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Dare Valley #3
The Grand Opening
When Peggy McBride moves to Dare Valley, Colorado, the last thing she wants is to meet a man. If she's learned one thing from her divorce, it's that love is a messy business, and as a single mom and the new deputy sheriff, she has her hands full. But when hotel magnate and poker player Mac Maven moves to town, she becomes enthralled by the very last man she would ever consider dating...
Millionaire Mac Maven has come to Dare with ambitious plans for his new project, the restoration of The Grand Mountain Hotel as a boutique poker venue. Only one person offers him a less than warm welcome: Deputy Sheriff Peggy McBride, who is dead set against gambling. But although Peggy's a fierce opponent, Mac senses a tenderness and passion within her that he longs to free. Having helped his sister raise her teenage son, he understands Peggy, and can see past her tough-as-nails exterior.
When a threat to Mac's hotel surfaces, he and Peggy must join forces to find out who's responsible. Working together ignites the white-hot connection between them, and their cooperation takes a decidedly personal turn. But can Mac convince Peggy to set their differences aside and take a gamble on love?
Millionaire Mac Maven has come to Dare with ambitious plans for his new project, the restoration of The Grand Mountain Hotel as a boutique poker venue. Only one person offers him a less than warm welcome: Deputy Sheriff Peggy McBride, who is dead set against gambling. But although Peggy's a fierce opponent, Mac senses a tenderness and passion within her that he longs to free. Having helped his sister raise her teenage son, he understands Peggy, and can see past her tough-as-nails exterior.
When a threat to Mac's hotel surfaces, he and Peggy must join forces to find out who's responsible. Working together ignites the white-hot connection between them, and their cooperation takes a decidedly personal turn. But can Mac convince Peggy to set their differences aside and take a gamble on love?
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2013
1731 people are currently reading
1285 people want to read
About the author
Ava Miles
101 books1,142 followersMillions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
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May 27, 2014
The Grand Opening is book three in the Dare Valley series by Ava Miles. First of all, look at the cover of this book! Isn’t it beautiful? I loved imaging what this hotel looks like. I knew I was going to love Mac Maven. I’m so excited to tell you all about him.
Mac (Maverick) Maven is a poker player, and he’s good at it. But, he became a poker player out of necessity, to protect his family. And that is what Mac Maven really is, a man who loves his family and will do anything to protect them. He has built an empire of hotels with a poker venue. And his latest project is in Dare Valley. He has bought the Grand Mountain Hotel and is restoring it to all its former glory. He brought his sister and his nephew Dustin with him because they always stuck together. What he didn’t anticipate is the town’s Deputy Sherriff, Peggy McBride.
“He was a poker player, she was a cop. Oil and water. There could never be anything between them.”
Peggy McBride is Tanner’s little sister. She has a little seven year old son named Keith who I am completely smitten with. Peggy and Tanner’s father abandoned them when they were young. Tanner was left to take care of Peggy, their younger brother David and then Peggy’s son. Their father had been a mean drunk and a gambler. So Peggy hated poker players. And she is determined to do whatever it takes to get Mac Maven and his hotel to leave town. But every time she is near Mac, she can’t think straight. And Mac is determined to prove to her that he is not like her father. That she can trust him.
“Mac picked up his bourbon and slugged it back. He knew he’d need more than liquid courage to get Peggy to give them a go. It was time to up the ante.”
What I love about this family, the McBrides, and the Mavens, is the way they all love and support one another. They prove the theory that it takes a village to raise a child. The way that Mac has helped his sister to raise Dustin. And the way Tanner helps Peggy to raise Keith. And the way that Jill and Meredith befriend Peggy, even though Peggy tries to be the tough cop, she can’t resist these affectionate loving women that want to be her friends.
Peggy is determined to keep her hormones in check with Mac. But there is a threat to the hotel that forces them to work together and also to perhaps explore the growing attraction between them. But this same threat may be the one thing that could ruin them as well.
“As they left for the hotel, she realized she was treading on thin ice. She was wearing a dress and attending the final poker tournament. Had aliens invaded her body?”
