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Dare River #1
Country Heaven
Librarian's Note: Alternate-cover edition for ASIN B00IC867FYM
A down-on-her luck cook uses food’s magical properties to tame a beastly country singer after he hires her under false pretenses to restore his image.
When famous—and infamous—country singer Rye Crenshaw saunters into the diner where she cooks, Tory Simmons is certain she’s got him pegged. He’s a bad boy who indulges himself in all things, women included. But while she couldn’t care less about country music or arrogant men, Rye makes her an offer she can’t refuse when he asks her to be his private chef on his multi-city concert tour. The job is the answer to all her prayers: it will clear out her debt and finance the fresh start she desperately needs.
Rye is certain his sassy new cook is the last woman who’d ever tempt him, but spending time with the wholesome girl next door will do wonders for his damaged public image, whether she likes being forced into the spotlight or not. Her food also happens to be the best he’s ever eaten, both comforting and seductive. But spending time with Tory on the road shows him a new side to her—one that’s as impossible to resist as her food. And when an emergency in his family whisks him home, he does the one thing he’s never risked: he lets a woman into his heart…
Soon the emotions Rye faked for the tabloids become all too real, but will the country heaven he’s found in Tory’s arms survive in the real world?
A down-on-her luck cook uses food’s magical properties to tame a beastly country singer after he hires her under false pretenses to restore his image.
When famous—and infamous—country singer Rye Crenshaw saunters into the diner where she cooks, Tory Simmons is certain she’s got him pegged. He’s a bad boy who indulges himself in all things, women included. But while she couldn’t care less about country music or arrogant men, Rye makes her an offer she can’t refuse when he asks her to be his private chef on his multi-city concert tour. The job is the answer to all her prayers: it will clear out her debt and finance the fresh start she desperately needs.
Rye is certain his sassy new cook is the last woman who’d ever tempt him, but spending time with the wholesome girl next door will do wonders for his damaged public image, whether she likes being forced into the spotlight or not. Her food also happens to be the best he’s ever eaten, both comforting and seductive. But spending time with Tory on the road shows him a new side to her—one that’s as impossible to resist as her food. And when an emergency in his family whisks him home, he does the one thing he’s never risked: he lets a woman into his heart…
Soon the emotions Rye faked for the tabloids become all too real, but will the country heaven he’s found in Tory’s arms survive in the real world?
319 pages, ebook
First published February 8, 2014
8564 people are currently reading
7094 people want to read
About the author
Ava Miles
96 books1,143 followersMillions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
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May 1, 2014
Country Heaven is book one in the Dare River series by Ava Miles. This is one of those books that five stars just isn’t enough. Don’t you love it when that book comes along that fulfills all of your book needs?! I was the daughter of a career musician and am the mother of a career musician so this mixture of music, cooking, and romance was perfect for me.
Rye Crenshaw is a huge country music star that has built himself up as a bad boy to help sell his albums. He lives the life most dream of with an endless supply of any woman he might want. But, he and his team work very hard to keep his past private. He has just begun a whirlwind tour and his cook quit. Good food is very important to Rye. So one night after a concert, he borrows a car and finds a local greasy diner in hopes of finding a good meal. Instead, he finds Tory Simmons.
If there is one thing in this world Tory Simmons can do, that is cook. Her Grandmother instilled in her a love for all things food related. A good meal can tame just about anyone or anything. But, Tory is now alone. She lost her own parents when she was young and recently lost her Grandparents as well. Now, she is trying to fulfill her Grandmother’s wish by getting her education. But along with that education comes student loans. Plus all the hospital bills from her Grandparents’ illnesses. And there is a house in need of many costly repairs. When Rye Crenshaw walked into the diner that night, she knew right away what type of guy he was. But, when he offered her the job of a lifetime, a summer as his private cook touring with his band, with a paycheck that would alleviate all of her financial worries, she could not turn him down.
“She’d made a pact with a devil-a crazy devil-and now, she’d have to cook for him in country hell. What had she gotten herself into?”
As these two spent time together, they first developed a friendship. Tory kept Rye’s taste buds in heaven. And the daily banter is something they both looked forward to. There was a definite attraction between them but would taking that step be a mistake?
“We’ve become…close, haven’t we? And I think you’re about as lovely as sunlight kissing the leaves of a birch tree in autumn.”
When Rye gets a call from his sister informing him that his Daddy has had a heart attack, he knows he has to go home. But he can’t do it alone. So Tory goes with him, not realizing that she would become a part of this family’s long buried pain and heartache. But with her delicious cooking, and kind ways, she helps Rye to heal some of the past pain.
But, they agreed that this position was just for the summer. That when it was over, it was over. There is also someone in their midst that is leaking information to the press, private information that only a few people know. Rye knew Tory’s financial situation. Could she need money so badly that she could be selling information to the tabloids?
This book was perfect in every way. I thought of nothing else until I turned the last page. The characters all quickly established their places in my heart. There are several recipes of Tory’s incorporated into the book and lots of lyrics of Rye’s songs. And, there is a companion cookbook you can purchase that has the recipes from this book and several more that I can’t wait to try. This book is truly a gem and if you enjoy romance, music or cooking, this book is most definitely for you!
Rye Crenshaw is a huge country music star that has built himself up as a bad boy to help sell his albums. He lives the life most dream of with an endless supply of any woman he might want. But, he and his team work very hard to keep his past private. He has just begun a whirlwind tour and his cook quit. Good food is very important to Rye. So one night after a concert, he borrows a car and finds a local greasy diner in hopes of finding a good meal. Instead, he finds Tory Simmons.
If there is one thing in this world Tory Simmons can do, that is cook. Her Grandmother instilled in her a love for all things food related. A good meal can tame just about anyone or anything. But, Tory is now alone. She lost her own parents when she was young and recently lost her Grandparents as well. Now, she is trying to fulfill her Grandmother’s wish by getting her education. But along with that education comes student loans. Plus all the hospital bills from her Grandparents’ illnesses. And there is a house in need of many costly repairs. When Rye Crenshaw walked into the diner that night, she knew right away what type of guy he was. But, when he offered her the job of a lifetime, a summer as his private cook touring with his band, with a paycheck that would alleviate all of her financial worries, she could not turn him down.
“She’d made a pact with a devil-a crazy devil-and now, she’d have to cook for him in country hell. What had she gotten herself into?”
As these two spent time together, they first developed a friendship. Tory kept Rye’s taste buds in heaven. And the daily banter is something they both looked forward to. There was a definite attraction between them but would taking that step be a mistake?
“We’ve become…close, haven’t we? And I think you’re about as lovely as sunlight kissing the leaves of a birch tree in autumn.”
When Rye gets a call from his sister informing him that his Daddy has had a heart attack, he knows he has to go home. But he can’t do it alone. So Tory goes with him, not realizing that she would become a part of this family’s long buried pain and heartache. But with her delicious cooking, and kind ways, she helps Rye to heal some of the past pain.
But, they agreed that this position was just for the summer. That when it was over, it was over. There is also someone in their midst that is leaking information to the press, private information that only a few people know. Rye knew Tory’s financial situation. Could she need money so badly that she could be selling information to the tabloids?
This book was perfect in every way. I thought of nothing else until I turned the last page. The characters all quickly established their places in my heart. There are several recipes of Tory’s incorporated into the book and lots of lyrics of Rye’s songs. And, there is a companion cookbook you can purchase that has the recipes from this book and several more that I can’t wait to try. This book is truly a gem and if you enjoy romance, music or cooking, this book is most definitely for you!
October 30, 2017
At 25% I just can't take any more. I think my eph (eye-rolls per hour) was measurable in dozens, starting right at the front. I mean, I'm not into the country music scene at all but I can't imagine that a confrontation with a blow-hard whiner-baby squealing about "family-values" would really have the power to hurt a country bad-boy's career. How incompetent are his image people if they can't get ahead of a single stupid story with a thoroughly unpleasant source? Oh, and that's before concocting the genius plan to use Tory as a palliative to "fix" his image (whatever he's paying his image people, it's too much). And who, knowing they want to use a nice girl to fix their image with the family-values crowd then greets her in a hot tub with a nekkid blonde attached to his chest?!?
What it comes down to is that I have no respect for these people. Rye is an idiot trying to impress a homebody with off-roading and bull riding and Tory is a hard-luck case using her culinary skills in amateur mind-control experiments. Actually, I kind of liked the meditations on mood alteration through good cooking, but with everything else already breaking my suspension of disbelief, this one just felt like every other bit of tacky nonsense. Sad, really.
Also, if you start your chapters with country song lyrics, maybe one that uses "obligations" fifteen times isn't one that's going to sound, er, authentic*...
* Just for kicks, I found a site where I could search "classic country lyrics". A search on "love" produced 7,791 results. "Truck" had 126. Obligation had 8. And all 8 had the word once, and about half were forms of "obliged".
What it comes down to is that I have no respect for these people. Rye is an idiot trying to impress a homebody with off-roading and bull riding and Tory is a hard-luck case using her culinary skills in amateur mind-control experiments. Actually, I kind of liked the meditations on mood alteration through good cooking, but with everything else already breaking my suspension of disbelief, this one just felt like every other bit of tacky nonsense. Sad, really.
Also, if you start your chapters with country song lyrics, maybe one that uses "obligations" fifteen times isn't one that's going to sound, er, authentic*...
* Just for kicks, I found a site where I could search "classic country lyrics". A search on "love" produced 7,791 results. "Truck" had 126. Obligation had 8. And all 8 had the word once, and about half were forms of "obliged".
December 21, 2024
Why didn't I read this before? It's such a beautiful and heartwarming story I couldn't help but fall in love with all the characters, the setting and whatnot.💕
Rye is known for his bad boy charm with women, but Tory has no interest in that at all. He's fine with that because she's a great cook and he loves to eat. However, the real drama unfolds when he returns to his fractured family, revealing a more complex side of the musician. As Tory grows increasingly protective of him, and he reciprocates, their bond intensifies, sparking a deeper attraction between them.
I loved Tory so so much. She never left her ground and stayed unaffected by his fame or charisma. She's a strong FMC focused on her own ambitions, intelligence, and independence.
I really admired her greatly. At first, I didn't like Rye's player personality but my fondness for him grew, particularly as he stepped up for his family in their time of need.
The writing is captivating and the setting really captured me. I loved how the author intertwined lyrics and recipes(I live for music and food so this was a win-win for me 😙💗)with chapters.
Highly recommend this. Can't wait to read the other parts of this series.
Thank you so much @hambrightpr and @avamiles for the book 💕
Rye is known for his bad boy charm with women, but Tory has no interest in that at all. He's fine with that because she's a great cook and he loves to eat. However, the real drama unfolds when he returns to his fractured family, revealing a more complex side of the musician. As Tory grows increasingly protective of him, and he reciprocates, their bond intensifies, sparking a deeper attraction between them.
I loved Tory so so much. She never left her ground and stayed unaffected by his fame or charisma. She's a strong FMC focused on her own ambitions, intelligence, and independence.
I really admired her greatly. At first, I didn't like Rye's player personality but my fondness for him grew, particularly as he stepped up for his family in their time of need.
The writing is captivating and the setting really captured me. I loved how the author intertwined lyrics and recipes(I live for music and food so this was a win-win for me 😙💗)with chapters.
Highly recommend this. Can't wait to read the other parts of this series.
Thank you so much @hambrightpr and @avamiles for the book 💕
September 6, 2016
Originally posted at The Book Nympho
Have you ever had one of those books where you don't want to put it down but you also don't want it to end? That's they way this story was for me.
The setup
Rye Crenshaw, famous country music singer, was the darling bad boy to his fans until a huge misunderstanding put him on the wrong side of media attention. He's on tour, floundering and happens by a recommended local diner in Kansas where Tory Simmons was the cook. She's struggling to make ends meet following the death of her grandfather so when Rye offers her a job as his personal chef for the remainder of the tour (for an amount she can't refuse), she signs on.
The story
Rye's got a bit of a reputation as a ladies man and Tory wants no part of that action. He's fine with that because she's a great cook and he loves to eat. It's when he has to go home and deal with his estranged family that things really get interesting. Tory sees a different side of the singer, a man of depth and substance. As she becomes protectful of him and he of her, their attraction to each other deepens.
What I loved about the story
Everything. The characters, including the secondary players, were interesting, layered and always true to their design. I really liked Rye and Tory and was rooting for them to stay apart until it started making sense for them to be drawn to one another. Wouldn't you know the story transitioned their relationship just when it felt right! I don't like "players" and Tory had less tolerance than me. She was never swept away by his fame or charm, having her own goals, smarts and independence. I liked her a lot and appreciated how she made him step up. I came to adore him, especially when he rose to the occasion when his family needed him. The story was compelling (can't give you details) as his family defines dysfunction.
And another thing!
There are song lyrics and recipes as companions to each chapter, not inserted gratuitously but meshing seamlessly with the storyline. I loved them and plan to try out some of those dishes. If I hadn't been so carried away by the story I might have stopped to try them out. The lyrics were exceptional and they helped paint Rye as a true musician.
The bottom line
Can you tell I loved this story? The romance, family dynamics and friendships all work. Rye and Tory are delightful as individual characters and as a couple. She demands more from him and is always respectful of herself. Rye is a better man because of her and he wasn't that bad. I laughed, cried, got angry, swooned...experienced a full range of emotions. I am dying to read the next book because I gobbled up this winner!
(I received an ARC from the author)
Have you ever had one of those books where you don't want to put it down but you also don't want it to end? That's they way this story was for me.
The setup
Rye Crenshaw, famous country music singer, was the darling bad boy to his fans until a huge misunderstanding put him on the wrong side of media attention. He's on tour, floundering and happens by a recommended local diner in Kansas where Tory Simmons was the cook. She's struggling to make ends meet following the death of her grandfather so when Rye offers her a job as his personal chef for the remainder of the tour (for an amount she can't refuse), she signs on.
The story
Rye's got a bit of a reputation as a ladies man and Tory wants no part of that action. He's fine with that because she's a great cook and he loves to eat. It's when he has to go home and deal with his estranged family that things really get interesting. Tory sees a different side of the singer, a man of depth and substance. As she becomes protectful of him and he of her, their attraction to each other deepens.
What I loved about the story
Everything. The characters, including the secondary players, were interesting, layered and always true to their design. I really liked Rye and Tory and was rooting for them to stay apart until it started making sense for them to be drawn to one another. Wouldn't you know the story transitioned their relationship just when it felt right! I don't like "players" and Tory had less tolerance than me. She was never swept away by his fame or charm, having her own goals, smarts and independence. I liked her a lot and appreciated how she made him step up. I came to adore him, especially when he rose to the occasion when his family needed him. The story was compelling (can't give you details) as his family defines dysfunction.
And another thing!
There are song lyrics and recipes as companions to each chapter, not inserted gratuitously but meshing seamlessly with the storyline. I loved them and plan to try out some of those dishes. If I hadn't been so carried away by the story I might have stopped to try them out. The lyrics were exceptional and they helped paint Rye as a true musician.
The bottom line
Can you tell I loved this story? The romance, family dynamics and friendships all work. Rye and Tory are delightful as individual characters and as a couple. She demands more from him and is always respectful of herself. Rye is a better man because of her and he wasn't that bad. I laughed, cried, got angry, swooned...experienced a full range of emotions. I am dying to read the next book because I gobbled up this winner!
(I received an ARC from the author)
May 31, 2015
4.5 Country Singing Stars
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was surprised because it was free. I loved the characters and found it easy to connect with each one.
The heroine was strong and stuck to her morals and beliefs, while teaching all the rest of the characters what it means to be a family and love.
Such a heartfelt book full of action and lessons to be learned!
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was surprised because it was free. I loved the characters and found it easy to connect with each one.
The heroine was strong and stuck to her morals and beliefs, while teaching all the rest of the characters what it means to be a family and love.
Such a heartfelt book full of action and lessons to be learned!
April 3, 2019
.
The characters were opposites: Rye the bad-boy country singer and Toni, the struggling college student. But these two young adults were quickly attracted each without much effort. Their chemistry was compelling and captivating. This is a well-written saga, with unique obstacles. The twists and turns presented in the circumstances of this journey transform the hero's life in ways he never conceived possible.
To borrow a paraphrase from the Wedding Planner:
'They appreciated each other. Then the appreciation grew to respect. Respect grew to like. Then like grew to love. A deeper love than they could ever hope for.' The depth of the story just might surprise you. The story included a realistic premise, believable characters, and a happy conclusion.
Those who actually prefer steamy to clean and sweet might not view it as flawed. Due to this aspect, I recommend it with reservations. If you prefer clean and sweet reads, avoid this book. It is not fair to an author when readers provide bad reviews about steamy scenes if they know they are included in advance. I have been guilty of this offense myself. It takes a lot of time and effort for an author to research and write each book. And there are readers who prefer the material included in this one to a clean and wholesome read. However, I actually prefer the latter.
This does have steamy sex scenes, so if you like a sex-free book this is not it. If you enjoy steamy reads, jump into this book looking forward to plenty.
January 29, 2016
3.75 Stars
While this is not a book I would usually choose to read, I was in the mood for something light and entertaining so I decided to give it a go. I did have a little bit of difficulty with the "country hick" type phrasing and the OTT way Southerners were portrayed, which I'm very touchy about. I lived in the South for 11 years, and consider myself part Southerner, so when I read the stereotype hick and stick up the ass prim and proper, it tends to bother me. All in all, this was a cute story.
While this is not a book I would usually choose to read, I was in the mood for something light and entertaining so I decided to give it a go. I did have a little bit of difficulty with the "country hick" type phrasing and the OTT way Southerners were portrayed, which I'm very touchy about. I lived in the South for 11 years, and consider myself part Southerner, so when I read the stereotype hick and stick up the ass prim and proper, it tends to bother me. All in all, this was a cute story.
May 20, 2015
This is my first book by Ms. Miles, it is the first book in the Dare River Series and I loved every frigging second of it. It made me laugh it made me cry it made want to never say goodbye.4 Country Heaven Stars. Off to read the first book in the Dare Valley Series.
August 27, 2015
I didn't love this book. I didn't hate it either. I'm sort of ambivalent about it. Like, it was entertaining enough and I read the whole thing, but some of the things Rye did sort of annoyed me and Tory put up with a lot from him that maybe she shouldn't have. Plus, Tory's a little wishy-washy about her personal life. I get wanting to honor a dying wish and all that, but what about being happy with those choices? She so clearly wasn't thrilled with her chosen major that it made my frowny face make an appearance.
That said, Rye's family is messed up. Seriously messed up. And I didn't get his mom's animosity toward him. I mean, I understand that she didn't want him to sully the family standing, but given how driven she was you'd think she'd want to claim a famous country singer as her kin. I mean, the guy's famous. Instead, she did some villainous mustache twirling and forbade Rye's sisters from having any contact with him and...I didn't get it.
Also, Rye's dad needed to sac up WAY before he did. Daddy fail, there.
Like I said, I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate it either. Rye and Tory didn't start off on the right foot, which was mildly entertaining, and using her to bolster his reputation without telling her struck me as very underhanded. I don't know how I feel about the inclusion of his sister's marital issues (actually, I think it took away from Rye and Tory), but I can see how the setup for Tammy's story was needed.
I just... *wanders off to find a new book*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
That said, Rye's family is messed up. Seriously messed up. And I didn't get his mom's animosity toward him. I mean, I understand that she didn't want him to sully the family standing, but given how driven she was you'd think she'd want to claim a famous country singer as her kin. I mean, the guy's famous. Instead, she did some villainous mustache twirling and forbade Rye's sisters from having any contact with him and...I didn't get it.
Also, Rye's dad needed to sac up WAY before he did. Daddy fail, there.
Like I said, I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate it either. Rye and Tory didn't start off on the right foot, which was mildly entertaining, and using her to bolster his reputation without telling her struck me as very underhanded. I don't know how I feel about the inclusion of his sister's marital issues (actually, I think it took away from Rye and Tory), but I can see how the setup for Tammy's story was needed.
I just... *wanders off to find a new book*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
February 9, 2014
Will a self-indulgent, country star with a bad boy image find that the way to his heart of hearts is through his stomach? If his newly hired personal chef were to answer that question when she first met him, she would say he doesn’t have a heart capable of love, just an overly active ego and a bulging wallet. Is that the real Rye Crenshaw or is there more to this man than meets the eye? Will their time together while on tour become more than a PR stunt to improve Rye’s tattered image? Tory is falling for Rye’s charm and learns three things, one, there is more to this man than his voice and his face, two, he is not above using her and three, even a star can have a painful past that still haunts him. Should she give in to the man Rye is in private? Which Rye is the real man? Can Tory accept both sides of Rye’s life?
Some authors create an atmosphere that feels like they are writing just for you, a story that highlights everything you love about contemporary romance, not too much angst, the verbal banter that belies true feelings, the fear of becoming too involved with someone who could easily break one’s heart, and finally, that moment that turns the tide for that happily ever after. Ava Miles has that special gift. Country Heaven, the first in her new Dare River Series has that special charm she imparts in all of her writing. Her characters come to life, flawed, afraid of the unknown, hiding behind a façade they have created; or in the case of Rye, the image his manager has created. The world built around Rye and Tory may be large, but it never overshadows the stage for these two amazing characters.
Ms. Miles has a signature style that is unique to contemporary romance. She writes with warmth and a promise of a happily ever after that brings a smile to your face and a sigh in your heart. Her new Dare River Series promises to be pure "Signature Ava" bliss!
I received an ARC edition from Aspendawn Books in exchange for my honest review.
Author: Ava Miles
Series: Dare River, Book 1
Publication Date; February 11, 2014
Publisher: Aspendawn Books
ISBN: 9781940565057
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Author's Website: http://www.avamiles.com/
Some authors create an atmosphere that feels like they are writing just for you, a story that highlights everything you love about contemporary romance, not too much angst, the verbal banter that belies true feelings, the fear of becoming too involved with someone who could easily break one’s heart, and finally, that moment that turns the tide for that happily ever after. Ava Miles has that special gift. Country Heaven, the first in her new Dare River Series has that special charm she imparts in all of her writing. Her characters come to life, flawed, afraid of the unknown, hiding behind a façade they have created; or in the case of Rye, the image his manager has created. The world built around Rye and Tory may be large, but it never overshadows the stage for these two amazing characters.
Ms. Miles has a signature style that is unique to contemporary romance. She writes with warmth and a promise of a happily ever after that brings a smile to your face and a sigh in your heart. Her new Dare River Series promises to be pure "Signature Ava" bliss!
I received an ARC edition from Aspendawn Books in exchange for my honest review.
Author: Ava Miles
Series: Dare River, Book 1
Publication Date; February 11, 2014
Publisher: Aspendawn Books
ISBN: 9781940565057
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Author's Website: http://www.avamiles.com/
January 8, 2018
Lovely story.
August 31, 2018
I loved this book i loved the relationship between rye and tory you can so relate to them with love and hurt and making up also touch's on personal issues that some family's can relate to i cant wait to read more books by her this was my first one and now im hooked. :)
August 21, 2015
I am not sure where to even begin with this novel. To stay it is wonderful is probably the understatement of the year, but it is wonderful. So wonderful that even as I read it, I never wanted this book to end. It was just beautiful story telling, moving and every scene was rich with emotion and depth.
I think it was the depth of this story that caught me so unawares. I was expecting a simple plot where bad ass rock star meets sweet girl and cleans up his lifestyle because of true love. Simple, sweet and straight forward. But Country Heaven delivered so much more than that. It was a story about family, and it was intelligently written. Tory has no living family left in the world. Rye is estranged from his, and when his father falls ill, he is called home again. He brings Tory with him for moral support, and everything that unfolds after that is fraught with love, sadness, and the reality that even when you love someone, you can hurt them. A lot. I was impressed as well as surprised by the depth of the family dynamics, the way the dysfunction had played into not only Rye's lives, but those of his sisters, and how much Rye grew as a character the more the story progressed. He's a real sweetheart, and there were many times he made me all le sigh.
The romance was built slowly, both Tory and Rye came to realize that they were not only attracted to each other, but experiencing genuine emotion. Rye comes to rely on Tory because he feels better around her, and Tory comes to realize that there's more to Rye than meets the eye. I loved that she recognized the conflict in his character, and called him on it. And I hated that he doubted her. But I loved that he had sense enough to finally step up and start making changes in his life. He stepped up in other ways too, but I'll leave out the happily ever after details. You'll have to read this for yourself if you want to exactly what happens in this book. And I recommend you do.
This story swept me away. The characters all rich and brimming with life, the story is one of love and family, and the emotion was so poignant that I was often moved to tears. It's not every day you read a romance this richly woven with emotion, depth and meaning. I'm just itching to read more in this wonderful series. Thank you Ava Miles for a really devastating read!
Read more reviews at My Devastating Reads.
I think it was the depth of this story that caught me so unawares. I was expecting a simple plot where bad ass rock star meets sweet girl and cleans up his lifestyle because of true love. Simple, sweet and straight forward. But Country Heaven delivered so much more than that. It was a story about family, and it was intelligently written. Tory has no living family left in the world. Rye is estranged from his, and when his father falls ill, he is called home again. He brings Tory with him for moral support, and everything that unfolds after that is fraught with love, sadness, and the reality that even when you love someone, you can hurt them. A lot. I was impressed as well as surprised by the depth of the family dynamics, the way the dysfunction had played into not only Rye's lives, but those of his sisters, and how much Rye grew as a character the more the story progressed. He's a real sweetheart, and there were many times he made me all le sigh.
The romance was built slowly, both Tory and Rye came to realize that they were not only attracted to each other, but experiencing genuine emotion. Rye comes to rely on Tory because he feels better around her, and Tory comes to realize that there's more to Rye than meets the eye. I loved that she recognized the conflict in his character, and called him on it. And I hated that he doubted her. But I loved that he had sense enough to finally step up and start making changes in his life. He stepped up in other ways too, but I'll leave out the happily ever after details. You'll have to read this for yourself if you want to exactly what happens in this book. And I recommend you do.
This story swept me away. The characters all rich and brimming with life, the story is one of love and family, and the emotion was so poignant that I was often moved to tears. It's not every day you read a romance this richly woven with emotion, depth and meaning. I'm just itching to read more in this wonderful series. Thank you Ava Miles for a really devastating read!
Read more reviews at My Devastating Reads.
March 8, 2015
This is one of the best freebies I can ever recall reading! Strong 4 star read!
Really well written, flawed likeable characters who each help the other become a better person throughout the course of their relationship. Poignant dialog and plot developments, great supporting cast. Really cute recipe and song inclusions helping to support the uniqueness of this book and speak to the individual traits and strengths of the main characters. And yes, there were steamy moments but surprisingly those pale in comparison to the elements I loved most about the book. Never did I find myself questioning details or noticing missing elements, seamlessly written tale. So easy to fall in love with this novel and easily progress from start to finish. A pleasant surprise, going to look into other novels by this author, STAT! :-)
Really well written, flawed likeable characters who each help the other become a better person throughout the course of their relationship. Poignant dialog and plot developments, great supporting cast. Really cute recipe and song inclusions helping to support the uniqueness of this book and speak to the individual traits and strengths of the main characters. And yes, there were steamy moments but surprisingly those pale in comparison to the elements I loved most about the book. Never did I find myself questioning details or noticing missing elements, seamlessly written tale. So easy to fall in love with this novel and easily progress from start to finish. A pleasant surprise, going to look into other novels by this author, STAT! :-)
August 26, 2016
Emotional, Spiritual, Captivating, Unforgettable & Refreshing! An Absolutely Amazing Read! I Loved It!
October 23, 2020
Good romance but too drawn out! There were times when I didn't like Rye but it ended well!
November 8, 2020
I loved this story about Tory, Rye, Rye's family, and how they all learned to love and forgive. Tory is in dire need of a job since she's in over her head in debt. So when she meets Rye, who is a country singer, and he offers her a job for $100,000 a year (all for the wrong reasons) to be his personal chef, she accepts. Cooking is actually her passion.
Rhy is broken because he comes from a family whose mother and father disowned him because he had the audacity to become a singer rather than a lawyer in their family business. He hasn't seen his family in years. He has two sisters, a niece and nephew, and in-laws that he hasn't seen in years either. One sister was communicating with him until their mother found out. On top of all that he had broken up with his fiancé.
Tory has no family left since her parents had died in a car wreck previously. So when she gets to go around the world on a tour with Rye, it changes her life.
That's already giving away too much, but the rest of the story is really beautiful. She teaches Rye so much about life and living, and they really do fulfill a whole in their lives but (as always) nothing is perfect...
Rhy is broken because he comes from a family whose mother and father disowned him because he had the audacity to become a singer rather than a lawyer in their family business. He hasn't seen his family in years. He has two sisters, a niece and nephew, and in-laws that he hasn't seen in years either. One sister was communicating with him until their mother found out. On top of all that he had broken up with his fiancé.
Tory has no family left since her parents had died in a car wreck previously. So when she gets to go around the world on a tour with Rye, it changes her life.
That's already giving away too much, but the rest of the story is really beautiful. She teaches Rye so much about life and living, and they really do fulfill a whole in their lives but (as always) nothing is perfect...
May 28, 2015
Sometimes you just want to read a a sweet love story.
Some authors seem to think that some readers crave, drama and twists. That is okay sometimes but give me a slow building romance any day.
That is what this is. Tory gets the offer of a lifetime to be a personal chef to a well known, heart-throb country singer Rye Crenshaw. This could be the answer to her financial woes. What she doesn't expect is what she begins to feel the more time they spend together.
I love reading about guys like Rye. A bit full of themselves, sleeping with whomever they choose and doing what the hell they want. Until along comes a girl who knocks them completely out of their cowboy boots. I love that gradual realisation that there is something building between them and how Tory seems to just bring out the good in Rye.
This is a really sweet, slow building love story that will definitely scratch that romance itch and more!
Some authors seem to think that some readers crave, drama and twists. That is okay sometimes but give me a slow building romance any day.
That is what this is. Tory gets the offer of a lifetime to be a personal chef to a well known, heart-throb country singer Rye Crenshaw. This could be the answer to her financial woes. What she doesn't expect is what she begins to feel the more time they spend together.
I love reading about guys like Rye. A bit full of themselves, sleeping with whomever they choose and doing what the hell they want. Until along comes a girl who knocks them completely out of their cowboy boots. I love that gradual realisation that there is something building between them and how Tory seems to just bring out the good in Rye.
This is a really sweet, slow building love story that will definitely scratch that romance itch and more!
February 8, 2014
Ava Miles makes hometown USA explode on the pages with the Dare Valley Series. With Country Heaven the all new Dare River Series, Miles takes that hometown feel to a more global audience with a world famous country singer. She still writes characters that you'd want to call your friends...completely relatable with heart felt issues and emotionally engaging.
From the first few pages, I was utterly sucked into the storyline. I felt the characters' struggles, heart ache and cheered on their romance.
If you love a feel good, contemporary romance, check out Country Haven. A wonderful story with heart but still has plenty of romantic steam to warm up those chilly nights.
I received this ARC copy of Country Heaven from Aspendawn Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication February 10, 2014.
From the first few pages, I was utterly sucked into the storyline. I felt the characters' struggles, heart ache and cheered on their romance.
If you love a feel good, contemporary romance, check out Country Haven. A wonderful story with heart but still has plenty of romantic steam to warm up those chilly nights.
I received this ARC copy of Country Heaven from Aspendawn Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication February 10, 2014.
April 24, 2019
Funtastic! Want to try this food! Yummy
Re-read, 3 or 4 time. Really great book! Strong sassy heroine, but with warm heart. Hero here was through good grovelling. I liked this part best of all!
Yummy food! Will try soon some of them.
Re-read, 3 or 4 time. Really great book! Strong sassy heroine, but with warm heart. Hero here was through good grovelling. I liked this part best of all!
Yummy food! Will try soon some of them.
April 10, 2019
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book by this author that I've read and I will definitely read more by her in the future.
Audible: I added the whispersync audible narration to this kindle book. The narrator did a good job. I recommend this as an audiobook.
Audible: I added the whispersync audible narration to this kindle book. The narrator did a good job. I recommend this as an audiobook.
February 19, 2018
DNF 20%
I couldn't take any more. I was afraid my eyes actually were going to roll out of my head here.
I couldn't take any more. I was afraid my eyes actually were going to roll out of my head here.
April 1, 2016
3.5 stars.
It was ...... Very long.
It was ...... Very long.
April 27, 2020
Well, this was one of the better-written romance novels I've read lately, and if you are a romance reader who likes cowboys, even if they aren't real ones but are country music singers, you might like this.
Rye is the famous singer with the "bad boy" reputation and a chip on his shoulder from past family strife. Tory is a struggling student who is a magnificent cook that he hires to be his personal tour chef for the summer after stopping by a diner late one evening because he fired his last one. She has many medical bills from her late grandfather's final illness, so accepts due to the high pay. There is plenty of fodder in this for conflict and tension and there is more to the story besides just the romance as Rye is forced to face his family, etc. It wasn't as "clean" (not that sex is dirty, well, perhaps some sex is if you are outside on the ground) as I like it, but it wasn't on continual sex fest, either.
If you want a real blurb, there is one on the MPE.
Rye is the famous singer with the "bad boy" reputation and a chip on his shoulder from past family strife. Tory is a struggling student who is a magnificent cook that he hires to be his personal tour chef for the summer after stopping by a diner late one evening because he fired his last one. She has many medical bills from her late grandfather's final illness, so accepts due to the high pay. There is plenty of fodder in this for conflict and tension and there is more to the story besides just the romance as Rye is forced to face his family, etc. It wasn't as "clean" (not that sex is dirty, well, perhaps some sex is if you are outside on the ground) as I like it, but it wasn't on continual sex fest, either.
If you want a real blurb, there is one on the MPE.
April 29, 2020
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Sourthern Comforts
This one it’s my favorite whiskey 🥃
From the name and the taste it’s just like this book
I love everything about the story of Tory & Rye
It’s about family will stay family no matter what , you’re born with it and best to make the best out of it
It’s about a dignity for young ladies this day to learned to stay persistent of their dreams no matter how tough the roads can be
Live is not about how cool you are at Tik Tok
I cried a lots of the last 5 chapter
I’m in love with the little broken boy Rory
I hope there’ll be story about him & that he find his own happiness
I should give more than 5 stars as there’s lots of wonderful food recipe in between with such beautiful lyrics of country music
I means which women in this world wouldn’t want to be serenade , have some hot country star dedicate the whole album for her ....
This book it’s my Southern Comforts and I will make sure to read the next book on series
Blessed y’all
This one it’s my favorite whiskey 🥃
From the name and the taste it’s just like this book
I love everything about the story of Tory & Rye
It’s about family will stay family no matter what , you’re born with it and best to make the best out of it
It’s about a dignity for young ladies this day to learned to stay persistent of their dreams no matter how tough the roads can be
Live is not about how cool you are at Tik Tok
I cried a lots of the last 5 chapter
I’m in love with the little broken boy Rory
I hope there’ll be story about him & that he find his own happiness
I should give more than 5 stars as there’s lots of wonderful food recipe in between with such beautiful lyrics of country music
I means which women in this world wouldn’t want to be serenade , have some hot country star dedicate the whole album for her ....
This book it’s my Southern Comforts and I will make sure to read the next book on series
Blessed y’all
March 9, 2015
This has been a beautiful surprise! It's my first Ava Miles book and if all her books are like this then I've been missing out.
A famous country singer offers the chef at a local diner a job as his personal chef on his tour for a few months. This should have been simple enough, except it's not. Rye Crenshaw and Tory Simmons were each other's answered prayer. Tory could help rebuild Rye's damaged public image aside from whipping phenomenal meals for him and Rye's offer could save Tory from the financial mess she's in.
This book sucked me into their world. And I enjoyed it a lot. The writing was fluid, genuine, warm and with a lot of heart. I felt the characters' struggles, pain and joy. You feel like you know these people and can't help but root for them. Their story's completely engaging and will tug at your heartstrings. I loved Rye's songs. The lyrics to his songs are beautiful and heartfelt. I fell in love with Rye's family, too. Rory totally stole my heart!
Plus this has a lot of mouthwatering recipes. An added bonus which I intend to try one of these days.
If you're in the mood for a feel good contemporary romance that will steal your heart, read this. The romance, friendship and family dynamics... perfection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A famous country singer offers the chef at a local diner a job as his personal chef on his tour for a few months. This should have been simple enough, except it's not. Rye Crenshaw and Tory Simmons were each other's answered prayer. Tory could help rebuild Rye's damaged public image aside from whipping phenomenal meals for him and Rye's offer could save Tory from the financial mess she's in.
This book sucked me into their world. And I enjoyed it a lot. The writing was fluid, genuine, warm and with a lot of heart. I felt the characters' struggles, pain and joy. You feel like you know these people and can't help but root for them. Their story's completely engaging and will tug at your heartstrings. I loved Rye's songs. The lyrics to his songs are beautiful and heartfelt. I fell in love with Rye's family, too. Rory totally stole my heart!
Plus this has a lot of mouthwatering recipes. An added bonus which I intend to try one of these days.
If you're in the mood for a feel good contemporary romance that will steal your heart, read this. The romance, friendship and family dynamics... perfection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
May 6, 2014
Well one thing is for sure, don’t read this if you are hungry. *smiley face* Rye walks into a diner and leaves with the cook. Literally. She needs the money and he needs home cooking. It works right? Well…..maybe not so much.
You have heard before I am sure. A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. What Rye needs is a swift kick in the butt and some real honest to goodness truth laid out. Tory gives him just that. With a no nonsense attitude and a real down home love of food. Tory takes care of him the only way she really knows how. She never dreamed it would lead to more.
With bad press and a visit home to check on his ailing father Rye and Tory discover that what they share is more than a love of food, but a connection that is more than surface or sexual chemistry. It’s real. Eventually, bad choices on Rye’s part and unwillingness to trust drives them apart. Can he fix this? Will Tory let him? Well you’re gonna have to read to find out.
4 down home stars for Counrty Heaven
T~
Oh and the best part? Ava Miles gives you all the mouth watering recipes at the end of each chapter!! That is worth the read alone!
*Given by the publisher via Netgalley
You have heard before I am sure. A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. What Rye needs is a swift kick in the butt and some real honest to goodness truth laid out. Tory gives him just that. With a no nonsense attitude and a real down home love of food. Tory takes care of him the only way she really knows how. She never dreamed it would lead to more.
With bad press and a visit home to check on his ailing father Rye and Tory discover that what they share is more than a love of food, but a connection that is more than surface or sexual chemistry. It’s real. Eventually, bad choices on Rye’s part and unwillingness to trust drives them apart. Can he fix this? Will Tory let him? Well you’re gonna have to read to find out.
4 down home stars for Counrty Heaven
T~
Oh and the best part? Ava Miles gives you all the mouth watering recipes at the end of each chapter!! That is worth the read alone!
*Given by the publisher via Netgalley
April 9, 2017
This book is more like 3 1/2 stars- some things were too far fetched and some details about the characters were not revealed until the end of the story. It was a good romance and I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
August 6, 2018
Very good and engaging!
A sweet romance for certain and it isn't only perfect because some details were too convenient and some situations too long to be finished.
I'll probably read more by the author.
A sweet romance for certain and it isn't only perfect because some details were too convenient and some situations too long to be finished.
I'll probably read more by the author.
June 17, 2022
Ahh, this is a hard one to review. At times I hated it with my whole heart, at other times it was bearable, hell, I even liked some parts. As a whole, it was tolerable and I probably did enjoy it somewhat, I just think it could have been so much better.
The beginning was just terrible, I hated Rye so much, and while he did have his moments, I'd argue that there weren't enough for me to ever truly like his character. Tory had potential but she often felt a tad Mary Sue-ish, not a real character, just a bunch of clichés that were formed to fit Rye rather than be her own person.
One thing, or character I should say, that I really liked was Rory. He was just such a sweet kid and I really felt for him. This book had no emotional weight to me apart from where he was concerned. I even shed a couple tears because of his sweetness with Tory.
The beginning was just terrible, I hated Rye so much, and while he did have his moments, I'd argue that there weren't enough for me to ever truly like his character. Tory had potential but she often felt a tad Mary Sue-ish, not a real character, just a bunch of clichés that were formed to fit Rye rather than be her own person.
One thing, or character I should say, that I really liked was Rory. He was just such a sweet kid and I really felt for him. This book had no emotional weight to me apart from where he was concerned. I even shed a couple tears because of his sweetness with Tory.
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