With her beloved younger siblings settled and happy, Erin Foley has empty nest syndrome. At age thirty-five.
So she's hitting the pause button on her life and holing up in a secluded (but totally upgraded—she's not into roughing it!) cabin near Virgin River. Erin is planning on getting to know herself... not the shaggy-haired mountain man she meets.
In fact, beneath his faded fatigues and bushy beard, Aiden Riordan is a doctor, recharging for a summer after leaving the navy. He's intrigued by the pretty, slightly snooty refugee from the rat race—her meditating and journaling are definitely keeping him at arm's length. He'd love to get closer... if his scruffy exterior and crazy ex-wife don't hold him back.
But maybe it's something in the water—unlikely romances seem to take root in Virgin River... helped along by some well-intentioned meddling, of course.
Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series and Sullivan's Crossing series. Robyn's new women's fiction novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, will be released in January 2024. The new hit Sullivan's Crossing TV series (season 1) inspired by Robyn's book series was released in the USA in the fall of 2023! Plus, season 5 of the worldwide fan-favorite Virgin River TV Series is now streaming on Netflix (July 2023) with two holiday episodes coming November 30, 2023. Both TV series have been renewed for another season! Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
There are two places you're guaranteed to hear about vaginal dryness. In a medical textbook, and in a Robyn Carr `romance'.
I've had enough of Virgin River.
The region has a disproportionate percentage of residents who make a living from working between women's legs.
We got another lesson in the details of menopause - but this time it happened when Jack had a conversation about it. And there's no better way to kill the romance of a romantic hero than write him into a conversation about vaginal dryness and what new lubricants are on the market.
Once she'd killed Jack's character, she killed Jack and Mel's relationship. Jack telling Mel he missed having the opportunity to have sex with her during her `time of the month' destroyed any romance left between them.
And the only occasionally likeable Mel was completely massacred here too, with all of her usual self-absorption and pushiness shining through and culminating in a dreadful storyline for the character.
When an author starts destroying their characters in order to find new plotlines you know it's time for a series to end.
We got lectured to about caring for the disabled - again.
We were once again reminded any woman over thirty-five is a waste of space, and is too old and beyond redemption.
We got more births - yes, births, plural. Yet again melodramatic and more detailed than the love scenes. I think I'd have no problem delivering a baby after reading one or two of these books. Carr leaves nothing to the imagination.
I'd give at least a star to the Aiden/Erin romance. They were both horrendous characters at the beginning, and the prom thing was kind of cheesy, but their story was actually nice. But the fact this is the last thought that popped into my mind about this book, and the fact this was the only positive... It tells me there are better books out there. Books with less lubricant and fewer brats who can't speak properly. Books where I don't feel like the author is `educating' me by lecturing their beliefs. Books where I'm not cringing every other page.
This series is more women's health fiction (has Robyn Carr created a whole new genre?!) than anything else. And it's not a genre I want to read.
Awesome...wonderful...romantic...suspenseful...emotional...sigh-worthy...hmmm, where's my thesarus? There are not enough words to adequately convey my feelings for this book or series in general. The only problem I have is how do you choose? How do you choose your favorites in the Virgin River series? I thought no one could top the original alpha with a heart of gold (Jack Sheridan from Virgin River), but man oh man, those Riordan guys are coming awfully close! First Luke, then Sean, and now Aiden? How does one family produce such yummy guys? I think I fell in love with former Navy doctor Aiden Riordan way back in brother Luke's book (Temptation Ridge) and I'm happy to say he does not disappoint in his own book. *Sigh*, what a guy!
This story is about newly discharged from the Navy (after 14 years) Dr. Aiden Riordan, middle child of the five Riordan men, all in the military. Thirty-six-year-old OB/GYN Aiden has had all the adventure he needs from the Navy, and is taking a much needed break over the summer in Virgin River to figure out his next move. He plans to hang around VR until his brother Luke's wife Shelby delivers her first child somewhere in mid summer. In the meantime, he's doing lots of hiking, enjoying nature, letting his beard grow wild, and just trying to relax. On one of his hikes, he spots a beautiful woman (Erin Foley) with a fine posterior, tending to her plants on her remote cabin deck. When she spies him heading her way and carrying a machete, she's startled so much by his threatening 'Charles Manson-like' appearance that she conks her head on her deck railing and is out cold. Aiden takes her to the hospital and so their relationship is off to a less than auspicious start.
Thirty-six year old workaholic lawyer Erin Foley is taking a much needed vacation for the first time in her life. Filled with responsibilities since the death of her mother when Erin was just eleven, and sacrificing her own youth while being a mother figure to her two younger siblings (Marcie, from A Virgin River Christmas and young doctor Drew), after 25 years her brother and sister are finally on their own and established in their own careers and lives. So Erin, suffering from empty-nest syndrome, is trying really hard to take a much needed break for once in her life and learning how to relax and 'find herself'. She's figures the remote Virgin River cabin (after she does some heavy remodeling) of her brother-in-law Ian would be a nice vacation spot and close enough to her Chico, CA home. What she doesn't count on while trying to take it easy is being startled by what looks like a mountain man/vagrant and knocking herself into unconsciousness.