While we watch as Peggy and Mac work to resolve their feelings for one another, we still get plenty of Jill and Brian and Meredith and Tanner. And there is a new character introduced. We get to meet Mac’s best friend, Rhett Butler Blaylock. He is a character most definitely and I can’t wait to get to know him better. We are also introduced to the country music star, Rye Crenshaw who is the main character of Country Heaven.
I enjoyed this book so much and the characters within as I have this whole series. If you haven’t yet, I hope you’ll give it a chance. Ava Miles, you are awesome!
Mac (Maverick) Maven is a poker player, and he’s good at it. But, he became a poker player out of necessity, to protect his family. And that is what Mac Maven really is, a man who loves his family and will do anything to protect them. He has built an empire of hotels with a poker venue. And his latest project is in Dare Valley. He has bought the Grand Mountain Hotel and is restoring it to all its former glory. He brought his sister and his nephew Dustin with him because they always stuck together. What he didn’t anticipate is the town’s Deputy Sherriff, Peggy McBride.
“He was a poker player, she was a cop. Oil and water. There could never be anything between them.”
Peggy McBride is Tanner’s little sister. She has a little seven year old son named Keith who I am completely smitten with. Peggy and Tanner’s father abandoned them when they were young. Tanner was left to take care of Peggy, their younger brother David and then Peggy’s son. Their father had been a mean drunk and a gambler. So Peggy hated poker players. And she is determined to do whatever it takes to get Mac Maven and his hotel to leave town. But every time she is near Mac, she can’t think straight. And Mac is determined to prove to her that he is not like her father. That she can trust him.
“Mac picked up his bourbon and slugged it back. He knew he’d need more than liquid courage to get Peggy to give them a go. It was time to up the ante.”
What I love about this family, the McBrides, and the Mavens, is the way they all love and support one another. They prove the theory that it takes a village to raise a child. The way that Mac has helped his sister to raise Dustin. And the way Tanner helps Peggy to raise Keith. And the way that Jill and Meredith befriend Peggy, even though Peggy tries to be the tough cop, she can’t resist these affectionate loving women that want to be her friends.
Peggy is determined to keep her hormones in check with Mac. But there is a threat to the hotel that forces them to work together and also to perhaps explore the growing attraction between them. But this same threat may be the one thing that could ruin them as well.
“As they left for the hotel, she realized she was treading on thin ice. She was wearing a dress and attending the final poker tournament. Had aliens invaded her body?”
While we watch as Peggy and Mac work to resolve their feelings for one another, we still get plenty of Jill and Brian and Meredith and Tanner. And there is a new character introduced. We get to meet Mac’s best friend, Rhett Butler Blaylock. He is a character most definitely and I can’t wait to get to know him better. We are also introduced to the country music star, Rye Crenshaw who is the main character of Country Heaven.
I enjoyed this book so much and the characters within as I have this whole series. If you haven’t yet, I hope you’ll give it a chance. Ava Miles, you are awesome!
December 11, 2014
Sorry to say, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the other 2 in the series. I just didn't like Peggy, and couldn't understand what Mac saw in her, I tried, I really did but it didn't get it, that's not to say I don't love this series cause I do, Peggy was just a bit of a bitch and I became more interested in the side story leading to Abbie and Rhett
July 16, 2014
This book wore me out, I found nothing to like about the main character. Peggy was SO not lovable!! I loved the previous books, but Peggy spoiled this one. I felt sorry for the people that were duty bound to put with her, Edward and Bella are more believable that this love match.
May 19, 2015
Have You heard?
Ava Miles has a HUGE Giveaway to celebrate the release of NORA ROBERTS LAND in an Audiobook version!
Enter to win 1 of 33 audiobook copies!
click on Banner to enter - Ends June 1, 2015 - INTL where allowed!
Author Ava Miles has done it again! The Grand Opening is the third installment in her Dare Valley series, and quite possibly the best one yet! Filled with humor, a pie-loving moose, the quirky townspeople of Dare Valley and the kind of romantic tension that is fun to read about, Ms. Miles is fast becoming one of my favorite, light, contemporary romance writers! She is making a huge chick lit fan out of me with her talent for creating "the big hook," the one that pulls you in and won’t let go until that very last word!
