniziare questo libro, e ne sono rimasta piacevolmente sorpresa. La trama è una storia già sentita, già letta ( e a volte anche riletta), ma questa è l’unica pecca di questo libro. Non ero sicura di cosa aspettarmi, ma di certo non mi sarei aspettata un libro cosi (in senso positivo!).
La storia è ambientata in questo luogo immerso nella natura, riservato a coloro che vogliono prendere le distanze dalla vita frenetica della città. Frankie è una donna giovane trentenne, con un grande peso sulle spalle: manda avanti il White Caps Bed Breakfast, con l’aiuto della sorella, e cerca ogni giorno di salvare questo magnifico posto, oltre che unico legame con la sua famiglia. Orfana di genitori poco più che ventenne, si è fatta forza per tenersi strette la sua casa e la sua famiglia (o meglio coloro che ne sono rimasti..). Purtroppo la situazione è diventata quasi insostenibile, ma.. proprio quando tutto sembra ormai perduto, ecco che un barlume di speranza si accende per la piccola grande donna.
Per fortuna o sfortuna, Lucilie ( un’auto/amica inseparabile) decide di abbandonare il suo fedele proprietario in mezzo al bosco: Nate è cosi costretto ad incamminarsi per trovare un telefono ed un riparo. Tra caviglia gonfia ed un’irritazione al collo, Nate riesce a trovare una “particolare” accoglienza al White Caps Bed & Breakfast.
Per quanto Frankie non veda di buon occhio Nate.. non si può negare che lui sia.. un uomo.. come dire.. sexy? Aggraziato? Affascinante? Misterioso? E non può nemmeno negare che abbia delle.. qualità.. grandi qualità! Che avete capito?
Naturalmente parlo di doti culinarie.. e Frankie avrebbe proprio bisogno di uno chef: che dire entrambi hanno bisogno l’uno dell’altro, quindi.. vitto-alloggio-ministipendio in cambio di lavoro.
Sarebbe tutto più semplice se.. Nate non fosse così attraente con quel grembiule da chef.. o se Frankie non avesse già visto tutta la mercanzia durante un suo bagno notturno.. senza veli.. Come resistere all’attrazione se questa “cosa” tra loro è destinata a finire?
continua a leggere su crazyforromance
Me lo sono chiesta poco prima di iniziare questo libro, e ne sono rimasta piacevolmente sorpresa. La trama è una storia già sentita, già letta ( e a volte anche riletta), ma questa è l’unica pecca di questo libro. Non ero sicura di cosa aspettarmi, ma di certo non mi sarei aspettata un libro cosi (in senso positivo!).
La storia è ambientata in questo luogo immerso nella natura, riservato a coloro che vogliono prendere le distanze dalla vita frenetica della città. Frankie è una donna giovane trentenne, con un grande peso sulle spalle: manda avanti il White Caps Bed Breakfast, con l’aiuto della sorella, e cerca ogni giorno di salvare questo magnifico posto, oltre che unico legame con la sua famiglia. Orfana di genitori poco più che ventenne, si è fatta forza per tenersi strette la sua casa e la sua famiglia (o meglio coloro che ne sono rimasti..). Purtroppo la situazione è diventata quasi insostenibile, ma.. proprio quando tutto sembra ormai perduto, ecco che un barlume di speranza si accende per la piccola grande donna.
Per fortuna o sfortuna, Lucilie ( un’auto/amica inseparabile) decide di abbandonare il suo fedele proprietario in mezzo al bosco: Nate è cosi costretto ad incamminarsi per trovare un telefono ed un riparo. Tra caviglia gonfia ed un’irritazione al collo, Nate riesce a trovare una “particolare” accoglienza al White Caps Bed & Breakfast.
Per quanto Frankie non veda di buon occhio Nate.. non si può negare che lui sia.. un uomo.. come dire.. sexy? Aggraziato? Affascinante? Misterioso? E non può nemmeno negare che abbia delle.. qualità.. grandi qualità! Che avete capito?
Naturalmente parlo di doti culinarie.. e Frankie avrebbe proprio bisogno di uno chef: che dire entrambi hanno bisogno l’uno dell’altro, quindi.. vitto-alloggio-ministipendio in cambio di lavoro.
Sarebbe tutto più semplice se.. Nate non fosse così attraente con quel grembiule da chef.. o se Frankie non avesse già visto tutta la mercanzia durante un suo bagno notturno.. senza veli.. Come resistere all’attrazione se questa “cosa” tra loro è destinata a finire?
continua a leggere su crazyforromance
July 23, 2016
This was a light yet very sweet read and, like every story I've read so far by J.R. Ward, I couldn't put it down. Another thing about this author (one of my favourites, by the way) is that her male characters are so vivid and compelling it's difficult to believe they're not real.
The same happened with Nate, the hero in this book. I loved the guy. And he reminded me of Butch O'Neil what with his capped front tooth and his dark physical appearance. Frankie, the heroine, was ok, I liked her alright but I found her bearing was at times a bit on the rude side.
The parts I enjoyed less were the sex scenes which felt modest, almost prudent, compared to the scorching hot scenes Ward is capable of writing.
Notwithstanding, I enjoyed this very much and I can't wait to read Joy's story, the next one in the series.
