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Brothers of Audubon Springs #2
Secondhand Romance
Annie O'Malley's dream of owning a secondhand bookstore in tight-knit Audubon Springs is coming true. Still reeling from her parents' sudden deaths, she believes that signs or messages can be found within the pages of books. She loves her job and has made plenty of friends but longs for the acceptance only love and a family can provide. Tony Iuliano is there to fix the wiring in her shop. He doesn't believe in fate, magic, or the power of a good book. All this combined with his sexy-as-sin presence and all-knowing attitude infuriates Annie. The quirky bookworm intrigues him enough to accept her bet to read a book from her shop. When he discovers a stack of fifty-year-old love letters in the book, he wants to leave the past alone, but seeing it as a sign, Annie challenges him to read the letters and search for the long-lost lovers or lose the bet. While shaking the dust off several ill-fated romances and fighting their attraction at every turn, the pair soon become the town gossip daily special. If they can stop arguing long enough, they may just discover this particular sign was meant for them all along.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2013
18 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
RoseAnn DeFranco
3 books163 followersRoseAnn DeFranco grew up in upstate NY with her nose in a book and a song in her heart. Following the pursuit of a musical theatre career in NYC, she turned her creative energy to writing funny, steamy romance with heart. A NJ shore transplant, she enjoys time spent at the beach with her family and would love to one day live in a quaint shore town like the fictional town from her BROTHERS OF AUDUBON SPRINGS series. More information about these Humorous Contemporary Romances can be found at www.radefranco.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 26, 2014
Don’t you just love a romance that can make you laugh, where the characters are less than perfect and make normal, goofy mistakes? You know the kind, the ones that feel like it is telling a story about real, live people? Meet Tony, an Italian tradesman with attitude, especially when Annie O’Malley is around. No matter what she says or does, he tends to be condescending or sarcastic. Maybe Annie does dance to the beat of a different drummer, maybe she is a little too involved in the world of books. (Nah, that’s impossible!) Used to being a love’em and leave ‘em kind of guy, Tony is anti-relationship, especially one with Annie. So why does he look for excuses to see her, even if it’s only to aggravate her? Annie has had a secret crush on the ruggedly masculine Tony, but with each biting word out of his mouth, she feels its sting. So why does her heart beat double time when he is around?
Both like a good challenge, both are determined to win in this game of cat and mouse, all while denying to everyone in town that they are an item. You have to love when two people are the last to see and admit their feelings, don’t you, especially when their banter back and forth makes your face hurt from smiling. Will a shared mystery from long ago bring them closer or will it make things even more “competitive” between them?
Secondhand Romance by RoseAnn DeFranco is a delightfully fun romantic read, as two people learn to share and overcome their pasts and finally see what is completely obvious to everyone else. Ms. DeFranco has built a world populated by often quirky, always fascinating people who truly care about those around them. Annie is a gem, Tony is way out of his league in the attitude department!
Looking for a great summer read that alternates between heart pounding love and side splitting humor? Look no further than this light look at love!
I received this copy as part of RoseAnn DeFranco's Secondhand Romance Review Tour.
Series: Brothers of Audubon Springs - Book 2
Publication Date: December 28, 2013
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press; Champagne Rose 1st edition
ISBN: 1628301732
Genre: Adult Humorous Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 248 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Both like a good challenge, both are determined to win in this game of cat and mouse, all while denying to everyone in town that they are an item. You have to love when two people are the last to see and admit their feelings, don’t you, especially when their banter back and forth makes your face hurt from smiling. Will a shared mystery from long ago bring them closer or will it make things even more “competitive” between them?
Secondhand Romance by RoseAnn DeFranco is a delightfully fun romantic read, as two people learn to share and overcome their pasts and finally see what is completely obvious to everyone else. Ms. DeFranco has built a world populated by often quirky, always fascinating people who truly care about those around them. Annie is a gem, Tony is way out of his league in the attitude department!
Looking for a great summer read that alternates between heart pounding love and side splitting humor? Look no further than this light look at love!
