What do you think?
Rate this book
Hammond Brothers #2
Twice Shy
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00FKP98QM
It has been nearly five years since Aaron Hammond's wife died in his arms and left him to raise their young daughter alone. Besieged by guilt and grief over her death, he has nearly given up hope of ever finding happiness again… until photographer Skye Hathaway shows up in Northstar. She isn't looking for love, however. She's on an extended vacation to put some time and distance between her and her soon-to-be ex-husband. Aaron's daughter, Jessie, decides to take matters into her own hands and forces Aaron and Skye to introduce themselves. The sparks fly, but only time will tell if Skye and Aaron will be able to move past their painful memories, and with Skye in Northstar for only a few weeks, time is something they don't have in abundance.
The Hammond brothers will tug on your emotions as they show family is all you need in Suzie O'Connell's cozy, heartfelt contemporary romance series set in Northstar, Montana, where friendship, family, and love are as bountiful as the fresh mountain air.
NOTE ON THE CONTENT: The NORTHSTAR ROMANCES are contemporary romances and contain sensual scenes and mild profanity that may be unsuitable for sensitive readers.
It has been nearly five years since Aaron Hammond's wife died in his arms and left him to raise their young daughter alone. Besieged by guilt and grief over her death, he has nearly given up hope of ever finding happiness again… until photographer Skye Hathaway shows up in Northstar. She isn't looking for love, however. She's on an extended vacation to put some time and distance between her and her soon-to-be ex-husband. Aaron's daughter, Jessie, decides to take matters into her own hands and forces Aaron and Skye to introduce themselves. The sparks fly, but only time will tell if Skye and Aaron will be able to move past their painful memories, and with Skye in Northstar for only a few weeks, time is something they don't have in abundance.
The Hammond brothers will tug on your emotions as they show family is all you need in Suzie O'Connell's cozy, heartfelt contemporary romance series set in Northstar, Montana, where friendship, family, and love are as bountiful as the fresh mountain air.
NOTE ON THE CONTENT: The NORTHSTAR ROMANCES are contemporary romances and contain sensual scenes and mild profanity that may be unsuitable for sensitive readers.
260 pages, ebook
First published September 26, 2013
998 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Suzie O'Connell
43 books133 followersSuzie O'Connell grew up in a small town on the Kitsap Peninsula in Western Washington, but has called the mountains and valleys of Western Montana home for well over a decade. She has been writing stories since she was old enough to know how (the first she can recall was penciled in the second grade, about the mouse who went to the sea) and completed her first novel, Summer Angel, before she graduated from high school. After high school, tired of the endless rain, she attended college at the University of Montana-Western and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Writing. She is currently working on a Masters of Education and teaches high school English.
Suzie considers herself to be a rather quirky individual with ecclectic tastes in music, movies and books. She listens to just about anything, including pop, rock, country and techno and her favorite movies range from Grumpy Old Men to Lord of the Rings to Moulin Rouge to Pirates of the Caribbean. When it comes to reading, she prefers fantasy, science fiction, romance and literary fiction.
She firmly believes it's healthy to laugh at yourself, that best friends are worth far more than their weight in gold, and that home truly is where the heart is.
When she isn't writing, teaching or studying, Suzie enjoys playing in the mountains with her husband Mark, their daughter Maddie and their energetic golden retriever Reilly. She is also a hobby photographer, specializing in landscapes.
Suzie considers herself to be a rather quirky individual with ecclectic tastes in music, movies and books. She listens to just about anything, including pop, rock, country and techno and her favorite movies range from Grumpy Old Men to Lord of the Rings to Moulin Rouge to Pirates of the Caribbean. When it comes to reading, she prefers fantasy, science fiction, romance and literary fiction.
She firmly believes it's healthy to laugh at yourself, that best friends are worth far more than their weight in gold, and that home truly is where the heart is.
When she isn't writing, teaching or studying, Suzie enjoys playing in the mountains with her husband Mark, their daughter Maddie and their energetic golden retriever Reilly. She is also a hobby photographer, specializing in landscapes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 23, 2018
Aaron Hammond lost his wife in a tragic way and five years later he still has not been able to move forward. Skye Hathaway is in Northstar to take a much needed break as well as use her skills as a photographer. With her divorce pending she is not sure if she wants to get involved again with another man but with a little help from Aaron's daughter, Aaron and Skye find themselves spending time together. Can both move past their fears in order to build a future.
This is one of those books that just makes you smile. You feel for the characters and you feel like you are right along side them on their journey. I was entertained and liked the wholesomeness of the story.
This is one of those books that just makes you smile. You feel for the characters and you feel like you are right along side them on their journey. I was entertained and liked the wholesomeness of the story.
August 10, 2014
We're back in Northstar, Montana and once again it is beautiful, heart wrenching, heart warming and a pleasure to read.
Aaron Hammond deputy sheriff and part time cowboy lost his wife Erica in a most horrible way (by the way that scene had me on my knees and tears in my eyes and it was only the first chapter) In know way was anyone to blame but guilt is a tricky thing.
Skye Hathaway is on her way to Northstar to her friends wedding. She has rented out one of the Hammond Cabins and well caught her lovely husband cheating with Leslie. Skye is a photographer and it is her passion although it hasn't been for a long time.
Aaron meets Skye and he is intrigued with the lovely Brunette. Jesse Aaron's daughter is adorable and is very astute in trying to set her Daddy up with Skye. Throughout the book we see how both Aaron and Skye change and how their relationship develops. The honesty and trust that is placed is refreshing and lovely but they both have demons to overcome. Aaron has a problem with moving on and sometimes that really irritated me but in a way it is also understandable.
Skye doesn't know if she really has feelings for Aaron or if it is because Aaron treats her with trust and respect like her ex husband never did.
Ok my lovely Goodreads Readers if you haven't read the previous books then you must as it helps to understand the set up of Northstar and the people included there.
Mountain Angel
AND
Summer Angel
Ms. O'Connell talks about a lot of important issues in the book. Verbal abuse is just as bad as physical abuse. That guilt plays a big role in keeping us from achieving or having that what one wants in life.
I was a bit disappointed that with Mountain and Summer Angel being about Aeli and June and that the two books after that sprang to Luke and Becky that there was nothing in between as I think that there was so much more that could be written. My wish was heard because we got the Hammond Brothers. Once Burned will be about Aaron's twin brother Henry which will hopefully be out soon as I need my fix :-)
I was given this book for an honest review you probably wonder why I wrote it last. Well, you see I wanted you to read my review first now everyone has different opinions on books and well there were typos in the book that were incorrect. But for me that isn't important. Twice Shy touched my heart and made me happy.
Aaron Hammond deputy sheriff and part time cowboy lost his wife Erica in a most horrible way (by the way that scene had me on my knees and tears in my eyes and it was only the first chapter) In know way was anyone to blame but guilt is a tricky thing.
Skye Hathaway is on her way to Northstar to her friends wedding. She has rented out one of the Hammond Cabins and well caught her lovely husband cheating with Leslie. Skye is a photographer and it is her passion although it hasn't been for a long time.
Aaron meets Skye and he is intrigued with the lovely Brunette. Jesse Aaron's daughter is adorable and is very astute in trying to set her Daddy up with Skye. Throughout the book we see how both Aaron and Skye change and how their relationship develops. The honesty and trust that is placed is refreshing and lovely but they both have demons to overcome. Aaron has a problem with moving on and sometimes that really irritated me but in a way it is also understandable.
Skye doesn't know if she really has feelings for Aaron or if it is because Aaron treats her with trust and respect like her ex husband never did.
Ok my lovely Goodreads Readers if you haven't read the previous books then you must as it helps to understand the set up of Northstar and the people included there.
Mountain Angel
AND
Summer Angel
Ms. O'Connell talks about a lot of important issues in the book. Verbal abuse is just as bad as physical abuse. That guilt plays a big role in keeping us from achieving or having that what one wants in life.