The same happened with Nate, the hero in this book. I loved the guy. And he reminded me of Butch O'Neil what with his capped front tooth and his dark physical appearance. Frankie, the heroine, was ok, I liked her alright but I found her bearing was at times a bit on the rude side.
The parts I enjoyed less were the sex scenes which felt modest, almost prudent, compared to the scorching hot scenes Ward is capable of writing.
Notwithstanding, I enjoyed this very much and I can't wait to read Joy's story, the next one in the series.
May 10, 2009
modern romances aren't normally something i'd go for::but::i needed my Warden fix::and this book supplied it::the storyline was nice::the H/H were good together::strange:: but you kind of get flashes of other characters from them::mannerisms etc::and the HEA was sweet too::shall definately read some more::
July 20, 2016
A fun romance story about a woman desperate to keep a roof over her family's head and the playboy chef who might be her savoir.
It's predictable but I did enjoy the overall lighthearted tone and the main couple were engaging and enjoyable to read about. Pretty much what you would expect from a Harlequin romance book.
It's predictable but I did enjoy the overall lighthearted tone and the main couple were engaging and enjoyable to read about. Pretty much what you would expect from a Harlequin romance book.
January 21, 2019
Okay .... did you know that JR Ward had a contemporary-romance pseudonym???? Obviously because you're here. But yikes this made by week!
This book starts off with Frankie, the main character, as her pipes burst and her ceiling caves in on her in a rush of water. She runs a bed and breakfast out of her family's ancestral home White Caps. Problem is, White Caps is going under and close to bankruptcy and disrepair. An unhealthy combination.
When the cook quits unexpectedly -- and Frankie burns the chicken to crisps -- she's near panic-mode about what to do with her hoity-toity guests who expect a high-end meal.
Thank god a man limps through the door asking to use a phone--who also happens to be an amazing chef looking for a summer job. And, he's cute!
The premise of the book is adorable, and the writing was fantastic. But the main character, Frankie, seemed like she was all hard edges and not much else. There weren't a lot of moments of romantic moments between them. It seemed that as soon as they accepted their feelings for each other ... the book ended.
This book starts off with Frankie, the main character, as her pipes burst and her ceiling caves in on her in a rush of water. She runs a bed and breakfast out of her family's ancestral home White Caps. Problem is, White Caps is going under and close to bankruptcy and disrepair. An unhealthy combination.
When the cook quits unexpectedly -- and Frankie burns the chicken to crisps -- she's near panic-mode about what to do with her hoity-toity guests who expect a high-end meal.
Thank god a man limps through the door asking to use a phone--who also happens to be an amazing chef looking for a summer job. And, he's cute!
The premise of the book is adorable, and the writing was fantastic. But the main character, Frankie, seemed like she was all hard edges and not much else. There weren't a lot of moments of romantic moments between them. It seemed that as soon as they accepted their feelings for each other ... the book ended.
April 20, 2021
Our heroine is running an Inn in the Adirondacks that is in trouble. What she needs is something to put it on the map. Enter our hero. He is an amazing chef. (I love that chef is one of those words that know no gender) Although he has a job waiting for him when the summer is over, he fills in as the cook for her Inn. At first she is reluctant (what good heroine isn't) but when business picks up she changes her mind. Two hot people in a romantic setting? Romance ensues, of course.
Good book!
Good book!
February 4, 2019
rating:3stars
just the right amount of swoon and laughter for this book.
just the right amount of swoon and laughter for this book.
April 18, 2018
“Il Ribelle” è l’ultima fatica, in termini di pubblicazione, della regina incontrastata dello Urban Fantasy, J.R. Ward. Questo però non è un fantasy, bensì fa parte dell’altra vita della Ward, il suo alter ego romantico che risponde al nome di Jessica Bird ed è il primo di una serie, una quadrilogia intitolata “The Moorehouse Legacy”.
Se con il suo nome l’autrice ci delizia con storie di vampiri e angeli, e presto anche con nuove saghe familiari, con il suo pseudonimo ci intrattiene con storie d’amore bellissime, contemporanee e sempre molto romantiche. La storia è semplice, ma nel suo caso non è mai sinonimo di banale.
Ritroviamo nella trama gli archetipi della narrazione più classica.
Innanzitutto la fanciulla nei guai, in una rivisitazione moderna, ovviamente. Frankie ha dovuto affrontare uno dei peggiori lutti che possa accadere a una giovane donna. Come diretta conseguenza le sono piombate addosso responsabilità più grandi di lei che, per dieci anni, hanno come cristallizzato la sua vita, portandola a rinunciare al college e alle relazioni sentimentali. Ora paga le conseguenze di scelte dettate dal cuore e dalle emozioni e si trova in una situazione disperata. Proprio quando il destino sembra accanirsi ulteriormente, nel bel mezzo di una serata disastrosa, arriva un uomo che potrebbe fare la differenza.
E qui si inserisce l’archetipo del cavaliere dalla lucente armatura, che però tanto perfetto non è.
«Quanti.» Frankie si rese conto che nessuno, nella stanza, si muoveva. Joy era paralizzata in un punto vicino alla porta che immetteva nella sala da pranzo. George si era fermato con il biscotto a mezz’aria, mentre lo stava mettendo in bocca. Stavano palesemente aspettando che lei esplodesse. Frankie guardò il pollo, poi di nuovo l’uomo che aveva preso un lungo coltello e lo teneva al di sopra della carcassa. Con quell’attrezzo in mano aveva un’aria assai professionale. «Lei un cuoco?»
«No, un fabbro.»
Mentre Frankie lo fissava, la sfida in quegli occhi profondi era chiara quanto il guaio in cui lei si trovava. Aveva una scelta. Affidarsi alla propria abilità, che aveva già avuto come risultato l’incenerimento di una notevole quantità di proteine. O giocare d’azzardo scommettendo su quello sconosciuto e il suo luccicante set di coltelli. «Sedici persone al massimo» rispose, sbrigativa.
«Okay, ecco di che cosa avrò bisogno.»
Nate è un uomo che ha sofferto, ma che è sempre rimasto fedele ai suoi principi e sogni, lottando con le unghie e con i denti per quello in cui credeva. Per raggiungere il suo scopo ha anche rinunciato a una vita privilegiata, una gabbia dorata dalla quale è fuggito senza rimpianti. Le sue cicatrici sono profonde e lo portano a diffidare dei coinvolgimenti emotivi e di tutto ciò che gli ricorda quello che, per un attimo, ha assaporato, ma che gli è stato strappato via con indifferenza ed egoismo.
Quando queste due solitudini si incontrano ha inizio una storia delicata e ironica, lo scontro di due caratteri forti, entrambi restii a concedere spazi di potere.
Nate inarcò un sopracciglio, aspettando una risposta. Lei si strinse nelle spalle .«Abbiamo solo lucciole e stelle cadenti, qui al White Caps, ma in paese c’è un bar. Non so perché, però, immagino che preferiresti qualcosa di più eccitante di quello che si può trovare allo Stop, Drop and Roll.» «È il nome del bar?» «Il padrone è un pompiere volontario.»Lui sorrise. «Be’, penso che quello che avete qui andrà benissimo.» Lei gli scoccò un’occhiata scettica, rifiutandosi di leggere un doppio senso nelle sue parole. «Venendo da New York, sono sicura che vorrai qualcosa di più stimolante.»
«Dipende dalla compagnia. A volte la tranquillità è la cosa migliore.» Lo sguardo di Nate si spostò sulle labbra di Frankie e il suo sorriso sparì. «A volte due persone hanno bisogno solo della notte.» Un attimo dopo girò sui tacchi, lasciandola a fissarlo. Lei si portò le dita alle labbra e si chiese se si potesse essere baciati senza che ci fosse alcun reale contatto.
Se nella vita professionale sono up-and-down, con Frankie che ricopre il ruolo di capo, nella vita privata la loro relazione è connotata da molta tenerezza, nonostante il sarcasmo contenuto nelle loro interazioni.
Lei annuì e rimase sorpresa quando lui chiuse la porta. Si irrigidì, ma mantenne l’espressione il più possibile neutra. Si chiese se Nate stesse per dirle che se ne andava.
«Ti sono davvero grato per avermi dato un po’ di spazio.»
Lui si passò le dita tra i capelli.
Lei rise, rigida.
«Hai l’aria di chi sta per scusarsi per qualcosa.»
«È così.»
«Be’, per favore, non farlo.»
Non voleva proprio sentirgli dire come gli dispiaceva avere ottenuto ciò che aveva sperato.
Lui rimase in silenzio. Poi respirò a fondo.
«Okay. Ma voglio che tu sappia una cosa. Sto morendo dalla voglia di stare con te. Questa sera. Adesso. In questo momento.» Gli occhi di Nate si fissarono nei suoi, brucianti. «Saresti disposta a darmi una seconda occasione?»
Buon Dio, babbo Natale era un uomo grasso vestito di rosso? Certo che era disposta.
Siamo di fronte a un rapporto apparentemente impossibile: lui è indipendente e ribelle, lei ha sempre seguito le regole.; lui non ha radici, per lei i luoghi sono come persone; lui non vuole impegnarsi, lei coltiva la segreta speranza di costruire una famiglia.
«È già mattina?» La voce era insonnolita mentre si stropicciava gli occhi.
«Purtroppo.»
Avevano fatto l’amore altre due volte durante la notte e si erano addormentati solo un’ora prima, ma Nate si sentiva in grado di correre una maratona. Fece scorrere la mano lungo l’addome liscio di Frankie, poi sulla coscia. «Sai una cosa?»
«Che cosa?» Nate chiuse la bocca. Era sul punto di dire che si sarebbe davvero potuto abituare a svegliarsi accanto a lei, ma poi pensò al limite solo sesso di Frankie. Diavolo, al suo limite solo sesso. Mentre stringeva le labbra, pensò che, be’, quella era una novità. Di solito le donne volevano che parlasse con loro, e lui non aveva niente da dire. O niente che avrebbero voluto sentire, per essere più preciso. Ma, buon Dio, dopo quella notte aveva voglia di dare libero sfogo a un vero fiume di discorsi romantici. Frankie aveva dato una scossa al suo mondo, e non solo fisicamente. Lei rotolò su se stessa e lo guardò. Ragazzi, adorava il colore dei suoi occhi. «Che cosa?» ripeté Frankie.