I received this copy as part of RoseAnn DeFranco's Secondhand Romance Review Tour.
Series: Brothers of Audubon Springs - Book 2
Publication Date: December 28, 2013
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press; Champagne Rose 1st edition
ISBN: 1628301732
Genre: Adult Humorous Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 248 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
July 15, 2014
Secondhand Romance is a very entertaining and emotional story by Ms. DeFranco. It’s well written the dialog is good, the characters are well done. It’s set in the fictional small NJ shore town of Audubon Springs.
Annie O’Malley is the heroine. She has lost both parents in a tragic plane accident and is trying to change and rebuild her life in the town where they vacationed every year. She has a lot of grieving done and yet has so much more to do. She has opened and run Second Chance Books for a couple of years while she tries to get over their passing.
She has a friend who owns the bakery next door, Mia Anselmo. And loves this wonderful little shore town.
Tony Juliano is the hero and to be love interest. Tony has a construction, renovation business he runs with his brothers working for him. Tony is the incredibly handsome and masculine male, about 35years old; he never has a serious romance with anyone. He has been hurt a few times, it seems Tony struggled through school and did not attend college, but took over the family business. He’s successful, not wealthy exactly just living a good life in a small town and is content with what and who he is. When he first meets Annie, he thinks she’s too young and definitely a bit of a flake. Due to her age, her friendship with his cousin, Mia, and the offbeat personality he doesn’t pursue her romantically.
Two years down the road, while doing some electrical work for Annie’s shop, they challenge each other verbally and strike up an acquaintance. The bet turns into quite a challenge and the two of them are often together. Tony finds there is much more to Annie than meets the eye, and romance begins to bloom.
That’s the set-up. This is a book you just must read for yourself to get the excitement and feel the growing respect and love between these two. Can seemingly opposites be soul mates? Hmmm. You really have to read this marvelously romantic and exciting story! It’s well written, humorous and compelling.
My advice, grab you favorite beverage, a few tissues and snuggle in for a wonderful read! Enjoy everyone, I certainly did!
Copy was gifted
Annie O’Malley is the heroine. She has lost both parents in a tragic plane accident and is trying to change and rebuild her life in the town where they vacationed every year. She has a lot of grieving done and yet has so much more to do. She has opened and run Second Chance Books for a couple of years while she tries to get over their passing.
She has a friend who owns the bakery next door, Mia Anselmo. And loves this wonderful little shore town.
Tony Juliano is the hero and to be love interest. Tony has a construction, renovation business he runs with his brothers working for him. Tony is the incredibly handsome and masculine male, about 35years old; he never has a serious romance with anyone. He has been hurt a few times, it seems Tony struggled through school and did not attend college, but took over the family business. He’s successful, not wealthy exactly just living a good life in a small town and is content with what and who he is. When he first meets Annie, he thinks she’s too young and definitely a bit of a flake. Due to her age, her friendship with his cousin, Mia, and the offbeat personality he doesn’t pursue her romantically.
Two years down the road, while doing some electrical work for Annie’s shop, they challenge each other verbally and strike up an acquaintance. The bet turns into quite a challenge and the two of them are often together. Tony finds there is much more to Annie than meets the eye, and romance begins to bloom.
That’s the set-up. This is a book you just must read for yourself to get the excitement and feel the growing respect and love between these two. Can seemingly opposites be soul mates? Hmmm. You really have to read this marvelously romantic and exciting story! It’s well written, humorous and compelling.
My advice, grab you favorite beverage, a few tissues and snuggle in for a wonderful read! Enjoy everyone, I certainly did!
