What do you think?
Invitation to Eden #14
Blurring the Lines
A year has passed since Gretchen lost her fiancé, but she still can’t sleep. Or paint. And her new home in New Orleans is either haunted or she’s finally going crazy.
Her bet is on the latter.
So when her best friend, Burke, offers to sweep her away to a private luxury island for a break, she can’t say no. Maybe if she can be someone else for a few days, the ghosts of the past will quiet. At least for a little while.
Burke knows what she’s going through. She lost her fiancé, but he lost family. He gets her in a way no else can. But lately she’s noticing things she shouldn’t about her former fiancé’s younger brother—his sexy smirk, that spicy Cajun accent, and the way he looks at her when he thinks she’s not paying attention. A week alone with him? Dangerous. If she blurs the lines between them, she could ruin the only friendship that means anything to her. She could ruin it all.
But the island of Eden has its own agenda. The island knows what you need. That’s what the invitation says. She just never imagines it will grant her the one wish that could destroy them both.
Contemporary Romance with a Paranormal Twist
*Part of the Invitation to Eden multi-author series but can be read as a standalone.
Her bet is on the latter.
So when her best friend, Burke, offers to sweep her away to a private luxury island for a break, she can’t say no. Maybe if she can be someone else for a few days, the ghosts of the past will quiet. At least for a little while.
Burke knows what she’s going through. She lost her fiancé, but he lost family. He gets her in a way no else can. But lately she’s noticing things she shouldn’t about her former fiancé’s younger brother—his sexy smirk, that spicy Cajun accent, and the way he looks at her when he thinks she’s not paying attention. A week alone with him? Dangerous. If she blurs the lines between them, she could ruin the only friendship that means anything to her. She could ruin it all.
But the island of Eden has its own agenda. The island knows what you need. That’s what the invitation says. She just never imagines it will grant her the one wish that could destroy them both.
Contemporary Romance with a Paranormal Twist
*Part of the Invitation to Eden multi-author series but can be read as a standalone.
ebook
First published August 4, 2014
About the author
Roni Loren
45 books3,564 followersRoni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. She holds a master’s degree in social work and spent years as a mental health counselor, but now she writes full time from her cozy office in North Texas where she puts her characters on the therapy couch instead. She is a two-time RITA Award winner and a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 17, 2014
Oh Roni Loren, please just write, write, and write some more. I am loving seeing how each author portrays Island of Eden and how each story will play out. This was my favorite of the Invitation to Eden books yet. Burke and Gretchen were a great pair, and while I'm not sure they line up to some of my favorite characters from her other series, but it was still a great read.
BEST FRIENDS STORIES. They are the best. And Burke and Gretchen was a twist on the typical best friend to lovers stories. I enjoyed the paranormal twist that Roni Loren had to the contemporary story that is at the center of the book.
Burke is a typical Roni Loren hero, alpha to the core, and I quite adored the dynamics between him and Gretchen. I was sad to see their story end!
August 5, 2014
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BLURRING THE LINES is a step away from what I’m used to reading by Roni Loren. I was very excited to read it because of that. It’s always intriguing to see what an author will do when playing in a different genre. As with other short stories by Ms. Loren, she always manages to make me feel satisfied after reading them and BLURRING THE LINES was no exception.
I admit I have not read any other Invitation to Eden stories, so I was going in blindly to learn about this island. The fact that this story starts off at a turning point in a relationship that has a lot of back story, worked very well for me.
Burke has been in love with his best friend since they were teenagers. But one wrong move and his brother swooped in and took the girl away from him. Now that his brother died over a year ago, his fiance Gretchen is in need of comfort. And Burke might just get the chance to get the girl, finally.
Burke was the perfect alpha male that so deeply cares about his heroine he will make the ultimate sacrifice. And walk away. In a way this was a sweet second chance at love story, and I’m a sucker for those.
BLURRING THE LINES was a feel good story, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. The lure of the magical island, the slightly haunted theme and of course New Orleans. I love a good Cajun hero, so there’s that plus. I can’t wait for my next Roni Loren fix.
Favorite Quotes:
“You’re an adventurer, Mr. Burke. Don’t miss out on the kind of adventure Eden can bring you.”
“Wow, I love your accent. What is that?”
“Drunk Cajun.”
“I want to do really dirty things to you, cher.”
“And I want to let you.”