«Devo andare.» Nate le scoccò un bacio sulla bocca e scese alla svelta dal letto. Si stava infilando i boxer quando notò il suo sorriso.«Hai un bellissimo corpo, sai» osservò lei.
Nate si fermò, lanciando un’occhiata alla sveglia. La colazione poteva aspettare ancora un po’.
Il finale non è così scontato come sembra, io non ero sicura su chi avrebbe fatto il fatidico passo e alla fine sono rimasta piacevolmente sorpresa.
Anche i personaggi di contorno, sia pur sfumati, incuriosiscono. La sorella minore Joy, innamorata di qualcuno forse irraggiungibile, mi ha suscitato la tenerezza del primo amore; il fratello Alex, eterno bambino che non si è mai assunto le sue responsabilità, e che si trova di fronte a una nuova tragedia, mi ha fatto arrabbiare, ma sono sicura che ci riserverà delle sorprese; infine la nonna – oramai al tramonto della sua vita, con una mente sconvolta dalla demenza – che rappresenta la caducità dell’esistenza, ci ricorda che le occasioni vanno colte quando si presentano, e che se le lasciamo andare dobbiamo essere sicuri di non avere rimpianti.
Lo stile della Ward è sempre unico, che scriva libri di vampiri o che affronti tematiche romantiche. Ha la capacità di farti entrare nella storia, con una scrittura molto visiva, accompagnata da scelte stilistiche dirette che ti trascinano in un universo di emozioni. Questo libro è uno di quelli che lasci malvolentieri anche solo per pochi minuti.
L’ho amato molto, mi ha tenuto compagnia con garbo e dolcezza perché parlare di cose semplici può essere altrettanto avvincente, e ciò che conta è la capacità della scrittrice di trascinarti nel suo mondo.
Unico punto di debolezza: il finale. Mi è sembrato affrettato, forse avrebbe dovuto prendersi più tempo per farci meglio assaporare le contraddizioni dei personaggi, entrambi sempre sull’orlo di una decisione che a mio parere poteva essere più sofferta. Tuttavia, conoscendo la vena di sadismo dell’autrice, potrebbe essere una scelta pensata, una strategia, e forse la storia di Frankie e Nate ci riserverà ancora sorprese.
Tranne che lui le aveva già detto che non voleva matrimonio e famiglia, e un’unica conversazione ittiologica con un bambino di sette anni non avrebbe cambiato quel fatto. E diavolo, anche se lui avesse voluto chiederle di sposarlo – e non le aveva dato alcun motivo di credere che l’avrebbe mai fatto, con lei o con chiunque altra – c’era sempre il piccolo inconveniente che sarebbero stati separati da centinaia di chilometri. Frankie salì di sopra e andò a fare la doccia, pensando che doveva allontanare quei pensieri malinconici. La pressione dell’acqua era patetica. Appena sufficiente a sciacquarle la schiuma dai capelli, e lei si chiese se Alex fosse sceso dal letto. Forse adesso che la casa era silenziosa si era avventurato fuori dalla sua stanza e si stava lavando i capelli nel lavabo, o faceva una spugnatura. Quando andò in camera sua, Nate era a letto. Aveva un libro aperto in grembo, ma teneva la testa appoggiata ai guanciali, a occhi chiusi. Con gli zigomi ancora più marcati del solito sembrava esausto, e anche dimagrito. Aveva lavorato così duro in quella cucina caldissima e si erano dati piuttosto da fare durante le notti. Benché anche lei fosse stanca, dopo l’angoscia per Alex e le preoccupazioni per la sorte dell’albergo, almeno non aveva dovuto anche cucinare centinaia di piatti ogni sera.
Gli si avvicinò in punta di piedi, gli sfilò il libro dalle mani e spense la lampada. Mentre si metteva a letto accanto a lui, Nate mormorò qualcosa di incomprensibile, se l’attirò vicino e cominciò a russare sommessamente.
Frankie si era oramai abituata ai piccoli suoni che emetteva. Al modo in cui il suo corpo pesava sul materasso tanto che lei finiva sempre in un infossamento vicino a lui. Al suo tepore e al suo odore. Con un raggelante senso di timore immaginò di doversi abituare a dormire senza di lui.
Se con il suo nome l’autrice ci delizia con storie di vampiri e angeli, e presto anche con nuove saghe familiari, con il suo pseudonimo ci intrattiene con storie d’amore bellissime, contemporanee e sempre molto romantiche. La storia è semplice, ma nel suo caso non è mai sinonimo di banale.
Ritroviamo nella trama gli archetipi della narrazione più classica.
Innanzitutto la fanciulla nei guai, in una rivisitazione moderna, ovviamente. Frankie ha dovuto affrontare uno dei peggiori lutti che possa accadere a una giovane donna. Come diretta conseguenza le sono piombate addosso responsabilità più grandi di lei che, per dieci anni, hanno come cristallizzato la sua vita, portandola a rinunciare al college e alle relazioni sentimentali. Ora paga le conseguenze di scelte dettate dal cuore e dalle emozioni e si trova in una situazione disperata. Proprio quando il destino sembra accanirsi ulteriormente, nel bel mezzo di una serata disastrosa, arriva un uomo che potrebbe fare la differenza.
