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Corkscrew Bay #2

Falling for Alexander

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Falling for…
Kate’s waited three years to meet the new owner of Darrock Castle. What she did not expect was her intense attraction to the sexy-as-sin recluse billionaire with dubious scruples that included—but was possibly not limited to—random threats, unreasonable firings, community snubbing and suspicious helicopter activity. But she’s falling, sinking to the bottom, and there she finds a vulnerability in the man she’d never have imagined.

Alexander...
When Alexander Gerardo decides to teach the local reporter a lesson, what he finds instead is a woman who fills spaces he’d never known were there. Who crashes over walls he would have sworn he’d never erected. His natural aversion to the media has deep roots, but when it comes to Kate, he’s never wanted anything or anyone else more. Even if it means he’s playing with fire and tempting disaster.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2013

4 people are currently reading
690 people want to read

About the author

Claire Robyns

37 books121 followers

Claire Robyns writes mystery, romance and adventure, because sometimes one life really can have it all (between the pages of a book, at least.)

If you'd like to be alerted for new releases, please sign up for Claire's newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/efe5d08fa0d9/clair...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaireRobyns

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5 stars
17 (20%)
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32 (37%)
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29 (34%)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Jonel.
1,717 reviews311 followers
December 15, 2013
This was a well written and approachable novel that really gets you going. I was drawn in by the well-built storyline and found the story easy to visualise. Robyns’ descriptions drew you right into the town where the story took place, allowing you to become a participant rather than simply an observer.

I felt in touch with the female lead of this story right from the very beginning. The male lead was a bit off the wall, but as the author ensured that you have his history you can see where he’s coming from. The supporting cast varied in their development. Being that this was the second novel in the series, leading up to others development left certain characters in a shroud of mystery. That said, it’s also very easy to read this novel as a standalone.

I must say though, I really didn’t expect that ending. It’s a bit of a cliffhanger, but that’s ok because I can’t wait to read more from this series.

Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Judy Croome.
Author 13 books185 followers
August 14, 2013
This is a great story and I can see the Corkscrew Bay series is going to get better and better. I love stories that link characters who become like familiar friends. FALLING FOR ALEXANDER does great job of linking the love story of Kate, a small town reporter, and Alexander, a passionate Italian-American songwriter, back to Megan and Jack (Falling for the Guy Next Door)and setting it up for Finn & Isobel, two other Corkscrew Bay residents – they’re there, but not taking over, just filling the pages with the warmth of old friends. Great stuff!

FALLING FOR ALEXANDER begins with Kate fighting another of her crusades to regain the town’s privileges from the hostile new owner of the local castle (Alexander). Alex, with a tragic family history resulting in a hatred of the press, has to deal with a feisty impulsive sexy woman who is also a reporter. Both have to learn to overcome certain inner struggles before they can open themselves up to the attraction that flares between them. But Alex’s past and Kate’s impulsive curiosity threaten to drive them further apart.

At times I read with a silly smile on my face, because this sweet but sexy story made me feel happy and relaxed!! Nothing better after a tiring day!
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
September 28, 2013
Alex he's arrogant, sexy as hell, and I just loved him, "Alex chuckled under his breath. His eyes, however, remained glued to that shapely bottom and long thighs and his humor faded as his blood heated." Kate I loved her in book one so I was truly excited that she got her own book, "you do realize I don't speak Italian," she said. "For all I know, you just insulted me. Although I liked the sound of the mia bella at the end." Alex he always gets what he wants and he has no problem in demanding what it is he does want, "precisely why I've reconsidered my mind." Black designer trainers moved into her line of view. "I want you in my bed, Kate." Yep no problem at all. He sometimes has to explain his wants because it may not phase properly to some people, "you misunderstood, Kate." He leaned in, his jaw brushing her cheek, sending warm shivers cascading over her skin. "I don't give a damn about the Easter egg hunt. You are all I care about. You are the only reason I'm temporarily giving up my home." Yea...Alex you're the reason I loved this book.
Profile Image for Stephanie ~ .
113 reviews27 followers
December 24, 2013
Last week I sat down to read this book and had an incredibly enjoyable afternoon read. This is the second book in the Corkscrew Bay series. I haven't read the first book in this series, and yet I had no trouble bouncing right into this one. The first chapter had some background information that I am sure weaved together this book and the first one, but I had no issues reading this as a standalone.

