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Tangled Hearts #1

French Restitution

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She’s chasing stolen money…

Stranded in rural France while on the hunt for her mother’s latest boyfriend and the money he stole only confirms what Madeleine Symthe already knows - love is just an illusion. But when an enigmatic Frenchman with secrets of his own comes to her rescue, Madeleine’s beliefs are tested to the limit.

He’s pursuing her heart…

For electronics magnate Jean-Luc Delacroix, the captivating Madeleine is a pleasant distraction, but a deeper relationship isn’t part of his agenda - until she bewitches his heart. As they close in on the embezzler, can Jean-Luc persuade Madeleine that his love is everlasting, even if it means letting her go?

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First published June 29, 2015

316 people are currently reading
264 people want to read

About the author

Sara Claridge

6 books38 followers
Sara Claridge writes contemporary romantic suspense. Born in West London, she inexplicably moved to France several years ago on a whim.

When not writing at her desk in the eaves of an old farmhouse, she can be found in the garden. Usually with a glass of red wine in one hand and a good book in the other.

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5 stars
146 (39%)
4 stars
116 (31%)
3 stars
71 (19%)
2 stars
29 (7%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Kat.
Author 14 books608 followers
January 31, 2019
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance, set in France, with a bit of thriller thrown in. When Madeline has to skip her vacation to care for her mother, she finds herself on the side of the road in the rain with a broken down car. Leave it to a charming Frenchman to come to the rescue and a night spent together where sparks fly. Independent Madeline and wealthy, isolated Jean-Luc sizzle on page together, both insisting they don’t want anything long-term.

Good pacing and great chemistry between the characters. Great use of backstories that (particularly Jean-Luc’s—ugh that was heart-wrenching), and worked to keep them apart even as it was clear that beneath all that trauma they desperately wanted something real at last. And once they stopped fighting it, the steamy scenes were awesome! When Madeline’s mother gets into trouble and Madeline is blamed, Jean-Luc has to find a way to save her. This was exciting all the way to the end. A great read!

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
9,376 reviews140 followers
July 16, 2021
This is a well written romantic suspense thriller with strong characters and an emotional story line. The author brings Madeleine and Jean-Luc in this insta love romance. She brings out all the feels and had me glued to the pages from beginning to end reading their story. It moves quickly and smoothly with perfectly painted scenes and she delivers a fantastic read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
937 reviews7 followers
September 7, 2020
Madeleine runs to rescue her mother yet again from her bad taste in men but this time to Paris where she has car trouble in the pouring rain and meets Jean-Luc knight in shining armor or is that amore? By all accounts they rescue each other in terms of fear of relationships and in the process they come to the aid of her mother. I will not give too many clues as to the romance between the two that develops or rescuing his sister or anything else. This was a great distraction from Covid 19 and staying away from the computer due to carpal tunnel!
Profile Image for Suzanne Nicole.
Author 1 book12 followers
August 24, 2015
I enjoyed this novel set on the outskirts of Paris and Nice. Madeleine thought she didn't need anyone, that she was happy alone. Sexy Frenchman, Jean-Luc was a man who took care of everyone under his protection and never let anyone down. She intrigued him from the moment they first met. She only wanted a holiday fling, he wanted her. Told in the third person, French Restitution is a suspenseful contemporary romance full of passion, intrigue with a few twists and turns. As an added bonus I also enjoyed the teaser for the next book in the series about Chantal (Jean-Luc's sister). Enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Stefany Rattles.
Author 15 books29 followers
October 10, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a romantic suspense/thriller kind of story. Definitely liked the characters!
Madeline who doesn't believe in love because of all of her mother's issues with men. And Jean-Luc who is not interested in being in a relationship.but is Madeline's hero. They both fit together kind of like a puzzle and by the end of the book, of course you're going to want them to be together.
The pace was steady and the main characters were well developed.
It was a good read and I did enjoy it. I'm hoping for a sequel. I would like to see more from other characters and by that I mean a little more of their story. That would be great!
Profile Image for S. Rivera.
Author 10 books154 followers
October 22, 2015
I'm a sucker for a good love story. This one fit the bill. Jean-Luc and Madeleine's demons were believable, making their journey to overcome so they could trust, not only each other, but themselves was a good lesson to remember, as well as kept me turning pages right to the end. The added thriller story line also compelled me to keep reading. (I started last night--finished in the wee hours of the morn--no sleep for me.)
Profile Image for D. Miller.
Author 12 books25 followers
September 13, 2017
French Restitution is a crisp, clean novella (and I don’t mean clean in regards to sexual content; reader beware, there are a few 18+ scenes). A romantic suspense story set in France … what could be more enticing than a chance encounter between a socially withdrawn English woman, Madeleine, and an emotionally insulated Frenchman, Jean-Luc?

Both Madeleine and Jean-Luc are coping with (avoiding?) baggage from their pasts, and they are steering clear of “too close” and potentially painful liaisons with members of the opposite sex. We all know people like that. Some of us are that way ourselves by choice. Life is complicated enough without letting someone else come too close to us, becoming an integral part of our lives. The older we get living basically alone, the more content we become with our company—although usually we sense that something really important is missing from our lives.

Madeleine has not only witnessed her mother enter into a string of destructive relationships (the last one with a wanted criminal, who steals from the gullible woman), but she has suffered because of her mother’s foolishness, too. As the novel begins, Madeleine is sacrificing her own anticipated Caribbean trip in order to help her mother, who is in trouble again, in France—only to have her car break down in a rainstorm, forcing her to accept lodging from a wealthy but admittedly handsome young Frenchman, Jean-Luc.

Jean-Luc is a somewhat cool and controlling individual who enjoys women for the physical rewards, but that is as far as he wants it to go—at least up until now. Tied up with the demands of his business affairs, he is also suffering from his own set of emotional bugaboos, feeling guilty because he failed to shield his sister from a past trauma that scarred her. He is intent on standing by her side, shielding her from all future tragedies.

Despite themselves, these two hit it off—and it quickly goes beyond mere physical fireworks to genuine love. The reader may find the credibility slips here a bit—how can such two avowed social isolationists fall for each other almost instantaneously? But stranger things have happened in real life.

Madeleine follows her ingrained pattern of shying away from becoming “too involved” and returns to England once her car is roadworthy, but Jean-Luc knows this is a mistake, that the two have a future together. A ruse perpetrated by the bad guy in her mother’s life brings her back to France for a scene that the reader could not really have anticipated. Jean-Luc comes to her rescue, endangering his own life of course, and the rest is history.

The writing is polished and fast moving, with the right mix of characterization, description, dialogue for a novella. I personally found Chantal, Jean-Luc’s traumatized but amazingly “together” sister, intriguing and wanted to know more about her story—but apparently that follows in a sequel. The quick pace keeps the plot fun and interesting, with little opportunity for the reader to lose interest. (However, the reader who is offended by erotica should choose another book. While not laden with adult scenes, there are a few.)
Profile Image for Joan Carney.
Author 3 books148 followers
March 25, 2017
Shoved off to boarding school and neglected by her promiscuous socialite mother, Madeleine grows up with the idea that love is fleeting and not something you can trust. The only person she can rely on is herself. Still, each time her mother calls for help to extricate herself out of a relationship that’s gone sour, Madeleine runs to help. This time it’s France.

Broken down on the side of the road, Madeleine is rescued by Jean-Luc, and an instant attraction develops between the two. But Jean-Luc has hang-ups of his own. He is ridden by the guilt of not being there for his sister when she witnessed their mother’s brutal murder. To say he’s over-compensated since, is an understatement.

To further complicate matters Barbara, Madeleine’s mother, has been duped out of a fortune by an international thief who is also wanted for murder. Now Madeleine is implicated and Jean-Luc must rescue her again.

This is a well-constructed story that is both heartwarming and suspenseful. The love affair between Madeleine and Jean-Luc is beautifully drawn and the characterizations realistic and believable. I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Thank you, Ms. Claridge, for taking my imagination on this beautiful journey.
Profile Image for Anita (Hearts and Whodunits).
1,015 reviews18 followers
December 18, 2021
Published in 2015. Madeline always believed that love was an illusion. When she becomes stranded during a thunderstorm, reclusive tycoon Jean-Luc comes to her rescue. They both travel across France to help Madeline’s mother from a larcenous ex-boyfriend, and find their true passion is being together.
This was a sweet, quick read with an exciting ending. The relationship developed rather quickly between Madeline and Jean-Luc, but I felt the chemistry between them. I loved Madeline’s mother, and wish her character was written about more. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to read a fun, romantic story. I received an advanced reader’s copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cecily Wolfe.
Author 13 books493 followers
April 4, 2017
As soon as Jean-Luc and Madeleine met, I was hooked. Lust at first sight - that's believable, but their attraction goes even deeper from the start. They share a fear of emotional intimacy, but Jean-Luc is willing to take a chance with his heart while Madeleine chooses to leave after a few days of bliss, both in bed and out, getting to know each other in every possible way. Madeleine's mother, always in difficult romantic situations that leave her financially robbed, has fallen for the wrong man (again) but his intent turns deadly when he discovers the romantic connection between Madeleine and Jean-Luc as he sets his sights on Jean-Luc's money.

This is hot hot hot, but the intensity of emotions between Madeleine and Jean-Luc is more riveting than any of the sex scenes (which are fantastic in and of themselves). I am particularly intrigued by Chantal, and was happy to discover that she has her own story - which is headed for my TBR list right now.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
919 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2021
Steamy romance with an interesting plot
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the writing style of the author, it was easy to read and flowed nicely, it was almost sensual the way their thoughts on their initial meeting and their burgeoning love affair was described.
I enjoyed the story; through their getting to know each other we got enough background on both main characters – Madeleine and Jean-Luc – to understand their reactions to their circumstances, though I definitely wanted to smack her when she left him…The storyline of the Conman and Madeleine’s Mother provides for an interesting plot thread that allowed Jean Luc’s protectiveness to shine through and kept me flipping the pages to see how it all resolved.
This is the first book by Sara Claridge that I have read and will eagerly seek out the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Dora Ilieva.
Author 7 books164 followers
August 20, 2018
I enjoyed French Restitution by Sara Claridge. It’s a masterfully written story about love, passion and family relationships with some elements of mystery and thriller. The plotline unfolds smoothly giving the reader a gradual insight into the lives and minds of the main characters. The novel is billed as a romance and there are numerous romance moments which are quite powerful without being overwhelming. The thriller/ mystery parts in the novel serve as counterpoint and provide a nice balance. I particularly liked the smoothness of the author’s sentences and the quick dialogue. I recommend the book to everyone who enjoys romance.
Profile Image for Marla Azinger.
173 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2021
Great strong-willed female protagonist coming from a make it on your own angle. The storyline was captivating and unique with an adventure in the French countryside. If you are looking for romance this has it but it's not a steamer. Very mild romance scenes that fad e out but the appreciation and love is there. Safe for YA to read. The alpha male hero is easy on the eyes of the imagination too. -I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
7,813 reviews65 followers
August 2, 2021
What a well written storyline this is the flow was smooth throughout the pages. The characters are engaging and entertaining and kept hooked.

I received a copy and am voluntary leaving my honest review.
627 reviews
July 23, 2021
Such an amazing book! I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. I couldn't stop reading it! I definitely recommend this book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,012 reviews35 followers
July 12, 2021
The book is a good, and enjoyable romantic suspense read. The story has a good story line, and well written read. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Queen Talk Talk.
1,281 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2019
A nice European vacation.

A broken down car leaves Madeleine stranded in France. Jean-Luc stops to help, cue a thunderstorm of lust. She isn't afraid of a vacation fling but the thought of Love has her running for home.
Profile Image for Cheryl Spinelli.
573 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2019
4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Boom bada bing! In and out, short and sweet! Beautifully written 👏🏻. Currently free on Kobo!
Profile Image for Rachel.
741 reviews9 followers
October 1, 2021
What happens when you let a stranger take you home after your car dies in rural France? I fell for this concept immediately! Madeleine spends way too much time getting her crazy mother out of messes and very little on her own life. Jean-Luc does the same for his little sister. They have tragic backstories that explain this, but both are lonely and very attracted to each other. Her mother's latest adventure turns into real danger. They attempt to leave each other but can't do it. The writer handles all the different parts of the story so nicely, connects everyone in the end. She covers the psychological aspects well, getting both characters to voice their fears and problems to the other in a realistic way.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cheryl  addie.
1,543 reviews4 followers
August 11, 2021
OMG loved it can't wait till I can get more of the series
Profile Image for Uma.
Author 1 book65 followers
September 1, 2015
This was a quick and easy read. It was fun, romantic, sexy and carried a twinge of suspense. Madeleine wasn't looking for love and Jean-Luc needed everything to be under control. Under HIS control! I must admit that I couldn't understand how they grew to love each other so fast. Perhaps it was love at first sight? Maybe some people fall in love quickly? Anyway, I didn't care much for the sex scenes as I'm really into plots and conflicts. This book definitely had conflicts - Madeleine's resistance towards love and her reluctance in accepting her emotions, and Jean-Luc's overprotectiveness towards Chantal.

The main characters were developed quite well. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the other characters. Chantal remains a mystery! I mean, I know she suffers from nightmares and all, but I couldn't connect with her character. From being careless and free, she was suddenly portrayed as someone confident and mature enough to make good decisions at the end of the book. How did that happen? What about an explanation as to what happened to cause her to be that way? Jean-Luc did say that she witnessed her parents murder. But nothing else was said of that later. Could it be that all will be revealed in the second book? I hope so! I wanted to know more of Danielle too. She had been in Jean-Luc's life since he was young. Would have been nice to know more about the woman who helped raise him.

Oh, and Madeleine's selfish mother! I didn't like her mom at all. The author definitely portrayed Barbara quite well.

A holiday fling that turns into something more. Yup! That's what this book is all about. If you're looking for a quick fun read, then this is the book for you. I know I enjoyed it in one sitting :-)

26 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2015
This book is fun, fast paced, and most importantly hot! When a free spirited woman named Madeline meets controlling hunk Jean-Luc sparks fly immediately despite external issues stand in their way. Will their heat be enough to keep the fire of love going, or will baggage weigh them down and keep them from floating too far away.

Now, I’m not a huge fan of romance, and there’s a lot that here, but I have to say this was an enjoyable read. The writing was tight, the pace was quick, and characters were great. Seriously, that was my favorite part. Too often writers give each individual the same voice or motivation, but each one of the people within these pages have their own minds, hearts, and needs. Yep, you get all that, and a really satisfying twist. Which is why, even if you avoid the zipper rippers like me (or anything with a whiff of romance) I'd still say you should read the book. And for those who like their pages full of passion and love, I highly recommend it
Profile Image for Mariyam Hasnain.
Author 65 books69 followers
March 8, 2019
I have read the other two books of the series and was desperately trying to get my hands on this beauty. French Restitution is a sweet happily ever after kind of love story with a dash of suspense and thrill thrown into this irresistible tale of hot hero and pretty yet strong heroine. Jean-Luc and Madeleine hit on each other as soon as they met after Madeleine car broke on one rainy night.
The chemistry between the two leads was palpable. I too loved reading about Chantel as she was my favorite heroine from French Restoration.
The dialogs are written well and sounds realistic with sprinkling of French words. It overall gives you a feel of a sweet and passionate French romance.
However, the ending could have been a bit more interesting and dramatic rather than the typical cliche one. That being said, I loved the author’s writing style and looking forward to read more from her.
Profile Image for S.J. Higgins.
Author 1 book27 followers
August 13, 2015
This was a quick and easy read with the right amount of intrigue and romance to keep me turning the pages. A slow burn with the real action right at the end but at no point was I bored.

***spoiler***

When Madeleine’s car breaks down she is rescued by the charming Jean-Luc. Vowing to never follow in her mother’s footsteps Madeleine shies away from any form of relationship. When a holiday romance turns into something more she runs from her true feelings. I don’t want to give much more away but I will say that there is a twist that I really didn’t see coming. In hindsight I probably should have but was so intrigued with what was going on that for once I didn’t try to figure out what was going to happen next and just enjoyed the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Suzy Brown.
Author 1 book6 followers
November 4, 2015
An easy read with fast paced romance and adventure. Madeleine was easy to relate to, as her insecurities are similar to my own. The concept of the book felt a little cliche... Handsome, rich French man finds stranded English girl on side of road with broken down car and rescues her... However with the twists and turns of the underlying plot about her desperate mother constantly being a damsel in distress, gives powerful reason why Madeleine is the way she is.
16.7k reviews155 followers
March 6, 2019
She knew all men were not to be trusted which was confirmed when her mother boyfriend ran with their money. She goes after him but ends up.stranded she to a storm when she meets a strangef. They are dark and mysterious, she gets to know him a little but then she she finds they have been lying as well. What will she do? See what will happen

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,297 reviews46 followers
March 30, 2023
This is the first of three books in the French Romance Series. Madeleine and Wealthy businessman Jean-Luc will draw you into their explosive chemistry and take you on an emotional roller coaster. Well written and full of romance, suspense and lots of drama. An entertaining read that I had purchased several years ago but did not read until I was reminded about the book via Reading Deals.
222 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2021
A roller-coaster ride.

A sexy French man, a stubborn English woman with an impossible mother who keep needing rescue. A great story line for romance.
Profile Image for Sarah Carter.
20 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2015
It's the mark of a good read if you go onto the read the teaser chapter for the next in the series and then want to hit the "yes, I'll have it now". And yes, I want it now. A good read and I'm looking forward to the next instalment. Roll on French Restoration..
Profile Image for Sharon Ryder Roberts.
1,080 reviews17 followers
September 20, 2021
As you would expect a classic French romance to be, his dark and delicious with an extra bite! Liked the characters even though there was not that many at all... The plot i found was okay and could of been better by adding more details.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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