Even though Aiden is attracted to the beautiful Erin from the get-go, her personality is not as attractive as her face and figure. She comes off as a bit snobbish, uptight, judgmental, and stubborn. But something draws Aiden to Erin, and he doesn't let on to her right away that he isn't a homeless vagrant looking for work (which she thinks), but actually a respected doctor. He starts hanging around, visiting her cabin or his daily treks, and gradually gets to know (and charm) her. And one day when he shows up freshly shaven and with a haircut, you know he's stepped up his game to woo the lonely Erin. They go biking, have a picnic lunch, and talk, and Erin realizes she enjoys Aiden's company. Sparks fly, Aiden reveals his real profession, they each talk about their pasts, and you just know things are bound to get romantic. And they do. Yowza! Aiden is one patient, generous lover, and he's bound and determined to show the less experienced Erin all she's been missing in life. Things are going great, until Aiden's sociopathic ex-wife decides she's not done with him yet...
As with every Virgin River novel, there are some subplots to go along with the main story, and these were pretty good too.
***Luke's mentally challenged friend Art gets a 'girlfriend'.
***A nervous Luke and Shelby await the birth of their first child.
***Ian and Erin's sister Marcie also await the birth of their first child.
***Mel and Jack have a serious disagreement about adding to their family.
***Maureen Riordan and her friend George begin their cross-country RV trek by visiting Virgin River.
***Sean, Franci, and Rose get ready to leave for Sean's next assignment.
***Aiden's crazy ex-wife complicates his relationship with Erin and also threatens the life of one of the women about to give birth.
Fans of this series--you will instantly fall for Aiden. He's sexy, kind-hearted, and thoughtful and caring. If this guy isn't husband material, then I don't know who is. The love scenes with Erin...whew...this guy knows what he's doing. Maybe it's the OB/GYN thing, but he sure does know his way around a woman's body. But one of my favorite things about Aiden is his thoughtfulness. The prom scene with Erin--verrry romantic. So there should be no problem connecting with Aiden.
Erin? She might take a bit more to warm up to. But once Robyn Carr revealed her backstory and all that she sacrificed in her own life so her siblings could have a better life? Right then and there I wanted her to have her HEA with Aiden, and I hoped that she wouldn't let the distraction of his crazy ex come between her and her one true love. And let me say RC did not disappoint. Her characters acted in a mature and believable manner when confronted with problems, and RC even threw in a suspenseful ending where Erin got to show her mettle. Very nicely done.
Fans of this series--this one's a no-brainer. You're bound to enjoy it. If you haven't read one of the VR books recently, have no fear. Robyn Carr does an excellent job of gently reminding/explaining what you may have forgotten about the various characters who reappear in the series, and this book may even be read as a stand alone (although why you would want to do that is beyond me--start at the beginning and immerse yourself in the VR world!) If you love heart warming contemporaries that detail small town life, that are filled with colorful characters, make even the mundane details seem interesting, and always have a healthy dose of sexy romance, then this is the series for you. I hope Robyn Carr never stops with this series. She's got at least two more stories to tell (Colin and Patrick Riordan) that I'm looking forward to, and there's bound to be more visitors to Virgin River who find they may want to stay. As far as I'm concerned, she can continue writing these books for years, and I'll buy/read them! 5 big stars.
es una novela totalmente coral y sale un montón de gente, con el mismo protagonismo que los nuevos. Ese es el problema y, supongo que la ventaja, los que siguen la serie desde el principio estarán encantados de ver qué tal les va pero a mí no me interesaban en absoluto Es una novela muy americana, por el entorno y ciertos detalles (su protagonista no es machista, creo que la que lo es, es la autora, por ciertas frases) el romance es un instalove total (ya sabéis que los odio) con situaciones de lo más rocambolescas y otras muy ñoñas.... Otros temas son interesantes, como la adopción, madres de alquiler... etc. Pero sinceramente, tratados de una forma demasiado superficial para que interese Esta autora no es para mí. No es una mala novela, pero no va conmigo
I love this series, especially because all 10 books are on audio and narrated by Therese Plummer (aka Savannah Richards) who is, bar none, the best in the business. She breathes life into the characters that inhabit Virgin River; and,if the two of you remain a team, the series will rock for as long as you want it to.
As enjoyable as the series is, however, there is one major flaw that I'm hoping you can correct at some point soon. While it is true that you've created THE hero extraordinaire with Jack Sheridan, he is steadily losing credibility as long as he remains with Mel. No decent man could stay married to that whiny, selfish bitch and be truly happy. She is totally self-absorbed...doesn't give a damn about Jack or her two kids...and is ruining your series because you continue to try and portray her as a sympathetic character, which she is not! If Aiden & Erin's story hadn't been so strong, Moonlight Road would have been a total failure because of the secondary story involving Mel. How can we believe Mel was desperate for a third child when she has never expressed much interest in the two she has? She complained throughout both pregnancies & well after each birth (no "me" time, figure gone, no sleep, all Jack's fault, etc) yet she is rarely with them. It is Jack who babysits faithfully while working at the bar full time as Mel sits around at the clinic watching grass grow and waiting for someone to need her illustrious mid-wife services. The one time she did have both kids (book 5 or 6) they were crying and she couldn't deal with it and pawned them off on Doc or whoever was working with her at the time.
