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Ribbon Ridge #0.5
Where the Heart Is
Home is more than a place . . .
Breaking free from her structured life, Chloe English quits her high-powered job and moves across the country to work as an art teacher. The simple life is all she hoped it would be until her house burns down, leaving her homeless. When a handsome firefighter swoops in to save the day, she can’t believe her luck. He’s laid-back and unassuming, everything she’s looking for in a man—or so he seems. It turns out he’s as ambitious as her ex, comes with a family who could be more stifling than hers, and harbors dark secrets he may never be able to share.
Orphaned as a teenager, Derek Sumner has found a place in his best friend’s family. However, the love and support of his surrogate parents and siblings can’t erase the grief and loss he struggles every Christmas to banish. But this year he meets the fun and sexy Chloe, whose optimism and sense of joy are incredibly contagious. Can she help him face his bleak past so they can forge a happy future?
Breaking free from her structured life, Chloe English quits her high-powered job and moves across the country to work as an art teacher. The simple life is all she hoped it would be until her house burns down, leaving her homeless. When a handsome firefighter swoops in to save the day, she can’t believe her luck. He’s laid-back and unassuming, everything she’s looking for in a man—or so he seems. It turns out he’s as ambitious as her ex, comes with a family who could be more stifling than hers, and harbors dark secrets he may never be able to share.
Orphaned as a teenager, Derek Sumner has found a place in his best friend’s family. However, the love and support of his surrogate parents and siblings can’t erase the grief and loss he struggles every Christmas to banish. But this year he meets the fun and sexy Chloe, whose optimism and sense of joy are incredibly contagious. Can she help him face his bleak past so they can forge a happy future?
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2013
195 people are currently reading
1088 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
208 books2,279 followersDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
April 4, 2015
Very nice start to the Ribbon Ridge series!
And currently a Kindle Freebie!!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H...
Blurb...
Home is more than a place . . .
Breaking free from her structured life, Chloe English quits her high-powered job and moves across the country to work as an art teacher. The simple life is all she hoped it would be until her house burns down, leaving her homeless. When a handsome firefighter swoops in to save the day, she can’t believe her luck. He’s laid-back and unassuming, everything she’s looking for in a man—or so he seems. It turns out he’s as ambitious as her ex, comes with a family who could be more stifling than hers, and harbors dark secrets he may never be able to share.
Orphaned as a teenager, Derek Sumner has found a place in his best friend’s family. However, the love and support of his surrogate parents and siblings can’t erase the grief and loss he struggles every Christmas to banish. But this year he meets the fun and sexy Chloe, whose optimism and sense of joy are incredibly contagious. Can she help him face his bleak past so they can forge a happy future?
Quick thoughts...
Romantic, funny, steamy, and even a tad poignant. This is my first read of Darcy Burke's writing, and I'm looking forward to spending more time in Ribbon Ridge!
And currently a Kindle Freebie!!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H...
Blurb...
Home is more than a place . . .
Breaking free from her structured life, Chloe English quits her high-powered job and moves across the country to work as an art teacher. The simple life is all she hoped it would be until her house burns down, leaving her homeless. When a handsome firefighter swoops in to save the day, she can’t believe her luck. He’s laid-back and unassuming, everything she’s looking for in a man—or so he seems. It turns out he’s as ambitious as her ex, comes with a family who could be more stifling than hers, and harbors dark secrets he may never be able to share.
Orphaned as a teenager, Derek Sumner has found a place in his best friend’s family. However, the love and support of his surrogate parents and siblings can’t erase the grief and loss he struggles every Christmas to banish. But this year he meets the fun and sexy Chloe, whose optimism and sense of joy are incredibly contagious. Can she help him face his bleak past so they can forge a happy future?
Quick thoughts...
Romantic, funny, steamy, and even a tad poignant. This is my first read of Darcy Burke's writing, and I'm looking forward to spending more time in Ribbon Ridge!
March 15, 2019
3.5 stars - This is a very sweet and good start to this series. There isn't a lot of depth, but it introduces us to who I assume will be the family featured throughout the series, the Archers. They are a family consisting of two loving and nurturing parents, who had a set of sextuplets (two of which have some physical/emotional issues), and another son after that. They are an amazing family. The kind you just want to adopt yourself into. And Derek Sumner has pretty much done just that. He lost his family at a relatively young age, and he was simply lovingly absorbed into the Archer Family. Chloe, our heroine of this installment, lands up in Ribbon Ridge, after leaving her own somewhat dysfunctional family, to find her own way. Unfortunately the fates have a twist in store for her, and she ends up meeting Derek, which turns out to be a rather good thing. As I said, this is just a sweet little story, light on angst, light on the steam factor (actually, pretty non-existent), and a good introduction into all the back stories for the extended Archer family members.
February 4, 2017
Rated 3.5 out of 5 - WHERE THE HEART IS by Darcy Burke is a good introduction to the author’s style. The cute small town scenario snagged my interest right away and it was an easy read for this month’s TBR Challenge. I had so much fun doing Wendy’s challenge last year that I’m excited about doing it again.
WHY WAS THIS IN DORINE’S TBR? I struggle with shorts or novellas so I had a bunch of them lined up. This one was a freebie I added because the cover drew me in. I don’t normally gravitate toward firemen heroes, but the setting of Oregon sold me.
RESULTS…(Join the discussion at my blog, The Zest Quest.)
I stockpile shorts or novellas when I see them for free. It’s rare that I’ll buy one because I really don’t prefer them. I use them mainly to find new-to-me authors or series. Originally, I chose AUGUST by Kit Morgan for this month’s challenge but it didn’t work for my brain at all. It had too many characters and too much telling so I set it aside to try again later. WHERE THE HEART IS started off with a bang, so it held my interest until about the middle where it waned a bit.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT…
Chloe English moves to Ribbon Ridge, Oregon, for a new start after a failed engagement. She has barely unpacked in her new home when it burns down along with almost everything she owns. Hunky volunteer fireman Derek Sumner grabs Chloe’s attention when he brings her a kitten he thinks is hers from the fire. As they get to know one another better, will their individual secrets cause a rift that can’t be healed?
MY OPINION…
When I first started reading this one, I couldn’t deny the cuteness. It’s not the scenario that would normally draw me into a story, but it had good dialogue, interesting characters and the pacing was great. I love stories about artists and as one of Chloe’s vocations, it kept me reading. She also serves at a bar/microbrewery where Derek is filling in. I enjoyed the neighborhood pub scenes and felt they were realistic.
Derek’s surrogate family is large and eclectic so the book sets up future stories with his brothers and sisters. The siblings have an intriguing background that makes the Ribbon Ridge series seem more unusual.
Additional characters can either make or break a novella in my opinion. This book had enough to add intrigue for future stories but it wasn’t confusing or overwhelming. The focus remained on the lead couple for the most part, while celebrating the holidays with Derek’s family.
Because this couple’s relationship moves at a rapid pace and becomes sensual rather quickly, I think fans of instalove will enjoy it. Even though it is less than a month that they know each other, I felt their immediate attraction. I’m on the fence whether that’s believable in real life or not, but it works for this story.
More sensual than I was anticipating, it should appeal to readers who want that focus. The only other problem I had is that Derek is hung up on a conflict from his past that he rehashes over and over. When he finally deals with it, it’s glossed over. His love for Chloe overcomes his issues, but he is a jerk while he’s dealing with it. I expected more groveling and a better explanation.
