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Managing Mayhem #1
Bliss
Maddox Bliss—a navy chief, bar owner, and mayhem manager—has sworn off women until retirement when in walks River Connelly, a stubborn beauty with no experience applying for a bartender position. Forced to hire her by his pregnant sister, Bliss gives River a chance to prove herself. Little does he know she's the sister of Mathew Wagner—brother by bond—who recently died in a car accident, and Bliss feels responsible for his death.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2014
23 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
R.E.S. Tidmore
9 books43 followersI am a defective writer that writes. I have an MFA in creative writing. Being dyslexic: Writing was never something I thought I would make a living at. Writing isn’t only about crossing your T’s and dotting your I’s. It’s about storytelling and doing it in all the best ways. I love Jane Austen, tattoos, sarcasm, quick wit, gardening, all things Harry Potter, being a writing coach, and a happy ever after.
Check out my adult romance series: The Awakener series, The Verbecks of Idaho series, The Managing Mayhem series, and coming soon, my new YA novel D IS FOR DEFECTIVE.
If you want to know when my next book will come out, please visit my website at http://www.restidmore.com or swing by and see my new company www.ruthlesswriters.com where you can find fun fiction writing prompts and coloring books for writers.
Check out my adult romance series: The Awakener series, The Verbecks of Idaho series, The Managing Mayhem series, and coming soon, my new YA novel D IS FOR DEFECTIVE.
If you want to know when my next book will come out, please visit my website at http://www.restidmore.com or swing by and see my new company www.ruthlesswriters.com where you can find fun fiction writing prompts and coloring books for writers.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 17, 2020
This story begins when River finds out her brother Mathew has just died. So, she finally goes to California to take care of his house, and all of his personal items that he left to her. Since her horrid mother had his funeral without her, River thinks this will be a good way to try move on with her life, and let go of a whole lot of guilt she has.
While there she goes to a bar that her brother use to visit a lot. She never expected to run into a man named Bliss, who actually owns the bar. But when she finds out they are hiring she decides to go for it, even though the hot owner doesn't seem to like her much.
This book was very good! I really enjoyed the story and characters. I loved the whole plot line, it kept me interested from the start, all the way till the end. I really loved River's character as well. I enjoyed getting to see her change through out the story, and how much Bliss helped her with it as well. The only thing that bothered me about it was the end. I was a little frustrated with out rushed it felt, and the turn it went through. Other then that I really enjoyed this read, although it was very sad at times.
While there she goes to a bar that her brother use to visit a lot. She never expected to run into a man named Bliss, who actually owns the bar. But when she finds out they are hiring she decides to go for it, even though the hot owner doesn't seem to like her much.
This book was very good! I really enjoyed the story and characters. I loved the whole plot line, it kept me interested from the start, all the way till the end. I really loved River's character as well. I enjoyed getting to see her change through out the story, and how much Bliss helped her with it as well. The only thing that bothered me about it was the end. I was a little frustrated with out rushed it felt, and the turn it went through. Other then that I really enjoyed this read, although it was very sad at times.
December 11, 2014
My first book by R.E.S. Tidmore, Bliss was a read I truly enjoyed. It was an addictive story with great characters.
Summary:
River Connelly is a workaholic. Afraid of most of the outside world, locking herself away in her home and editing books is a way to keep herself safe. Her best friend and brother, Mathew has done everything in his power to keep her from withdrawing into herself, but River's childhood provides a difficult roadblock to overcome. She has her work and her brother to keep her entertained. What more could she need? But her carefully controlled world threatens to implode when she learns of the death of her beloved brother and supporter. River decides to honor her brother in the only way she knows how, by going to California to handle his estate and get to know what her brother valued in his life. But River never expected her own life to change or grow. Maddox Bliss, navy chief and bar owner, manages mayhem every day of his career, but when mayhem hits a little closer to home, he struggles with recovering. Losing a brother by bond is always tough, but worse when you feel responsible. He vows to never let the situation repeat on his watch. But his concentration and focus are swiftly diverted when River walks into his bar. He swore off women until his navy retirement, not needing the hassle of a relationship, but River threatens all of his best laid plans. River hasn't ever met anyone like Bliss. He's kind, considerate, loyal, and honorable. But she has a plan to honor her brother, and she has to stay on course and get back to her life in Oregon. Fate sometimes has a strange and heartbreaking way of working out, though. Can two lost souls overcome their grief and find both comfort and love in each other? It seems that way until River unknowingly plays a part in a situation like the one her brother was killed, and Bliss finds out the connection between River and his lost brother.
I really enjoyed this book, and I don't normally pick military romances because I myself am an army wife and see enough of that world in real life. River was an interesting character. Her phobias and quirks were endearing and believable. The love she felt for her brother was palpable and her wish to be more "normal" was admirable. I only wish that we had some sort of confrontation or resolution with her mother. I think I wanted to see River stand up to her more. Bliss was a sweet and sexy hero. I do love a man in uniform (see husband, lol) and he was a good one. I loved his dedication to the job. It was clear he took his role seriously and took pride in a job well-done and by the book. His relationship with his sister was cute, but I was surprised he didn't do more about her situation given the circumstances. He was a bit of a act now, ask questions later, and that was to his detriment a lot of the time. Supporting cast was funny and entertaining. I'm looking forward to getting to know the rest of the mayhem managers, and the women who are strong enough to handle them. I especially can't wait for Logston's story. He was my favorite and I need him to have his HEA with a good woman who loves the man he is. The story was hard for me to put down, but the ending felt a bit rushed and without a lot of detail. That said, it didn't ruin the story for me, and I'm really looking forward to book two! <3
Summary:
River Connelly is a workaholic. Afraid of most of the outside world, locking herself away in her home and editing books is a way to keep herself safe. Her best friend and brother, Mathew has done everything in his power to keep her from withdrawing into herself, but River's childhood provides a difficult roadblock to overcome. She has her work and her brother to keep her entertained. What more could she need? But her carefully controlled world threatens to implode when she learns of the death of her beloved brother and supporter. River decides to honor her brother in the only way she knows how, by going to California to handle his estate and get to know what her brother valued in his life. But River never expected her own life to change or grow. Maddox Bliss, navy chief and bar owner, manages mayhem every day of his career, but when mayhem hits a little closer to home, he struggles with recovering. Losing a brother by bond is always tough, but worse when you feel responsible. He vows to never let the situation repeat on his watch. But his concentration and focus are swiftly diverted when River walks into his bar. He swore off women until his navy retirement, not needing the hassle of a relationship, but River threatens all of his best laid plans. River hasn't ever met anyone like Bliss. He's kind, considerate, loyal, and honorable. But she has a plan to honor her brother, and she has to stay on course and get back to her life in Oregon. Fate sometimes has a strange and heartbreaking way of working out, though. Can two lost souls overcome their grief and find both comfort and love in each other? It seems that way until River unknowingly plays a part in a situation like the one her brother was killed, and Bliss finds out the connection between River and his lost brother.
I really enjoyed this book, and I don't normally pick military romances because I myself am an army wife and see enough of that world in real life. River was an interesting character. Her phobias and quirks were endearing and believable. The love she felt for her brother was palpable and her wish to be more "normal" was admirable. I only wish that we had some sort of confrontation or resolution with her mother. I think I wanted to see River stand up to her more. Bliss was a sweet and sexy hero. I do love a man in uniform (see husband, lol) and he was a good one. I loved his dedication to the job. It was clear he took his role seriously and took pride in a job well-done and by the book. His relationship with his sister was cute, but I was surprised he didn't do more about her situation given the circumstances. He was a bit of a act now, ask questions later, and that was to his detriment a lot of the time. Supporting cast was funny and entertaining. I'm looking forward to getting to know the rest of the mayhem managers, and the women who are strong enough to handle them. I especially can't wait for Logston's story. He was my favorite and I need him to have his HEA with a good woman who loves the man he is. The story was hard for me to put down, but the ending felt a bit rushed and without a lot of detail. That said, it didn't ruin the story for me, and I'm really looking forward to book two! <3
January 19, 2015
So I really enjoyed this story. I felt the connection with River. I thought the connection between Bliss and River was strong. I liked how everyone else saw the connection but them. The characters n the story were really great. I believe that's what kept the story entertaining. Only thing I wish for is River and Bliss maybe confronting her controlling mother. Mother was the reason for her issues and her triggers would always led back to her past encounter with her. As River began to hang at WTF, she become more assure of herself. I just wish we got a chance to see her deal with mother with her new found courage.
April 4, 2015
SNS Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Reading this book was a delightful treat. On the one hand, we have River who is beaten down by childhood programming into an insecure, shy, frightened woman fearful of being around people. She is a reclusive workaholic living alone in her home, believing no man would ever love her because she wasn't good enough. On the other hand, we have Bliss, a man haunted by regret and guilt concerning an accident in his past. He requires himself to be in control of all situations and has encased his heart in steel determined to never be vulnerable to any woman. Life causes the paths of these two to cross and the entertainment begins. The everyday life events, the interactions with other people and with each other is an interesting adventure. Watching River and Bliss grow and come alive to life is amazing. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Five Stars.
~~~~~~~~~~Zarah's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
From the very beginning, this story had me captivated. This book had a little of everything done really well. Pain, grief, love, loss, brotherhood, friendship and one hell of a hot male lead. Who wouldn't want to head out to W.T.F if it was filled with this bunch of sexy funny men in military uniforms??? Just get rid of nasty girl and i'm there :-).
I admit that I zoned out a little at the descriptions of the hover-craft and the tour, and aside from a few small editing errors - I really really enjoyed this story.
~~~~~~~~~~Sharlene's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book really surprised me. I don't know what I was expecting but it certainly wasn't the sweet but complicated romance between Bliss and River. They don't realize it, but they are connected in a sad, sad way. This book tells the story of how the two of these people find that connection. The story is easy to read and even has a little education in it about Hovercraft which I found very interesting. Bliss is a Navy Chief who is a little bit alpha but it doesn't overwhelm the story. River turns out to be this strong ass woman who I came to admire for overcoming some of her very worst fears. The secondary characters play a big part in this book and I found them all very interesting as well.
Although this book has an HEA, I felt like it was cut short. Maybe because there was no epilogue? Or maybe because I felt like there were some loose ends that didn't get tied up. I don't know. None of these, however, are essential to the story line of the book.
~~~~~~~~~~Sara's ★★★✰✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I was given and ARC for my honest opinion.
This is a story of Bliss who is a Navy Chief and River a string Woman. They both have pasts that hold them back but when coming together they overcome all these together. The have a connection like no other. However I wasn't too fond of the hovercraft description and even found myself falling asleep. I also felt that there was aspects missing I the story to make it complete for me.
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Reading this book was a delightful treat. On the one hand, we have River who is beaten down by childhood programming into an insecure, shy, frightened woman fearful of being around people. She is a reclusive workaholic living alone in her home, believing no man would ever love her because she wasn't good enough. On the other hand, we have Bliss, a man haunted by regret and guilt concerning an accident in his past. He requires himself to be in control of all situations and has encased his heart in steel determined to never be vulnerable to any woman. Life causes the paths of these two to cross and the entertainment begins. The everyday life events, the interactions with other people and with each other is an interesting adventure. Watching River and Bliss grow and come alive to life is amazing. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Five Stars.
~~~~~~~~~~Zarah's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
From the very beginning, this story had me captivated. This book had a little of everything done really well. Pain, grief, love, loss, brotherhood, friendship and one hell of a hot male lead. Who wouldn't want to head out to W.T.F if it was filled with this bunch of sexy funny men in military uniforms??? Just get rid of nasty girl and i'm there :-).
I admit that I zoned out a little at the descriptions of the hover-craft and the tour, and aside from a few small editing errors - I really really enjoyed this story.
~~~~~~~~~~Sharlene's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book really surprised me. I don't know what I was expecting but it certainly wasn't the sweet but complicated romance between Bliss and River. They don't realize it, but they are connected in a sad, sad way. This book tells the story of how the two of these people find that connection. The story is easy to read and even has a little education in it about Hovercraft which I found very interesting. Bliss is a Navy Chief who is a little bit alpha but it doesn't overwhelm the story. River turns out to be this strong ass woman who I came to admire for overcoming some of her very worst fears. The secondary characters play a big part in this book and I found them all very interesting as well.
Although this book has an HEA, I felt like it was cut short. Maybe because there was no epilogue? Or maybe because I felt like there were some loose ends that didn't get tied up. I don't know. None of these, however, are essential to the story line of the book.
~~~~~~~~~~Sara's ★★★✰✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I was given and ARC for my honest opinion.
This is a story of Bliss who is a Navy Chief and River a string Woman. They both have pasts that hold them back but when coming together they overcome all these together. The have a connection like no other. However I wasn't too fond of the hovercraft description and even found myself falling asleep. I also felt that there was aspects missing I the story to make it complete for me.
December 30, 2014
Stand-alone book with interesting characters and supporting cast. Needs editing for typos and grammar, but not too distracting. 3.5 stars, rounded up. No cliffhanger.
This feels like book one in a series, because there are several characters with interesting stories you'd like to know more about. In some ways, they're almost more interesting than the two main characters, which is one of the weaknesses of this story.
Although I did enjoy the storyline, I thought the author did a better job describing some of the details of the Navy jobs than developing the relationships between the characters. Part of the difficulty is that both main characters are taciturn loners, so their friends do more talking than either of them. As a result, the dialog is a little stilted and the relationship feels a little insta-love.
Despite those weaknesses, I liked the book and the other characters that were introduced. The story has a moderate level of heat with a broody, controlling alpha-man who spends a fair amount of time half dressed, so that was a definite plus.
If additional books are released with stories about his sister and best friend, and his two other Navy buddies, I would definitely read them as I thought all of them were interesting characters.
Recommended to fans of broody Navy sailors and love overcoming all obstacles.
This feels like book one in a series, because there are several characters with interesting stories you'd like to know more about. In some ways, they're almost more interesting than the two main characters, which is one of the weaknesses of this story.
Although I did enjoy the storyline, I thought the author did a better job describing some of the details of the Navy jobs than developing the relationships between the characters. Part of the difficulty is that both main characters are taciturn loners, so their friends do more talking than either of them. As a result, the dialog is a little stilted and the relationship feels a little insta-love.
Despite those weaknesses, I liked the book and the other characters that were introduced. The story has a moderate level of heat with a broody, controlling alpha-man who spends a fair amount of time half dressed, so that was a definite plus.
If additional books are released with stories about his sister and best friend, and his two other Navy buddies, I would definitely read them as I thought all of them were interesting characters.
Recommended to fans of broody Navy sailors and love overcoming all obstacles.
April 2, 2017
Awesome
I loved it. Definitely cried a bit. This is a completely unexpected rescue for both of them. Their lives and internal demons held them captive until they met each other due to bad circumstances.
I loved it. Definitely cried a bit. This is a completely unexpected rescue for both of them. Their lives and internal demons held them captive until they met each other due to bad circumstances.
June 18, 2019
I picked this book up from Boise Book Fest, took it home and devoured it.
Bliss is the first in a military romance series that has the Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot bar and Mayhem Managers at its core. It is a traditional romance augmented with authentic details gleaned from the author’s experience as a military spouse.
I found the camaraderie of the “brothers by bond” just as entertaining as Maddox and River’s love story. I loved the banter and ribbing and enjoyed speculating on which characters might be featured as couples in future books. Logston was my favorite of the military men and the beach run was my favorite scene.
I thought the critical mother/high-ranking Master Chief made a unique antagonist with potential to bring interesting conflict into the heart of the story… it seemed odd that she only materialized at the end. I also expected Sarah to bring more tension by trying to win Maddox for herself.
I hope the author still plans to continue the series. I would love to see who ends up with whom. Shots and Rose? Phillips and Chrissie? Logston and… Sarah?
Bliss is the first in a military romance series that has the Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot bar and Mayhem Managers at its core. It is a traditional romance augmented with authentic details gleaned from the author’s experience as a military spouse.
I found the camaraderie of the “brothers by bond” just as entertaining as Maddox and River’s love story. I loved the banter and ribbing and enjoyed speculating on which characters might be featured as couples in future books. Logston was my favorite of the military men and the beach run was my favorite scene.
I thought the critical mother/high-ranking Master Chief made a unique antagonist with potential to bring interesting conflict into the heart of the story… it seemed odd that she only materialized at the end. I also expected Sarah to bring more tension by trying to win Maddox for herself.
I hope the author still plans to continue the series. I would love to see who ends up with whom. Shots and Rose? Phillips and Chrissie? Logston and… Sarah?
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October 10, 2017
The overall story was great. I am not a military type reader, but this was an exception. Great story
December 6, 2014
True Love is Bliss!!! Loved this book!!!
I received an ARC from Reading Deals Review Club in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I have read by R.E.S. Tidmore and it most certainly won't be my last. I fell in love with her writing style and the characters she so talentedly brought to life. River and Bliss' story kept me riveted turning pages well past the time to be asleep! It was so good. I loved how their growing love healed the hurts in their pasts and broke down the walls each had put up to protect themselves from future hurt. This book was a sensually breathtaking romance. I highly recommend this book to all romance lovers.
I received an ARC from Reading Deals Review Club in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I have read by R.E.S. Tidmore and it most certainly won't be my last. I fell in love with her writing style and the characters she so talentedly brought to life. River and Bliss' story kept me riveted turning pages well past the time to be asleep! It was so good. I loved how their growing love healed the hurts in their pasts and broke down the walls each had put up to protect themselves from future hurt. This book was a sensually breathtaking romance. I highly recommend this book to all romance lovers.
December 5, 2014
So I am typing this on a foreign keyboard (yes they are different) with sticky keys and no English spell check. Please forgive my typos.
I loved Bliss. Damn. And I usually am not a fan of military men. My dad was a Marine and one of the few pieces of advice he gave me was not to date military men. I have no idea what his reason was as that was the extent of his lesson, but I've avoided them nevertheless. Regardless, I was able to connect with both River and Bliss. River was a bit of a mystery at times. I wanted to know more. And Bliss, damn. All that running and frequent toplessness. Thank you Tidmore for the visuals! I look forward to reading about Shots!!
I loved Bliss. Damn. And I usually am not a fan of military men. My dad was a Marine and one of the few pieces of advice he gave me was not to date military men. I have no idea what his reason was as that was the extent of his lesson, but I've avoided them nevertheless. Regardless, I was able to connect with both River and Bliss. River was a bit of a mystery at times. I wanted to know more. And Bliss, damn. All that running and frequent toplessness. Thank you Tidmore for the visuals! I look forward to reading about Shots!!
January 1, 2015
Reviewed for Sarah & Kirsty's Book Reviews
R.E.S. Tidmore is a new author to me but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. From the beginning I was plunged straight into the plot and I stayed there until I finished the book. I adored both River and Bliss as a couple, the way they each overcame their grief was emotional to read about. I took an instant dislike to Sarah but I loved Rose, especially when she put Bliss in his place. I hope I eventually get to read Shot and Rose's story (if there are plans for it, that is). Loved this book and I will certainly be reading more books by this author. 5 stars!
R.E.S. Tidmore is a new author to me but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. From the beginning I was plunged straight into the plot and I stayed there until I finished the book. I adored both River and Bliss as a couple, the way they each overcame their grief was emotional to read about. I took an instant dislike to Sarah but I loved Rose, especially when she put Bliss in his place. I hope I eventually get to read Shot and Rose's story (if there are plans for it, that is). Loved this book and I will certainly be reading more books by this author. 5 stars!
October 23, 2014
*I was provided with a free copy of this book so I could give an honest review*
What can I say, I thoroughly enjoyed this story.. Of two lost souls, coming together in the midst of grief... River is grieving for her brother, that died in a car crash.. traveling to his home to sort his belongings out she takes a job at a bar.. where she meets Bliss, unbeknownst to her he is her brothers friend, who harbours misplaced guilt over his death... It's a lovely story, with so many emotions... can't wait to read more!!
What can I say, I thoroughly enjoyed this story.. Of two lost souls, coming together in the midst of grief... River is grieving for her brother, that died in a car crash.. traveling to his home to sort his belongings out she takes a job at a bar.. where she meets Bliss, unbeknownst to her he is her brothers friend, who harbours misplaced guilt over his death... It's a lovely story, with so many emotions... can't wait to read more!!
June 9, 2015
Author of “Bliss” has a unique voice of her own. In this book, she has brought two fictional characters, Bliss and River to life in her own distinctive way.
“Bliss” is a love story where the chemistry between the hero and the heroine jumps right at you and their interactions has various layers that the author has brought about skillfully. Other characters in the story are very relatable as well, especially Rose. All in all, a great read.
“Bliss” is a love story where the chemistry between the hero and the heroine jumps right at you and their interactions has various layers that the author has brought about skillfully. Other characters in the story are very relatable as well, especially Rose. All in all, a great read.
October 24, 2014
This was a great book! I was provided with a free copy of this book so I could give an honest review. It was exciting to read even though you could read into what was going to happen; I couldn't put it down at times. I would be interested in reading more of this author.
June 27, 2014
It is a very good book, for this is the second book I read that I just could not put down. I know if I enjoyed it you all will too!!
October 16, 2014
I was provided with a free copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
What a great book! I really enjoyed Bliss and River and look forward to more.
What a great book! I really enjoyed Bliss and River and look forward to more.
July 17, 2015
I love this author. I loved river and the story is realistic. I can't wait for more
January 26, 2016
I like River and I like Bliss but what's the deal with Rose? The story was pretty predictable.
Gets a pretty steamy in 2 places.
Gets a pretty steamy in 2 places.
September 29, 2016
liked the story, but it ended kind of abruptly. Needed an editor...especially at the end...some glaring inconsistencies - didn't take away from the story though.
August 9, 2021
This is my first book by R.E.S. Tidmore and it was an enjoyable read.
River was a recluse with anxiety issues and worked at home as an editor for a small publishing house. After an incident in college she basically shut herself away from the world only staying in contact with her brother, until recently. It was easier dealing with the world from the confines of her home than venturing outside. However, an early morning knock on her door from two men in uniform upended her world and nothing would be the same again. After an eye-opening conversation with her mother, who never thought much of her or her chosen path, River decides to face her fears and anxiety and leave the confines of her home to pay her final respects to her brother by visiting where he lived and seeking out his friends to learn more about his life before saying goodbye and moving on. Taking a leave of absence from her job and traveling to her brother’s home to see how he spent his final days and learn more about the accident that stole his life, River gets more than she bargained for when she ends up taking a job as a bartender in the place he frequented and meeting his friends in an unconventional way. It’s an emotional journey for River in every way. Complicated feelings, emotional confrontations, an instant, unwanted attraction to the bar owner really throw her life in a tailspin. River never expected her trip to say goodbye to her brother would give her the opportunity to change and grow in unexpected ways.
Maddox Bliss was a navy chief and bar owner that managed chaos every day. He had a strict routine, strict rules, and held himself to blame for the loss of a brother in arms, one of his closest friends. Struggling with his own feelings and decisions along with balancing his career and his bar, Bliss had no time for relationships or more complications in his life. But when River walks into his bar, his plans change and his world turns upside down.
Both River and Bliss are emotionally damaged in their own ways and struggling to deal with loss and new directions in their lives. Their complicated attraction and relationship have them both scrambling to find balance and meaning.
Bliss is an emotional read with an angsty vibe. However, there are great characters, fun times, quirkiness, sexy times, personal growth, new directions, love, and a satisfying ending. Currently it looks like this book is a standalone, but hopefully additional books will be written in the future for the supporting characters. It would definitely make a great series.
River was a recluse with anxiety issues and worked at home as an editor for a small publishing house. After an incident in college she basically shut herself away from the world only staying in contact with her brother, until recently. It was easier dealing with the world from the confines of her home than venturing outside. However, an early morning knock on her door from two men in uniform upended her world and nothing would be the same again. After an eye-opening conversation with her mother, who never thought much of her or her chosen path, River decides to face her fears and anxiety and leave the confines of her home to pay her final respects to her brother by visiting where he lived and seeking out his friends to learn more about his life before saying goodbye and moving on. Taking a leave of absence from her job and traveling to her brother’s home to see how he spent his final days and learn more about the accident that stole his life, River gets more than she bargained for when she ends up taking a job as a bartender in the place he frequented and meeting his friends in an unconventional way. It’s an emotional journey for River in every way. Complicated feelings, emotional confrontations, an instant, unwanted attraction to the bar owner really throw her life in a tailspin. River never expected her trip to say goodbye to her brother would give her the opportunity to change and grow in unexpected ways.
Maddox Bliss was a navy chief and bar owner that managed chaos every day. He had a strict routine, strict rules, and held himself to blame for the loss of a brother in arms, one of his closest friends. Struggling with his own feelings and decisions along with balancing his career and his bar, Bliss had no time for relationships or more complications in his life. But when River walks into his bar, his plans change and his world turns upside down.
Both River and Bliss are emotionally damaged in their own ways and struggling to deal with loss and new directions in their lives. Their complicated attraction and relationship have them both scrambling to find balance and meaning.
Bliss is an emotional read with an angsty vibe. However, there are great characters, fun times, quirkiness, sexy times, personal growth, new directions, love, and a satisfying ending. Currently it looks like this book is a standalone, but hopefully additional books will be written in the future for the supporting characters. It would definitely make a great series.
November 29, 2016
I actually found the story and the characters quite engaging but was about to DNF several times because the writing was just not that good in my opinion.
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