Copy was gifted
December 18, 2013
Darcy or Knightly? Any reader of Jane Austen, which likely includes any serious reader of romance, will be hooked by this question Annie O'Malley wonders about Audubon Springs born and bred Tony Iuliano. Another readerly treat is Second Chance Books, the store Annie bought two years ago when tragedy brought her to the Jersey shore for a fresh start. Also, get set to fall in love with two very different characters who somehow seem perfect for each other. Tony thinks Annie's a little bit flakey, but when he spends time fixing electrical problems in her shop, they discover a mystery hidden in a book. Annie is all over this fated find. She decides to track down the people involved. Tony thinks she's got a screw loose, but he falls for her goofy charm despite himself. This book, the second in her Audubon Springs series, will take you places you don't expect. DeFranco shakes up the usual romantic tropes with her fresh take on falling in love.
May 24, 2014
Tony Iuliano doesn't know what to make of Annie O'Malley. The woman confuses him like no other. Annie owns a secondhand book store but Tony can't grasp her willingness to absorb herself into a novel or unravels a mystery about the book that uncovers letters between long lost lovers.
Annie cannot deny that she is attracted to Tony, but once he speaks she has second thoughts. As the town gets involved in their unromance, everyone seems to notice there is something special there, except Annie and Tony. It isn't that the signs are not there, it is a matter of them understanding where they stand with one another.
I loved this story. I thought Annie was adventuress and her take on untangling a mystery is filled with humor and the possibility of a love that was lost. I thought this story was enchanting.
Annie cannot deny that she is attracted to Tony, but once he speaks she has second thoughts. As the town gets involved in their unromance, everyone seems to notice there is something special there, except Annie and Tony. It isn't that the signs are not there, it is a matter of them understanding where they stand with one another.
I loved this story. I thought Annie was adventuress and her take on untangling a mystery is filled with humor and the possibility of a love that was lost. I thought this story was enchanting.
May 16, 2014
Delightful! Secondhand bookstore owner Annie O’Malley is cheerful on the outside, hurting on the inside, and nothing short of belligerent when it comes to Tony Iuliano, the hottest confirmed bachelor in the seaside town she’s recently made her home. But, as a bookish mystery unfolds and lays claim to both of them, their chemistry becomes hard to ignore as they struggle over following the clues, and unraveling mysteries about each other.
Well written, this story flows easily, heats nicely, and delights often. It is well worth the read, and will put a smile on your face as it warms your heart.
Well done.
A complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Well written, this story flows easily, heats nicely, and delights often. It is well worth the read, and will put a smile on your face as it warms your heart.
Well done.
A complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
April 2, 2016
***4.25 Stars***
'Secondhand Romance' is the second book in the 'Brothers of Audubon Springs.'
This was quite an enjoyable read. I'm going to reread books one and two as it has been awhile since my first read through. I really loved the first two books in the series but the third one I could have done without.
'Secondhand Romance' is the second book in the 'Brothers of Audubon Springs.'
This was quite an enjoyable read. I'm going to reread books one and two as it has been awhile since my first read through. I really loved the first two books in the series but the third one I could have done without.
May 14, 2014
I loved the characters so much. I felt like they were real people I might know or meet. As a lover of books, I identified with Annie. Once I picked up this book, I couldn't put it down until the very last word. Tony and Annie were perfect for each other. A very good read.
May 15, 2014
This has been a wonderful series of books. I really enjoyed Tony and Annie's story. Glad to see him finally succumb to falling in love.
June 8, 2015
Reviewed by Allison
Book provided by Book Monster Tours
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
While trying to find the couple who wrote love letters to each other fifty years ago so she can help them get a second chance at love, Annie O’Malley finds herself irresistibly drawn to her sworn enemy, Tony Iuliano, the hunky, hot carpenter hired to fix the wiring in her bookstore. Tony finds her a flakey train wreck, and he thinks she’s on a fool’s errand. But before long, he’s drawn no only to her quest, but to the woman herself. She’s nothing like the women he normally dates, and he suddenly finds that refreshing.
When Tony loses a bet, she forces him to read a romantic book, but inside they find love letters written fifty years before. Tony tries to dismiss them, but Annie is bound and determined to find the authors of those letters and reunite them. She’s a newcomer in town and needs Tony’s help to find the couple. He knows that nothing will come of this quest but heartache for the lost lovers, and for Annie herself. He finally realizes she’s so determined because it’s her way of keeping her parents alive, at least in memory. She’s still reeling from their deaths, and now she has something that gets her up in the morning.
Tony and Annie hiss and spit at each other, but soon he’s asking her to dinner and accompanying her on visits to long-time residents as she searches for the owners of those letters. The town gossips are rife with speculation about Tony and Annie, and his whole family practically has them married. Annie starts to see Tony as so much more than she thought, and he sees a depth in her and realizes she’s not flakey, just embracing life finally.
I love this book! I love the way the author writes – I was drawn into the story immediately. The story alternates between Annie’s and Tony’s points of view, so we can get in-depth as they begin to fall in love. I admit Annie did seem a bit flakey when she’s adamant that they find the people who wrote the letters, but once I realized it was her way of trying to keep her parent’s memory alive, it made more sense.
And as for Tony…wow, or should I say WOW. He’s a man’s man, and I can see how women would flock to him. He’s had his own share of heartbreak, though – he struggled in school due to a reading disability, and his high school sweetheart broke his heart when she left for college and said he’d never be enough for her (that beeyotch!) But that’s a good thing, because it eventually led him to Annie.
When Annie challenges him to read the book, he thinks she’s making fun of him because he did have that learning disability. But Annie feels about books the way I do – they can take you to worlds I’ve never been to, from the great city of Paris to tiny Audubon Springs.
I love this small town of Audubon Springs – the way the author describes it put me there, making me want to visit it. There are small town characters, and they’re such fun that I want to be friends with them. I hope the author continues to write the stories for other people in the town.
I’ve not read the first book in the series, but I certainly want to – it’s about one of Tony’s two other brothers. Book three will be the third brother’s story….and it’s already on my TBR list for 2014. The books don’t have to be read in order, but there’s enough hints dropped about brother Rafe that I want his story as well!
Book provided by Book Monster Tours
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
While trying to find the couple who wrote love letters to each other fifty years ago so she can help them get a second chance at love, Annie O’Malley finds herself irresistibly drawn to her sworn enemy, Tony Iuliano, the hunky, hot carpenter hired to fix the wiring in her bookstore. Tony finds her a flakey train wreck, and he thinks she’s on a fool’s errand. But before long, he’s drawn no only to her quest, but to the woman herself. She’s nothing like the women he normally dates, and he suddenly finds that refreshing.
When Tony loses a bet, she forces him to read a romantic book, but inside they find love letters written fifty years before. Tony tries to dismiss them, but Annie is bound and determined to find the authors of those letters and reunite them. She’s a newcomer in town and needs Tony’s help to find the couple. He knows that nothing will come of this quest but heartache for the lost lovers, and for Annie herself. He finally realizes she’s so determined because it’s her way of keeping her parents alive, at least in memory. She’s still reeling from their deaths, and now she has something that gets her up in the morning.
Tony and Annie hiss and spit at each other, but soon he’s asking her to dinner and accompanying her on visits to long-time residents as she searches for the owners of those letters. The town gossips are rife with speculation about Tony and Annie, and his whole family practically has them married. Annie starts to see Tony as so much more than she thought, and he sees a depth in her and realizes she’s not flakey, just embracing life finally.
I love this book! I love the way the author writes – I was drawn into the story immediately. The story alternates between Annie’s and Tony’s points of view, so we can get in-depth as they begin to fall in love. I admit Annie did seem a bit flakey when she’s adamant that they find the people who wrote the letters, but once I realized it was her way of trying to keep her parent’s memory alive, it made more sense.
And as for Tony…wow, or should I say WOW. He’s a man’s man, and I can see how women would flock to him. He’s had his own share of heartbreak, though – he struggled in school due to a reading disability, and his high school sweetheart broke his heart when she left for college and said he’d never be enough for her (that beeyotch!) But that’s a good thing, because it eventually led him to Annie.
When Annie challenges him to read the book, he thinks she’s making fun of him because he did have that learning disability. But Annie feels about books the way I do – they can take you to worlds I’ve never been to, from the great city of Paris to tiny Audubon Springs.
I love this small town of Audubon Springs – the way the author describes it put me there, making me want to visit it. There are small town characters, and they’re such fun that I want to be friends with them. I hope the author continues to write the stories for other people in the town.
I’ve not read the first book in the series, but I certainly want to – it’s about one of Tony’s two other brothers. Book three will be the third brother’s story….and it’s already on my TBR list for 2014. The books don’t have to be read in order, but there’s enough hints dropped about brother Rafe that I want his story as well!
March 28, 2015
Second Hand Romance by RoseAnn DeFranco is a 2013 Wild Rose Press publication.
Wow! This book was terrific! I have had this book in my TBR pile for awhile and it's just kept slipping down the list due to my review schedule. I had forgotten the premise of the story, so I had no idea what to expect.
Anna finally has what she has always wanted, which is to be a successful, independent businesswoman and running her own bookstore is a dream come true. Sadly, it came to her with a very high price, one she is still unable to talk about.
When the building has some electrical problems the best guy for the job is is her friend Mia's cousin Tony. The problem is that. although Anna gets along with all of Mia's other cousins, she and Tony have always been at odds with each other.
Sure enough the moment he walks into the store he begins to poke fun of reading, books, and Anna's free spirited nature. But, things get interesting when the couple inadvertently discover a packet of old letters inside a box of donated vintage books. The letters were obviously written by star crossed lovers several decades ago. Anna is so intrigued by the letters she wants to find who they belonged to. Tony is vehemently opposed to that idea, but somehow gets swept up in the whole thing anyway.
What the couple can't see about themselves. others seem to pick up on right off. However, it looks like Anna and Tony will parallel the couple in the letters by winding up star crossed themselves. But, is it possible Anna was right all along... that the letters were important, that they meant something?
This book has everything in it I could ask for in a romance. The Jane Austen references, the used book store, a wonderful love story with opposites attracting and a small town atmosphere that will charm your socks off.
One of my very favorite things though was that this book sort of mimics my relationship with my husband. He had a hard time in school, reads slowly, didn't go to college, doesn't wear suits and ties, but he is very smart in other ways and has carved out a niche for himself. He's down to earth, loaded with common sense and practicality and likes things orderly. Me? Just like Anna, well I don't have a fancy degree, but books is what I do. I love used bookstores, am a huge fan of Jane Austen, can be flighty, whimsical and believe in fate and fanciful ideas, take things to heart and have a really hard time dealing with tragedy.
So, Tony's character was one I could really understand. I knew deep down he was really afraid and felt a little out of Anna' league. Anna and I could be sisters and I totally got why she needed to make this business a success, and I knew she was smart and a lot more together than the “trainwreck” Tony thought she was, and I got what she saw in those letters.
But, it was Tony's explanation of the purpose of those letters that will melt your heart. Cheers to Emma and Mr. Knightly and to Happy Ever Afters everywhere!!
Wow! This book was terrific! I have had this book in my TBR pile for awhile and it's just kept slipping down the list due to my review schedule. I had forgotten the premise of the story, so I had no idea what to expect.
Anna finally has what she has always wanted, which is to be a successful, independent businesswoman and running her own bookstore is a dream come true. Sadly, it came to her with a very high price, one she is still unable to talk about.
When the building has some electrical problems the best guy for the job is is her friend Mia's cousin Tony. The problem is that. although Anna gets along with all of Mia's other cousins, she and Tony have always been at odds with each other.
Sure enough the moment he walks into the store he begins to poke fun of reading, books, and Anna's free spirited nature. But, things get interesting when the couple inadvertently discover a packet of old letters inside a box of donated vintage books. The letters were obviously written by star crossed lovers several decades ago. Anna is so intrigued by the letters she wants to find who they belonged to. Tony is vehemently opposed to that idea, but somehow gets swept up in the whole thing anyway.
What the couple can't see about themselves. others seem to pick up on right off. However, it looks like Anna and Tony will parallel the couple in the letters by winding up star crossed themselves. But, is it possible Anna was right all along... that the letters were important, that they meant something?
This book has everything in it I could ask for in a romance. The Jane Austen references, the used book store, a wonderful love story with opposites attracting and a small town atmosphere that will charm your socks off.
One of my very favorite things though was that this book sort of mimics my relationship with my husband. He had a hard time in school, reads slowly, didn't go to college, doesn't wear suits and ties, but he is very smart in other ways and has carved out a niche for himself. He's down to earth, loaded with common sense and practicality and likes things orderly. Me? Just like Anna, well I don't have a fancy degree, but books is what I do. I love used bookstores, am a huge fan of Jane Austen, can be flighty, whimsical and believe in fate and fanciful ideas, take things to heart and have a really hard time dealing with tragedy.
So, Tony's character was one I could really understand. I knew deep down he was really afraid and felt a little out of Anna' league. Anna and I could be sisters and I totally got why she needed to make this business a success, and I knew she was smart and a lot more together than the “trainwreck” Tony thought she was, and I got what she saw in those letters.
But, it was Tony's explanation of the purpose of those letters that will melt your heart. Cheers to Emma and Mr. Knightly and to Happy Ever Afters everywhere!!
June 15, 2014
this is a cute romance. A summer read for sure. Tony struggled in school and a past romance leaves him feeling that intelligent woman do not want or think people like him are worth their time. So he stays a single man. One that is fun and easy going. a businessman and a good electrician, he sees his brothers married and realizes he is happy single. that is until he walks into the bookstore owned by Annie and she started to challenge him. Challenge she did. she found him frustrating and he found her flighty. These two were attracted to one another and yet didn't want to admit it.
tony thought Annie was to young and too flighty but loved the challenged. While working at the story a bet was made and the challenges began. Annie won but not because he wouldn't read the book but because the letters found in the book he felt deserved to be respected and were not something he should read. Annie felt they were a story and needed to be heard. This began the biggest challenge between them.
Since Tony lost the bet he had to spend saturday at the bookstore helping with kids birthday parties. He loved it and Annie began to see a different side to him but she still wanted to know the letters stories. She went poking around and Tony was annoyed by this mainly because he cared and knew the small town would lash out and she would be hurt. So to try to shield her he started on the letter adventure with her. They grew close and became friends. The attraction was there but Tony didn't act on it for he was confused by it. His mom is what pushed him over the top and began his dive into accepting the attraction. They were cute together. When they came together it was amazing and sweet. These two belonged together but things happened and they had a few misunderstandings. It took a big effort on tony's half to get her to come back to him.
A fun and sweet romance that shows you can't judge a book by its cover. A wonderful summer read.
tony thought Annie was to young and too flighty but loved the challenged. While working at the story a bet was made and the challenges began. Annie won but not because he wouldn't read the book but because the letters found in the book he felt deserved to be respected and were not something he should read. Annie felt they were a story and needed to be heard. This began the biggest challenge between them.
Since Tony lost the bet he had to spend saturday at the bookstore helping with kids birthday parties. He loved it and Annie began to see a different side to him but she still wanted to know the letters stories. She went poking around and Tony was annoyed by this mainly because he cared and knew the small town would lash out and she would be hurt. So to try to shield her he started on the letter adventure with her. They grew close and became friends. The attraction was there but Tony didn't act on it for he was confused by it. His mom is what pushed him over the top and began his dive into accepting the attraction. They were cute together. When they came together it was amazing and sweet. These two belonged together but things happened and they had a few misunderstandings. It took a big effort on tony's half to get her to come back to him.
A fun and sweet romance that shows you can't judge a book by its cover. A wonderful summer read.
March 17, 2014
Annie O'Malley and Tony Iuliano don't see eye to eye and butt heads frequently. Tony considers Annie a bit strange, attractive but definitely on the eccentric side. Annie thinks Tony is far too attractive and opinionated for his own good. "Why did her attraction to him have to be so high and her dislike of him so great?
While Tony is working to repair an electrical problem in her secondhand bookstore, a collection of love letters is found in an old book. Always one to believe in signs, Annie is determined to find the authors of these letters. "They came into this shop, my shop for a reason - it's a sign. Something like this is never random" Tony has grown up in Audubon Springs and knows what small towns and small town people are like. He is totally against her "snooping around" and is adamant that it can only bring about trouble and hurt feelings. In the midst of trying to bring two old lovers back together, the search is bringing Annie and Tony together, sometimes reluctantly. I loved Annie. Though struggling with the tragedy that brought her to Audubon Springs, she is still a positive, enthusiastic force to be reckoned with. Tony was just a big sweetheart to me. When he referred to himself as the 'dumb brother' it just about broke my heart. This was such a cute story. I didn't realize it was the second in the series but that in no way detracted from the enjoyment I received while reading about Annie and Tony. I will have to make a point of going back to read the other Iuliano brothers' stories.
While Tony is working to repair an electrical problem in her secondhand bookstore, a collection of love letters is found in an old book. Always one to believe in signs, Annie is determined to find the authors of these letters. "They came into this shop, my shop for a reason - it's a sign. Something like this is never random" Tony has grown up in Audubon Springs and knows what small towns and small town people are like. He is totally against her "snooping around" and is adamant that it can only bring about trouble and hurt feelings. In the midst of trying to bring two old lovers back together, the search is bringing Annie and Tony together, sometimes reluctantly. I loved Annie. Though struggling with the tragedy that brought her to Audubon Springs, she is still a positive, enthusiastic force to be reckoned with. Tony was just a big sweetheart to me. When he referred to himself as the 'dumb brother' it just about broke my heart. This was such a cute story. I didn't realize it was the second in the series but that in no way detracted from the enjoyment I received while reading about Annie and Tony. I will have to make a point of going back to read the other Iuliano brothers' stories.
August 6, 2016
Call me cheap but as soon as I saw this one come up as a freebie I zapped it onto my kindle and started reading and found myself enjoying it a whisker ahead of Rafe and Emma's story in Return to Audubon Springs and it was nice to touch base now and then with Rafe and Emma and see how they're faring oh and Tony and Rafe's mum too.
Now to Secondhand Romance which is Annie and Tony's story. Tony is Rafe's older brother. After a personal tragedy Annie moved to Audubon Springs two years ago and during that time she's been completely focused on setting up her secondhand bookstore (get the title).
Tony has always thought Annie a bit too flighty compared to his more serious nature. One day he's called into her shop to fix a wiring problem at precisely the same time she discovers a bunch of love letters in a local book. Of course the romantic detective in her is immediately intrigued. Tony of course knows what its like growing up in a small town where everyone knows everyone and an unspoken privacy code is in operation at all times. Anyone foolish enough to breach this code faces condemnation or ostracism. Tony is surprised at the tug of attraction and tries to warn her off advising her strongly to let sleeping dogs lie but he realises very quickly that Annie marches to her own drum. She's going to find the letter owners with or without his help.
What's a man to do? And why the hell should he care?
Real cute read.
April 17, 2018
I stumbled upon this book for free on Amazon and absolutely adored it. This was a true story of opposites attracting, and I appreciated that the characters didn't try to change each other. Annie is still reeling from her parents' death, and Tony was previously burned by an old girlfriend who went off to college and decided he wasn't educated enough.However, the two manage to move past these issues and insecurities. I loved the Jane Austen references throughout the book, and I wish I could visit Annie's bookstore. I can't wait to read the first book in this series and hope more are released soon.
April 17, 2014
Sigh. I just didn't connect with Tony and Annie as much as I did with Rafe and Emma. Don't get me wrong, it was fun to watch the eldest Iuliano finally join his brothers in deciding on that special someone. There were some fun dialogues between the brothers and of course, Marcella Iuliano is always entertaining when she's taking her sons to task. This book just didn't have as much depth in Tony and Annie's relationship. My favorite parts of this book were when I got glimpses of Rafe and Emma two years after their story ended.
Favorite line?
"Do you not understand what it means to grovel and beg?" Rafe asked. Haha! Love the relationship between these Iuliano brothers!!!
Favorite line?
"Do you not understand what it means to grovel and beg?" Rafe asked. Haha! Love the relationship between these Iuliano brothers!!!
March 17, 2014
Tony Iuliano doesn't think he has anything in common with the bookish Annie O'Malley but quickly learns that's not the case. DeFranco does a wonderful job incorporating reference to Jane Austen books and making the reader root for this wonderful couple. Tony’s a romantic without even knowing. The beach scene is wonderfully romantic and sensual. Tony can come knocking on my door any time! This is the second book in the Brothers of Audubon Springs series. I look forward to reading the next book in this wonderful series.
March 2, 2014
The sparks fly in this charming love story where conflict leads to true love. The arguing is just as passionate as the lovemaking and Annie and Tony are endearing characters who we root for as a couple. I also love the setting, a used bookstore, a beachy small-town and the use of old letters to recall long-lost love. This is my second book in this series and I will definitely be looking to read more from this talented author. She creates a perfect balance of sexy and sweet in this delightful book.
July 10, 2014
Annie O'Malley is the proprietor of a used book store. Tony Iuliano is the local electrician hired to "fix her wiring." Being opposites they clash until long lost, mysterious letters discovered in an old book bring them together. They spend quite a bit of time together trying to unravel the identities of the letters' writer and recipient.
This is a pretty predictable contemporary romance set in a fictional New Jersey shore town. I'm not going to bother reading the rest of this series but it was an ok way to spend a few hours.
This is a pretty predictable contemporary romance set in a fictional New Jersey shore town. I'm not going to bother reading the rest of this series but it was an ok way to spend a few hours.
August 3, 2016
When this popped on the free list, and being from Jersey, I had to give this a try. It was a nice light read, just what was needed after a long day. Small towns are the same all over, where everyone really does know everyone, or at least, knows someone else who does :) And whose imagination wouldn't be stirred with that mystery letter packet? Nice blend there.
October 16, 2014
A touch of mystery, a lot of humor, and a delightful small town. I enjoyed how Tony and Annie fell in love. They each have their baggage and they butt heads, but the fun and sensuality grow. I love the way the book is woven around other books and a mystery that lies literally in the middle of one secondhand book.
March 13, 2014
i got the book off amazon, and honestly expected more weird references to jane austen. was i surprised with the real characters, goof ball yes. strong weak, human. such a relief to the one dimensional characters lately. wonderfully written. iwant to know more about the both goof balls:-)
April 23, 2015
Absolutely loved it!! I am loving Roseann's writing more and more. This book has all the emotions. I especially loved the question "Mr. Knightley or Mr. Darcy" especially since I myself am a big Jane Austen fan. Can't wait to see what else happens in Audubon Springs
September 2, 2016
What a terrific story. I giggled and smiles and cheered on these characters! Can't wait to see what else this author has in store!
May 14, 2014
I was in the mood for a romantic read without a lot of darkness and this book hit the spot. I really enjoyed Tony and Annie's story and the supporting characters were absolutely fantastic.
March 17, 2014
This was a pretty good romance. I would definitely read more from this author. I enjoyed the premise, and the characters...especially Mia.
September 3, 2016
Such a cute story! LOVED Tony and Annie! Their story had me tearing up at work!
March 19, 2014
Good
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I liked the romance. Felt bad about her parents and being a only child.
really liked mia
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I liked the romance. Felt bad about her parents and being a only child.
really liked mia
March 27, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! I need to research this author, I want more!
July 24, 2016
Lovely sweet read. Perfect for a grey afternoon on the couch with a cup of tea!
April 27, 2015
Good Book
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are very likable and sweet. It has a good plot and I will look for more by this author.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are very likable and sweet. It has a good plot and I will look for more by this author.
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