As a prequel novella, WHERE THE HEART IS does its job introducing a contemporary series. I couldn’t tell if future novels will have enough of the small-town elements to maintain the quirkiness I prefer, but sensual contemporary fans should try it because this series may be exactly their style.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Digital copy obtained for free in an author/publisher promotion at Amazon. Also available for free at BN so check your digital vendor. Print copies can be purchased.
WHY WAS THIS IN DORINE’S TBR? I struggle with shorts or novellas so I had a bunch of them lined up. This one was a freebie I added because the cover drew me in. I don’t normally gravitate toward firemen heroes, but the setting of Oregon sold me.
RESULTS…(Join the discussion at my blog, The Zest Quest.)
I stockpile shorts or novellas when I see them for free. It’s rare that I’ll buy one because I really don’t prefer them. I use them mainly to find new-to-me authors or series. Originally, I chose AUGUST by Kit Morgan for this month’s challenge but it didn’t work for my brain at all. It had too many characters and too much telling so I set it aside to try again later. WHERE THE HEART IS started off with a bang, so it held my interest until about the middle where it waned a bit.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT…
Chloe English moves to Ribbon Ridge, Oregon, for a new start after a failed engagement. She has barely unpacked in her new home when it burns down along with almost everything she owns. Hunky volunteer fireman Derek Sumner grabs Chloe’s attention when he brings her a kitten he thinks is hers from the fire. As they get to know one another better, will their individual secrets cause a rift that can’t be healed?
MY OPINION…
When I first started reading this one, I couldn’t deny the cuteness. It’s not the scenario that would normally draw me into a story, but it had good dialogue, interesting characters and the pacing was great. I love stories about artists and as one of Chloe’s vocations, it kept me reading. She also serves at a bar/microbrewery where Derek is filling in. I enjoyed the neighborhood pub scenes and felt they were realistic.
Derek’s surrogate family is large and eclectic so the book sets up future stories with his brothers and sisters. The siblings have an intriguing background that makes the Ribbon Ridge series seem more unusual.
Additional characters can either make or break a novella in my opinion. This book had enough to add intrigue for future stories but it wasn’t confusing or overwhelming. The focus remained on the lead couple for the most part, while celebrating the holidays with Derek’s family.
Because this couple’s relationship moves at a rapid pace and becomes sensual rather quickly, I think fans of instalove will enjoy it. Even though it is less than a month that they know each other, I felt their immediate attraction. I’m on the fence whether that’s believable in real life or not, but it works for this story.
More sensual than I was anticipating, it should appeal to readers who want that focus. The only other problem I had is that Derek is hung up on a conflict from his past that he rehashes over and over. When he finally deals with it, it’s glossed over. His love for Chloe overcomes his issues, but he is a jerk while he’s dealing with it. I expected more groveling and a better explanation.
As a prequel novella, WHERE THE HEART IS does its job introducing a contemporary series. I couldn’t tell if future novels will have enough of the small-town elements to maintain the quirkiness I prefer, but sensual contemporary fans should try it because this series may be exactly their style.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Digital copy obtained for free in an author/publisher promotion at Amazon. Also available for free at BN so check your digital vendor. Print copies can be purchased.
December 2, 2013
I got a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review!
Where The Heart Is is the first book in Ribbon Ridge series and we are introduced to Chloe English and Derek Sumner who was orphaned as a teenager but found a place in his best friends family.
Cute season read. It was fast and easy to follow and overall just enjoyable, but that's all it really was. Derek is a sweet guy, his part volunteer fire-fighter and CFO or Archer Industries. He has made home within his best friends family and is well loved by his friends parents and siblings. He has a kind heart and we see that from the beginning when he helps Chloe after her heart breaks down. I won't say Derek had not gotten on my nerves a couple of times, cause he did. Chloe was a sweetheart and Derek had a lot of issues with his family home. When Chloe's house burns down and she needs a place to stay, thanks to his friends mother he reluctantly offers her his mother's house. Unfortunately Derek doesn't know how to deal with his mothers house and his mysterious painful past so he ignores Chloe and hurts her feels.
Chloe was sweet as well. I think she took a lot from Derek and still she came out strong and did her best to wait for him. I had to give her credit for sticking it out as well as getting him to open up to her about his heart-breaking past and why he avoids his mother's house.
It was a pleasant read. Nothing too spectacular, but it was cute for the holiday season anyway. Very quick, I did finish this in a few days. The story did manage to hold my attention and I did love the Archers! I thought they were a fantastic family, the mother had a lot of heart. I am curious to find out what's in store for the other children!
Where The Heart Is is the first book in Ribbon Ridge series and we are introduced to Chloe English and Derek Sumner who was orphaned as a teenager but found a place in his best friends family.
Cute season read. It was fast and easy to follow and overall just enjoyable, but that's all it really was. Derek is a sweet guy, his part volunteer fire-fighter and CFO or Archer Industries. He has made home within his best friends family and is well loved by his friends parents and siblings. He has a kind heart and we see that from the beginning when he helps Chloe after her heart breaks down. I won't say Derek had not gotten on my nerves a couple of times, cause he did. Chloe was a sweetheart and Derek had a lot of issues with his family home. When Chloe's house burns down and she needs a place to stay, thanks to his friends mother he reluctantly offers her his mother's house. Unfortunately Derek doesn't know how to deal with his mothers house and his mysterious painful past so he ignores Chloe and hurts her feels.
Chloe was sweet as well. I think she took a lot from Derek and still she came out strong and did her best to wait for him. I had to give her credit for sticking it out as well as getting him to open up to her about his heart-breaking past and why he avoids his mother's house.
It was a pleasant read. Nothing too spectacular, but it was cute for the holiday season anyway. Very quick, I did finish this in a few days. The story did manage to hold my attention and I did love the Archers! I thought they were a fantastic family, the mother had a lot of heart. I am curious to find out what's in store for the other children!
November 5, 2015
Great read for others but not my cuppa. A bit overly descriptive for my taste as far as details (all the different beers, always in a pint glass) sights (layout of each building/home) smells , sounds, etc. I liked the characters and story so I think fans of that style will really enjoy it. Blurb is a bit misleading too. He is a volunteer firefighter but main job is as a CFO and he is TOTALLY weighed down with baggage.
“I have to go. I forgot I’d promised someone else I’d help them today.” She wiped her mouth again and smiled at him. “See what happens when you try to do too much good?”
“Heh, right. I’ll endeavor to embrace my inner bad boy more often.” Heat swirled in Chloe’s belly. She could think of exactly how she’d like to meet that bad boy. And the sultry way he was looking at her certainly didn’t help.
“Tell you what, you lay off everybody for wanting to go out and find themselves, and I won’t tell them what a lame-ass you’re being about your house. And yeah, it’s the same thing. Don’t knock other people’s neuroses when you’ve got plenty of your own.
“I don’t want your pity.” Frustration over how the evening was going boiled over.
“You think that’s what I’m feeling toward you?” Her gaze locked with his.
“I don’t know.”
“Let me show you then.” He drew her against his chest and lowered his lips to hers in a searing kiss, suddenly overwhelmed with the need to touch and taste her and prove she wasn’t some charity case. Not to him.
Screw that, what was wrong with a little lovemaking among the Christmas trees? Aside from the near-freezing temperature and total lack of privacy.
“You are running away.” His brilliant blue eyes didn’t leave hers. At least he had the courage to look her in the face.
“It’s for the best.”
Frustration overtook her empathy. “We have something here, Derek. Or am I the only person who had an incredible time the other night? Not to mention today and every other time we’ve spent together. You make me laugh and feel things I’ve never felt before. How can you leaving possibly be for the best?”
“Maybe I did run away. But I was running to something. I had hope for this life I was choosing for myself. Why would you take this job in San Francisco? You’re happy here, and that’s the difference. I wasn’t remotely happy in Pittsburgh. I’m happier now than I’ve ever been.” She stepped closer, close enough to reach out and touch his face. “Please don’t go.”
His expression cracked—just a little—when his brow twitched. She thought she might’ve won . . . “I’ll think about it.”
“Looks like you royally screwed things up with Chloe.” She’d told them? Derek couldn’t blame her.
“Probably.”
Rob rested his hip against the counter. “She came over for dinner last night—and don’t get mad at her, she didn’t say a word. However, when your girlfriend comes over and you don’t, it says a lot. She is your girlfriend, isn’t she?”
“Probably not.” Because of his own stupidity.
“What the hell kind of answer is that?” Now Rob did look pissed. He crossed his arms over his chest. “Look, I’ve never said anything about the other girls you were foolish enough to let go, but this one is special. She could very well be The One, and you’re getting in your own damned way. Knock it off.”
“Thanks, but I don’t remember asking for any advice.”
“Too bad.” “I’ve tried to be a father figure and dishing out advice, especially when it’s unwanted, is a father’s job. But, I realize I’m not your father. You had a father—do you even remember that?”
Rob’s hand clasped his shoulder. Derek wanted to hug him, but he couldn’t. Everything felt too raw, too damned exposed. He settled for giving him a slight nod. “Call me if you need anything. Anything.” He dropped his hand and pivoted to go. “You’ll get through this. With Chloe if you’ll let her. She’s a great girl.
I hope you still write poems. Yes, I knew you wrote them, even in high school. I don’t know why you hid them. They’re a gift that should be shared. Which is why I’m giving you this poem that your father wrote. I don’t know if you remember it from when you were little. He used to recite it to you when you were very small. It never fails to make me smile because it beautifully captures the two men I’ve loved most in this world. Know that we are looking down on you with pride and love. Be happy, Derek. Be loved. Mom
I didn’t make things easy when I first moved here. I was pretty pissy. Hated school. Hated this tiny, lame town.” He looked around the room, distaste creasing his features. “Hated this house.” “It was so quiet. Dad was loud, funny. Always talking, reading, doing. He was the light and core of our family and when he died, I think it—our family—died with him.”
“You’re beyond amazing. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you.”
She pulled back and smiled at him, dashing her hand over her eyes. “You didn’t do anything special except make me fall in love with you.”
“Oh, Chloe,” his voice broke. “I love you, too.”
“Chloe, you’ve changed my life in more ways than I ever could have hoped. You’ve given me friendship, support, love, and most of all—a home. I’ve never felt that so completely before, not even here, but with you, I feel that anything is possible. That everything is possible. Will you be my wife?”
“I have to go. I forgot I’d promised someone else I’d help them today.” She wiped her mouth again and smiled at him. “See what happens when you try to do too much good?”
“Heh, right. I’ll endeavor to embrace my inner bad boy more often.” Heat swirled in Chloe’s belly. She could think of exactly how she’d like to meet that bad boy. And the sultry way he was looking at her certainly didn’t help.
“Tell you what, you lay off everybody for wanting to go out and find themselves, and I won’t tell them what a lame-ass you’re being about your house. And yeah, it’s the same thing. Don’t knock other people’s neuroses when you’ve got plenty of your own.
“I don’t want your pity.” Frustration over how the evening was going boiled over.
“You think that’s what I’m feeling toward you?” Her gaze locked with his.
“I don’t know.”
“Let me show you then.” He drew her against his chest and lowered his lips to hers in a searing kiss, suddenly overwhelmed with the need to touch and taste her and prove she wasn’t some charity case. Not to him.
Screw that, what was wrong with a little lovemaking among the Christmas trees? Aside from the near-freezing temperature and total lack of privacy.
“You are running away.” His brilliant blue eyes didn’t leave hers. At least he had the courage to look her in the face.
“It’s for the best.”
Frustration overtook her empathy. “We have something here, Derek. Or am I the only person who had an incredible time the other night? Not to mention today and every other time we’ve spent together. You make me laugh and feel things I’ve never felt before. How can you leaving possibly be for the best?”
“Maybe I did run away. But I was running to something. I had hope for this life I was choosing for myself. Why would you take this job in San Francisco? You’re happy here, and that’s the difference. I wasn’t remotely happy in Pittsburgh. I’m happier now than I’ve ever been.” She stepped closer, close enough to reach out and touch his face. “Please don’t go.”
His expression cracked—just a little—when his brow twitched. She thought she might’ve won . . . “I’ll think about it.”
“Looks like you royally screwed things up with Chloe.” She’d told them? Derek couldn’t blame her.
“Probably.”
Rob rested his hip against the counter. “She came over for dinner last night—and don’t get mad at her, she didn’t say a word. However, when your girlfriend comes over and you don’t, it says a lot. She is your girlfriend, isn’t she?”
“Probably not.” Because of his own stupidity.
“What the hell kind of answer is that?” Now Rob did look pissed. He crossed his arms over his chest. “Look, I’ve never said anything about the other girls you were foolish enough to let go, but this one is special. She could very well be The One, and you’re getting in your own damned way. Knock it off.”
“Thanks, but I don’t remember asking for any advice.”
“Too bad.” “I’ve tried to be a father figure and dishing out advice, especially when it’s unwanted, is a father’s job. But, I realize I’m not your father. You had a father—do you even remember that?”
Rob’s hand clasped his shoulder. Derek wanted to hug him, but he couldn’t. Everything felt too raw, too damned exposed. He settled for giving him a slight nod. “Call me if you need anything. Anything.” He dropped his hand and pivoted to go. “You’ll get through this. With Chloe if you’ll let her. She’s a great girl.
I hope you still write poems. Yes, I knew you wrote them, even in high school. I don’t know why you hid them. They’re a gift that should be shared. Which is why I’m giving you this poem that your father wrote. I don’t know if you remember it from when you were little. He used to recite it to you when you were very small. It never fails to make me smile because it beautifully captures the two men I’ve loved most in this world. Know that we are looking down on you with pride and love. Be happy, Derek. Be loved. Mom
I didn’t make things easy when I first moved here. I was pretty pissy. Hated school. Hated this tiny, lame town.” He looked around the room, distaste creasing his features. “Hated this house.” “It was so quiet. Dad was loud, funny. Always talking, reading, doing. He was the light and core of our family and when he died, I think it—our family—died with him.”
“You’re beyond amazing. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you.”
She pulled back and smiled at him, dashing her hand over her eyes. “You didn’t do anything special except make me fall in love with you.”
“Oh, Chloe,” his voice broke. “I love you, too.”
“Chloe, you’ve changed my life in more ways than I ever could have hoped. You’ve given me friendship, support, love, and most of all—a home. I’ve never felt that so completely before, not even here, but with you, I feel that anything is possible. That everything is possible. Will you be my wife?”
December 29, 2015
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
4.5 stars
Where the Heart Is is a quick, fun holiday read. It has all the markings of my favorite holiday reads - two people who meet under unusual circumstances and fall in love quickly, might have some issues, but the Christmas magic makes everything work out in the end. Oh I just love reads like this.
Chloe has a bit of an overbearing family who is really into status and wealth. She has never care about her place in society and left them to take a part time job as an art teacher. She doesn't have a lot, but she is happy. She loves living in this small town and everything is going great until her house burns down. Luckily one of the firefighters, Derek, steps up and helps her.
Derek was orphaned as a teenager, and he has a great second family, but he has never gotten over losing his parents. He has a lot of issues regarding the death of his mom in particular and he really should have gotten some help for that long ago. When Chloe needs a place to stay his family suggest his mom's old house which is sitting empty. He agrees even though he doesn't really want to. He hasn't been able to go in the house since his mom was alive, hasn't really done anything with it, but he also can't bear to part with it.
Chloe and Derek were really sweet together. They just get along great from the get go, only Derek won't talk to Chloe about his problems. He won't open up to her and as long as the house doesn't come up things are fine. Chloe tries to just be there for him, but Derek does keep hurting her because of his issues. She is just what he needs to be able to start moving on and creating a new, better life. Chloe is such a sweetheart, so kind and patient and caring. This was a really great read.
4.5 stars
Where the Heart Is is a quick, fun holiday read. It has all the markings of my favorite holiday reads - two people who meet under unusual circumstances and fall in love quickly, might have some issues, but the Christmas magic makes everything work out in the end. Oh I just love reads like this.
Chloe has a bit of an overbearing family who is really into status and wealth. She has never care about her place in society and left them to take a part time job as an art teacher. She doesn't have a lot, but she is happy. She loves living in this small town and everything is going great until her house burns down. Luckily one of the firefighters, Derek, steps up and helps her.
Derek was orphaned as a teenager, and he has a great second family, but he has never gotten over losing his parents. He has a lot of issues regarding the death of his mom in particular and he really should have gotten some help for that long ago. When Chloe needs a place to stay his family suggest his mom's old house which is sitting empty. He agrees even though he doesn't really want to. He hasn't been able to go in the house since his mom was alive, hasn't really done anything with it, but he also can't bear to part with it.
Chloe and Derek were really sweet together. They just get along great from the get go, only Derek won't talk to Chloe about his problems. He won't open up to her and as long as the house doesn't come up things are fine. Chloe tries to just be there for him, but Derek does keep hurting her because of his issues. She is just what he needs to be able to start moving on and creating a new, better life. Chloe is such a sweetheart, so kind and patient and caring. This was a really great read.
March 9, 2015
I loved this prequel, it did an amazing job introducing us to the Archer family but also gave us a wonderful love and self discovery story as well. We meet Chloe who is new to town and has some horrible luck at first but things quickly seem to go her way after meeting Derek. While the chemistry is hot and the force to be together pulling them, there are big things that happen and as a result a need to overcome the past. I absolutely fell in love with Chloe and Derek, and Rob and Emily Archer. I am so excited for the rest of this series!
March 25, 2015
4 stars-
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2013
Home is more than a place . . .
Breaking free from her structured life, Chloe English quits her high-powered job and moves across the country to work as an art teacher. The simple life is all she hoped it would be until her house burns down, leaving her homeless. When a handsome firefighter swoops in to save the day, she can’t believe her luck. He’s laid-back and unassuming, everything she’s looking for in a man—or so he seems. It turns out he’s as ambitious as her ex, comes with a family who could be more stifling than hers, and harbors dark secrets he may never be able to share.
Orphaned as a teenager, Derek Sumner has found a place in his best friend’s family. However, the love and support of his surrogate parents and siblings can’t erase the grief and loss he struggles every Christmas to banish. But this year he meets the fun and sexy Chloe, whose optimism and sense of joy are incredibly contagious. Can she help him face his bleak past so they can forge a happy future?
~~
REVIEW: WHERE THE HEART IS is the first installment (novella) in Darcy Burke’s Ribbon Ridge romance series focusing on the Archer sextuplets (Evan, Sara, Alex, Tori, Kyle & Liam) of Ribbon Ridge and their younger brother Hayden. This is the Archer family best friend and Archer Industries CFO Derek Sumner, and art teacher Chloe English’s storyline. The timeline follows a few weeks prior to the Christmas holidays wherein Chloe finds herself homeless and dependent upon the charity of friends.
Told from alternating third person perspectives WHERE THE HEART IS introduces the reader to the well-to-do and successful Archer family of Ribbon Ridge including the infamous sextuplets who, as children and tweens, were featured in a reality television series Seven is Enough. The Archer family own a series of microbreweries and pubs, and in this Archer Industries has been established. The focus of the storyline follows the Archer family’s ‘foster son’ Derek Sumner-a volunteer firefighter, amongst other noteworthy professions- as he embarks on a relationship with the woman whose burned out apartment finds her in desperate need of housing and friends.
Derek will introduce Chloe English to the Archer family who welcome the young woman like one of their own. When the Archer family patriarch Robert, reminds Derek that his own family home is currently available for the now homeless Chloe, Derek’s own horrific memories of the past begin to overwhelm and take control.
The relationship between Chloe and Derek is very quick to develop-one of instant attraction, lust and love that is tempered by Derek’s constant need to run when memories of the past haunt his thoughts. Offering Chloe his family home sets into motion a series of misunderstandings and heartbreak as Derek runs when the going gets tough. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative but I did take issue with the lack of condoms.
The Archer family of Ribbon Ridge is not perfect. They are a close knit family but due to the inherent and potential issues with multiple births-and in this case 6 babies at once-the now adult sextuplets are not without some emotional, mental and physical problems including OCD, Asperger’s syndrome, SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), chronic lung disease and depression. Each storyline will end with a happily ever after but getting there will be heartbreaking and emotional.
WHERE THE HEART IS is a quick read; a novella length storyline that introduces the Archer family with all of their quirks and problems, issues and struggles, and the never ending stream of people who come and go in their lives. Darcy Burke does a fantastic job building a world where the potential for future storylines is but a heartbreak away. A passionate, intelligent and intriguing look at an extraordinary family trying to maintain an ordinary life.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2013
Home is more than a place . . .
Breaking free from her structured life, Chloe English quits her high-powered job and moves across the country to work as an art teacher. The simple life is all she hoped it would be until her house burns down, leaving her homeless. When a handsome firefighter swoops in to save the day, she can’t believe her luck. He’s laid-back and unassuming, everything she’s looking for in a man—or so he seems. It turns out he’s as ambitious as her ex, comes with a family who could be more stifling than hers, and harbors dark secrets he may never be able to share.
Orphaned as a teenager, Derek Sumner has found a place in his best friend’s family. However, the love and support of his surrogate parents and siblings can’t erase the grief and loss he struggles every Christmas to banish. But this year he meets the fun and sexy Chloe, whose optimism and sense of joy are incredibly contagious. Can she help him face his bleak past so they can forge a happy future?
~~
REVIEW: WHERE THE HEART IS is the first installment (novella) in Darcy Burke’s Ribbon Ridge romance series focusing on the Archer sextuplets (Evan, Sara, Alex, Tori, Kyle & Liam) of Ribbon Ridge and their younger brother Hayden. This is the Archer family best friend and Archer Industries CFO Derek Sumner, and art teacher Chloe English’s storyline. The timeline follows a few weeks prior to the Christmas holidays wherein Chloe finds herself homeless and dependent upon the charity of friends.
Told from alternating third person perspectives WHERE THE HEART IS introduces the reader to the well-to-do and successful Archer family of Ribbon Ridge including the infamous sextuplets who, as children and tweens, were featured in a reality television series Seven is Enough. The Archer family own a series of microbreweries and pubs, and in this Archer Industries has been established. The focus of the storyline follows the Archer family’s ‘foster son’ Derek Sumner-a volunteer firefighter, amongst other noteworthy professions- as he embarks on a relationship with the woman whose burned out apartment finds her in desperate need of housing and friends.
Derek will introduce Chloe English to the Archer family who welcome the young woman like one of their own. When the Archer family patriarch Robert, reminds Derek that his own family home is currently available for the now homeless Chloe, Derek’s own horrific memories of the past begin to overwhelm and take control.
The relationship between Chloe and Derek is very quick to develop-one of instant attraction, lust and love that is tempered by Derek’s constant need to run when memories of the past haunt his thoughts. Offering Chloe his family home sets into motion a series of misunderstandings and heartbreak as Derek runs when the going gets tough. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative but I did take issue with the lack of condoms.
The Archer family of Ribbon Ridge is not perfect. They are a close knit family but due to the inherent and potential issues with multiple births-and in this case 6 babies at once-the now adult sextuplets are not without some emotional, mental and physical problems including OCD, Asperger’s syndrome, SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), chronic lung disease and depression. Each storyline will end with a happily ever after but getting there will be heartbreaking and emotional.
WHERE THE HEART IS is a quick read; a novella length storyline that introduces the Archer family with all of their quirks and problems, issues and struggles, and the never ending stream of people who come and go in their lives. Darcy Burke does a fantastic job building a world where the potential for future storylines is but a heartbreak away. A passionate, intelligent and intriguing look at an extraordinary family trying to maintain an ordinary life.
April 7, 2014
In Where the Heart Is by Darcy Burke, Chloe has packed up and moved across the country to Ribbon Ridge, Oregon. She is looking for a fresh start and happiness. Unfortunately almost immediately her rental home burns to the ground with her belongings in it...and Chloe doesn't know what to do, but she is definitely not turning tail and heading back to where she came from. While watching her home burn, she meets a sexy fire fighter - Derek - who despite the circumstances, catches her attention immediately. First he comes to a kitten's rescue, then he comes to Chloe's rescue by helping her find a place to stay. There is an immediate connection between Chloe and Derek, and they quickly progress to a hot and heavy romance. When Derek turns out to be much more than the fire fighter/bartender, Chloe will need to decide if she wants to take the chance. She is brave enough to take that leap.
Chloe could not be happier in Ribbon Ridge...especially when Derek rents her his house. But that could end up being their downfall because Derek has so much secrecy and sorrow within himself, a past he's never had closure on, that he soon is doubting everything about his and Chloe's relationship. Whereas Chloe is open, Derek is closed...he keeps a big part of himself from not only Chloe, but the Archer family, his second family. Instead of dealing with the past, Derek wants to avoid it, even if it means losing Chloe...no matter how much it all hurts. Will Derek risk losing the woman of his dreams? Or can he finally open himself up and start healing with Chloe at his side, or will it be too late?
Where the Heart is was a quick, fast paced, steamy novella that was the perfect length for Derek and Chloe's story. I really enjoyed Chloe, it was easy to feel a connection to her. She is courageous, fun, loving, and very patient and understanding with Derek. Derek has a big heart, but he is so afraid to take some risks. I felt for him and what he went through, even if he was frustrating at times!
Darcy writes an intriguing romance in Where the Heart Is. I loved the big family of the Archer's, they really helped make the story! I also loved the small town setting...Darcy wrote about it perfectly so that you will feel it's a place you'd love to visit. There are lots of great secondary characters in the Archer family who I'm sure we'll see more of in future stories from Ribbon Ridge. Even though it's set around Christmas time, I think Where the Heart Is and the story it tells is a good read for any time of year!
I'd recommend this to any romance reader looking for a spicy quick read with some angst to get through!
Chloe could not be happier in Ribbon Ridge...especially when Derek rents her his house. But that could end up being their downfall because Derek has so much secrecy and sorrow within himself, a past he's never had closure on, that he soon is doubting everything about his and Chloe's relationship. Whereas Chloe is open, Derek is closed...he keeps a big part of himself from not only Chloe, but the Archer family, his second family. Instead of dealing with the past, Derek wants to avoid it, even if it means losing Chloe...no matter how much it all hurts. Will Derek risk losing the woman of his dreams? Or can he finally open himself up and start healing with Chloe at his side, or will it be too late?
Where the Heart is was a quick, fast paced, steamy novella that was the perfect length for Derek and Chloe's story. I really enjoyed Chloe, it was easy to feel a connection to her. She is courageous, fun, loving, and very patient and understanding with Derek. Derek has a big heart, but he is so afraid to take some risks. I felt for him and what he went through, even if he was frustrating at times!
Darcy writes an intriguing romance in Where the Heart Is. I loved the big family of the Archer's, they really helped make the story! I also loved the small town setting...Darcy wrote about it perfectly so that you will feel it's a place you'd love to visit. There are lots of great secondary characters in the Archer family who I'm sure we'll see more of in future stories from Ribbon Ridge. Even though it's set around Christmas time, I think Where the Heart Is and the story it tells is a good read for any time of year!
I'd recommend this to any romance reader looking for a spicy quick read with some angst to get through!
Read
October 31, 2015I love prequel novellas that are free and let us get to know an author and/or a series to determine if it/they would be a good fit for our individual tastes. That is why I gave this one a try.
This one ended up being Meh because of a few different reasons. For one, there are a lot of descriptions about things that seemed unimportant to me (details about scenery and background that didn't add to the story for me) and that's just not my preferred book style. No big deal though and I learned to skim through those a bit. There are plenty of readers who love those details added in to paint a vivid scene and won't be bothered by that. There is also the obligatory set up of the series but this author tried to set up too many characters at once which just made all the future characters a little confusing to keep straight. Again, not a biggie but a rookie mistake.
The thing that probably made this the most Meh for me was something that will have to be put under a spoiler tag.
This one ended up being Meh because of a few different reasons. For one, there are a lot of descriptions about things that seemed unimportant to me (details about scenery and background that didn't add to the story for me) and that's just not my preferred book style. No big deal though and I learned to skim through those a bit. There are plenty of readers who love those details added in to paint a vivid scene and won't be bothered by that. There is also the obligatory set up of the series but this author tried to set up too many characters at once which just made all the future characters a little confusing to keep straight. Again, not a biggie but a rookie mistake.
The thing that probably made this the most Meh for me was something that will have to be put under a spoiler tag.
October 22, 2015
This was actually a very interesting start to a new series and a new to me author! It introduced us to the Archer Children, each of whom I will assume gets their own book, by way of an "adopted" son of the family.
Being a novella, things moved a bit too quickly for my tastes, but I understand why it was done that way. Derek had his demons, which ruled him for most of the book. He did conquer some of them, but we don't get full closure with him, and I really think the story would have been better if we had.
Chloe wasn't fully developed as a character for me, because so much of her just wasn't seen. We never see her paint, we never see her interact with children, we don't get to see her interactions with the pub customers, so we don't get a sense as to how she fits into the community of Ribbon Ridge. However, we do see a lot of her interactions with the Archer Family, so we know very well how she fits in there.
All in all, this was an emotional beginning to what I hope will be a great series!
Being a novella, things moved a bit too quickly for my tastes, but I understand why it was done that way. Derek had his demons, which ruled him for most of the book. He did conquer some of them, but we don't get full closure with him, and I really think the story would have been better if we had.
Chloe wasn't fully developed as a character for me, because so much of her just wasn't seen. We never see her paint, we never see her interact with children, we don't get to see her interactions with the pub customers, so we don't get a sense as to how she fits into the community of Ribbon Ridge. However, we do see a lot of her interactions with the Archer Family, so we know very well how she fits in there.
All in all, this was an emotional beginning to what I hope will be a great series!
March 9, 2015
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is a novella in the Ribbon Ridge series, but it reads like a whole book! I love this book so much!!! Darcy Burke weaves a magical story right from the beginning that hooks you right away. Darcy jumps right in and makes this book an ALL night reading session book! I had to devour it right away.
Darcy's beautiful writing actually places you inside this book, your are not just reading it, you are living it and experiencing it. I am completely enamored with the Archer family and I can not wait for more!! It is so easy to connect with these characters. Derek is a wonderful, tortured hero and Chloe is an amazing strong, smart heroine.
Ribbon Ridge is gonna be such an AMAZING series!!! A MUST READ series!!! I totally recommend it to ALL romance readers! I can not wait for more stories about the Archer family!!!
This is a novella in the Ribbon Ridge series, but it reads like a whole book! I love this book so much!!! Darcy Burke weaves a magical story right from the beginning that hooks you right away. Darcy jumps right in and makes this book an ALL night reading session book! I had to devour it right away.
Darcy's beautiful writing actually places you inside this book, your are not just reading it, you are living it and experiencing it. I am completely enamored with the Archer family and I can not wait for more!! It is so easy to connect with these characters. Derek is a wonderful, tortured hero and Chloe is an amazing strong, smart heroine.
Ribbon Ridge is gonna be such an AMAZING series!!! A MUST READ series!!! I totally recommend it to ALL romance readers! I can not wait for more stories about the Archer family!!!
March 19, 2015
WHERE THE HEART IS by Darcy Burke is an interesting,quick Contemporary Romance. #0.5 in her "Ribbon Ridge" series. A quick, sweet Holiday read. A debut into the new and exciting Contemporary Romance genre.
What a debut. I love her historical series, and gotta say I was a bit concerned about agreeing to read this new Contemporary Romance, but with this said, I must say, I did not regret agreeing to read this one.
While, a bit slow to begin with it picks up rather nicely. The characters are interesting, realistic, and believable. The storyline is intriguing, with a tortured soul, and a feisty, smart heroine.
Well written, with an impact on the reader. I needed tissues. An enjoyable, quick read. While, I will always love Historical genre, I do enjoy a great Contemporary Romance as well. Well done!
*Received for an honest review from the author*
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
What a debut. I love her historical series, and gotta say I was a bit concerned about agreeing to read this new Contemporary Romance, but with this said, I must say, I did not regret agreeing to read this one.
While, a bit slow to begin with it picks up rather nicely. The characters are interesting, realistic, and believable. The storyline is intriguing, with a tortured soul, and a feisty, smart heroine.
Well written, with an impact on the reader. I needed tissues. An enjoyable, quick read. While, I will always love Historical genre, I do enjoy a great Contemporary Romance as well. Well done!
*Received for an honest review from the author*
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
October 21, 2015
This novella is a great start to a new series set in a small town in Oregon. It starts with Chloe heading home and finding her new rented house in flames. She had just moved to Ribbon Ridge after leaving her home in Pittsburgh and now all she had left was what she was wearing or had in her car. The best thing to come out of this situation is the firefighter who found a kitten huddled near the back door of the house. Chloe claims the kitten and there are instant sparks between Chloe and Derek (the volunteer firefighter). What follows is a whirlwind romance and introduces us to the Archer family.
June 6, 2016
This is a quick and easy novella that starts off the Ribbon Ridge series by Darcy Burke. Like the other books in the series, it is a stand alone. I ended up not reading it until after book #5 when I picked it up for free. Derek and Chloe are introduced in book one and you figure out some of their story then, so I didn't feel the need to read this novella. Well, I could've gone without reading it, but I'm sorta glad that I did. It gives a lot bigger picture of Derek's background and how he came to be one of the Archer kids by default. It also tells the story of how Chloe ends up in Ribbon Ridge. Theirs is a fast-paced, easy story that's fun to read.
January 7, 2014
I love instant attraction stories. The hero and heroine wasted no time letting each other know they were into each other. Great stakes at the beginning with issues of success and fulfillment within the eyes of family. My problem came near the middle of the book when the entire Archer clan was introduced. Obviously this is their series. I just wished each had been given the stage during their own pages. Things really slowed down for me when I got a peak, description, and hint about each of these sextuplets plus one. It was too much to remember and it completely took me out of the main story.
December 18, 2023
Chloe hat alles hinter sich gelassen und fängt neu an, weit weg von ihrer Familie. Sie will und braucht Abstand zum alten Leben. Sie hat eine Stelle in der Schule die allerdings nur in Teilzeit ist und auch erst im neuen Jahr beginnt. Bis dahin sucht sie sich einen Aushilfsjob und findet auch das passende für sich.
Alles wäre schön, wenn nicht ihr Haus, welches sie sich gemietet hat, abgebrannt. Nun steht sie da mit nichts und muss schauen was sie macht.
Ein Feuerwehrmann bietet ihr Hilfe an, aber sie will das nicht und schaut wie sie nun zurechtkommt. Etwas später bringt er ein Kätzchen zu ihr und sie nimmt sich dem Findelkind an. Nun ist nur noch die Frage, wo soll sie die Nacht verbringen, Hilfe will sie nicht und doch ist sie darauf angewiesen, schließlich hat sie ab jetzt eine Katze.
Derek nimmt das Kätzchen mit und verspricht ihr mit dem Kätzchen zum Tierarzt zu gehen und es ihr dann wieder zubringen.
Derek ist bei der Familie Archer aufgewachsen, sie sehen ihn als ihr Kind an, warum das so ist, erfährt man Stück für Stück.
Chloe hat eine Unterkunft gefunden und doch ist es nicht da, wo sie es gebucht hat,. Die ganze Situation ist einfach zu viel für sie und dann ist da auch noch der Feuerwehrmann, dessen Namen sie nicht mal kennt. Sie erfährt einen Zusammenhalt in dem Ort, wo sie ab sofort wohnt, jeder Hilf jeden und lässt keinen einfach Links liegen.
Das beide ein unglaubliches Päckchen zu tragen haben ist unglaublich. Derek hat viel erlebt und hat so einiges auch nicht verarbeitet, zwar waren die Archers immer für ihn da, aber wirklich über das Gesprochen, was in ihm vorgeht hat er nicht. Er hat seine Vergangenheit nicht verarbeitet und dann trifft er ausgerechnet Chloe und genau diese Frau schafft es, das er sich öffnet, zwar widerwillig, aber wenn er wirklich eine Zukunft mit Chloe will, muss er ihr so manches erzählen. Auch Chloe ist nicht ganz ohne Grund, weit von der Familie gezogen, Ihre Eltern sind sehr speziell und auch hier tut ihr Derek richtig gut. Auch wenn der Weg extrem steinig ist, hat sie mehr wie nur Geduld und gibt ihm durchaus immer wieder eine Chance, letzten Endes muss er den Schritt auf sie zugehen und ob er das macht, findet es heraus.
Die Archer Kinder sind unglaublich und sie haben alle Derek akzeptiert und sehen ihn als ihren Bruder an, was Besseres hätte ihm nicht passieren können. Eine Familie die ihn akzeptiert und respektiert und ihm zeigt, dass das Leben durchaus weiter geht auch wenn das Schicksal es mit einem nicht gut meint.
Ich bin schon sehr auf die nächste Story gespannt.
Eine ganz klare Kauf-Leseempfehlung.
Dieser Teil hat seine 5 Sterne mehr wie verdient.
Alles wäre schön, wenn nicht ihr Haus, welches sie sich gemietet hat, abgebrannt. Nun steht sie da mit nichts und muss schauen was sie macht.
Ein Feuerwehrmann bietet ihr Hilfe an, aber sie will das nicht und schaut wie sie nun zurechtkommt. Etwas später bringt er ein Kätzchen zu ihr und sie nimmt sich dem Findelkind an. Nun ist nur noch die Frage, wo soll sie die Nacht verbringen, Hilfe will sie nicht und doch ist sie darauf angewiesen, schließlich hat sie ab jetzt eine Katze.
Derek nimmt das Kätzchen mit und verspricht ihr mit dem Kätzchen zum Tierarzt zu gehen und es ihr dann wieder zubringen.
Derek ist bei der Familie Archer aufgewachsen, sie sehen ihn als ihr Kind an, warum das so ist, erfährt man Stück für Stück.
Chloe hat eine Unterkunft gefunden und doch ist es nicht da, wo sie es gebucht hat,. Die ganze Situation ist einfach zu viel für sie und dann ist da auch noch der Feuerwehrmann, dessen Namen sie nicht mal kennt. Sie erfährt einen Zusammenhalt in dem Ort, wo sie ab sofort wohnt, jeder Hilf jeden und lässt keinen einfach Links liegen.
Das beide ein unglaubliches Päckchen zu tragen haben ist unglaublich. Derek hat viel erlebt und hat so einiges auch nicht verarbeitet, zwar waren die Archers immer für ihn da, aber wirklich über das Gesprochen, was in ihm vorgeht hat er nicht. Er hat seine Vergangenheit nicht verarbeitet und dann trifft er ausgerechnet Chloe und genau diese Frau schafft es, das er sich öffnet, zwar widerwillig, aber wenn er wirklich eine Zukunft mit Chloe will, muss er ihr so manches erzählen. Auch Chloe ist nicht ganz ohne Grund, weit von der Familie gezogen, Ihre Eltern sind sehr speziell und auch hier tut ihr Derek richtig gut. Auch wenn der Weg extrem steinig ist, hat sie mehr wie nur Geduld und gibt ihm durchaus immer wieder eine Chance, letzten Endes muss er den Schritt auf sie zugehen und ob er das macht, findet es heraus.
Die Archer Kinder sind unglaublich und sie haben alle Derek akzeptiert und sehen ihn als ihren Bruder an, was Besseres hätte ihm nicht passieren können. Eine Familie die ihn akzeptiert und respektiert und ihm zeigt, dass das Leben durchaus weiter geht auch wenn das Schicksal es mit einem nicht gut meint.
Ich bin schon sehr auf die nächste Story gespannt.
Eine ganz klare Kauf-Leseempfehlung.
Dieser Teil hat seine 5 Sterne mehr wie verdient.
May 18, 2017
I had skipped this novella prequel to the Ribbon Ridge Series going right to book #1. Then to learn more of Derek's and Chloe's backstory I went back to read this prequel. I can honestly say the prequel does not do the first book justice. As a vehicle to introduce readers to the Archer family and the town of Ribbon Ridge the book is fine. You learn how all the relationships were before the tragedy that the first full book centers around takes place. You get an intimate look at Rob and Emily Archer's marriage and a little bit of a feel for their seven adult children as well as adopted son Derek, and how they relate to one another. As a romance story between Derek and Chloe the book didn't work nearly as well for me. Chloe English was a lovely heroine. Her only fault in my eyes was being far too forgiving and far too invested in her relationship with Derek when they hardly knew one another. Okay I get the chemistry was off the charts and she intuitively suspected that he could be "The One" for her. But the way he treated her so often so early in the relationship should have at least required a lot more groveling for forgiveness on his part. Obviously I just could never buy into the idea that Derek's anxiety over his childhood home justified his behavior towards Chloe. And yes Derek, maybe you should have seen a therapist! That in a nutshell is why I only gave this book 3 stars. I'm also still a little confused about Chloe's job working as a server at the Archer's flagship pub. First, if Derek is CFO of Archer doesn't that mean Chloe works for him? Once they begin living together and are engaged wouldn't her relationship with Derek make it awkward for her to continue to work there? Also at the end of this prequel she's offered the job as head artist for Archer. Yet in book one as their wedding day approaches she's still working as a server at the pub as well as I assume a part time arts teacher since art is her true passion. Was she head artist on top of all that? I know I'm just over thinking the whole thing but that's what I do. Anyway if you want to get some background on all the characters before you start the series in earnest I'd read this novella. I just wasn't blown away by it as I was the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2023
In " Christmas in Ribbon Ridge: Ein Kleinstadt-Liebesroman (Ribbon Ridge, Oregon 1) " hat Chloe ihre Heimat sowie Familie hinter sich gelassen, um im fernen Colorado in dem bezaubernden Kleinstädchen Ribbon Ridge einen Neuanfang zu wagen und endlich glücklich zu werden.
Doch kaum in Ribbon Ridge angekommen steht Chloe durch einen Brand in ihrem angemieteten Häuschen regelrecht auf der Straße und bekommt vom Feuerwehrmann Derek Hilfe angeboten.
Denn Derek weiß wie es ist, wenn man plötzlich ohne alles da steht und deswegen nimmt er sie mit zu seiner Familie. Und das, obwohl die Archers Derek erst im Teenageralter in ihrer Familie aufnahmen, als seine Mutter verstarb.
Das zwischen Chloe und Derek vom ersten Moment eine starke Anziehung zueinander ist, macht es für beide nicht leichter. Denn Chloe wollte erstmals zu sich finden und sich in ihrer Wahlheimat sowie ihrem Job als Kunstlehrerin einleben und Derek steht, dank seiner Vergangenheit, seinem Glück selbst im Weg.
Das die Weihnachtszeit vor der Tür steht, ist auch nicht hilfreich, zumindest nicht für Derek, der damit traurige Erinnerungen verbindet und erst in der Großfamilie Archer ein paar schöne sammeln konnte.
Kann es unter diesen Voraussetzungen überhaupt eine Chance für Chloe und Derek geben? Oder sind beide nicht bereit aufeinander zu zu gehen?
Die Story hat mich schnell in ihren Bann gebracht, dabei bleibt sie spannungsgeladen sowie abwechslungsreich. Man darf mit Chloe und Derek mitfiebern und die verschiedesten Emotionen erleben. Es gibt einiges zum schmunzeln bis herzhaft zu lachen, so manche mitfühlende, tragische wie auch brisante Momente und das ein oder andere Tränchen zu vergießen.
Ich konnte das Buch kaum noch aus der Hand legen, da ich wissen wollte, ob es für beide ein Happy End gab.
Das Buch bekommt von mir eine Lese / Kaufempfehlung und 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sterne.
Doch kaum in Ribbon Ridge angekommen steht Chloe durch einen Brand in ihrem angemieteten Häuschen regelrecht auf der Straße und bekommt vom Feuerwehrmann Derek Hilfe angeboten.
Denn Derek weiß wie es ist, wenn man plötzlich ohne alles da steht und deswegen nimmt er sie mit zu seiner Familie. Und das, obwohl die Archers Derek erst im Teenageralter in ihrer Familie aufnahmen, als seine Mutter verstarb.
Das zwischen Chloe und Derek vom ersten Moment eine starke Anziehung zueinander ist, macht es für beide nicht leichter. Denn Chloe wollte erstmals zu sich finden und sich in ihrer Wahlheimat sowie ihrem Job als Kunstlehrerin einleben und Derek steht, dank seiner Vergangenheit, seinem Glück selbst im Weg.
Das die Weihnachtszeit vor der Tür steht, ist auch nicht hilfreich, zumindest nicht für Derek, der damit traurige Erinnerungen verbindet und erst in der Großfamilie Archer ein paar schöne sammeln konnte.
Kann es unter diesen Voraussetzungen überhaupt eine Chance für Chloe und Derek geben? Oder sind beide nicht bereit aufeinander zu zu gehen?
Die Story hat mich schnell in ihren Bann gebracht, dabei bleibt sie spannungsgeladen sowie abwechslungsreich. Man darf mit Chloe und Derek mitfiebern und die verschiedesten Emotionen erleben. Es gibt einiges zum schmunzeln bis herzhaft zu lachen, so manche mitfühlende, tragische wie auch brisante Momente und das ein oder andere Tränchen zu vergießen.
Ich konnte das Buch kaum noch aus der Hand legen, da ich wissen wollte, ob es für beide ein Happy End gab.
Das Buch bekommt von mir eine Lese / Kaufempfehlung und 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sterne.
August 25, 2017
My rating is 3.5 stars. Moving across the country to break free from her parent driven structured life, Chloe English quits her job and finds work as an art teacher and a server in a bar. The simple life is all she hoped it would be until her house burns down the first day, leaving her homeless. When a handsome volunteer firefighter helps to save her day, she can’t believe her luck. He offers her a place to stay and introduces her to his surrogate family. His characteristics tick every one of Chloe's relationship boxes, he’s laid-back and unassuming or so he seems. When she meets him as he reports to work as a bartender in the bar the next day she believes he is just what she needs. It turns out he’s a the CFO of Archer Enterprises, comes with a family who are very loving but could be more stifling than hers and he also carries some very dark baggage.
Derek Sumner was orphaned as a teenager and was fortunate to find a place with his best friend’s family. However, the love and support of the Archer family can’t erase the grief and loss he struggles every with every Christmas. This year he meets the fun and sexy Chloe, whose optimism and sense of joy are contagious. I did enjoy the book but found it more unrealistic than most romances I read, particularly in terms of the short time frame from I will to I do but interesting enough that I look forward to reading more from Darcy Burke. My other major complaint is based on my background as a high school biology and health teacher, their casual attitude without a good explanation for going commando during their first sexual encounter is a dangerous precedent.
Derek Sumner was orphaned as a teenager and was fortunate to find a place with his best friend’s family. However, the love and support of the Archer family can’t erase the grief and loss he struggles every with every Christmas. This year he meets the fun and sexy Chloe, whose optimism and sense of joy are contagious. I did enjoy the book but found it more unrealistic than most romances I read, particularly in terms of the short time frame from I will to I do but interesting enough that I look forward to reading more from Darcy Burke. My other major complaint is based on my background as a high school biology and health teacher, their casual attitude without a good explanation for going commando during their first sexual encounter is a dangerous precedent.
November 14, 2019
Chloe English, freshly moved and hired as a server in Ribbon Ridge, found her new beginning destroyed, when her little rented house is burned. She had left a big town and parents to be able to live a more simple life. She meets a new friend in the handsome volunteer firefighter, Dereck Sumner, who also works at the Arch and Vine's. Since the death of both his parents the man has been overwhelmed by his sorrow. Will their past be buried when they both meet. In this 2015 book, there is a special letter that has to be read in December 2019. This hazard squeezed my heart. You have to read it!!!
April 2, 2018
Novella ugh!
Is it just me or do others have a problem with novellas? For one they are too short, no depth of characters and I cannot lose myself in them. This one checks all the boxes of what I do not like on the other hand, it is sweet, characters are endearing but..........
Read it for yourself and make your own decision 2.5 Stars from me!
Is it just me or do others have a problem with novellas? For one they are too short, no depth of characters and I cannot lose myself in them. This one checks all the boxes of what I do not like on the other hand, it is sweet, characters are endearing but..........
Read it for yourself and make your own decision 2.5 Stars from me!
November 9, 2018
Nice flow and engaging story line.
The main story about Chloe and Derek was believable even for insta love and blended well with the Archer family back story. A wonderful novella written so well I felt like I had just read a full length novel with a nice flow and engaging story line.
The main story about Chloe and Derek was believable even for insta love and blended well with the Archer family back story. A wonderful novella written so well I felt like I had just read a full length novel with a nice flow and engaging story line.
December 17, 2018
This had potential - I liked the secondary characters but Derek drove me crazy and the romance was so fast it was ridiculous. I just don't see what Chloe ever saw in Derek. He was just such a jerk to her a couple of times and being that the romance took place in less then two weeks I couldn't see how she could possibly fall in love with him. It was just too instant and I didn't believe it.
January 19, 2018
Where the Heart Is
I liked the the story line because it was a little different. I'm not sure if I would want to read the rest of the series. I just love my historical romance books but this was a good change.
I liked the the story line because it was a little different. I'm not sure if I would want to read the rest of the series. I just love my historical romance books but this was a good change.
February 16, 2018
Very good start to this series.
This is the first book I've read by Darcy Burke and I really enjoyed it. The characters are believable and easy to like, and the story is about family and romance, which is my favorite kind of stories.
This is the first book I've read by Darcy Burke and I really enjoyed it. The characters are believable and easy to like, and the story is about family and romance, which is my favorite kind of stories.
December 22, 2018
Home
This book was great and the characters and story will keep you turning the pages quickly until the end.I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a very good romance book.
This book was great and the characters and story will keep you turning the pages quickly until the end.I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a very good romance book.
December 6, 2024
3.5* A pleasant, undemanding, fairly quick read, which serves a prequel for a series. Derek is drawn to Chloe at their first meeting but blows hot and cold with her when she moves into the house he used to live in with his mother. If he is not to lose her he has to come to terms with his past.
July 21, 2017
Liked it but this guy takes too long to figure it out...
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