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Puffin Cove #1
Spitfire
Kane has friends. He is content. He carves his celebrated birds and farms on his little slice of heaven in Puffin Cove, Newfoundland, and heals from the tragedy that sent him fleeing from his homeland. But one look at a beautiful redhead in a quiet pub, and the life he has so carefully rebuilt tilts on its axis.
Laura knows there must be something better out there. This is the only life she is going to get, and dammit, she isn't going to waste one more day. When she runs away from home she certainly doesn't expect to fall instantly in love with a small east coast town, and a crusty, sexy Irishman.
As Kane and Laura explore the beauty of the land and a love that they never knew could exist, their fears for the future and the scars of the past threaten to tear apart a perfect forever.
Laura knows there must be something better out there. This is the only life she is going to get, and dammit, she isn't going to waste one more day. When she runs away from home she certainly doesn't expect to fall instantly in love with a small east coast town, and a crusty, sexy Irishman.
As Kane and Laura explore the beauty of the land and a love that they never knew could exist, their fears for the future and the scars of the past threaten to tear apart a perfect forever.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2013
43 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Carla Doolin
2 books25 followersI live with my wonderful hubby and two happy dogs in Central Ontario, Canada. My sons are grown and living the life, and I finally have time to pursue one of my passions. I have a lot of them! I love to read, and mostly read contemporary romance...and tour books! I'm a classically trained pianist, a voracious knitter (sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it?) and a fledgling Harley rider. I'm also a full-time NICU RN, which seriously cuts into my writing time!
My books are adult contemporary romances about 'real-life' fictional people. They have the same normal, goofy, angsty lives that we all do. If you're looking for a billionaire or a dominatrix, you won't find them here. More's the pity. My biggest inspiration is travel. Whenever I visit a new and wonderful place, I romanticize the people I meet and the vistas I see. Beauty is all around us, and I love inserting love into the majesty of the land.
If you were to ask me what advice I would give to an aspiring author in regards to writing, I would tell you to just let it flow. Read what you love, live a rich and full life, talk to everyone you meet, and write what is in your heart. That's what I do.
My books are adult contemporary romances about 'real-life' fictional people. They have the same normal, goofy, angsty lives that we all do. If you're looking for a billionaire or a dominatrix, you won't find them here. More's the pity. My biggest inspiration is travel. Whenever I visit a new and wonderful place, I romanticize the people I meet and the vistas I see. Beauty is all around us, and I love inserting love into the majesty of the land.
If you were to ask me what advice I would give to an aspiring author in regards to writing, I would tell you to just let it flow. Read what you love, live a rich and full life, talk to everyone you meet, and write what is in your heart. That's what I do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 22, 2016
This love story wasn't an instant love-at-first-sight kind of thing (not that there wasn't attraction on both sides, which there was), but I liked that. I hate when a woman meets a really, really hot guy and automatically thinks, Yes! That is the man I will marry and save from his tortured past and have lots and lots of babies with!
When that happens, I feel a mixed reaction. Either I'm wondering how many hormone-enhancing drugs the heroine has taken or I'm going like this:
[image error]
But instead, Carla Doolin didn't take that path at all!! The love that existed between Kane and Laura wasn't that cliché. It was realistic and it still made me sigh out at the gorgeous moments that Kane and Laura had between them. But it wasn't all cute and fluffy romance, as I originally thought from reading the first 1/3 of the book. It got hotter and hotter and hotter!! The chemistry between Kane and Laura went from this-
"His hot eyes searched hers, a jolt of electricity shimmered between them, and Laura broke away first to turn her head and hide her flushed face."
to this-
"Her heartbeat that had been tripping along, thrilling to his nearness, slowed and thickened. The echo of every cell careening through the channels of her veins throbbed in her ears. Every nerve ending was alive, tingling with fearsome expectation, and her breath stilled in her chest."
The pacing of this was done so well that I didn't want to put the book down. I didn't want to!!!
But I did have some minor problems with Spitfire. When I first began the book, I had some trouble actually understanding what the characters were trying to say in their slang (I don't know what else to call it.) It made it impossible to get absorbed in the book right away.
Plus the characters acted really similar. It was hard to distinguish one person from another but as soon as I read further into the book, it got easier.
But all that doesn't matter considering it's a magnificent début from an author I'll be watching over the coming years. The chapter of Kane and Laura's story might have ended, but a new chapter is beginning and it's about Jillian and Landon.
I'm really excited about that, by the way. Since I've noticed there wasn't any love lost between the Jill and Landon, it's going to be hard to reconcile them together as a couple. But I’d like to see how Carla Doolin does it, so yes, I will be reading the next book.
I received an ebook copy of Spitfire in return for an honest review.
When that happens, I feel a mixed reaction. Either I'm wondering how many hormone-enhancing drugs the heroine has taken or I'm going like this:
[image error]
But instead, Carla Doolin didn't take that path at all!! The love that existed between Kane and Laura wasn't that cliché. It was realistic and it still made me sigh out at the gorgeous moments that Kane and Laura had between them. But it wasn't all cute and fluffy romance, as I originally thought from reading the first 1/3 of the book. It got hotter and hotter and hotter!! The chemistry between Kane and Laura went from this-
"His hot eyes searched hers, a jolt of electricity shimmered between them, and Laura broke away first to turn her head and hide her flushed face."
to this-
"Her heartbeat that had been tripping along, thrilling to his nearness, slowed and thickened. The echo of every cell careening through the channels of her veins throbbed in her ears. Every nerve ending was alive, tingling with fearsome expectation, and her breath stilled in her chest."
The pacing of this was done so well that I didn't want to put the book down. I didn't want to!!!
But I did have some minor problems with Spitfire. When I first began the book, I had some trouble actually understanding what the characters were trying to say in their slang (I don't know what else to call it.) It made it impossible to get absorbed in the book right away.
Plus the characters acted really similar. It was hard to distinguish one person from another but as soon as I read further into the book, it got easier.
But all that doesn't matter considering it's a magnificent début from an author I'll be watching over the coming years. The chapter of Kane and Laura's story might have ended, but a new chapter is beginning and it's about Jillian and Landon.
I'm really excited about that, by the way. Since I've noticed there wasn't any love lost between the Jill and Landon, it's going to be hard to reconcile them together as a couple. But I’d like to see how Carla Doolin does it, so yes, I will be reading the next book.
I received an ebook copy of Spitfire in return for an honest review.
July 19, 2013
3.5 Stars
Laura
Kane
Great writing, Cute Story.
Laura
Kane
Great writing, Cute Story.
August 19, 2013
Originally reviewed at www.devastatingreads.blogspot.com This is not my typical romance read. Of course, I try not and have a typical romance read, but this one is a bit different despite that fact. The heroine and hero are not young twenty to thirty something, but a bit older and in each other find a second chance at love--if they dare to take it.
Kane: Kane struck me from the opening pages as a bit of a lost soul. He's happy enough with where he is in life, can enjoy life simple's pleasures and has laid aside the ghosts of his past. They are with him, because ghosts live in our memories, but they no longer weigh so heavily on his heart. But still, despite this, I felt like something was missing in Kane's life. Like he was a man walking through the motions--happy, but perhaps longing for something more. Enter Laura, and suddenly Kane becomes a different man. Short tempered, sexy, he's a patient, loving man and exactly what Laura needs just as much as Laura is exactly what he needs. And Lord, but does she bring out the smoking hotness in him. I had some moments of pure shudder because he is so tender and erotic with Laura. It was wonderful to see how much he delighted in Laura, and how patient and kind hearted he was, and how passionate when the occasion arose.
Laura: She struck me as something of a little girl at heart, delighting in the glory of things like icebergs and the idea of raising sheep so she could make her own yarn. Hard working, warm, Laura has a big heart and she really, really likes Kane. She thinks he's sexy and sweet and cannot get enough of him--whether it's hiking through the woods or romping in the bushes, Laura is consumed how much she loves Kane. The only thing is, she's convinced Kane should be with someone else. Not because he doesn't love her, but because Laura cannot have children, and she really thinks Kane should be a father. Kane doesn't want to hear any such objections and is downright upset by them, but Laura, try as she might, cannot get the idea out of her head at all. So despite everything they've been through together, how far they've come, Laura decides to give Kane that chance even though it makes her miserable.
I really enjoyed Kane and Laura's story, and no, I won't tell you more right now about what happens. You'll have to read this book for yourself to find out. I myself was swept away by the romance, the quaint and sweet setting and characters and the damn steamy scenes in this novel. This novel has a bit of something for everyone and I hope to read the next in the series. I would like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 glittering stars
Kane: Kane struck me from the opening pages as a bit of a lost soul. He's happy enough with where he is in life, can enjoy life simple's pleasures and has laid aside the ghosts of his past. They are with him, because ghosts live in our memories, but they no longer weigh so heavily on his heart. But still, despite this, I felt like something was missing in Kane's life. Like he was a man walking through the motions--happy, but perhaps longing for something more. Enter Laura, and suddenly Kane becomes a different man. Short tempered, sexy, he's a patient, loving man and exactly what Laura needs just as much as Laura is exactly what he needs. And Lord, but does she bring out the smoking hotness in him. I had some moments of pure shudder because he is so tender and erotic with Laura. It was wonderful to see how much he delighted in Laura, and how patient and kind hearted he was, and how passionate when the occasion arose.
Laura: She struck me as something of a little girl at heart, delighting in the glory of things like icebergs and the idea of raising sheep so she could make her own yarn. Hard working, warm, Laura has a big heart and she really, really likes Kane. She thinks he's sexy and sweet and cannot get enough of him--whether it's hiking through the woods or romping in the bushes, Laura is consumed how much she loves Kane. The only thing is, she's convinced Kane should be with someone else. Not because he doesn't love her, but because Laura cannot have children, and she really thinks Kane should be a father. Kane doesn't want to hear any such objections and is downright upset by them, but Laura, try as she might, cannot get the idea out of her head at all. So despite everything they've been through together, how far they've come, Laura decides to give Kane that chance even though it makes her miserable.
I really enjoyed Kane and Laura's story, and no, I won't tell you more right now about what happens. You'll have to read this book for yourself to find out. I myself was swept away by the romance, the quaint and sweet setting and characters and the damn steamy scenes in this novel. This novel has a bit of something for everyone and I hope to read the next in the series. I would like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 glittering stars
July 3, 2013
Copy provided by author for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. The main characters are mature and well rounded and very likable. The heroine is a strong character who I could empathise with and like, she is the type of woman you could really enjoy being friends with. Although the hero is gorgeous and intelligent he differs from so many male characters in romance books that I have read lately because is not a womaniser or a business mogul and this was really refreshing, not only did I fall in love with him a little bit I actually liked him.
This is a sweet romance between adults who have been in relationships before, there is a little bit of angst but you just know that there will be a HEA without all of the over the top drama of a first love/new adult style book.
Some people may have problems with the style of writing for the Heroes speech but I really enjoyed it, I could hear him and it made him seem real, I was picturing Gerald Butler the whole time and that is always a really good thing.The use of local language also made the book seem really authentic and gave the side line characters more appeal.
The author has created a visual wonder for the land of Newfoundland and I could easily picture it in my mind, I had never heard of it before but now I would love to visit. I don’t know where the author lives but her love of this amazing place is evident and it truly sounds spectacular. It takes a lot of talent to paint such a vivid picture with words alone.
The character of Jill's daughter Shannon is absolutely adorable and the author manages to skate the fine line between a cute child and an obnoxious child. Although this is a stand alone book there are a number of really interesting side characters and storylines and I am really glad that the author is writing another book based on my two favourites, Jill and Landon. At the end of this book the author kindly added a little teaser for Jill and Landons story.and I can not wait to read it.
I really enjoyed this story. The main characters are mature and well rounded and very likable. The heroine is a strong character who I could empathise with and like, she is the type of woman you could really enjoy being friends with. Although the hero is gorgeous and intelligent he differs from so many male characters in romance books that I have read lately because is not a womaniser or a business mogul and this was really refreshing, not only did I fall in love with him a little bit I actually liked him.
This is a sweet romance between adults who have been in relationships before, there is a little bit of angst but you just know that there will be a HEA without all of the over the top drama of a first love/new adult style book.
Some people may have problems with the style of writing for the Heroes speech but I really enjoyed it, I could hear him and it made him seem real, I was picturing Gerald Butler the whole time and that is always a really good thing.The use of local language also made the book seem really authentic and gave the side line characters more appeal.
The author has created a visual wonder for the land of Newfoundland and I could easily picture it in my mind, I had never heard of it before but now I would love to visit. I don’t know where the author lives but her love of this amazing place is evident and it truly sounds spectacular. It takes a lot of talent to paint such a vivid picture with words alone.
The character of Jill's daughter Shannon is absolutely adorable and the author manages to skate the fine line between a cute child and an obnoxious child. Although this is a stand alone book there are a number of really interesting side characters and storylines and I am really glad that the author is writing another book based on my two favourites, Jill and Landon. At the end of this book the author kindly added a little teaser for Jill and Landons story.and I can not wait to read it.
June 14, 2013
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Best part of this book-KANE. Holy hotness I could eat him up....ok there are other good parts too.
The book starts off by getting to know Laura and I liked her instantly. She's not a whiny pansie ass female lead-actually she's quite brave from the get go. She's lived and knows what she needs to do for herself and is finally at a place in her life where she is ready to take care of her needs for once.
The fun really starts when she gets to Newfoundland. The author does a great job describing the landscape and building images of Laura's surroundings. One of my favorite scences is when Laura enters a local bar in town. I felt like I was right there with her sitting on the bar stool. Laura's quick wit and sense of humor was refreshing.
Now Kane...good God! He just...yum. Gorgeous, loyal, dedicated, brooding but not in an Edward from Twilight way but a man who has lived and lost and is protecting is heart & the people he loves.
I love, love loved that this book had characters that had some life experience. Kane and Laura are both near 40. Laura has grown kids. It's great to read a story once in a while that doesn't revolve around kids that just graduated from college and oh by the way are gabillionaires..I know it's all fiction but this book was such a nice change of pace. I hope she stays on this path.
I look forward to reading about Jill & Landon.
Best part of this book-KANE. Holy hotness I could eat him up....ok there are other good parts too.
The book starts off by getting to know Laura and I liked her instantly. She's not a whiny pansie ass female lead-actually she's quite brave from the get go. She's lived and knows what she needs to do for herself and is finally at a place in her life where she is ready to take care of her needs for once.
The fun really starts when she gets to Newfoundland. The author does a great job describing the landscape and building images of Laura's surroundings. One of my favorite scences is when Laura enters a local bar in town. I felt like I was right there with her sitting on the bar stool. Laura's quick wit and sense of humor was refreshing.
Now Kane...good God! He just...yum. Gorgeous, loyal, dedicated, brooding but not in an Edward from Twilight way but a man who has lived and lost and is protecting is heart & the people he loves.
I love, love loved that this book had characters that had some life experience. Kane and Laura are both near 40. Laura has grown kids. It's great to read a story once in a while that doesn't revolve around kids that just graduated from college and oh by the way are gabillionaires..I know it's all fiction but this book was such a nice change of pace. I hope she stays on this path.
I look forward to reading about Jill & Landon.
July 21, 2013
Yup, I love my own book. I'd be an eejit if I didn't. Which leads me to the thought that perhaps I should have included a glossary, as there have been several comments around the difficulty in understanding the 'language' of Kane and the Newfoundlanders.
I did a really dorky thing the other day, and read it cover to cover. It was the first time I did that since it was published. I really did love it, but wanted to smack both Kane and Laura at one point or another. In the end, love prevailed, of course, and a HEA ensued. Kane and Laura will always be my first, and you never forget your first.
July 5, 2013
A little update. Due to popular demand, and newbie author angst, I just uploaded a second edition of Spitfire. Specifically, I deleted almost all of the f-bombs. Now I'll have to go back and re-read it. I wanted to stay true to my own voice, but apparently that voice was just a little abrasive. So, I caved. Hmm.
I did a really dorky thing the other day, and read it cover to cover. It was the first time I did that since it was published. I really did love it, but wanted to smack both Kane and Laura at one point or another. In the end, love prevailed, of course, and a HEA ensued. Kane and Laura will always be my first, and you never forget your first.
July 5, 2013
A little update. Due to popular demand, and newbie author angst, I just uploaded a second edition of Spitfire. Specifically, I deleted almost all of the f-bombs. Now I'll have to go back and re-read it. I wanted to stay true to my own voice, but apparently that voice was just a little abrasive. So, I caved. Hmm.
August 9, 2013
I was lucky enough to get an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book. The setting, the romance everything was well written. This story involved 2 mature adults, almost forty which was a welcome change to the twenty somethings that are often written about. Kane and Laura were well developed characters that you just kept rooting for the entire story. Loved it. Hope there is a sequel.
August 3, 2015
I really enjoyed this book...it's all about second chances at starting over, second love and having a family again. Laura is always second guessing herself when it comes to relationships but not starting a new life in a new place; Kane isn't looking for a new love but then things change when Laura enters the picture. I hope to read the next book as Laura & Kane start their new life together and Jill starts to live her life again...
June 14, 2013
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, so here it is: This was a perfect love story. It had love, pain, heartache, jealousy, stubbornness, ocean and icebergs, and lasting love. The story flows well and has point of views from different characters. This is my first reading Carla Doolin and I will be reading more from her, great job Carla!
October 24, 2013
Carla,
Please don't change how you write. The strong or foul language (to some) is very much a part of your characters personalities. It expresses the life they lead and the truth and realness about them. These characters are yours. If you change how they think and talk they become someone else and not the character you created them to be.
Loved both books. Please write another.
Shellygirl
Please don't change how you write. The strong or foul language (to some) is very much a part of your characters personalities. It expresses the life they lead and the truth and realness about them. These characters are yours. If you change how they think and talk they become someone else and not the character you created them to be.
Loved both books. Please write another.
Shellygirl
July 5, 2013
Puffin Cove #1
Spitfire by Carla Doolin was a very good book and I am looking forward to its sequel, Sweetness. I have to admit that I hit a hump in this book at about 26% and set it aside for a few days so I could read something else. But once I picked it up again, I read straight through to the end enjoying every minute of it!
I think the problem with the first 26% of the book was my getting used to Carla's unique style of writing… Her "voice" if you will. It's very in-your-face and kind of pulls you through the story at a fairly fast pace, whether you want to or not. Now, please don't get me wrong, she writes well and I enjoyed the book greatly, but the first 26%, was almost exhausting to read for me.
I must say I am glad I put it down for a bit, because once I allowed myself to digest everything that happened in that first 26%, when I picked the book back up again, it was nothing but pure reading enjoyment!
Here is my breakdown of all the different aspects that I find important in any good book:
Ease of Readability - 7/10 In the beginning I was a bit intimidated by the forcefulness of Carla's voice, but once I got used to her style, the only trouble I had with the readability stemmed from the accents of the people doing the talking. I found those the most difficult to wade through. It was totally worth it though! :-)
Uniqueness of Story - 10/10 I found this story to be pretty unique, with only the barest similarities to other stories I've read. I mean, they're all, boy meets girl, they fall in love with each other, they have problems that almost break them up, they live happily ever after, but outside of those similarities, I found the uniqueness of the characters refreshing!
World Explanation - 10/10 I found myself falling in love with Puffin Cove, Newfoundland, right along with Laura! In fact I was pretty sure the second she entered the tavern that she wouldn't be going any further. I look forward to furthering my acquaintance with this wonderful world in the sequel to this book, Sweetness.
Storyline Expansion - 8/10 For the most part, I felt the storyline expanded at a good rate, and if it weren't for the first 26% of the book I probably would've given this one a 10. At the beginning I felt more like I was being pulled, sometimes dragged, through the story rather than walking along beside the characters as the story progressed. Fortunately, the duration of those times was pretty short, hence the 8.
Character Development - 9/10 I absolutely loved the changes and growth I saw in the characters throughout this book! And the only reason I did not give this a 10 is because Laura got mad at Kane for something, and then once all was forgiven, she turned around and did almost the exact same thing to him! I realize that there were extenuating circumstances, but it's still angered me enough that I had to put it in here. ;-) I know, it was all a part of their development as characters, but that didn't make me any less desirous of slapping both Laura & Kane in the back of the head!
Dialogue Plausibility - 8/10 I went with an 8 on this one because for the most part, the dialogue was totally plausible, easy to understand and took us in the direction I'm sure the author was trying to go. The 2 points I knocked off are mainly for problems I had with understanding some of the accents - I still don't know what b'y is supposed to mean - and when Jill and Laura would talk to each other, there was a lot of youngish slang talk that made it difficult for me to understand what was actually trying to be said at times. This was not annoying to me, probably because, to a certain extent, I see it as a failing of mine, not the authors, but it is something that I felt important enough to mention.
Plot Development - 8/10 I would say that the plot development unfolded at a pretty good rate, but periodically I felt like I was being dragged through it at a faster pace than I wanted to go. This mainly happened in the first 26% of the book, after that it was pretty smooth sailing… Well, not for the characters because without conflict, a book is just boring, but for me from a reader's perspective, the last 74% of the book was smooth sailing!
Annoyance Factor - 4/10 I think the only thing I really found annoying about this book were when the descriptive words used didn't seem to match the actions being taken. It didn't happen very often, but when stuff like that happens in any book it annoys me so there you have it. I think this happened mostly in the first 26% of the book, and may be why it was so exhausting for me to read.
Interesting Characters - 10/10 I have to say that I think this book is completely overrun with interesting characters. In fact, I'm not sure I ran across any boring characters… Well, except for Laura's stereotypical ex-husband, but since he never actually made an appearance except through Laura talking about him, I don't really think he counts.
Humorous Interplay - 8/10 I have to say that my favorite part of the humor in this book came from Shannon, Jill's daughter. I just loved her precociousness! I found myself smiling every time she entered the scene, she was just so cute!
Romantic Chemistry - 9/10 I enjoyed the chemistry between Laura and Kane and the only reason I didn't give this a 10 was because sometimes the descriptions that showed the chemistry were a bit wordy, but that didn't happen often enough to downgraded any more than the one measly little point.
Tear Jerkiness - 9/10 I cried, I sobbed and my heart broke… Just the right amount for this book.
Villain Scariness - 0/10 There was no villain. So I would guess that would make the villain not scary at all. ;-)
Series Story Arc Development - 0/10 There does not appear to be a series story arc for this series. I'm guessing that every book will have its own set of problems, which will be resolved by the end of each book, and the "world" (Puffin Cove, Newfoundland) and the fact that we've seen these characters in previous books will be the only thing connecting them.
Political Correctness - 7/10 I'm not sure that this actually fits into this category, but this is where I'm putting it. The F word is used a lot in this book and I have to say that at times I did find it offputting for what I'm sure she was trying to portray in the moment.
Spitfire by Carla Doolin was a very good book and I am looking forward to its sequel, Sweetness. I have to admit that I hit a hump in this book at about 26% and set it aside for a few days so I could read something else. But once I picked it up again, I read straight through to the end enjoying every minute of it!I think the problem with the first 26% of the book was my getting used to Carla's unique style of writing… Her "voice" if you will. It's very in-your-face and kind of pulls you through the story at a fairly fast pace, whether you want to or not. Now, please don't get me wrong, she writes well and I enjoyed the book greatly, but the first 26%, was almost exhausting to read for me.
I must say I am glad I put it down for a bit, because once I allowed myself to digest everything that happened in that first 26%, when I picked the book back up again, it was nothing but pure reading enjoyment!
Here is my breakdown of all the different aspects that I find important in any good book:
Ease of Readability - 7/10 In the beginning I was a bit intimidated by the forcefulness of Carla's voice, but once I got used to her style, the only trouble I had with the readability stemmed from the accents of the people doing the talking. I found those the most difficult to wade through. It was totally worth it though! :-)
Uniqueness of Story - 10/10 I found this story to be pretty unique, with only the barest similarities to other stories I've read. I mean, they're all, boy meets girl, they fall in love with each other, they have problems that almost break them up, they live happily ever after, but outside of those similarities, I found the uniqueness of the characters refreshing!
World Explanation - 10/10 I found myself falling in love with Puffin Cove, Newfoundland, right along with Laura! In fact I was pretty sure the second she entered the tavern that she wouldn't be going any further. I look forward to furthering my acquaintance with this wonderful world in the sequel to this book, Sweetness.
Storyline Expansion - 8/10 For the most part, I felt the storyline expanded at a good rate, and if it weren't for the first 26% of the book I probably would've given this one a 10. At the beginning I felt more like I was being pulled, sometimes dragged, through the story rather than walking along beside the characters as the story progressed. Fortunately, the duration of those times was pretty short, hence the 8.
Character Development - 9/10 I absolutely loved the changes and growth I saw in the characters throughout this book! And the only reason I did not give this a 10 is because Laura got mad at Kane for something, and then once all was forgiven, she turned around and did almost the exact same thing to him! I realize that there were extenuating circumstances, but it's still angered me enough that I had to put it in here. ;-) I know, it was all a part of their development as characters, but that didn't make me any less desirous of slapping both Laura & Kane in the back of the head!
Dialogue Plausibility - 8/10 I went with an 8 on this one because for the most part, the dialogue was totally plausible, easy to understand and took us in the direction I'm sure the author was trying to go. The 2 points I knocked off are mainly for problems I had with understanding some of the accents - I still don't know what b'y is supposed to mean - and when Jill and Laura would talk to each other, there was a lot of youngish slang talk that made it difficult for me to understand what was actually trying to be said at times. This was not annoying to me, probably because, to a certain extent, I see it as a failing of mine, not the authors, but it is something that I felt important enough to mention.
Plot Development - 8/10 I would say that the plot development unfolded at a pretty good rate, but periodically I felt like I was being dragged through it at a faster pace than I wanted to go. This mainly happened in the first 26% of the book, after that it was pretty smooth sailing… Well, not for the characters because without conflict, a book is just boring, but for me from a reader's perspective, the last 74% of the book was smooth sailing!
Annoyance Factor - 4/10 I think the only thing I really found annoying about this book were when the descriptive words used didn't seem to match the actions being taken. It didn't happen very often, but when stuff like that happens in any book it annoys me so there you have it. I think this happened mostly in the first 26% of the book, and may be why it was so exhausting for me to read.
Interesting Characters - 10/10 I have to say that I think this book is completely overrun with interesting characters. In fact, I'm not sure I ran across any boring characters… Well, except for Laura's stereotypical ex-husband, but since he never actually made an appearance except through Laura talking about him, I don't really think he counts.
Humorous Interplay - 8/10 I have to say that my favorite part of the humor in this book came from Shannon, Jill's daughter. I just loved her precociousness! I found myself smiling every time she entered the scene, she was just so cute!
Romantic Chemistry - 9/10 I enjoyed the chemistry between Laura and Kane and the only reason I didn't give this a 10 was because sometimes the descriptions that showed the chemistry were a bit wordy, but that didn't happen often enough to downgraded any more than the one measly little point.
Tear Jerkiness - 9/10 I cried, I sobbed and my heart broke… Just the right amount for this book.
Villain Scariness - 0/10 There was no villain. So I would guess that would make the villain not scary at all. ;-)
Series Story Arc Development - 0/10 There does not appear to be a series story arc for this series. I'm guessing that every book will have its own set of problems, which will be resolved by the end of each book, and the "world" (Puffin Cove, Newfoundland) and the fact that we've seen these characters in previous books will be the only thing connecting them.
Political Correctness - 7/10 I'm not sure that this actually fits into this category, but this is where I'm putting it. The F word is used a lot in this book and I have to say that at times I did find it offputting for what I'm sure she was trying to portray in the moment.
July 1, 2013
Spitfire Review
After a year of depression and self-pity Laura decided she needed to change her life. At 39 she had been divorced and her 2 sons were grown and had left home.
Needing to start to live life for herself, Laura quits her job, sells her home and moves from Toronto to Newfoundland with no destination in mind.
She feels free to roam along the coastline and to visit a host of towns and destinations until she finds a place to set down her roots. What she doesn’t expect is to find a place to call home at the very first town she arrives at, Puffin Cove.
Meanwhile the author introduces us to Kane. He’s been living in Puffin Cove for 3 years. He came here to find peace and quiet and to get away from his brokenhearted past. Although looking for solitude he makes some good friends and one very close friend with his neighbor Jill and her young daughter.
The reason that Laura had stopped in Puffin Cove was because she was shaken up after a near accident that left her rattled. Feeling like she can’t keep driving she checks into a bed and breakfast run by an older couple and she’s so comfortable that she decides to stay for a week.
She quickly makes friends with the owners of the bed and breakfast, the owner of a local tavern/diner and Jill, Kane’s neighbor and friend. She also found the town quaint and enjoys exploring.
Eventually Laura and Kane hook up and become quite serious but Laura discovers what has caused Kane’s heartbreak and she feels that she can’t give him what he needs most so she leaves Puffin Cove heartbroken. Kane is devastated over Laura leaving without saying a word to him.
Will Kane ever get Laura back? Will he ever be able to convince her that she is what he wants and needs? This part of the book is filled with angst.
This book does have a HEA but to me the ending is the romance writer’s cliche ending, although in this book it is more appropriate than in most romance novels.
All in all I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good character driven romance novel.
After a year of depression and self-pity Laura decided she needed to change her life. At 39 she had been divorced and her 2 sons were grown and had left home.
Needing to start to live life for herself, Laura quits her job, sells her home and moves from Toronto to Newfoundland with no destination in mind.
She feels free to roam along the coastline and to visit a host of towns and destinations until she finds a place to set down her roots. What she doesn’t expect is to find a place to call home at the very first town she arrives at, Puffin Cove.
Meanwhile the author introduces us to Kane. He’s been living in Puffin Cove for 3 years. He came here to find peace and quiet and to get away from his brokenhearted past. Although looking for solitude he makes some good friends and one very close friend with his neighbor Jill and her young daughter.
The reason that Laura had stopped in Puffin Cove was because she was shaken up after a near accident that left her rattled. Feeling like she can’t keep driving she checks into a bed and breakfast run by an older couple and she’s so comfortable that she decides to stay for a week.
She quickly makes friends with the owners of the bed and breakfast, the owner of a local tavern/diner and Jill, Kane’s neighbor and friend. She also found the town quaint and enjoys exploring.
Eventually Laura and Kane hook up and become quite serious but Laura discovers what has caused Kane’s heartbreak and she feels that she can’t give him what he needs most so she leaves Puffin Cove heartbroken. Kane is devastated over Laura leaving without saying a word to him.
Will Kane ever get Laura back? Will he ever be able to convince her that she is what he wants and needs? This part of the book is filled with angst.
This book does have a HEA but to me the ending is the romance writer’s cliche ending, although in this book it is more appropriate than in most romance novels.
All in all I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good character driven romance novel.
August 2, 2013
Laura decides to pack up and move, being thirty-eight, almost thirty-nine with two grown sons who no longer live with her has left her wanting more. She decides to move to Newfoundland after visiting there previously with her mom and sons. Laura finds herself in Puffin Cove on her first night and falls in love with the place instantly.
Kane moves to Puffin Cove from Ireland after a tragic accident leaving him unable to stay in his homeland. Five years has passed before he's ready to move on and grab life with both hands. He's a well known artist and a great man.
This story is great, it's not your typical boy meets girl and falls in love, instead it's a man meets a woman who have both suffered from previous relationships and are ready to try again. The writing was well done, except from Kane's speech at first which I had some trouble with but soon got the hang of it, it helps thinking of my dream man (Gerard Butler) as Kane!
Both the main characters were easy to like and I admired how strong Laura is. Unhappy with her life, deciding to move away from home and start all over again takes some guts. Her passion for her work was awesome to see and even though she'd retired before the book started I'm glad we got insight in the reason why during a conversation between her and Kane. Kane was also easy to love as he's so laid back, maybe not at first with Laura but that didn't last. He's so thoughtful and sexy, not to mention his accent! Irish is my #1 accent so this was a major bonus!!!
I loved how descriptive Carla was with the surroundings, I could easily picture Puffin cove in my mind, I prefer reading a book and being able to visualise which I was able to do in lots of detail. Puffin Cove sounds amazing, it's definitely a place I'd love to visit as it sounds so relaxing and just flat out awesome. The habitants are all welcoming and friendly too, and being right near the ocean with icebergs wins points.
A truly great read! I'm so glad I got to see a teaser of 'Sweetness' as I loved both Jill and Landon almost as much as Laura and Kane and can't wait to read their story.
*A copy was provided for review purposes**
Kane moves to Puffin Cove from Ireland after a tragic accident leaving him unable to stay in his homeland. Five years has passed before he's ready to move on and grab life with both hands. He's a well known artist and a great man.
This story is great, it's not your typical boy meets girl and falls in love, instead it's a man meets a woman who have both suffered from previous relationships and are ready to try again. The writing was well done, except from Kane's speech at first which I had some trouble with but soon got the hang of it, it helps thinking of my dream man (Gerard Butler) as Kane!
Both the main characters were easy to like and I admired how strong Laura is. Unhappy with her life, deciding to move away from home and start all over again takes some guts. Her passion for her work was awesome to see and even though she'd retired before the book started I'm glad we got insight in the reason why during a conversation between her and Kane. Kane was also easy to love as he's so laid back, maybe not at first with Laura but that didn't last. He's so thoughtful and sexy, not to mention his accent! Irish is my #1 accent so this was a major bonus!!!
I loved how descriptive Carla was with the surroundings, I could easily picture Puffin cove in my mind, I prefer reading a book and being able to visualise which I was able to do in lots of detail. Puffin Cove sounds amazing, it's definitely a place I'd love to visit as it sounds so relaxing and just flat out awesome. The habitants are all welcoming and friendly too, and being right near the ocean with icebergs wins points.
A truly great read! I'm so glad I got to see a teaser of 'Sweetness' as I loved both Jill and Landon almost as much as Laura and Kane and can't wait to read their story.
*A copy was provided for review purposes**
June 20, 2013
I liked Carla Doolin's "Spitfire", but I can't say it's for everyone. I'm hesitant to post a review because I can't quite decided where I stand with it myself. On the one hand we got off to a rough start, almost like there was a language barrier that made comprehending what Ms. Doolin was writing hard. But on the other, at the center of this book there's a spicy man, turned sweet and a heroine with some life experience that share passion for life and each other. That's all I expected, or wanted, from this so I was happy.
The book is decently well written. There isn't much plot to discuss, all though Laura would say otherwise - for being so take charge in career and life, she doesn't fight hard for love and that hang-up is pretty much what we circle around for most of the book. I liked the relationship between Kane and Laura and the other support characters were fun to get to know. I just wish we weren't exposed to so much mundane detail. Ice burgs. Renovations. Blueberries. Probably my least favorite aspect of the novel was it got to a point of being drawn out - oh, and that I saw that ending coming from a mile away.
If you're looking for a light-hearted Canadian romance, with a little bit of a dorky flare (hey, the author's words, not mine), "Spitfire" is a great pick. Carla Doolin's writing will throw you into a beautiful world and into love with Newfoundland. Some of the book's dynamic was a bit to much for me, but looking at the overall picture, this was a nice read. Plus, it's hard to not fall in love with a sexy, hardworking Irishman.
The book is decently well written. There isn't much plot to discuss, all though Laura would say otherwise - for being so take charge in career and life, she doesn't fight hard for love and that hang-up is pretty much what we circle around for most of the book. I liked the relationship between Kane and Laura and the other support characters were fun to get to know. I just wish we weren't exposed to so much mundane detail. Ice burgs. Renovations. Blueberries. Probably my least favorite aspect of the novel was it got to a point of being drawn out - oh, and that I saw that ending coming from a mile away.
If you're looking for a light-hearted Canadian romance, with a little bit of a dorky flare (hey, the author's words, not mine), "Spitfire" is a great pick. Carla Doolin's writing will throw you into a beautiful world and into love with Newfoundland. Some of the book's dynamic was a bit to much for me, but looking at the overall picture, this was a nice read. Plus, it's hard to not fall in love with a sexy, hardworking Irishman.
June 28, 2013
3.5 to 4 STARS
*Got an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Everything in this books was designed as the picture perfect love story, even their "fights". I would've given this book a higher rating if not for that. Well, that's just not my cuppa.
h: I liked that Laura braved it and tried to find what really makes her happy, even if that meant not being near her kids. She was a talented, fun loving person who embraced Newfoundland (the place was so fitting for her).
H: Ohhh... Kane! What can I say? I loved his character. He is hawt!!! He is artistic (I've not read books with crafty men), he works great with kids and he does things with his hands (if you know what I mean... Hehehe *wink wink*).
"It kinda goes like this. Bu-bump, bu-bump. And then... when I give 'er a little more gas, she picks up speed, and the faster I rev 'er, the louder and faster the bumpin'... 'til I think it's gonna jump righ outta me chest!"
Of all the supporting characters in this book, I looooved Shannon's the best!
"I gots ta," she said, a serious look on her little face. "I'm gonna marry you."
Would I recommend this book? Yes!
*Got an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Everything in this books was designed as the picture perfect love story, even their "fights". I would've given this book a higher rating if not for that. Well, that's just not my cuppa.
h: I liked that Laura braved it and tried to find what really makes her happy, even if that meant not being near her kids. She was a talented, fun loving person who embraced Newfoundland (the place was so fitting for her).
H: Ohhh... Kane! What can I say? I loved his character. He is hawt!!! He is artistic (I've not read books with crafty men), he works great with kids and he does things with his hands (if you know what I mean... Hehehe *wink wink*).
"It kinda goes like this. Bu-bump, bu-bump. And then... when I give 'er a little more gas, she picks up speed, and the faster I rev 'er, the louder and faster the bumpin'... 'til I think it's gonna jump righ outta me chest!"
Of all the supporting characters in this book, I looooved Shannon's the best!
"I gots ta," she said, a serious look on her little face. "I'm gonna marry you."
Would I recommend this book? Yes!
June 21, 2013
I received this for an honest review.
Laura is almost 39, her sons are grown, and she has put her life on "hold" so to speak so that she could be the best single mother she could be. Now she feels it is her time. Time for herself to find something that she enjoys and put herself first. She sells her house and all her furnishings and takes her two suit cases and dog, hops a three hour plane ride to Newfoundland to start her new adventure.
Kane is almost 38 and immediately I fell in Love with him. His Irish timbre is tantalizingly seducing. A little of a language barrier but I got accustomed to it after a while. He is a world renowned artist who left his homeland because of his tragic past to start anew.
After a brief encounter at a pub on her fist night into town both are left with more questions than answers. While Laura and Kane get to know each other they are equally fascinated by the feeling each possess that they haven't felt in a long time.
Will Laura's history with men repeat itself or will she be able to trust Kane with her heart ? Will Kane be able to put his past behind him for another chance at Love or will his grief leave him alone ?
Thank you Carla for the opportunity to read this book. I look forward to reading Jill and Landon's story. PS: Shannon IS A HOOT !!! Love that kid !!!
Laura is almost 39, her sons are grown, and she has put her life on "hold" so to speak so that she could be the best single mother she could be. Now she feels it is her time. Time for herself to find something that she enjoys and put herself first. She sells her house and all her furnishings and takes her two suit cases and dog, hops a three hour plane ride to Newfoundland to start her new adventure.
Kane is almost 38 and immediately I fell in Love with him. His Irish timbre is tantalizingly seducing. A little of a language barrier but I got accustomed to it after a while. He is a world renowned artist who left his homeland because of his tragic past to start anew.
After a brief encounter at a pub on her fist night into town both are left with more questions than answers. While Laura and Kane get to know each other they are equally fascinated by the feeling each possess that they haven't felt in a long time.
Will Laura's history with men repeat itself or will she be able to trust Kane with her heart ? Will Kane be able to put his past behind him for another chance at Love or will his grief leave him alone ?
Thank you Carla for the opportunity to read this book. I look forward to reading Jill and Landon's story. PS: Shannon IS A HOOT !!! Love that kid !!!
June 28, 2013
WHEN I READ I ACTUALLY FEEL I SEE WHAT I'M READING, LIKE A MOVIE. SOME BOOKS I GET A MORE VIVID PICTURE WITH, THIS BOOK I FELT LIKE I WAS ACTUALLY SEEING A MOVIE. MS. DOOLIN'S WRITING REMINDED ME OF ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOKS "LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER. KANE'S WAY OF TALKING WAS SORT OF LIKE MELLOR'S THE GAME KEEPER. I COULD HEAR HIM, I HAVE AN IRISH MALE FRIEND AND I LOVE TO HEAR HIM TALK. THE STORYLINE WAS SOOO ROMANTIC, I REALLY LOVED KANE, WHAT WOMAN WOULDN'T, HOW VERY SEXY HE WAS. I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE MAIN FEMALE CHARACTER LAURA, SHE MADE ME SO ANGRY WITH HER STUPID BACK AND FORTH THOUGHTS ABOUT EVERYTHING. SHE WAS A VERY INSECURE PERSON DUE TO HER PAST EXPERIENCE WITH HER EX-HUSBAND. TO BAD ONE OF HER SON'S (KYLE) WAS JUST LIKE HER. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK TO COME OUT AND GLAD THIS BOOK WAS A STAND ALONE. LOVE SCENES WERE TASTSFULLY DONE BUT WERE SMOKING H.O.T. SQUEE!!! KANE ROCKED LAURA'S WORLD WHICH SEE NEEDED DONE, THANK GOODNESS FOR HER HE WAS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED.
September 15, 2013
To be honest when I started reading this book I thought it would be boring.but after first several pages it started to get more and more interesting. characters were wonderful. I fell in love with Kane. well at first I couldn't understand what he was talking about most of the time. but I got used to it really quickly. Laura was real, her feelings were real and I instantly liked her. but at some point I wanted to smack both of them upside the head:) but the kid Shannon, I adore her. She made me laughed a lot.
But most of all what I liked in this book was how author described Newfoundland. I wanted to pack and go there and live there. and when she was describing icebergs ... it was really interesting and I wanted to see it with my own eyes.
All in all story was positive, funny, interesting, likable. I'd recommend it to everyone.
But most of all what I liked in this book was how author described Newfoundland. I wanted to pack and go there and live there. and when she was describing icebergs ... it was really interesting and I wanted to see it with my own eyes.
All in all story was positive, funny, interesting, likable. I'd recommend it to everyone.
June 28, 2013
The characters in this book are easy to love. It took me a few chapters to get use to Kane's accent but I loved his character. There are several characters and each ones point of view is written in different areas throughout the book. It took me a few chapters to get really into the book but once Kane and Laura gave in to each other it was hard to put it down. I wasn't sure how it was going to end when I first started the book and at the halfway mark I had an idea of what I wanted to happen but wasn't sure if the author was going to go that direction and thank God she did and added more than I expected to the ending. If you enjoy romance that has stubborn main characters and a few hot scenes between them and an unexpected ending then you will enjoy this book.
June 23, 2013
"Laura love.This kiss that I´ll give to ye is fer all the joy and passion that ye´ve brought into me life. Fer who ye were,who ye are, and who ye will become. And I´m going t´kiss ye for meself, to save yer taste on me mouth and in me memory ´til I can kiss ye once again."
Well done, Mrs Doolin, this is such an amazing book.
I was swept off my feet and could share the emotions Laura went through when falling in love with Kane.
Who wouldn´t?
And guess what...if I want to relive these feelings of getting goosebumps all over, butterflies flying in my belly , feeling like the rug was pulled out from under my feet, I can reread it!!!!
Well done, Mrs Doolin, this is such an amazing book.
I was swept off my feet and could share the emotions Laura went through when falling in love with Kane.
Who wouldn´t?
And guess what...if I want to relive these feelings of getting goosebumps all over, butterflies flying in my belly , feeling like the rug was pulled out from under my feet, I can reread it!!!!
October 14, 2019
This was just an okay read. There isn't much plot, other than the actual romance. The descriptions and mundane life were a lot drawn out. It did have nice sex scenes, I'll admit. But the ending was predictable and the 'conflict' was kind of dumb, which even the main character admitted she was acting crazy. That doesn't mean it was okay to keep us engaged, but more like lack of imagination from the author. And when Kane acted like a jerk and broke up with her? She folded like a cheap card table. That is no Spitfire.
Still, it was okay. Decent spelling and grammar, good characters, but I just wish there was more than descriptions and mild romantic issues.
Still, it was okay. Decent spelling and grammar, good characters, but I just wish there was more than descriptions and mild romantic issues.
June 27, 2013
Wow! I absolutely fell in love with this book! Great characters and the setting of Newfoundland is so vivid it becomes an integral part of this story. I live on Vancouver island on the opposite side of the country and I now want to visit Puffin Cove!! Kane is an amazingly sweet and yet tough alpha male (with an amazing accent I might add). This is a fairly long book but I enjoyed every page and wouldn't change a thing. A great relationship story that doesn't need constant drama to keep you interested. I am really looking forward to more from this author! Carla Doolin has a new fan!
July 13, 2013
I received this for an honest review. OMG this is one of the best books that I have read, and I have read a lot. The story is brilliant, the writing of the book is great and I loved all the characters. What a hottie Kane is aswell, he's handsome, Irish, all I kept picturing was Gerald Butler from Ps I love you. I loved how the author actually used Irish language in the book, which added to Kane's character even more. Can't wait for Landon and Jillians story. Thankyou Carla for letting me review your book.
August 18, 2013
I liked this book- The characters were great, especially Kane! :) I loved the setting, and the storyline. The writing was good, with dialogue that was reasonable and not very cheesy. But I have to admit that the endearment, Spitfire, got on my nerves. To me, it does not sound like a term of affection, at least not one to use as often as Kane did. And Laura didn't really seem that much of a "spitfire" to me. That small issue aside, I did enjoy reading this book, and I am looking forward to Jillian and Landon's book, Sweetness.
January 17, 2014
It is great when you get a book by a new author and enjoy it. I like to take advantage of the opportunities to read new authors when the books appear as a freebie or cheaply for my Nook. This was one of those authors. Enjoyed the strong characters especially Kane. How he overcomes the past to build a new life and the setting was great. I could imagine the whales breaching and the large icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland where the story is set. Now off to search for the 2nd book in the series.
June 11, 2015
I received this as a free ARC in exchange for a honest reveiew.
I enjoyed this book, it was a wonderful love story of two people coming together after going through some rocky things in their past. I will say though that Laura kind of irritated me at times with all her over thinking. I will say that I was very happy with the unexpected ending! I can't wait to read the next book, I'm interested in what happens to Landon now.
I enjoyed this book, it was a wonderful love story of two people coming together after going through some rocky things in their past. I will say though that Laura kind of irritated me at times with all her over thinking. I will say that I was very happy with the unexpected ending! I can't wait to read the next book, I'm interested in what happens to Landon now.
June 30, 2013
First I'd like to thank Carla Doolin for a giving me a chance to read this book for an honest review.
Second, I LOVED this book! Kane and Laura were amazing characters, they felt so real in how they acted not only as individuals but with each other. Pacing was perfect and the plot was realistic, I could see these types of scenarios happening in real life.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading real-life scenario books.
Second, I LOVED this book! Kane and Laura were amazing characters, they felt so real in how they acted not only as individuals but with each other. Pacing was perfect and the plot was realistic, I could see these types of scenarios happening in real life.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading real-life scenario books.
September 16, 2013
I definitely want to remember to pick up the next book in this series. I've already fallen in love with the residents of Puffin Cove just like Laura. Laura says she's running away from home after a long-ago divorce and a newly empty nest, but really she finds a home in Puffin Cove and Kane. Puffin Cove also became a home for him after a personal tragedy, and he finds he's ready to move forward after meeting his Spitfire.
June 14, 2013
I really enjoyed this story, well written and funny in places. The story of a midlife crisis and new love when you are turning 40.
I enjoyed all the characters in the book and I could imagine the scenery as it was well described, I so want a holiday in "newfoundland" now.
I am looking forward to the next book of Jill and landon. Well done Carla on your first book.
I enjoyed all the characters in the book and I could imagine the scenery as it was well described, I so want a holiday in "newfoundland" now.
I am looking forward to the next book of Jill and landon. Well done Carla on your first book.
June 29, 2013
GREAT book with a fabulous story!!! The characters were great and felt real. I especially loved Kane and the fact that he was Irish. Every time he spoke, I got butterflies in my stomach right along with Laura! His words were making me smile all through the book. This was a great read, and I can't wait to read "Sweetness" the next one in the series.
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