It’s been five years since her broken heart sent her running clear across the country to Virginia. Now, Quinn Harper is back in Oregon and faced with a whole new set of problems. She’s been in love with Zach for years, and now that he’s back as well, she doesn’t know how long she can hide the truth.
Zachary Jensen is done with the FBI undercover gig. He’s come home to put down roots in the rural community where he grew up, and he can’t imagine anyone he’d rather do it with than Quinn.
After finally admitting their feelings, the pair embarks on a whirlwind romance, but not everyone is happy for the couple. Strange gifts, cruel words burned into the front lawn, and Quinn’s car demolished—someone wants her gone. Can Zach unravel the mystery of Quinn's unwelcome admirer before he loses everything?
Gabrielle Evans grew up in a small town in southern Oklahoma. We’re talking one red light that may or may not work depending on the day of the week. She married her high school sweetheart and the rest is pretty much history. They have two very active boys and one high-strung wiener dog that keeps her constantly on the go. For now, Gabrielle parks her car in north-central Texas, but who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Quinn isn’t exactly thrilled at the idea of going back home and having to face the one person that completely shattered her heart and had her running in the first place. She knows in order to move past the hurt feelings and move on she’ll have to face Brody Jensen. It’s been too long and life since him hasn’t gotten any easier, but now that Zach’s back in town too, he might just be her salvation. Problem is when they spend so much time together she starts to see him differently and makes a startling realization that has been there from the beginning.
Zach couldn’t be happier to have Quinn back in his life, even only as a friend. He moved away and stopped talking to his family when she left, so now that she’s back he doesn’t feel quite so lonely. He’ll take what he can get from her, but when she finally admits her feelings, nothing in the world is going to stop him from being with her. That is until it becomes obvious that someone has it out for her and won’t be satisfied until she’s gone one way or another.
I really enjoyed this friends-to-lovers story. Since Quinn and Zach had already known each other for so long, it made their loving relationship that much more sincere. Quinn is a relatable heroine although she did come off a whiney at times. Zach on the other hand is alpha male perfection. He’s possessively dominant without being afraid to show his feelings.
The storyline is on track with a ‘whodunit’ plot that enriched the story past the main characters to include the secondary characters. The dialogue is naughty when it needs to be and emotional when its not. This first story in the Salem Nights series is an excellent start and I already have a feeling of who we might see in the next. This is a quick and erotically charged read, so beware that once you start you may not want to put it down.
One of the most amazing books I have ever read. No one should judge this book by it's cover. Yes--there are some steamy scenes. But the heart of the book is unforgettable.
After Quinn Harper's parents pass away, she makes the decision to return to Oregon. There she will face her fears and confront her heartbroken past. When she arrives, she learns her ex boyfriend is in the hospital. When she reluctantly visits him, he reveals the real reason for breaking her heart five years ago. They move on and Quinn realizes she has loved someone else all along. His brother. But not everyone in town is happy about Quinn's new relationship or about the way she so seamlessly fits in as if she never left her hometown. Someone is out to teach her a lesson.
Gabrielle Evans has written one of the most wonderful books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I laughed, cried and became so angry for a few of these characters...that I longed to help them. A few times, I found myself shouting, "Run! Get Out! Stop being so stubborn! Just kiss her!" These characters draw you in immediately. Gabrielle has woven an amazing story that you become instantly involved in. It's one of those books that makes you take a step back and take stock of your own life. From the dedication to the very last page, it encourages you to not just exist. Enjoy every moment and live Life Out Loud.
Life Out Loud is the first book in the Salem Nights series but it’s far from the first of Gabrielle Evan’s books I’ve read. It was more heavily romance than suspense – I enjoyed the romance but was left craving more suspense. The characters were endearing, including the solid cast of secondary characters of which I’m hopeful we’ll see more in future books of this series. But the lead characters stole the show in Life Out Loud with their chemistry. If there is such a thing as a perfect couple, the author created it with Quinn and Zach.
Altogether an okay read, but nothing mind blowing... Would have liked it more of we gotten some of the Big Bads point of view... As it is, it's a cute story but I sort of wish there was more suspense... And as for the heat level.... It's pretty much on par with other books of its kind.
4.5 Delightful Divas. Life Out Loud is a good romance story as well as a “whodunit”. There were a couple of twists and turns in this story that I didn’t see coming which made for a better read. To read this review in its entirety, please visit http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/?p=5443