I was a bit disappointed that with Mountain and Summer Angel being about Aeli and June and that the two books after that sprang to Luke and Becky that there was nothing in between as I think that there was so much more that could be written. My wish was heard because we got the Hammond Brothers. Once Burned will be about Aaron's twin brother Henry which will hopefully be out soon as I need my fix :-)
I was given this book for an honest review you probably wonder why I wrote it last. Well, you see I wanted you to read my review first now everyone has different opinions on books and well there were typos in the book that were incorrect. But for me that isn't important. Twice Shy touched my heart and made me happy.
September 29, 2021
THIS IS A 2ND CHANCE FEEL GOOD ROMANCE, IT WAS ENJOYABLE AND PREDICTABLE. WHEN YOUR PARTNER KEEPS YOU FROM YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT’S A BIG RED FLAG. THAT WAS JUST ONE OF THE MANY WRONG THINGS THAT SKYE HAD IN HER MARRIAGE, SHE DIDN’T SEE THEM UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE. ;D
June 25, 2018
Skye is an accomplished photographer and business woman but she is working to get her personal confidence back after the verbal abuse dished out by her philandering soon-to-be ex-husband when she goes to Northstar, Montana for her best friend's wedding and to stay for a month and vacation. She is not looking for another relationship but to enjoy her freedom to do what she wants and take pictures just for the fun of it.
Aaron Hammond is a single father of a four-year-old daughter, Jessie and has his issues too. His wife died in his arms when she was gunned down and he still is in a state of limbo working to get past his loss and guilt. This makes the two of them Twice Shy to start another relationship.
At the wedding of her friend Jessie brings Skye and Aaron together and even though neither one of them is looking for a new love...
Twice Shy is a fun romance with the support of family, the fun of a child's point of view and the growth of the two main characters making it a great read.
Aaron Hammond is a single father of a four-year-old daughter, Jessie and has his issues too. His wife died in his arms when she was gunned down and he still is in a state of limbo working to get past his loss and guilt. This makes the two of them Twice Shy to start another relationship.
At the wedding of her friend Jessie brings Skye and Aaron together and even though neither one of them is looking for a new love...
Twice Shy is a fun romance with the support of family, the fun of a child's point of view and the growth of the two main characters making it a great read.
February 12, 2021
Didn’t finished, dropped it about halfway and that was just because I like to give books a fair chance. But I found myself skipping entire pages of confusing back-stories from the other caracteres, or complete descriptions of settings that didn’t add anything to the plot. They were both trying to get over past relationships (his is dead, hers is a world class douche) but damn! Enough is enough. All conversations between the two would have her mentioning her ex. The first thing that comes out of her mouth after their first kiss was that if her ex kissed her like that, things would’ve probably been different. Girl, what?!?!
It all felt rushed and shallow, even though the author tried to give some “interest” to the characters. She was a football fan (I thought those stereotypes were gone, but apparently not) and he was a sensible man who liked kitties and puppies, and also a single father, what a dream!
Past me would’ve read this to the end out of sheer stubbornness, but present me has a too long of a TBR list to be bothered. Bad books? Ain’t nobody got time fo dat!
It all felt rushed and shallow, even though the author tried to give some “interest” to the characters. She was a football fan (I thought those stereotypes were gone, but apparently not) and he was a sensible man who liked kitties and puppies, and also a single father, what a dream!
Past me would’ve read this to the end out of sheer stubbornness, but present me has a too long of a TBR list to be bothered. Bad books? Ain’t nobody got time fo dat!
June 16, 2018
A little disappointed...
This is the second book I've read from the author. Road to Garrett was the first I truly loved it and decides to give more of O'Connells work a try. Twice Shy started amazing, I was tearing up within the first chapter. As the story progressed, it go repetitive in some areas. The characters were constantly comparing each other to their past spouses and their doubts about the relationship popped up a few times each chapter.
I do recommend the author and book, you may enjoy it more than I did. I'm still willing to read more of Suzie's books.