E qui si inserisce l’archetipo del cavaliere dalla lucente armatura, che però tanto perfetto non è.
«Quanti.» Frankie si rese conto che nessuno, nella stanza, si muoveva. Joy era paralizzata in un punto vicino alla porta che immetteva nella sala da pranzo. George si era fermato con il biscotto a mezz’aria, mentre lo stava mettendo in bocca. Stavano palesemente aspettando che lei esplodesse. Frankie guardò il pollo, poi di nuovo l’uomo che aveva preso un lungo coltello e lo teneva al di sopra della carcassa. Con quell’attrezzo in mano aveva un’aria assai professionale. «Lei un cuoco?»
«No, un fabbro.»
Mentre Frankie lo fissava, la sfida in quegli occhi profondi era chiara quanto il guaio in cui lei si trovava. Aveva una scelta. Affidarsi alla propria abilità, che aveva già avuto come risultato l’incenerimento di una notevole quantità di proteine. O giocare d’azzardo scommettendo su quello sconosciuto e il suo luccicante set di coltelli. «Sedici persone al massimo» rispose, sbrigativa.
«Okay, ecco di che cosa avrò bisogno.»
Nate è un uomo che ha sofferto, ma che è sempre rimasto fedele ai suoi principi e sogni, lottando con le unghie e con i denti per quello in cui credeva. Per raggiungere il suo scopo ha anche rinunciato a una vita privilegiata, una gabbia dorata dalla quale è fuggito senza rimpianti. Le sue cicatrici sono profonde e lo portano a diffidare dei coinvolgimenti emotivi e di tutto ciò che gli ricorda quello che, per un attimo, ha assaporato, ma che gli è stato strappato via con indifferenza ed egoismo.
Quando queste due solitudini si incontrano ha inizio una storia delicata e ironica, lo scontro di due caratteri forti, entrambi restii a concedere spazi di potere.
Nate inarcò un sopracciglio, aspettando una risposta. Lei si strinse nelle spalle .«Abbiamo solo lucciole e stelle cadenti, qui al White Caps, ma in paese c’è un bar. Non so perché, però, immagino che preferiresti qualcosa di più eccitante di quello che si può trovare allo Stop, Drop and Roll.» «È il nome del bar?» «Il padrone è un pompiere volontario.»Lui sorrise. «Be’, penso che quello che avete qui andrà benissimo.» Lei gli scoccò un’occhiata scettica, rifiutandosi di leggere un doppio senso nelle sue parole. «Venendo da New York, sono sicura che vorrai qualcosa di più stimolante.»
«Dipende dalla compagnia. A volte la tranquillità è la cosa migliore.» Lo sguardo di Nate si spostò sulle labbra di Frankie e il suo sorriso sparì. «A volte due persone hanno bisogno solo della notte.» Un attimo dopo girò sui tacchi, lasciandola a fissarlo. Lei si portò le dita alle labbra e si chiese se si potesse essere baciati senza che ci fosse alcun reale contatto.
Se nella vita professionale sono up-and-down, con Frankie che ricopre il ruolo di capo, nella vita privata la loro relazione è connotata da molta tenerezza, nonostante il sarcasmo contenuto nelle loro interazioni.
Lei annuì e rimase sorpresa quando lui chiuse la porta. Si irrigidì, ma mantenne l’espressione il più possibile neutra. Si chiese se Nate stesse per dirle che se ne andava.
«Ti sono davvero grato per avermi dato un po’ di spazio.»
Lui si passò le dita tra i capelli.
Lei rise, rigida.
«Hai l’aria di chi sta per scusarsi per qualcosa.»
«È così.»
«Be’, per favore, non farlo.»
Non voleva proprio sentirgli dire come gli dispiaceva avere ottenuto ciò che aveva sperato.
Lui rimase in silenzio. Poi respirò a fondo.
«Okay. Ma voglio che tu sappia una cosa. Sto morendo dalla voglia di stare con te. Questa sera. Adesso. In questo momento.» Gli occhi di Nate si fissarono nei suoi, brucianti. «Saresti disposta a darmi una seconda occasione?»
Buon Dio, babbo Natale era un uomo grasso vestito di rosso? Certo che era disposta.
Siamo di fronte a un rapporto apparentemente impossibile: lui è indipendente e ribelle, lei ha sempre seguito le regole.; lui non ha radici, per lei i luoghi sono come persone; lui non vuole impegnarsi, lei coltiva la segreta speranza di costruire una famiglia.
«È già mattina?» La voce era insonnolita mentre si stropicciava gli occhi.
«Purtroppo.»
Avevano fatto l’amore altre due volte durante la notte e si erano addormentati solo un’ora prima, ma Nate si sentiva in grado di correre una maratona. Fece scorrere la mano lungo l’addome liscio di Frankie, poi sulla coscia. «Sai una cosa?»
«Che cosa?» Nate chiuse la bocca. Era sul punto di dire che si sarebbe davvero potuto abituare a svegliarsi accanto a lei, ma poi pensò al limite solo sesso di Frankie. Diavolo, al suo limite solo sesso. Mentre stringeva le labbra, pensò che, be’, quella era una novità. Di solito le donne volevano che parlasse con loro, e lui non aveva niente da dire. O niente che avrebbero voluto sentire, per essere più preciso. Ma, buon Dio, dopo quella notte aveva voglia di dare libero sfogo a un vero fiume di discorsi romantici. Frankie aveva dato una scossa al suo mondo, e non solo fisicamente. Lei rotolò su se stessa e lo guardò. Ragazzi, adorava il colore dei suoi occhi. «Che cosa?» ripeté Frankie.
«Devo andare.» Nate le scoccò un bacio sulla bocca e scese alla svelta dal letto. Si stava infilando i boxer quando notò il suo sorriso.«Hai un bellissimo corpo, sai» osservò lei.
Nate si fermò, lanciando un’occhiata alla sveglia. La colazione poteva aspettare ancora un po’.
Il finale non è così scontato come sembra, io non ero sicura su chi avrebbe fatto il fatidico passo e alla fine sono rimasta piacevolmente sorpresa.
Anche i personaggi di contorno, sia pur sfumati, incuriosiscono. La sorella minore Joy, innamorata di qualcuno forse irraggiungibile, mi ha suscitato la tenerezza del primo amore; il fratello Alex, eterno bambino che non si è mai assunto le sue responsabilità, e che si trova di fronte a una nuova tragedia, mi ha fatto arrabbiare, ma sono sicura che ci riserverà delle sorprese; infine la nonna – oramai al tramonto della sua vita, con una mente sconvolta dalla demenza – che rappresenta la caducità dell’esistenza, ci ricorda che le occasioni vanno colte quando si presentano, e che se le lasciamo andare dobbiamo essere sicuri di non avere rimpianti.
Lo stile della Ward è sempre unico, che scriva libri di vampiri o che affronti tematiche romantiche. Ha la capacità di farti entrare nella storia, con una scrittura molto visiva, accompagnata da scelte stilistiche dirette che ti trascinano in un universo di emozioni. Questo libro è uno di quelli che lasci malvolentieri anche solo per pochi minuti.
L’ho amato molto, mi ha tenuto compagnia con garbo e dolcezza perché parlare di cose semplici può essere altrettanto avvincente, e ciò che conta è la capacità della scrittrice di trascinarti nel suo mondo.
Unico punto di debolezza: il finale. Mi è sembrato affrettato, forse avrebbe dovuto prendersi più tempo per farci meglio assaporare le contraddizioni dei personaggi, entrambi sempre sull’orlo di una decisione che a mio parere poteva essere più sofferta. Tuttavia, conoscendo la vena di sadismo dell’autrice, potrebbe essere una scelta pensata, una strategia, e forse la storia di Frankie e Nate ci riserverà ancora sorprese.
Tranne che lui le aveva già detto che non voleva matrimonio e famiglia, e un’unica conversazione ittiologica con un bambino di sette anni non avrebbe cambiato quel fatto. E diavolo, anche se lui avesse voluto chiederle di sposarlo – e non le aveva dato alcun motivo di credere che l’avrebbe mai fatto, con lei o con chiunque altra – c’era sempre il piccolo inconveniente che sarebbero stati separati da centinaia di chilometri. Frankie salì di sopra e andò a fare la doccia, pensando che doveva allontanare quei pensieri malinconici. La pressione dell’acqua era patetica. Appena sufficiente a sciacquarle la schiuma dai capelli, e lei si chiese se Alex fosse sceso dal letto. Forse adesso che la casa era silenziosa si era avventurato fuori dalla sua stanza e si stava lavando i capelli nel lavabo, o faceva una spugnatura. Quando andò in camera sua, Nate era a letto. Aveva un libro aperto in grembo, ma teneva la testa appoggiata ai guanciali, a occhi chiusi. Con gli zigomi ancora più marcati del solito sembrava esausto, e anche dimagrito. Aveva lavorato così duro in quella cucina caldissima e si erano dati piuttosto da fare durante le notti. Benché anche lei fosse stanca, dopo l’angoscia per Alex e le preoccupazioni per la sorte dell’albergo, almeno non aveva dovuto anche cucinare centinaia di piatti ogni sera.
Gli si avvicinò in punta di piedi, gli sfilò il libro dalle mani e spense la lampada. Mentre si metteva a letto accanto a lui, Nate mormorò qualcosa di incomprensibile, se l’attirò vicino e cominciò a russare sommessamente.
Frankie si era oramai abituata ai piccoli suoni che emetteva. Al modo in cui il suo corpo pesava sul materasso tanto che lei finiva sempre in un infossamento vicino a lui. Al suo tepore e al suo odore. Con un raggelante senso di timore immaginò di doversi abituare a dormire senza di lui.
October 19, 2019
A sweet feel good romcom , which was kind of perfect after reading 4 serial killer-romantic suspense books back to back😊
July 29, 2020
You go into these books excepting something and I can honestly say this book delivered.
November 10, 2017
Se deja leer pero sigo detestando el instalove
March 12, 2017
A very sweet romance about a woman who is barely holding herself, her family and her business and the chef who lands in her doorstep one night and becomes her savior, in more ways than one.
While I enjoyed this book it didn't wow! me. It was ok. A good, entertaining read, but I had a hard time keeping focused. This is my first Jessica Bird book and I'm a huge BDB fan. I didn't see any of the BDB in this book.
It was an entertaining read, but it didn't thrill me.
While I enjoyed this book it didn't wow! me. It was ok. A good, entertaining read, but I had a hard time keeping focused. This is my first Jessica Bird book and I'm a huge BDB fan. I didn't see any of the BDB in this book.
It was an entertaining read, but it didn't thrill me.
July 27, 2011
The Rebel by JR Ward was originally titled Beauty and the Black Sheep and was published in 2005 under JR’s ‘other’ name, Jessica Bird. I think the original title suits the book a little better, but the cover of this re-release is definitely more appealing. It’s what caught my eye when I was in the store and after reading the blurb, I bought it. I know, shocking! I didn’t run to Goodreads to check reviews before buying it, nor did I try to annoy my friends to see if any of them read it before. I figure JR Ward has a great romance writing voice…so how bad can it be.
Turns out it was actually quite cute. A really quick and light read without violence or insane villains, and sometimes it’s nice to read a book like that. The biggest obstacle that Frankie and Nate face is that Nate is leaving at the end of the summer to pursue his dream of becoming a hot-shot restaurant owner/chef in New York City while Frankie is to stay put where she is, running the B&B and taking care of her sister and grand-mother who suffers from dementia.
Frankie is a stubborn lady who is trying desperately to keep her B&B afloat. The place is falling apart and business is down. And just when you think things can’t get worst, they do. She was very real in how she handled her situation and I appreciated that.
Nate grew up in a wealthy family but dreams of being on his own. He just happens to walk into the B&B at the right time and has what it takes to at least salvage a little bit of the business. I liked that he didn’t just walk in and fix everything though. I think if he did, I would have gagged a little. The chemistry between Nate and Frankie was strong and they fit well together.
I found the ending to be a little rushed but the little twist near the end did surprise me. And one more thing about the ending – it’s all fluff. I may have experienced a sugar rush all the while thinking: ‘Really. The car?’ But getting to that point was fun and since the ending is rather quick, you only have to endure the über sweetness for a couple of pages. And who knows? Maybe you’ll love the sweet hit.
There are three books in this series and they will all be re-released. The Player is coming to stores in January 2012 and The Sinner is coming out after that. I’m not sure if I will pick them up because I’m undecided about Joy. She is Frankie’s 27 year old sister who is responsible for caring for her grand-mother and who has had a crazy crush on Gray for years and he is suddenly seeing the teenager for the lady she has become. Yeah…not sure about that one. The third book will be about Alex, the brother in this family, and his story of being in love with his boating partner’s wife. Oh, the boating partner is now deceased. Yeah…not sure about that one. Then again, reading the back of this book, it sounded kind of hokey. But sometimes that’s what you want out of a contemporary romance read.
Is this a new concept for a romance story? Absolutely no. But it was told well and the characters were quite likable. I especially liked Nate. Definitely deserves a ‘yum’ after his name. Overall, an easy read that left me feeling good.
3.5 stars
Turns out it was actually quite cute. A really quick and light read without violence or insane villains, and sometimes it’s nice to read a book like that. The biggest obstacle that Frankie and Nate face is that Nate is leaving at the end of the summer to pursue his dream of becoming a hot-shot restaurant owner/chef in New York City while Frankie is to stay put where she is, running the B&B and taking care of her sister and grand-mother who suffers from dementia.
Frankie is a stubborn lady who is trying desperately to keep her B&B afloat. The place is falling apart and business is down. And just when you think things can’t get worst, they do. She was very real in how she handled her situation and I appreciated that.
Nate grew up in a wealthy family but dreams of being on his own. He just happens to walk into the B&B at the right time and has what it takes to at least salvage a little bit of the business. I liked that he didn’t just walk in and fix everything though. I think if he did, I would have gagged a little. The chemistry between Nate and Frankie was strong and they fit well together.
I found the ending to be a little rushed but the little twist near the end did surprise me. And one more thing about the ending – it’s all fluff. I may have experienced a sugar rush all the while thinking: ‘Really. The car?’ But getting to that point was fun and since the ending is rather quick, you only have to endure the über sweetness for a couple of pages. And who knows? Maybe you’ll love the sweet hit.
There are three books in this series and they will all be re-released. The Player is coming to stores in January 2012 and The Sinner is coming out after that. I’m not sure if I will pick them up because I’m undecided about Joy. She is Frankie’s 27 year old sister who is responsible for caring for her grand-mother and who has had a crazy crush on Gray for years and he is suddenly seeing the teenager for the lady she has become. Yeah…not sure about that one. The third book will be about Alex, the brother in this family, and his story of being in love with his boating partner’s wife. Oh, the boating partner is now deceased. Yeah…not sure about that one. Then again, reading the back of this book, it sounded kind of hokey. But sometimes that’s what you want out of a contemporary romance read.
Is this a new concept for a romance story? Absolutely no. But it was told well and the characters were quite likable. I especially liked Nate. Definitely deserves a ‘yum’ after his name. Overall, an easy read that left me feeling good.
3.5 stars
April 17, 2017
J.R. Ward is one of the authors I'll always check out books of. I've been fairly certain that I'd one day buy one of her Jessica Bird-novels, but when Amazon told me that there was an ebook called "The Rebel" I was curious enough to buy it right away.
-Note: I'm intentionally comparing her books here.-
Unlike her Black Dagger or Fallen Angels series, The Rebel is a contemporary romance novel, set in our world, without any vampires, angels etc. but one interesting-enough hero and a heroine that had more screentime than the heroines in Ward's other books.
I think everyone who read her novels knows what I'm talking about. Although the books are written in at least two different POVs, the hero's and the heroine's, very often the hero gets more time or feels more real. The focus is more on him than on the heroine. - In The Rebel both of them got the same amount of 'attention' or regard.. or whatever.
It's almost impossible to give a book written by Ward a bad rating and this one wasn't bad either, but it couldn't convince me. Ward's writing style is easy to read, in fact it's unlikely you'll not finish a novel written by her in a few hours, but the relationship wasn't very interesting and the story was slow.
Nate (I love that name..) and Frankie (I hate that name..) meet when the cook in her B&B quits and his car, Lucy, dies. He's near her B&B when she's close to a mental breakdown and asks her for a job until he and his partner, Spike, buy their own restaurant. - He's a cook, she's a manager and both of them aren't looking for a relationship. Of course, they feel attraction and slowly start to feel even more, but her heritage is slowly going down, taking her with it and he's still looking forward to being his own boss, doing what he loves in New York City, miles away from her. So, they know they'll have to face their breakup one day or one of them has to "give in".
Where Ward's paranormal romance novels - at least in the beginning - stood out and were a good mixture of the beloved things in the genre, this novel imho won't hold up against the many other contemporary romance novels out there.
That is not to say that it was a bad read. It wasn't. And there will probably be enogh readers who'll enjoy it, too. The thing I'm trying to say is that if you expect another Lover Awakened you won't find it here.
-Note: I'm intentionally comparing her books here.-
Unlike her Black Dagger or Fallen Angels series, The Rebel is a contemporary romance novel, set in our world, without any vampires, angels etc. but one interesting-enough hero and a heroine that had more screentime than the heroines in Ward's other books.
I think everyone who read her novels knows what I'm talking about. Although the books are written in at least two different POVs, the hero's and the heroine's, very often the hero gets more time or feels more real. The focus is more on him than on the heroine. - In The Rebel both of them got the same amount of 'attention' or regard.. or whatever.
It's almost impossible to give a book written by Ward a bad rating and this one wasn't bad either, but it couldn't convince me. Ward's writing style is easy to read, in fact it's unlikely you'll not finish a novel written by her in a few hours, but the relationship wasn't very interesting and the story was slow.
Nate (I love that name..) and Frankie (I hate that name..) meet when the cook in her B&B quits and his car, Lucy, dies. He's near her B&B when she's close to a mental breakdown and asks her for a job until he and his partner, Spike, buy their own restaurant. - He's a cook, she's a manager and both of them aren't looking for a relationship. Of course, they feel attraction and slowly start to feel even more, but her heritage is slowly going down, taking her with it and he's still looking forward to being his own boss, doing what he loves in New York City, miles away from her. So, they know they'll have to face their breakup one day or one of them has to "give in".
Where Ward's paranormal romance novels - at least in the beginning - stood out and were a good mixture of the beloved things in the genre, this novel imho won't hold up against the many other contemporary romance novels out there.
That is not to say that it was a bad read. It wasn't. And there will probably be enogh readers who'll enjoy it, too. The thing I'm trying to say is that if you expect another Lover Awakened you won't find it here.
March 4, 2016
It's not bad but I feel that in the end of the story everything was passing really fast.
Ummm disfrute que la lectura fuera rápida pudo ser más pero llegaban momentos en que simplemente me daba pereza continuar la lectura.
SPOILER AUNQUE realmente no lo es pero SPOILER!!!!
Ummm disfrute que la lectura fuera rápida pudo ser más pero llegaban momentos en que simplemente me daba pereza continuar la lectura.
SPOILER AUNQUE realmente no lo es pero SPOILER!!!!
August 16, 2015
Lettura dolcissima in pieno stile Ward. Autrice con la straordinaria capacità di creare protagoniste femminili testarde e dotate di cojones e protagonisti maschili grossi come armadi e teneroni come orsetti di peluches all'occorrenza, delle vere e proprie rocce a cui aggrapparsi. Dalla sua penna escono solo scintille. Questo é il primo volume di #TheMoorehouseLegacy, serie che spero venga tradotta per intero in Italia perché la Ward è una di quelle autrici che non riuscirei mai a leggere in inglese. In questo capitolo trovano spazio Nate Walker e Frankie, proprietaria di un'antica magione decrepita e in via di fallimento, trasformata in Residenza per turisti. Quando Chuck, il cuoco, fugge, Nate giunge proprio a pennello con le sue stelle e il suo saccone pieno di coltelli. In questo primo capitolo si gettano le basi per tutte le altre love story che faranno da protagoniste nei volumi seguenti. Infine, come non adorare Grand-Em, la rimbecillita è adorabile nonnina di Frankie. L'ho trovata una storia adorabile e romantica. Molto gradevole e emozionante. Fan della Ward, non lasciatevela sfuggire!
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