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Rarity Cove #1
Before the Storm
Six years earlier, Trina Grissom disappeared, on the run for her life. Now living under an assumed identity—as Samantha Marsh—she still struggles with the dark secret she harbors and the fear she might one day be found. When she moves to the coastal town of Rarity Cove, South Carolina, to open a café, a handsome widower begins to chip away at the walls she’s built to protect herself. Mark St. Clair lost his wife two years ago in a tragic accident. Head of the grand St. Clair resort, he distracts himself from his lingering grief by running the family business and caring for his troubled young daughter...until a beautiful restaurateur sets up shop in town. Before meeting Samantha, Mark was convinced he could never be drawn to another woman. But as his attraction to Samantha grows, the mystery surrounding her deepens. As the two begin a hesitant courtship, double perils emerge. Someone from Samantha’s lurid past comes calling, threatening to expose her. And a powerful hurricane is forming in the Atlantic with the small beach town in its path. Trapped in the storm by the brutal man who wants vengeance on Samantha, she and Mark must fight for their lives.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2015
127 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Tentler
12 books357 followersLeslie Tentler is the author of seven novels, including the Rarity Cove series (BEFORE THE STORM, LOW TIDE, and IN DARK WATER), FALLEN, and the Chasing Evil Trilogy (MIDNIGHT CALLER, MIDNIGHT FEAR, and EDGE OF MIDNIGHT). She was a finalist for Best First Novel at ThrillerFest 2012, and is a two-time finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Maggie Award of Excellence. A native of East Tennessee, she currently resides in Atlanta.
Visit Leslie and sign up for her newsletter at www.LeslieTentler.com.
"Taut, page-turning suspense and heart-stopping romance: Leslie Tentler is a rising star of romantic suspense." - New York Times Bestselling Author Allison Brennan
Visit Leslie and sign up for her newsletter at www.LeslieTentler.com.
"Taut, page-turning suspense and heart-stopping romance: Leslie Tentler is a rising star of romantic suspense." - New York Times Bestselling Author Allison Brennan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 19, 2015
2 stars. DNF @49%. Review posted September 19, 2015.
I liked the cover and the premise of Before the Storm. I also thought it started off rather decent but, unfortunately, took a turn into boring no-man's-land fast.
"Just tell me you'll think about slowing things down."
"There's nothing to slow down."
Seriously. It was extremely slow already. If they had slowed things down even more, they would have come to a standstill.
I love me a slow-burning romance, but give me at least some sizzling hot chemistry, some great sexual tension, for Pete's sake. Mark is thirty-three-years old and Samantha is twenty-seven-years old. Yet these two acted like awkward and insecure teenagers. Don't get me wrong, I don't want an obnoxious alphahole, either. However, what I love is a no-nonsense-wants-to-take-charge alpha man who knows what to do, how and when. An alpha man who is also gentle and a gentleman. Well, Mark definitely did not meet my expectations and the heroine wasn't anything to write home about either. In fact, she pretty much acted like this, "I want him but I can't have him. I can't do this, I'd rather not…" Yada yada yada. Instead of choking me with annoying delaying tactics, I wanted them to move forward.
And then plenty of this…
She's lowering her gaze and blushing all the time, she's fiddling with her hair, she's insecure and nervous. Surprise, surprise because he's blushing too, he's insecure and nervous too, his throat closes around the flaky pastry and custard filling coz he's surprised at Mercer's offer. She has butterflies in her stomach and small knots of pleasure form insider her. Her stomach is fluttering. Old resentment squeezed her lungs. Blah blah blah. I also noticed that the characters in this story were pressing their lips together constantly. And once again my eyes threatened to pop out of their sockets because I rolled them all the time.
Except for my issues, the writing was ok. This being said, I just can't keep on reading something that bored me out of my mind. I'd rather DNF and start something else.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Left Field Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I liked the cover and the premise of Before the Storm. I also thought it started off rather decent but, unfortunately, took a turn into boring no-man's-land fast.
"Just tell me you'll think about slowing things down."
"There's nothing to slow down."
Seriously. It was extremely slow already. If they had slowed things down even more, they would have come to a standstill.
I love me a slow-burning romance, but give me at least some sizzling hot chemistry, some great sexual tension, for Pete's sake. Mark is thirty-three-years old and Samantha is twenty-seven-years old. Yet these two acted like awkward and insecure teenagers. Don't get me wrong, I don't want an obnoxious alphahole, either. However, what I love is a no-nonsense-wants-to-take-charge alpha man who knows what to do, how and when. An alpha man who is also gentle and a gentleman. Well, Mark definitely did not meet my expectations and the heroine wasn't anything to write home about either. In fact, she pretty much acted like this, "I want him but I can't have him. I can't do this, I'd rather not…" Yada yada yada. Instead of choking me with annoying delaying tactics, I wanted them to move forward.
And then plenty of this…
She's lowering her gaze and blushing all the time, she's fiddling with her hair, she's insecure and nervous. Surprise, surprise because he's blushing too, he's insecure and nervous too, his throat closes around the flaky pastry and custard filling coz he's surprised at Mercer's offer. She has butterflies in her stomach and small knots of pleasure form insider her. Her stomach is fluttering. Old resentment squeezed her lungs. Blah blah blah. I also noticed that the characters in this story were pressing their lips together constantly. And once again my eyes threatened to pop out of their sockets because I rolled them all the time.
Except for my issues, the writing was ok. This being said, I just can't keep on reading something that bored me out of my mind. I'd rather DNF and start something else.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Left Field Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
December 11, 2018
Samantha Marsh ran from her old life six years ago and completely reinvented herself. She's a chef and owns a gourmet café in Rarity Cove, South Carolina. When hotel owner Mark St. Clair and his adorable daughter happen into her life, she resists what may be the relationship she's always dreamed of, for their sakes. Fear of her past coming back to haunt them is the basis for that resistance but Mark's persistence takes her under.
I really loved this story starting with the beautiful cover, which is a perfect representation of what's inside. Samantha and Mark are delicately crafted characters, considering their tragic backgrounds. As much as I hate relationships where one of the partners is harboring a major secret, this was a bit different as it's clear from the onset that Samantha is hiding something. It just makes Mark work harder to gain her trust and he behaves in ways true to his nature.
The suspense side of the story is truly ominous and is always in the background. It culminates in an exciting climax that had me riveted. To say more would be spoiler-ish.
There's a strong sense of place created, the coastal area of South Carolina figuring prominently in the story. I've visited the area and appreciated how well it was represented. It is an important part of the plot.
While the premise of the book is not unique, the writing is so well done and the characters so finely developed it feels fresh. It made for a lovely reading experience and I'm hoping this develops into a series (more Carter and Mercer!). 4.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
December 14, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Barclay Publicity and NetGalley.)
This was an okay adult contemporary romance, but the pace was a little slow for me.
I felt quite sorry for Mark in the way he was struggling to raise his daughter after his wife’s death, but I found it a little bit harder to connect with Samantha.
The storyline in this had a bit of mystery as we didn’t know exactly what had happened to Samantha previously, as well as a contemporary romance storyline between Mark and Samantha. There were a couple of sex scenes, but nothing really explicit.
The ending to this was satisfying, and things were wrapped up pretty well.
6 out of 10
“When she closed her eyes, she was back in that Memphis apartment again – shivering, shards of cobalt glass around her, her hands stained with blood.”
This was an okay adult contemporary romance, but the pace was a little slow for me.
I felt quite sorry for Mark in the way he was struggling to raise his daughter after his wife’s death, but I found it a little bit harder to connect with Samantha.
The storyline in this had a bit of mystery as we didn’t know exactly what had happened to Samantha previously, as well as a contemporary romance storyline between Mark and Samantha. There were a couple of sex scenes, but nothing really explicit.
The ending to this was satisfying, and things were wrapped up pretty well.
6 out of 10
May 26, 2017
Top 50 Books of 2015. "Best New Romantic Suspense Series."
Talented Leslie Tentler returns following her smashing crime thriller, Fallen, landing on my Top 30 Book List of 2014, with a riveting new series, (Rarity Cove #1), set in a small coastal southern resort town on the outskirts of Charleston, SC — in Rarity Cove with BEFORE THE STORM.
A solid drama, from deep human emotions, mystery, danger, crime, and romantic suspense rolled into page–turner, as the past rears its ugly head, at the most inopportune time.
Meet the Main Characters:
Samantha Marsh, (aka Tina Grissom) keeps to her herself, a natural beauty, moving to the small coastal town of Rarity Cove, SC to open a café. She is ready for a fresh start and her life seems to finally be back on track. Her life dream is finally coming true as she escapes a horrific past.
She has changed her looks, her body, and her identity. Now Ms. Marsh is the woman with the "to die for cupcakes"- and now her landlord, has found more than her cupcakes quite intriguing. However, she cannot have a normal relationship. She has to continue to look over her shoulder, as she senses someone is following her.
Six years later, after escaping her past, she finally has Café Bella on Main Street, and is a successful business woman. No one knows her real story, and she wants to keep it that way. She is mysterious. She has put all she has, into her new café and keeps her distance, living in a small apartment over the café, not getting too close to anyone.
She lives in fear every day, of her past coming to find her. (Tentler keeps you in suspense, as to the nature of her dark secret, which is peeled back layer by layer, for an ongoing mystery which goes much deeper). Can she pass up on a future love affair, due to her fear, which holds her back? She cannot put Mark’s family in danger.
Mark St. Clair does not care about dating –his goal is to bury himself in his work as the driving force behind the century old Hotel Grand St. Clair Resort, the family business, and the premier vacation destination on the Atlantic seacoast some forty minutes outside of Charleston. He is still grieving his late wife of two years. Top on his list of worries is his five-year-old troubled young daughter, Emily--who has not spoken since his wife was killed in a car accident.
Mark’s mother, Olivia the family matriarch is the typical Southern society snob---(Dorothea Benton Frank fans will relate); if you know Charleston—you will understand; wanting Mark to date again, and sticks her nose in his business trying to fix him up with the Southern’s finest—white pearls and "Bless Your Heart" type. Mixing with the most elite and country club set, she does not care for Mark’s newfound friendship, and strong attraction to the new woman in town. She is determined to find out more about her background, and a more suitable companion. Only the best for her son.
Carter, Mark’s brother, a soap opera star is accustomed to having his way with all the women; with his fake airbrushed looks and charm. He and his brother are rivals, from years past, both dating Mark’s former wife. Now Carter is back in town for a movie shoot, and meddling in Mark’s affairs. Will he once again, try to hit on Mark’s new woman?
Then of course there is Mercer, Mark’s sister who has her own private relationship with older professor, Jonathan.
Luther, one of my favorite characters, has been in prison with a past of his own. He works for Samantha. He was honest about his past, and Samantha knows all too well about second chances and dark pasts. She gives him a second chance working her at her café in town.
Olivia, Mark’s mother turns her nose up at his kind, thinking he is a trouble maker. Of course, when there is trouble, everyone looks at him. However, he might just be the one to help this crew out of danger, as a devastating tropical storm approaches. Hint: Could we please bring back Luther for his own story?
We also have more than one villain, with a score to settle. Devin Leary is a slime ball and he will stop at nothing to find what he is after. There is someone more dangerous than on the surface--a bigger more evil plan of stolen jewels, the Maffia, a cliff, a Cadillac Escalade, money, a brother, pictures of a past life, a motel; and worse, a devastating storm approaching.
A multi-layered story as piece by piece, Sam’s story is exposed. She never wants Mark to learn of her sordid past. Carter starts digging and is the one to investigate into a world of corruption, and old scores to be settled—revenge.
Everyone is going in different directions trying to keep their own secret, and all the while there is a dangerous man in Memphis, Tennessee who is out to find the one who got away, and the stolen jewels.
As most of my fellow reader friends are aware, I am not a romantic chick lit fan. I typically go for crime, legal, psychological and mystery thrillers; however, I will read contemporary romantic suspense (meaning not the romantic fantasy type); the emotional tragedy, mixed with crime, danger, and mystery, which is a nice combination. Ordinary people enduring hardships; overcoming, adversary, coming out even stronger with some humor mixed in. Before the Storm, fits this category, perfectly. (think Sandra Brown)
I fell in love with Fallen, when introduced to the Atlanta author last year. Being an Atlanta girl myself, growing up in the Carolinas and working for many resorts and hotels (some in Charleston), I loved the setting, as well. The resort, the café and the culinary parts . . . (Ideal topic hitting my buttons). Plus the well-developed characters. I enjoyed Samantha and Mark’s relationship --two different strong people from different walks of life. Sam’s past was such a vast contrast from her present life, and Leslie does an amazing job flushing out each one.
For me, BEFORE THE STORM is a cross between Nicholas Sparks, Kristin Hannah, Sandra Brown, and Patti Callahan Henry (I know a range; however, fans of all these will enjoy the mix). I read Spark’s new See Me directly following Before the Storm, and fans will enjoy the strong dynamics of both; characters are determined to survive their past against all odds--for a shot at a new life--when things keep pulling them down back in the mud.
Strong emotional human dynamics, tragedy, suspense, mystery, and thriller sprinkled with complex love relationships— character-driven. Tentler builds a love story, surrounding by layers of mystery and suspense. I think fans will enjoy the last portion, with the intensity and danger-- as things begin to explode with a few surprises you do not see coming.
