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Blue Lake #2
Luke's #1 Rule
When Chloe’s employer amps up the verbal abuse and her ex-husband succumbs (again) to his addictions, she accepts a job offer across the country. Before starting their new lives, Chloe and the boys visit the family cottage at Blue Lake for their annual summer vacation.
When Luke meets Chloe, he’s blown away. She’s a strong, smart, gorgeous woman, and he wants to know her better. This sweet dream dies when Luke learns Chloe is a single mom. His #1 dating rule is “no single mothers.” He shuts down fast because he’s been there, done that, and has the broken heart to prove it.
Blending families and addressing addictions co-mingle with summer sunshine in a small lakeside town where the roots of love grow deeper than life’s challenges.
When Luke meets Chloe, he’s blown away. She’s a strong, smart, gorgeous woman, and he wants to know her better. This sweet dream dies when Luke learns Chloe is a single mom. His #1 dating rule is “no single mothers.” He shuts down fast because he’s been there, done that, and has the broken heart to prove it.
Blending families and addressing addictions co-mingle with summer sunshine in a small lakeside town where the roots of love grow deeper than life’s challenges.
- GenresRomance
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2014
14 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Harrison
22 books60 followersReader, writer, and former professional book critic for RT Book Reviews and Publishers Weekly. This is why I only give 3, 4 or 5 star reviews. I do not finish reading books that fall below that level. Life is too short to read bad books!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 13, 2014
This was an interesting story, with much more about it than just your average romance. Indeed, it's not so much about love as family dilemma, based around single mum Chloe's desire to move three thousand miles to start a great new job and provide a better life for her and her children. I felt sorry for Chloe, who gets emotional blackmail from all angles! By putting her children first she is accused of being selfish - a hard one, with no easy answer. I liked the small town feel very much.
What really takes this book to another level is the storyline surrounding Chloe's ex, an alcoholic who's also addicted to drugs both prescribed and illegal. I thought the author dealt with this subject spectacularly well. Spence's childish self-indulgence coupled with self-hatred are beautifully observed, and it's obvious that Ms Harrison really knows her subject, whether from experience or detailed and clever research. The reader sees the problems of addiction within familes from the points of view of the addict, the partner who left, and the partner who is currently dealing with the situation; Bettina, the current partner, goes through several stages of optimism, denial, depression, etc. Very cleverly done, and I thought Ms Harrison's 'no frills' writing style really came into its own during these parts. Bravo!
I think this book would be enjoyed by anyone who likes a contemporary family drama, slightly edgy, with a bit of romantic, sexy stuff thrown in, in the form of Luke, the man with the rule he's so determined not to break...
What really takes this book to another level is the storyline surrounding Chloe's ex, an alcoholic who's also addicted to drugs both prescribed and illegal. I thought the author dealt with this subject spectacularly well. Spence's childish self-indulgence coupled with self-hatred are beautifully observed, and it's obvious that Ms Harrison really knows her subject, whether from experience or detailed and clever research. The reader sees the problems of addiction within familes from the points of view of the addict, the partner who left, and the partner who is currently dealing with the situation; Bettina, the current partner, goes through several stages of optimism, denial, depression, etc. Very cleverly done, and I thought Ms Harrison's 'no frills' writing style really came into its own during these parts. Bravo!
I think this book would be enjoyed by anyone who likes a contemporary family drama, slightly edgy, with a bit of romantic, sexy stuff thrown in, in the form of Luke, the man with the rule he's so determined not to break...
December 27, 2014
Despite what its cover might suggest, this is a novel that goes beyond the traditional themes of most romance fiction. Yes, Luke and Chloe are attracted to each other, but certain barriers keep them apart. Because of his past experience, Luke has set up his number one rule: no relationships with single mothers. Yet he can’t help but see how vulnerable her two little boys are, and they in turn love being around him. Chloe’s past has also left her with a number one rule: seize her dream job to make life better for herself and her kids. When the two “rules” clash, a budding love suffers.
That situation might be enough for many romance novels, but there’s more to Harrison’s story than that. Chloe’s ex and his new wife have their own problems too, which form a compelling sub-plot that is integral to Luke and Chloe’s story. Then there’s Mom, who has her own agenda, and Chloe’s two little boys who dream of one big happy family. The author weaves all that and more into a very human story of people who struggle to love.
In spite of past hurt, in spite of addiction, betrayals and failures, the people in this novel search for the basic goodness that that shines in the heart of every human situation—if those involved are determined to find it.
I recommend this book to anyone who is inspired by a heart-warming romance novel but looks for just a little more. At the interview at the end of the book, the author says Luke’s #1 Rule was the “book of her heart.” I think that will be true for many of its readers, women and men alike
That situation might be enough for many romance novels, but there’s more to Harrison’s story than that. Chloe’s ex and his new wife have their own problems too, which form a compelling sub-plot that is integral to Luke and Chloe’s story. Then there’s Mom, who has her own agenda, and Chloe’s two little boys who dream of one big happy family. The author weaves all that and more into a very human story of people who struggle to love.