This is the second book I've read from the author. Road to Garrett was the first I truly loved it and decides to give more of O'Connells work a try. Twice Shy started amazing, I was tearing up within the first chapter. As the story progressed, it go repetitive in some areas. The characters were constantly comparing each other to their past spouses and their doubts about the relationship popped up a few times each chapter.
I do recommend the author and book, you may enjoy it more than I did. I'm still willing to read more of Suzie's books.
October 15, 2021
I got the book free on Amazon Kindle and after reading it, I am even now working to acquire the other books of the series. Might get them in the next few days.
I think I really like the resilience of the characters in the Northstar series as they each move ahead in life despite being hit hard by life. It is like a real life ideal place where small communities thrive by a support system. It almost reminded me Gilmore Girls but without so much Drama and more seriousness regarding a past.
https://crumpledbookshelf.wordpress.c...
I think I really like the resilience of the characters in the Northstar series as they each move ahead in life despite being hit hard by life. It is like a real life ideal place where small communities thrive by a support system. It almost reminded me Gilmore Girls but without so much Drama and more seriousness regarding a past.
https://crumpledbookshelf.wordpress.c...
July 9, 2018
Too much of a series
I really, really hate series where there is detailed explanation of what happened to minor characters in or after an earlier book in which they were the stars. If you don't start with Vol. I and read in order you don't know what is going on. There are too many great authors and terrific reads waiting. Not worth my time to struggke through trying to figure out what is goung on in a piece of junk like this.
I really, really hate series where there is detailed explanation of what happened to minor characters in or after an earlier book in which they were the stars. If you don't start with Vol. I and read in order you don't know what is going on. There are too many great authors and terrific reads waiting. Not worth my time to struggke through trying to figure out what is goung on in a piece of junk like this.
July 11, 2018
A sweet second chance romance...
These characters aren't fling material. Broken hearted Skye isn't looking for even a date when her best friend suggests a one night stand with the widower deputy. Aaron's wife died years ago, but he can't find it in himself to move on. Their instant attraction and close proximity bring them together but can their hearts open enough to heal each other. A beautiful story in a wonderfully imagined location.
These characters aren't fling material. Broken hearted Skye isn't looking for even a date when her best friend suggests a one night stand with the widower deputy. Aaron's wife died years ago, but he can't find it in himself to move on. Their instant attraction and close proximity bring them together but can their hearts open enough to heal each other. A beautiful story in a wonderfully imagined location.
October 13, 2021
Ok but meandering
The meandering writing style doesn't quite manage to hide that Skye's time line ridiculously fast. I also found it difficult to keep track of all the different people, and sometimes the scene changes were confusing.
Despite that, Aaron and Jessie are lovely characters, and Skye also grew on me after a while.
Standalone. 3rd person dual pov. Mild violence in flashbacks. Steamy.
The meandering writing style doesn't quite manage to hide that Skye's time line ridiculously fast. I also found it difficult to keep track of all the different people, and sometimes the scene changes were confusing.
Despite that, Aaron and Jessie are lovely characters, and Skye also grew on me after a while.
Standalone. 3rd person dual pov. Mild violence in flashbacks. Steamy.
August 30, 2017
The second book in the series and again Ms O'Connell writes her story so well that it's like watching a movie screen because you can see the place and hear the characters' dialogue. I'm simply amazed at the way the story twists and turns, keeps you hooked but never lets you go. Incredible piece of writing yet again. Another book I will read and read again.
June 21, 2018
If Only These Places Existed Today!
In light of todays world, I appreciated this story so much. Real, honest people we see scant of today! They all have this thing called RESPECT and its mighty darned nice to read about!!!
This is my first book by this author and hoping she fixes the typos, I sure look forward to more!
In light of todays world, I appreciated this story so much. Real, honest people we see scant of today! They all have this thing called RESPECT and its mighty darned nice to read about!!!
This is my first book by this author and hoping she fixes the typos, I sure look forward to more!