When a wealthy, self-made gambling man sets his sights on one of the town’s sheriff’s deputies, you can bet you’ll be in for an arresting time! (Sorry, I had to say it) Peggy McBride is a single mom, raising her young son on her own after being burned in the past by a nasty marriage and divorce. She wants a nice, quiet, safe town to raise her boy, but now a new hotel/casino is coming to town and along with it, is the owner, gambler Mac Maven, all handsome and rich and something about him just sets Peggy’s nerves on edge. Is it that he represents what she sees as trouble in her quiet town, or is it that he is causing trouble in her heart? How does he seem to show up at just when Peggy needs help? Trouble does come to Dare Valley, and Mac’s hotel is the reason. Could it be that Peggy was right about Mac being trouble? But is that really all bad?
Ava Miles’ Dare Valley world is a wonderful place to visit, the inhabitants are warm, real and just flawed enough to be a joy to meet. Take a walk down the streets, see the surrounding nature, feel the sense of community, the heat of the romantic tension, and consider it a mini-vacation with a little mystery on the side.
The Grand Opening is perfect reading for the beach, in front of the fireplace, or even as light bedtime reading. The worse that could happen is that you may dream about the pie eating moose!
A review copy was generously given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dare Valley #3
Publication Date: September 21, 2013
Publisher: Ava Miles, Inc.
ISBN: 9781940565019
Number of Pages: 313
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Women's Fiction
Recommended Age: Adults
Connect with the Author: http://www.avamiles.com
Available to Purchase at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Ava Miles has a HUGE Giveaway to celebrate the release of NORA ROBERTS LAND in an Audiobook version!
Enter to win 1 of 33 audiobook copies!
click on Banner to enter - Ends June 1, 2015 - INTL where allowed!
Author Ava Miles has done it again! The Grand Opening is the third installment in her Dare Valley series, and quite possibly the best one yet! Filled with humor, a pie-loving moose, the quirky townspeople of Dare Valley and the kind of romantic tension that is fun to read about, Ms. Miles is fast becoming one of my favorite, light, contemporary romance writers! She is making a huge chick lit fan out of me with her talent for creating "the big hook," the one that pulls you in and won’t let go until that very last word!
When a wealthy, self-made gambling man sets his sights on one of the town’s sheriff’s deputies, you can bet you’ll be in for an arresting time! (Sorry, I had to say it) Peggy McBride is a single mom, raising her young son on her own after being burned in the past by a nasty marriage and divorce. She wants a nice, quiet, safe town to raise her boy, but now a new hotel/casino is coming to town and along with it, is the owner, gambler Mac Maven, all handsome and rich and something about him just sets Peggy’s nerves on edge. Is it that he represents what she sees as trouble in her quiet town, or is it that he is causing trouble in her heart? How does he seem to show up at just when Peggy needs help? Trouble does come to Dare Valley, and Mac’s hotel is the reason. Could it be that Peggy was right about Mac being trouble? But is that really all bad?
Ava Miles’ Dare Valley world is a wonderful place to visit, the inhabitants are warm, real and just flawed enough to be a joy to meet. Take a walk down the streets, see the surrounding nature, feel the sense of community, the heat of the romantic tension, and consider it a mini-vacation with a little mystery on the side.
The Grand Opening is perfect reading for the beach, in front of the fireplace, or even as light bedtime reading. The worse that could happen is that you may dream about the pie eating moose!
A review copy was generously given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dare Valley #3
Publication Date: September 21, 2013
Publisher: Ava Miles, Inc.
ISBN: 9781940565019
Number of Pages: 313
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Women's Fiction
Recommended Age: Adults
Connect with the Author: http://www.avamiles.com
Available to Purchase at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
January 17, 2014
The set up
Mac Maven plans to open a boutique poker hotel in Dare Valley. He's a wealthy businessman specializing in these type establishments and he's relocating himself, his sister and nephew to the city. Peggy McBride, who is Tanner's sister, the town's deputy sheriff and a single mother, has already attempted (unsuccessfully) to block his efforts and is still looking for other ways to keep the hotel from opening.
The issues
Both Peggy and Mac had fathers who had gambling issues that left an imprint on them. She truly believes that having poker tournaments in town will be the beginning of a cycle of corruption based on her experience. He has an unblemished history to date with every hotel he's opened in other cities. They have a strong, undeniable attraction to each other and Mac's determined to win her over. Peggy isn't above using some pretty dicey tactics to have his venture fail.
What I loved about the story
Mac Maven is a professional poker player who has committed his life so far to taking care of his sister and being a surrogate father to his teen-aged nephew. He takes the role seriously and everything decision he makes about his personal life is measured against the impact to the kid. He's honorable, smart, über sexy and loyal. I loved his style and how tirelessly he worked to win Peggy over and his relationship with her son was also pretty special.
What drove me crazy
Peggy McBride. I must admit I intensely disliked her for most of the book. Some of the things she did to Mac seemed spiteful. I completely understood her fears, got her desire to protect her son. But, Mac never showed up as anything but a really good man and she never seemed to see that because she was so self focused and determined to bring him down.
What redeemed Peggy
I was so worried that I'd finish this book with really bad feelings about her, thinking Mac deserved better. The book takes you almost to the finish line before you experience her transformation and the depths of her despair about what got her to that point. It was a gut wrenching moment, seeing a character get turned inside out.
The bottom line
This was a difficult and emotionally charged story. Typical of this series, the secondary characters play a strong role, having almost as significant a place as the main characters, without detracting from their romance. The result is a layered story, complex characters and a robust set up for the next couple's book. I really liked this one, despite and because of my issues with Peggy and I can't wait to continue the series.
(I received an ARC from the author)
Mac Maven plans to open a boutique poker hotel in Dare Valley. He's a wealthy businessman specializing in these type establishments and he's relocating himself, his sister and nephew to the city. Peggy McBride, who is Tanner's sister, the town's deputy sheriff and a single mother, has already attempted (unsuccessfully) to block his efforts and is still looking for other ways to keep the hotel from opening.
The issues
Both Peggy and Mac had fathers who had gambling issues that left an imprint on them. She truly believes that having poker tournaments in town will be the beginning of a cycle of corruption based on her experience. He has an unblemished history to date with every hotel he's opened in other cities. They have a strong, undeniable attraction to each other and Mac's determined to win her over. Peggy isn't above using some pretty dicey tactics to have his venture fail.
What I loved about the story
Mac Maven is a professional poker player who has committed his life so far to taking care of his sister and being a surrogate father to his teen-aged nephew. He takes the role seriously and everything decision he makes about his personal life is measured against the impact to the kid. He's honorable, smart, über sexy and loyal. I loved his style and how tirelessly he worked to win Peggy over and his relationship with her son was also pretty special.
What drove me crazy
Peggy McBride. I must admit I intensely disliked her for most of the book. Some of the things she did to Mac seemed spiteful. I completely understood her fears, got her desire to protect her son. But, Mac never showed up as anything but a really good man and she never seemed to see that because she was so self focused and determined to bring him down.
What redeemed Peggy
I was so worried that I'd finish this book with really bad feelings about her, thinking Mac deserved better. The book takes you almost to the finish line before you experience her transformation and the depths of her despair about what got her to that point. It was a gut wrenching moment, seeing a character get turned inside out.
The bottom line
This was a difficult and emotionally charged story. Typical of this series, the secondary characters play a strong role, having almost as significant a place as the main characters, without detracting from their romance. The result is a layered story, complex characters and a robust set up for the next couple's book. I really liked this one, despite and because of my issues with Peggy and I can't wait to continue the series.
(I received an ARC from the author)
June 11, 2015
I have to say that I hated Peggy from the very beginning of the book until the very end. I've never had such a strong dislike for a leading lady. I get having trust issues and family problems, but she was just a down right bitch. Mac had more patience than any man on the planet which made him seem very unrealistic but also very desirable. The storyline was a bit of a flop for me. It wasn't really all that interesting. I didn't like Abbie's character either. Mac, Keith, and Rhett were the only reasons I finished this novel.
April 20, 2016
I give up. I really liked one of her books (Dare River #1) so I keep reading more of them. This is one of the most unlikeable heroines I've ever read. I didn't want them to get together because he deserved better. PLUS, she was completely different in this book than she was in the first book of the series..I skipped the second one because the Jill and Brian parts really annoyed me in the first book so I didn't think their actual book would improve matters. Anyway, I thought it was pretty weird how in the first book, she was all about helping her brother protect her other brother, but in the third book, she suddenly hated that other brother because he reminded her of her father. Look, authors in the world. Conflict needs to happen but make it... reasonable. I did not get "reasonable" anywhere with Peggy's hatred of Mac, and I definitely didn't think it was reasonable that he fell in love with her, as rude as she was. She's all, "I don't feel comfortable smiling" and yet, she's got a little kid. Great life that kid has.
p.s. I have never let people who clearly dislike me babysit my child. It just seems like a bad idea, but Peg apparently is chill about it. What?
p.s. I have never let people who clearly dislike me babysit my child. It just seems like a bad idea, but Peg apparently is chill about it. What?
July 16, 2015
Did not like Peggy at all from start to finish. Loved Mac (like all your male characters) but never once felt the love connection between him & Peggy. I'm not a fan of Jill either & she & and Meredith are quite annoying & immature in this book. While I get how everyone would find Keith cute - some of the things he says just are not typical for a child his age so makes him a bit annoying too.
October 14, 2015
I don't think I've ever disliked the heroine more... I get the trust issues and all but she was just too much mean (and Abbie seems like more of the same). I've read books 1, 2 and 3 in this series, so I guess I've given the author a chance, but her female characters are all pretty unlikeable, while the men are great. I hate to say that, cause I was looking to really like the series.
November 25, 2022
Enjoyable Moments
Enjoyable Moments
Peggy and Macs story was somewhat interesting with her being a sheriff and him being a gambler. The author does a great job developing the characters. I loved Maven's character - sexy and handsome and just perfect. I think she went to far developing Peggy as character because by the end of the book I couldn't stand her and lost interest in her ever finding that HEA. The last selfish thing she did with threatening Mac and his family had me not even liking her or the story no mater how much Patty's character tried to save face by declaring her love for him. Peggy's character was just plain boring. I personally thought she wasnt good enough for Mac. I like tough women but even Tom Boys have a soft side. All the other characters made the story and that was the only reason I finish the story.
Enjoyable Moments
Peggy and Macs story was somewhat interesting with her being a sheriff and him being a gambler. The author does a great job developing the characters. I loved Maven's character - sexy and handsome and just perfect. I think she went to far developing Peggy as character because by the end of the book I couldn't stand her and lost interest in her ever finding that HEA. The last selfish thing she did with threatening Mac and his family had me not even liking her or the story no mater how much Patty's character tried to save face by declaring her love for him. Peggy's character was just plain boring. I personally thought she wasnt good enough for Mac. I like tough women but even Tom Boys have a soft side. All the other characters made the story and that was the only reason I finish the story.
October 2, 2022
I loved the first book in this series...
I have to say that I hated Peggy from the very beginning of the book until the very end. I've never had such a strong dislike for a leading lady. I get having trust issues and family problems, but she was just a down right bitch. Mac had more patience than any man on the planet which made him seem very unrealistic but also very desirable.
I have to say that I hated Peggy from the very beginning of the book until the very end. I've never had such a strong dislike for a leading lady. I get having trust issues and family problems, but she was just a down right bitch. Mac had more patience than any man on the planet which made him seem very unrealistic but also very desirable.
December 28, 2025
My least favorite of the Dare Valley series thus far. For whatever reasons, a couple of the characters drove me nuts and I feel like the relationship came out of no where verses developing/growing. May or may not continue with the next!
November 26, 2025
Peggy McBride is a single mom and Deputy in Dare Valley Colorado. She is making a life for her son, but along the way she has forgotten to live. Mac Maven wants to change that but his life is everything Peggy wants to leave behind. Mac runs a gambling establishment.
When Mac's hotel is threatened, Peggy and Mac must work together to discover the culprit.
Passion ignites and Mac slowly widdles down Peggy's resistance.
But when one of her family members puts himself in a difficult situation, Peggy asks Mac to do the impossible. Will it destroy their tenuous relationship?
The Grand Opening gives you the fresh and comfort feeling of key lime pie, unless the moose gets it first. Sweet and tender moments, laugh out loud funny and heart aching situations make The Grand Opening a fabulous hometown heart felt read.
I received this copy of The Grand Opening from Aspendawn Books in exchange for an honest review.
When Mac's hotel is threatened, Peggy and Mac must work together to discover the culprit.
Passion ignites and Mac slowly widdles down Peggy's resistance.
But when one of her family members puts himself in a difficult situation, Peggy asks Mac to do the impossible. Will it destroy their tenuous relationship?
The Grand Opening gives you the fresh and comfort feeling of key lime pie, unless the moose gets it first. Sweet and tender moments, laugh out loud funny and heart aching situations make The Grand Opening a fabulous hometown heart felt read.
I received this copy of The Grand Opening from Aspendawn Books in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2019
I liked the first book in this series. My library has a 30 week wait on the second book so I skipped to this one. Right off the bat I seriously disliked this book. Peggy was the most annoying character I have read in a long time. I kept reading on since I liked Mac, as well as the characters from book 1, but this book never got better. I finally finished reading this and I now have no desire to read any other books in this series.
May 25, 2015
This is a phenomenal story! I enjoyed it from beginning to end!
Decidedly well written; mystery, romance and humor in a superb combination. The banter deserves an extra comment. Brilliant
I would love to see a following book about those wonderful characters. Their relationship has a lot more to be explored.
Decidedly well written; mystery, romance and humor in a superb combination. The banter deserves an extra comment. Brilliant
I would love to see a following book about those wonderful characters. Their relationship has a lot more to be explored.
February 9, 2015
Not my favorite of the series only because Peggy wasn't a very likable character. It was hard to enjoy the book when I kept hoping Mac would give up on her and go find someone who appreciated him. Hopefully the next book will be better, Abbie seems to be a much more lovable character!
May 31, 2015
Another hit for Ava Miles. I love her charActers and so does she. At the end of the Brooklyn she said she hated to end the story because she liked the main male character so much. Can't wait toread the next book in the Dare Valley Seri e s.
March 14, 2015
Two-haiku review:
She's a deputy
He plays poker, builds hotel
She doesn't approve
She's awfully mean
He loves her in spite of it
Hard to understand
She's a deputy
He plays poker, builds hotel
She doesn't approve
She's awfully mean
He loves her in spite of it
Hard to understand
Read
June 5, 2015I liked a lot of the characters and the story was nice enough. But Peggy was AWFUL. So predjudiced and narrow minded!
Want to read
February 29, 2016Mac (Maverick) Maven, a championship poker player/entrepreneur with an uncanny ability to read people is the only reason I want to read this book. I want to know more about this sexy man!
September 11, 2016
Great book. Really loving this series
February 24, 2021
I am all about small-town, feel-good love stories. I am aware that a well-written story in this genre is not necessarily going to be a literary masterpiece, and I hate it when people review these novels as if they were written to be Pulitzer contenders. Even if the author were an Austen-level literary genius, the publishers of this genre impose constraints that make plots predictable and sometimes stifle character development. That's okay. Readers of these novels enter a tacit agreement to overlook their simplicity. We get our escapist romantic fantasies, and writers, if they are lucky, sell books.
There are a few non-negotiable qualities romance novels should have, however. For me, the most important is likeable heroes and heroines. The heroine in the second book of the series was already somewhat annoying, but at least Miles seemed intentional in her attempts to make the character three-dimensional. Jill's dramatic displays of emotion made me want to roll my eyes at times, but they were in keeping with the character and could be explained by the character's personality. In other words, her tendency toward emotional ups and downs is clearly a character flaw, and character flaws (within reason) are acceptable, even required, in the hero and heroine.
In this novel, however, the heroine's flaws constitute the whole of her personality, so much so that she seems like more of a caricature than a serious character. She lacks a sense of humor and has an almost childish sense of right and wrong. She blusters about being a police officer about every third page, which adds to the immaturity. Worst of all, she is mean and vindictive to the hero at every turn for most of the novel. The obsessive hatred she has for the game of poker and the disdain for the people who play it are ridiculous and feel disproportionate to the childhood dysfunction and bad marriage the author offers as explanation. As a reader, it was hard to get past how much I did not like this character.
There are a few non-negotiable qualities romance novels should have, however. For me, the most important is likeable heroes and heroines. The heroine in the second book of the series was already somewhat annoying, but at least Miles seemed intentional in her attempts to make the character three-dimensional. Jill's dramatic displays of emotion made me want to roll my eyes at times, but they were in keeping with the character and could be explained by the character's personality. In other words, her tendency toward emotional ups and downs is clearly a character flaw, and character flaws (within reason) are acceptable, even required, in the hero and heroine.
In this novel, however, the heroine's flaws constitute the whole of her personality, so much so that she seems like more of a caricature than a serious character. She lacks a sense of humor and has an almost childish sense of right and wrong. She blusters about being a police officer about every third page, which adds to the immaturity. Worst of all, she is mean and vindictive to the hero at every turn for most of the novel. The obsessive hatred she has for the game of poker and the disdain for the people who play it are ridiculous and feel disproportionate to the childhood dysfunction and bad marriage the author offers as explanation. As a reader, it was hard to get past how much I did not like this character.
May 1, 2022
Wow, I did not enjoy his listen. With the exception of the MC's little boy, I didn't connect with anyone. Mac exhibited stalker like behavior, undermined Peggy at every chance, couldn’t take no for an answer and at times seemingly assaulted her. No means no no matter what you think her eyes say. He was also one of the most condescending characters I've read in a while. Wanted to figuratively smack the smirk off his face. Not a fan of know it alls. Peggy defined the word stubborn and absolutely sent mixed signals and it would have been nice if she grew a spine and dealt with her childhood trauma, but it was her life and her child whether any of the people who were family or friends agreed with her behavior. For her just to fall butt over tea kettle for a man who treated her like she was a petulant child (even when she was being one) and manipulated her at every turn was wrong and offensive. They weren't in an actual relationship and he overstepped so many boundaries I lost count. I also found her brother and sister in law beyond annoying and offensive. She did not have to accept or forgive her other brother or respect his decisions. That she didn't want him around her own son was her choice. Ugh. Couldn’t stand Peggy’s family and friends. No boundaries and didn’t care about what she wanted or how she felt. Meridith and Jill? Overwhelmingly soy, pushy and just obnoxious. No is a complete and full sentence. Doesn’t matter what they think about her reactions or feelings, they kept annoying pushing and acting like toddlers. I kept expecting one of them to stick their tongue out and say "nah nah". Would never ever want them as friends. And no one, not a single person in Macs world was worth anything. No respect for anything she cared about or what she wanted regardless of how ridiculous she was being and acting. I adored the first in this series and others written by this author, but think I'm taking a break from her for a while. Clearly not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2021
1.5 stars. Wonderful hero, nasty, mean heroine.
Why do authors think that putting someone who acts like this; and definitely a person that you wouldn’t want or allow in your life, is an acceptable person as a lead character.
Enjoyable due to secondary characters but would have been heaps better without Peggy and her attitude as the heroine.
A more mean, selfish, cruel and manipulative bi-arch heroine I have yet to read about and I have read some doozies.
If she had dealt with her past and become a nicer person earlier on, I would have raised my rating but she was a real nasty and cruel blackmailing bi-arch till only two chapters from the end. When we then get the most pathetic apology from her.
I don’t know how her son Keith was so grounded and likeable with such a judgemental and cold woman for a mother.
Her attitude towards her brother David, the one with the addiction problem, was in reality her own disillusioned childhood and hatred of her father and how he behaved.
Mac was wonderful, kind, honest, helpful and a family man. He is right in what he says, he isn’t the conscience for other people.
He was far too good for Peggy and deserved someone so much nicer and better suited to him. Pity his walls caved so easily.
Why do authors think that putting someone who acts like this; and definitely a person that you wouldn’t want or allow in your life, is an acceptable person as a lead character.
