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The Verbecks of Idaho #2
Delicate Dream
Bethany Heart wants more for her daughter Olivia then a life with a loveless father. So she risks it by leaving everything behind to start fresh. But she is afraid. Taking a chance on a man she doesn’t know by being his housekeeper, Bethany discovers the life she’s always dreamed of until her ex shows and threatens to end it all.
Wanting to do the right thing, Cole Verbeck opens his home to Bethany and her newborn daughter. He is a hard man struggling to run his farm without his brother’s support. But as each day passes, he starting to realize coming home to Bethany is getting much easier. He is beginning to wonder how he would survive without them when they are just what he is missing in his life: a family.
Wanting to do the right thing, Cole Verbeck opens his home to Bethany and her newborn daughter. He is a hard man struggling to run his farm without his brother’s support. But as each day passes, he starting to realize coming home to Bethany is getting much easier. He is beginning to wonder how he would survive without them when they are just what he is missing in his life: a family.
95 pages, ebook
First published November 3, 2014
3 people are currently reading
28 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 28, 2015
Excellent little romantic drama. The poor tough guy hero had no chance in this one. Is it even fair when the heroine has a newborn baby working him over for her – squeezing his finger and smiling at him? The mix of a harshly treated woman in need and distress, her cute baby, and a strongly solitary man with everything she needs is very enticing. The story begins suddenly – straight into the grip tension and drama. It cruises along at a steady pace, constantly teasing with the promise of what might develop in the way of romance but also warning of what issues and problems from the past may be lurking. The climax hits as suddenly as the beginning – love and kindness winning out – passion flaring… Start to finish, I thoroughly enjoyed this powerful little story.
April 6, 2015
SNS Rating: 4.5
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Cole is a lonely farmer who thinks he is happy taking care of his farm and living separate from people. He has a constant scowl on his face, never smiles and is gruff and abrupt in his few words. Bethany is a full term pregnant woman desperate to run away from her abusive husband. Although he has never struck her, the verbal and emotional tirades have demoralized her and robbed her power. A shocking encounter fires up her anger and she determines to leave him. On her way, she goes into labor and barely makes it to the hospital parking lot before her car dies and on inspection, she crumbles to the ground unable to walk to the ER. That is where Cole finds her passed out in a pool of blood, the baby on its way. This is where this charming tale begins. Thoroughly enjoyed watching these two characters deal with their encounter, their subsequent past dramas and the emerging new feelings, hopes and dreams of a potential sunny future. Excellent display of inner thoughts and feelings and questions about their reactions with each other. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This a sweet interaction between two hearts. Five Stars.
~~~~~~~~~~Sharlene's ★★★★✯ Review~~~~~~~~~~
The Verbecks are certainly an interesting group. Delicate Dream is the second installment in the Verbecks' series and just as good as the first installment. Delicate follows the story of Cole and Bethany and her newborn Olivia. First off, just love the names - unique but not so far out in left field to be unbelievable. The characters are likable, lovable and interesting. If I liked the country more, I would want to drive to Idaho to meet these people. lol The story is a quick and easy read. Even though there was not a ton of action, the author writes the story in such a way that it keeps you interested the entire way. There was enough confusion on the main characters part to make me even wonder what was going to happen or how they truly felt. But in the end there is an HEA. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone and there is no cliffhanger. You do get to see where the third installment will lead though.
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Cole is a lonely farmer who thinks he is happy taking care of his farm and living separate from people. He has a constant scowl on his face, never smiles and is gruff and abrupt in his few words. Bethany is a full term pregnant woman desperate to run away from her abusive husband. Although he has never struck her, the verbal and emotional tirades have demoralized her and robbed her power. A shocking encounter fires up her anger and she determines to leave him. On her way, she goes into labor and barely makes it to the hospital parking lot before her car dies and on inspection, she crumbles to the ground unable to walk to the ER. That is where Cole finds her passed out in a pool of blood, the baby on its way. This is where this charming tale begins. Thoroughly enjoyed watching these two characters deal with their encounter, their subsequent past dramas and the emerging new feelings, hopes and dreams of a potential sunny future. Excellent display of inner thoughts and feelings and questions about their reactions with each other. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This a sweet interaction between two hearts. Five Stars.
~~~~~~~~~~Sharlene's ★★★★✯ Review~~~~~~~~~~
The Verbecks are certainly an interesting group. Delicate Dream is the second installment in the Verbecks' series and just as good as the first installment. Delicate follows the story of Cole and Bethany and her newborn Olivia. First off, just love the names - unique but not so far out in left field to be unbelievable. The characters are likable, lovable and interesting. If I liked the country more, I would want to drive to Idaho to meet these people. lol The story is a quick and easy read. Even though there was not a ton of action, the author writes the story in such a way that it keeps you interested the entire way. There was enough confusion on the main characters part to make me even wonder what was going to happen or how they truly felt. But in the end there is an HEA. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone and there is no cliffhanger. You do get to see where the third installment will lead though.
January 8, 2015
Loved it!
Finding Bethany at her most vulnerable it was hard to say who Cole Verbeck fell in love with first, the adorable newborn daughter or her beautiful, strong mother. Finding Bethany Heart at one of the most vulnerable moments in her life, Cole’s alpha tendencies immediately kicked in. Bringing her to the family ranch as his housekeeper, Bethany’s attraction to Cole only grew despite her misgivings about starting a new relationship when she only just left her baby’s father. She was bonding with Cole’s sister Olivia and her family even though Cole’s brother Peter was not as easy to win over. Cole knew he was falling hard for the two new women in his life and contemplating a future without them was just not acceptable. When Bethany’s past came knocking on her door with violence in its wake, the Verbecks circled the wagons to protect the new additions to their family.
Bethany Heart had a sweet name but perhaps it should have been Heartache. The dramatic beginning to this second book of the series revealed how alone she was in the world. Cole, an alpha-male from his toes to his cowboy hat was strong and loving as he immediately set about supporting these intriguing new ladies in his life. His interactions with the maternity nurse were hilarious as the different facets to his personality revealed themselves to Bethany as well as the reader. I have to admit I am a fan of cowboys and Cole does not disappoint in any way. Bethany is struggling but tries to remain focused on providing for her daughter and forging a new life for themselves. The story was well-written with a little bit of everything – loving families, sweet romance, hot love and a good dose of drama to spice things up. I love the easy writing style and the story fluidly being told from the main and secondary characters. I can’t wait to read more about this strong, loving family.
Finding Bethany at her most vulnerable it was hard to say who Cole Verbeck fell in love with first, the adorable newborn daughter or her beautiful, strong mother. Finding Bethany Heart at one of the most vulnerable moments in her life, Cole’s alpha tendencies immediately kicked in. Bringing her to the family ranch as his housekeeper, Bethany’s attraction to Cole only grew despite her misgivings about starting a new relationship when she only just left her baby’s father. She was bonding with Cole’s sister Olivia and her family even though Cole’s brother Peter was not as easy to win over. Cole knew he was falling hard for the two new women in his life and contemplating a future without them was just not acceptable. When Bethany’s past came knocking on her door with violence in its wake, the Verbecks circled the wagons to protect the new additions to their family.
Bethany Heart had a sweet name but perhaps it should have been Heartache. The dramatic beginning to this second book of the series revealed how alone she was in the world. Cole, an alpha-male from his toes to his cowboy hat was strong and loving as he immediately set about supporting these intriguing new ladies in his life. His interactions with the maternity nurse were hilarious as the different facets to his personality revealed themselves to Bethany as well as the reader. I have to admit I am a fan of cowboys and Cole does not disappoint in any way. Bethany is struggling but tries to remain focused on providing for her daughter and forging a new life for themselves. The story was well-written with a little bit of everything – loving families, sweet romance, hot love and a good dose of drama to spice things up. I love the easy writing style and the story fluidly being told from the main and secondary characters. I can’t wait to read more about this strong, loving family.
December 3, 2015
Okay, let's all swoon for the ornery hero who saves the damsel in distress and rediscovers his softer side.
Cole Verbeck is on his way to see his newborn niece when he finds a beaten up Datsun parked skew-whiff in a remote part of the parking lot. Curious soul that he is, he goes to investigate. When he finds Bethany Heart, unconscious and in labour. He rushes her into the ER.
Bethany discovers that the father of her unborn child is even more of a scum-bag than she imagined. She takes off with her suitcase and the clothes on her back, but the shock sends her into labour. She's all alone, her car has conked and she knows she's in trouble. What's she going to do?
This one is my favourite of the trilogy. I love the way it starts! Straight away we have action and a reason to fall in love with both the lead characters.
Cole is so sweet the way he takes Bethany into his care and into his heart, all while sending dirty looks at anyone who dares to question him. R.E.S. Tidmore has captured the wonder and emotional upheaval of becoming a mother perfectly. I was having flashbacks. I love Cole's protective side, and the way this family has each other's backs.
4 flares.
*Free copy generously given by the author.*
Cheers
Cole Verbeck is on his way to see his newborn niece when he finds a beaten up Datsun parked skew-whiff in a remote part of the parking lot. Curious soul that he is, he goes to investigate. When he finds Bethany Heart, unconscious and in labour. He rushes her into the ER.
Bethany discovers that the father of her unborn child is even more of a scum-bag than she imagined. She takes off with her suitcase and the clothes on her back, but the shock sends her into labour. She's all alone, her car has conked and she knows she's in trouble. What's she going to do?
This one is my favourite of the trilogy. I love the way it starts! Straight away we have action and a reason to fall in love with both the lead characters.
Cole is so sweet the way he takes Bethany into his care and into his heart, all while sending dirty looks at anyone who dares to question him. R.E.S. Tidmore has captured the wonder and emotional upheaval of becoming a mother perfectly. I was having flashbacks. I love Cole's protective side, and the way this family has each other's backs.
4 flares.
*Free copy generously given by the author.*
Cheers
April 10, 2015
I must admit I haven’t read the first part of R.E.S. Tidmore’s book but it wasn’t hard to follow the storyline. The book starts with a nightmarish scenario, the main character Bethany Heart is in labour, just two hours before she has found out that her partner Roger has been cheating on her! Cole Verbeck is her knight in shining armour, not only does he help her through her labour but he offers her a place to stay afterwards. What will be the outcome of this new alliance and will Bethany discover love again or will her past haunt her again?
Delicate Dream will hit home with new mothers because it tackles the difficult scenarios they face after giving birth. The only issue I had with the storyline was that Bethany moves from one relationship to another so soon and that too after having a baby! Fluctuating hormones sometimes makes that difficult but I suppose that’s the beauty of life, we are all different! Apart from that the book is a fun read for those who enjoy short romantic novels with a feel good ending. Perfect summer reading sitting by the beach!
Delicate Dream will hit home with new mothers because it tackles the difficult scenarios they face after giving birth. The only issue I had with the storyline was that Bethany moves from one relationship to another so soon and that too after having a baby! Fluctuating hormones sometimes makes that difficult but I suppose that’s the beauty of life, we are all different! Apart from that the book is a fun read for those who enjoy short romantic novels with a feel good ending. Perfect summer reading sitting by the beach!
March 2, 2016
Bethany was on the run from her cheating, abusive husband when she goes into labor and passes out in the hospital parking lot. Cole's strong tendencies to take care of others drives him to take her to his home to recuperate when she and her new baby Olivia have nowhere to go when released from the hospital. She insists on working as his cook and housekeeper in exchange for room and board.
I could see Cole's gruff demeanor slowly change as he takes it upon himself to help Bethany and Olivia. Their relationship goes through some interesting twists and turns in light of the issues they each faced in the past. I loved this story as they faced realistic problems and worked together to see if they could share their lives. It was great to see Emma and Logan from book 1 and their involvement in Cole's story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I could see Cole's gruff demeanor slowly change as he takes it upon himself to help Bethany and Olivia. Their relationship goes through some interesting twists and turns in light of the issues they each faced in the past. I loved this story as they faced realistic problems and worked together to see if they could share their lives. It was great to see Emma and Logan from book 1 and their involvement in Cole's story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 1, 2015
Loved it!
Finding Bethany at her most vulnerable it was hard to say who Cole Verbeck fell in love with first, the adorable newborn daughter or her beautiful, strong mother. Finding Bethany Heart at one of the most vulnerable moments in her life, Cole’s alpha tendencies immediately kicked in. Bringing her to the family ranch as his housekeeper, Bethany’s attraction to Cole only grew despite her misgivings about starting a new relationship when she only just left her baby’s father. She was bonding with Cole’s sister Olivia and her family even though Cole’s brother Peter was not as easy to win over. Cole knew he was falling hard for the two new women in his life and contemplating a future without them was just not acceptable. When Bethany’s past came knocking on her door with violence in its wake, the Verbecks circled the wagons to protect the new additions to their family.
Bethany Heart had a sweet name but perhaps it should have been Heartache. The dramatic beginning to this second book of the series revealed how alone she was in the world. Cole, an alpha-male from his toes to his cowboy hat was strong and loving as he immediately set about supporting these intriguing new ladies in his life. His interactions with the maternity nurse were hilarious as the different facets to his personality revealed themselves to Bethany as well as the reader. I have to admit I am a fan of cowboys and Cole does not disappoint in any way. Bethany is struggling but tries to remain focused on providing for her daughter and forging a new life for themselves. The story was well-written with a little bit of everything – loving families, sweet romance, hot love and a good dose of drama to spice things up. I love the easy writing style and the story fluidly being told from the main and secondary characters. I can’t wait to read more about this strong, loving family.
~Diane
Finding Bethany at her most vulnerable it was hard to say who Cole Verbeck fell in love with first, the adorable newborn daughter or her beautiful, strong mother. Finding Bethany Heart at one of the most vulnerable moments in her life, Cole’s alpha tendencies immediately kicked in. Bringing her to the family ranch as his housekeeper, Bethany’s attraction to Cole only grew despite her misgivings about starting a new relationship when she only just left her baby’s father. She was bonding with Cole’s sister Olivia and her family even though Cole’s brother Peter was not as easy to win over. Cole knew he was falling hard for the two new women in his life and contemplating a future without them was just not acceptable. When Bethany’s past came knocking on her door with violence in its wake, the Verbecks circled the wagons to protect the new additions to their family.
