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Hometown Heroes #0.5
The Promise of Paradise
Author's Note: The Promise of Paradise is a re-release of Lost in Paradise with two additional chapters.
Ashton Kirk, youngest daughter of a prestigious senator, fiancee of a hotshot attorney, and fresh Harvard graduate, is headed for a promising law career when scandal breaks apart her family. To escape, she rents an apartment in the sleepy town of Paradise, New Hampshire, where no one knows who she is.
Ashton hopes for solitude, but all bets are off when Eddie West, the town’s most eligible bachelor, moves in downstairs. Eddie likes his women and his cars shiny, sleek, and fast, and when he meets his new housemate, he wastes no time getting friendly. While he's looking for a no-strings romance, though, he gets more than he bargained for in Ash, who sees through his bravado to the pain of a loss too fresh to mention.
Can two people from different worlds find common ground, a place to fall in love and build a future? Is it possible to find your soul mate in the place you least expect?
Ashton Kirk, youngest daughter of a prestigious senator, fiancee of a hotshot attorney, and fresh Harvard graduate, is headed for a promising law career when scandal breaks apart her family. To escape, she rents an apartment in the sleepy town of Paradise, New Hampshire, where no one knows who she is.
Ashton hopes for solitude, but all bets are off when Eddie West, the town’s most eligible bachelor, moves in downstairs. Eddie likes his women and his cars shiny, sleek, and fast, and when he meets his new housemate, he wastes no time getting friendly. While he's looking for a no-strings romance, though, he gets more than he bargained for in Ash, who sees through his bravado to the pain of a loss too fresh to mention.
Can two people from different worlds find common ground, a place to fall in love and build a future? Is it possible to find your soul mate in the place you least expect?
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2007
448 people are currently reading
1467 people want to read
About the author
Allie Boniface
44 books177 followersUSA Today best-selling author Allie was born and raised in a very small town in upstate New York, which probably explains her fascination with the magic of small town life.
She earned her B.A. in English, with a minor in Education, from the University of Rochester in New York and then moved to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where she earned her M.A. in English Literature.
Since 1997, Allie has enjoyed life in the northern NYC suburbs, where she lives with her husband and teaches high school English during the day. When she isn't teaching, she's writing about small towns (with lots of secrets and spice!). Copy and paste this link into your address bar to sign up for Allie's newsletter and receive notices for upcoming releases, fun giveaways, contests, review opportunities, and more! http://eepurl.com/9TO79
She earned her B.A. in English, with a minor in Education, from the University of Rochester in New York and then moved to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where she earned her M.A. in English Literature.
Since 1997, Allie has enjoyed life in the northern NYC suburbs, where she lives with her husband and teaches high school English during the day. When she isn't teaching, she's writing about small towns (with lots of secrets and spice!). Copy and paste this link into your address bar to sign up for Allie's newsletter and receive notices for upcoming releases, fun giveaways, contests, review opportunities, and more! http://eepurl.com/9TO79
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 26, 2015
Ashton Kirk needs a break, after her politician family endures a scandal that rocks her world, she questions everything that has been laid out for her about her future. Now with a fresh law degree, Ashton flees to the small town of Paradise, New Hampshire or the summer to figure out what she really wants. Subletting a home, she wasn’t expecting new roommate Eddie West who has bad boy written all over him.
Eddie loves women, Ashton who is going by Ashley intrigues him from the first minute he meets her. Her shy demeanor yet ability to put him at ease is refreshingly new to Eddie and while he hatches his plan to win her over, he quickly realizes she is unlike any woman he has ever met. Can two people running from their pasts find comfort in one another, even when the real world creeps in?
I thought this was beautifully written, loved Eddie. He is transparent in the beginning but when he begins to know Ashley, he softens a bit. I loved the concept of tis this idea, seemed very real and the connection between Eddie and Ashley is what a perfect romance is all about.