Enjoyable due to secondary characters but would have been heaps better without Peggy and her attitude as the heroine.
A more mean, selfish, cruel and manipulative bi-arch heroine I have yet to read about and I have read some doozies.
If she had dealt with her past and become a nicer person earlier on, I would have raised my rating but she was a real nasty and cruel blackmailing bi-arch till only two chapters from the end. When we then get the most pathetic apology from her.
I don’t know how her son Keith was so grounded and likeable with such a judgemental and cold woman for a mother.
Her attitude towards her brother David, the one with the addiction problem, was in reality her own disillusioned childhood and hatred of her father and how he behaved.
Mac was wonderful, kind, honest, helpful and a family man. He is right in what he says, he isn’t the conscience for other people.
He was far too good for Peggy and deserved someone so much nicer and better suited to him. Pity his walls caved so easily.
July 25, 2018
I really enjoy readling Ms. Miles books because they remind me of another author's stories. Her characters come to life for me. They're charming, realistic and flawed. I find myself relating to them and remembering them or a wanting to go back to the a particular character's original story so I can reread something to freshen up my memory of a story line. I particularly like the Dare Valley story line. The town's people and their interactions within the community make me want to visit the community. Then I think of Peg and her Keith . The way they're described, the relationship between a single mom and her child, a women working in a predominately male field. Yet she is flawed as most of are. Then there is Mac. I really loved Mac. Not because of the way he is physically described, but rather because of the way he does whatever is necessary to take care of his sister and his nephew. His family comes first, which to me is what's truly makes a man sexy. I really liked reading this book just as much as I liked reading Nora Robert's Land that introduced me to Ms. Miles' works. I'm confident I'll enjoy the next book too.
June 4, 2025
I am always pretty real - and so I will continue to do so. I would have liked this book a whole lot more if the main character, Peggy McBride, was even a little bit likeable, but she was such a bitch - pretty much to everyone except her son - that I couldn't stand her. I felt sorry for Mac, at first, for falling for someone who was so paranoid and bitchy; but after a while, I just thought, "Dude, save yourself and run as fast as you can in the other direction." Even at the end, I hoped he would be smart enough to dump her ass. Which is sad, because the basic premise of the story was interesting. I know Ava Miles writes many novels after this (I've read them) but this is the second book in a row where I didn't really like one of the main characters.
February 3, 2022
Tahle série má u mě, co díl, to čím dál nižší hodnocení. První díl se mi líbil a docela mě překvapil, druhý už působil spíše průměrně, ale tato kniha, i když jsem ji nakonec přeci jen dočetla, mě bohužel neoslovila v podstatě ničím. Začátek, potažmo episoda s losem, mě pobavil, bohužel, pak už to vše šlo od deseti k pěti. Prostředí hotelu/kasina mi nesedělo, nesympatická hlavní hrdinka to ještě umocnila a příběh byl předvídatelný a nezáživný. Tohle nebyla kniha pro mě.
May 13, 2022
I struggled between giving this book 2 or 3 stars; I finally decided on 3 because there is nothing wrong with the writing, for the most part the story is fine and this is an author I have enjoyed in the past. My issue with the book is the heroine is one of the most dislikable characters I have ever found in a story! She is judgemental, mean and unforgiving, this is the 1st book I've ever read where I was hoping the hero would find someone else.
April 7, 2024
Peggy McBride is my least favorite character in the Dare Valley series so far. She has so much to be happy about- new place to live closer to her brother Tanner, new extended family, and a new job at the local police station. But she’s so damn miserable! Uptight, complaining & so bent on following the law she almost ruins the best thing that ever happens to her!
But as characters go, she manages to redeem herself, and the true Peg shines through.
Mac Maven is beyond patient, and a kind man.
But as characters go, she manages to redeem herself, and the true Peg shines through.
Mac Maven is beyond patient, and a kind man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
Ava Miles did an exceptional job portraying Peggy as a complicated woman who suffered the trauma of dealing with a parent with both an alcohol and gambling addiction. She is a single mom working so hard to protect her son from the same vices her father and brother had that she often discounts the trauma those around her have overcome. The underlying message of this story is that love and forgiveness walk hand in hand!
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