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Whiskey Beach
For more than three hundred years, Bluff House has sat above Whiskey Beach, guarding its shore—and its secrets. But to Eli Landon, it’s home…
A Boston lawyer, Eli has weathered an intense year of public scrutiny and police investigations after being accused of—but never arrested for—the murder of his soon-to-be-ex wife.
He finds sanctuary at Bluff House, even though his beloved grandmother is in Boston recuperating from a nasty fall. Abra Walsh is always there, though. Whiskey Beach’s resident housekeeper, yoga instructor, jewelry maker, and massage therapist, Abra is a woman of many talents—including helping Eli take control of his life and clear his name. But as they become entangled in each other, they find themselves caught in a net that stretches back for centuries—one that has ensnared a man intent on reaping the rewards of destroying Eli Landon once and for all…
A Boston lawyer, Eli has weathered an intense year of public scrutiny and police investigations after being accused of—but never arrested for—the murder of his soon-to-be-ex wife.
He finds sanctuary at Bluff House, even though his beloved grandmother is in Boston recuperating from a nasty fall. Abra Walsh is always there, though. Whiskey Beach’s resident housekeeper, yoga instructor, jewelry maker, and massage therapist, Abra is a woman of many talents—including helping Eli take control of his life and clear his name. But as they become entangled in each other, they find themselves caught in a net that stretches back for centuries—one that has ensnared a man intent on reaping the rewards of destroying Eli Landon once and for all…
770 pages, ebook
First published April 16, 2013
3619 people are currently reading
16266 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,225 books60.3k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,039 reviews
June 14, 2016
'Whiskey Beach' was my first Nora Roberts book ever, believe it or not. I don't know how I've managed to avoid this talented author's work for so long, but shamefully, I have. When I saw this book on the bestsellers lists for such a long time, I got a little curious. I was between audiobooks and nothing on my Audible shelf was calling to me. So, on an impulse, I downloaded 'Whiskey Beach' and started listening. It ended up being a great choice.
The hero, Eli Landon, has returned to his grandmother's home at Whiskey Beach, in a cloud of speculation. He had been a successful defense attorney in Boston, until he became the prime suspect in his cheating wife's murder case. The negative publicity from the trial made him a national figure, ruining his career and turning his life upside down. He may not have been convicted in the court of law, but the court of public opinion was another matter.
Eli's grandmother asked him to come stay at Bluff House and look after her home while she was in the hospital recovering from a bad fall down the stairs. The home is a legendary part of the small coastal town and Eli's old stomping grounds. He was glad to return to the comfort of his family's home and escape the spotlight for a while.
Of course, national news did not miss Whiskey Beach. Many of the locals are convinced that they now have a murderer in their midst. However, unlike in Boston, Eli has just as many supporters in this small town who cannot believe that the boy they knew could ever be guilty of such a crime.
Out of all the supporters, nobody is more adamant that Eli is innocent than Abra Walsh. Although not a lifelong member of the Whiskey Beach community, Abra has made a lasting impression on the community in the few years that she's lived there. A cheerful, optimistic, do-gooder, Abra has imbedded herself deep in the heart of this community.
At first, Eli doesn't know what to make of the chatty lady that his grandmother hired to clean Bluff House. Everywhere he goes, she seems to turn up. She doesn't avoid him or look at him with questioning eyes, like many of the townspeople do. Little by little, she pulls him out of his shell.
Eventually, Eli and Abra begin to date, but not before Eli's past rears it's ugly head. A Boston detective that is sure of Eli's guilt continues to push the envelope. Now that Abra is in the picture, he sees her as just another angle to work. Eli's ex-in-laws are also sure that he is responsible for the death of their only daughter.
Meanwhile, there are a string of crimes that have followed Eli to Whiskey Beach. From murder to break-ins, something is not right. The more Eli digs, the more he begins to question whether or not everything is related and what the killer's true motives were.
My only complaint, is that the Audible version would have been so much better if two narrators had been used. I cringed every time that the male narrator made his "female" voices. It was awful. With such a huge bestseller, I was surprised to find that the extra effort hadn't been put into the narration. After a while, I think I numbed myself to it, but it wasn't ideal and it did take away from the listening experience.
Overall, this was a great romantic mystery/suspense. The story was well-developed and entertaining. It certainly was not the type of erotic story that I usually choose, but sometimes less is more. In this case, it worked well.
The hero, Eli Landon, has returned to his grandmother's home at Whiskey Beach, in a cloud of speculation. He had been a successful defense attorney in Boston, until he became the prime suspect in his cheating wife's murder case. The negative publicity from the trial made him a national figure, ruining his career and turning his life upside down. He may not have been convicted in the court of law, but the court of public opinion was another matter.
Eli's grandmother asked him to come stay at Bluff House and look after her home while she was in the hospital recovering from a bad fall down the stairs. The home is a legendary part of the small coastal town and Eli's old stomping grounds. He was glad to return to the comfort of his family's home and escape the spotlight for a while.
Of course, national news did not miss Whiskey Beach. Many of the locals are convinced that they now have a murderer in their midst. However, unlike in Boston, Eli has just as many supporters in this small town who cannot believe that the boy they knew could ever be guilty of such a crime.
Out of all the supporters, nobody is more adamant that Eli is innocent than Abra Walsh. Although not a lifelong member of the Whiskey Beach community, Abra has made a lasting impression on the community in the few years that she's lived there. A cheerful, optimistic, do-gooder, Abra has imbedded herself deep in the heart of this community.
At first, Eli doesn't know what to make of the chatty lady that his grandmother hired to clean Bluff House. Everywhere he goes, she seems to turn up. She doesn't avoid him or look at him with questioning eyes, like many of the townspeople do. Little by little, she pulls him out of his shell.
Eventually, Eli and Abra begin to date, but not before Eli's past rears it's ugly head. A Boston detective that is sure of Eli's guilt continues to push the envelope. Now that Abra is in the picture, he sees her as just another angle to work. Eli's ex-in-laws are also sure that he is responsible for the death of their only daughter.
Meanwhile, there are a string of crimes that have followed Eli to Whiskey Beach. From murder to break-ins, something is not right. The more Eli digs, the more he begins to question whether or not everything is related and what the killer's true motives were.
My only complaint, is that the Audible version would have been so much better if two narrators had been used. I cringed every time that the male narrator made his "female" voices. It was awful. With such a huge bestseller, I was surprised to find that the extra effort hadn't been put into the narration. After a while, I think I numbed myself to it, but it wasn't ideal and it did take away from the listening experience.
Overall, this was a great romantic mystery/suspense. The story was well-developed and entertaining. It certainly was not the type of erotic story that I usually choose, but sometimes less is more. In this case, it worked well.
October 8, 2013
I only wish I could say this is typical Nora Roberts. This has to be a rehash of earlier work. The story line was...stupid..characters..annoying.. I listened to this on audiobook..and I literally slept through 6 hours of it..and lost nothing..
Abba..haha I wasn't paying attention but if it was a homage to the 70's group..they have more substance than this flaky yoga teaching house cleaner..who works for Eli's grandmother who had a serious fall and can't live in the HUGE OLD MAINE house..list like the one described in Three Sisters Trilogy, and Homeport. (Are we cutting and pasting description because the B&B business in cutting into writing time?..but I digress)
Eli..successful Boston lawyer..in limbo for his lying, cheating, wife's murder..escapes to the family manse to heal from the "limbo" of being accused but never tried for said murder..
Perky,optimist, zen ABBA..( I know..I'm being snarky..but this book was toooo much) heals our hero through sticky notes and being obnoxious.
A third of the way through I was hoping she would get murdered by the obligatory crazy stalker..that would have been both merciful and interesting..but no..she lived to chirp her way through the book with inane dialogue.
I honestly did not care what happened to the mystery treasure..which was really never explained..except by..post script..but by that point..who cares anyway..it could not have been stupider.
This is a harsh review..it might be from the migraine the annoying reader gave me..but I don't think so..
I'm a voracious reader. I average two audiobooks a week across all genres. All I care about is a good engaging story. And what accounts for Nora Roberts appeal is that she's very good at doing just that. Her books are based on a certain formula..have a certain rhythm..because they're a Nora Roberts book. I'm great with that..it's why I like other authors like John Grisham, David Baldacci, Molly Harper all my go to authors.
I can ever forgive a certain amount of reuse of old plot lines..if they reflect the growth of the author's craft and ability. I also can understand that all books are not created equal. They're individuals with elements that sometimes just don't work. Every author is entitled to a "dysfunctional" book. I just read Black Hills and it was formulaic.. but a nice story. Fully cooked. This book felt like a rush job to meet deadline.
Either that..or instead of evolving as a writer, and getting better..Nora Roberts has run out of ideas, and is devolving. Which would be sad.
Personally, as a reader I would rather have an author take a break from releasing books, to recharge whatever creative battery is running low, than to have to read BAD recycled plot lines.
I hope this is a temporary phenomenon..since the last couple of releases have been really subpar. I rarely return audiobooks. But I've returned two of the last three Nora Roberts books I've purchased. And I've read almost all her books, except the really early ones which are as flat and awkward as this one was.
Note..Lead female was Abra..that's how much I did not care..
*Update* Apparently I wasn't the only one who hated the audiobook. Audible rereleased Whiskey Beach with a new narrator, free of charge to those who returned it. I listened to the sample version and still took a pass. So I guess it's true..you couldn't give this book away.
The new trilogy being released at the end of October 2013 sounds like classic Nora Roberts. Hopefully this signals a return to quality storytelling which Nora Roberts has done so well, for so long and not just old stories reworked.
Abba..haha I wasn't paying attention but if it was a homage to the 70's group..they have more substance than this flaky yoga teaching house cleaner..who works for Eli's grandmother who had a serious fall and can't live in the HUGE OLD MAINE house..list like the one described in Three Sisters Trilogy, and Homeport. (Are we cutting and pasting description because the B&B business in cutting into writing time?..but I digress)
Eli..successful Boston lawyer..in limbo for his lying, cheating, wife's murder..escapes to the family manse to heal from the "limbo" of being accused but never tried for said murder..
Perky,optimist, zen ABBA..( I know..I'm being snarky..but this book was toooo much) heals our hero through sticky notes and being obnoxious.
A third of the way through I was hoping she would get murdered by the obligatory crazy stalker..that would have been both merciful and interesting..but no..she lived to chirp her way through the book with inane dialogue.
I honestly did not care what happened to the mystery treasure..which was really never explained..except by..post script..but by that point..who cares anyway..it could not have been stupider.
This is a harsh review..it might be from the migraine the annoying reader gave me..but I don't think so..
I'm a voracious reader. I average two audiobooks a week across all genres. All I care about is a good engaging story. And what accounts for Nora Roberts appeal is that she's very good at doing just that. Her books are based on a certain formula..have a certain rhythm..because they're a Nora Roberts book. I'm great with that..it's why I like other authors like John Grisham, David Baldacci, Molly Harper all my go to authors.
I can ever forgive a certain amount of reuse of old plot lines..if they reflect the growth of the author's craft and ability. I also can understand that all books are not created equal. They're individuals with elements that sometimes just don't work. Every author is entitled to a "dysfunctional" book. I just read Black Hills and it was formulaic.. but a nice story. Fully cooked. This book felt like a rush job to meet deadline.
Either that..or instead of evolving as a writer, and getting better..Nora Roberts has run out of ideas, and is devolving. Which would be sad.
Personally, as a reader I would rather have an author take a break from releasing books, to recharge whatever creative battery is running low, than to have to read BAD recycled plot lines.
I hope this is a temporary phenomenon..since the last couple of releases have been really subpar. I rarely return audiobooks. But I've returned two of the last three Nora Roberts books I've purchased. And I've read almost all her books, except the really early ones which are as flat and awkward as this one was.
Note..Lead female was Abra..that's how much I did not care..
*Update* Apparently I wasn't the only one who hated the audiobook. Audible rereleased Whiskey Beach with a new narrator, free of charge to those who returned it. I listened to the sample version and still took a pass. So I guess it's true..you couldn't give this book away.
The new trilogy being released at the end of October 2013 sounds like classic Nora Roberts. Hopefully this signals a return to quality storytelling which Nora Roberts has done so well, for so long and not just old stories reworked.
January 20, 2023
the setup…
Boston criminal defense attorney Eli Landon is a broken man. For almost a year, he’s been the center of a police investigation for the murder of his wife Lindsay, who he was on the threshold of divorcing. He’s lost his job, reputation and spirit so he returns to Bluff House, his family’s home for centuries in Whiskey Beach. His grandmother Hester had a terrible fall and is recuperating with his parents while he occupies the place in her stead. Eli finds refuge and resuscitation from this place and Abra Walsh, who always seems to be there to provide much needed care. But something sinister is also at play and he fears it may be connected not only to the house’s murky history but his wife’s murder.
the heart of the story…
Why did I delay listening to this story??? It has the perfect balance of mystery, suspense and romance with a great setting and two extremely likeable characters in Eli and Abra. She was most interesting in her own right, being highly skilled in so many things…yoga instructor, housekeeper, culinary expert and jewelry maker. Abra was the antidote for all that ailed Eli and it was wonderful seeing him regain his footing and vigor, finding a new purpose for his life. He and Abra drifted into a relationship that developed so naturally. Always lurking in the background though was the question of who murdered Lindsay and who was skulking about Bluff House.
the narration…
It’s not often I hear a male narrator master female voices but Luke Daniels was crazy good! I even checked to see if a female narrator was listed. He delivered a great performance.
the bottom line…
I enjoyed every minute of this story (15 hours!), loving every element. I figured out some of the mysteries before they were revealed but not too much earlier. The journey getting there was fun and the romance was delightful. This turned out to be quite the surprise listening experience.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Boston criminal defense attorney Eli Landon is a broken man. For almost a year, he’s been the center of a police investigation for the murder of his wife Lindsay, who he was on the threshold of divorcing. He’s lost his job, reputation and spirit so he returns to Bluff House, his family’s home for centuries in Whiskey Beach. His grandmother Hester had a terrible fall and is recuperating with his parents while he occupies the place in her stead. Eli finds refuge and resuscitation from this place and Abra Walsh, who always seems to be there to provide much needed care. But something sinister is also at play and he fears it may be connected not only to the house’s murky history but his wife’s murder.
the heart of the story…
Why did I delay listening to this story??? It has the perfect balance of mystery, suspense and romance with a great setting and two extremely likeable characters in Eli and Abra. She was most interesting in her own right, being highly skilled in so many things…yoga instructor, housekeeper, culinary expert and jewelry maker. Abra was the antidote for all that ailed Eli and it was wonderful seeing him regain his footing and vigor, finding a new purpose for his life. He and Abra drifted into a relationship that developed so naturally. Always lurking in the background though was the question of who murdered Lindsay and who was skulking about Bluff House.
the narration…
It’s not often I hear a male narrator master female voices but Luke Daniels was crazy good! I even checked to see if a female narrator was listed. He delivered a great performance.
the bottom line…
I enjoyed every minute of this story (15 hours!), loving every element. I figured out some of the mysteries before they were revealed but not too much earlier. The journey getting there was fun and the romance was delightful. This turned out to be quite the surprise listening experience.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
August 16, 2017
I can't recall the last time I read a book by Nora Roberts, but I know it's been quite a while. And after reading Whiskey Beach which by the way was a fabulous read I said to myself that I mustn't take so long to take another one of her books.
Whiskey Beach was not only written well in my opinion, but it also had twists and turns that kept the reader turning the pages rather quickly wanting to know what would happen next. I normally shy away from what I call "chunky" books (close to 500 or more pages) as I believe they will take me forever to read and I'll lose interest in them, but this was not the case at all with this book in fact it was quite the opposite.
Mystery, twists and turns, suspense, intrigue, romance and a page turner what else could a reader want? Highly recommended.
Whiskey Beach was not only written well in my opinion, but it also had twists and turns that kept the reader turning the pages rather quickly wanting to know what would happen next. I normally shy away from what I call "chunky" books (close to 500 or more pages) as I believe they will take me forever to read and I'll lose interest in them, but this was not the case at all with this book in fact it was quite the opposite.
Mystery, twists and turns, suspense, intrigue, romance and a page turner what else could a reader want? Highly recommended.
July 5, 2013
Opening a Nora Roberts book is like stepping into a Thomas Kinkade painting. In Noraland, everyone is privileged, everyone is beautiful (and almost everyone is white. Super!), everyone loves dogs, and children, and babies, and problems are solved by the final chapter. If Thomas Kinkade-ish literature pisses you off, then you won't like Noraland, but for many of us it's a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Whiskey Beach at first seems like it might slightly warp Nora's usual rules. Abra, our heroine, works as--wait for it--a yoga instructor cum waitress cum HOUSECLEANER. Whaaaat?! A working-class Nora heroine? Interesting!
Well, actually, no. We find out that Abra has an MBA ("from Northwestern") and is working cleaning people's houses because she finds it EMPOWERING and FUN (anyone else think it's been a while since Nora's done menial work? Yeah, me too). Oh, and Abra's mom is a Nobel laureate. This is not a woman who's going to worry about health insurance.
Now, I get it. You don't take a trip to Noraland to wallow in the more depressing aspects of Actual Life. But I do think that she could afford to get a little less gauzy, a little more gritty. Noraland, for me, would be even more inviting if it bore slightly more resemblance to the real world.
Whiskey Beach at first seems like it might slightly warp Nora's usual rules. Abra, our heroine, works as--wait for it--a yoga instructor cum waitress cum HOUSECLEANER. Whaaaat?! A working-class Nora heroine? Interesting!
Well, actually, no. We find out that Abra has an MBA ("from Northwestern") and is working cleaning people's houses because she finds it EMPOWERING and FUN (anyone else think it's been a while since Nora's done menial work? Yeah, me too). Oh, and Abra's mom is a Nobel laureate. This is not a woman who's going to worry about health insurance.
Now, I get it. You don't take a trip to Noraland to wallow in the more depressing aspects of Actual Life. But I do think that she could afford to get a little less gauzy, a little more gritty. Noraland, for me, would be even more inviting if it bore slightly more resemblance to the real world.
May 20, 2023
Whether as Nora Roberts or J.D. Robb, she never disappoints!
Of course, I love some stories more than others, but the fact is that until now, I haven't rated one of her books with less than three stars!
Let me start with how likeable the two main characters, Eli and Abra are! The plot, even though not fast-paced, is easy to read! The mystery is complex and intriguing! The setting is beautifully described and gives nice vibes!
It's interesting to see how pace by pace Eli discovers himself and becomes the person he is meant to be and finds his happiness!
Abra is a ray of sunshine, and I loved her hard won perspective on trying to see the positive side and not let past grievances push you back!
It's a story about family ties, resilience, finding your place, and inner peace and the importance of love and a well plotted murder mystery!
Through relationships, you can see how a couple can bring the worst out of each other and how a couple can bring out the best of each other!
I liked Eli's family and Abra's friends, and my only complaint is that the ending felt a bit rushed!
Of course, I love some stories more than others, but the fact is that until now, I haven't rated one of her books with less than three stars!
Let me start with how likeable the two main characters, Eli and Abra are! The plot, even though not fast-paced, is easy to read! The mystery is complex and intriguing! The setting is beautifully described and gives nice vibes!
It's interesting to see how pace by pace Eli discovers himself and becomes the person he is meant to be and finds his happiness!
Abra is a ray of sunshine, and I loved her hard won perspective on trying to see the positive side and not let past grievances push you back!
It's a story about family ties, resilience, finding your place, and inner peace and the importance of love and a well plotted murder mystery!
Through relationships, you can see how a couple can bring the worst out of each other and how a couple can bring out the best of each other!
I liked Eli's family and Abra's friends, and my only complaint is that the ending felt a bit rushed!
April 22, 2013
Let me just say.. NORA's BACK.. the last couple of stand alone Nora Roberts books have been good but for me they haven't been Great.. Yeah I know it's Nora of course they are great.. but I expect something undefinable from Nora and missed that in the past few books. Of course that is going to happens when you write as many books as Nora does. Not everyone is going to fall head over heels for every book.. and that's ok. But Whiskey Beach puts Nora back on top with me!!
Eli Landon has had a really bad year. Right in the middle of a "civil" divorce he finds out his wife has been having a pretty serious affair for a large part of their marriage and he blows it. Unfortunately he also is the one to find her body that same day.. Of course he is the main suspect.. even when no evidence is found he is still living under a cloud of suspicion. The main detective is sure it's him and borderline harasses him, he looses his job as a Criminal Attorney (sure we will defend you but we won't employ you) and finally his grandmother is in a serious accident. Things just have to start looking up. Because he needs a reprieve, an escape he heads to Bluff House, the family home in Whiskey Beach. Ready to find a way to get on with his life.
Abra Walsh has known some serious hard times herself but instead of letting the negative stuff win she has learned to create a life where she can help others and find positive in her world. When one of her Yoga students is injured and forced to go live with family until she recovers, Abra is asked to help look after the house.. and eventually Eli. *Grins* yep, Eli has hit that stone wall..
Nora does an excellent job of weaving legend with reality. A Gripping story that takes two separate issues and blends them into a wonderful story of insanity, temptation and yes love. When you read a book like this, written by a master, it's hard not to fall in love.
I have a longtime love of Nora's Heroines, she writes these rich, complete, complex individuals that actually live life. They fight their own battles and win their own wars.. and stand readily on their own two feet to support those they love. I think part of Nora's true gift comes with her ability to write about real women. Women who have loved, lost, battled, been betrayed, been victorious and totally earned their right to say here I am.. in short real women. Abra, fits into that category with a resounding bang. She is driven by her own personal power and she is a force in this book.
Eli plays the wounded warrior to perfection. He has been battered and bruised, life has been hard on him but he has a family that loves and suports him. His home town accepts him and even the police are starting to come around. All he needs is time to come back to life and when he does.. he comes out swinging.. You just want to cheer when he is finally peeved enough to take a stand and shut all the idjiots down.. Yay Eli!!
What a wonderful book.. all you NR lovers will want to put this one at the top of your lists.. and those three people (mom) who have not read NR.. well check her out!!
Shauni
Eli Landon has had a really bad year. Right in the middle of a "civil" divorce he finds out his wife has been having a pretty serious affair for a large part of their marriage and he blows it. Unfortunately he also is the one to find her body that same day.. Of course he is the main suspect.. even when no evidence is found he is still living under a cloud of suspicion. The main detective is sure it's him and borderline harasses him, he looses his job as a Criminal Attorney (sure we will defend you but we won't employ you) and finally his grandmother is in a serious accident. Things just have to start looking up. Because he needs a reprieve, an escape he heads to Bluff House, the family home in Whiskey Beach. Ready to find a way to get on with his life.
Abra Walsh has known some serious hard times herself but instead of letting the negative stuff win she has learned to create a life where she can help others and find positive in her world. When one of her Yoga students is injured and forced to go live with family until she recovers, Abra is asked to help look after the house.. and eventually Eli. *Grins* yep, Eli has hit that stone wall..
Nora does an excellent job of weaving legend with reality. A Gripping story that takes two separate issues and blends them into a wonderful story of insanity, temptation and yes love. When you read a book like this, written by a master, it's hard not to fall in love.
I have a longtime love of Nora's Heroines, she writes these rich, complete, complex individuals that actually live life. They fight their own battles and win their own wars.. and stand readily on their own two feet to support those they love. I think part of Nora's true gift comes with her ability to write about real women. Women who have loved, lost, battled, been betrayed, been victorious and totally earned their right to say here I am.. in short real women. Abra, fits into that category with a resounding bang. She is driven by her own personal power and she is a force in this book.
Eli plays the wounded warrior to perfection. He has been battered and bruised, life has been hard on him but he has a family that loves and suports him. His home town accepts him and even the police are starting to come around. All he needs is time to come back to life and when he does.. he comes out swinging.. You just want to cheer when he is finally peeved enough to take a stand and shut all the idjiots down.. Yay Eli!!
What a wonderful book.. all you NR lovers will want to put this one at the top of your lists.. and those three people (mom) who have not read NR.. well check her out!!
Shauni
July 28, 2021
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Really enjoyed this! Romantic suspense set in a seaside small town. Eli was a lawyer but has been accused of murdering his wife when they were about to get a divorce. So now he's staying in his grandmother's estate while she recovers from an injury, working on his first novel. Abra is the young, quirky jack of all trades who is the part-time housekeeper, but also a yoga instructor and masseuse. Just to start. A mystery heats up and so does the chemistry between this unlikely pair.
Whiskey Beach was very charming and I had a great time reading it. This falls into the grumpy/sunshine trope as the gruff Eli gets drawn out of his shell by Abra who radiates positivity, despite a difficult past. I wasn't surprised at all by the way the mystery went, but I definitely enjoyed the ride. A very solid book if you want a character driven romantic suspense.
Really enjoyed this! Romantic suspense set in a seaside small town. Eli was a lawyer but has been accused of murdering his wife when they were about to get a divorce. So now he's staying in his grandmother's estate while she recovers from an injury, working on his first novel. Abra is the young, quirky jack of all trades who is the part-time housekeeper, but also a yoga instructor and masseuse. Just to start. A mystery heats up and so does the chemistry between this unlikely pair.
Whiskey Beach was very charming and I had a great time reading it. This falls into the grumpy/sunshine trope as the gruff Eli gets drawn out of his shell by Abra who radiates positivity, despite a difficult past. I wasn't surprised at all by the way the mystery went, but I definitely enjoyed the ride. A very solid book if you want a character driven romantic suspense.
July 12, 2024
This was another solid romantic suspense from Nora! I really enjoyed how the hero was accused of murdering his wife and his life was just never the same. He moved to a small town and was writing a book. The heroine was fun and unique and I really enjoyed their romance. The ending was very dramatic and I love when Nora does that with her endings. They remind me of a soap opera with all of the reveals and they're so fun. I'd definitely recommend picking this one up!
April 19, 2013
I wanted to like this book. I really, really wanted to like this book and in the end, I did, but only because it's Nora Roberts. The set up was intriguing - a guy suspected of murdering his soon to be ex wife retreats to a family house on the beach? Yeah, sign me up. Eli Landon was the perfect hero and his growth throughout the course of the book - from a man barely hanging on to sanity to a person who'd rediscovered themselves - was a joy to read.
My main complaint, the thing I really just can't get past? Yeah, that would be the heroine, Abra. She's SO caring and SO thoughtful and SO PUSHY that seriously, were she in my life, I'd go crazy. No, honey, he does not want to eat a sandwich, LET IT GO. She truly bugged me. Now, to be completely honest, Roberts does an excellent job of justifying all of Abra's actions and I found each response to the push-pull-push between Eli and Abra to be completely believable. So there's that. But she went too far too many times.
In the end, the characters were drawn with an excellent, fine hand. The set up was amazing, the plot kept me turning the pages and the ending was satisfying. A bit of a stretch, but so satisfying.
Roberts is an auto buy for me and will continue to be.
My main complaint, the thing I really just can't get past? Yeah, that would be the heroine, Abra. She's SO caring and SO thoughtful and SO PUSHY that seriously, were she in my life, I'd go crazy. No, honey, he does not want to eat a sandwich, LET IT GO. She truly bugged me. Now, to be completely honest, Roberts does an excellent job of justifying all of Abra's actions and I found each response to the push-pull-push between Eli and Abra to be completely believable. So there's that. But she went too far too many times.
In the end, the characters were drawn with an excellent, fine hand. The set up was amazing, the plot kept me turning the pages and the ending was satisfying. A bit of a stretch, but so satisfying.
Roberts is an auto buy for me and will continue to be.
February 9, 2017
Pero qué maravillosos son los personajes de esta novela. Desde Eli y Abra, los protagonistas, hasta los secundarios más secundarios y los villanos más villanos aunque no sepas que lo son. Puede que la historia no sea lo más original del mundo, pero Nora Roberts sabe cómo convertirla en algo entretenido y disfrutable sin dejar de lado la caracterización de los personajes, los diálogos trabajados que llevan el peso del ritmo de la novela y, sobre todo, los diversos misterios que acaban convirtiéndose en uno solo, con los cabos atándose poco a poco a la vez que la relación entre los dos protagonistas va afianzándose como telón de fondo. Sin duda, muy recomendado. Ay, Nora, no vuelvas a fallarme como en Bruja oscura y sigue escribiendo novelas como La casa de la playa, porfi.
May 1, 2013
Whiskey Beach. What a great title!!! Just so grabable and just so Nora Roberts. Her book titles are always amazing.
Page 1 and I was back into the warm “arms” of Nora Roberts’s world. Like coming home!!!! You know that there will be a mystery filled with twists and turns, engaging and delightful characters, great dialogue filled with wit and warmth, marvelous settings, passionate hero/heroine and of course a HEA – THIS BOOK HAS IT ALL AND MORE. A treasure hunt, lovable dog, yoga and karma!!!
Eli Landon has returned to Bluff House, the family home he has always loved, to find peace after the torturous year he’s had as the suspect for his wife’s death.
[image error][image error]
He’s trying to make sense of where his life is going and in the process of becoming a total recluse. He wants to be left alone!!!
But he’s in for a big surprise…sometimes unexpected things happen that will have a profound effect in your life. And for Eli, it’s Abra (I’m still trying to figure out if that is her real name or not!!! – it is after all rather unusual and quirky!), his grandmother’s housekeeper and in charge of taking care of Eli’s life!!!!! [image error]
And does she take over his life…….i absolutely love it!! I absolutely adored Abra. She’s someone I want to be friends with. She’s lovable, warm, kind, understanding, funny, eccentric, and talented in so many things and a FANTASTIC MULTI-TASKING woman..[image error][image error]
Did I forget to add that she’s gorgeous and sexy too???? And that she has great persuasion skills!!! And that she’s a kitchen goddess. Gives yoga classes to the locals and gives a mind-blowing massage…and finds time to create jewellery pieces.
[image error][image error] [image error]
AND SHE BELIEVES IN KARMA!!! I want to be like her when I grow up!!!
Both have so much baggage to deal with and as they begin opening up to each other over time – this is not “fall in love at first sight” – realize how they both fit so well together.
I loved watching the development in their relationship – snarky Eli and breezy Abra. Of course there was just no way could he resist this fabulous woman. And wow..some sexual tension here.
When Abra is telling Maureen (her best friend and a fabulous character too) how the bed moved when she and Eli first made love – a great scene.
[image error]
The closeness and warmth and love of family are one of the things I like in Nora Roberts’s books and you see it so clearly with Eli’s family and friends.
The plot moves at a really good pace and the vivid imagery made it seem so real. Bringing in the history of Bluff House and the history was an added enjoyment. Pirates, parties, lost treasure and all those Landon ancestors, who were just by the way, not such good guys!!!!
Fantastic secondary characters – the surfer turned local cop, Eli’s family especially his yoga loving grandmother – who wouldn't love someone like her! Abra’s best friend Maureen and husband, Barbie, the golden retriever and the locals made it just a wonderful place to be.
The mystery of the murders and the treasure are finally revealed and I have to admit that I was surprised with the revelation of the murderer/s and what the treasure actually was.
A lovely HEA..which is exactly what I wanted.
[image error][image error]
At the end, I was left with a really warm feeling…after spending time with real and lovely place.
Page 1 and I was back into the warm “arms” of Nora Roberts’s world. Like coming home!!!! You know that there will be a mystery filled with twists and turns, engaging and delightful characters, great dialogue filled with wit and warmth, marvelous settings, passionate hero/heroine and of course a HEA – THIS BOOK HAS IT ALL AND MORE. A treasure hunt, lovable dog, yoga and karma!!!
Eli Landon has returned to Bluff House, the family home he has always loved, to find peace after the torturous year he’s had as the suspect for his wife’s death.
[image error][image error]
He’s trying to make sense of where his life is going and in the process of becoming a total recluse. He wants to be left alone!!!
But he’s in for a big surprise…sometimes unexpected things happen that will have a profound effect in your life. And for Eli, it’s Abra (I’m still trying to figure out if that is her real name or not!!! – it is after all rather unusual and quirky!), his grandmother’s housekeeper and in charge of taking care of Eli’s life!!!!! [image error]
And does she take over his life…….i absolutely love it!! I absolutely adored Abra. She’s someone I want to be friends with. She’s lovable, warm, kind, understanding, funny, eccentric, and talented in so many things and a FANTASTIC MULTI-TASKING woman..[image error][image error]
Did I forget to add that she’s gorgeous and sexy too???? And that she has great persuasion skills!!! And that she’s a kitchen goddess. Gives yoga classes to the locals and gives a mind-blowing massage…and finds time to create jewellery pieces.
[image error][image error] [image error]
AND SHE BELIEVES IN KARMA!!! I want to be like her when I grow up!!!
Both have so much baggage to deal with and as they begin opening up to each other over time – this is not “fall in love at first sight” – realize how they both fit so well together.
I loved watching the development in their relationship – snarky Eli and breezy Abra. Of course there was just no way could he resist this fabulous woman. And wow..some sexual tension here.
When Abra is telling Maureen (her best friend and a fabulous character too) how the bed moved when she and Eli first made love – a great scene.
[image error]
The closeness and warmth and love of family are one of the things I like in Nora Roberts’s books and you see it so clearly with Eli’s family and friends.
The plot moves at a really good pace and the vivid imagery made it seem so real. Bringing in the history of Bluff House and the history was an added enjoyment. Pirates, parties, lost treasure and all those Landon ancestors, who were just by the way, not such good guys!!!!
Fantastic secondary characters – the surfer turned local cop, Eli’s family especially his yoga loving grandmother – who wouldn't love someone like her! Abra’s best friend Maureen and husband, Barbie, the golden retriever and the locals made it just a wonderful place to be.
The mystery of the murders and the treasure are finally revealed and I have to admit that I was surprised with the revelation of the murderer/s and what the treasure actually was.
A lovely HEA..which is exactly what I wanted.
[image error][image error]
At the end, I was left with a really warm feeling…after spending time with real and lovely place.
July 8, 2020
This is a typical NR romantic suspence! :)
I loved the heroine! Abra is always positive and always look to the good parts of life, even when it's really difficult! I particularely liked how she managed to take Eli from his shell!
I liked the suspence part too even if I knew who was the villain/s since the beginning!
I loved the heroine! Abra is always positive and always look to the good parts of life, even when it's really difficult! I particularely liked how she managed to take Eli from his shell!
I liked the suspence part too even if I knew who was the villain/s since the beginning!
January 6, 2015
This has to be one of the most boring books I have ever read! Not even my uni books compare to this(and isn't it sad that I'm comparing them?). The hero seems to be whining and the heroin is too fucking sweet! No.
I don't have the patience to read more.
DNF 20%
I don't have the patience to read more.
DNF 20%
October 12, 2014
Oct 2014 Update: This book now has a new narrator so I will reread at some point and update my review :)
3 1/2 Stars
Great storyline and characters. I think the problem for me was that I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was not really into the book he sounds almost bored while reading, which is unfortunate because I think I would have enjoyed it much more if I read the book (or she had a different narrator).
3 1/2 Stars
Great storyline and characters. I think the problem for me was that I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was not really into the book he sounds almost bored while reading, which is unfortunate because I think I would have enjoyed it much more if I read the book (or she had a different narrator).
April 26, 2013
This one was sort of different. I know that Nora Roberts is normally shelved in the romance section but this was not a true romance. Most of the story is told from the hero's POV. In fact the few times the POV switches to the heroine it seems intrusive. The romance while there is very easy and low key. There is no tension in the situation at all. These two people meet and are a perfect fit for each other. No trauma no problems just easy peasy. The heroine was not very interesting. She was so perfect she was almost annoying. She had no grwoing to do and was a pretty static character.
Most of the story was about this guy sort of getting his mojo back after having been suspected of his wife's murder but not being arrested. Of course the two of them figure out who killed her and why. But that situation also was not very riveting. Interesting but fairly easily guessed.
The writing as always with NR was solid. There were some pretty images and I liked the hero's grandmother. But you wouldn't necessarily be worse off if you didn't read this one.
Most of the story was about this guy sort of getting his mojo back after having been suspected of his wife's murder but not being arrested. Of course the two of them figure out who killed her and why. But that situation also was not very riveting. Interesting but fairly easily guessed.
The writing as always with NR was solid. There were some pretty images and I liked the hero's grandmother. But you wouldn't necessarily be worse off if you didn't read this one.
April 25, 2013
This was sure a waste of time. I kept thinking something would happen. I kept thinking that there would be some sort of mystery or suspense. I kept thinking that she would develop some of the little curiosities that she dropped in the narrative. I even thought there might be some character development.
The characters, themselves, were not at all likeable nor believable. Our protagonist, Eli Landon, was somewhat sympathetic and from time to time had some surges of intelligence. Our female lead, Abra, was totally obnoxious, full of herself, a nymphomaniac and completely unbelievable.
It reminded me of a TV soap opera where you can go about 10 episodes with nothing happening - nothing at all. Lots of filler, lots of sex and lots of things that don't make sense. One of the scenes was of families with children playing on the beach. Sounds like summer, doesn't it? Nope, this was before Easter and it was in Massachusetts.
NR owes her readers better than this.
The characters, themselves, were not at all likeable nor believable. Our protagonist, Eli Landon, was somewhat sympathetic and from time to time had some surges of intelligence. Our female lead, Abra, was totally obnoxious, full of herself, a nymphomaniac and completely unbelievable.
It reminded me of a TV soap opera where you can go about 10 episodes with nothing happening - nothing at all. Lots of filler, lots of sex and lots of things that don't make sense. One of the scenes was of families with children playing on the beach. Sounds like summer, doesn't it? Nope, this was before Easter and it was in Massachusetts.
NR owes her readers better than this.
April 28, 2013
2.5
A nice story with nice characters. Nothing ground-breaking here. If you're a Nora fan you know what you're getting: semi-alpha males, strong women, some nice banter with a coherent storyline and solid sex scenes.
I'm taking this one down a half-star for the transparent thriller aspect. I'm not expecting to have to put on a Holmesian deerstalker cap to figure things out but still I called the murderer and the intruder really early on in the read.
If you're sitting down and looking for a cozy romantic HEA, you'll enjoy this one.
A nice story with nice characters. Nothing ground-breaking here. If you're a Nora fan you know what you're getting: semi-alpha males, strong women, some nice banter with a coherent storyline and solid sex scenes.
I'm taking this one down a half-star for the transparent thriller aspect. I'm not expecting to have to put on a Holmesian deerstalker cap to figure things out but still I called the murderer and the intruder really early on in the read.
If you're sitting down and looking for a cozy romantic HEA, you'll enjoy this one.
August 14, 2019
Eli Landon had a beautiful wife, a wonderful house, and a fab career as a lawyer, but the image of happiness anyone saw when looking from the outside wasn’t true, and when Eli’s wife is brutally murdered, just after Eli finds out she has been having an affair, he’s the cops prime suspect. Hounded by the cops and media for a year, Eli finally finds sanctuary in Whiskey Beach and his grandmother’s home – Bluff house. And it’s here he finally meets Abra Walsh, who arrives in his life like an unexpected gust of wind, forcing him to do more than just go through the motions of existing. Abra has had her own demons to overcome in the past, and knowns what it feels like to have one’s life shattered/torn apart.
I liked Abra’s forthright attitude, and her zest for life. As Eli and Abra get closer, their HEA is threatened by someone who is eager to destroy Eli and it seems someone is after some treasure thought to be in Bluff House.
I’m an avid Nora Roberts reader, but I must say this re-read was just ok, the main characters were nice enough but for some reason the plot and characters didn’t have me potently engaged nor did they leave a lasting impression.
I’m keeping this on my kindle, but not sure if I will ever re-re-read it.
Potential Triggers: B&E, and assault.
I liked Abra’s forthright attitude, and her zest for life. As Eli and Abra get closer, their HEA is threatened by someone who is eager to destroy Eli and it seems someone is after some treasure thought to be in Bluff House.
I’m an avid Nora Roberts reader, but I must say this re-read was just ok, the main characters were nice enough but for some reason the plot and characters didn’t have me potently engaged nor did they leave a lasting impression.
I’m keeping this on my kindle, but not sure if I will ever re-re-read it.
Potential Triggers: B&E, and assault.
September 8, 2020
I haven't read a Nora Roberts novel in a while and I hadn't intended on reading Whiskey Beach, I had another Roberts novel in mind....But I just think this novel has a gorgeous cover and I had to read it.
Whiskey Beach is more of a murder mystery than a romance. Its Nora Roberts so of course there's romance but I felt like the romance took a back seat to the wider murder mystery. I kinda feel like I'm being too generous by giving this a 4 star rating because it felt like nothing was happening for long stretches of this novel. And yet I never lost interest in the story.
I've been in a weird headspace lately and I think I needed to read something stress free and fun. Nora Roberts is just that type of author. I love to occasionally pick up a book that I know will end happily.
Recommended to readers who want something light and fun.
Whiskey Beach is more of a murder mystery than a romance. Its Nora Roberts so of course there's romance but I felt like the romance took a back seat to the wider murder mystery. I kinda feel like I'm being too generous by giving this a 4 star rating because it felt like nothing was happening for long stretches of this novel. And yet I never lost interest in the story.
I've been in a weird headspace lately and I think I needed to read something stress free and fun. Nora Roberts is just that type of author. I love to occasionally pick up a book that I know will end happily.
Recommended to readers who want something light and fun.
July 24, 2023
A 200 page book in a 500 page wrapping.
September 20, 2013
UPDATE: Check out this note Melinda received from Audible today. Fabulous news!
"We wanted to let you to know that there is a new version of Nora Roberts' Whiskey Beach available in your Library. Because an overwhelming number of customers were unhappy with the original narrator's performance, the audio publisher decided to re-record Whiskey Beach with a new narrator, Luke Daniels.
If you'd like to listen to the new audio, simply re-download Whiskey Beach from your Library.
We hope you enjoy the new performance of Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts.
Thanks, and happy listening!
The Audible Team"
I spent the summer listening to Luke Daniels with The Iron Druid Chronicles - he blew me away with his fantastic narration abilities. I can't wait to hear him with Whiskey Beach / Nora Roberts!
I returned my original copy so I'm off to re-buy immediately!
My Original Review:
Narrated by Peter Berkot - Narration 2*s - DNF
I had to give the story the stars it deserved 3.5 rounded up to 4 for Goodreads - maybe someday we'll get to rate the audiobook version on it's own merit.
I've looked forward to Nora Roberts' Whiskey Beach in audio for months but by the halfway point I had to DNF the audio and switch to reading it myself. Nora Roberts writes great characters - they are full of life and emotion - then she adds in the perfect bit of humor and heartbreak here and there. That being said I couldn't take the narrators blah - no personalities - no sense of what was occurring in the story type of narration.
I had high hopes for the narrator after listening to several samples and seeing 100 audiobook narrations to his credit. I don't know if he disliked narrating a romantic suspense audiobook or if all of his narrations end up being emotionless but I do know listening to Whiskey Beach being "read" to me was boring!
The narrator has obvious skill and reads with excellent pitch and pacing. His voices are distinct but distinct doesn't mean attractive or compelling. The heroes voice was not age appropriate which added to the boredom factor. But back to "feeling" the story - there are no varying emotions - no life - no humor - no love - no feelings of friendship...
Relating emotion is crucial with any audiobook performance and you don't feel anything when listening to Whiskey Beach. That was a deal breaker for me.
Please let this be his last romance audiobook narration!
"We wanted to let you to know that there is a new version of Nora Roberts' Whiskey Beach available in your Library. Because an overwhelming number of customers were unhappy with the original narrator's performance, the audio publisher decided to re-record Whiskey Beach with a new narrator, Luke Daniels.
If you'd like to listen to the new audio, simply re-download Whiskey Beach from your Library.
We hope you enjoy the new performance of Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts.
Thanks, and happy listening!
The Audible Team"
I spent the summer listening to Luke Daniels with The Iron Druid Chronicles - he blew me away with his fantastic narration abilities. I can't wait to hear him with Whiskey Beach / Nora Roberts!
I returned my original copy so I'm off to re-buy immediately!
My Original Review:
Narrated by Peter Berkot - Narration 2*s - DNF
I had to give the story the stars it deserved 3.5 rounded up to 4 for Goodreads - maybe someday we'll get to rate the audiobook version on it's own merit.
I've looked forward to Nora Roberts' Whiskey Beach in audio for months but by the halfway point I had to DNF the audio and switch to reading it myself. Nora Roberts writes great characters - they are full of life and emotion - then she adds in the perfect bit of humor and heartbreak here and there. That being said I couldn't take the narrators blah - no personalities - no sense of what was occurring in the story type of narration.
I had high hopes for the narrator after listening to several samples and seeing 100 audiobook narrations to his credit. I don't know if he disliked narrating a romantic suspense audiobook or if all of his narrations end up being emotionless but I do know listening to Whiskey Beach being "read" to me was boring!
The narrator has obvious skill and reads with excellent pitch and pacing. His voices are distinct but distinct doesn't mean attractive or compelling. The heroes voice was not age appropriate which added to the boredom factor. But back to "feeling" the story - there are no varying emotions - no life - no humor - no love - no feelings of friendship...
Relating emotion is crucial with any audiobook performance and you don't feel anything when listening to Whiskey Beach. That was a deal breaker for me.
Please let this be his last romance audiobook narration!
August 24, 2015
Quick review:
Cover: Fitting
Rating: NC-17
Thumbs Up: 3.5
Overall: Interesting
Characters: Well Written
Plot: Old tales of treasure spike fear
Page Turner: Kind of
Series Cont.? N/A
Recommend: No
Book Boyfriend: Eli
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
I actually didn’t like this one and DNF it only to come back. I finished out of curiosity not much more. The who done it became too easy to figure out. But it was still an okay read.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...
Audio Review
Luke Daniels does a good job with the narration.
Cover: Fitting
Rating: NC-17
Thumbs Up: 3.5
Overall: Interesting
Characters: Well Written
Plot: Old tales of treasure spike fear
Page Turner: Kind of
Series Cont.? N/A
Recommend: No
Book Boyfriend: Eli
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
I actually didn’t like this one and DNF it only to come back. I finished out of curiosity not much more. The who done it became too easy to figure out. But it was still an okay read.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...
Audio Review
Luke Daniels does a good job with the narration.
January 21, 2016
Final rating: 5/5 stars
Since I have read translation, I have a little worth of putting quotes in the review. This is my first Nora Roberts book. I own 2 more translated books on my language but I never had the chance to read them (and I wish to have more, so I would love some suggestions!). And then I recently bought paperback of this one, stunned by it's beautiful cover and it's synopsis that really made me interested in it. Especially after reading Thicker Than Water, similar themed book with a touch of paranormal.
All in all, I loved and adored this one. I felt connection with the characters, I felt their sorrows, fears, pain and happiness and I loved both of the two main characters. Eli and Abra were great, wonderful and amazing and I loved every page of the book thanks to them.
I started to care less about the story and more about the two of them and their feelings. That rarely happens. But now I know Nora does lovely job with her characters.
The story itself was seen before - a man accused for murder but there is no evidence. But, Nora managed to involve ancestors, beautiful Whiskey Beach, and wonderful characters in a mystery of murder, deception and belonging.
I won't write about the story as the synopsis of the book says everything you need to see and know. I will put it in the spoiler for all of those who are bored to click on the title and check it out themselves. But for those who don't want to do that, I'll include the story in character parts.
◈ Eli's whole life is changed when someone murdered his wife in their home. Eli, who suffered the shock of accepting that his wife was murdered, just after they had a big argument/fight because of the divorce (reason: his wife cheated on him with another married man), gets even worse by the time the 1 year investigation ended, but which still labels him the only possible suspect for his wife's death. Her lover had an alibi - his wife, even when she found out his betrayal vouched that her husband was with her by the time murder happened. The lack of evidence is enough for the police to leave him alone & set him free to go where he wants. But in the process they destroyed him mentally. Tired, broken, devastated, worn out, and angry but unable to express his anger because of sheer acceptance of closing in himself, he accepted his fate and went into the state of calm. The killer is not found and most of the people who once had ties with him now abandoned him - he even lost his successful job as an attorney/lawyer of defense because of the sinister reputation that now follows him. His friends turned his back on him, and he is well aware that going anywhere where the news of the murder has been reached will only make people more distrustful and afraid of him. He also knows that this will only lead to more rejection, judgment and prejudice by the people who never even met him.
The only support he has is his family, that has never given up on him and never doubted in him, especially his grandma, who, after an incident few months ago had to abandon her house. But, she entrusted the house to the one woman she knows - her housekeeper. And now, she wants to have Eli stay there and take his time and recover.
Eli knows that his life is changed forever. And the only solace he has right now is to write his first book.... About the man who is almost a representation of his feelings. And when he moves into the Bluff House in Whiskey Beach, he meets Abra, the housekeeper, who has a hard time accepting no as an answer.
After a while, he starts to accept the fact that being depressed, a void shell of himself, will do nothing to stop the murderer from escaping the punishment... But it get's worse when Abra and Eli find out that someone wants to destroy Eli completely and utterly and that Whiskey Beach's Bluff House has secrets that are left buried for centuries.
◈ Abra is a kind woman who wants to help people as much as she can. It's her life motto. Because she understands what it is like to be alone, hopeless, sad and betrayed. But that didn't destroy her life, it only made her stronger. So she focused herself on doing as much things possible, including being housekeeper, jewelery maker, yoga instructor and massage therapist. It keeps her occupied and fulfilled.
And she is hell bent on saving Eli from himself. Even if that includes poking her nose into stuff she shouldn't. But she can't leave him on his own, especially since it's Hester's grandson. And she believes in Hester more than anything. After all, if Hester Landon doubted in her grandson, she would have never sent him in her own home.
After all, she knows exactly how Eli is feeling. And she wants to cure him with her optimism, thoughtfulness and kindness.
◈ Others: Hester is amazing woman, full of understanding and ever wanting to help. Eli's whole family is kind and understanding and they did not abandon him when he needed them the most. They stuck together, but even so, they could not save him from closing more and more in himself. Wolfe, Eli's personal Javert (Les Misérables) will stop at nothing until he proves that Eli killed his own wife. Some of Abra's friends are supportive about her staying anywhere near a supposed killer, but some strongly protest as well. After all, fear does wonders.
All in all, the characters, even side ones were well done and wonderfully written.
Wonderful book, with fitting end and wonderful characters. I highly recommend it! I enjoyed reading the translation and I'm really happy that I stumbled upon it on a New Year sale discount.
LIKED:
☑ Everything
DISLIKED:
☒ Nothing
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO:
⚠ Standalone: Yes
⚠ Point of View: Third POV, multiply characters.
⚠ Cliffhanger: No.
⚠ Triggers: none? Except for murder.
⚠ Love triangle: No.
⚠ Angst: Nice ammount of it, but not the whole book.
⚠ Supernatural: No.
⚠ Explicit content: Yes.
⚠ Ending type:
⚠ Recommended: Yes, for all people who need a book about a man who is recovering and trying to mend his own broken life on his own and with the help of amazing and wonderful heroine (that I love) that is hell bent on helping him go through his darkest hours.
⚠ Note: Read this book if you have the chance. Hopefully, people will love it as much as I did.
Stand alone books:
◈ Whiskey Beach
◈ Honest Illusions
◈ Northern Lights
Chesapeake Bay Saga:
◈ Sea Swept (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #1)
◈ Rising Tides (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #2)
◈ Inner Harbor (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #3)
◈ Chesapeake Blue (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #4)
Since I have read translation, I have a little worth of putting quotes in the review. This is my first Nora Roberts book. I own 2 more translated books on my language but I never had the chance to read them (and I wish to have more, so I would love some suggestions!). And then I recently bought paperback of this one, stunned by it's beautiful cover and it's synopsis that really made me interested in it. Especially after reading Thicker Than Water, similar themed book with a touch of paranormal.
All in all, I loved and adored this one. I felt connection with the characters, I felt their sorrows, fears, pain and happiness and I loved both of the two main characters. Eli and Abra were great, wonderful and amazing and I loved every page of the book thanks to them.
I started to care less about the story and more about the two of them and their feelings. That rarely happens. But now I know Nora does lovely job with her characters.
The story itself was seen before - a man accused for murder but there is no evidence. But, Nora managed to involve ancestors, beautiful Whiskey Beach, and wonderful characters in a mystery of murder, deception and belonging.
► STORY & CHARACTERS:
I won't write about the story as the synopsis of the book says everything you need to see and know. I will put it in the spoiler for all of those who are bored to click on the title and check it out themselves. But for those who don't want to do that, I'll include the story in character parts.
◈ Eli's whole life is changed when someone murdered his wife in their home. Eli, who suffered the shock of accepting that his wife was murdered, just after they had a big argument/fight because of the divorce (reason: his wife cheated on him with another married man), gets even worse by the time the 1 year investigation ended, but which still labels him the only possible suspect for his wife's death. Her lover had an alibi - his wife, even when she found out his betrayal vouched that her husband was with her by the time murder happened. The lack of evidence is enough for the police to leave him alone & set him free to go where he wants. But in the process they destroyed him mentally. Tired, broken, devastated, worn out, and angry but unable to express his anger because of sheer acceptance of closing in himself, he accepted his fate and went into the state of calm. The killer is not found and most of the people who once had ties with him now abandoned him - he even lost his successful job as an attorney/lawyer of defense because of the sinister reputation that now follows him. His friends turned his back on him, and he is well aware that going anywhere where the news of the murder has been reached will only make people more distrustful and afraid of him. He also knows that this will only lead to more rejection, judgment and prejudice by the people who never even met him.
“He hated this feeling of free-floating, just drifting from place to place, thought to thought, without any sense of anchor or root.”
The only support he has is his family, that has never given up on him and never doubted in him, especially his grandma, who, after an incident few months ago had to abandon her house. But, she entrusted the house to the one woman she knows - her housekeeper. And now, she wants to have Eli stay there and take his time and recover.
Eli knows that his life is changed forever. And the only solace he has right now is to write his first book.... About the man who is almost a representation of his feelings. And when he moves into the Bluff House in Whiskey Beach, he meets Abra, the housekeeper, who has a hard time accepting no as an answer.
After a while, he starts to accept the fact that being depressed, a void shell of himself, will do nothing to stop the murderer from escaping the punishment... But it get's worse when Abra and Eli find out that someone wants to destroy Eli completely and utterly and that Whiskey Beach's Bluff House has secrets that are left buried for centuries.
◈ Abra is a kind woman who wants to help people as much as she can. It's her life motto. Because she understands what it is like to be alone, hopeless, sad and betrayed. But that didn't destroy her life, it only made her stronger. So she focused herself on doing as much things possible, including being housekeeper, jewelery maker, yoga instructor and massage therapist. It keeps her occupied and fulfilled.
And she is hell bent on saving Eli from himself. Even if that includes poking her nose into stuff she shouldn't. But she can't leave him on his own, especially since it's Hester's grandson. And she believes in Hester more than anything. After all, if Hester Landon doubted in her grandson, she would have never sent him in her own home.
After all, she knows exactly how Eli is feeling. And she wants to cure him with her optimism, thoughtfulness and kindness.
◈ Others: Hester is amazing woman, full of understanding and ever wanting to help. Eli's whole family is kind and understanding and they did not abandon him when he needed them the most. They stuck together, but even so, they could not save him from closing more and more in himself. Wolfe, Eli's personal Javert (Les Misérables) will stop at nothing until he proves that Eli killed his own wife. Some of Abra's friends are supportive about her staying anywhere near a supposed killer, but some strongly protest as well. After all, fear does wonders.
All in all, the characters, even side ones were well done and wonderfully written.
► OVERALL:
Wonderful book, with fitting end and wonderful characters. I highly recommend it! I enjoyed reading the translation and I'm really happy that I stumbled upon it on a New Year sale discount.
LIKED:
☑ Everything
DISLIKED:
☒ Nothing
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO:
⚠ Standalone: Yes
⚠ Point of View: Third POV, multiply characters.
⚠ Cliffhanger: No.
⚠ Triggers: none? Except for murder.
⚠ Love triangle: No.
⚠ Angst: Nice ammount of it, but not the whole book.
⚠ Supernatural: No.
⚠ Explicit content: Yes.
⚠ Ending type:
⚠ Recommended: Yes, for all people who need a book about a man who is recovering and trying to mend his own broken life on his own and with the help of amazing and wonderful heroine (that I love) that is hell bent on helping him go through his darkest hours.
⚠ Note: Read this book if you have the chance. Hopefully, people will love it as much as I did.
► MY REVIEWS OF OTHER ROBERT'S BOOKS:
Stand alone books:
◈ Whiskey Beach
◈ Honest Illusions
◈ Northern Lights
Chesapeake Bay Saga:
◈ Sea Swept (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #1)
◈ Rising Tides (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #2)
◈ Inner Harbor (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #3)
◈ Chesapeake Blue (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #4)
May 14, 2024
2.5 stars! I had higher hopes for this one after hearing good things about it, but I sadly didn’t love it. I really was not a fan of the audiobook narration so I feel like that definitely didn’t help. I had the hardest time getting into the book, it was just slow and the plot and characters weren’t it for me and never captured my attention. When the narrator did certain voices it just kind of irked me every time I’d hear it and I wanted it to be over already. 😅
January 26, 2021
He estado haciendo teorías durante toda la lectura, hubo un momento que sospeché de la persona correcta pero lo deseché rápidamente.
La protagonista no ha terminado de convencerme pero la historia me ha gustado, eso sí, en algún momento deseé que hubiera menos páginas de descripciones.
La protagonista no ha terminado de convencerme pero la historia me ha gustado, eso sí, en algún momento deseé que hubiera menos páginas de descripciones.
July 31, 2013
I liked this book okay ... meh ... it was well-written as you'd expect from Nora Roberts, but it was just ordinary. I will forget this within the next day - well, I think I was forgetting it as I was reading it. She just phoned this one in. And the heroine, oh boy, was she annoying. The hero was okay. Just didn't get a feel for either of them, and especially not together. Like he had a choice, she was so pushy he just had to get with her cos she said so, and he was so meh, he just went okaaaay. And her name, shees, as annoying as her, so I suppose really it fit her perfectly. I have nothing more to say about this book ... let's move to the next one.
December 20, 2016
4 "Proving His Innocence" Stars for the story and narration.
Narration by Luke Daniels
Lovers of romantic suspense titles with strong independent heroines are sure to enjoy Whiskey Beach. Combining an undeniable attraction, with a race against the clock to find a killer, Whiskey Beach will keep you on your toes.
Former lawyer, Eli Landon has had a life altering event. Needing a respite to recover some semblance of normal after his wife is murdered--and the cops begin to take a serious look at him as a potential suspect--Eli takes his grandmother's invitation to stay and take care of her historic home in Whiskey Beach, while she recovers from a mysterious fall.
However, the fall is not the only strange, mysterious thing that has happened in the historic home--someone has also been breaking into and digging in the basement. Fortunately for Eli, he has an ally who defends his viewpoint wholeheartedly. Her name is Abra Walsh, and Abra has suffered her own past heartbreaks. Having come to Whiskey Beach to also heal, Abra has become the jack of all new age trades. From massages and spiritual introspection to house cleaning, Abra attends to it all. And once Eli arrives on the scene, that includes her conviction and determination to prove him innocent.
Will this couple on a joint-mission find more than just the true villain? Even if love is in the cards will they be able to solve the mystery before one of them gets irrevocably hurt?
Luke Daniels delivers a talented narration in Whiskey Beach. Perfect to voice Eli's perspective, you can easily sit back and imagine you are listening to Eli tell his story. Mr. Daniels provides a higher pitched voice for Abra, which although I must admit was not my favorite, I think did adequate justice to her new age, high-spirited style. Additionally, Mr. Daniels adequately varies the pace of his delivery to provide maximum effect to this romantic suspense title.
All in all, Whiskey Beach is an entertaining romantic suspense title that will keep you guessing. My only observation was that I felt that the heroine was a little too quick to jump on the hero's side--it almost seemed like she never for one moment paused to think whether he could have committed the crimes himself. Nonetheless, Abra's resilient personality and determined spirit, did provide an interesting perspective as she navigated the treacherous waters set by the full-cast of secondary characters, and the suspense angle of this story was well developed for maximum sleuthing enjoyment.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Narration by Luke Daniels
Lovers of romantic suspense titles with strong independent heroines are sure to enjoy Whiskey Beach. Combining an undeniable attraction, with a race against the clock to find a killer, Whiskey Beach will keep you on your toes.
Former lawyer, Eli Landon has had a life altering event. Needing a respite to recover some semblance of normal after his wife is murdered--and the cops begin to take a serious look at him as a potential suspect--Eli takes his grandmother's invitation to stay and take care of her historic home in Whiskey Beach, while she recovers from a mysterious fall.
However, the fall is not the only strange, mysterious thing that has happened in the historic home--someone has also been breaking into and digging in the basement. Fortunately for Eli, he has an ally who defends his viewpoint wholeheartedly. Her name is Abra Walsh, and Abra has suffered her own past heartbreaks. Having come to Whiskey Beach to also heal, Abra has become the jack of all new age trades. From massages and spiritual introspection to house cleaning, Abra attends to it all. And once Eli arrives on the scene, that includes her conviction and determination to prove him innocent.
Will this couple on a joint-mission find more than just the true villain? Even if love is in the cards will they be able to solve the mystery before one of them gets irrevocably hurt?
Luke Daniels delivers a talented narration in Whiskey Beach. Perfect to voice Eli's perspective, you can easily sit back and imagine you are listening to Eli tell his story. Mr. Daniels provides a higher pitched voice for Abra, which although I must admit was not my favorite, I think did adequate justice to her new age, high-spirited style. Additionally, Mr. Daniels adequately varies the pace of his delivery to provide maximum effect to this romantic suspense title.
All in all, Whiskey Beach is an entertaining romantic suspense title that will keep you guessing. My only observation was that I felt that the heroine was a little too quick to jump on the hero's side--it almost seemed like she never for one moment paused to think whether he could have committed the crimes himself. Nonetheless, Abra's resilient personality and determined spirit, did provide an interesting perspective as she navigated the treacherous waters set by the full-cast of secondary characters, and the suspense angle of this story was well developed for maximum sleuthing enjoyment.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2023
the mythical tale of an all-you-can-drink whiskey beach... why you shouldn't judge your grandfather too harshly when he insists that the waters ain't that cold for a swim in the middle of winter. he is probably just trying to save you money.
November 23, 2018
After a year spent at the center of a murder investigation, Boston lawyer Eli Landon has taken refuge at Bluff House, his family’s home in Whiskey Beach. Eli’s tired of the spotlight and the accusing stares from people who believed he killed his wife during their acrimonious divorce. He wants peace and finds it at Bluff House. Until housekeeper/yoga instructor/massage therapist/jewelry designer Abra Walsh turns his world upside down. Abra seems determined to bring Eli back into the world of the living — whether he likes it or not. But there’s someone in Whiskey Beach who’d like to do more than see Abra fail. Someone’s out to destroy Eli Landon, and they’ll kill anyone who gets in their way.
Nora Roberts takes readers on an engrossing journey of love, lust, betrayal, and treasure in Whiskey Beach and I, for one, could not be more delighted.
In many ways, Whiskey Beach is Eli’s story. Eli’s a successful criminal attorney who lost a lot of himself when he was accused of murdering his soon-to-be-ex wife. He’s been hounded more than anyone could handle and it’s no surprise he begins the story a bit broken. I loved watching Eli develop over the course of Whiskey Beach. Seeing him come out of the darkness thanks, in large part, to Abra, was a joy all of its own. And speaking of Abra… What a heroine. She bursts onto the page with a palpable energy that endeared her to me from the start. I adored her strength, charm, and attitude toward life. The romance between her and Eli develops so smoothly over the course of the book that I was amazed; no one can write such flawlessly organic love stories like Ms. Roberts. Separately and together, Eli and Abra are dynamic and are sure to draw readers into the world of Whiskey Beach.
A healthy dose of intrigue from not one, but two mysteries rounds out Whiskey Beach. Buried treasure and murder ensure there’s quite a bit of suspense and keep Whiskey Beach moving at a quick clip. I won’t say much about these storylines other than they’re excellently crafted and even if you can see what’s going to happen, the way Ms. Roberts writes the story each revelation and action sequence is still exciting.
The Queen of Romance has delivered another winner with Whiskey Beach and I look forward to re-reading Eli and Abra’s tale again and again and again!
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
Nora Roberts takes readers on an engrossing journey of love, lust, betrayal, and treasure in Whiskey Beach and I, for one, could not be more delighted.
In many ways, Whiskey Beach is Eli’s story. Eli’s a successful criminal attorney who lost a lot of himself when he was accused of murdering his soon-to-be-ex wife. He’s been hounded more than anyone could handle and it’s no surprise he begins the story a bit broken. I loved watching Eli develop over the course of Whiskey Beach. Seeing him come out of the darkness thanks, in large part, to Abra, was a joy all of its own. And speaking of Abra… What a heroine. She bursts onto the page with a palpable energy that endeared her to me from the start. I adored her strength, charm, and attitude toward life. The romance between her and Eli develops so smoothly over the course of the book that I was amazed; no one can write such flawlessly organic love stories like Ms. Roberts. Separately and together, Eli and Abra are dynamic and are sure to draw readers into the world of Whiskey Beach.
A healthy dose of intrigue from not one, but two mysteries rounds out Whiskey Beach. Buried treasure and murder ensure there’s quite a bit of suspense and keep Whiskey Beach moving at a quick clip. I won’t say much about these storylines other than they’re excellently crafted and even if you can see what’s going to happen, the way Ms. Roberts writes the story each revelation and action sequence is still exciting.
The Queen of Romance has delivered another winner with Whiskey Beach and I look forward to re-reading Eli and Abra’s tale again and again and again!
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
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