Eddie loves women, Ashton who is going by Ashley intrigues him from the first minute he meets her. Her shy demeanor yet ability to put him at ease is refreshingly new to Eddie and while he hatches his plan to win her over, he quickly realizes she is unlike any woman he has ever met. Can two people running from their pasts find comfort in one another, even when the real world creeps in?
I thought this was beautifully written, loved Eddie. He is transparent in the beginning but when he begins to know Ashley, he softens a bit. I loved the concept of tis this idea, seemed very real and the connection between Eddie and Ashley is what a perfect romance is all about.
Want to read
August 13, 2017AMAZON FREEBIE 8/5/17
March 26, 2013
I gave myself a headache rolling my eyes so much with this.
March 23, 2013
Loved this story - Just what I needed to get me out of my reading funk :)
Ashton Kirk is the daughter of the Senator of Boston - But it looks like The Senator has been taking advantage of his hi status in the world, because he was caught with drugs, in the back of his car with a 19 year old prostitute while heavily drunk -
we all know the news makes things out more than what they really are, but Ashton hated everything that was going on. She didn't know what to believe.
She is a Harvard Graduate for Law, but she doesn't want to be a Lawyer... Her boyfriend of 3 years left as soon as her dad's publicity got out - what's a girl to do?
So she headed out of town , got herself a top apartment in a small town in order to get her life back on track.
When she got there, she had learned about her new Housemate , Eddie – she was anxious to meet him, but dreading it as well.
Her BFF Jen thought meeting someone hot would take her mind off things – but Ashton just wanted time to think… time to settle.
When she met her new neighbor, she introduced herself as Ashly Kirkland (Because that’s SO FAR OFF from Aston Kirk….. )
So her new life begins. She gets a job at Blues and Booze ? The local restaurant/jazz club that was so popular.
Eddie - sweetheart of a guy, but a player - doesn't believe in deep meaningful relationships. He just wants to have a good time, but there is something about his and Ash's friendship that makes him want to know her as a friend before anything else.
But getting Ashley to talk about herself is like trying to pull teeth.
When Eddie caves in and tells Ash about himself, his brother, and why he's really living out here, Ash still couldn't bring herself to let Eddie know about her father. She knew that he would be mad she lied to him all this time...
This was a cute story - but felt really rushed. And I'm not sure why Ash felt like she really lied a lot to Eddie when to me, it was JUST A NAME - and I kind of think Eddie blew the whole thing out of per-portion when he DID find out... Yeah it was pretty bad timing, but still - She had told him about her break-up with her ex, and about getting away to think - it seems like her name was the ONLY thing she lied about -so I didn't truely understand Eddie's full reaction -
BUT that's just me - maybe you'll get more of it out of this book - i thought it was a cute story - I enjoyed reading it and I'm excited to read about Lucas's story that comes out in May (excerpt is in the back :)
Ashton Kirk is the daughter of the Senator of Boston - But it looks like The Senator has been taking advantage of his hi status in the world, because he was caught with drugs, in the back of his car with a 19 year old prostitute while heavily drunk -
we all know the news makes things out more than what they really are, but Ashton hated everything that was going on. She didn't know what to believe.
She is a Harvard Graduate for Law, but she doesn't want to be a Lawyer... Her boyfriend of 3 years left as soon as her dad's publicity got out - what's a girl to do?
So she headed out of town , got herself a top apartment in a small town in order to get her life back on track.
When she got there, she had learned about her new Housemate , Eddie – she was anxious to meet him, but dreading it as well.
Her BFF Jen thought meeting someone hot would take her mind off things – but Ashton just wanted time to think… time to settle.
When she met her new neighbor, she introduced herself as Ashly Kirkland (Because that’s SO FAR OFF from Aston Kirk….. )
So her new life begins. She gets a job at Blues and Booze ? The local restaurant/jazz club that was so popular.
Eddie - sweetheart of a guy, but a player - doesn't believe in deep meaningful relationships. He just wants to have a good time, but there is something about his and Ash's friendship that makes him want to know her as a friend before anything else.
But getting Ashley to talk about herself is like trying to pull teeth.
When Eddie caves in and tells Ash about himself, his brother, and why he's really living out here, Ash still couldn't bring herself to let Eddie know about her father. She knew that he would be mad she lied to him all this time...
This was a cute story - but felt really rushed. And I'm not sure why Ash felt like she really lied a lot to Eddie when to me, it was JUST A NAME - and I kind of think Eddie blew the whole thing out of per-portion when he DID find out... Yeah it was pretty bad timing, but still - She had told him about her break-up with her ex, and about getting away to think - it seems like her name was the ONLY thing she lied about -so I didn't truely understand Eddie's full reaction -
BUT that's just me - maybe you'll get more of it out of this book - i thought it was a cute story - I enjoyed reading it and I'm excited to read about Lucas's story that comes out in May (excerpt is in the back :)
April 5, 2013
The first eye-catcher for this book was the cover. I know! We’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I absolutely love this one. The colors, the setting at the bottom (showing the isolated country) and the two main characters. Lovely!
Now, to the best part … the storyline. Ashton Kirk changes her name and hides out in a small town, Paradise. Why does she change her name? Her father, a big shot US Senator, finds himself in a huge scandal and then her long-time boyfriend breaks it off. Humiliated and needing to learn what she really wants, she decides to spend the summer figuring things out.
In steps Eddie, our sexy, hot, wounded hero. Eddie and Ash end up being roommates. They soon become good friends and of course, that leads to something more. Can their attraction stick? You’ll have to read to find out.
I’m a sucker for opposites attract stories and this one is no disappointment. Eddie is an auto-mechanic, small town “boy.” He’s also known as a ladies’ man. Ash, on the other hand, just graduated from Harvard, comes from a wealthy close family and believes in commitment. I loved how these two were drawn to each other since the beginning, even when they weren’t both ready for a relationship. The book allows the reader to grow with the MCs and realize that they are actually perfect for one another.
I enjoyed their relationships, with each other and with other secondary characters and the occasional twists and turns (the unexpected is always a great surprise). FOUR WINKS for The Promise of Paradise. I'll be reading more by Allie Boniface. Great read!
Now, to the best part … the storyline. Ashton Kirk changes her name and hides out in a small town, Paradise. Why does she change her name? Her father, a big shot US Senator, finds himself in a huge scandal and then her long-time boyfriend breaks it off. Humiliated and needing to learn what she really wants, she decides to spend the summer figuring things out.
In steps Eddie, our sexy, hot, wounded hero. Eddie and Ash end up being roommates. They soon become good friends and of course, that leads to something more. Can their attraction stick? You’ll have to read to find out.
I’m a sucker for opposites attract stories and this one is no disappointment. Eddie is an auto-mechanic, small town “boy.” He’s also known as a ladies’ man. Ash, on the other hand, just graduated from Harvard, comes from a wealthy close family and believes in commitment. I loved how these two were drawn to each other since the beginning, even when they weren’t both ready for a relationship. The book allows the reader to grow with the MCs and realize that they are actually perfect for one another.
I enjoyed their relationships, with each other and with other secondary characters and the occasional twists and turns (the unexpected is always a great surprise). FOUR WINKS for The Promise of Paradise. I'll be reading more by Allie Boniface. Great read!
April 8, 2013
Ash's father, a vice-president hopeful, recently allegedly got caught in a car with coke, a hooker and breathalyser reading saying he was drunk. Plus her boyfriend of three years broke up with her to be with someone else. Ash needs to get away and have some space so runs to Paradise, NH. She sublets the apartment on the top floor of a house and gets a job as a server in a jazz bar.
Eddie is a mechanic who is running away from his own demons. He was in an accident three years ago that killed his younger brother. He moves into the bottom apartment of the house the same day as Ash.
Sparks fly between Ash and Eddie right away. But Ash is hiding a secret from everyone in the town, including Eddie ... who she really is. How will Eddie react when he finds out who she really is and that she has been keeping this from him?
I liked this book and the writing style ... it's a quick read. I liked Ash and Eddie ... though attracted, they start out by hanging out together, sharing supper and some beer and watching baseball on TV. Eddie finds and adopts a kitty and names him Tiny ... gotta love a guy who love kitties! Paradise sounds like a nice small town to live in.
I'd recommend it if you are looking for a cute romance. As a head's up, the language is mature at times.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/04...
Eddie is a mechanic who is running away from his own demons. He was in an accident three years ago that killed his younger brother. He moves into the bottom apartment of the house the same day as Ash.
Sparks fly between Ash and Eddie right away. But Ash is hiding a secret from everyone in the town, including Eddie ... who she really is. How will Eddie react when he finds out who she really is and that she has been keeping this from him?
I liked this book and the writing style ... it's a quick read. I liked Ash and Eddie ... though attracted, they start out by hanging out together, sharing supper and some beer and watching baseball on TV. Eddie finds and adopts a kitty and names him Tiny ... gotta love a guy who love kitties! Paradise sounds like a nice small town to live in.
I'd recommend it if you are looking for a cute romance. As a head's up, the language is mature at times.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/04...
April 4, 2013
Ashton Kirk has always been the dutiful daughter living her life as her parent's desire until the day a family scandal drives her into hiding in a most unlikely place. She's always hobnobbed with the elite and never had to work up much of a sweat when it came to work, but her recent move to small town Paradise has completely transformed her. Just when she thought she was running away from her problems, a whole new problem arises in the form of her new sexy neighbor Eddie West who has a lot of emotional baggage he tries to keep hidden too. Once they meet a bumpy journey to a satisfying HEA ensues.
Ashton is a likable character who's surprisingly sweet, and non-judgemental, considering her pedigree. She's not afraid of hard work and quickly immerses herself in the family-like feel of the community. She became a stronger person as she created a life for herself and I applauded her for coming out of her high society bubble. The only times she disappointed me was in her holding back until near the end of the story to admit the truth about herself even as Eddie is begging her for the truth. I also disliked her wishy-washyness regarding her ex. He only wants her for her pedigree, but Ashton is drawn to the certainty and comfort in the expected that he represents. In a predictable turn of events, it takes a near death experience for her to realize who and what she really wants that finally allows for a sweet and hard-won HEA.
Eddie West is by far the highlight of this story! Sexy with a hint of bad boy courtesy of his tats and popularity with the ladies I found myself drawn to him and his charming and suave demeanor. After an accident that takes the life of someone close to him he's left with scars inside and out that has left him with nightmares and survivor guilt. He's drawn to Ashton the moment he sees her but knows she has secrets that he's willing to wait to hear. With her he can be himself and sees a bright future when she smiles at him. He opens his heart to her way before she acts on her feelings, he tells her the gutwrenching truth early on and it made him even more endearing. He's clearly the better man and it's frustrating that he's kept in limbo so long.
This is a well-written story with a slowly evolving romance between two characters from very different worlds. The interactions between Ashton and Eddie crackle with sexual tension as their relationship evolves in a sweetly believable way. There are very few sexual interludes as it's the emotional journey that's being focused on. The colorful denizens of Paradise as well as the safety and support of small town living was vividly depicted and helped immerse me even further in the story. Ms. Boniface has written an immensely satisfying story with a drool worthy hero that's still on my mind and I look forward to the next book in this series.
Ashton is a likable character who's surprisingly sweet, and non-judgemental, considering her pedigree. She's not afraid of hard work and quickly immerses herself in the family-like feel of the community. She became a stronger person as she created a life for herself and I applauded her for coming out of her high society bubble. The only times she disappointed me was in her holding back until near the end of the story to admit the truth about herself even as Eddie is begging her for the truth. I also disliked her wishy-washyness regarding her ex. He only wants her for her pedigree, but Ashton is drawn to the certainty and comfort in the expected that he represents. In a predictable turn of events, it takes a near death experience for her to realize who and what she really wants that finally allows for a sweet and hard-won HEA.
Eddie West is by far the highlight of this story! Sexy with a hint of bad boy courtesy of his tats and popularity with the ladies I found myself drawn to him and his charming and suave demeanor. After an accident that takes the life of someone close to him he's left with scars inside and out that has left him with nightmares and survivor guilt. He's drawn to Ashton the moment he sees her but knows she has secrets that he's willing to wait to hear. With her he can be himself and sees a bright future when she smiles at him. He opens his heart to her way before she acts on her feelings, he tells her the gutwrenching truth early on and it made him even more endearing. He's clearly the better man and it's frustrating that he's kept in limbo so long.
This is a well-written story with a slowly evolving romance between two characters from very different worlds. The interactions between Ashton and Eddie crackle with sexual tension as their relationship evolves in a sweetly believable way. There are very few sexual interludes as it's the emotional journey that's being focused on. The colorful denizens of Paradise as well as the safety and support of small town living was vividly depicted and helped immerse me even further in the story. Ms. Boniface has written an immensely satisfying story with a drool worthy hero that's still on my mind and I look forward to the next book in this series.
March 22, 2013
From my blog.
**Copy provided by author for an honest review**
Hmmm... I'm not sure how that happened, but I started the book and then, the moment later, I finished it. The story just drew me in and I literally forgot everything else around me. I'm still trying to figure out where the last four and half hours disappeared, but I do believe their disappearance was worth it.
Oh God. They still make men who look like that?
Eddie... *sigh* I was practically hyperventilating when his pickup truck pulled up in front of their house. And then I was giggling like a girl. He seriously had me at “Hey! You live here?”. And when I learned more about his past, I was in serious trouble, alright. And I can't even talk about Tiny. I think Tiny was my favorite character ;). And I guess you'll just have to read the book to find out who Tiny is...
“Ever since I was a little girl, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do. College, law school, work my way up to partner by the time I turn thirty, and then run for public office. Maybe end up in Congress. Turns out, that was more what my parents wanted me to do.Truth is, I don’t know what I want.”
I could absolutely relate to Ash. Okay, I haven't run away because of my dad's political scandal and my boyfriend hasn't dumped me by a short note. Still, I could relate to the feeling of wanting to get away and start over somewhere else where no one knows you or your family.
This book was an unexpected gem. Even though I loved the blurb, I had absolutely no expectations for this book. That's exactly why I was so surprised it turned out to be SO good. I connected with the characters and even the minor ones were deep enough to be memorable.
Should you read this? It's a fairly short easy read that got me away from the reality for several hours. Yes, you should read it.
**Copy provided by author for an honest review**
Hmmm... I'm not sure how that happened, but I started the book and then, the moment later, I finished it. The story just drew me in and I literally forgot everything else around me. I'm still trying to figure out where the last four and half hours disappeared, but I do believe their disappearance was worth it.
Oh God. They still make men who look like that?
Eddie... *sigh* I was practically hyperventilating when his pickup truck pulled up in front of their house. And then I was giggling like a girl. He seriously had me at “Hey! You live here?”. And when I learned more about his past, I was in serious trouble, alright. And I can't even talk about Tiny. I think Tiny was my favorite character ;). And I guess you'll just have to read the book to find out who Tiny is...
“Ever since I was a little girl, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do. College, law school, work my way up to partner by the time I turn thirty, and then run for public office. Maybe end up in Congress. Turns out, that was more what my parents wanted me to do.Truth is, I don’t know what I want.”
I could absolutely relate to Ash. Okay, I haven't run away because of my dad's political scandal and my boyfriend hasn't dumped me by a short note. Still, I could relate to the feeling of wanting to get away and start over somewhere else where no one knows you or your family.
This book was an unexpected gem. Even though I loved the blurb, I had absolutely no expectations for this book. That's exactly why I was so surprised it turned out to be SO good. I connected with the characters and even the minor ones were deep enough to be memorable.
Should you read this? It's a fairly short easy read that got me away from the reality for several hours. Yes, you should read it.
March 22, 2013
This was another great NA (New Adult) read. Ash and Eddie are both at a cross roads in their lives, although both coming from completely different backgrounds.
Ash had everything a girl could wish for growing up, a great family, wealth, great education and the perfect boyfriend. Then it all started crumbling and she had to start re-evaluating what SHE really wants in life as apposed to what her family wants for her. Ash ventures into a small town named, Paradise where she realizes maybe big city living isn't for her.
Eddie is a small town boy, total ladies man, killer dimples and smile, car mechanic but with haunting nightmares. Eddie went through some rough times in the past few years and he's just living life day by day. When he moves into his new place (finally away from his parents) he meets Ash, his new neighbor and housemate.
Sparks fly very quickly between Ash and Eddie. I loved the fact that it wasn't insta-love. Readers were able to see Ash and Eddie just enjoy each others company, hang out and be friends first. Yes there was definite chemistry there. Eventually they needed to REALLY open up to each other and let the secrets go and of course that's what it hits the fan. Families get involved, old flames start lingering around and bring doubts to Ash and Eddie's hearts. The ending was perfect and I hope to see more from this couple but I am definitely satisfied with their HEA.
Overall I very much enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from Allie Bonafice. :-)
Ash had everything a girl could wish for growing up, a great family, wealth, great education and the perfect boyfriend. Then it all started crumbling and she had to start re-evaluating what SHE really wants in life as apposed to what her family wants for her. Ash ventures into a small town named, Paradise where she realizes maybe big city living isn't for her.
Eddie is a small town boy, total ladies man, killer dimples and smile, car mechanic but with haunting nightmares. Eddie went through some rough times in the past few years and he's just living life day by day. When he moves into his new place (finally away from his parents) he meets Ash, his new neighbor and housemate.
Sparks fly very quickly between Ash and Eddie. I loved the fact that it wasn't insta-love. Readers were able to see Ash and Eddie just enjoy each others company, hang out and be friends first. Yes there was definite chemistry there. Eventually they needed to REALLY open up to each other and let the secrets go and of course that's what it hits the fan. Families get involved, old flames start lingering around and bring doubts to Ash and Eddie's hearts. The ending was perfect and I hope to see more from this couple but I am definitely satisfied with their HEA.
Overall I very much enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from Allie Bonafice. :-)
April 9, 2013
Anyone who knows me, knows I LUV me some Tortured Bad Boys...and Mr. Eddie West is just the kind of hero I was looking for!
Ash was a pretty cool heroine, who had a lot of her plate, from her father's drama to getting dumped after three years for another girl...talk about needing to get away for awhile. Which is exactly what she does, and it lands her in the same rental as Eddie, whom she is attracted to from the moment she laid eyes on him.
As for Eddie, he is in need of a little "escaping" of his own, and for the first time in years, he starts to feel some of the guilt that he carries around, start to fall away, and it's all because of Ash. But when he finds out the truth about her, he starts to think everything between them could have been a lie too.
I really enjoyed the build-up of the relationship between Ash and Eddie, a true progression of what a relationship is sometimes based on, friendship. Throw a little drama in the mix, yes, I am talking about ex's, and family drama, and well...those "little white lies"...oops...and you have yourself a nice romance, which will keep you reading into the night.
An enjoyable read, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more by Allie Boniface.
Ash was a pretty cool heroine, who had a lot of her plate, from her father's drama to getting dumped after three years for another girl...talk about needing to get away for awhile. Which is exactly what she does, and it lands her in the same rental as Eddie, whom she is attracted to from the moment she laid eyes on him.
As for Eddie, he is in need of a little "escaping" of his own, and for the first time in years, he starts to feel some of the guilt that he carries around, start to fall away, and it's all because of Ash. But when he finds out the truth about her, he starts to think everything between them could have been a lie too.
I really enjoyed the build-up of the relationship between Ash and Eddie, a true progression of what a relationship is sometimes based on, friendship. Throw a little drama in the mix, yes, I am talking about ex's, and family drama, and well...those "little white lies"...oops...and you have yourself a nice romance, which will keep you reading into the night.
An enjoyable read, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more by Allie Boniface.
July 28, 2016
Ashton Kirk, youngest daughter of a prestigious senator, fiancee of a hotshot attorney, and fresh Harvard graduate, is headed for a promising law career when scandal breaks apart her family. To escape, she rents an apartment in the sleepy town of Paradise, New Hampshire, where no one knows who she is.
Ashton hopes for solitude, but all bets are off when Eddie West, the town’s most eligible bachelor, moves in downstairs. Eddie likes his women and his cars shiny, sleek, and fast, and when he meets his new housemate, he wastes no time getting friendly. While he's looking for a no-strings romance, though, he gets more than he bargained for in Ash, who sees through his bravado to the pain of a loss too fresh to mention.
Can two people from different worlds find common ground, a place to fall in love and build a future? Is it possible to find your soul mate in the place you least expect?
I loved the characters, the small town of Paradise, the people Ash befriended, and especially Ash and Eddie. 4 stars
Ashton hopes for solitude, but all bets are off when Eddie West, the town’s most eligible bachelor, moves in downstairs. Eddie likes his women and his cars shiny, sleek, and fast, and when he meets his new housemate, he wastes no time getting friendly. While he's looking for a no-strings romance, though, he gets more than he bargained for in Ash, who sees through his bravado to the pain of a loss too fresh to mention.
Can two people from different worlds find common ground, a place to fall in love and build a future? Is it possible to find your soul mate in the place you least expect?
I loved the characters, the small town of Paradise, the people Ash befriended, and especially Ash and Eddie. 4 stars
January 12, 2013
Ash decides to leave Boston and her family scandal to start anew in Paradise, New Hampshire. She’s just broken up with Colin after he leaves her a note saying he needs time. When she meets her housemate Eddie, she feels sparks between them but didn’t want to so share who she really was with him as he was as well hesitant about sharing his past. But when the past rears its ugly head, will there be room for them to find out if there might be something there for them both? Very cute story that I would recommend to anyone.
March 12, 2013
I read this book on about 5 hours because once it was started I couldn't stop. I loved the characters and I loved were the book took place. The author does a great job of making me see things how the characters were seeing things and making me feel as if I was in the head of the characters. The only thing I could say was that at times I knew what was going to happen but I believe that is because I read so many books that I am usually about to figure out what is going to happen which really pisses me off because I do love to be surprised when I am reading.
March 3, 2016
This was a 3.5 almost 4 star read for me.
This was an okay story. A bit boring. The characters were okay, nothing special. I liked Eddie - he was really sweet and fun and seemed like a overall good person. Ashton was nice and smart and sweet.
There was a lot of weird talking-to-themselves moments that I found were unnecessary, especially from Ashton who seemed to love to narrate her (almost) every move.
The storyline was interesting and had a lot of potential but it just fell flat for me.
This was an okay story. A bit boring. The characters were okay, nothing special. I liked Eddie - he was really sweet and fun and seemed like a overall good person. Ashton was nice and smart and sweet.
There was a lot of weird talking-to-themselves moments that I found were unnecessary, especially from Ashton who seemed to love to narrate her (almost) every move.
The storyline was interesting and had a lot of potential but it just fell flat for me.
April 5, 2013
I love all of Allie Boniface's books and this one was no different. I had read the original so I knew that story already, I loved it just as much also. The thing I like about Allie Boniface's books are the ease with which you are drawn into the story and get to know the characters. I don't feel overwhelmed by the details, the story just flows.
August 28, 2014
I am wavering between 3 and 4 stars. I really liked the writing and the characters but parts of the story needed work. For example, Ash not telling Eddie her secret when he revealed his made no sense. If her secret was a bigger deal, like she was hiding from the law, I could see it. Also, she seemed way too forgiving of Colin then Eddie with Cass but not of her father.
September 6, 2016
Another Instafreebie disappointment. Good girl trying to break free from her family's demands meets bad boy commitment phobe and falls hard. Couldn't get past the second chapter; the heroine had a backstory but no real conflict, and spends so much time chatting with her bestie in the opening chapter that I got bored before the bad boy could even arrive.
September 26, 2012
This story starts out a little slow to my taste but it ended well. I like most of the characters and the story line.
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June 21, 20204.5
April 8, 2014
A sweet and tender contemporary romance that was an easy read. Two broken spirits are drawn to each other when they find themselves sharing a house for the summer.
July 2, 2015
I was left just feeling kinda blah about this one. It all just seemed too predictable & I was annoyed when I could see the character was going to do exactly that they shouldn't.
May 23, 2014
This book was ok. I would have liked a little bit more interaction with Ash and Eddie.
October 25, 2014
A very sweet read about 2 lost souls that find themselves while finding each other. Predicable but very sweet!
January 7, 2015
Didn't care too much for this. The story just seemed to drag along, and wasn't nearly as interesting as I thought it would be.
February 16, 2023
Immature, annoying characters. Middle school kids are more mature.
February 16, 2013
Loved this book!! Can't wait for the upcoming books :)))
April 30, 2020
The grass is always greener on the other side, or so we think. Ashton Kirk’s father hit a major political scandal and her boyfriend left her so what was she supposed to do after graduating law school but run to a small town to be Ashley Kirkland or Ash as she was known at home.
Renting a duplex house in a small town introduces her to Eddie West, her neighbor in the house. A local mechanic, Eddie had lived in Paradise his whole life.
Sparks fly and immediately between these two but instead of rushing into something, they become friends. A Fourth of July party changes all that when Eddie finally kisses Ash. But all good things must break when their are secrets involved. After their first night together, they are woken by a knock on the door and a surprise visit from Ash’s dad, letting Eddie know he didn’t know Ash’s real name.
Eddie and Ash do get their HEA. This is a stand-alone book in a series.
Renting a duplex house in a small town introduces her to Eddie West, her neighbor in the house. A local mechanic, Eddie had lived in Paradise his whole life.
Sparks fly and immediately between these two but instead of rushing into something, they become friends. A Fourth of July party changes all that when Eddie finally kisses Ash. But all good things must break when their are secrets involved. After their first night together, they are woken by a knock on the door and a surprise visit from Ash’s dad, letting Eddie know he didn’t know Ash’s real name.
Eddie and Ash do get their HEA. This is a stand-alone book in a series.
June 26, 2020
Lost in Paradise refers to Paradise, New Hampshire. That's where Ashton Kirk goes to escape the Kirk family scandal that has become a media circus in Boston! She also needs space and time to think after her boyfriend Colin dumps her She wants a place where no one knows her as Senator Kirk's daughter. Once in Paradise, a hundred miles from her home in Boston, she discovers that she has a downstairs housemate--Eddie West. Eddie works at Frank's Imports, a repair shop. These two are from very different worlds and they each have a secret. Ashton will only be in Paradise subletting for the next three months. What can happen in three months? I enjoyed this story especially because it was different from any other book I've read. Ashton and Eddie are really interesting characters who seem real. At 176 pages, this book is a quick read.
October 2, 2019
Romantic Heartfelt Love Story
Ashton and Eddie are drawn to each other immediately upon meeting. They have both been brokenhearted and broken emotionally and for Eddie, physically. However, amazingly their feelings are on auto pilot and keeps them connected even when they are trying to fight their chemistry.
Ashton and Eddie are drawn to each other immediately upon meeting. They have both been brokenhearted and broken emotionally and for Eddie, physically. However, amazingly their feelings are on auto pilot and keeps them connected even when they are trying to fight their chemistry.
May 6, 2018
Outstanding!
Wow! Swoon worthy. One sex scene but nicely written, particularly the hero's morning after thoughts. It wasn't until the last quarter of the book that I realized there was a much deeper meaning to this romance.
Wow! Swoon worthy. One sex scene but nicely written, particularly the hero's morning after thoughts. It wasn't until the last quarter of the book that I realized there was a much deeper meaning to this romance.
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