*ARC provided by author
BLURRING THE LINES is a step away from what I’m used to reading by Roni Loren. I was very excited to read it because of that. It’s always intriguing to see what an author will do when playing in a different genre. As with other short stories by Ms. Loren, she always manages to make me feel satisfied after reading them and BLURRING THE LINES was no exception.
I admit I have not read any other Invitation to Eden stories, so I was going in blindly to learn about this island. The fact that this story starts off at a turning point in a relationship that has a lot of back story, worked very well for me.
Burke has been in love with his best friend since they were teenagers. But one wrong move and his brother swooped in and took the girl away from him. Now that his brother died over a year ago, his fiance Gretchen is in need of comfort. And Burke might just get the chance to get the girl, finally.
Burke was the perfect alpha male that so deeply cares about his heroine he will make the ultimate sacrifice. And walk away. In a way this was a sweet second chance at love story, and I’m a sucker for those.
BLURRING THE LINES was a feel good story, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. The lure of the magical island, the slightly haunted theme and of course New Orleans. I love a good Cajun hero, so there’s that plus. I can’t wait for my next Roni Loren fix.
Favorite Quotes:
“You’re an adventurer, Mr. Burke. Don’t miss out on the kind of adventure Eden can bring you.”
“Wow, I love your accent. What is that?”
“Drunk Cajun.”
“I want to do really dirty things to you, cher.”
“And I want to let you.”
*ARC provided by author
December 15, 2014
Gretchen woke a year ago to find her fiancee' dead in the beside her.
Since then she feels as though there are ghosts around her all the
time. She is not sleeping well and when she does sleep she has begun
to sleep walk. When she was young she believed she could talk to
her dead father. Her Gran told her she had a gift but her mother
didn't believe and took her to doctors who then drugged her. Now
she hears noises in the house all the time and as she is alone she
begins to think maybe they are right. Burke is the younger brother
of Harris, the man that Gretchen found dead beside her. They have
been friends for years in fact Burke was her first kiss then she was
told that he had moved on to another girl. Burke has always loved
Gretchen but would not act on it because she was in love with his
brother and after Harris died he remained friends with her to help her
with the grief the both felt. He comes home from a trip to find her
asleep on the porch where the travel agency is housed. They realize she
walked there while she was asleep. He decides to take her to Eden after
he finds another invitation in his mail. They agree to go to Eden and have
a week together but remain friends when they return. Gretchen hits her
head on the plane and forgets Harris and while recovering from her
injury she sleeps with Burke. The island gives her a chance to be with
Harris again. Will she accept this chance? What will happen when Burke
finds out? This is a very complex story and had me totally baffled at how
this was gonna play out. It is a very well written book.
Since then she feels as though there are ghosts around her all the
time. She is not sleeping well and when she does sleep she has begun
to sleep walk. When she was young she believed she could talk to
her dead father. Her Gran told her she had a gift but her mother
didn't believe and took her to doctors who then drugged her. Now
she hears noises in the house all the time and as she is alone she
begins to think maybe they are right. Burke is the younger brother
of Harris, the man that Gretchen found dead beside her. They have
been friends for years in fact Burke was her first kiss then she was
told that he had moved on to another girl. Burke has always loved
Gretchen but would not act on it because she was in love with his
brother and after Harris died he remained friends with her to help her
with the grief the both felt. He comes home from a trip to find her
asleep on the porch where the travel agency is housed. They realize she
walked there while she was asleep. He decides to take her to Eden after
he finds another invitation in his mail. They agree to go to Eden and have
a week together but remain friends when they return. Gretchen hits her
head on the plane and forgets Harris and while recovering from her
injury she sleeps with Burke. The island gives her a chance to be with
Harris again. Will she accept this chance? What will happen when Burke
finds out? This is a very complex story and had me totally baffled at how
this was gonna play out. It is a very well written book.
February 10, 2014
What's that quote from some sappy romance, or something...."You make me wanna be a better man." Roni Loren makes me want to be a better writer.
There's something about cracking open a book and feeling the heat of New Orleans, hearing the creak of an old, probably haunted house, sensing the hint of spirits swirling... It's this vivid imagery coupled with her distinctive style that always let's me know I'm going to enjoy a Roni Loren novel. This book in particular was a slight departure from her regular erotic romance story line into something new, a touch darker and more mysterious.
Roni says she always wanted to write a ghost story and never got the chance. Well, cher...(wink) you've gone and done it.
Blurring the Lines is beautifully, magically written, featuring a touch of paranormal but in a way that's more comforting than scary. The island knows what you need, and both Gretchen and Burke find just what they need on Eden. This is also a classic friends-to-lovers romance, featuring two strong characters destined to be together, if only they could let go of the bond that they think connects them.
The story is paced well with tasteful yet SPICY love scenes and culminates in a satisfying ending. It's so hard to end a story and not fall into cliche... This ending makes me smile.
As always, a great read from Roni and YAY a sneak peek at the January release! Can't wait!
There's something about cracking open a book and feeling the heat of New Orleans, hearing the creak of an old, probably haunted house, sensing the hint of spirits swirling... It's this vivid imagery coupled with her distinctive style that always let's me know I'm going to enjoy a Roni Loren novel. This book in particular was a slight departure from her regular erotic romance story line into something new, a touch darker and more mysterious.
Roni says she always wanted to write a ghost story and never got the chance. Well, cher...(wink) you've gone and done it.
Blurring the Lines is beautifully, magically written, featuring a touch of paranormal but in a way that's more comforting than scary. The island knows what you need, and both Gretchen and Burke find just what they need on Eden. This is also a classic friends-to-lovers romance, featuring two strong characters destined to be together, if only they could let go of the bond that they think connects them.
The story is paced well with tasteful yet SPICY love scenes and culminates in a satisfying ending. It's so hard to end a story and not fall into cliche... This ending makes me smile.
As always, a great read from Roni and YAY a sneak peek at the January release! Can't wait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2020
I haven’t read any of the other books in this multi-author series, but I’ve enjoyed Roni Loren before so I wanted to test my not-usually-a-PNR-person limits. This turned out to be a great one to do that with. It’s on the shorter end like a category romance. With that in mind, the ending did feel rushed after a very interesting and angsty build up, but that’s really my only complaint about this book.
I think the way grief is handled with the paranormal backdrop is fascinating. In most romances that handle grief, the story is focused on the finality of death and how the characters can move forward with that as reality. So what happens if your grief-related memories are removed? Or what if you had the chance to reunite with the person you lost? What if the new person you’re falling in love with is grieving the same thing? The supernatural elements give Loren a chance to play with all of those things and it really worked for me. I do wish there were a couple thousand more words to really move the characters forward from the emotional climax to the resolution. It felt like we sort of jumped over that puddle out of necessity, but I’m just always going to wish for it.
And of course there’s some sexy sex scenes and quippy banter, if you’re into that sort of thing. This is an unusual one, but if you’re interested in grief themes I recommend giving this one a go.
CW: grief/loss, suicide, character suffers apparent head injury/memory loss
I think the way grief is handled with the paranormal backdrop is fascinating. In most romances that handle grief, the story is focused on the finality of death and how the characters can move forward with that as reality. So what happens if your grief-related memories are removed? Or what if you had the chance to reunite with the person you lost? What if the new person you’re falling in love with is grieving the same thing? The supernatural elements give Loren a chance to play with all of those things and it really worked for me. I do wish there were a couple thousand more words to really move the characters forward from the emotional climax to the resolution. It felt like we sort of jumped over that puddle out of necessity, but I’m just always going to wish for it.
And of course there’s some sexy sex scenes and quippy banter, if you’re into that sort of thing. This is an unusual one, but if you’re interested in grief themes I recommend giving this one a go.
CW: grief/loss, suicide, character suffers apparent head injury/memory loss
May 17, 2020
Yes I do like my lines blurred in romance, thank you very much-
Both hero and heroine are best friends, but the heroine was engaged to the hero's late brother, and hero has always been in love with her?? I LOVE this song.
Still $0.99 on Amazon!
Both hero and heroine are best friends, but the heroine was engaged to the hero's late brother, and hero has always been in love with her?? I LOVE this song.
Still $0.99 on Amazon!
Read
March 22, 2020Another great read!
This author is one of my favorites! Love the characters and twisty plot lines in this book! Read it in one setting bc I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next!
This author is one of my favorites! Love the characters and twisty plot lines in this book! Read it in one setting bc I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next!
November 17, 2017
3.5 stars
March 10, 2018
This was a great book. Make sure you have tissues handy.
May 22, 2023
steamy and a little sad too
I love Roni Loren’s writing. This one for me is steamy, for sure, but also a little sad. It’s worth the read and gives a much needed HEA.
I love Roni Loren’s writing. This one for me is steamy, for sure, but also a little sad. It’s worth the read and gives a much needed HEA.
July 28, 2024
The spice was decent and good for how short storyline was. I like the "blurred lines" of the story. This is probably why I wanted more than I got from this book.
March 28, 2015
*Purchased and read as part of THE BAD BOYS OF EDEN: Billionaires, Alphas, Bikers, and Doms Boxed Set.
Blurring the Lines by Roni Loren
Invitation to Eden #14
Read: March 16
Tags: Contemporary, PNR elements, Erotic Romance, M/F, Friends to Lovers, Ghosts
Length: 15 Chapters + Epilogue
Two people bound by a tragic loss. When Burke invites Gretchen to accompany him on a mini-vacation, the trip reveals more than just hidden feelings. The journey brings up a ghost from the past, literally. At the end, who will she choose?
Blurring the Lines was particularly heart-breaking because of the heroine's pain over being the one to find Harris, her late fiance, after he'd committed suicide. The anger, sadness, betrayal and feelings of inadequacy were all realistic, and I felt like I understood Gretchen's frame of mind. The paranormal elements of the story were befitting of the locations, both New Orleans and Eden.
I loved Gretchen and Burke as a (blooming) couple. It wasn't a stretch to picture them together considering their long history. the brothers Harris and Burke had known her since they were children. Though Burke had had a crush on Gretchen, she'd only seen him as a friend and eventually ended up with Harris. After Harris' death, Burke had made it his duty to look out for her, mainly by indulging her eagerness for his stories of adventure and his conquests. Even though she wasn't blind in noticing the way Burke looked at her now, the last thing she wanted to do was risk their friendship for a brief fling.
Burke, ugh, I adored him! The way he always tried to make Gretchen smile and take care of her without crowding her made him so endearing and sexy. The blooming romance came about naturally from the foundation of their friendship and close proximity on the island and some thus far hidden sexual attraction. I really enjoyed their communication skills and cheeky teasing. I think all of those things gave her the confidence she needed to assert herself when faced with a major decision at the end. The love scenes, when they happened, were hot! Burke was one fine lover.
Interestingly, the story was told from alternating POVs. Gretchen's was in the first person and Burke's in the third person. I don't recall ever noticing other stories being told this way, but the story still had a good flow and the switch-ups weren't confusing or tedious. this was my first time reading anything by this author, and after this, I'd definitely read more of her books.
Blurring the Lines by Roni Loren
Invitation to Eden #14
Read: March 16
Tags: Contemporary, PNR elements, Erotic Romance, M/F, Friends to Lovers, Ghosts
Length: 15 Chapters + Epilogue
Two people bound by a tragic loss. When Burke invites Gretchen to accompany him on a mini-vacation, the trip reveals more than just hidden feelings. The journey brings up a ghost from the past, literally. At the end, who will she choose?
Blurring the Lines was particularly heart-breaking because of the heroine's pain over being the one to find Harris, her late fiance, after he'd committed suicide. The anger, sadness, betrayal and feelings of inadequacy were all realistic, and I felt like I understood Gretchen's frame of mind. The paranormal elements of the story were befitting of the locations, both New Orleans and Eden.
I loved Gretchen and Burke as a (blooming) couple. It wasn't a stretch to picture them together considering their long history. the brothers Harris and Burke had known her since they were children. Though Burke had had a crush on Gretchen, she'd only seen him as a friend and eventually ended up with Harris. After Harris' death, Burke had made it his duty to look out for her, mainly by indulging her eagerness for his stories of adventure and his conquests. Even though she wasn't blind in noticing the way Burke looked at her now, the last thing she wanted to do was risk their friendship for a brief fling.
Burke, ugh, I adored him! The way he always tried to make Gretchen smile and take care of her without crowding her made him so endearing and sexy. The blooming romance came about naturally from the foundation of their friendship and close proximity on the island and some thus far hidden sexual attraction. I really enjoyed their communication skills and cheeky teasing. I think all of those things gave her the confidence she needed to assert herself when faced with a major decision at the end. The love scenes, when they happened, were hot! Burke was one fine lover.
Interestingly, the story was told from alternating POVs. Gretchen's was in the first person and Burke's in the third person. I don't recall ever noticing other stories being told this way, but the story still had a good flow and the switch-ups weren't confusing or tedious. this was my first time reading anything by this author, and after this, I'd definitely read more of her books.
October 3, 2014
BLURRING THE LINES is a step away from what I'm used to reading by Roni Loren. I was very excited to read it because of that. It's always intriguing to see what an author will do when playing in a different genre. As with other short stories by Ms. Loren, she always manages to make me feel satisfied after reading them and BLURRING THE LINES was no exception.
I admit I have not read any other Invitation to Eden stories, so I was going in blindly to learn about this island. The fact that this story starts off at a turning point in a relationship that has a lot of back story, worked very well for me.
Burke has been in love with his best friend since they were teenagers. But one wrong move and his brother swooped in and took the girl away from him. Now that his brother died over a year ago, his fiance Gretchen is in need of comfort. And Burke might just get the chance to get the girl, finally.
Burke was the perfect alpha male that so deeply cares about his heroine he will make the ultimate sacrifice. And walk away. In a way this was a sweet second chance at love story, and I'm a sucker for those.
BLURRING THE LINES was a feel good story, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. The lure of the magical island, the slightly haunted theme and of course New Orleans. I love a good Cajun hero, so there's that plus. I can't wait for my next Roni Loren fix.
Favorite Quotes:
"You're an adventurer, Mr. Burke. Don't miss out on the kind of adventure Eden can bring you."
"Wow, I love your accent. What is that?"
"Drunk Cajun."
"I want to do really dirty things to you, cher."
"And I want to let you."
*ARC provided by author
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June 27, 2014
Just like Roni hasn't written a ghost story book, i really never read a ghost story or paranormal story. I never thought they would interest me. But I love Roni Loren so I was going to read this book regardless of the story line. She has yet to disappoint me with her writing. I can be honest that I really enjoyed this story.
Without expectations set before reading, I did not know how a typical ghost story would play out. This one I enjoyed and kept the desire to continue and see where it lead. The main characters had a conflict to overcome and the ghost was naturally and subtly a part of the solution. There was nothing really odd or outstanding about the ghost or the actions of the ghost. I found the story to be natural and honest, real and believable. I could relate and maybe that's why I enjoyed this story.
Burke and Gretchen have been friends since their childhood. They shared a first kiss together. Harris, Burke's older brother also liked Gretchen. Burke backed away to allow his brother to be happy. Years later, many life turns and twists and Gretchen and Burke stayed friends. Now she needs him to be more than a friend. He is the only one she can count on but can his feelings for her be put aside to give her what she needs to survive this life changing event? And how does Harris make her healing more difficult. Can she listen to her heart?
Roni has written another fabulous book. I loved this story. It was different from her other writing but I could see a little of her Loving on the Edge series sprinkled in this story. I enjoyed the conflict and resolution and the simple yet passionate affection between the characters. I loved the appearance of her grandma who helped her resolve her thoughts and confusion. Overall great story, fun read. So glad Roni tried something different. I enjoyed it!
Without expectations set before reading, I did not know how a typical ghost story would play out. This one I enjoyed and kept the desire to continue and see where it lead. The main characters had a conflict to overcome and the ghost was naturally and subtly a part of the solution. There was nothing really odd or outstanding about the ghost or the actions of the ghost. I found the story to be natural and honest, real and believable. I could relate and maybe that's why I enjoyed this story.
Burke and Gretchen have been friends since their childhood. They shared a first kiss together. Harris, Burke's older brother also liked Gretchen. Burke backed away to allow his brother to be happy. Years later, many life turns and twists and Gretchen and Burke stayed friends. Now she needs him to be more than a friend. He is the only one she can count on but can his feelings for her be put aside to give her what she needs to survive this life changing event? And how does Harris make her healing more difficult. Can she listen to her heart?
Roni has written another fabulous book. I loved this story. It was different from her other writing but I could see a little of her Loving on the Edge series sprinkled in this story. I enjoyed the conflict and resolution and the simple yet passionate affection between the characters. I loved the appearance of her grandma who helped her resolve her thoughts and confusion. Overall great story, fun read. So glad Roni tried something different. I enjoyed it!
August 12, 2014
I've been following Roni Loren for some time, enjoying her books more in spite of than because of their usual sub-genre (BDSM erotic romance). A former social worker, Loren creates engaging and three-dimensional characters and delves into their problems and their pasts. Combining that sort of realism with the HEA of romance makes for an uplifting as well as an enjoyable reading experience.
This short novel is the third time Loren has ventured outside (if slightly outside) her usual subject matter. The first time was her short story (or was it a novella?) "Nice Girls Don't Ride" in Riding Desire: Alpha Bad Boy Bikers; the second, her short story "Two in the Morning" in Fifty First Times: A New Adult Anthology. I was delighted to see her expanding her horizons, and I'm similarly pleased this time.
Blurring the Lines is part of the multi-author series Invitation to Eden. The books share a setting: an island which, in some paranormal way, can provide what characters want or need. Loren makes use of this premise in a particularly inventive and psychologically interesting way. As always, I cared about her characters, found their false steps frustrating, and rejoiced in the resolution of their difficulties.
The book did have a couple of essentially extraneous references to BDSM. Despite these threads of what may be an authorial security blanket, I hope Loren will continue to experiment. Indeed, I hope that she will eventually try moving outside erotic romance into the more general romance category. Her stories don't need hot clinches and blunt words to move us.
This short novel is the third time Loren has ventured outside (if slightly outside) her usual subject matter. The first time was her short story (or was it a novella?) "Nice Girls Don't Ride" in Riding Desire: Alpha Bad Boy Bikers; the second, her short story "Two in the Morning" in Fifty First Times: A New Adult Anthology. I was delighted to see her expanding her horizons, and I'm similarly pleased this time.
Blurring the Lines is part of the multi-author series Invitation to Eden. The books share a setting: an island which, in some paranormal way, can provide what characters want or need. Loren makes use of this premise in a particularly inventive and psychologically interesting way. As always, I cared about her characters, found their false steps frustrating, and rejoiced in the resolution of their difficulties.
The book did have a couple of essentially extraneous references to BDSM. Despite these threads of what may be an authorial security blanket, I hope Loren will continue to experiment. Indeed, I hope that she will eventually try moving outside erotic romance into the more general romance category. Her stories don't need hot clinches and blunt words to move us.
August 11, 2014
"The island knows what you need..." each novella by a different erotic romance writer, all set on Fantasy Island, er, Eden.
I'm a big fan of Roni Loren's work, although most of it is set in the BDSM world, and there's only so many floggers and nipple clamps I can handle, no matter how well-written. So I was excited to receive a free e-copy of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review. Dove in right away.
However, I started trying to read it a few days after Robin Williams' suicide, and this opens with Gretchen reliving her boyfriend's apparent suicide. For me, this was hugely triggering and upsetting, and I had to let some time pass before I could read it more objectively. YMMV. Those passages are beautifully written, and I could totally empathize with Gretchen and her struggle to understand the WHY and the pain of it.
She does have Burke to help her; Burke, her teen crush, her male BFF, and her dead boyfriend's BROTHER. And he's never stopped being in love with her.
Makes for an unusual love triangle, but the ending is totally satisfactory.
The beginning seemed a little slow, heavy with backstory, but that may just be my perception since I was so weirded out by the suicide. Once Gretchen and Burke are on the island, things really MOVE, in expected and unexpected ways. Overall, I enjoyed it and can recommend it as a quick, sexy, fun read with just enough island magic.
I'm a big fan of Roni Loren's work, although most of it is set in the BDSM world, and there's only so many floggers and nipple clamps I can handle, no matter how well-written. So I was excited to receive a free e-copy of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review. Dove in right away.
However, I started trying to read it a few days after Robin Williams' suicide, and this opens with Gretchen reliving her boyfriend's apparent suicide. For me, this was hugely triggering and upsetting, and I had to let some time pass before I could read it more objectively. YMMV. Those passages are beautifully written, and I could totally empathize with Gretchen and her struggle to understand the WHY and the pain of it.
She does have Burke to help her; Burke, her teen crush, her male BFF, and her dead boyfriend's BROTHER. And he's never stopped being in love with her.
Makes for an unusual love triangle, but the ending is totally satisfactory.
The beginning seemed a little slow, heavy with backstory, but that may just be my perception since I was so weirded out by the suicide. Once Gretchen and Burke are on the island, things really MOVE, in expected and unexpected ways. Overall, I enjoyed it and can recommend it as a quick, sexy, fun read with just enough island magic.
June 15, 2015
Can be read as a stand-alone; no cliffhanger!
This is the first book I’ve read by Roni Loren that wasn’t a part of her Loving on the Edge series so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. There’s not as much heat in this story as in the LONTE ones, and there’s a bit of a paranormal twist to it, but I really liked this story a lot.
Friends to Lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes and this one is that kind of story with a twist; Burke is Gretchen’s best friend but he was also her fiancé’s brother.
Gretchen is having trouble sleeping, she can’t paint and she’s sleepwalking; something she hasn’t done since she was a child. Burke wants to help her but he doesn’t know how. When he gets an invitation to Eden he decides to take Gretchen there.
This is a complex and engaging story. Once I started it I couldn’t put it down.
I purchased this book as part of THE BAD BOYS OF EDEN: Billionaires, Alphas, Bikers, and Doms Boxed Set.
This is the first book I’ve read by Roni Loren that wasn’t a part of her Loving on the Edge series so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. There’s not as much heat in this story as in the LONTE ones, and there’s a bit of a paranormal twist to it, but I really liked this story a lot.
Friends to Lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes and this one is that kind of story with a twist; Burke is Gretchen’s best friend but he was also her fiancé’s brother.
Gretchen is having trouble sleeping, she can’t paint and she’s sleepwalking; something she hasn’t done since she was a child. Burke wants to help her but he doesn’t know how. When he gets an invitation to Eden he decides to take Gretchen there.
This is a complex and engaging story. Once I started it I couldn’t put it down.
I purchased this book as part of THE BAD BOYS OF EDEN: Billionaires, Alphas, Bikers, and Doms Boxed Set.
September 12, 2014
Roni never disappoints and she doesn't in this book 5 stars
Gretchen has been friends with Burke a long time but its his brother Harris she agrees to marry and move to New York so when he dies she has to go back to New Orleans and a yr of greaving he tries to help but she can't get through it.
Burke gets another Invite to Eden this is the 3rd but he didn't take up the offer but now he thinks Gretchen could do with a change of scenery all doesn't go as planned.
Gretchen has a gift if she can only think, her gran had the gift and so has she she can get closure from the past if she chooses
Gretchen has been friends with Burke a long time but its his brother Harris she agrees to marry and move to New York so when he dies she has to go back to New Orleans and a yr of greaving he tries to help but she can't get through it.
Burke gets another Invite to Eden this is the 3rd but he didn't take up the offer but now he thinks Gretchen could do with a change of scenery all doesn't go as planned.
Gretchen has a gift if she can only think, her gran had the gift and so has she she can get closure from the past if she chooses
December 29, 2015
It's short and really good. There are ghost, it's very sexy and an island that has magic.
Gretchen lost her fiancé and has been grieving his loss. Burke is her best friend and her fiancé's brother. Lias are uncovered and choices must be made.
A really cute story. I wanted a little bit of more emotion that would make me tear up but overall I enjoyed it. I would recommend it. This could be read in one sitting if you have the time.
Gretchen lost her fiancé and has been grieving his loss. Burke is her best friend and her fiancé's brother. Lias are uncovered and choices must be made.
A really cute story. I wanted a little bit of more emotion that would make me tear up but overall I enjoyed it. I would recommend it. This could be read in one sitting if you have the time.
June 12, 2015
I didn't think I was going to be happy with this book at first because the first few pages tugged my heartstrings when I imagined the loss of my own husband.. But it was so well written and the focus didn't stay on the loss, so I quickly got over it.. I really loved the ending to this book, it wrapped everything up nicely. I definitely recommend this as a read.
March 29, 2015
Burke & Gretchen had to go through a lot to be together. I was so happy she didn't pick Harris in Eden. I am just glad that her and Burke finally got what both of them deserve, and that was each other.
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August 24, 2014Short, sweet, and a little bit eerie -- definitely interesting to see Roni Loren writing something a little bit different! I think she did a great job tackling the paranormal romance.
March 10, 2015
dnf once I read the scenario and the first paragraph, not my type of story at all
March 20, 2015
The beginning was a little boring and drug on, but the ending rocked. However, due to the beginning, I had to give it 3 stars.
April 1, 2015
I like Loren's writing, but this contemporary story with the paranormal twist wasn't really my cuppa tea.
October 20, 2016
Interesting short story set in the fictional vacation site known as Eden. Part of the Invitation to Eden anthology.
Love Roni Loren and this novella is a good one!
Love Roni Loren and this novella is a good one!
June 15, 2017
I believe I saw this a while ago and also took me out of my reading slump. Love revisiting it when there's a lull in finding authors I like because it's good and it's a wonderful novella.
May 31, 2015
great story.
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February 14, 2019Unexpectedly a ghost story. Not my thing.
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