In spite of past hurt, in spite of addiction, betrayals and failures, the people in this novel search for the basic goodness that that shines in the heart of every human situation—if those involved are determined to find it.
I recommend this book to anyone who is inspired by a heart-warming romance novel but looks for just a little more. At the interview at the end of the book, the author says Luke’s #1 Rule was the “book of her heart.” I think that will be true for many of its readers, women and men alike
September 3, 2016
Luke's #1 Rule contains all the main elements of a typical romance, but the parts I found most well done were those that portrayed the addictive ex-husband and the two young boys. Rather than being a one-dimensional supporting character, the ex was as multifaceted as those involved in the main romance, and the boys' innocent confusion over their father's behavior was easy to picture. Harrison does a good job tackling tough issues yet still manages to keep the story lighthearted and fun. Romance fans will likely enjoy this read.
May 17, 2018
This was shaping up to be a shallow, but fun-enough read at first. The characters go from hating to loving each other overnight--standard romance stuff, I guess. The female MC claims he is loving her for all she is, which is strange seeing as we, the reader, don't know much about her as a person and Luke knows even less, but whatever floats her boat. Apparently, this qualifies him for instant daddy status with her kids. Fine. I can deal with all that. I can deal with the idea she'd been living with Mom to get back on her feet...yet somehow has enough money to PAY OFF a house to GIVE to her ex. Okay. Fine.
But the way it got toward the end? Like a woman having the audacity to want financial security for herself and her family was some kind of short coming? The speech Luke gives made me detest him. That he thinks that way is a sure sign he doesn't need to be in a relationship with anyone, let alone an independent woman.
The end leaves me, thusly, unsatisfied, because ew. There's enough padding that you can say, fine, whatever. I guess she didn't REALLY want this thing she'd worked hard for and planned. I guess uncertainty in a tiny town is preferable. But it's supremely unsatisfying.
But the way it got toward the end? Like a woman having the audacity to want financial security for herself and her family was some kind of short coming? The speech Luke gives made me detest him. That he thinks that way is a sure sign he doesn't need to be in a relationship with anyone, let alone an independent woman.
The end leaves me, thusly, unsatisfied, because ew. There's enough padding that you can say, fine, whatever. I guess she didn't REALLY want this thing she'd worked hard for and planned. I guess uncertainty in a tiny town is preferable. But it's supremely unsatisfying.
May 16, 2018
I was gifted this audible book for a fair and honest review. Thank you.
I have to say I was not a fan of the narrator, he did not do this book justice, in my opinion.
I loved this story. It has some extremely sad and sensitive elements, addictions, suicide, heartbreak, guilt, sadness, but it also has love. The mothers love of her two sons, her struggle with there futures in addition to her own. Her worry about her ex-husband new wife there coming child. The grandmothers love of her grandchildren and daughter there future and happiness. Plus she is a little bit of a meddler (in a good way). A fathers Love although tainted is still evident. In addition to a love that is new and wants to be an HEA.
I have to say I was not a fan of the narrator, he did not do this book justice, in my opinion.
I loved this story. It has some extremely sad and sensitive elements, addictions, suicide, heartbreak, guilt, sadness, but it also has love. The mothers love of her two sons, her struggle with there futures in addition to her own. Her worry about her ex-husband new wife there coming child. The grandmothers love of her grandchildren and daughter there future and happiness. Plus she is a little bit of a meddler (in a good way). A fathers Love although tainted is still evident. In addition to a love that is new and wants to be an HEA.
May 19, 2025
Luke's #1 Rule is a charming romance story. Chloe the main character is divorced and finds herself at a crossroad in her life. We can all relate to her dilemma of making the best choice for her and her family. Does she give into her heart and find love again or run toward a career that can insure her financial independences. Which would you choose. I enjoyed reading this and wanted to find out how would she solve the question of her families journey to a happier future. Ms. Harrison style of writing is so real. The characters come to life off the page with the natural conversations, insights into what they are feeling and insecurities that we all face in our everyday life's.
September 17, 2018
Luke's #1 Rule (Blue Lake Book 2) was a good read by Cynthia Harrison. Chloe decides to accept a job across the country and decided to visit the family cottage for their summer vacation. While there she meets Luke who changes everything for her. I enjoyed reading Chloe and Luke's story and wanted the best for them.
January 5, 2015
Luke's #1 Rule started as a surprisingly good read from an author previously not known to me. The writing style kept me engaged and the plot flowed at a nice pace. I feel the author did an excellent job showing the dark side of addiction.
One issue I had was the hero's judgment of the heroine in regards to her taking the kids away from her ex-husband. I side with the heroine in this case. The man endangered their children on multiple occasions. At best, he was criminally negligent. He was passed out in their presence, left drugs and booze out in the open within easy reach of the kids and dropped them off in front of a house where only a stranger was home to care for the kids.
When the heroine decides to move on with her life, the hero and supporting characters treat her like the devil incarnate. She's a "selfish bitch" for taking her kids away from their poor father just because he has some problems. He's totally going to change! Sheesh! How can she be sooo cruel?!
Up to this point I really liked the book. Then the hero became un-redeemable in my eyes. The heroine had already paid for and forced her ex-husband to rehab multiple times only to watch him relapse. Yes, everyone deserves a chance. However, it's every mother's job to keep her children safe and the fact is they were never safe while in his presence, even when his new wife was around.
While I liked the writing style and flow of this book the hero ruined the ending for me. I honestly didn't want them to end up together and I wanted to reach through my kindle and strangle the life out of the heroine's ex and his new wife.
I'm giving Luke's #1 Rule 3 out of 5 stars. I'll be looking for more books from Cynthia Harrison. I just hope this same theme isn't repeated.
Reviewed by Phoenix Andrews
One issue I had was the hero's judgment of the heroine in regards to her taking the kids away from her ex-husband. I side with the heroine in this case. The man endangered their children on multiple occasions. At best, he was criminally negligent. He was passed out in their presence, left drugs and booze out in the open within easy reach of the kids and dropped them off in front of a house where only a stranger was home to care for the kids.
When the heroine decides to move on with her life, the hero and supporting characters treat her like the devil incarnate. She's a "selfish bitch" for taking her kids away from their poor father just because he has some problems. He's totally going to change! Sheesh! How can she be sooo cruel?!
Up to this point I really liked the book. Then the hero became un-redeemable in my eyes. The heroine had already paid for and forced her ex-husband to rehab multiple times only to watch him relapse. Yes, everyone deserves a chance. However, it's every mother's job to keep her children safe and the fact is they were never safe while in his presence, even when his new wife was around.
While I liked the writing style and flow of this book the hero ruined the ending for me. I honestly didn't want them to end up together and I wanted to reach through my kindle and strangle the life out of the heroine's ex and his new wife.
I'm giving Luke's #1 Rule 3 out of 5 stars. I'll be looking for more books from Cynthia Harrison. I just hope this same theme isn't repeated.
Reviewed by Phoenix Andrews
April 30, 2016
Chloe is a single mum looking to make a new start with her two sons in Seattle where she has a high-flying job with a salary to match waiting for her. She negotiates being able to take her sons away from her ex, Spence, by paying him off, gifting him the house which he takes. He needs it, for his new wife, the next child, already on the way and because due to his addictions, drugs and alcohol, it’s an easy way out. A move he soon starts to regret.
Luke comes from Blue Lake and has just one rule, no dating single women with children. He gets to meet Chloe due to the meddling of their mothers but, coming under emotional pressure from all sides and determined to put her boys first, she takes a dim view of his reaction to her children when they first meet.
This is an easy to read story but with more bite to it than your standard romance. This author has very convincingly managed to incorporate the difficult topics of addiction, with all the issues that causes for everyone involved, along with the complications that arise with blended families in a way that is both authentic and makes you feel for the characters throughout this read.
I loved the setting of Blue Lake in the first of this series, Blue Heaven, and this book has only reinforced that view. A settled small friendly town, cottages by the lake where evenings are filled toasting marshmallows on bonfires on the beach, what’s not to like?
Luke comes from Blue Lake and has just one rule, no dating single women with children. He gets to meet Chloe due to the meddling of their mothers but, coming under emotional pressure from all sides and determined to put her boys first, she takes a dim view of his reaction to her children when they first meet.
This is an easy to read story but with more bite to it than your standard romance. This author has very convincingly managed to incorporate the difficult topics of addiction, with all the issues that causes for everyone involved, along with the complications that arise with blended families in a way that is both authentic and makes you feel for the characters throughout this read.
I loved the setting of Blue Lake in the first of this series, Blue Heaven, and this book has only reinforced that view. A settled small friendly town, cottages by the lake where evenings are filled toasting marshmallows on bonfires on the beach, what’s not to like?
January 10, 2015
The thing about Cynthia Harrison's stories is that they are about all of us - or at least all of the people I know. I've seen myself and many of the "characters" of my life come barreling out of the pages of her stories with depth and "depth perception."
There's way more here than a simple boy-meets-girl romance. There is the reality of the pain, sorrow, joy and hope of relationships. There is the wild ride of forgiveness, and understanding that sometimes what hurts us can heal us.
A simple story with some very complex undertones - just the sort of thing I love!
There's way more here than a simple boy-meets-girl romance. There is the reality of the pain, sorrow, joy and hope of relationships. There is the wild ride of forgiveness, and understanding that sometimes what hurts us can heal us.
A simple story with some very complex undertones - just the sort of thing I love!
April 7, 2015
Review up on my blog: http://princessofthelight.wordpress.com :)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews