Hide Your Heart

Bounty Bay #1

by Tracey Alvarez

Hiding in plain sight just got complicated…
Lauren Taylor and her young son have fled back to her hometown to escape fame’s cruel spotlight, and all she wants to do is start over. No press, no pictures, no problem. Until Nate Fraser, a sexy photojournalist, moves in next door. Resisting his kisses and keeping her secrets soon become the hardest thing she’s ever done.
Nate’s got one foot out the door and one last assignment before he resumes his nomadic lifestyle, camera in hand. His every instinct screams that his beautiful but unwelcoming neighbour is hiding something. He couldn’t care less when it’s difficult enough to keep his eyes—and lips—off of her. No matter how much Nate attempts to keep his heart out of reach, he’s drawn into her life. But a guy like him can never have what he wants most. Can he?


HIDE YOUR HEART is the first story in Tracey Alvarez’s Bounty Bay series, set against the stunning backdrop of Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you like heartwarming, sweet and sexy small town romances, you’ll love sharing the journey with these authentic men and women struggling to find their special someone. Welcome to Bounty Bay, where the reward of true love is a price only some are willing to pay.


Download your copy of Hide Your Heart today and uncover the secret lives and hidden passions simmering in New Zealand’s sultry, subtropical Far North. Intended for mature 18+ aged readers who enjoy their feel good romance on the sensual side.


Praise for the Bounty Bay series!


"Reading a book by Tracey Alvarez is like taking a mini vacation to my imagined little happy place in New Zealand." ~ Spellbound Book Reviews


"Tracey now is included among some of my fav authors from the Southern Hemisphere. Rosalind James and Natalie Gayle fans will love Tracey's books." ~ Retailer review


"Tracey Alvarez has written a finely crafted, well written romance. Sexy and delightful and full of family values." ~The Book Date


"Her writing style will keep you hanging on to every word and feeling the characters’ heartbreak right along with them." ~ Rachel Lawrence Books


Don’t miss any of the Bounty Bay books!
Book 1: Hide Your Heart. Featuring Lauren and Nate.
Book 2: Know Your Heart. Featuring Savannah and Glen.
Book 3: Teach Your Heart. Featuring Gracie and Owen.
Book 4: Mend Your Heart. Featuring Natalie and Isaac. Coming 2017.
Book 5: Break Your Heart. Featuring Vanessa and Sam. Coming 2017.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Amazon, Fiction, Abuse

244 pages, ebook

First published April 8, 2015

About the author

Tracey Alvarez lives in the Coolest Little Capital in the World (a.k.a Wellington, New Zealand) where she’s yet to be buried under her to-be-read book pile by Wellington’s infamous wind—her Kindle’s a lifesaver! Married to a wonderfully supportive IT guy, she has two teens who would love to be surgically linked to their electronic devices.

Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.

When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework.

Tracey also writes flirty, dirty stories under the penname Jessie Logan.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hide Your Heart is book one in the Far North series by Tracey Alvarez. This is my first book by Tracey and I absolutely am in love with it. I was drawn in from the very first page when I first met Lauren and her sweet adorable little boy, Drew. And of course the oh so sexy Nate.



Lauren Taylor is now living in a small, rural New Zealand town with her four year old son, Drew. But this wasn’t always where she lived. Lauren had a very different life in New York, first as a famous model and then as the wife of a high powered New York business man. But things happened, things Lauren doesn’t want anyone to know about. Things that still give her son nightmares. They have a good life here now, a safe life. She keeps her identity hidden and her heart closed. All that is important is her son. Until the rainy night that Nate Fraser walked into her life.



Nate is a photo journalist. He has lived his life going from job to job, country to country, war to war. This is the only life he has ever known, the only thing he knows how to do. But he’s tired. He bought the property next door to Lauren with the plan to renovate it and sell it to a developer that wants to turn it into a celebrity retreat. With the profits from the sale, maybe he can slow down, work on a coffee table book he’s been thinking about. But then he met Lauren and her little boy and he began to question everything. Is this what he really wants, to travel and work, always alone? Or could he really find it in himself to stay in one place, have a family, fall in love?



“Getting involved with you wouldn’t work out well. Neither of us needs that kind of drama.”

“Too much cozy little family stuff was bad for the digestion. Especially since a tiny part of him had begun to stretch, yawn and wake up. A tiny part that thought being part of a family might not be so bad after all.”



From the first moment, there was an attraction, a chemistry between Lauren and Nate. But neither one of them wanted to act on it. They both know it couldn’t happen, that it could never go anywhere. But the more time they spent together, the harder it became to ignore their feelings. And then there is Drew. He was drawn to Nate, to his kindness. He looked up to him, worshiped him, thought of him as Superman. I admit I have a weakness for books with children. But this little boy is probably the sweetest little boy I have ever read about. He completely stole my heart.



“You’ll miss your life if you only ever see things through that camera. You just gotta realize relationships are a contact sport, and if you run too fast, nobody’ll pass you the ball.”



I loved Lauren. She is an ex-fashion model that restores vintage cars for a living and can wield a chain saw like no other. Every man’s dream, right? And Nate, swoony Nate, sigh. The way he was with little Drew showed how much love he had to give, he just didn’t know it yet. I loved watching Lauren heal and blossom with Nate’s affection. But she knew that this was temporary. She knew Nate was going to leave. Does she risk her heart for the time she is given with him?

“How could she risk wanting more with a man who would leave forever in a month’s time.”



So yes, I loved this book. It is sweet, heart warming and just wonderful. I was invested from the first page to the last. The characters completely stole my heart. I will remember them for a long time to come.

“Home is where the heart is.”

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is OK read.

It has this small town romance vibe. Min angst/ drama. The chemistry between 2 characters is suficient to maintain the story.

The story is OK. The heroine has some spouse abuse relationship in the past. The chemistry between the hero and heroine takes time but not slow burn.

Overall this is OK read.

3 stars

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read the blurb, I was super excited to read this because…well, I’m a photographer and I’m a sucker for anything having to do with it. I clearly need to start showing some restraint because it wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. It wasn’t bad, just didn’t live up to my personal expectations, so I’m not holding it against the author.

While hiding out in New Zealand from a past she’d like to forget about, Lauren literally finds herself in a jam, needing the help of a complete stranger. The only reason she trusts this stranger is because she recognizes the name, Nate Frazer (famous photojournalist). That doesn’t mean she completely trusts him though.

Nate is on his way to the new fixer upper he purchases sight unseen when he runs into a damsel in distress. Not wanting her to freeze in the rain (not to mention she sprained her ankle and couldn’t walk), he kindly drives Lauren and her son back to their house. Except he doesn’t leave immediately and worms his way into both Lauren and her sons hearts.

This story had a lot of good and cute moments, but I feel like it dragged on a little to long. It took longer than it should have to “get to the point”, if you know what I mean, but all in all was delightful. I personally think that the son stole the story for me, but what do I know…

Would I recommend this book? Sure. Just don’t expect too many sparks to fly.

*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. Nate was really funny and smooth. I smiled at just about every flirtatious thing he said to Lauren. He was also great with her son Drew. The reason I took off a star was because the story ended abruptly and the author used the epilogue like it was the first chapter of her next book (it might be) instead of giving me a satisfying conclusion to Nate and Lauren’s story. Nate and Lauren were not even in the epilogue, at all. It was like they admitted they loved each other — the end — now forget them, here are two new people. I’m so annoyed right now and I hate loving a book and being annoyed at the end.

[Delta · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me this was just an ok read. Hide Your Heart is a sweet contemporary romance; however it has no suspense, adventure, extreme angst, or mystery in it--just a sweet contemp romance. The adrenaline junkie in me needs something more than that. If you really like sweet contemp romance, you may enjoy this book more than I did.

Lauren Knight is an ex New York runway model who divorced her abusive husband and returned home to New Zealand with her 4-year-old son to live in hiding from the tabloid press. Nate Fraser is a world renowned photojournalist and confirmed bachelor who purchases investment property next to Lauren's home. When a mishap with Lauren's car leaves her stranded on the side of the road on a rainy night, Nate comes to the rescue, and romance (very slowly) ensues.

[Yodamom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 stars
Wonderful characters, likable, nice people you can't help but enjoying spending time with. The setting was more inland country than here other series which was all about the water. This story had a more mature story of a woman hiding from an abusive husband and public life, a little boy who wakes from nightmares of past horrors, and a good man who hasn't found any reason to put down roots.
This was the second book in the New Zealand romance starter set by the same author. I enjoyed it almost as much and the Due South series book in this set. Due South is my favorite but this one runs close by.

[Siobhan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in Tracey's new Far North series and as a massive fan of her Due South series I was really looking forward to getting stuck into this book.

Hide Your Heart tells the story of Lauren and Nate. Lauren is an ex-model hiding from a troubled, dark past. She will do everything to protect her young son Drew, including ignoring her growing attraction to hot newcomer Nate.

Nate is a photojournalist who has purchased the nearby house as an investment. Taking time out from his busy career, he plans on fixing up the house and selling it to a developer who intends to use it as a celebrity retreat.

Lauren, naturally, isn't happy about his plans as she is desperately trying to shield herself and her son from that world. As their paths intertwine, she finds it harder and harder to deny her feelings for him. The attraction is mutual and Nate is also trying to avoid giving into his heart. Nate's plan for the future is to travel the world taking photos and he has never entertained notions of tying himself down. Until Lauren.

As the story progresses both Lauren and Nate are on a journey of self-discovery. Learning to trust in themselves and each other is a challenge they embark on together.

This book is written in Tracey's usual enthralling style and the words flow beautifully on the page. The setting is again a small rural community but it's evocative and visual and I found myself wishing I lived there. Sigh :) The characters are complex and well written and I was definitely rooting for Lauren the whole way through. Her son Drew is an adorable character and so desperately in need of a father-figure. I was hoping that Nate wouldn't let him down.

The only slight issue I had with this book was I felt the pacing was a little slow in the first third. However, thereafter I was drawn in and it galloped along at a great pace.

If you are a fan of Tracey Alvarez' Due South series, or you like well-written contemporary adult romance, then I highly recommend this book.

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars.
Also posted on http://myyanabookobsession.com

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay. SO we have this physically and emotionally scarred woman - with her four year old son in tow - who is fleeing from her abusive ex-husband. She meets her new neighbour, Nate, who looks similar to her ex.

How would you really expect her to act? *I* would go for the quiet, I don't want to be noticed, forget you ever saw me approach, wouldn't you?

Instead, she steps up as 'alpha-female' determined to show him just who is boss. (rolls eyes here. I LIKE strong women, but not ones who think its a sign of 'strength' to belittle a man)

(Nate) 'You know how to chainsaw?'
She shot a glance at his incredulous tone, found him shaking his head, fists on his hips. 'Don't look so stunned - you've already witnessed how I can outdrive you in your own car.'
'Going to make me eat humble pie?'

If that had been a man boasting about 'outdriving' a woman in her own car, the woman would no doubt have walked away.

And then she goes off to show her prowess and skill with a chainsaw. Wearing ONLY leather gloves and a baggy coverall that she half-strips off to expose ' the tight-fitting, breast emphasizing, black tank-top beneath'

My first thought was .... WTF!! Chainsawing without any protective gear??? And my second thought was...... WTF??? She is trying to keep herself 'unnoticed' and is scared of men?? Sigh.

Then Nate takes a photograph of her.

She bared her teeth. 'You've no right to take my picture without permission.'
'Once a camera's in my hand I've every right to capture what's in front of me.'

OMG. Really?? Words fail me. And then what - he has the right to do what he likes with those photos?

And it gets worse.

'Then you decide.' He wrapped his hands lightly around her upper arms. 'Either hit me or kiss me. Those are your options.'

FOR GODS SAKE. This is a woman who has been physically abused by her husband. Scarred by her husband. Probably raped by her husband. (I stopped reading fairly soon after, so I don't know the whole sordid story about her ex) How many times would her husband have threatened her with violence if she didn't do what he said? How many times might her husband have said to her.... Kiss me or I will hit you. Have sex with me or I will hit you.

This is the language of abuse. Of bullying. Of threats. Of domination (and NOT in a BDSM/SSC context)

This was VILE.

Laura treated Nate with contempt, Nate treated Laura like a child. There was no 'respect' between the two of them, no 'caring' or consideration. Just .. lust.

Perhaps it is just me. I certainly seem to be in the minority with this book, but there were extremely unpleasant undertones to the relationship and certain moments where I seriously wondered what on earth was happening, and who the real abuser was.

[Raj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape into My Reads Book Blog

This book was such a joy to read that I easily fell in love with it. Usually when free books come up on Amazon I’m always a bit dubious to one click, but Hide your Heart turned out to be a little gem of a read for me. (PS it’s still free at the time of posting my review 03.06.17)

Lauren is an ex model who had to leave an abusive past behind to keep herself and her son Drew safe from her ex-husband. Heading back home for a new start where her brother lives she runs into car trouble and photographer Nate comes to her rescue. The scene where they first met was electric and my heart was in my throat and butterflies wouldn’t go away. Lauren is so used to doing things by herself that when Nate tries to help she’s not only caught off guard by his kindness but also by how much she feels attracted towards him. Luckily her adorable little son Drew jumps in to be his mother’s knight in shining armour and I was then gone for this book.

The chemistry between Lauren and Nate is hot and intense. Lauren is a woman full of surprises, she’s a mother, used to being homely and close to her family, she’s smart, courageous, beautiful, loving and caring. Nate is a sweet, sexy and protective alpha male who is used to being a bird and not settling down in one place, so when his life becomes immersed with Lauren's it gets harder to fight the attraction, and break away the protective fatherly bond he builds with Drew. Despite the presence of Lauren and Drew in his life it leaves him with doubts about what he wants in life, the direction of his career and how Lauren actually feels about him, but second chances are hard to come by.

Lauren and Nate’s story is told beautifully, I felt their emotions and pain and was also giddy with the love they shared for each other. They captured my heart and I absolutely loved little Drew! Hide your Heart is about second chances, family, it's funny, heart melting, not letting the past determine the future, taking chances and falling in love. This was a sweet sexy read with loveable characters and I can’t wait to see if this little family expands in the other books in this series.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hide Your Heart is the first in a new series by Tracey Alvarez, Far North. It is a contemporary romance set in the beautiful New Zealand Northland. I loved the first chapter, it drew me in and I was soon anticipating a good read.

Lauren has escaped from a tough situation with her little boy Drew, all of four years old. She may have been a top model, but she is no simpering female. She knows her way around the inside of a car, is a great mother and can use a chain saw with the best of them. While being competent is great, just to make sure of safety, Drew and Lauren are guarded by Java, a rather big rottweiler.

Nate has plans to remodel and sell a house, and so set off to lands unknown in war zones wherever to tell the story in photographs. He doesn't plan to get entangled with a woman who intrigues him and a little boy who manages to worm his way into Nate's heart. Now what would Steve say about that - Nate's friend and mentor who still lives in Nate's heart and head, even though he died some time ago?

This is a sweet, sexy, well written romance. If you haven't read anything set in New Zealand then this might be the one. It has the flavour of the local setting, loveable characters and a story that I was hooked into and read quickly. Looking forward to the second one in this series.

[elicerea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful read!

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting sounds beautiful, another beach town. The story was intriguing. There are a couple of misunderstandings and secrets that are eventually resolved. There is a happy ending for the main characters, and the next couple is introduced to each other at the end of the book.

[Lola]

DNF'd at 58%

Setting this one aside for now. I was really in a contemporary romance mood when I started, but now my mood has shifted and I felt like something else. The story is solid, nothing really stands out and some things feel slightly off. Not a fan of the trope where one character will move away and the other has to stay and they're both so firm on their stance.

[Big Joe Rossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren Taylor was also once known as top model Alexandra Lauren Knight now she lives secluded in a small rural hometown, tucked away, SAFE, and planning to stay that way. For herself, but for her son more. An abusive ex having made keeping him safe, and herself, a top priority.

Driving home, car trouble will introduce us, and her and her son, to Nate, her new neighbor. A sexy burned out photographer. She is distraught when she learns he bought the property next to hers and plans to renovate it and sell it to someone wanting to make it a celebrity hideaway.

She is reluctant to trust any man who isn't her brother. He is reluctant to have any type of lasting relationship. Together and with they help of her son, the two will spend time together and grow closer, her starting to trust again and him remembering his dream of wanting more, a family.

I liked it, this is more a 3.5 then a 4 but much more than a 3 for me. Nice start to a series. One thing I hated was the epilogue and nothing of our couple but of the next couple in the series.

[winterthekatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a book by Tracey Alvarez is like taking a mini vacation to my imagined little happy place in New Zealand. I've never been to New Zealand but thanks to her, I feel like I go there every time I read one of her books and once I finish it, my mind will still keep wandering off to that awesome place in my head. Just like a vacation though, it's never long enough!

My favorite thing about this book was the heroine. I loved Lauren so much, which is different because I usually tend to like the guys better. The women can get on my nerves sometimes but not Lauren. She is a former model turned kickass mom who is now a mechanic and handles a chainsaw like a pro!! I even loved that she had a scar on her face, I'm not sure why but I thought that was so cool, like a physical proof of just how tough she was. But she can also put on an apron and bake muffins for the boys.

Who doesn't love a story about a mom who will do anything for her kid? This book was beautiful and inspiring and I know I've been gushing so much about Lauren but Nate was pretty great too, quite stubborn but still great. Have some patience because he takes his time to come around but as always, Ms. Alvarez makes it worth your while.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for an ARC to read and review.

I have been a long time fan of this author since her first book! I received it as an ARC and it blew me away. She has yet to disappoint me with her hopelessly romantic books! In this one Lauren is hiding from the world with her son Drew. Once Lauren was model walking the cat walks of New York, London, and Paris but after a horrible marriage she prefers living near her brother in the backwoods away from the limelight. There she meets her neighbor Nate who helps her after an accident with her car. Nate's a photojournalist fixing up the house next door so he can fund his next book of photos. They meet and after awhile the attraction becomes real. Just enough drama to keep the book interesting, and just enough romance to make the characters shine! I really enjoyed it! Overall entertainment is five stars!

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this story could have gone deeper. Review coming

[Coco.V]

FREE on Amazon (9/16/2017)!

[Jamoz23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just wasn’t a story I enjoyed when reading.
I felt no connection between Lauren and Nate.
I hated Nate’s dead friend Steve and all his negative thoughts on relationships. He was too influential on Nate’s thinking. That is Nate’s fault though for not thinking for himself and being immature..
I lost all respect for Lauren after reading she just walked out on her abusive husband, with no repercussions for him. She didn’t call the police, have him charged, go to a hospital, nothing.
Just walked out with nothing but a passport and a sick child.
Worse, the ex is remarried. His new wife may have thought twice if he’d been charged with spousal assault by Lauren.
The ethos from this story is;
Nate - listen to an idiot loner on relationships and be unhappy.
Lauren - Allow your abuser to get off scot free.
The ending is as expected.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this contemporary romance. A good storyline, the perfect hero, a lovely setting and lots of romance and emotion.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always a really good story from Tracey Alvarez - wonderfully written, heart-wrenching and sweet.

Tracey Alvarez verlässt Oban und siedelt ihre neue Reihe in Bounty Bay/Neuseeland an. Dort lebt Lauren mit ihrem 4-jährigen Sohn Drew zurückgezogen am Land. Gemeinsam mit ihrem Bruder restauriert sie alte Autos und genießt die Ruhe. Das ändert sich allerdings, als ihr an einem regnerischen Abend ein Fremder aus einer unangenehmen Situation hilft. Der Unbekannte stellt sich nämlich als Nate Fraser vor: berühmter Fotojournalist und neuer Eigentümer des Nachbargrundstücks, der aus dem Haus nebenan eine Rückzugsoase für Promis machen will. Wo Promis sind, da sind auch Paparazzis – daher lässt diese Mitteilung Lauren vor Angst erstarren. Immerhin hat sie sich genau deshalb hier niedergelassen, um den Presserummel zu meiden. Lauren will Nate die Idee austreiben und verliert dabei gleichzeitig ihr Herz an ihn.

Nate ist dank seines Berufes immer auf dem Sprung. Schon als kleiner Junge kannte er den Begriff „Zuhause“ nicht, da er mit seinen Eltern, die als Missionare arbeiteten, um die halbe Welt reiste. Und er hat nicht vor, gerade jetzt sesshaft zu werden oder eine Langzeitbeziehung einzugehen. Man merkt schnell, dass Nates Kindheit von Selbstständigkeit geprägt war. Seine Eltern liebten ihn zwar, hatten jedoch nur wenig Zeit für ihn oder so traditionellen Dinge wie Weihnachten. Ich mochte Nate gerne; er ist sympathisch und es war eine Freude mitzuerleben, wie er mit dem kleinen Drew umgeht. Tief in seinem Inneren hätte Nate gerne eine eigene Familie, doch dieser Wunsch liegt so tief in ihm vergraben, dass er ihn anfangs gar nicht zulassen will.

Lauren ist stark. Sie hat Schlimmes durchgemacht und macht sich selbst Vorwürfe, dass sie zu lange gewartet hat, um die Initiative zu ergreifen. Doch die Tatsache, dass sie überhaupt gehandelt hat, zeigt ihre Stärke und ihren Mut. Sie will ihr Herz nicht noch einmal verschenken, sondern Zeit mit ihrem Sohn und ihrer Familie verbringen - das ist nach den Erfahrungen, die sie gemacht hat, zu verstehen. Doch wie so oft, kommt die Liebe immer dann, wenn man nicht damit rechnet. Dass sie Nate eine Chance gibt, obwohl sie ahnt, dass er sie verletzen wird, ist mutig. Am emotionalsten fand ich daher wohl die Abschiedsszene. Aus Angst, erkannt und somit wieder Gesprächsthema zu werden, lebt Lauren zurückgezogen. Allerdings zeigt die Reaktion der Stadtbewohner auch, dass man sich selbst nicht zu viel Gedanken über andere machen sollte, denn letzten Endes war die ganze Angst umsonst.

Die Anziehung zwischen Nate und Lauren ist vom ersten Moment an spürbar. Doch beide versuchen sie zu ignorieren, denn ihnen ist klar, dass es zu nichts führen kann. Doch je mehr Zeit sie zusammen verbringen, desto schwieriger ist es, zu widerstehen.

Drew ist einfach entzückend. Obwohl er erst vier Jahre alt ist, weiß er genau, was seiner Mutter passiert ist; wer der Verantwortliche dafür ist und wen er hassen soll. Er scheint für sein Alter dadurch sehr erwachsen. Mit Nate kann er endlich all die Dinge tun, die Jungs in diesem Alter eigentlich mit ihren Vätern machen.

Traceys Umsetzung lässt nichts zu wünschen übrig; ihr schöner, angenehmer, detailreicher Schreibstil ist auch in „Hide your Heart“ zu finden. Die Geschichte erzählt von starken Familienbanden, von Verletzungen, Unsicherheit und dem Mut, neues Vertrauen zu finden und sich seinen Ängsten zu stellen. Romantisch und emotional – damit hat das Buch alles, was man sich von guter Contemporary Romance wünscht. Warum dann nicht gleich die Höchstwertung? Das hat rein persönliche Gründe: mich hat die Storyline an sich nicht so angesprochen und berührt wie bei Traceys anderen Büchern. Das ändert allerdings nichts an der Tatsache, dass das Buch mit seinen liebenswerten Charakteren auf jeden Fall eine Empfehlung wert ist.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet read! I loved the characters--Lauren and Nate, naturally, but also Lauren's brother Todd and sister-in-law Kathy and Drew, of course--he is absolutely adorable, with his monkey-roni and the Superman picture--too cute! :)

Lauren's fighting some pretty big demons--she and her son escaped an abusive relationship and a life she'd never asked for in New York City, seeking refuge in rural New Zealand. Once a world-famous model, she's dyed her hair, changed her look, and keeps herself apart from everyone but her immediate family. She's afraid of being recognized, afraid of the paparazzi, and afraid to let anyone outside her family in. She originally befriends Nate somewhat reluctantly in order to get him to change his plans for the property next door, but the more she gets to know him, the more she wants him, even though she knows their relationship can't last...

Having recently lost his mentor, Nate's taking a break from his photojournalism to rehab a house he's bought sight unseen. (Okay--he saw pictures, but they were misleadingly old and hugely inaccurate.) He's in way over his head, so he enlists the help of a neighbor--a neighbor who's less than thrilled to notice his new boss's interest in his sister. Nate's drawn to Lauren and charmed by his son, but has always believed that his would be a solitary existence--leaving a family to chase work around the globe just wouldn't be right, after all. That's what his mentor always told him...didn't he?

I loved watching Lauren and Nate grow closer, and seeing Drew work his magic on the confirmed bachelor. Tracey's new series is starting out beautifully--this book doesn't quite have the same lighthearted feel to it that her Due South series does, but it's written with her same trademark humor. I loved every minute I spent reading this one, and look forward to book two--which will star Nate's equally famous (and in at least one aspect, equally infamous) cousin.

The audiobook version added the extra dimension of an awesome New Zealand accent--so fun! The narrator did a nice job of bringing Tracey's story to life--here's hoping that the duo will get together in the future to bring more of her books to audio!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hide Your Heart: Bounty Bay Series Book 1 is by Tracey Alvarez. This book is well written and the characters are well portrayed and are realistic. It takes place in Bounty Bay, New Zealand.
Lauren Taylor and her four-year-old son, Drew, are on their way home in the rain. They have skidded off the gravel road and the front wheels are caught in a muddy ditch. Lauren has been unable to get the car out even after applying limbs beneath the wheels. She and Drew will either have to get out and walk home or spend the night in the car. Neither option is acceptable to her, especially with their dog, Java, with them. Lauren had fled her marriage and New York two years before to come home to Bounty Bay and her brother Todd. Even now, Drew is afraid of men, although his Father never hurt him, he did yell. When Lauren gets out again in the rain, she manages to slip and sprain her ankle just as a truck comes over the hill. She knows it isn’t her brother and becomes very watchful.
The big man who gets out of the truck notices she has cut her knee and her ankle is swelling. He sees he can’t get her car out tonight so offers to take her home. Although she is hesitant, she finally agrees and they head to her house. When they get there, he tells her he has purchased the next place and intends to redo it and sell it. Meanwhile, he stays to get her settled for the night. He introduces himself as Nate Fraser, a photojournalist. That doesn’t set her mind at ease nor does his intention to sell the land to a developer for high price celebrity homes. Just what she doesn’t need is a man and the media. What is she going to do?
This is a very good book and the start of a great series. I highly recommend this book. It is not your everyday romance.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read several books a week and often can't remember them the next day. However, there are some authors whose books, and the books themselves, that stick in my head for a longtime after. Tracey Alvarez is one of those authors and "Hide Your Heart" is one of those books. My only problem with it was that it was too short. As tightly wound as Lauren is when she first encounters Nate, I expected her to take longer to let him get close. But as I read on, I realized that she didn't have a chance. She's a strong and stubborn woman, as all of Tracey's heroines seem to be. It just took her two years and a pair of gorgeous green eyes to remember/realize that. All the characters seem "true to life," such as her big brother and sister-in-law, and even minor characters like Lizzie, the mother of her son's classmates. Some of my favorite memorable lines come from these other people. Read the book and you will see what I mean!

"Hide Your Heart" is a little tamer than most of Tracey's "Due South" books, but that's okay, because it leaves more room for the main characters to develop a relationship not totally based on sex (although they both seem to think about it A LOT!) Besides, there is a 4-year-old to be considered, and he is a major part of most of the interactions between Lauren and Nate, maybe even the catalyst for jumpstarting their relationship.

Although I received an ARC of the book for a review, I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book and last but not least, greatly appreciated that it was well edited, with no glaring grammatical or word usage errors to detract from the pleasure of reading it!

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren and her 4 year old son, Drew, ran from Drew's abusive father two years ago. Now she's living in Bounty Bay, New Zealand. Her car is stuck in the mud, in a storm, on the side of the road and they're about to be rescued by a tall, sexy stranger, who will forever change her life. Nate Fraser is only in town long enough to refurbish a home he purchased and sell it. What effect will this beautiful woman and her amazing little boy have on him after his business is finished in Bounty Bay?

This is an amazing, feel good love story. How can you resist reading such a touching story with the cutest 4 year old little boy ever? You can't! Domestic violence is a terrible thing and often leaves victims scarred on the inside as well as the outside. Seeing the after effects on Lauren and Drew made Nate want to be their protector. Even though he thought he couldn't stay forever because he's a photojournalist and traveling the world is what he does, this woman and her child made him long for things he never thought he wanted. This was an emotional read with a woman who is afraid to live again, a little boy looking for someone to look up to and a man who believes he can never settle down in one place. This is book one in the Far North series. Bravo Tracey Alvarez! What a great beginning!

Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Judes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS

I actually read the first of Ms Alvarez’s books from Love Down Under Boxset from the Due South Series and I got caught in her ability to pull you in and I instantly went looking for her other books,
I love a book that is full and yup I’m a romance gyal… can’t get enough of them and this book surely delivers although you feel sometimes to knock the guy in his head for being silly.
The characters are well rounded and you fall in love with little Drew as he as any innocent child does, wraps his little hands around you.
The classic man is an island unto himself and for himself … until he finds the right woman is well done as Nate had no chance. He is one of the good guys who is all protective and alpha but didn’t stand a chance against a troubled but sweet lady her precocious 4yr old son and a rottweiler who is all bark and no bite.
The only reason I held back a half star is because it was a bit too short and I would have liked a bit more description of Bounty Bay scenics allowing me to be there too. A little more on the Maori lifestyle in the Christmas scene as their tradition would have been welcome also.
That said I have Ms Alvarez on my FAVs list as she lends such a nice style to her books and you can relax and enjoy a good read with an effortless style. Love me some Tracey Alvarez!!

[Donna Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra Lauren Knight was a famous model who just faded into the background. She changed her name to Lauren Taylor and dyed her hair brown. She was raising her four year old son in Bounty Bay. Her brother lived next door with his wife, Kathy. Lauren got stuck in the mud on her way home with Drew and couldn't get her car unstuck. She turned her ankle trying to get it out of the mud. She flagged down a car in hopes of getting some help. Nate Fraser was new to the area. He had bought a home to fix up and sell. He stopped to help Lauren and her son. He got them home and helped fix Drew something to eat and put ice on her ankle. He told her he bought the place right up the road. She had secrets and he had secrets. Makes for a good love story. Throw in the little child and it makes you say ahh and even get tears in your eyes. So sweet. You will love this story. It is only eleven chapters but it does contain sex scenes so it may not be for all, but you will love this one by Tracey. It's a great read An ARC of this book was received for an honest review

[Stephanie Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I thought it was very entertaining, and once I started reading it, I had a hard time putting it down. I loved getting to know Nate and Lauren, and Drew melted my heart! I found myself rooting for Nate to come around and join their little family. Tracey Alvarez is a wonderful author, with detailed story telling that allows the reader to become a part of the story.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Harmony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tugs at your heart strings....

Characters:
Lauren Taylor nee Alexandra Lauren Knight. 25 or 26 year old former model.
Drew Taylor - her 4-year old son.
Java - their protective and big softie Rottweiler.
Nate Fraser -31 year old photo journalist.

Summary:
Lauren fled to Bounty Bay after escaping her abusive husband with their 4-year old son. She is hiding out with her brother and his wife as her only neighbors. Nate purchases the land next to hers with the intent of flipping the house on it. They both have a ton of issues to work through.

My Review:

Overall, I enjoyed this story. Little Drew and Java the Rottweiler absolutely steal the show. When Drew tries to protect his mother from Nate (a stranger at the time who he didn't realize was trying to help his mother), my heart about melted. Drew is written older than his 4-years and that was a little disconcerting. However, he's such a sweetheart that it's easy to overlook.

I liked Lauren. There were moments when I felt that the author lost track of her personality and trauma. She would one moment be a quaking mess and the next challenging and coming onto Nate. It didn't ring through with her traumatic past. I liked Lauren enough to overlook these discrepancies. Lauren is a strong, brave, and caring character.

I liked Nate. I felt that he allowed Steve too much control of his life, his former mentor really did a number on him when it came to his perceptions of relationships. I very quickly came to hate Steve. There were times when I wanted to swoon over Nate, he's one sexy character! There were also times when I wanted to hit him. The way he acted around Drew, how caring and supportive he was, melted my heart. I was angry at him towards the end. I never feel any sympathy when a character is their own worst enemy and their pain is self-inflicted. He redeemed himself with his grand gesture.

Their romance was smoking. Their first kiss, I'm still swooning over it. The author did a fabulous job with these characters. They are well developed and because of this, I was all in on them and their relationship. Although they did annoy/frustrate me sometimes with their back and forth/hot and cold, I couldn't stop reading. I wanted to see how the author fixed the mess she'd created.

The secondary characters were fantastic and added to the story. Todd (Lauren's brother) was the perfect amount of supportive and protective. Kathy (his wife) was wisdom personified. The glimpses of the town made me want to learn more about it. It seemed like a great place to live.

Location: Bounty Bay, New Zealand.

Romance Rating: This is not a clean romance, there is sex and swearing. There is also violence against women (flash backs and in the past) with blood and some graphic descriptions. The romance is believable. The HEA is well done and left me feeling happy and content with the ending.

Favorite Quote:

“Photographers capture nouns; photojournalists shoot verbs.”

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nate knows there is something wrong, the second he sees the woman who has run her car into the ditch at the side of the road. He frightens her and her kid is terrified of him. Carefully he offers to drive them home only to discover they are his neighbours. He’s new.
Lauren spent the last of her money buying a small house near her brother’s place. She keeps her head down and her face out of public view. Both she and her four year old son, Drew, prefer it that way. She and Todd, her brother, repair and recondition cars for cash, but the last job fell through just as she realises someone has bought the old place next door. He wants to renovate it and sell it to a developer to use as a weekender.
The last thing she needs is press following stars to her little hideout. They might remember who she is.
***
Little Drew decides Nate is a good guy because he has a curl on his forehead like Superman. Dawww…
When Mac’s old place turns out to be unlivable, Lauren offers to let Nate stay with her as long as he pays board. She thinks it will give her time to talk him out of selling the place and he can employ Todd as a double bonus. But it might be tricky…

He laced his fingers behind his neck . “ A meal and a shower at night , then I’ll disappear into your workshop . You won’t even know I’m here . ”
Not know he was there ? Merely sitting in the same room with Nate made her body buzz like a phone on vibrate . But … Sharing a meal with him in the evening would be the prime time to continue wearing him down . (p. 95).

Keep telling yourself that, honey.
Nate wants to be the good guy, but he’s a photojournalist and that means he travels a lot; sometimes to dangerous places. He says he isn’t ready to settle down.
Todd takes him surfing to have a quiet brotherly word.

Nate staggered to his feet . “ I’ve only got another two and a half weeks — three , tops — before I’m outta here . ”
“ Because all this ” — Todd flung a wetsuit - covered arm out toward the sea — “ and the potential of a life with an amazing woman and a kid who thinks you’re one step above Superman , can’t compete with bumming around the world with your camera ? ” (pp. 217-218).

Exactly, Todd.
Lauren used to be a model; married too young to a violent, controlling man who cut up her face. They are divorced, and he’s moved on, but she’s still hiding. And Nate is pushing her out into the world. That’s a good thing for her, but it’s hard step for her to take.
Drew is adorable. Poor Nate, even Java, the Rottweiler has him well under his paw.

dammit. She’d stupidly gone and fallen in love with Nate Fraser. Not in the moment when she’d found him asleep with her son, not when he’d smiled at her in Drew’s bed, his green eyes shimmering in the lamplight.
No. She’d tripped over the line when he’d seen her standing almost naked in front of him and he’d thought to ask about someone in her family. (p. 225).

Yep. He’s a keeper.
So much for working it out of their systems.
4 stars