Bethany Heart had a sweet name but perhaps it should have been Heartache. The dramatic beginning to this second book of the series revealed how alone she was in the world. Cole, an alpha-male from his toes to his cowboy hat was strong and loving as he immediately set about supporting these intriguing new ladies in his life. His interactions with the maternity nurse were hilarious as the different facets to his personality revealed themselves to Bethany as well as the reader. I have to admit I am a fan of cowboys and Cole does not disappoint in any way. Bethany is struggling but tries to remain focused on providing for her daughter and forging a new life for themselves. The story was well-written with a little bit of everything – loving families, sweet romance, hot love and a good dose of drama to spice things up. I love the easy writing style and the story fluidly being told from the main and secondary characters. I can’t wait to read more about this strong, loving family.
~Diane
April 18, 2016
Delicate Dream offered a solid premise and a charming family in the Verbecks, but I had a hard time getting past all the errors. I was a little surprised when I came on to leave my review and saw this book did in fact have an editor. I am sympathetic to the difficulties of editing an entire novel but there was no regard for basic punctuation or grammar, and if the first sentence of my review had been in this book, it would have read "a difficult time getting passed". It made it nearly impossible to settle into the story, which is a shame - I especially liked Emma and would have picked up her story after this one, but I can't bring myself to struggle through more lazy editing. My best advice to the author would be to find a new editor - her current one is hampering her efforts.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
November 3, 2014
This was such a good read- no pun intended. I found the novella sweet and endearing. The main characters are cleverly written so I felt like I knew them personally. I love this series and can not wait for the next book to come out. I hope she already starting writing it!
December 27, 2014
Great book about a man and a woman changed by love. I hope we get to see Peter finding love, too!
February 14, 2017
I. CAN'T. EVEN.
Not for me, cause it made Idahoans seem like hicks that speak robotic and have never heard about breastfeeding or seen a movie or talked to another woman.
If you like the following, have at it. More power to ya.
“I see you have changed. You look…” Cole cleared his throat, “nice.”
Bethany blushed and ran a hand over her simple dress. “One of the nurses brought a few things from the car for me.”
“I will wait for you out front.” He walked out of the room.
“Okay,” she said to his back.
She tossed a small blanket over her shoulder, freed one of her engorged breasts and offered her teat to Olivia. Thankfully, Olivia had no problem latching on. Everything felt awkward, with Cole watching. As she tried to keep the embarrassing, humiliating thoughts out of her head, another clenching sensation spread over her breasts. Next thing she knew, Olivia was choking. Bethany pulled her away from her teat, and to her horror, milk sprayed on the baby’s face.
Then she reattached Olivia to her teat, and finally the crying stopped. Bethany pulled herself together. What was wrong with her? Everything made her cry lately. It was frustrating. After ten minutes of feeding, Bethany readjusted, and offered Olivia her other teat.
“Watch. Give it a minute. I’m not pushing hard.”
“She doesn’t look comfortable. Don’t hurt her.”
“Would you be comfortable if your stomach was full of gas?”
As if on cue, Olivia farted. Cole continued to work her little legs. She let out another fart, and her face finally relaxed.
There were a few great scenes / moments, but this was just not the 4+ star read the reviews promised.
Not for me, cause it made Idahoans seem like hicks that speak robotic and have never heard about breastfeeding or seen a movie or talked to another woman.
If you like the following, have at it. More power to ya.
“I see you have changed. You look…” Cole cleared his throat, “nice.”
Bethany blushed and ran a hand over her simple dress. “One of the nurses brought a few things from the car for me.”
“I will wait for you out front.” He walked out of the room.
“Okay,” she said to his back.
She tossed a small blanket over her shoulder, freed one of her engorged breasts and offered her teat to Olivia. Thankfully, Olivia had no problem latching on. Everything felt awkward, with Cole watching. As she tried to keep the embarrassing, humiliating thoughts out of her head, another clenching sensation spread over her breasts. Next thing she knew, Olivia was choking. Bethany pulled her away from her teat, and to her horror, milk sprayed on the baby’s face.
Then she reattached Olivia to her teat, and finally the crying stopped. Bethany pulled herself together. What was wrong with her? Everything made her cry lately. It was frustrating. After ten minutes of feeding, Bethany readjusted, and offered Olivia her other teat.
“Watch. Give it a minute. I’m not pushing hard.”
“She doesn’t look comfortable. Don’t hurt her.”
“Would you be comfortable if your stomach was full of gas?”
As if on cue, Olivia farted. Cole continued to work her little legs. She let out another fart, and her face finally relaxed.
There were a few great scenes / moments, but this was just not the 4+ star read the reviews promised.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews