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Restoring Hope
WARNING: Author believes in soul mates and insta-love, proceed with caution if you're not a romantic at heart.
Life throws you curve balls, but no parent should ever bury a child.
Determined not to make the same mistakes with his son he made with his daughter, Nic Beuve is single-minded . . . until Hope walks into his life.
Hope Delaney, a woman with a past that almost broke her, tries to keep people at bay for their own protection. Fortunately for her, no one listens when she says she wants to be alone.
Burning desire, a deep need to protect, and a woman who looks like an angel break down Nic's defenses until he can’t ignore them any longer. He wants Hope and what Nic wants . . .
Life throws you curve balls, but no parent should ever bury a child.
Determined not to make the same mistakes with his son he made with his daughter, Nic Beuve is single-minded . . . until Hope walks into his life.
Hope Delaney, a woman with a past that almost broke her, tries to keep people at bay for their own protection. Fortunately for her, no one listens when she says she wants to be alone.
Burning desire, a deep need to protect, and a woman who looks like an angel break down Nic's defenses until he can’t ignore them any longer. He wants Hope and what Nic wants . . .
321 pages, ebook
First published July 20, 2014
140 people are currently reading
1315 people want to read
About the author
C.P. Smith
20 books1,621 followersCP Smith/Christina Smith writes romantic suspense with OTT alphas, insta-love, and feisty heroines! She believes books should be about escape rather than reality. Ms. Smith writes what she likes to read and leaves the rest to those with better imaginations. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and five children. You can follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cpsmith74135
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
March 17, 2015
4.5 swoontastic stars
Hope
Staying alive is Hope's main focus... All she needs is money for food and rent, nothing more; no friends, no connections. She runs to the South to hide, but the South isn't a place to be invisible; with their southern charm and hospitality, the quieter you are the more attention you draw.
Nic
Nic is a broken man, who lives his days filled with grief and pain, his new purpose of living is his son Nicky. He doesn't need distractions, feeling that he owes it to his son since he couldn't save his daughter. Chelsea was daddy's little girl, his heart and soul, and the moment he buried her a piece of him died.
Nic and Hope don't know it yet, but they are each others second chance, at life and love. Good thing for them they have Maman Rose, cooking up one hell of a love-match. Maman Rose believes that “love conquers all" , and it will be love that will heal her Nic and her Hope...she just has to make them see.
Hope brings out every protective instinct in Nic and it isn't because she is weak, it's because of the fear he sees in her eye. Hope can't risk caring for anyone, fearing for their safety when her past catches up with her...But what if just for one night, for one moment, she let's go of the fear and allows herself to feel. Nothing is permanent, she'll be gone soon enough, but at least she'll have the memory of her friends...of Nic, to last her a lifetime.
Nic has some issues he's dealing with himself, his no good-cheating ex-wife has clearly lost her mind, trying to get "her" family back. She propositions him every chance she gets, having to play nice for Nicky sake, but it doesn't mean he has to like it. Nic wants Hope to trust him, he may have her now but he feels it's all borrowed time until she runs again...
Restoring Hope is everything I hoped it would be. The author issues the following WARNING: Author believes in soul mates and insta-love, proceed with caution if you're not a romantic at heart. Honestly it made me want to read it all the more. We all need that feel good story, the one that will make us smile, make us swoon and make us remember what it feels like to be in love. I wouldn't even categorize it as insta-love, compared to some of the other reads out there today. I am a complete romantic at heart and to pair it with a yummy alpha man, it just made it even more special. Suffice to say I loved Nic and his whole temperament, a true man, who loves deeply and passionately. Hope has a inner strength in her that I respected from the start, wanting nothing more for her to be happy and safe.
I loved the meddling Maman Rose and her band of misfits, home town feel where they protect and look out for their own. They did use Hope's reluctance to their advantage, steam rolling over her giving her no choice. I do admit though some of the Cajun dialect, I had to revert back to the glossary at the beginning of the book, but it was just an added element to the book, bringing authenticity to the the story. This is a stand-alone multiple POV read, one who truly caters to the romantic at heart. Heart-warming with added suspense and drama in there to keep things interesting.
“Oh, no, baby, there is no God involved . Just you, me, and the things I’m gonna do to that sweet body of yours.”
Hope
“Dat’ girl got one foot out da’ door anytime she here. She got to have a reason to stay and fight, pas de betises.”
Staying alive is Hope's main focus... All she needs is money for food and rent, nothing more; no friends, no connections. She runs to the South to hide, but the South isn't a place to be invisible; with their southern charm and hospitality, the quieter you are the more attention you draw.
Nic
He was doing exactly what he’d tell his son not to do— drown your sorrows and hide your pain from the ones you love.
Nic is a broken man, who lives his days filled with grief and pain, his new purpose of living is his son Nicky. He doesn't need distractions, feeling that he owes it to his son since he couldn't save his daughter. Chelsea was daddy's little girl, his heart and soul, and the moment he buried her a piece of him died.
Nic and Hope don't know it yet, but they are each others second chance, at life and love. Good thing for them they have Maman Rose, cooking up one hell of a love-match. Maman Rose believes that “love conquers all" , and it will be love that will heal her Nic and her Hope...she just has to make them see.
It doesn’t take years to fall in love when a person is your other half. Your heart recognizes them, sees them for what they are the minute you cross paths. The trick to finding them is to listen to your heart not your head.
Hope brings out every protective instinct in Nic and it isn't because she is weak, it's because of the fear he sees in her eye. Hope can't risk caring for anyone, fearing for their safety when her past catches up with her...But what if just for one night, for one moment, she let's go of the fear and allows herself to feel. Nothing is permanent, she'll be gone soon enough, but at least she'll have the memory of her friends...of Nic, to last her a lifetime.
“Just so you know, I’m gonna kiss you now. You’re gonna protest, and I’m tellin’ you right fuckin’ now it’ll do no good.”
Nic has some issues he's dealing with himself, his no good-cheating ex-wife has clearly lost her mind, trying to get "her" family back. She propositions him every chance she gets, having to play nice for Nicky sake, but it doesn't mean he has to like it. Nic wants Hope to trust him, he may have her now but he feels it's all borrowed time until she runs again...
Restoring Hope is everything I hoped it would be. The author issues the following WARNING: Author believes in soul mates and insta-love, proceed with caution if you're not a romantic at heart. Honestly it made me want to read it all the more. We all need that feel good story, the one that will make us smile, make us swoon and make us remember what it feels like to be in love. I wouldn't even categorize it as insta-love, compared to some of the other reads out there today. I am a complete romantic at heart and to pair it with a yummy alpha man, it just made it even more special. Suffice to say I loved Nic and his whole temperament, a true man, who loves deeply and passionately. Hope has a inner strength in her that I respected from the start, wanting nothing more for her to be happy and safe.
I loved the meddling Maman Rose and her band of misfits, home town feel where they protect and look out for their own. They did use Hope's reluctance to their advantage, steam rolling over her giving her no choice. I do admit though some of the Cajun dialect, I had to revert back to the glossary at the beginning of the book, but it was just an added element to the book, bringing authenticity to the the story. This is a stand-alone multiple POV read, one who truly caters to the romantic at heart. Heart-warming with added suspense and drama in there to keep things interesting.
September 4, 2017
Reread September 2017
Still 5 stars for me though, I did get more annoyed this time with Hope keeping secrets. But I also got a little pissed this time, at Nic and his reaction to discovering the truth. Neither though, would cause me to lower my rating because it's still a beautiful story of two people needing each other to heal. Funny thing, I forgot the "baddie" so I was surprised again 😂
Original review July 2016
Hope is a woman on the run. Leaving an abusive situation, she has been on her own going from town to town never making friends. She has basically been on her own since her parents died when she was twelve. She lands herself in New Orleans and gets a job at The Bayou.
Nic is getting by. After the death of his tite ange, his daughter, he is struggling and only living for his son. He is dealing with his grief and his guilt.
The two meet and the attraction is instant. These are two people who need each other more than anything….two people who have seen some of the worst things someone should ever have to deal with. They need love, hope and forgiveness…not for or from others but for themselves. With a little help from some well-meaning people and the universe, these two souls are pushed together.
CP Smith always writes heroes I love. They are immediately smitten with the heroine and they never waver. Such is the case with Nic. He is a great hero. He is possessive and charming. He takes care of Hope in every way he can.
My heart broke for Hope. She is sad and beaten down. But, with some pushing and prodding, she comes out of her shell and becomes who Nic needs. Nic gets a little push in the right direction too and makes his move.
One of the things I loved about this book was all the side characters. Maman Rose was a meddling, nosy woman and Big Daddy was the protective big bear. I absolutely LOVED reading the Cajun dialect when Maman Rose and Big Daddy were talking. I also loved all the mentions of places in New Orleans. Having been a few times, I like knowing what these places are and remembering how they look.
This book was an emotional journey. I laughed, I cried and got angry right along with the characters. Thank goodness for the beautiful epilogue. But, of course, it made me cry too!
Still 5 stars for me though, I did get more annoyed this time with Hope keeping secrets. But I also got a little pissed this time, at Nic and his reaction to discovering the truth. Neither though, would cause me to lower my rating because it's still a beautiful story of two people needing each other to heal. Funny thing, I forgot the "baddie" so I was surprised again 😂
Original review July 2016
Hope is a woman on the run. Leaving an abusive situation, she has been on her own going from town to town never making friends. She has basically been on her own since her parents died when she was twelve. She lands herself in New Orleans and gets a job at The Bayou.
Nic is getting by. After the death of his tite ange, his daughter, he is struggling and only living for his son. He is dealing with his grief and his guilt.
The two meet and the attraction is instant. These are two people who need each other more than anything….two people who have seen some of the worst things someone should ever have to deal with. They need love, hope and forgiveness…not for or from others but for themselves. With a little help from some well-meaning people and the universe, these two souls are pushed together.
“Loving someone means you put them first and put yourself last. You trust them with your heart; you trust them with your life, and you fucking trust them to guard your heart with their life . . . Will you, Hope?”~Nic
CP Smith always writes heroes I love. They are immediately smitten with the heroine and they never waver. Such is the case with Nic. He is a great hero. He is possessive and charming. He takes care of Hope in every way he can.
My heart broke for Hope. She is sad and beaten down. But, with some pushing and prodding, she comes out of her shell and becomes who Nic needs. Nic gets a little push in the right direction too and makes his move.
One of the things I loved about this book was all the side characters. Maman Rose was a meddling, nosy woman and Big Daddy was the protective big bear. I absolutely LOVED reading the Cajun dialect when Maman Rose and Big Daddy were talking. I also loved all the mentions of places in New Orleans. Having been a few times, I like knowing what these places are and remembering how they look.
This book was an emotional journey. I laughed, I cried and got angry right along with the characters. Thank goodness for the beautiful epilogue. But, of course, it made me cry too!
“God gave me three gifts in this life; one he took too soon, one that makes me proud each day and one I never saw coming until she stumbled into my life and woke me up. I won’t take them for granted another day, and I’ll fight like hell to keep them safe,”~Nic
“You pulled me from the darkness, pieced me back together, and you loved me like I’ve never been loved in my life.”~Hope
August 31, 2015
❤
4 Healing Stars
❤️
I really loved the characters, storyline, and secondary characters in this book.
Nic Beuve is an divorced architect from a old money New Orleans family, his young son primarily lives with him but he shares custody with his bitchy ex wife, Nic is a broken man and his son is all that keeps him together, my heart breaks for him and the demons he has. He may be a much sought after architect, who primarily wears a suit, but once that suit is discarded he turns into a take charge ALPHA!!!
Hope Delaney is a broken woman, she is on the run from an extremely abusive husband. She has no friends, no family, she never stays long in one place, and more importantly avoids making connections. She is now living in New Orleans and takes a job at The Bayou restaurant run by Rose, a nosy but loving Cajun women and working side by side with Big Daddy another loving, protective Cajun.
Rose knows broken people when she sees them, she love's Nic and is growing close to Hope, therefore she takes it upon herself to heal these two broken souls. Fortunately, Nic and Hope are instantly attracted to one another as soon as their eyes lock, but will Rose, instant attraction, and deep loneliness be enough to bring these two together...there is danger lurking in the background for Hope and Nic has unresolved issues with his ex that threatens their future.
Great read with a fantastic epilogue, the only thing I had an issue with was the Cajun accents, I found hard to understand at times which is reflected in my rating. Regardless I highly recommend to all my Alpha loving friends.
I really loved the characters, storyline, and secondary characters in this book.
Nic Beuve is an divorced architect from a old money New Orleans family, his young son primarily lives with him but he shares custody with his bitchy ex wife, Nic is a broken man and his son is all that keeps him together, my heart breaks for him and the demons he has. He may be a much sought after architect, who primarily wears a suit, but once that suit is discarded he turns into a take charge ALPHA!!!
"Learn quickly, sugar. I will love you, fight with you, die for you, but I will also put your sweet ass over my knee if you run from me."
Hope Delaney is a broken woman, she is on the run from an extremely abusive husband. She has no friends, no family, she never stays long in one place, and more importantly avoids making connections. She is now living in New Orleans and takes a job at The Bayou restaurant run by Rose, a nosy but loving Cajun women and working side by side with Big Daddy another loving, protective Cajun.
Rose knows broken people when she sees them, she love's Nic and is growing close to Hope, therefore she takes it upon herself to heal these two broken souls. Fortunately, Nic and Hope are instantly attracted to one another as soon as their eyes lock, but will Rose, instant attraction, and deep loneliness be enough to bring these two together...there is danger lurking in the background for Hope and Nic has unresolved issues with his ex that threatens their future.
"Please," she whispered, "Please let me go." "Baby, I'd rather cut off my right hand than let you walk out that gate."
Great read with a fantastic epilogue, the only thing I had an issue with was the Cajun accents, I found hard to understand at times which is reflected in my rating. Regardless I highly recommend to all my Alpha loving friends.
July 27, 2014
4.5 ma doux amour stars.
Hope is running. For ten years she suffered at the hands of a cruel man that she once thought she loved. But now escaping her past and a man that wants her dead is her only focus. In order to survive she must stay on the move, avoid letting anyone get too close and never let anyone care about her - caring about her will only bring danger. But when Hope finds herself in New Orleans, working as a cook in The Bayou, she finds that the people that surround her are willing to fight to protect her and won't let the wall she's built to protect herself remain.
Nic once had it all. A wife, two children that he adored and a career he loved. But after his wife destroyed his trust, he soon lost his daughter, his 'tite ange. With only his son Nicky to keep the darkness at bay, Nic's way of living changed. Drowning in his guilt over not seeing that his daughter was slipping away, he gave up on the thought that he deserved happiness.
When Maman Rose meets Hope, she sees the broken woman but she also recognizes the spirit that lives within. She knows that one thing will give her the will to fight. Love. And she knows the perfect man to show her the kind of love that doesn't leave you broken... Nic and Hope are both broken and lost, needing something to pull them from the darkness that is threatening to pull them under. But falling in love doesn't erase the threats of the people that want nothing more than to destroy them.
C.P Smith's second novel was utterly fantastic. The characters she created came to life on the pages of this book. With Rose & Bid Daddy it wasn't just reading their parts, their voices rang in my head and I instantly wanted a Rose in my life. Nic was strong and protective, and yes all kinds of over-the-shoulder-throwing-caveman. With Hope, I was a little worried that I'd struggle to connect with her. I was surprised to find that although she was beaten down, her character still had strength and was willing to fight.
I absolutely loathed Kat, this woman needed to be tossed into the swamp and be turned into gator bait. But what I absolutely adored was that this story evoked so many emotions, but not the ones I expected. There is a moment at the end of this story that absolutely gutted me. It was moving and left me with chills. It was tragic and beautiful all at the same time.
The characters of C.P. Smith's books are not the twenty year old characters that have flooded the romance genre - but mature, late thirties through forties characters that have had life experience and have learned hard lessons in their lives. The Heroes... all alpha male - strong men that know it's an honor to find a woman and protect her.
Let's not forget the juicy parts. Sex scenes in romances can sometimes make or break a book. Some of the most passionate parts of this story were the the little intimate moments and the kisses. The scenes were well written and intense, but those all-consuming-kisses were to die for.
If you are looking for a book that gives you not only a story of finding and falling in love, but an actual story to accompany the butterflies, check this one out.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Hope is running. For ten years she suffered at the hands of a cruel man that she once thought she loved. But now escaping her past and a man that wants her dead is her only focus. In order to survive she must stay on the move, avoid letting anyone get too close and never let anyone care about her - caring about her will only bring danger. But when Hope finds herself in New Orleans, working as a cook in The Bayou, she finds that the people that surround her are willing to fight to protect her and won't let the wall she's built to protect herself remain.
Nic once had it all. A wife, two children that he adored and a career he loved. But after his wife destroyed his trust, he soon lost his daughter, his 'tite ange. With only his son Nicky to keep the darkness at bay, Nic's way of living changed. Drowning in his guilt over not seeing that his daughter was slipping away, he gave up on the thought that he deserved happiness.
When Maman Rose meets Hope, she sees the broken woman but she also recognizes the spirit that lives within. She knows that one thing will give her the will to fight. Love. And she knows the perfect man to show her the kind of love that doesn't leave you broken... Nic and Hope are both broken and lost, needing something to pull them from the darkness that is threatening to pull them under. But falling in love doesn't erase the threats of the people that want nothing more than to destroy them.
C.P Smith's second novel was utterly fantastic. The characters she created came to life on the pages of this book. With Rose & Bid Daddy it wasn't just reading their parts, their voices rang in my head and I instantly wanted a Rose in my life. Nic was strong and protective, and yes all kinds of over-the-shoulder-throwing-caveman. With Hope, I was a little worried that I'd struggle to connect with her. I was surprised to find that although she was beaten down, her character still had strength and was willing to fight.
I absolutely loathed Kat, this woman needed to be tossed into the swamp and be turned into gator bait. But what I absolutely adored was that this story evoked so many emotions, but not the ones I expected. There is a moment at the end of this story that absolutely gutted me. It was moving and left me with chills. It was tragic and beautiful all at the same time.
The characters of C.P. Smith's books are not the twenty year old characters that have flooded the romance genre - but mature, late thirties through forties characters that have had life experience and have learned hard lessons in their lives. The Heroes... all alpha male - strong men that know it's an honor to find a woman and protect her.
Let's not forget the juicy parts. Sex scenes in romances can sometimes make or break a book. Some of the most passionate parts of this story were the the little intimate moments and the kisses. The scenes were well written and intense, but those all-consuming-kisses were to die for.
If you are looking for a book that gives you not only a story of finding and falling in love, but an actual story to accompany the butterflies, check this one out.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2014
After reading Mrs. Smith's first book I was hooked, the second I saw this book I tried to buy it. The problem was it wasn't out yet. I guess in all of my excitement at finding another of her books I didn't think to check the release date *sigh*. So it stands to reason that the day this book was released I went to Amazon and hit one of my favorite one touch buttons and bought this books. From the first page I was hooked.
Nic isn't the man he was years ago he was happily married and had two great children he loved more than anything in the world. Now it's only Nic and his son Nicky. Finding his wife in bed with another man Nic left and then his daughter started using drugs and overdosed. Now when Nic isn't with his son he almost always winds up at Rose's bar drinking the night away only to go home with the guilt of his daughter's death.
Hope is on the run never staying long in one place only enough time to make enough money to leave again and thats all that New Orleans is But Rose (hope's boss and Nic's friend) has other ideas in particular to get two people she cares about that both have been through pain together and when she see's they are so obviously attracted to each other her plan goes into hyperdrive.
Though they are both attracted to each other Nics belief that his only job is to watch over his son and make sure he is happy while having no room for his own happiness, and Hope's belief that she can never stay in one place or get attached for fear of others safety keep them both from each other. Then Nic see's where Hope lives and Rose so graciously suggests he let her live in his bottom condo while he lives in the top. Now Hope and Nic are spending tons of time together and it becomes harder and harder to remember why they didn't want to be with each other.
The longer they are together Nic and Rose finally give into their feelings and once the walls are down both know that they can't turn back. But Nic's ex wife wants him back and will do anything she can to get him back, and Hopes secrets that she has kept believing that Nic will leave her when he knows the truth soon become lying to Nic, now Hope is more scared than ever to tell him the truth but knows she has no choice when it becomes clear Nic is the love of her life. With Nics ex, Hopes secrets, and Hopes past both Nic and Rose will have to decide what is most important, the love they found above anything else or the outside world trying to tear them apart.
I LOOOOOVED this book from page one I was hooked and didn't want to put it down. C.P. Smith is a brilliant writer who weave tales that hook you and transport you to a different world. The way she laces her words together creates beauty. And soon after starting this book her characters weren't just characters but people who I quickly grew to love and want to know. Nic was an amazing hero he was everything I could want in my hero, he was possessive, strong, loving, and kind and most importantly wouldn't take crap from his manipulative ex-wife. Hope was strong and kind and loving.
Not only did I love Hope and Nic but the other characters as well (well except the ex-wife). Rose, Big-daddy, Nicky, Hopes friends, and Nics parents just brought more depth to this book and made it more. This book was filled with happiness, and sadness the pain that Nic and Hope experienced was very real when we read it, and their happiness was that much more important and strong because of their pain they experienced.
This was one of the books that you get so wrapped in when you end the book it is too sudden and too quick. It seems that everything C.P. Smith writes turns into magic. I can't wait for anything else she writes. After A Reason To breather(her first book) I knew she was an author I would follow and buy/read anything she wrote, now after Restoring Hope I know that she is an author who I need to read, buy the second I can, and devour everything I can by this magnificent story teller.
Dang it, I got all excited about this book was going to buy it on Amazon............ then I see it's not out yet ugh, *sigh*
Nic isn't the man he was years ago he was happily married and had two great children he loved more than anything in the world. Now it's only Nic and his son Nicky. Finding his wife in bed with another man Nic left and then his daughter started using drugs and overdosed. Now when Nic isn't with his son he almost always winds up at Rose's bar drinking the night away only to go home with the guilt of his daughter's death.
Hope is on the run never staying long in one place only enough time to make enough money to leave again and thats all that New Orleans is But Rose (hope's boss and Nic's friend) has other ideas in particular to get two people she cares about that both have been through pain together and when she see's they are so obviously attracted to each other her plan goes into hyperdrive.
Though they are both attracted to each other Nics belief that his only job is to watch over his son and make sure he is happy while having no room for his own happiness, and Hope's belief that she can never stay in one place or get attached for fear of others safety keep them both from each other. Then Nic see's where Hope lives and Rose so graciously suggests he let her live in his bottom condo while he lives in the top. Now Hope and Nic are spending tons of time together and it becomes harder and harder to remember why they didn't want to be with each other.
The longer they are together Nic and Rose finally give into their feelings and once the walls are down both know that they can't turn back. But Nic's ex wife wants him back and will do anything she can to get him back, and Hopes secrets that she has kept believing that Nic will leave her when he knows the truth soon become lying to Nic, now Hope is more scared than ever to tell him the truth but knows she has no choice when it becomes clear Nic is the love of her life. With Nics ex, Hopes secrets, and Hopes past both Nic and Rose will have to decide what is most important, the love they found above anything else or the outside world trying to tear them apart.
I LOOOOOVED this book from page one I was hooked and didn't want to put it down. C.P. Smith is a brilliant writer who weave tales that hook you and transport you to a different world. The way she laces her words together creates beauty. And soon after starting this book her characters weren't just characters but people who I quickly grew to love and want to know. Nic was an amazing hero he was everything I could want in my hero, he was possessive, strong, loving, and kind and most importantly wouldn't take crap from his manipulative ex-wife. Hope was strong and kind and loving.
Not only did I love Hope and Nic but the other characters as well (well except the ex-wife). Rose, Big-daddy, Nicky, Hopes friends, and Nics parents just brought more depth to this book and made it more. This book was filled with happiness, and sadness the pain that Nic and Hope experienced was very real when we read it, and their happiness was that much more important and strong because of their pain they experienced.
This was one of the books that you get so wrapped in when you end the book it is too sudden and too quick. It seems that everything C.P. Smith writes turns into magic. I can't wait for anything else she writes. After A Reason To breather(her first book) I knew she was an author I would follow and buy/read anything she wrote, now after Restoring Hope I know that she is an author who I need to read, buy the second I can, and devour everything I can by this magnificent story teller.
Dang it, I got all excited about this book was going to buy it on Amazon............ then I see it's not out yet ugh, *sigh*
October 30, 2019
2,5 stars but not 3
I just wish goodreads allowed to give half points.
*********************************************
I wanted to read this book because I like a protective and possessive alpha male who saves the damsel in distress; it helps to feed my need for a fairy tale story 😊 So, I had high hopes about this book but I ended up disappointed.
Here are my reasons:
1. I DIDN’T FEEL a thing! I neither felt her pain, nor his love for her. The book didn’t make me feel at all. This is weird because in a plotline like this, I had to be feeling a lot so the fact that I felt so disconnected with the characters and felt nothing points to some problems about its writing. The writing of it was too superficial for me to feel a thing.
2. There was absolutely no buildup of their feelings. He sees her and thinks she looks like an angel, and she sees him and thinks he is so attractive and then they are instantly in lust and in love. There are not enough dialogues for them to get to know each other or for the readers to see how they are connected. I am not always against insta-love; I sometimes feel OK or more than OK with insta-love if I feel it powerfully but here, I didn't feel it at all.
3. The Cajun dialogue, which is frequently used in the book, is very distracting. First, I was checking with the Golossary at the beginning of the book but then I got bored and I just skimmed over the words.
4. The ex-wife drama was so annoying. The woman cheated on her husband so many times, getting bored by her life and in the end, he divorced her. Now, she sees him with another woman and wants him back and does all the crazy things for this reason. It was so very annoying and frustrating. The fact that the plot twist depends on the ex-wife also takes the cake!
5. The writing is in 3rd person point of view, focusing on each main character one at a time. I don’t like this style much because it puts a distance between the reader and the main characters and the writer needs to be really talented to transfer the feelings in that kind of style. In this book, the fact that I felt nothing may have something to do with this style.
6. If you are worried about safety, there is no cheating but there is ex-wife drama to a great extent. He is a single dad and has a son but he also lost his daughter at a young age. He is divorced. She was in an abusive relationship with her ex-husband and she also lost her unborn child because of his beatings.
I just wish goodreads allowed to give half points.
*********************************************
I wanted to read this book because I like a protective and possessive alpha male who saves the damsel in distress; it helps to feed my need for a fairy tale story 😊 So, I had high hopes about this book but I ended up disappointed.
Here are my reasons:
1. I DIDN’T FEEL a thing! I neither felt her pain, nor his love for her. The book didn’t make me feel at all. This is weird because in a plotline like this, I had to be feeling a lot so the fact that I felt so disconnected with the characters and felt nothing points to some problems about its writing. The writing of it was too superficial for me to feel a thing.
2. There was absolutely no buildup of their feelings. He sees her and thinks she looks like an angel, and she sees him and thinks he is so attractive and then they are instantly in lust and in love. There are not enough dialogues for them to get to know each other or for the readers to see how they are connected. I am not always against insta-love; I sometimes feel OK or more than OK with insta-love if I feel it powerfully but here, I didn't feel it at all.
3. The Cajun dialogue, which is frequently used in the book, is very distracting. First, I was checking with the Golossary at the beginning of the book but then I got bored and I just skimmed over the words.
4. The ex-wife drama was so annoying. The woman cheated on her husband so many times, getting bored by her life and in the end, he divorced her. Now, she sees him with another woman and wants him back and does all the crazy things for this reason. It was so very annoying and frustrating. The fact that the plot twist depends on the ex-wife also takes the cake!
5. The writing is in 3rd person point of view, focusing on each main character one at a time. I don’t like this style much because it puts a distance between the reader and the main characters and the writer needs to be really talented to transfer the feelings in that kind of style. In this book, the fact that I felt nothing may have something to do with this style.
6. If you are worried about safety, there is no cheating but there is ex-wife drama to a great extent. He is a single dad and has a son but he also lost his daughter at a young age. He is divorced. She was in an abusive relationship with her ex-husband and she also lost her unborn child because of his beatings.
July 28, 2014
Restoring Hope was a sweet, enjoyable contemporary romance featuring two people who have had some tough times in their lives but find happiness together. Hope is on the run from her abusive ex-husband's family and stops in New Orleans where she finds work as a waitress in a local diner. The owner is a nice woman who decides to set Hope up with Nic Beuve, a sexy Cajun man who is going through a tough time after his daughter overdosed on drugs. Nic blames himself for her death because he thinks his divorce from his cheating ex-wife caused his daughter to turn to drugs.
Nic and Hope have great chemistry from the start but she doesn't want to start anything with a man because she knows she will have to leave town in a few weeks and it might cause the person to be hurt. Nic doesn't think he deserves to be happy, but after a few meetings brought about by mutual friends, they can't deny their feelings and embark on a relationship that brings them both back from a dark place and they find love and happiness together.
This was a really nice contemporary romance. I enjoyed the New Orleans setting in particular, the author did a good job of making it come alive. I am a sucker for a sexy Cajun hero and Nic certainly was a hot one, but his kindness was just as sexy. I enjoyed the theme of second chances and the way the leads built a new life together. The reason for four stars instead of five was that I felt the crazy ex-wife part was a little overboard and I felt like the story didn't delve into the heroine's past as much as the hero's. Overall, I would recommend this cute contemporary, especially if you enjoy southern settings and a hot Cajun hero.
Nic and Hope have great chemistry from the start but she doesn't want to start anything with a man because she knows she will have to leave town in a few weeks and it might cause the person to be hurt. Nic doesn't think he deserves to be happy, but after a few meetings brought about by mutual friends, they can't deny their feelings and embark on a relationship that brings them both back from a dark place and they find love and happiness together.
This was a really nice contemporary romance. I enjoyed the New Orleans setting in particular, the author did a good job of making it come alive. I am a sucker for a sexy Cajun hero and Nic certainly was a hot one, but his kindness was just as sexy. I enjoyed the theme of second chances and the way the leads built a new life together. The reason for four stars instead of five was that I felt the crazy ex-wife part was a little overboard and I felt like the story didn't delve into the heroine's past as much as the hero's. Overall, I would recommend this cute contemporary, especially if you enjoy southern settings and a hot Cajun hero.
August 5, 2014
FULL REVIEW!!
4 Brilliant, Moving Stars!
This is the first book I have read by C.P.Smith and it definitely won't be my last.When I got offered to review this book I really didn't know what to expect, I didn't even read the synopsis and dove right in.I ended up reading late into the night and after forcing myself to put it down and I woke up in the morning and finished it off.
Hope and Nic are to people who have been broken, their past tortures them and no matter what they do they can't run from it.Two lost souls drifting around without any peace or bliss. Nic has lost his daughter and is making sure that he does everything right for his son.Hope is running from her past, she can't get too close to people as she will have to move on soon enough to make sure her past doesn't catch up with her.“Learn quickly, sugar…I will love you, fight with you, die for you, but I will also put your sweet ass over my knee if you run from me.”
When Nic and Hope meet, sparks fly and they are drawn to each other. Nic sees Hope as his angel, so pure and warm. He wants her, to make her his, to protect her from the demons she is fighting.Hope sees the same struggle, sorrow in Nic's eyes as she has seen in her own when she looks in the mirror.But Nic needs to be focused on his son and Hope can't let herself get close to him. So how does this all work?
Well you see there is this little magician called Maman Rose who waves her wand..well she doesn't, she just does her best to throw them together.“God gave me three gifts in this life; one he took too soon, one that makes me proud each day and one I never saw coming until she stumbled into my life and woke me up. I won’t take them for granted another day, and I’ll fight like hell to keep them safe,”
The main characters in this book are older than the age I usually stick to.Hope is 38yrs old and Nic is 42yrs old and well that I wasn't too comfortable with this at the start.Is it just me that likes the main characters to be close to my age range or a little older but not too much older? I guess at times I can make an exception if the hero is older (out of my comfort zone old) than the heroine but she has to be at the age range I am comfortable with.I don't mean like he is 90 and she is 21 but more like she is 25 and he is 38? Something like that I can just about handle.There are always the odd few that are older and I've been fine with as long as the age thing doesn't keep popping back up throughout the book.*sigh* I'm rambling. Let's get back to the point.“Nic Beauve, plain and simple, is the sexiest man she’d ever encountered, and she needed to be in his presence like she needed at hole in the head.”
Even though at the start the age bothered me I got over it by imagining the characters younger ;)
I usually avoid books with characters who have kids in a previous marriage I prefer the character to have no kids at the start or babies I can deal with babies lol I don't even know why but that's the way I prefer books.Not saying that's always the case I have read book with main characters with kids and enjoyed the book just like this one!
I enjoyed the character development and how the characters began to open up.Loved the banter and romance.This book was about how experiences changes a person but its all about what you do with these experiences.Loss can make or break a person it just depends on how you handle it.This book showed how you should never give up hoping, hoping for something better.If you lose hope you lose a big part of you.And sometimes that little bit of hope can change your life.“He forced her to stay, made her believe that she could have a life, something beautiful, to dream again. And for that, she would do her best to help him heal, give him the love he needed to move forward while she watched over their shoulders.”
*ARC provided for an honest review*
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March 3, 2018
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
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Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
I have to start this review by saying that I am born and raised a Louisiana girl. Not only that but my family is cajun french. So anytime I find a book that has references and depictions of my beloved home state, I get a little sentimental. But usually I find that some aren't accurate.
But C. P. Smith did her homework. she brought my french heritage and some Louisiana Pride right to my kindle and made me feel so at home. I could almost hear my grandmother
"Ma" to me..
saying
"Lil Nichole" (pronounced Neecole.)
"Go to that kitchen Cha and get you some cornbread my babee" )
Or she'd call me Nichole Cherrie and tell me to give her some sugar.
(which my middle name was supposed to be Chere' ..but my mom and medication during labor doesn't mix)
Moving on....
Needless to say I felt like I had stepped back in time and found I was in literary heaven when I fell into this story and didn't want to leave. We cajuns love hard and family is everything..and second to that is our food and football. I just spent hours feeling like I was with family.
This author created a canvas of characters that made me feel like I was watching a movie..in the realm of Fried Green Tomatoes. I felt I had gotten to know these amazing people and wanted a Rose and Big Daddy of my own, then it made me think about those in my lift that filled those roles. Brought to heart some really special moments in my memories.
And I haven't even gotten to the love story yet.
I am a sucker for the girl running from her past and hero that catchers her storyline. Mix that with Rose doing her best to make some cajun magic love match and you have yourself a fantastic love story.
Nic was the type of man that felt emotions to the depth of his being. He protected what is his and when he felt he made mistakes he took this down to his soul. This where he is when Hope storms into his life. He's battling guilt no parent should have to suffer through. Hope is broken and running and with the help of amazing friends pushing them together these two have no choice but to give into that chemistry staring them in the face and punching them in the heart.
The suspense was riveting and the passion was scorching. Nic was bossy and loyal..so amazing he took my breath away.
“I’m not gonna ask, I’m gonna tell her she’s moving.”
“Oodoggies, dat’ what I like, a man who takes charge.”
“And when I take you it will be slow and exhausting.
Adored this couple hard and
I was hooked from page one and I didn't stop till I was finished.
I need to say thank you to this author for not only gracing us with the opportunity to review her amazing work but for bringing me back a part of my past that I miss terribly. I may read tons of books..but when a book makes me feel like I just spent time with family..that is a "love story" indeed.
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
I have to start this review by saying that I am born and raised a Louisiana girl. Not only that but my family is cajun french. So anytime I find a book that has references and depictions of my beloved home state, I get a little sentimental. But usually I find that some aren't accurate.
But C. P. Smith did her homework. she brought my french heritage and some Louisiana Pride right to my kindle and made me feel so at home. I could almost hear my grandmother
"Ma" to me..
saying
"Lil Nichole" (pronounced Neecole.)
"Go to that kitchen Cha and get you some cornbread my babee" )
Or she'd call me Nichole Cherrie and tell me to give her some sugar.
(which my middle name was supposed to be Chere' ..but my mom and medication during labor doesn't mix)
Moving on....
Needless to say I felt like I had stepped back in time and found I was in literary heaven when I fell into this story and didn't want to leave. We cajuns love hard and family is everything..and second to that is our food and football. I just spent hours feeling like I was with family.
This author created a canvas of characters that made me feel like I was watching a movie..in the realm of Fried Green Tomatoes. I felt I had gotten to know these amazing people and wanted a Rose and Big Daddy of my own, then it made me think about those in my lift that filled those roles. Brought to heart some really special moments in my memories.
And I haven't even gotten to the love story yet.
I am a sucker for the girl running from her past and hero that catchers her storyline. Mix that with Rose doing her best to make some cajun magic love match and you have yourself a fantastic love story.
Nic was the type of man that felt emotions to the depth of his being. He protected what is his and when he felt he made mistakes he took this down to his soul. This where he is when Hope storms into his life. He's battling guilt no parent should have to suffer through. Hope is broken and running and with the help of amazing friends pushing them together these two have no choice but to give into that chemistry staring them in the face and punching them in the heart.
The suspense was riveting and the passion was scorching. Nic was bossy and loyal..so amazing he took my breath away.
“I’m not gonna ask, I’m gonna tell her she’s moving.”
“Oodoggies, dat’ what I like, a man who takes charge.”
“And when I take you it will be slow and exhausting.
Adored this couple hard and
I was hooked from page one and I didn't stop till I was finished.
I need to say thank you to this author for not only gracing us with the opportunity to review her amazing work but for bringing me back a part of my past that I miss terribly. I may read tons of books..but when a book makes me feel like I just spent time with family..that is a "love story" indeed.
March 20, 2019
Not one of my faves
For me, a lot of the book was slow moving. I liked the secondary characters like Rose and Big Daddy, but ones like the fortune teller was really just thrown in the story just to add some sense of suspense or foreboding. Too obvious.
For me, a lot of the book was slow moving. I liked the secondary characters like Rose and Big Daddy, but ones like the fortune teller was really just thrown in the story just to add some sense of suspense or foreboding. Too obvious.
July 11, 2014
Woo mutha fucking hoo got our copy..and starting tonight! Thank you CP Smith..you're amazing!!
Loved it!! Full review closer to release..thanks again girl!
Restoring Hope Review
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Loved it!! Full review closer to release..thanks again girl!
Restoring Hope Review
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October 29, 2015
Love
if I could give this more than 5 stars I would. I have been searching for authors who give me that alpha male/love at first sight and easy on the angst. Don't get me wrong, I like the drama as much as the next guy but I love seeing a couple stay strong.
Hope is one of my top favorite heroines. Nic was alpha and hot but we saw a vulnerability that makes you swoon. I will read anything this author puts out. keep up the good work
if I could give this more than 5 stars I would. I have been searching for authors who give me that alpha male/love at first sight and easy on the angst. Don't get me wrong, I like the drama as much as the next guy but I love seeing a couple stay strong.
Hope is one of my top favorite heroines. Nic was alpha and hot but we saw a vulnerability that makes you swoon. I will read anything this author puts out. keep up the good work
March 1, 2017
Restoring Hope by C.P. Smith
Nic and Hope
IT BROKE ME, IT MOVED ME, AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE!!!
I'm broken! I've been chewed up, spit out, and then chewed up again! This book will peek your interest, shred your heart, and piece you back together again. This is a story of two lost souls not having a clue that they're lost, just that they're going through the half-assed motions of what life used to be for them. Not living at all, but merely existing in a world so full of the life they once knew, loved, and adored. I didn't just read this book... I lived it through the eyes of CP's wonderful characters. I am forever changed and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Nic is one of those alpha males that doesn't come off that way right away. Sure he's large and in charge, sexy as all hell, and got some cha-ching in his pocket, but he's broken and you can see that if you just look into his eyes! He's isolated himself and doesn't seem to want back out of his safe corner of self loathing and pity. Sure he puts on the good face when his son, Nicky is around, but as soon as that boys out of the picture, he's back to being a Gloomy Gus again! Just wait till you see his world get turn on it's end and he's brought to life once again by an angel!
Hope is in my top ten favorite female character leads! I'm not one to take pleasure in a weak female, and believe me, she's not one, but rather been robbed of her confidence momentarily. She's been protecting herself and those around her for so long that it's the only life she knows. She's been hurt, inside and out... she's lost more than any one person should ever lose... and to top it off, she's so closed off that no one can get inside that head or heart of hers to save their lives... Until she meets the one who won't take no for an answer....
Great supporting characters in Rose, Big Daddy, Nicky, and even that bitch on wheels Kat. Rose made this tale not only real, but funny as hell. I love the accent CP put in the book and the French phrases. I think I'll be saying Mon Dieu for along time!! Big Daddy seemed to be just as amusing as Rose only not as meddling. Nicky is so damn charming and following in his father's footsteps day after day. Thank God for that! Now Kat... oh that bitch, that whore, that miserable excuse for a human being. Even though I wanted to choke the life out of her, this story wouldn't be the same without her evilness and conniving ways. I still want to slap the shit out of her!
Upon completion of this book, I suddenly found myself on Expedia looking up flights to New Orleans... bwahahaha... the way CP explains the surrounding, the citizens, and the atmosphere, It made me want to be a part of that stunning place. The story is compelling that found myself not wanting to put it down ever! The dialogue flows easy and sounds very natural. It's overflowing with anxiety and apprehension leading up to the climax that I could hardly contain myself. CP got a few messages from me while I was tucked away with my Kindle! I loved this and will keep it in my heart for years to come. One more thing... CP Smith... you are da best!!!
5 FREAKIN' STARS
Nic and Hope
IT BROKE ME, IT MOVED ME, AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE!!!
I'm broken! I've been chewed up, spit out, and then chewed up again! This book will peek your interest, shred your heart, and piece you back together again. This is a story of two lost souls not having a clue that they're lost, just that they're going through the half-assed motions of what life used to be for them. Not living at all, but merely existing in a world so full of the life they once knew, loved, and adored. I didn't just read this book... I lived it through the eyes of CP's wonderful characters. I am forever changed and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Nic is one of those alpha males that doesn't come off that way right away. Sure he's large and in charge, sexy as all hell, and got some cha-ching in his pocket, but he's broken and you can see that if you just look into his eyes! He's isolated himself and doesn't seem to want back out of his safe corner of self loathing and pity. Sure he puts on the good face when his son, Nicky is around, but as soon as that boys out of the picture, he's back to being a Gloomy Gus again! Just wait till you see his world get turn on it's end and he's brought to life once again by an angel!
Hope is in my top ten favorite female character leads! I'm not one to take pleasure in a weak female, and believe me, she's not one, but rather been robbed of her confidence momentarily. She's been protecting herself and those around her for so long that it's the only life she knows. She's been hurt, inside and out... she's lost more than any one person should ever lose... and to top it off, she's so closed off that no one can get inside that head or heart of hers to save their lives... Until she meets the one who won't take no for an answer....
Great supporting characters in Rose, Big Daddy, Nicky, and even that bitch on wheels Kat. Rose made this tale not only real, but funny as hell. I love the accent CP put in the book and the French phrases. I think I'll be saying Mon Dieu for along time!! Big Daddy seemed to be just as amusing as Rose only not as meddling. Nicky is so damn charming and following in his father's footsteps day after day. Thank God for that! Now Kat... oh that bitch, that whore, that miserable excuse for a human being. Even though I wanted to choke the life out of her, this story wouldn't be the same without her evilness and conniving ways. I still want to slap the shit out of her!
Upon completion of this book, I suddenly found myself on Expedia looking up flights to New Orleans... bwahahaha... the way CP explains the surrounding, the citizens, and the atmosphere, It made me want to be a part of that stunning place. The story is compelling that found myself not wanting to put it down ever! The dialogue flows easy and sounds very natural. It's overflowing with anxiety and apprehension leading up to the climax that I could hardly contain myself. CP got a few messages from me while I was tucked away with my Kindle! I loved this and will keep it in my heart for years to come. One more thing... CP Smith... you are da best!!!
5 FREAKIN' STARS
November 16, 2015
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★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - Stand Alone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Erm....probably
Rating - 3 stars
★Review★
Ok, so I have been struggling with this review and rating, I have only read 1 other book but his author, and to be honest I had some issues.
And it was the same here.
I felt like it was a touch repetitive. The heroine constantly thinking she needs to run away to save her friends. The Hero constantly thinking to himself how he cannot have a relationship so he does not fail his son like he feels he failed his daughter. And I mean constantly!!
I am not a huge fan of having to have a translation guide at the start, and found myself flicking back and forth to be able to understand some of what was being said. And again not a fan of speech being written in dialect, it just makes it hard for me to read.
And again, yet another book with a crazy ex wife! Just why!? I am beyond bored of that.
I struggled with feeling a connection to the characters, the heroine especially, and given the heroine is afraid of her own shadow and had proved to be clumsy and able to trip over her own feet can someone please explain to me, how and why this woman jumped from a moving train, into the arms of the hero, without doing herself damage! And as if she could not have just said to him, as he was running along the platform, I will get off the next stop and come back, or maybe you know, call you and we can talk. No, she JUMPS from a moving train! Leaving everything she owns on the train! I actually had to put my kindle down at the point to giggle...
Although I am maybe being harsh, as you know what, I did enjoy it. If you can ignore some utter over the top ridiculousness, the author came up with a pretty good story, and it could have been a beautiful and emotional tale of healing after loss and abuse, I just do not get why, as with the only other book I have read by her, she feels the need to add in drama on top of drama on top of ridiculousness. Just tone it down a touch, take some of it out, and it would be pretty much perfect for me.
Mind you I probably will read something more by this author.
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - Stand Alone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Erm....probably
Rating - 3 stars
★Review★
Ok, so I have been struggling with this review and rating, I have only read 1 other book but his author, and to be honest I had some issues.
And it was the same here.
I felt like it was a touch repetitive. The heroine constantly thinking she needs to run away to save her friends. The Hero constantly thinking to himself how he cannot have a relationship so he does not fail his son like he feels he failed his daughter. And I mean constantly!!
I am not a huge fan of having to have a translation guide at the start, and found myself flicking back and forth to be able to understand some of what was being said. And again not a fan of speech being written in dialect, it just makes it hard for me to read.
And again, yet another book with a crazy ex wife! Just why!? I am beyond bored of that.
I struggled with feeling a connection to the characters, the heroine especially, and given the heroine is afraid of her own shadow and had proved to be clumsy and able to trip over her own feet can someone please explain to me, how and why this woman jumped from a moving train, into the arms of the hero, without doing herself damage! And as if she could not have just said to him, as he was running along the platform, I will get off the next stop and come back, or maybe you know, call you and we can talk. No, she JUMPS from a moving train! Leaving everything she owns on the train! I actually had to put my kindle down at the point to giggle...
Although I am maybe being harsh, as you know what, I did enjoy it. If you can ignore some utter over the top ridiculousness, the author came up with a pretty good story, and it could have been a beautiful and emotional tale of healing after loss and abuse, I just do not get why, as with the only other book I have read by her, she feels the need to add in drama on top of drama on top of ridiculousness. Just tone it down a touch, take some of it out, and it would be pretty much perfect for me.
Mind you I probably will read something more by this author.
July 26, 2016
5 ma douce amour stars. C.P. Smith is definitely an amazing author and writes some great characters. This book is about two people finding light in the darkness, healing and feeling hope again. While their reasons for being in the dark were different, they were also similar.
Hope is on the run from a past that devastating. Since she was 12 years old her life has been pretty difficult. She never wants to put others in danger and so she tries to keep her head down and never let anyone close. This worked for her until the time that her travels bring her to New Orleans and The Bayou. The owner of The Bayou, Maman Rose sees something in Hope and is not going to let her hide and live life alone anymore.
Nic is grieving the loss of his little girl. He feels like he failed her and that is why she's gone. He has a son Nicky that he has decided to put all of his energy into and close himself off to the rest of life. He was doing just fine with this until Hope walks into The Bayou, waking him up for the first time in a long time. With a little meddling from Maman Rose, he has no choice but to take notice. Nic's ex wife plays a large part in this book as she wants to get back together with Nic and will do anything to make that happen. Even without Hope entering his life though, this would never happen. He has no desire to be with her ever again.
I've only been to NO once for a night. I loved the way this book describes the city, the cuisine, all of the Cajun accents were so well done. It made me feel like I was transported there while reading this book and made me want to take a trip there again. The secondary characters were just as amazing as the MCs, especially Maman Rose. Anyone would want that woman in their corner. This was an amazing effort by C.P. Smith that I think most romance lovers would enjoy this story fully.
Hope is on the run from a past that devastating. Since she was 12 years old her life has been pretty difficult. She never wants to put others in danger and so she tries to keep her head down and never let anyone close. This worked for her until the time that her travels bring her to New Orleans and The Bayou. The owner of The Bayou, Maman Rose sees something in Hope and is not going to let her hide and live life alone anymore.
Nic is grieving the loss of his little girl. He feels like he failed her and that is why she's gone. He has a son Nicky that he has decided to put all of his energy into and close himself off to the rest of life. He was doing just fine with this until Hope walks into The Bayou, waking him up for the first time in a long time. With a little meddling from Maman Rose, he has no choice but to take notice. Nic's ex wife plays a large part in this book as she wants to get back together with Nic and will do anything to make that happen. Even without Hope entering his life though, this would never happen. He has no desire to be with her ever again.
I've only been to NO once for a night. I loved the way this book describes the city, the cuisine, all of the Cajun accents were so well done. It made me feel like I was transported there while reading this book and made me want to take a trip there again. The secondary characters were just as amazing as the MCs, especially Maman Rose. Anyone would want that woman in their corner. This was an amazing effort by C.P. Smith that I think most romance lovers would enjoy this story fully.
October 15, 2018
Its super cute, the hero did a dick move but it got resolved quickly, it's alright though.
July 25, 2014
I love reading about a total alpha, possessive male who has a deep seated love of family. Those traits only make them hotter to me. I also love reading about mature characters that have lived life, experienced hardships and have come out a better person for those hardships. Both Nic and Hope are survivors who, at the beginning of the story, are struggling through the loss of a child and the disillusionment of love. Hope is a strong heroine who is running from an abusive past and although she shows moments of weakness, they are believable. Nic is a man that married his first love and watched as she morphed into a totally different person. The death of his love for his wife, as well as the young daughter who dies from a drug overdose has just about pushed him into a dark world of guilt and depression. His love for his teenage son, Nicky and his fateful meeting with Hope are the catalysts that bring him back to a life worth living. Nic’s love for his son, his daughter, his parents and most of all the love that blossoms between he and Hope made my heart swell. His anguish and grief over his daughter’s death brought tears to my eyes. The secondary characters, especially Maman Rose and Big Daddy, play a special part in this story and made me want to run to the bar to get some of their special loving and guidance. The love story between Nic and Hope builds slowly and it is heart wrenching to see the bond between them based on shared life experiences. It’s like they were made for each other. This author made me really feel these characters, love them and yes hate them (the ex-wife). If I wanted to pick the book apart, I could say yes I saw places where a word was omitted but it seems so petty considering the feelings and connections this author made me feel about this story and all the characters. She truly did an excellent job in bringing out the love between a man and woman, the love of a family and special friends and how true love can triumph over the very bad losses people can suffer in their life. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book by this author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2021
Hope Delaney is running, she has been since she made one pivotal moment in her life that put her in more danger than she was already in. Landing in New Orleans she finds a job working in the kitchen of The Bayou and under the meddlesome eye of the owner Maman Rose.
Maman Rose knows Hope will bolt as soon as she can, she also sees a woman who needs love in her life. She has the perfect choice for her, Nic Beuve. Nic is a broken man having buried his only daughter now he lives in a shell of his former self only truly alive when he is with his son. As Rose sets the wheels in motion, Hope has to learn to trust Nic and Nic wants to know all of her secrets. Everything could come to a screeching halt though when outside interference threatens to tear them apart.
I loved this book, it was not an insta love right away, it took time to cultivate. Hope is a warrior even if she doesn't see it within herself. Loved Nic, he is pure male and commands every page. Stayed up way to late finishing this one off.
Maman Rose knows Hope will bolt as soon as she can, she also sees a woman who needs love in her life. She has the perfect choice for her, Nic Beuve. Nic is a broken man having buried his only daughter now he lives in a shell of his former self only truly alive when he is with his son. As Rose sets the wheels in motion, Hope has to learn to trust Nic and Nic wants to know all of her secrets. Everything could come to a screeching halt though when outside interference threatens to tear them apart.
I loved this book, it was not an insta love right away, it took time to cultivate. Hope is a warrior even if she doesn't see it within herself. Loved Nic, he is pure male and commands every page. Stayed up way to late finishing this one off.
July 23, 2014
Restoring Hope!! FIVE BEAUTIFUL STARS!
Two broken souls; one lost in the pain of an unforgettable hurt, and the other running form a past that would be any woman’s nightmare.
We meet Hope and Nic in Restoring Hope, and we get to experience how these two people meet and not only do they fall in love but also help heal each other.
I truly loved this book, everything from the writing style to the amazing descriptions of New Orleans. Oh and not to forget the hotness that is Nic…. Three words…. HOT CAJUN ALPHA… Miss CP has grown as a written since her first book, A Reason to Breathe (which was another 5 star read) and it shows in this book. The writing in this book was stunning along with the story-line. And that sneak peek of her next book? Yea this chick CAN NOT WAIT for it!!!
Two broken souls; one lost in the pain of an unforgettable hurt, and the other running form a past that would be any woman’s nightmare.
We meet Hope and Nic in Restoring Hope, and we get to experience how these two people meet and not only do they fall in love but also help heal each other.
I truly loved this book, everything from the writing style to the amazing descriptions of New Orleans. Oh and not to forget the hotness that is Nic…. Three words…. HOT CAJUN ALPHA… Miss CP has grown as a written since her first book, A Reason to Breathe (which was another 5 star read) and it shows in this book. The writing in this book was stunning along with the story-line. And that sneak peek of her next book? Yea this chick CAN NOT WAIT for it!!!
February 24, 2016
This is so different from the author's first book, which was good but this is stunningly amazing. I went through so many different emotions whilst reading this, (At one point I wanted to do a Joey and put my reader in the freezer). Nic and Hope are both going through a very difficult time in their lives when they meet, neither wanting a relationship, but both wanting to help the other one, they both feel the attraction to each other but try hard to fight it. I will re-read this many times.
May 31, 2015
***** 5 Cranky Stars *****
This is the 3rd book by CP Smith I have read and reviewed for our cranky group, and it was just what the doctor ordered for me after too long a run of dark reads on my Kindle. I picked it up, honestly not even remembering what the synopsis had been. It didn't matter - I was very quickly drawn into the wonderfully realistic N'Awlins setting.
Hope is a woman running scared from her past. We meet her as her hiding has brought her to New Orleans. Never stay anywhere long and don't look anyone in the eye and certainly don't get attached to anyone are the survival skills she has honed, but as her money is running low, she must find some kind of under the table employment so she can't be traced. She takes her classified ads to The Bayou to search for a position that might suit her needs while she sips the wonderful French roast coffee.
Nic is a man haunted by the loss of his daughter, his tite ange, to drug addiction and overdose a year prior. He blames himself, and his divorce, for her demise. On nights he doesn't have his son, Nicky, he drowns his sorrows at The Bayou.
Hmmmm, see how The Bayou comes up in the introduction of both of these troubled souls? Along with leaving me with an overwhelming craving for Cajun food, the fabulous proprietor, Maman Rose, is one of those fantastic, larger than life characters you want to pull out of the pages of the book and bring into your own life. The book has a great romantic suspense storyline, but Maman Rose, along with Big Daddy, Henri and Abby, are the powdered sugar on the beignet!
Maman Rose's huge heart immediately expands for the broken girl, and beyond giving her a job, she is an incurable romantic with her mind set on playing matchmaker for T'Hope and one of her favorite customers, Nic. She has watched Nic suffer for too long, from the days of his marriage to the intolerable hussy, Kat.
What Maman wants, she usually gets.
It is hard to say whether Hope or Nic has the most heartbreaking backstory, but the story at hand gives us plenty of action, adventure and emotion in the rich Louisiana ambiance.
New Orleans, the swamps, Baton Rouge come to life in sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feels while the story meanders around it.
I was so drawn in to this perfect mix of romance, suspense, action and drama. There were enough little things that another round through an editor should fix to warrant a mention, but certainly not so many as to detract from the story. I debated between, 4 and 5 stars, but I so was drawn in to so many aspects of the story that I decided the 5 were fully warranted. Having Hope reading another book by the author I had read may have been the grain to tip the scale; I love little tie-ins like that.
The other two books I have read by CP Smith feature over the top alpha males. While Nic is definitely an alpha - and 100% male - I found his subtle by comparison alphaishness rather refreshing. I adored the other books, but this one easily became my favorite of the three. Hope is as much of a spitfire as Smith's other heroines, but again, it is a bit more subtle. The supporting cast of characters are simply marvelous, as they have been in all three of the books. The explicit sexual scenes are wonderfully hot, but also a little less frequent in a refreshing way. Definitely recommended for an adult audience looking for a hot and sweet romance with some thriller aspects intwined.
This is the 3rd book by CP Smith I have read and reviewed for our cranky group, and it was just what the doctor ordered for me after too long a run of dark reads on my Kindle. I picked it up, honestly not even remembering what the synopsis had been. It didn't matter - I was very quickly drawn into the wonderfully realistic N'Awlins setting.
Hope is a woman running scared from her past. We meet her as her hiding has brought her to New Orleans. Never stay anywhere long and don't look anyone in the eye and certainly don't get attached to anyone are the survival skills she has honed, but as her money is running low, she must find some kind of under the table employment so she can't be traced. She takes her classified ads to The Bayou to search for a position that might suit her needs while she sips the wonderful French roast coffee.
Nic is a man haunted by the loss of his daughter, his tite ange, to drug addiction and overdose a year prior. He blames himself, and his divorce, for her demise. On nights he doesn't have his son, Nicky, he drowns his sorrows at The Bayou.
Hmmmm, see how The Bayou comes up in the introduction of both of these troubled souls? Along with leaving me with an overwhelming craving for Cajun food, the fabulous proprietor, Maman Rose, is one of those fantastic, larger than life characters you want to pull out of the pages of the book and bring into your own life. The book has a great romantic suspense storyline, but Maman Rose, along with Big Daddy, Henri and Abby, are the powdered sugar on the beignet!
Maman Rose's huge heart immediately expands for the broken girl, and beyond giving her a job, she is an incurable romantic with her mind set on playing matchmaker for T'Hope and one of her favorite customers, Nic. She has watched Nic suffer for too long, from the days of his marriage to the intolerable hussy, Kat.
What Maman wants, she usually gets.
It is hard to say whether Hope or Nic has the most heartbreaking backstory, but the story at hand gives us plenty of action, adventure and emotion in the rich Louisiana ambiance.
New Orleans, the swamps, Baton Rouge come to life in sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feels while the story meanders around it.
I was so drawn in to this perfect mix of romance, suspense, action and drama. There were enough little things that another round through an editor should fix to warrant a mention, but certainly not so many as to detract from the story. I debated between, 4 and 5 stars, but I so was drawn in to so many aspects of the story that I decided the 5 were fully warranted. Having Hope reading another book by the author I had read may have been the grain to tip the scale; I love little tie-ins like that.
The other two books I have read by CP Smith feature over the top alpha males. While Nic is definitely an alpha - and 100% male - I found his subtle by comparison alphaishness rather refreshing. I adored the other books, but this one easily became my favorite of the three. Hope is as much of a spitfire as Smith's other heroines, but again, it is a bit more subtle. The supporting cast of characters are simply marvelous, as they have been in all three of the books. The explicit sexual scenes are wonderfully hot, but also a little less frequent in a refreshing way. Definitely recommended for an adult audience looking for a hot and sweet romance with some thriller aspects intwined.
June 22, 2014
I was thrilled to be granted an advance copy of C.P. Smith’s Restoring Hope. I LOVED her first novel, A Reason to Breathe and was excited to jump into this one. I was not disappointed.
Restoring Hope gives us the story of Nic and Hope, two people battling their inner demons, silently and alone. When Hope’s circumstances bring her to the historic, lively city of New Orleans, she is on the run; running from a past it is unlikely she will be unable to outrun. Therefore, she is reluctant to form ties and forge friendships in each city she finds herself in. Unbeknownst to Hope, the job she procures as a cook in a small restaurant comes with a proprietor who has zero intentions of allowing Hope to shrink into herself. Maman Rose, described as a big, boisterous Cajun woman, immediately gets involved in Hope’s business. She can clearly see the sadness in Hope’s eyes and sets out to change that.
Nic Beuve has ghosts lingering behind his eyes. One year previous, his daughter, Chelsea overdosed and Nic reacts the way any father would. He blames himself. His divorce from his ex-wife took a toll on Chelsea. Nic attempted to pull her out of her own personal destruction, but was too late. He needs to go on for the sake of his young son, Nicky, but he is a shell of the man he used to be.
Through Rose’s ministrations, Nic and Hope connect, and for Nic, it is as if a light has gone on inside. He can see in Hope’s eyes, her fear and sadness, and a need to protect her overcomes him. Hope is clearly attracted to Nic, but knows that good looks do not necessarily equal nice guy. She is not very trusting and knows that she is unable to give herself over to Nic, knowing that she will have to run again very soon. She is growing to like the people in her new life, and knows that a great danger awaits them if the people looking for her, indeed find her. Hope beings a tentative relationship with Nic, knowing that at any moment, she is going to run.
Nic and Hope found something in each other immediately. Hope found a comfort and strength she had been neglecting. With Nic, Hope could be herself, not hide in the shadows. Nic found himself a reason to believe in love again. He found a woman he would fight and die to protect. He found himself motivation to go on.
The bliss that Hope and Nic find is short lived. She cannot outrun her past and it is coming for her. Hope doesn’t want her past to come in between her relationship with Nic and is willing to leave New Orleans to save him. Nic will accept nothing but Hope in his life forever.
C.P. Smith has the ability to drown you with her story. The two days I spent with this book, were spent entrenched in the city of New Orleans and the lives and backgrounds of Nic and Hope. I felt each one of their emotions as if they were my own. I could feel the spirit of New Orleans with me as a devoured this book. The secondary characters are wonderful additions and help enrich the story.
There are a few twists and plot point shockers that I don’t want to give away, but had me gasping and frantically going backwards in my kindle to see what clues I missed. You are going to love the ride Restoring Hope takes you on!
4.5 STARS!
July 24, 2014
“Loving someone means you put them first and put yourself last. You trust them with your heart; you trust them with your life, and you fucking trust them to guard your heart with their life . . . Will you, Hope?” Nic asked and then leaned in and brushed a gentle kiss across her lips.
“Will I what?”
“Will you trust me with your heart ?”
I was excited to read Restoring Hope by author C.P. Smith and am happy to say that I enjoyed it. I love a good "woman on the run" story and find it hard to resist a damaged, suffering hero- this book had both! The story is a stand-alone.
The first 20% was a little “meh” for me as characters were introduced, the backstories were given, and the setting was described. At first I wasn’t sure about the Cajun theme and the different dialect several of the characters spoke with, but it grew on me (the story takes place in New Orleons). I really liked the supporting cast of characters, Maman Rose and Big Daddy and Nic’s son, Nicky. The Bayou is definitely a bar I’d like to hang out in. The supporting characters were fun and added a lot of color to the story.
Nic made a great hero! He was alpha but sweet too, a perfect combination!
“You made a promise to me, and you’re not breaking it.”
“What promise?” she whispered , watching, as he got closer still, leaning in intimidating her.
“The promise of something beautiful at the end of the day, the promise of you,” he whispered . “I’ve been in a fuckin’ nightmare for over a year and you stumbled into my life and turned me on my head. You gave me sweet; you gave me sass, and you gave me a fuckin’ headache from wanting you and tonight you gave me you, I’m holding you to that.”
The steamy parts were well written and sexy. I definitely could see some Kristen Ashley influence though not as much as I noticed in the author's first book, A Reason to Breathe. I appreciated the author steered clear of what I call “manufactured drama”. For example, when Hope’s secret is revealed, it’s a secret worthy of causing damage, it wasn’t something irrelevant that had been blown out of proportion. Also, while Nic makes certain allowances for his ex-wife, nothing that puts him in the idiot category. He seemed to make the right decisions when he needed to.
“God gave me three gifts in this life; one he took too soon, one that makes me proud each day and one I never saw coming until she stumbled into my life and woke me up. I won’t take them for granted another day, and I’ll fight like hell to keep them safe,”
The end of the book seemed a bit dramatic but overall, I really liked the story. The writing was good, the steam was steamy, and the characters were likable. I’m not sure if the author’s writing has developed more since her first novel or if Restoring Hope was just a better showcase for her story telling but there seemed to be some growth in her writing. Some books fall into the amazing category and some don’t but still qualify for enjoyable reads. I think C.P Smith falls into the latter category and I’m excited to see what she releases next. This is an author I'm sticking with!
“Will I what?”
“Will you trust me with your heart ?”
I was excited to read Restoring Hope by author C.P. Smith and am happy to say that I enjoyed it. I love a good "woman on the run" story and find it hard to resist a damaged, suffering hero- this book had both! The story is a stand-alone.
The first 20% was a little “meh” for me as characters were introduced, the backstories were given, and the setting was described. At first I wasn’t sure about the Cajun theme and the different dialect several of the characters spoke with, but it grew on me (the story takes place in New Orleons). I really liked the supporting cast of characters, Maman Rose and Big Daddy and Nic’s son, Nicky. The Bayou is definitely a bar I’d like to hang out in. The supporting characters were fun and added a lot of color to the story.
Nic made a great hero! He was alpha but sweet too, a perfect combination!
“You made a promise to me, and you’re not breaking it.”
“What promise?” she whispered , watching, as he got closer still, leaning in intimidating her.
“The promise of something beautiful at the end of the day, the promise of you,” he whispered . “I’ve been in a fuckin’ nightmare for over a year and you stumbled into my life and turned me on my head. You gave me sweet; you gave me sass, and you gave me a fuckin’ headache from wanting you and tonight you gave me you, I’m holding you to that.”
The steamy parts were well written and sexy. I definitely could see some Kristen Ashley influence though not as much as I noticed in the author's first book, A Reason to Breathe. I appreciated the author steered clear of what I call “manufactured drama”. For example, when Hope’s secret is revealed, it’s a secret worthy of causing damage, it wasn’t something irrelevant that had been blown out of proportion. Also, while Nic makes certain allowances for his ex-wife, nothing that puts him in the idiot category. He seemed to make the right decisions when he needed to.
“God gave me three gifts in this life; one he took too soon, one that makes me proud each day and one I never saw coming until she stumbled into my life and woke me up. I won’t take them for granted another day, and I’ll fight like hell to keep them safe,”
The end of the book seemed a bit dramatic but overall, I really liked the story. The writing was good, the steam was steamy, and the characters were likable. I’m not sure if the author’s writing has developed more since her first novel or if Restoring Hope was just a better showcase for her story telling but there seemed to be some growth in her writing. Some books fall into the amazing category and some don’t but still qualify for enjoyable reads. I think C.P Smith falls into the latter category and I’m excited to see what she releases next. This is an author I'm sticking with!
August 2, 2015
3.75-4.0 stars.
Hope had run away to New Orleans. The full details of who and why aren't revealed until late in the book. Nic is instantly attracted to Hope.
There's help in that department by Rose. A big, motherly owner of a Cajun bar/restaurant.
Nic is grieving over the loss of his daughter Chelsea. Nic has a son Nicky that he shares custody with ex-wife Kat. Rose calls her "Kat woman" and the name fits! Did I mention that Kat is a major bitch?
What a major bitch in every way. I couldn't imagine what Nic ever saw in her.
Nic is very sweet and gentle with Hope. Hope gradually comes out of her timid shell.
I was getting tired of Kat popping up and causing scenes. That was the least of it!
Hope and Nic work on their relationship while Hope decides whether or not to stay in New Orleans.
The conflict in the last third of the book had me stumped. Nic had been reasonable and kind up until then. I couldn't get his reason for his anger.
There's a twist in who the villain is. It was OTT. but it made for a much better HEA. Great HEA.
Hope had run away to New Orleans. The full details of who and why aren't revealed until late in the book. Nic is instantly attracted to Hope.
There's help in that department by Rose. A big, motherly owner of a Cajun bar/restaurant.
Nic is grieving over the loss of his daughter Chelsea. Nic has a son Nicky that he shares custody with ex-wife Kat. Rose calls her "Kat woman" and the name fits! Did I mention that Kat is a major bitch?
What a major bitch in every way. I couldn't imagine what Nic ever saw in her.
Nic is very sweet and gentle with Hope. Hope gradually comes out of her timid shell.
I was getting tired of Kat popping up and causing scenes. That was the least of it!
Hope and Nic work on their relationship while Hope decides whether or not to stay in New Orleans.
The conflict in the last third of the book had me stumped. Nic had been reasonable and kind up until then. I couldn't get his reason for his anger.
There's a twist in who the villain is. It was OTT. but it made for a much better HEA. Great HEA.
June 29, 2014
Wow what an epic story with countless emotions that will leave you completely breathless.
Nic is a broken man...losing his daughter leaves him full of guilt.
Hope is on the run from a man and a past that threatens her every move.
But when the two are literally thrown together by the amazing Maman Rose whose character I love by the way....the Will they or won't they situation commences.
They both have such sadness inside and both take comfort in each other...the emotions they experience you can quite literally feel in your own heart.
Let me tell you this writing is so descriptive...I honestly felt pulled into their story. The writing is beautifully done and such a credit to C.P SMITH.
The ending is spectacular.
You literally get the shock of your life....followed by the high of your life..and I love how C.P SMITH does this.
An amazingly beautiful, full of suspense book that is well deserving of 5 stars.
Nic is a broken man...losing his daughter leaves him full of guilt.
Hope is on the run from a man and a past that threatens her every move.
But when the two are literally thrown together by the amazing Maman Rose whose character I love by the way....the Will they or won't they situation commences.
They both have such sadness inside and both take comfort in each other...the emotions they experience you can quite literally feel in your own heart.
Let me tell you this writing is so descriptive...I honestly felt pulled into their story. The writing is beautifully done and such a credit to C.P SMITH.
The ending is spectacular.
You literally get the shock of your life....followed by the high of your life..and I love how C.P SMITH does this.
An amazingly beautiful, full of suspense book that is well deserving of 5 stars.
March 31, 2016
3.5 stars
I'll be quick on this one.
A very very interesting narration, I must say. It is dual POV generally...but the transition between the changing POV is what makes it interesting.
I liked the story and the characters.
The execution was good enough.
Though I felt at places..things were dragged out and could have been shortened.
The book starts slow and you have to be patient for the pace to pick up but the rest is just fine.
I'll be quick on this one.
A very very interesting narration, I must say. It is dual POV generally...but the transition between the changing POV is what makes it interesting.
I liked the story and the characters.
The execution was good enough.
Though I felt at places..things were dragged out and could have been shortened.
The book starts slow and you have to be patient for the pace to pick up but the rest is just fine.
October 1, 2014
very different story I have read and it was beautiful !!!! :)
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July 14, 2014
Loved this...Full review at
http://taras-bookbuzz.blogspot.com/20...
http://taras-bookbuzz.blogspot.com/20...
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