In this installment, whenever the children were mentioned, Mel bitched about Jack teaching little David to piss outside on trees. And both times she had a headache? She rushed home to lie down, making sure the teenage babysitter stayed on so "mommy" wouldn't be disturbed. How can we understand this woman's obsession to have another child (regardless of her unfortunate - but very common - circumstances) when she acted like a psycho-bitch from hell (and, of course, directed all of her anger at Jack)? Overall, the secondary plot was nothing more than a trumped up pity party created by the Queen of Woe-is-Me...and it fell flat.
Ms. Carr, Virgin River is a wonderful place but you really should consider cleaning house. Perhaps Mel's first husband could become "undead" and spirit her off to parts unknown. Then Jack could hook up with someone like Paige or Shelby, a likable heroine that would truly love and appreciate Jack for the awesome man that he is!
I like Miss Carr works on Thunder Point's series. I was curious about Virgin River. When I picked ip Moonlight Road, I was hoping to be awestruck by Miss Carr talented writing. Well, I have to admit I am a bit disappointed.
I think I need to read the other books in this series to get the essence of Virgin River. I am not fully grasping the whole story nor finding the chemistry with the characters in Moonlight Road.
Although this book is a let down, I managed to finished the book.
I love the Virgin River series! Aiden and Erin's romance was a treat, so very hot and sweet at the same time! I loved how Aiden took his time with Erin! Oh boy! I didn't want their story to end, I felt like I needed just a little more, at the end, but as with all the other couples I'm sure I'll get updates in the coming books, so I won't complain.
Annalee was a complete nutcase! Thankfully, she wasn't as divisive as I thought she would be. Still, she caused a lot of very serious trouble! I hope she gets exactly what she deserves.
I was a little miffed at Marcie racing up half-cocked like she did.
I had big issues with Mel's behavior in this installment, but knowing where it was coming from in the end soften my feelings toward her a little bit. Still, I really wanted to shake her a time or two! I guess every woman goes through some ups and downs emotionally, where we know we're not ourselves, and not in a good way, but somehow can't help it. Thankfully, Jack was very understanding all the while holding his ground. I do have to remember the times that Mel was there for Jack when he was going through tough times, as well.
As usual, Therese Plummer was absolute perfection as the narrator!
Well, this one was didactic. Almost lost a star for the lectures on special needs adults, surrogate parenting and life after hysterectomy. One of Carr's strengths is her dialogue, but people just don't go into these long-winded explanations. And I'm not sure that, as a reader, I needed to know all those details ... at least not more than once.
In any case, I liked the lead couple. I loved, loved, loved, that my favorite Virgin River couple -- Ian and Marcie -- were back in the picture. Although Marcie did act a little TSTL for a moment, I, as a sister, understand the motivation and impulsive action.
There's a bit of a suspense story involved that was diverting, along with a sweet story featuring Art, and another Mel crisis that might make you want to fling your book at the wall a time or two.
I really like the Riordans, so seeing their stories is not a burden. But it's strange to see them all so close together. First Luke then a book in between his and Sean's and then right away with Aiden. They seem more like dominoes than romance heroes at this point.
The story preceding this one -- Angel's Peak -- was so much less absorbing. Poor Sean got ripped off. But this romance for Aiden was very nice.
Mel's crisis was understandable to me, but was steeped in the selfishness with which this character meets all her personal crises. She can be a real pain in the butt. However, she does pull my heartstrings when she finally comes down on the right side, so I'm forgiving.
Not as good as some of the other VR books, but not near the worst. A nice, solid 4 star, I think.
I absolutely LOVED this book. As usual Carr did an impressive job pairing the hero and heroine together. While I had reservations about Erin and Aiden as a couple before I read the book, due to my perception on Erin’s personality. It soon became obvious I should not have worried. Although Erin is indeed uptight and a bit controlling at first, we are able to see other facets to her personality and it soon becomes apparent it’s just a façade. In the end she turned out to be one of those rare heroines we cannot help but wish we could be.
I find it quite funny how the main characters in Carr’s books always envision their future partner one way, and yet they end up finding the total opposite. In poor Aiden’s case, he visualized a step-ford wife type of woman to have a family with. What he got was a bossy, independent and arrogant Erin. He believed he didn’t need a hard-ass lawyer like Erin, but he should have known better when those were traits he admired on his mother. On the other hand, Erin did not even entertain the idea of a future partner she envisioned herself alone and with family just visiting frequently, which truly puzzled me at first. Learning about the humbling sacrifices she made for her siblings, it was easier to understand her mentality at the time. She morphed into a very nurturing, understanding and friendly person once the walls were down.
I don’t know if perhaps it was my mood or if Carr did something different this time around, but the first intimate scene between Erin and Aiden had me quite breathless. Aiden was so attentive and almost reverent towards Erin’s body, their excitement so vivid, that I had to go to the fridge and get myself some ice cream. The fact that he could be sexy and sweet while in the scene made me sigh more than once. I’m glad he was able to let her know about his profession as well, it seemed like the perfect timing and not something that she was going to find out by someone else.
I got the impression the romance between the leads evolved a bit slower than usual this time around. Yet it was formed in a very solid friendship, which made me quite content. I liked how they were not afraid to see where their relationship was leading or thinking of it as a fling. Once they realized their feelings they simply started dating and even wanted their families to meet. It set up a good foundation for when his “ex” showed up making trouble. That was one VERY crazy woman!
One of the reasons I love this series is that we’re able to revisit characters from earlier books. George and Maureen were such a cute couple. I enjoyed the way they handled decisions with their relationship and their families. Mel and Jack provided some great dynamics that we’ve seen from them in the past. Surprisingly we also see them struggling with some serious decisions regarding an addiction to their family. I had a very “OMG, that’s not like Mel!” moment with a scene towards the end. Of course, everything was resolved in a very Carr fashion that left me quite satisfied.
Once again it was a pleasure to venture into Virgin River. We got to know new characters and revisit on the lives of couples from previous books. The best way to describe this series is like a good beef stew on a cold and snowy day. The perfect ingredient is the close and knitted community. I seriously find myself wanting to move to a small town where I can interact with people like this, where you actually want to get to know your neighbors.
This is another sweet, dramatic, moving, emotional, and romantic addition to Carr’s superb Virgin River saga, which remains one of my top favorite series.
Aiden Riordan is such a husband worthy hero, and although his relationship with Erin Foley developed rather quickly, the connection between them felt genuine and their moments together were innocently tender, touching, and passionate. The way Aiden was so determined to please Erin...Ahhh and Yowza!
Like in previous installments, we also got updates on other Virgin River couples and residents, including Marcie and Ian Buchanan from A Virgin River Christmas, Maureen and George, Luke and Shelby Riordan, gentle Art, and the foundation couple of the community (and series), Mel and Jack, who encounter some marital discourse related to a disagreement over expanding their family. Jack is one of my all-time favorite contemporary romantic heroes, and Mel irritated me so much in this that I wanted to throttle her at times! Jack of course was understanding, patient, and loving as always, and thankfully Mel eventually, reluctantly came to her senses.
I just can’t say enough...I loved it! And of course, the ending made me cry, which is my pretty standard reaction to all the wonderful characters, heartfelt emotion, and devoted relationships in this ‘Soap Opera-ish’ saga.
The Virgin River series continues to amaze me, and I just hope there are more books in store. After all, there are still two more Riordan brothers, Colin and Patrick, who deserve their own stories. Not to sound too much like Field of Dreams “If you build it, he will come”, but Ms. Carr, if you write ‘em, fans like me will gladly keep reading them! Big 5 stars!
Opening Line: "In the two weeks Aiden Riordan had been in Virgin River, he's hiked over a hundred miles and grown himself a pretty hefty dark red beard."
Erin Foley’s character was first introduced to the Virgin River series way back in book #4 A Virgin River Christmas now she’s back and a whole lot nicer for book #10 (if you‘re counting)
After raising her younger siblings then watching them marry and settle into their own lives Erin is now without any responsibilities for the first time in her adult life and subsequently is suffering empty nest syndrome at the ripe ole age of 35. She’s at a crossroads and with no idea how to face her future she puts her career on hold, renovates her brother in law Ian’s cabin and settles in for the summer. Planning on doing all those fun things she’d never had time for before. The only problem is Erin doesn’t know how to just sit back and watch the sun set.
But this is Virgin River after all and before long a scruffy looking, machete welding former navy man and now unemployed Doctor comes crashing through the bush and into her garden. Sparks don’t fly immediately with this pair as Robyn Carr always has her heroines thinking the hero is someone he’s not before he shaves off the beard and reveals his true self. But through circumstances they manage to find their way together and begin a sweet summer romance. However when Aiden’s crazy ex-wife suddenly turns up, claiming they’re still married it quickly buts a kink in their affair.
Virgin River fans will appreciate trips to Jacks Bar and the many cameos/updates from past characters. Yes Mel, the one we all love to hate (or have just plain had enough of) is also back with a substantial subplot involving a uterus, in-vitro fertilization and adoption. Yup theres still lots of woman talk here. Theres also a sweet story involving mentally challenged adults and marriage.
Unfortunately I never felt a real connection between Erin and Adien, their romance seemed lukewarm to me which could be due in part to the fact that Aiden is a gynaecologist (did I forget to mention that?) Anyways that kind of took the sexy out of their love scenes, listening to Aiden anatomically describe Erin’s girl bits while helping get her ‘there’ for the first time with a man sure ruined the moment. I also honestly don’t remember Erin ever telling Aiden she loved him.
As with all Carr books a couple of babies are born and here I could really have done without the graphically described, medically correct, breach, episiotomy getting home birth. This may just have scarred me for life. Yikes. Carr also decides in the closing chapters that its time for a little suspense and ups the crazy factor with Aiden’s ex-wife and while this was fun it also felt thrown in, rushed and slightly over the top.
Still I think fans of the series will be happy to come home to Virgin River.
#RitaCarr #RitaRita2 Escogí la lectura para este mes del reto hace meses, al coger un Kindle Flash y no ha resultado una buena forma de hacer la elección... le doy 2,5 sobre 5. Por lo que he leído por ahí, las historias de Robyn Carr pecan bastante por lo mismo... Me ha parecido una lectura muy dispersa, la autora intenta explicar las historias de demasiados personajes, algunos de los cuales sigo sin saber muy bien a qué venían a cuento, algunas parecían metidas con calzador... Hubiera sido mejor que se hubiera centrado en la pareja principal. Es el décimo libro de una serie y no sé hasta qué punto la información de los anteriores libros hubiera ayudado a leer y entender éste... Me ha parecido bastante entretenida e interesante la historia de Erin y Aiden, aunque le ha faltado desarrollo, especialmente en materia de sentimientos...
Love this book. The ending brought tears to my eyes.
These books are the perfect "getting into the holiday spirit" type of read. They have a quaint, almost Hallmark-movie type feel to them that leaves me feeling uplifted. That said, I don't think I'd have the patience to read them, as they're not as couple centered as I prefer in my romances. However, I've loved listening to them as I go about my day.
MOONLIGHT ROAD is book 10 in the Virgin River series. I started this series years ago and I'm on a mission to finish it up this year.
It sure was nice to visit my old friends in Virgin River. MOONLIGHT ROAD is about another Riordan brother and I think this one is my favorite. Aiden comes to Virgin River for some rest and relaxation. He is a doctor but when he runs into Erin Foley he looks more like something off of Duck Dynasty. She actually thinks he is a vagrant and he scares her to death.
Oh let me tell you, Aiden is going to definitely give you all the feels. That's all I'm saying.......anyway, after some time, things between Aiden and Erin certainly heat up! But it's always very sweet and I really wanted Erin to open up to Aiden and explain why she is the way she is. She is controlling and uptight and Aiden doesn't think he stands a chance. Hang on people, MOONLIGHTS ROAD is a fun and crazy ride.
MOONLIGHT ROAD is a quick read that You can easily read in one sitting and love every minute of it. If you've never read the Virgin River series you could easily start with this heart warming story. But be prepared to go back and read the whole series! It's just that good! The only problem I have with this series, besides the fact that Robyn Carr is finished writing it is that I am always left with wishing Virgin River was a real place. I would pack my bags in a New York minute and move there!
MOONLIGHT ROAD had me up late reading, worried about what was going to happen to all of these wonderful people. I did not want to put this beautiful and fun story down. I also got to meet a few more new members from Virgin River as we do with each and every book. I also love how you get to check in with the other couples from the previous books.
I may stop reading these soon - I don't find I'm getting anything new out of them. That isn't to say that I didn't like Aiden and Erin, because I did, but I am starting to get tired of Mel. And Mel is always around. Jack and Mel are a pivotal point of this series, although they may not be heavily featured they are always important to some sub-plot and frankly I am done with reading their story.
I want to read about a new community with new characters and dilemmas and a new moral centre.
I love the small-town community, the characters and stories within them but this series is starting to fizzle for me.
Good story, interesting conflict and entertaining conflict resolution, but I'm just done.
Yay! I loved this book. Aiden is one of my most favorite characters. He is right up there with Jack and Me. And yes we get Jack and Mel more in this book woohoo.
Ok so we meet Aiden a few books back he is Luke’s OBGYN brother. We also meet Erin a few books back she is Marcie older sister. Erin is having a hard time with both her brother and sister moving on with their lives. She pretty much has been raising them since she was just a young girl herself after her mother and fathers deaths.
Some would say she has the empty nest syndrome. So she renovates Marcie and Ian’s cottage in to a country home anyone would be happy to live there. Or take vacations there. That is her hope.
Only she doesn’t know how to relax and enjoy her time off. And in stumbles Aiden.. Literally… and scares her half to death. This book has some funny times. I mean the bear in the kitchen eating the cookies.. lmao poor Erin. I would have pooped my pants!
I was saying in my last review I wanted more Mel and Jack, we get that with this book. Mel is having some inner struggles. Jack is trying to learn what his wife really needs. I wanted to shake Mel a little bit, I had faith they would get through their struggles.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
Awful. It's a romance novel, so a certain level of awful is expected, however, this goes above and beyond. Part of it is your typical romance fodder. Erin is a 30-something, smoking hot, red-haired, highly successful lawyer who never had time for love. Aiden is a 30-something, smoking hot, raven haired, highly successful doctor (OB/GYN) whose past relationship soured him on love. They meet, there's drama, hot sex, more drama, they live happily ever after. At the same time, this book is part of a series revolving around the local town and interspersed in the Erin/Aiden story are details of the townspeople's plethora of women's health issues. Pregnancy, miscarriage, vaginal dryness, sex after 70, emergency hysterectomies, sex lives of mentally challenged people - these things do not turn me on.
I dunno. Is it me, or has the writing in this series gone downhill? While the Virgin River books still have that 'comfort read' feeling about them, I'm finding more and more issues as I progress through the series.
For starters, these books are now featuring some of the most unnatural dialogue I've ever has the displeasure of reading. People just don't speak like this. It's like the author is using the character's dialogue for info dumps - and what's worse, either the reader already knows the information or isn't likely to care.
It also seems like I've finally caught up to all the other readers who are put off by all the pregnancies and women's health issues that pervade these books. This time around we have three pregnancies (including another difficult emergency birth) and a surrogacy debate. Sure, it took me eleven books to get there, but ENOUGH ALREADY.
Mel. Enough said.
To make matters worse, this time around I totally didn't buy the romance. The reader didn't get to witness Aidan and Erin falling in love - we were just told that it happened. Out of pretty much nowhere. I don't think this series can be called 'romance' anymore - it's definitely transitioned to 'women's fiction', and that is not my genre of choice.
With all of that said, I'm still intending to continue on with this series. There's just something about Carr's writing that works for me - even with all the issues. It must be that 'comfort read' factor. These books are pleasant, easy to read, and the town of Virgin RIver is like some kind of earthbound utopia - and a place is still worthwhile getting away to.
Yarg. Mel irritates me. You can be reading a perfectly good Virgin River novel and then enters Mel, and she takes over. Then you start to wonder who the book really is about and what happened to the main characters. I don't know why the author feels the need to resurrect Mel throughout this series and give her new obstacles to overcome. Maybe because she was the main character in the first novel. Not sure. Or maybe there are a lot of Mel fans out there. Not me. Anyway, because of Mel's repeated appearance throughout this one and having to stray from the original characters to read about her, I give this a 2.
Moonlight Road es el decimo libro de la serie Virgin River creada por la autora Robyn Carr y narra la historia de Aiden ( el tercer hermano Riordan ) y Erin, un personaje que conocemos brevemente en el cuarto libro. Inicie esta historia con muchas ganas, no solo porque el protagonista masculino me gusto mucho en los libros anteriores sino tambien porque lei varias reseñas que decian que esta novela era muy graciosa ( algo que necesitaba en este momento ) y la verdad es que cumplio todas mis expectativas. Un libro tierno, divertido y muy ligero de leer.
Another amazing book from Robyn Carr! I don't know how she comes, but with the plots but each time I fall in love with the lead man and am on the edge of my seat. These books are like cake, I just can't stay away.
Not my favorite book of the series. It didn't quite engage me all the way, but it was still a good book. Carr would have to do something really bizarre for me to hate a Virgin River book.
Series Note: Personally, I would highly recommend reading this series in order.
Summary: Aiden Riordan recently left the Navy and is taking some time off in Virgin River with his family before he looks for a new OB/GYN position. Erin Foley, a tax & real estate lawyer, is on a much overdue vacation in Virgin River after spending the last 25 years of her life taking care of her two younger siblings. The first time these two meet, one of them ends up in the hospital. But once they get past the initial misunderstandings, Erin and Aiden click. Aiden keeps finding himself back at Erin's cabin, getting to know her. And Erin finds herself finally learning how to relax. It's a match made in heaven...except for the crazy ex who keeps popping up.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Virgin River, Shelby is about to have her baby. So is Erin's sister Marcie. Jack and Mel are at serious odds over an important issue. Maureen and George begin their trip. And Art reunites with a female friend of his.
Review: I haven't read a bad Virgin River book yet, and this one is no exception. It may not be among my favorites of the series, but I still enjoyed it for the most part. It could have been better, but hey, anytime you get to catch up with the VR crew is good. These characters, especially the originals like Mel, Jack, Preacher, Paige and some others are ones that just stick with you.
That being said, the romance in the book was a bit flat for me. I thought it had a lot of potential - the overachieving lawyer who is finally trying to learn to relax, and the doctor taking time off to hike and have fun with his family. They meet up while he looks like a total vagrant. Lots of possibilities there. But somewhere along the line, things just fell kind of flat. The progression to the romance was off. One minute they are just barely getting to know each other, sharing a beer, and the next, Aiden is giving her a suggestive, yet light-hearted slap on the ass. It was a rather startling transition. It felt weird to me. Their romance seemed a bit oversimplified.
And like some other reviewers have said, the crazy ex storyline didn't do anything for me. It didn't turn out anything like I thought it would. Plus, the crazy ex has already been done at least twice before in this series. So it's kind of an old issue here.
The side storylines were okay. Didn't mind the Jack and Mel thing, though I felt like it needed more development and attention. I didn't really care for the Art/Netta aspect. And there were two babies born...hey, this is Virgin River afterall. Gotta have babies being born ;)
For you Virgin River fans, I think you'll enjoy this addition to the series. Like me, it may not be your favorite, but still a good read. I'm curious as to where Carr plans to go next with this series (as there are 2 more trilogies scheduled). Will we get books for the last two Riordan bachelors? What about Dan Brady and Cheryl? It will be tough waiting a whole year for more VR stories.