July 27, 2018
Sweet post divorce love story
This is about a woman who is a week away from her divorce being finalized meeting a widow and his daughter at her friends wedding. There is an immediate attraction. They slowly help each other forgive themselves and find a new life. Very sweet quick read. Good read.
This is about a woman who is a week away from her divorce being finalized meeting a widow and his daughter at her friends wedding. There is an immediate attraction. They slowly help each other forgive themselves and find a new life. Very sweet quick read. Good read.
November 12, 2019
Boy did I drag my feet on this one. I did not love the main characters Star and Aaron. I felt like they both talked about their ex too much. I understand they were both getting over that previous relationship but oh my goodness. Also there were too many characters with very complicated backstories and inter-personal relationships for this to be considered a stand-alone book.
June 11, 2018
Twice Shy
I absolutely loved Aaron and Skye. Both characters you can't help but fall in love with. Skye coming off a nasty divorce and Aaron raising his daughter after his wife being killed. Smooth pace.
I absolutely loved Aaron and Skye. Both characters you can't help but fall in love with. Skye coming off a nasty divorce and Aaron raising his daughter after his wife being killed. Smooth pace.
June 14, 2018
Aaron and Skye, a love that was there, and a young child to push it open. Delightful reading of how this comes about, to release the pass for new beginnings. Delightful reading of love, family, that sure to please the reader
June 16, 2018
Beautifully written story!
Loved this book, the way the author builds the details of the tree's, mountains, even the crisp air of Montana won me over on top of that a really good story line! Yes there is sex too.
Loved this book, the way the author builds the details of the tree's, mountains, even the crisp air of Montana won me over on top of that a really good story line! Yes there is sex too.
September 7, 2018
Excellent story
A really good read. Kept my attention. The characters were believable and likable without being sappy. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a feel good story.
A really good read. Kept my attention. The characters were believable and likable without being sappy. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a feel good story.
October 4, 2021
Good read
Good read. Loved the descriptions of the land, skies,mountains. Makes me feel like a perfect vacation spot. Get away from the noise. Characters we responsible, never too soon when love grabs hold.
Good read. Loved the descriptions of the land, skies,mountains. Makes me feel like a perfect vacation spot. Get away from the noise. Characters we responsible, never too soon when love grabs hold.
Read
November 15, 20213.5 star
Nice solid romance. Good character depth and their backgrounds bring lots of realistic conflict and tension to the relationship. I enjoyed it. I don't rate high easily,but I'm sure it'd earn more from other readers.
Nice solid romance. Good character depth and their backgrounds bring lots of realistic conflict and tension to the relationship. I enjoyed it. I don't rate high easily,but I'm sure it'd earn more from other readers.
June 13, 2018
Very good read. Characters were believable & they got their HEA.
June 23, 2018
I have thoroughly enjoyed yet another romance in the magical town of Northstar. A lovely series.
June 24, 2018
Good
this book is one that brings people together in a small community in Montana . the man and his daughter need
this book is one that brings people together in a small community in Montana . the man and his daughter need
June 26, 2018
It was a good, easy read. I think it would have been better if I had read the previous books but I plan to read more from this Author.
July 28, 2018
Twice Shy
I loved this book. I'm looking forward to reading the series. From the first page it pulled me in and never let go.
I loved this book. I'm looking forward to reading the series. From the first page it pulled me in and never let go.
August 5, 2018
Great story and enjoyable read
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are well developed and kept my interest. I would definitely read another book from this series.
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are well developed and kept my interest. I would definitely read another book from this series.
August 9, 2018
Very, very predictable.
August 21, 2018
A sweet romance
January 28, 2019
A little mushy, the way it started out I thought it was going to bea cop thirriller, it turned out to be a good old fashioned love Story!
January 1, 2021
Another Enjoyable Read
This Author has not failed me. Strong story and characters. A twist and turn and a wonderful love story. Good Read.
This Author has not failed me. Strong story and characters. A twist and turn and a wonderful love story. Good Read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews