I have enjoyed all of Gina's books so far and this is no exception. I enjoyed the characters, and I wanted them to get their happy ending! This is a sweet story with a few twists and I enjoyed the entire book. The storyline of the characters drew me right in. If you are looking for a truly sweet romance vibe, pick this one up!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great author is one who gets you so involved in their story that you feel as if you know the people in the story, you feel their pain, you just want to shake them and tell them to trust and give someone a second chance and can feel their happiness when something good finally happens. Amelia is running the family's B & B and really loves what she does. She knows the staff and treats them well. She remembers details about visitors who return year after year. Amelia's Dad went behind her back and has hired a consultant and it’s not a welcomed act of kindness. He thinks a new set of eyes could have new ideas to help with the problems. The consultant just happens to be Hunter Miller, who she grew up with and who has done well in the corporate world. Amelia is reluctant to accept his help, mostly due to their past and her attitude that she doesn’t need his help. Hunter is finally able to convince her to show him everything that needs to be repaired or replaced. The list is long and will be quite expensive, broken heating systems, staffing shortages, delayed maintenance, outdated equipment and more. Reluctantly Amelia shares the financial reports with him revealing the ugly truth. Hunter has great ideas to help bring in more bookings. Amelia has something really special to offer guests. One of Hunter’s first recommendations is to host corporate retreats. They are great for team building, getaways from the office and bonding experiences. Amelia realizes all the suggestions are great and would bring in more people, but she doesn’t want Pine Haven to lose what makes it special. After a visit by Mr. Richardson, from the bank, Amelia has no other choice but to accept Hunter’s help. She trusts him, but should she? Does he really want to help her or is he after something else, something more? There’s a lot of things happening in this “can’t put the book down” story. It seems as if there are a lot of secrets out there and they keep trying to figure them out and how they work together. The storyline, the characters, the writing all draw you into the lives of these people. There are mysteries to solve and information to find before it’s too late. When I say you won’t be able to put this book down, I really mean it. I have no idea if there’s a sequel to this story, but I sure hope there is one. Don’t miss this wonderfully written story.
What an amazing read about opening your heart to someone, letting other people lift you up when you can’t fight anymore, and also not letting yourself be pushed around by people who think they are better than you. I loved the themes of family and community throughout this book as Gina shows us what can be accomplished when people come together for a common cause.
I loved Amelia’s entire character. She is hard working, passionate, and real. She loves the Pine Haven Resort and the memories this place holds for her and the returning guests. A place her grandfather built and made successful, she is determined to keep his legacy alive. With the every day struggles of running an inn, she keeps a smile on her face in front of guests and staff, only letting that smile fall in the privacy of her own office. When a family friend arrives to help her save her family’s inn, she is reluctant to accept help. Especially as the bigger ski resorts seem to always been right there with a way to bring her further down.
Hunter has always known there was something special about Amelia and that she will never ask for help on her own. When he finds out her family’s inn is struggling, he offers to help, as financial rescuing is what he does. As he sees Amelia run the inn and the type of boss she is, he knows this inn is more special than surface level. When his past comes to haunt him, while strangely connecting to the present, he knows he has to do everything he can to save Amelia’s inn and show her they are meant to be.
Gina writes a story that is filled with romance, swoony moments, and just enough suspense that kept me unable to put this book down. I adored the towns commitment to Amelia and what she was trying to do and how they rallied around her when she needed it. Gina did a great job of reminding readers that asking for help doesn’t make us weak; sometimes asking for help is the strongest thing we can do. As Amelia and Hunter explore their deepening feelings, Gina keeps you intrigued with suspense and a small mystery.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes: 💞Friends to Lovers ⛷️It’s Always Been You 💞Slight Suspense ⛷️Small Town Romance 💞Clean Romance
I feel bad that I didn't like this story better. First, I thought that it was just a sweet rom-com type of a book but it was mostly just a story about a couple working through way weird, deep and disturbing mysteries and falling in love along the way. Like, disturbing creepy texts, stalking, murder, etc.
Second of all, Amelia's character really frustrated me. I know that strong FMCs are supposed to be good, but she was just stubborn and living in the past. She is supposed to be smart, but was risking everything because she couldn't learn to accept help. Clearly she was in way over her head with circumstances happening in the book but if protecting the legacy of the place was so important, shouldn't she be more willing to accept help and do something about it?
Amelia kept referencing the past all the time, and even in interactions with Hunter. (In her mind)She kept referencing their past connections instead of current ones. I was frustrated at the amount of times she mentioned looking at the portraits of her family and remembering their legacy, seeing Hunter's same smile from being on the debate team in high school, the sparks they shared at Taylor's wedding, etc. I looked it up and the debate team was mentioned 25 times. IMHO, that is way too much living in the past. She observes that Hunter remembers things about her from her past- like how she likes her doughnuts and coffee. In another time, her pulse is fast, just like it was at Taylor's wedding. Why are we living in the past so much? Taylor's wedding seems to be the only time they had a connection and it was one dance but everybody brings it up and it just got really old fast, and it took over the other potentially interesting story lines.
Is a sweet small town, friends to lovers romance with a touch of mystery and suspense and no cliffhanger. Some of the lines I really like --- “You’ve been putting out fires instead of preventing them.” --- character money couldn’t manufacture and charm no focus group could design. --- “Marketing isn’t just about flashy ads. It’s about understanding what makes a business special and building on that.” --- Sometimes helping means knowing when to step back. --- ‘Build relationships, not just deals.’ --- “These rooms aren’t just places to sleep.They’re where memories happen.” --- “A haven for those seeking both adventure and comfort, where modern luxury meets mountain tradition.” --- “He built this place to grow, to change with the times while keeping its heart intact.” --- Because some things—some people—were worth risking everything for." --- “The point is, I understand wanting to prove yourself. But sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit you need help.” --- “Sometimes the heart knows what the mind hasn’t figured out yet.” ---- Because some risks were worth taking. Even if they broke your heart. ------- What is Crystal Ridge up to? What's Jack Morrison up to? Who's behind all the threats? What's James Wheeler up to? These and other questions will all be answered. I loved Amelia and Hunter's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would! This was the. best. book! Amelia and Hunter were the best compliments to each other. Wasn't sure if that would be the case at the beginning. They seemed very different from each other, but they had one thing in common, they cared about making sure Pine Haven, Amelia's family's resort, survived. I enjoyed watching Amelia take charge in every situation with strength and grace. She truly loved the people who had been coming to their resort for years. She knew everyone and cared for them like family. Hunter was awesome. He steadily watches, admires Amelia's strengths, works to understand, and works with her to help her save the resort. I lived that. He saw her! Then the mystery comes in!! I loved how these two lean on each other, strengthen each other, and are constantly the other's rock. They let the other stand and do what needs to be done knowing they are supported. Then, add in the town, family, and friends that ban together in times of crisis, and you have an absolutely amazing romantic suspense book that you are not going to want to put down for anything! (That's what delivery is for!!)
I love all things Gina Cooper and this does not disappoint; if I could give this 100 stars I would!!!! Amelia Horton is running the family's resort (Pine Haven Resort), that has been in the family for generations. She loves what she does; she knows all her guests, their children and grandchildren. Her father hires a consultant (Hunter Miller), who the family knows. The resort needs upgrades, and to make money. Amelia resents Hunter trying to help, she believes she can do this on her own. The bank wants to foreclose on their loan, but will give them thirty days to prove they can turn things around. A neighboring resort wants Pine Haven at all costs, and they fight dirty. Can Amelia with the help of Hunter and her family save the resort; or do more people have "accidents"? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Gina Cooper!!!
This could have easily been a 5 star book. Well developed characters and story arcs. It should be a 3 star review but the quality of the story kept me from deducting another star.
The reason for the deduction? REPETITION. There was SO much repetition I was able to skip whole chapters without missing anything from the storyline. I’m not a chapter skipper. I have to much FOMO. But this? This was borderline insulting.
Please don’t assume your readers are clueless. We don’t need to be told over and over and over again details that were given in the previous chapters or even the previous page or paragraph. It’s tedious, frustrating, and completely unnecessary. Not to mention distracting from telling your story.
I always enjoy reading Gina's books. This one had me holding my breath on several occasions. I was happy, angry, sad and at a loss for words.
Their is so much betrayal happening to Hunter and Amelia. They are not sure who they can trust, and Amelia even doubts Hunter at times. There is so much danger that they have to work together. Hunter appears to have always been attracted to Amelia, they were in the debate club together and he always looked out for her.
Will they have a personal relationship? Just business? Will anyone in their families get hurt or killed? What does her family say? How does the town react to these situations? Let's finish reading to find out!
Amelia works for her family resort, she was stressed because was suffering from lost revenue and in need of maintenance ,the resort was old so now and then needs maintenance . Her father sent someone who specialize in resort management and marketing and consultant . Hunter Miller was her best friends brother they went the same high school and every family event she was there. At first she was rude with him and told him that she didn’t need his help but when he explained what was needed she agreed.he wanted to help her because he knew what the resort meant to her. They received treats to sold it and while they were investigating who is behind, they discovered secrets as well.
Secrets, lies, treachery, murder, threats, betrayal, and romance, wow, just how much can one story hold? Just when you think you’ve figured it out, you get another curve ball, a surprise twist that could change everything you think you know. Just plan to block out enough time to read this book because you’re not going to want to put it down. Friendships and trust are put to the test. I’ll sum it up with a quote from the book: Some traditions were worth keeping. Some changes are worth embracing. Some loves are worth waiting for.
Hunter and Amelia work together to save her family's resort but with it comes secrets that were deeply buried that tie their families together. The closer the get the more the feelings for each other builds. Will Amelia's heart be able to withstand everything that's coming and a chance for happiness as well. This story kept me glued to the pages.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are some plot inconsistencies and confusing elements, but this story grabbed me from the beginning. Hunter was the perfect book boyfriend. The suspense in this story is less about how Amelia and Hunter find each other but the mystery of their mother's pasts.
This story could be about 25% shorter, though...one too many twists in the story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a sweet and clean romance with suspense thrown in. High school classmates and his sisters best friend, he comes to her aid with her failing hotel. I liked them together. My only real complaint about this book are that it seems to have the same scene play or a few times in different ways, which makes the book seem longer. I thought the 2 mains and his sister's family were both great. I loved their dynamics.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a delightfully well written and sweet romance read. Clean and captivating with characters that you will root for from the very beginning. Amelia and Hunter are perfect matches and I loved reading their journey. A smooth flowing storyline with great characters and sweet romance. I'm definitely looking forward to more from Cooper!
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found this story to be exciting and entertaining right from the start. All the suspense and twist and turns had me on the edge of my seat through the whole book. Hunter and Amelia are wonderful characters and the storyline is fascinating. I could not stop reading until I finished it. I had to find out how it ended. I was not disappointed. I highly recommend reading this book. I'm so ready for more from Gina Cooper.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a sweet story with a lot of twists and turns. The story contains a charming love story intermingled with an ever-changing mystery. The author does a good job drawing the reader in and keeping the reader engaged throughout.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sweet small town friends to lovers romance. Amelia and Hunter work together for saving her family legacy - resort. Working together leeds them to opening to each other and their feelings can't be secret any more. Nice characters and many turns, twists, threads and secrets from the past. Who can they relay on?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. I felt a connection with Amelia and Hunter. I was pulled right into their story and had to read it in one sitting. A fantastic read. I received a copy via Booksprout and am leaving a voluntary review.
Oh my goodness what an incredible romance filled with suspense and so many family secrets. I could not turn the pages fast enough. I was in the edge of my seat the entire time with nervous anticipation. Excellent romance.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Enthralling Mystery - family legacy and romance amidst a tale of death, corruption and blackmail. What is real and what is not? Only at the end do you find out..,, recommended - romance without the sex.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Umm… I don’t know how I feel about this book. It had a lot of potential, but it was too fast-paced. One minute, the characters were indifferent to each other, and the next, they were in love—it felt very insta-love to me.
I forgot the antagonist’s name, but why was he always there? That part felt kind of cringe, and the things he said came off as a bit unrealistic. That being said, I did enjoy the many twists and turns. However, when serious things were happening, they didn’t feel serious.
For example, the revelation of what the brother saw could have been a huge moment, but it fell flat. And the dynamic between the brother and his best friend? It didn’t feel best-friendy at all.
Despite its flaws, the book had strong cliffhangers, which I appreciated. Overall, I think it had high potential but was too underdeveloped.
Saving Pine Heaven is all that matters to Amelia. Keeping the family's legacy alive. A clean small town romance with mystery, intrigue and survival of a close knit community. Standing together to overcome the threat of a corrupt company. With ghosts from the past, that bring sadness and anger. A book that's a page-turner from start to finish, I couldn't put it down and read it in one go.