While I wasn't as enthralled in this particular story as I have been in some of the other books in this series, I still enjoyed it. Most of it takes place in Virgin River, CA, and involves a heroine that was first introduced in #4 in the series, "A Virgin River Christmas" with Ian Buchanan and Marcie Sullivan.
As with any series, it's better to have read the series in order and since "Moonlight Road" updated a few other past characters--especially this one!
"Moonlight Road" is the 11th book in the Virgin River series and the primary characters are Erin and Aidan Riordan. Erin is the older sister to Marcie. She had been more of a mom due to childhood circumstances beyond her control. Erin was headstrong, had her nose to the grindstone most of her life playing mom to her two siblings, and becoming a successful lawyer. She was used to being in charge.
Initially, Erin's personality came off as too brisk, for me. She seemed snooty, but that didn't last too long, thankfully. Aidan's character adapted to her too quickly. There was something missing between the connection of these two. I didn't feel "it." Adding in the manipulative ex-wife and the story just simmered for me.
There was a little drama back in Mel and Jack's home which was neat seeing them again, but I was disappointed in Mel's behavior and glad that Jack held to his beliefs.
We see more of Maureen and George and their new RV/home. Art's character gets a little more action. Shelby and Luke have some excitement and Sean, Francine and Little Rosie are in this book for a short time with updates.
Reviewed for THC Reviews Moonlight Road was another fabulous installment in Robyn Carr's Virgin River series. This one focuses primarily on the rather large and still growing Riordan clan. We also get to see a fair bit of Ian and Marcie (A Virgin River Christmas) for the first time since their book. Many other current and former Virgin River residents pop in for a visit although some are merely in the background. This time the story was a little less about the town, and a little more about both Aiden and Erin's family ties. I absolutely loved this though, because the Riordans and Foleys still projected that warmth and comfort that I've come to expect from a Virgin River novel.
Like all of his brothers and many of the male residents of Virgin River, Aiden is a military man, ex-Navy to be precise. Not wanting to be assigned to a ship again for the next two years, he resigns his commission to look for work in the private sector. Out of all the Riordan boys, Aiden is the one who has wanted a wife and children the most, but also the one who has had the worst luck with women. After his brief but tempestuous marriage to a “crazy woman,” he's been rather wary of relationships despite his desire for a family. He finally realized that being in the Navy wasn't helping any in his search for the right woman. Before finding a steady job and settling down, he decides to sojourn in Virgin River for a few months while awaiting the birth of his first nephew. In my opinion, Aiden leans toward being a beta hero. As an OB/GYN, he's very sensitive toward women's issues, and overall, he's a pretty romantic guy. Even though he doesn't exactly get off on the right foot with Erin, which leaves her less than accommodating, he is very gentle and takes the time to get to know her. I love how he was secretly doing little things for her without her knowing about them. He was kind of her own personal gardening and handyman fairy which was really cute. It was also incredibly romantic how he gave Erin the prom that she'd missed out on, and I love how he taught her to just relax and have fun. Add to all this the fact that Aiden is a tender lover who patiently awakens Erin to things she's been missing, and he's pretty much the perfect guy. I've liked Aiden since he was first introduced in Luke's book, so I was very excited to finally get to his book. It certainly didn't disappoint, and I think he found the perfect match in Erin.
When Erin was first introduced in Marcie and Ian's book as the meddling older sister, I had a hard time warming up to her. After reading this book, I realize that she was simply a misunderstood character. Erin has spent her whole life taking care of her family and basically missed out on some of her formative growing up years. I have to say that I admire her commitment to her brother and sister. She was a very strong woman to put herself through law school while taking care of them. Now that both of them have lives of their own and have moved out, she's feeling adrift, not knowing what to do with herself. After doing a major remodel on Ian's primitive old cabin to make it livable, Erin takes a long leave from work and comes to Virgin River looking for a peaceful place to learn how to be alone. Sadly, she can't seem to find anything to do that interests and excites her until a scruffy-looking mountain man comes walking out of the forest into her clearing. Being a girly-girl who's into designer clothes and such, she's none too impressed with him at first, but when she finds out how nicely he cleans up, she can't help being attracted. She'd dated occasionally, but never had a serious relationship. Her already too-full life simply didn't allow for it, and most of the guys she went out with didn't really float her boat either. Aiden is different than anyone she'd known before and seems to intuitively know how to make her feel good. I enjoyed watching the personal journey Erin went on and how she grew throughout the story.
Of course, this wouldn't be a Virgin River novel without lots of secondary characters, some of whom get their own POV scenes. Luke and Shelby are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child while dealing with some new developments for Art, the young man with Down's Syndrome who became their charge. I love how Robyn Carr gives everyone an opportunity for romance regardless of age or disability, so I thought the little side plot about Art reconnecting with his “girlfriend” was really sweet. Sean returns from his tour in Iraq, but he, Franci, and Rosie are only around for a short while before heading off to his next assignment. Momma Maureen makes good on her plan to spend her retirement traveling the country with her boyfriend, George, in their new luxury RV, which surprises a few of her offspring, and their first stop is Virgin River to be there for the baby's birth. Erin's sister, Marcie, and her husband, Ian, are also about to become first-time parents, which is partly why Erin decided to vacation fairly close to home. The only townspeople who have a major part in this book are Jack and Mel who experience a little trouble in paradise as they disagree over whether to have another child, which would be a big undertaking since Mel had a hysterectomy. I have to admit that I was a little worried about this part of the story, but I'm very pleased with how it all turned out. Lastly, was the villain, Aiden's crazy ex, Annalee. I felt so bad for Aiden for all that she put him through, both during their marriage and when she returns in this book. I'm glad that Erin didn't doubt Aiden for long and instead, trusted the things he said even though she didn't exactly have proof. Very few villains make me as angry as Annalee did, so I guess that's a testament to Robyn Carr's writing skill.
Moonlight Road got off to an incredibly amusing start with Erin accidentally knocking herself out when Aiden walked out of the forest looking like a homeless man, carrying a machete. From there it runs a gamut of emotions with lots of warm family interactions as all the Riordans come together for the birth of Luke and Shelby's baby. It wraps up with some high suspense, but I won't say any more about that because I don't want to give anything away. Overall, it was another great addition to this already wonderful series that I highly recommend.
Love how this author continues to realistically tackle serious issues while delivering yet another fantastic romance! I absolutely adored Aidan & Erin's story and was once again entertained by previous couples' ongoing stories. The characters are so dang real & believable. I find myself wishing they were my neighbors as I'm continuously swept up in their lives. A fantastic story & series!
Listen, the love story between Aiden and Erin was good, it was cute! I liked a lot of it, it was well done, as was the character development between Aiden and Erin. I was even willing to looking forward the ignorant remarks made about lawyers being "the opposite of nurturing" and the comments about a Estates/tax lawyer not being able to be cute. I rolled my eyes, was annoyed enough to share with my friends (one who is interested in becoming an estates/tax lawyer and is VERY cute) but that wouldn't have been enough to put it so low.
HOWEVER, the NUMEROUS subplots got to be way too much in themselves. There were so many subplots and they were SO weird. One or two ~different~ subplots to get the author's agenda about surrogacy, adoption, menopause, or mental health issues would have been enough but THIS many? Chill. It took away from the story and got weird at times. TMI to the max.
Finally, the kicker, was the extremely rude comments made about Eastern Europeans who grew up in a "turbulent region" and therefore are now con people and crazy because that's what the environment made them. The worst part of this comment is that this particular woman/man were from Bosnia, and if the author took some time to know Bosnian politics she would see why this is SO offensive. Maybe being Eastern European myself and the fact that the "bad guy" has the same name as my late grandfather makes me bias enough to have you ignore how offensive this plot point is but like the Serbians committed genocide against the Bosnians and that's why it was so "turbulent" so how you gonna victim blame and stereotype an entire ethnicity like that? Not okay.
I love this series it is so heartwarming and uplifting. This is like the warm, fuzzy blankets of book series. The stories envelope you and you wish Virgin River was a real place. This is the 11th book in the series and, as with many other series, there are reader favorites. I still don't think any can compare with Jack and Mel's original story, I was really looking forward to Adien's story. I was a little disappointed in Sean's story. When I started Moonlight Road, I was a little worried because I wasn't sure I was going to like Erin, but for all of her bossiness and uptight persona she was a great heroine. I think of the most recent additions to the VR series: I liked Noah & Ellie's story the best I think the writing in Forbidden Falls was some of the best since the first 3 books. The story really focused on the H/H. My least favorite was Angel's Peak, I thought that, again there was too much going on and there wasn't enough development of Sean and Francie's story. Although, I wonder if Carr thought their previous history would suffice. So Moonlight Road was my second favorite of these three stories. I thought Aiden was great. I was a little frustrated a Mel in the Jack/Mel side story they had going on. You knew she would do the right thing but it was a little frustrating at times. All in all, this was a good addition to the series. I wonder if we'll see the last two Riordan brothers, Paddy & Colin, get their own stories.
I received this as a digital ARC through NetGalley. I did not receive any compensation for this review.
I've found a new book-boyfriend! YAY me :D Can't get enough of Aiden Riordan *sigh* and I feel silly to keep saying the next book of the series to be the best of them. Seriously, it keeps getting better and better.
I’ve written it at least 10 times now. This narrator does an amazing job of bringing every single one of these characters to life. I absolutely love listening to her and I think she may have pulled some voodoo on me because I swear I hear her voice even when I quietly reading.
While I loved watching Aiden fall in love, I wasn’t a huge fan of Erin. She was just too harsh, judgey and high and mighty. At least that was my initial judgement of her from meeting her in A Virgin River Christmas, Ian and Marcie’s story. But as I listened, I learned and soon I was empathizing with her and the life she led. I wanted her to find her happy ever after with Aiden.
As most of these books, this also covers some of the characters from town. Sometimes this annoys me when we get pulled away from the “main couple” but it usually doesn’t last long. We got a good look at Art and his love interest and how all of that is being dealt with. When this narrator performs Art, I’m brought to my knees.
Great addition to the series. Maybe not my favorite, but still very entertaining.
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