Falling for Alexander was told from the third person perspective so you got a little bit about all of the characters. I will admit, usually third person narratives are not my favourite books. I like to get deep into the mind of one of the characters and experience things as they do but I really enjoyed in this book getting to see things from all angles.

This book centres around Kate and her love for her town. She is also the owner of the towns local newspaper. When the castle in town is purchased by an unknown recluse who stops all the town activities that usually took place at the castle she becomes obsessed with identifying the owner and pushing them to open the castle back up to the town, particularly for the annual easter egg hunt.

Eventually this all leads her to Alexander... and oh my... he is ... WOW.
Gorgeous, sexy as sin, intense, dark, tall, handsome, mysterious... had she mentioned sexy as sin? Alexander had more confidence in his small finger than most men saw in a lifetime and every ounce was backed up with humour, charm, steel grit and lethal pheromones.

Seriously this guy is HOT. For as much as Kate can't stand him, her body practically humms with excitement in his presence.

I won't give too much away but I will tell you I really enjoyed this book. I liked that they had secrets and how we delved into those, I liked how they interacted with each other, I loved how Kate just kept digging her hole, deeper and deeper :)

The author did a great job of setting up the next book in this series, and I will definitely be picking up the first book and the following in this series. I hope you go and read this and enjoy it like I did :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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525 reviews128 followers
October 16, 2020
Kate is very much a small town girl.  Having lived her whole life in Corkscrew Bay, she now runs the local paper and loves everything about the quaint community in which she's so firmly rooted.  So when an enigmatic and clearly wealthy man purchases a local landmark, Darrock Castle, her curiosity is piqued.  The fact that he closes it to the public, doesn't participate in any community events, and has helicopters flying in at all hours makes him all the more interesting.

Alexander appreciates his privacy, and the beautiful castle gives him all the privacy he needs, along with the perfect setting in which to work on his compositions.  The only problem is that nosy reporter at the local paper who has announced his name to the whole town and is probably trying to dig up even more information to publicize.  She may be attractive, but she's exactly the kind of scrutiny he's been trying to avoid.

I didn't feel like I was completely connected to the characters. While the plot and their relationship progressed, I wasn't on the edge of my seat waiting for them to take the next step. As much as I liked them, I didn't feel like I completely understood them, and I just didn't get as into it as I had hoped.

It also quickly became apparent that I was reading the second book in a series. While the main story can certainly stand on its own, there were sprinklings of other characters who clearly meant a lot to Kate but weren't fully introduced to me as a new reader.

Kate and Alexander have an intense attraction, and while they're not quick about spelling out their growing feelings for each other, there's no denying there's something big happening between them.  I loved the way Alexander wasn't afraid to call Kate's bluff, but I loved it even more when she played right along.  Most stories like this make the characters absolutely weak for each other, but it was a nice surprise to find that these two were not only a perfect match for each other but also perfect adversaries when they wanted to be.  The scene in which Alexander first called and got Kate on the phone had me laughing and thinking I would probably have acted the exact same way!

While the book didn't blow me away like I'd hoped, I still enjoyed it very much, and I'd have no problem recommending it to others to check out. I'm tempted to go back and start at the beginning of the series, to see if perhaps by starting with the rest of the cast I might be more invested when I give this one a second read.  It wouldn't be the first time I've found something great the second time around.
Profile Image for Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews).
1,456 reviews28 followers
December 15, 2013
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.***

Falling For Alexander is the second book in the Corkscrew Bay series and is the story of Kate and Alexander. I think the following quote from the author sums up the book nicely. “It’s a firework extravaganza of deceit, threats, and betrayal.” Kate is the owner of her small town newspaper. Alexander is the reclusive owner of Darrock Castle which has a long history in the town. Kate has been curious about the owner for three years especially when he puts a stop to the castle being used for the town’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. It is her crusade to see the annual event reinstated. Alexander has spent years keeping outsiders out, especially reporters. He detests them! When Kate and Alexander meet face to face, it’s a sizzling encounter filled with mistrust and lots of sexual attraction. When Kate discovers that the housekeeper has disappeared after talking to her about Alexander, she vows to uncover what happened to her. So, she lies to Alexander telling him that Mrs. Pinnings is her aunt. Alexander is no fool. He knows she is lying and is determined to teach her a lesson. However, neither one of them realize their lives are about to change as they spend more time together and begin falling in love.

There were several things I liked about the book. I loved both of the characters. I thought they complemented each other quite nicely. I enjoyed watching them fall in love. The love scenes were not very descriptive, but it worked. The author used her own writing skills to make the love scenes work without giving me every detail of what was happening between the sheets. For example, she writes, “This…this wasn’t sex. This wasn’t making love. This was a collision of body, mind and soul.” I thought that statement was more beautiful than any descriptive detail she could have used. I also liked her descriptive writing style. I like to feel like I am a part of the story, and I felt like I lived in Corkscrew Bay with all the other townspeople.
This wasn’t only a book about falling in love but about friendship and community. I loved that Kate loved her town and her fellow citizens and that she did so much to make her town better. Even though, the book is a part of a series, you don’t have to read the first one to enjoy this. The first book is Falling for the Guy Next Door which is the story about Kate’s friend, Megan. The third book will be about Kate’s friends, Izzy and Finn. It is a delightful series that allows you to escape from life even if just for a little while.
Profile Image for Michele.
533 reviews48 followers
June 11, 2015
** 3 1/2 Stars **

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'll be honest, I wasn't really sure how to rate this. This was a great story and I really liked the characters, but something seemed to be missing for me. I guess I would have liked a little more story on the relationship for Kate and Alexander, but hey, don't get me wrong I still really enjoyed it.

First you meet Kate, she is a go get 'em type of person, and it's hard for her to leave well enough alone (her own words). So when the owner of the castle in town shoots down the request to have the towns Easter egg hunt there AGAIN, she goes to try to change his mind. She gets in with telling a little lie, but she never expected what happens next.

Alexander is a very private person, with solid reasons for it. He also has a very poor outlook on reports. He's got every reason for his hatred for them, they've spread out all the family's struggles for the world to see and shammed them in the process. So when Kate comes barreling down his driveway he isn't impressed. He starts to change his mind though after spending some time with her, he starts to realize she isn't at all what he expected her to be.

These two play a very fragile game with their hearts, Kate is willing to give him everything, but he keeps holding back, he's afraid to let her in all the way because of his past. I think this is the issue I had the most with the story, Kate was willing to let Alexander keep things from her, just so that they could stay together. She didn't expect anything more from him. Granted they did have an instant connection and shared passion, I just wish he would give more. Even though Alexander claims he trusts Kate, as soon as she comes to tell him something, he assumes the worsts and throws her out before letting her explain.

Will Alexander be able to get his head out of his ass and realize how good he has it with Kate? Or will he keep letting his past rule how he is going to live his life in the present?

You could definitely feel the care and compassion that Kate shares with the town and the town feels the same towards Kate. I especially liked Finn (even though you don't get to see him much) and the ending proves the next book should be interesting. I can't wait to see what happens with the news Isobel left Kate with at the end.
Profile Image for Zili.
790 reviews
December 7, 2013

4 Stars in my Sky!

Falling For Alexander is the second book in Claire Robyns's Corkscrew Bay series. I haven't read the first book Falling For the Guy Next Door (although I'll probably go back and read it now) but thankfully it works well as a standalone novel.

Kate lives in the small Cornish town Corkscrew Bay where she runs and owns a local newspaper. Kate is really into preserving local traditions but much the her annoyance, Alexander, the mysterious and never-seen owner of the area's stronghold, Castle Darrock has closed the castle and grounds. Alexander isn't interested in public tours or events he just wants privacy.

The book begins with Kate using her paper to try to persuade Alexander to allow the longstanding town Easter Egg hunt to take place in the castle grounds. The mysterious Alexander turns out to be a beautiful, passionate and extremely secretive Italian Billionaire who likes his privacy. Kate's schemes to change his mind were hilarious and their bantering was really entertaining.

Alexander is determined not to like Kate because she is a reporter; he loathes the Press and is wary of all journalists (I'll let you discover why), but he can't seem to forget about her. Alexander's backstory was really sad. I have to admit I was expecting more a more kinky reason for his privacy; I've clearly been reading too many E.L. James and Jodi Ellen Malpas books!

After the way the book ended I'm expected Finn and Izzy to be the focus of the next story. Falling For Alexander is cute but not too cutesy. The naughty scenes were not graphic, mainly romantic or implied. I love the South West of England and am seriously considering moving to Cornwall!

My fav non-spoilery quotes:

Alexander was the ice-cream advertisement on a melting summer afternoon.

"I'm the girl with one half missing and yet completely whole. And if that's possible, then anything and everything is."

Was he writing down her name? What for? This wasn't The Godfather, she reminded herself, even if the mysterious Alexander Gerardo had a hint of Italian accent to match the name.

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for books are love.
3,174 reviews23 followers
December 14, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.

this is a sweet book. I can understand why Alexander feels the way he does about Kate and the press in general. I also think Kate pushes too far and sometimes goes a wee bit to far in her snooping. I don’t think it’s purposeful she is just naturally curious.

Alexander finds Darrock Castle to be his home and sanctuary and this should be respected. The man deserves to have a home. Right? Well Kate doesn’t see it that way at first. All she sees is her town and what they want. That is until she gets to spend time with Alexander and sees there is more to him than what appears. He is fiercely loyal and private but dang is he hot hot hot.

The part where he catches her in the lie about his housekeeper and does the trip is hysterical and a great segue into them changing their views on one another. It is through each other they begin to see each other’s views and understand each other more.

that doesn’t mean they both don’t do silly things. They do. She with her snooping he in his fierceness in protecting himself but in the end they realize what is important. the bomb in the end about Izzy and Finn heaven help me Hannah I hope that is the next book because that I have got to read about. I loved Finn and want to see his book soon.

A great fun read with a killer bombshell ending!
Profile Image for Kirsten.
697 reviews28 followers
December 16, 2013
This was a good read. I know I came into this series on the second book, but I feel like I missed something somewhere along the way. There was the talk in the beginning of the book about Isobel and what happened to her, and then the way the book ended with the cliffhanger about Isobel & Finn. Knocked me off balance. It does say in the blurb that they can each be read as a stand alone, yeah, if you like lingering questions. They can.
I did enjoy learning about Kate and Alexander. Oh my, and the Italian that man spoke. Loved that too. I liked the way that both Kate and Alexander worked past their differences to explore the feelings they had for each other. Despite their inital reactions toward one another. Yes, Alexander was harsher in some instances, because of his backround - but really, who wouldn't be?? I'm pretty sure I would. I loved the way that everyone came together in the end. Well, except for that cliffhanger. Hopefully I'll find out what happened there. Otherwise, good story, good characters, and it kept moving forward never leaving you to wonder too much. Good job Claire!

I received this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kjen.
490 reviews35 followers
February 26, 2014
3.75 Stars****This was a really cute, feel good freebie that I read on my phone. I enjoyed Kate and Alex's story. The birthday trip for Mrs. Pinnings was a bit far fetched, but this is straight romance which allows the fanciful. Robyns writes excellent sexual tension and love scenes...tasteful but passionate and hot. The last 50% really grabbed me and kept me reading straight through. This is part of a series, but I read it as a standalone with no problems.
Profile Image for N. Kuhn.
Author 66 books410 followers
January 18, 2015
Certainly a cute romance. I hate jerk lead men though. I dislike how they over react and get angry, then the women just say, oh, ok, I forgive you. I mean really? The whole story worked for me, except that. Either way, a cute, fun read and you don't have to worry if you didn't read the first in the series. You certainly don't feel left out!
Profile Image for Rumpled Sheets Blog.
925 reviews70 followers
December 30, 2013
Falling for Alexander is an amazing story.

It drew me in pretty quick and from page to page I was more and more enraptured by the story.

The story has a great pace and it was very well written.

Looking forward to read more from Claire in the future.


≧◔◡◔≦ 4.5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦

>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
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