What I enjoy about Leslie’s style--her writing is fresh, and contemporary; each of her books deliver something new and different, making her books appeal to a wide audience.
Before the Storm is a book you will want to read in one sitting, so set aside the time and curl up for an engaging mystery. I could not put it down until I reached the end. INTENSE.
**Low Tide (Rarity Cove #2)** Low Tide Coming June 12, 2017. #amreading. Top 20 Must-Read June Books
A special thank you to NetGalley, and Barclay Publicity for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Cover love.
JDCMustReadBooks
Talented Leslie Tentler returns following her smashing crime thriller, Fallen, landing on my Top 30 Book List of 2014, with a riveting new series, (Rarity Cove #1), set in a small coastal southern resort town on the outskirts of Charleston, SC — in Rarity Cove with BEFORE THE STORM.
A solid drama, from deep human emotions, mystery, danger, crime, and romantic suspense rolled into page–turner, as the past rears its ugly head, at the most inopportune time.
Meet the Main Characters:
Samantha Marsh, (aka Tina Grissom) keeps to her herself, a natural beauty, moving to the small coastal town of Rarity Cove, SC to open a café. She is ready for a fresh start and her life seems to finally be back on track. Her life dream is finally coming true as she escapes a horrific past.
She has changed her looks, her body, and her identity. Now Ms. Marsh is the woman with the "to die for cupcakes"- and now her landlord, has found more than her cupcakes quite intriguing. However, she cannot have a normal relationship. She has to continue to look over her shoulder, as she senses someone is following her.
Six years later, after escaping her past, she finally has Café Bella on Main Street, and is a successful business woman. No one knows her real story, and she wants to keep it that way. She is mysterious. She has put all she has, into her new café and keeps her distance, living in a small apartment over the café, not getting too close to anyone.
She lives in fear every day, of her past coming to find her. (Tentler keeps you in suspense, as to the nature of her dark secret, which is peeled back layer by layer, for an ongoing mystery which goes much deeper). Can she pass up on a future love affair, due to her fear, which holds her back? She cannot put Mark’s family in danger.
Mark St. Clair does not care about dating –his goal is to bury himself in his work as the driving force behind the century old Hotel Grand St. Clair Resort, the family business, and the premier vacation destination on the Atlantic seacoast some forty minutes outside of Charleston. He is still grieving his late wife of two years. Top on his list of worries is his five-year-old troubled young daughter, Emily--who has not spoken since his wife was killed in a car accident.
Mark’s mother, Olivia the family matriarch is the typical Southern society snob---(Dorothea Benton Frank fans will relate); if you know Charleston—you will understand; wanting Mark to date again, and sticks her nose in his business trying to fix him up with the Southern’s finest—white pearls and "Bless Your Heart" type. Mixing with the most elite and country club set, she does not care for Mark’s newfound friendship, and strong attraction to the new woman in town. She is determined to find out more about her background, and a more suitable companion. Only the best for her son.
Carter, Mark’s brother, a soap opera star is accustomed to having his way with all the women; with his fake airbrushed looks and charm. He and his brother are rivals, from years past, both dating Mark’s former wife. Now Carter is back in town for a movie shoot, and meddling in Mark’s affairs. Will he once again, try to hit on Mark’s new woman?
Then of course there is Mercer, Mark’s sister who has her own private relationship with older professor, Jonathan.
Luther, one of my favorite characters, has been in prison with a past of his own. He works for Samantha. He was honest about his past, and Samantha knows all too well about second chances and dark pasts. She gives him a second chance working her at her café in town.
Olivia, Mark’s mother turns her nose up at his kind, thinking he is a trouble maker. Of course, when there is trouble, everyone looks at him. However, he might just be the one to help this crew out of danger, as a devastating tropical storm approaches. Hint: Could we please bring back Luther for his own story?
We also have more than one villain, with a score to settle. Devin Leary is a slime ball and he will stop at nothing to find what he is after. There is someone more dangerous than on the surface--a bigger more evil plan of stolen jewels, the Maffia, a cliff, a Cadillac Escalade, money, a brother, pictures of a past life, a motel; and worse, a devastating storm approaching.
A multi-layered story as piece by piece, Sam’s story is exposed. She never wants Mark to learn of her sordid past. Carter starts digging and is the one to investigate into a world of corruption, and old scores to be settled—revenge.
Everyone is going in different directions trying to keep their own secret, and all the while there is a dangerous man in Memphis, Tennessee who is out to find the one who got away, and the stolen jewels.
As most of my fellow reader friends are aware, I am not a romantic chick lit fan. I typically go for crime, legal, psychological and mystery thrillers; however, I will read contemporary romantic suspense (meaning not the romantic fantasy type); the emotional tragedy, mixed with crime, danger, and mystery, which is a nice combination. Ordinary people enduring hardships; overcoming, adversary, coming out even stronger with some humor mixed in. Before the Storm, fits this category, perfectly. (think Sandra Brown)
I fell in love with Fallen, when introduced to the Atlanta author last year. Being an Atlanta girl myself, growing up in the Carolinas and working for many resorts and hotels (some in Charleston), I loved the setting, as well. The resort, the café and the culinary parts . . . (Ideal topic hitting my buttons). Plus the well-developed characters. I enjoyed Samantha and Mark’s relationship --two different strong people from different walks of life. Sam’s past was such a vast contrast from her present life, and Leslie does an amazing job flushing out each one.
For me, BEFORE THE STORM is a cross between Nicholas Sparks, Kristin Hannah, Sandra Brown, and Patti Callahan Henry (I know a range; however, fans of all these will enjoy the mix). I read Spark’s new See Me directly following Before the Storm, and fans will enjoy the strong dynamics of both; characters are determined to survive their past against all odds--for a shot at a new life--when things keep pulling them down back in the mud.
Strong emotional human dynamics, tragedy, suspense, mystery, and thriller sprinkled with complex love relationships— character-driven. Tentler builds a love story, surrounding by layers of mystery and suspense. I think fans will enjoy the last portion, with the intensity and danger-- as things begin to explode with a few surprises you do not see coming.
What I enjoy about Leslie’s style--her writing is fresh, and contemporary; each of her books deliver something new and different, making her books appeal to a wide audience.
Before the Storm is a book you will want to read in one sitting, so set aside the time and curl up for an engaging mystery. I could not put it down until I reached the end. INTENSE.
**Low Tide (Rarity Cove #2)** Low Tide Coming June 12, 2017. #amreading. Top 20 Must-Read June Books
A special thank you to NetGalley, and Barclay Publicity for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Cover love.
JDCMustReadBooks
December 5, 2015
This go-round we get something a little different from one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. Under a new identity, Samantha Marsh tries to escape the mistakes of her past in a new place. Mark St. Clair is a single dad raising his small daughter and running the family business. Both of these characters have resisted any romantic involvements – until Samantha arrives in Rarity Cove. The romance and suspense are well blended.
Of course, secrets never stay hidden and the past eventually finds Samantha. That’s when the suspense really kicks into gear and there is plenty of it from both sides of the aisle. Mark’s life isn’t uncomplicated either. Between the secrets, danger, family upheaval and interfering family members there's plenty to add to the mix.
Once again, Leslie Tentler creates a gritty and tightly wound plot, with characters that are multi-faceted, assuring readers that they’ll be highly entranced in this one.
Of course, secrets never stay hidden and the past eventually finds Samantha. That’s when the suspense really kicks into gear and there is plenty of it from both sides of the aisle. Mark’s life isn’t uncomplicated either. Between the secrets, danger, family upheaval and interfering family members there's plenty to add to the mix.
Once again, Leslie Tentler creates a gritty and tightly wound plot, with characters that are multi-faceted, assuring readers that they’ll be highly entranced in this one.
September 29, 2015
Leslie Tentler is not a new author to me. I have read her Chasing Evil series. I knew what I would find with her latest book... and I wasn't disappointed.
Samantha has a secret. Samantha isn't even her real name and she's been on the run for 7 years. She has a secret past .. and she left a dead man behind, taking with her only an old ragged teddy bear that was given to her as a child and her mother's cameo locket.
Mark is a good looking widower with a 4 year old daughter to take care of. His daughter has not spoken since the night her mother was killed in an auto accident. He's still grieving .. but when he meets Samantha, something comes back to life for him.
I loved the characters! Samantha and Mark are so deliciously drawn. Carter, the actor-brother, is usually trying to stir up trouble and is the first to discover Samantha's past life. Olivia, as their mother, is terrifyingly real. Mercer, his younger sister, rounds out the family ..and she is also keeping secrets from her rich, snobbish mother. And Emily is such a sweet child.
When Samantha's past catches up with her, she's not the only one in danger. And everything comes to a head as a hurricane releases it torment on their small town and its inhabitants.
I was riveted to the suspense side of this book and enjoyed watching Sam and Mark slowly overcome the obstacles and give in to their attraction.
My thanks to the author / NetGalley / Barclay Publicity /Left Field Press who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
March 31, 2016
I started this book and somewhere along the way I lost interest but most likely is that I realised that this is a common plot and has been done a thousand times. I need something new to keep me entertained because that is why I read. DNF 32% this book was on hold to begin with so I guess it was just a matter of term.
Please note this is is my personal opinion. It might be a unpopular review but I can't change it.
Book given in exchange for an honest review from Barclay Publicity via Netgalley.
Please note this is is my personal opinion. It might be a unpopular review but I can't change it.
Book given in exchange for an honest review from Barclay Publicity via Netgalley.
March 25, 2016
4 Stars... Tentler writes excellent romantic suspense, and this is no exception. Samantha and Mark are a very likable couple. Throw in a tortured past, some evil bad guys, and a hurricane, and you've got a recipe for a good read!
September 22, 2015
I kindly receive this ARC from Barclay Publicity, Left Field Press via NG in return for an honest review!
Rating- 4.5 stars
"Devin had the smile of a snake, and his lean, hard frame appeared ready to strike. Trina already knew the full extent of his bite. His poison."
My goodness! This book was awesome but so suspenseful I scarcely could breathe! Alright, alright, let's hope straight to the plot!
Ohmygosh, this book! Bravo Tentler *claps* you made me bite my nails and almost have a panic attack, bravo!
This book was soooo good!!! Romantic suspense are my thing at the moment. I seriously can't get enough and this ticked most of my boxes!
The moment it began i was hooked, i literally read it in a few hours because i was just so mesmerised by this story! Which means that the writing is freaking awesome. Tentler certainly knows what she's doing and knows how to keep you on your toes and keep you guessing.
I definitely think that if you are a fan of Romantic suspense then this will be your honey!
That being said, WARNING- There is a scene and slight description of rape, attempt rape, physical abuse, language and prostitution (sort of) in here! So if these are some things that you aren't comfortable with, I'm just letting you know that they are there.
Okay now on to characters! I loved all these characters, i really did. Man, Luther is amazing. I know when you'll read this you're going to think I'm a weirdo but he truly cared about people...well the people he liked i should say.
Mark St. Clair could you please be real and possibly marry me? thank you very much! hehe that should tell you how much i liked him!
Samantha was a really great character, she's such a strong- capable woman. However, I think with what she went through, the author made her trust Mark a little too quickly if that makes sense. Honestly, I think that if you went through this cornucopia of abuse, you wouldn't trust men very much but she did, and quickly too...*shrugs* that bit was mildly unbelievable but this book is so good it's easy not to focus on that.
I think you'll really enjoy this!
Stay awesome!
-The Book Herald
Check out my blog- The Book Herald Blog
tweet me @thebookherald
Rating- 4.5 stars
"Devin had the smile of a snake, and his lean, hard frame appeared ready to strike. Trina already knew the full extent of his bite. His poison."
My goodness! This book was awesome but so suspenseful I scarcely could breathe! Alright, alright, let's hope straight to the plot!
Trina Grissom died 6 years ago, Samantha Marsh was born.
On the run, hopeless yet hopeful, fearful of her own shadow.
Samantha Marsh always has to watch carefully who she comes into contact with, because surely her past will catch up.
She has a secret...a secret that could ruin everything she has worked so hard to build, it could ruin everything she did to recreate herself.
Abused. tortured. alone. on the run.
Samantha keeps away from everything and everyone,
but when a man with his brown hair and cerulean eyes appears in her life, dare she hope to have a chance to love a gentleman?
The problem is this gentleman is a millionaire, in the spotlight, the owner of a grand hotel.
How can someone who has to hide, suddenly be placed as the center of attention?
Especially when a lecherous cur has made it his hobby to find her.
No matter where you run, the past will find you.
Ohmygosh, this book! Bravo Tentler *claps* you made me bite my nails and almost have a panic attack, bravo!
This book was soooo good!!! Romantic suspense are my thing at the moment. I seriously can't get enough and this ticked most of my boxes!
The moment it began i was hooked, i literally read it in a few hours because i was just so mesmerised by this story! Which means that the writing is freaking awesome. Tentler certainly knows what she's doing and knows how to keep you on your toes and keep you guessing.
I definitely think that if you are a fan of Romantic suspense then this will be your honey!
That being said, WARNING- There is a scene and slight description of rape, attempt rape, physical abuse, language and prostitution (sort of) in here! So if these are some things that you aren't comfortable with, I'm just letting you know that they are there.
Okay now on to characters! I loved all these characters, i really did. Man, Luther is amazing. I know when you'll read this you're going to think I'm a weirdo but he truly cared about people...well the people he liked i should say.
Mark St. Clair could you please be real and possibly marry me? thank you very much! hehe that should tell you how much i liked him!
Samantha was a really great character, she's such a strong- capable woman. However, I think with what she went through, the author made her trust Mark a little too quickly if that makes sense. Honestly, I think that if you went through this cornucopia of abuse, you wouldn't trust men very much but she did, and quickly too...*shrugs* that bit was mildly unbelievable but this book is so good it's easy not to focus on that.
I think you'll really enjoy this!
Stay awesome!
-The Book Herald
Check out my blog- The Book Herald Blog
tweet me @thebookherald
July 20, 2017
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
October 20, 2015
I absolutely love BEFORE THE STORM! It's well written, with an engaging plot, suspenseful and will have you experiencing a variety of emotions - from anticipation to terror and everything in between - alongside the characters!
Samantha Marsh has not had an easy life but Rarity Cove, South Carolina is her chance to start over and make something of her life, and her business Café Bella is it. Her secrets are so dangerous and sordid that she has chosen a lifetime of solitude over dragging any man into the mess of her life and her attraction to a member of Rarity Cove's leading family, while unexpected but very tempting, is not going to change her mind. What Samantha does not count on is her hunger for a connection and how safe Mark makes her feel.
Since the death of his wife in a car accident, Mark St. Clair has buried himself in his work running the family hotel and taking care of his five-year old daughter and despite pressure from his family, he has resisted all involvement. That changes when Samantha Marsh sets up shop in Rarity Cove. For the first time since his wife's death, Mark is interested in a woman and determined to win her over despite her reluctance to get involved with him and the secrets she obviously has.
But secrets never stay that way for long and unfortunately, Samantha's carefully constructed life begins to unravel when her past follows her to Rarity Cove and her secrets are exposed. Mark also has to contend with frayed familial relationships and the interference of well-intentioned family members.
Danger, secrets and complex sibling relationships combine to make BEFORE THE STORM very appealing. Ms. Tentler creates very interesting characters and I love the deliberate and measured pace of the book, how every scene was calculated to add to the story, from Samantha and Mark's first meeting to the explosive end, and how even the most ordinary scenes had a thread of tension woven through them and kept me on edge, just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Samantha Marsh has not had an easy life but Rarity Cove, South Carolina is her chance to start over and make something of her life, and her business Café Bella is it. Her secrets are so dangerous and sordid that she has chosen a lifetime of solitude over dragging any man into the mess of her life and her attraction to a member of Rarity Cove's leading family, while unexpected but very tempting, is not going to change her mind. What Samantha does not count on is her hunger for a connection and how safe Mark makes her feel.
Since the death of his wife in a car accident, Mark St. Clair has buried himself in his work running the family hotel and taking care of his five-year old daughter and despite pressure from his family, he has resisted all involvement. That changes when Samantha Marsh sets up shop in Rarity Cove. For the first time since his wife's death, Mark is interested in a woman and determined to win her over despite her reluctance to get involved with him and the secrets she obviously has.
But secrets never stay that way for long and unfortunately, Samantha's carefully constructed life begins to unravel when her past follows her to Rarity Cove and her secrets are exposed. Mark also has to contend with frayed familial relationships and the interference of well-intentioned family members.
Danger, secrets and complex sibling relationships combine to make BEFORE THE STORM very appealing. Ms. Tentler creates very interesting characters and I love the deliberate and measured pace of the book, how every scene was calculated to add to the story, from Samantha and Mark's first meeting to the explosive end, and how even the most ordinary scenes had a thread of tension woven through them and kept me on edge, just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
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October 14, 2015
Before The Storm is an impeccably written romantic suspense novel with a good mix of love story and thriller.
Samantha aka Trina has recently opened a little shop in South Carolina where she lives under an assumed identity after escaping a harrowing ordeal. She meets and falls for Mark, a widower with a young daughter who hasn't spoken since her mother died in a car crash. Both cautious due to their pasts and their responsibilities, Samantha and Mark slowly establish a relationship, but then Samantha's history catches up with her just as a hurricane is about to hit their little seaside town.
While the actual plot wasn't particularly new or original, I really enjoyed Leslie Tentler's engaging style of writing, and I loved all the interesting characters she created. Before the Storm is a really sweet contemporary romance with some thrilling and dark suspense elements that can be enjoyed leisurely on a rainy afternoon. This was my first book written by Leslie Tentler, but I have decided to catch up with her Chasing Evil series because she impressed me with her writing.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Samantha aka Trina has recently opened a little shop in South Carolina where she lives under an assumed identity after escaping a harrowing ordeal. She meets and falls for Mark, a widower with a young daughter who hasn't spoken since her mother died in a car crash. Both cautious due to their pasts and their responsibilities, Samantha and Mark slowly establish a relationship, but then Samantha's history catches up with her just as a hurricane is about to hit their little seaside town.
While the actual plot wasn't particularly new or original, I really enjoyed Leslie Tentler's engaging style of writing, and I loved all the interesting characters she created. Before the Storm is a really sweet contemporary romance with some thrilling and dark suspense elements that can be enjoyed leisurely on a rainy afternoon. This was my first book written by Leslie Tentler, but I have decided to catch up with her Chasing Evil series because she impressed me with her writing.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 6, 2016
Romance, thriller, mystery, hm. I enjoy these genres, especially thriller and mystery, but I have expectations too. And in this case I was disappointed and after 28% I fell asleep on my kindle... after my eyeballs rolled so hard that they rolled under the bed.
How can you say that a slow placed book like this, with flat characters, that are so cliche and common, with a writing style that is boring and wooden, with a plot so cliche and boring is mystery thriller. How?! Is not even a cosy and easy, light read; unless you want to sleep very well and you read this instead of taking pills.
This is just a boring and plain book that moves SO slow, full of cliches, and which made me DNF it at 28%, because I couldn't do it anymore. And if after 50% it gets better and explosions happens and the characters stop being so fake and superficial and stop acting as 5 years old when they fall in love for the first time, then I lose. But I'm fine. At least I can get my eyeballs back.
How can you say that a slow placed book like this, with flat characters, that are so cliche and common, with a writing style that is boring and wooden, with a plot so cliche and boring is mystery thriller. How?! Is not even a cosy and easy, light read; unless you want to sleep very well and you read this instead of taking pills.
This is just a boring and plain book that moves SO slow, full of cliches, and which made me DNF it at 28%, because I couldn't do it anymore. And if after 50% it gets better and explosions happens and the characters stop being so fake and superficial and stop acting as 5 years old when they fall in love for the first time, then I lose. But I'm fine. At least I can get my eyeballs back.
December 15, 2015
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
I felt quite sorry for both Samantha and Mark in this. Mark was going through a lot, and Samantha went through life looking over her shoulder, which can't have been nice.
This was an okay read, but I found the pacing to be slow, so the story dragged at times.
Overall, An okay read.
I felt quite sorry for both Samantha and Mark in this. Mark was going through a lot, and Samantha went through life looking over her shoulder, which can't have been nice.
This was an okay read, but I found the pacing to be slow, so the story dragged at times.
Overall, An okay read.
November 30, 2015
This book was interesting and enjoyable. I thought the characters were interesting. The storylines where romance mixed with mystery. I though Samantha's backstory was very sad and I am glad things worked out for her in the end.
October 15, 2015
My review for this will be posted on my blog at http://splashesintobooks.wordpress.com as part of the Blog Tour promotion for this book. I'll copy it here after that!
May 11, 2017
With the slow start and some over-dramatic moments between characters throughout the beginning of the book, I had started getting wary of how the rest of the story would play out. There was the potential for a love triangle, a frustratingly childish sibling rivalry, and one of those rich and snooty high society mothers who is just mean because she can be.
Meanwhile, most of the book felt a little dragged out since the main suspense conflict was simply floating around in the background. We spend a whole lot more time looking into the angsty romance and the tenuously fragile relationship between a set of brothers.
Surprisingly, when I was about to give up on this book being any good, things began to pick up midway, and got kind of exciting. There were still a lot of events that defy logic a big, and still a whole lot of angst-ridden romantic drama.
At the least there was an emotional climax that might have gotten me a bit teary-eyed, but when it comes to kids in a work of fiction, I find I'm getting soft. Kids and animals. And this book manages to present an adorable young girl who is having a post traumatic reaction to her mother's death from a few years prior to this book's setting--apparently, ever since a tragic accident that took said mother's life, the little girl had just stopped talking.
The events surrounding the little girl's recovery, I wish could have been explored a bit more. Of course, this is a romantic suspense about our main couple, so... yeah... But what little we get to see about how the little girl starts talking again was quite touching... even if slightly incredible.
All-in-all, the book was enjoyable, kept my attention, and had me breezing through it.
***
Booklikes-opoly
Roll #8: Water Works says to read a book with water on the cover.
This book features water on the cover.
Page Count: 336
Cash Award: $3.00
Updated Bank Balance: $42.00
See Also: Freebie Roll Activities
Meanwhile, most of the book felt a little dragged out since the main suspense conflict was simply floating around in the background. We spend a whole lot more time looking into the angsty romance and the tenuously fragile relationship between a set of brothers.
Surprisingly, when I was about to give up on this book being any good, things began to pick up midway, and got kind of exciting. There were still a lot of events that defy logic a big, and still a whole lot of angst-ridden romantic drama.
At the least there was an emotional climax that might have gotten me a bit teary-eyed, but when it comes to kids in a work of fiction, I find I'm getting soft. Kids and animals. And this book manages to present an adorable young girl who is having a post traumatic reaction to her mother's death from a few years prior to this book's setting--apparently, ever since a tragic accident that took said mother's life, the little girl had just stopped talking.
The events surrounding the little girl's recovery, I wish could have been explored a bit more. Of course, this is a romantic suspense about our main couple, so... yeah... But what little we get to see about how the little girl starts talking again was quite touching... even if slightly incredible.
All-in-all, the book was enjoyable, kept my attention, and had me breezing through it.
***
Booklikes-opoly
Roll #8: Water Works says to read a book with water on the cover.
This book features water on the cover.
Page Count: 336
Cash Award: $3.00
Updated Bank Balance: $42.00
See Also: Freebie Roll Activities
December 28, 2018
Before the Storm was a story about second chances. After such a horrible start at life Trina (Samantha) found a way out. Her acts for survival were commendable, and her drive to create a better life even more so. Really for the most part this story is loving the easy and normal life while making the most out of what you have. With some danger and more bravery to wrap it up. It was enjoyable although from the book description I it was not really what I expected. Good for an ease lovable read.
Free book for review from netgalley
Free book for review from netgalley
October 25, 2015
Reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-fg
At seventeen years old, orphaned Trina Grissom has had enough of her cruel grandmother’s abuse and runs away. While Trina may have escaped her grandmother, she has no means of support, and finds herself on the street, hungry and alone. When Devin Leary takes her in, feeds her, and lets her sleep on his couch, she thinks she’s found a hero. However, it isn’t long before she’s sleeping in his bed, dancing at his strip club, and enduring his beatings when she doesn’t follow his orders. After four years of this life, Trina has saved enough from her tips to plan her escape. Devin catches her in the act of leaving, and in the ensuing struggle, Trina believes she has killed him. She flees to New York, where she creates a new identity, and spends years studying cooking. The reborn Samantha Marsh moves to South Carolina, and opens up a cafe in the town of Rarity Cove.
Mark St. Clair is the majority owner and operator of Rarity Cove’s posh hotel. His life was shattered two years ago, when his beloved wife was killed in a car accident, and his young daughter, who was in the car at the time, stopped speaking. In order to keep going, Mark has just focused on his daughter, Emily, and running the hotel. He has no interest in finding another woman, and is determined to avoid his mother’s matchmaking schemes. Fate (and delicious cupcakes) leads Emily to Samantha and her cafe, and Emily takes a strong liking to her. Despite his determination, Mark finds himself feeling the first stirrings of interest in a woman since his wife died.
Neither Mark nor Samantha wants a relationship – she because of her past, and he, because of his guilt. Eventually Mark asks her out, but Samantha is adamant that she is not a good fit for him. Their attraction is powerful, and they do begin to date, which leads to an affair, and soon, to love.
Leslie Tentler has created a hero and heroine who are very atypical. Mark was born to wealth and privilege, yet he was a faithful and loving husband, and is dedicated to his daughter. He doesn’t judge Samantha for her past, though he rightfully shows concern for how it affects Emily. Samantha, somehow, has retained her humanity, and not become hard and jaded. She tried very hard not to become involved, but once she did, she showered both Mark and Emily with love.
As a hurricane bears down on Rarity Cove, Samantha’s past comes rushing back with the same fury. An exciting climax, complete with villains, heart pounding suspense, and a surprise hero make BEFORE THE STORM a very satisfying read. If you enjoy contemporary romantic suspense, second chances, or just a warm love story, I recommend this book for you
At seventeen years old, orphaned Trina Grissom has had enough of her cruel grandmother’s abuse and runs away. While Trina may have escaped her grandmother, she has no means of support, and finds herself on the street, hungry and alone. When Devin Leary takes her in, feeds her, and lets her sleep on his couch, she thinks she’s found a hero. However, it isn’t long before she’s sleeping in his bed, dancing at his strip club, and enduring his beatings when she doesn’t follow his orders. After four years of this life, Trina has saved enough from her tips to plan her escape. Devin catches her in the act of leaving, and in the ensuing struggle, Trina believes she has killed him. She flees to New York, where she creates a new identity, and spends years studying cooking. The reborn Samantha Marsh moves to South Carolina, and opens up a cafe in the town of Rarity Cove.
Mark St. Clair is the majority owner and operator of Rarity Cove’s posh hotel. His life was shattered two years ago, when his beloved wife was killed in a car accident, and his young daughter, who was in the car at the time, stopped speaking. In order to keep going, Mark has just focused on his daughter, Emily, and running the hotel. He has no interest in finding another woman, and is determined to avoid his mother’s matchmaking schemes. Fate (and delicious cupcakes) leads Emily to Samantha and her cafe, and Emily takes a strong liking to her. Despite his determination, Mark finds himself feeling the first stirrings of interest in a woman since his wife died.
Neither Mark nor Samantha wants a relationship – she because of her past, and he, because of his guilt. Eventually Mark asks her out, but Samantha is adamant that she is not a good fit for him. Their attraction is powerful, and they do begin to date, which leads to an affair, and soon, to love.
Leslie Tentler has created a hero and heroine who are very atypical. Mark was born to wealth and privilege, yet he was a faithful and loving husband, and is dedicated to his daughter. He doesn’t judge Samantha for her past, though he rightfully shows concern for how it affects Emily. Samantha, somehow, has retained her humanity, and not become hard and jaded. She tried very hard not to become involved, but once she did, she showered both Mark and Emily with love.
As a hurricane bears down on Rarity Cove, Samantha’s past comes rushing back with the same fury. An exciting climax, complete with villains, heart pounding suspense, and a surprise hero make BEFORE THE STORM a very satisfying read. If you enjoy contemporary romantic suspense, second chances, or just a warm love story, I recommend this book for you
October 16, 2015
Before the Storm is the first Book in Lenslie Tentler's Rarity Cove. I have previously read her Chasing Evil books and like her writing style. However, this book is quite different from her Chasing Evil books. I still liked the book but it was a much slower paced book.
This book centers around Samantha who ran from her previous life and created a whole new identity to escape her past and a secret that could destroy her whole life. She opens a cafe in Rarity Cove and while she may be a little lonely she is fairly content until she meets Mark. Mark is the owner of a resort in Rarity Cove who is also suffering through the loss of his wife a few years ago and trying to help his daughter who hasn't spoken since her mother died. The two are instantly attracted to each other but Samantha doesn't feel she can take a risk getting close to anyone. However, her past is about to catch up to her in ways she hasn't imagined.
The book has several different POV's including both Mark and Samantha and is easy to follow. There are also several flashbacks that are thrown in to flesh out Samantha's past. While I liked the book the suspense and sense of danger weren't as strong as I would have liked them to be for a romantic suspense book. This book almost felt like a sweet contemporary romance instead. I did like the side characters especially the very grey character of Luther. I also really liked the complicated relationship between Mark and his brother. I also liked that Samantha's past took awhile to uncover.
However, the romance between Mark and Samantha was very slow and there was a lot of back and forth. She wanted him, but didn't think she could be with him but then wouldn't follow through. Mark was less alpha then a lot of male characters. He was sweet and a little unsure of himself coming out of the loss of his wife who was his highschool girlfriend. I liked Mark and his lack of Alphaness didn't bother me. I would have liked a little more heat and chemistry between the characters during the story.
The last part of the book was action packed and intense. Sam's past comes to Rarity Cove at the same time a big storm hits and this part of the book was great. The ending had a bit of a twist and some interesting choices by the characters that I also enjoyed.
Overall, I liked this book. It's a slow start with a very slow romance and the pacing could be better but I liked all the characters, the story and especially the last part of the book.
This book was provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
This book centers around Samantha who ran from her previous life and created a whole new identity to escape her past and a secret that could destroy her whole life. She opens a cafe in Rarity Cove and while she may be a little lonely she is fairly content until she meets Mark. Mark is the owner of a resort in Rarity Cove who is also suffering through the loss of his wife a few years ago and trying to help his daughter who hasn't spoken since her mother died. The two are instantly attracted to each other but Samantha doesn't feel she can take a risk getting close to anyone. However, her past is about to catch up to her in ways she hasn't imagined.
The book has several different POV's including both Mark and Samantha and is easy to follow. There are also several flashbacks that are thrown in to flesh out Samantha's past. While I liked the book the suspense and sense of danger weren't as strong as I would have liked them to be for a romantic suspense book. This book almost felt like a sweet contemporary romance instead. I did like the side characters especially the very grey character of Luther. I also really liked the complicated relationship between Mark and his brother. I also liked that Samantha's past took awhile to uncover.
However, the romance between Mark and Samantha was very slow and there was a lot of back and forth. She wanted him, but didn't think she could be with him but then wouldn't follow through. Mark was less alpha then a lot of male characters. He was sweet and a little unsure of himself coming out of the loss of his wife who was his highschool girlfriend. I liked Mark and his lack of Alphaness didn't bother me. I would have liked a little more heat and chemistry between the characters during the story.
The last part of the book was action packed and intense. Sam's past comes to Rarity Cove at the same time a big storm hits and this part of the book was great. The ending had a bit of a twist and some interesting choices by the characters that I also enjoyed.
Overall, I liked this book. It's a slow start with a very slow romance and the pacing could be better but I liked all the characters, the story and especially the last part of the book.
This book was provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
October 16, 2015
This book left me incredibly conflicted. I couldn’t stop reading it, it was less than 24 hours, but, I’m not sure what the last book was that I had so many problems with. I leave annotations when I find issues, I actually had to stop at one point because there was just so many. It was a cute romance and the characters were likeable enough; it’s a great fluffy little romance to wrap up yourself up in with a blanket and tea on a cool autumn night. I think this book is good for its targeted audience. There were a couple of nicely described scenes.
As a book itself, it’s not very good at all and has harmful moments for its targeted readers. Writers don’t think about the effect that books have on their readers and how much their readers think they are learning from them. There is research that shows people “learn” from fiction novels. This novel has a small subplot, which is fine, but one scene, that is unnecessary, is incredibly harmful. To summarize, Mark’s daughter is traumatized from seeing her mother die that she has become mute. He takes her to a psychologist that says she should hold off going to school for a year, this is horrible poor advice. Please do not take this as good information. I am also holding this against the author because it shows her lack of research into the topic, I appreciate at least a small amount of research. This would not take a massive amount of searching either to find the correct course of action.
Additionally, the characters were incredibly stereotypical and racist. Then again I’m not from the south so it could be accurate. Are southern mothers and African-American employees really this way? I think not. It provides nothing new to the genre. The characters are poorly developed which is fine, but every once in a while a character will say something that just doesn’t fit. Would a big burly, sleazy guy order a fancy drink from Starbuck’s? Or some fancy rich guy wear jean shorts? There is some unnecessary wording, “I just have a cheesecake in the convection oven.” Just call it an oven like a normal person. There are some parts where Samantha says something that sounds cheeky, but, the description doesn’t give that impression, making the scene a little confusing and disjointed.
I’m not sure I would recommend this book because there is a lot of poor writing, and development. It’s unfortunate because I think a lot of the issues could have been fixed with a half decent editor, a lot of editing, but not in terms of changing the story itself.
As a book itself, it’s not very good at all and has harmful moments for its targeted readers. Writers don’t think about the effect that books have on their readers and how much their readers think they are learning from them. There is research that shows people “learn” from fiction novels. This novel has a small subplot, which is fine, but one scene, that is unnecessary, is incredibly harmful. To summarize, Mark’s daughter is traumatized from seeing her mother die that she has become mute. He takes her to a psychologist that says she should hold off going to school for a year, this is horrible poor advice. Please do not take this as good information. I am also holding this against the author because it shows her lack of research into the topic, I appreciate at least a small amount of research. This would not take a massive amount of searching either to find the correct course of action.
Additionally, the characters were incredibly stereotypical and racist. Then again I’m not from the south so it could be accurate. Are southern mothers and African-American employees really this way? I think not. It provides nothing new to the genre. The characters are poorly developed which is fine, but every once in a while a character will say something that just doesn’t fit. Would a big burly, sleazy guy order a fancy drink from Starbuck’s? Or some fancy rich guy wear jean shorts? There is some unnecessary wording, “I just have a cheesecake in the convection oven.” Just call it an oven like a normal person. There are some parts where Samantha says something that sounds cheeky, but, the description doesn’t give that impression, making the scene a little confusing and disjointed.
I’m not sure I would recommend this book because there is a lot of poor writing, and development. It’s unfortunate because I think a lot of the issues could have been fixed with a half decent editor, a lot of editing, but not in terms of changing the story itself.
October 20, 2015
Received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.
Let me get the pun out of the way: This book took me by storm.
Ok, now that that's done.
I had a feeling I'd like this book. One, I loved the cover. I think it's dark, broody, and quite frankly, gorgeous. It's a little bit different (ok, a whole gender different) than typical romance books but I was drawn to the cover from the moment I saw it.
Now, there can be bad books with pretty covers, but this was not the case. As this was my first go with a Leslie Tentler book, I wasn't quite sure what to expect -- but I can now say, Leslie writes romantic suspense well.
Mark lost his wife two years ago, and with it, his young daughter has refused to talk... at all. He is now the father of a little girl who had the ability to talk, but has not used her voice since her mother passed.
Samantha has been running and finally feels she's in a place she can settle. She's opened up a little store and sells cupcakes like nobody's business. When she meets Mark -- due to his daughter running off to her stand -- she's drawn to him but knows better than to start a relationship.
...besides, Mark's mom, Olivia, has debutante-esque ladies lined up for him. Samantha just doesn't fit in.
I absolutely loved the relationship between Mark and his siblings -- I really hope Leslie has plans on writing their books. Mercer and Carter were side characters I had no problems reading about, and I absolutely loved that when Samantha gains Mark and Emily, she gains not only a family in them, but a super protective brother in Carter.
In an ironic twist (seemingly predictable due to the title), the true storm of the story happens when a hurricane hits the town they're living in.
I enjoyed Leslie's writing. Many romantic suspense stories of this one's nature either grab you and don't let go, or wax and wane. I felt that the build-up of this story, mixed with the growing emotions and Samantha's past catching up with her, was well thought out and hit the crux of the matter beautifully.
Leslie is an author I will be going back to.
Let me get the pun out of the way: This book took me by storm.
Ok, now that that's done.
I had a feeling I'd like this book. One, I loved the cover. I think it's dark, broody, and quite frankly, gorgeous. It's a little bit different (ok, a whole gender different) than typical romance books but I was drawn to the cover from the moment I saw it.
Now, there can be bad books with pretty covers, but this was not the case. As this was my first go with a Leslie Tentler book, I wasn't quite sure what to expect -- but I can now say, Leslie writes romantic suspense well.
Mark lost his wife two years ago, and with it, his young daughter has refused to talk... at all. He is now the father of a little girl who had the ability to talk, but has not used her voice since her mother passed.
Samantha has been running and finally feels she's in a place she can settle. She's opened up a little store and sells cupcakes like nobody's business. When she meets Mark -- due to his daughter running off to her stand -- she's drawn to him but knows better than to start a relationship.
...besides, Mark's mom, Olivia, has debutante-esque ladies lined up for him. Samantha just doesn't fit in.
I absolutely loved the relationship between Mark and his siblings -- I really hope Leslie has plans on writing their books. Mercer and Carter were side characters I had no problems reading about, and I absolutely loved that when Samantha gains Mark and Emily, she gains not only a family in them, but a super protective brother in Carter.
In an ironic twist (seemingly predictable due to the title), the true storm of the story happens when a hurricane hits the town they're living in.
I enjoyed Leslie's writing. Many romantic suspense stories of this one's nature either grab you and don't let go, or wax and wane. I felt that the build-up of this story, mixed with the growing emotions and Samantha's past catching up with her, was well thought out and hit the crux of the matter beautifully.
Leslie is an author I will be going back to.
October 22, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Barclay Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
Before the Storm is a romantic suspense novel from author Leslie Tentler and is set in the fictional coastal town of Rarity Cove in South Carolina. Trina Grissom is a woman who thinks she has escaped her tortuous past by creating a totally new identity for herself. As Samantha Marsh, she's living the kind of life that she's dreamed of for years. Falling in love with the single father Mark St. Clair isn't part of her plan, but there's a connection between that refuses to be severed and she's made an equally strong connection with Mark's daughter Emily, who has been mute for the past two years due to witnessing the accidental death of her mother, Mark's late wife. The love story between Samantha and Mark is one that marks a turning point for them since they've never been open to the possibility of being with someone else for some time.
While the romance aspect of the book had my attention, it is the mystery and suspense that proves to be captivating. Samantha has worked hard to bury any and all connection to Trina, but it takes one tenacious individual to wreak havoc on everything she's created. There are a couple of twists in the story and they certainly kept things quite interesting. When combined with the love story, you can't help but empathize with Samantha because she deserves to find love and happiness with Mark but then keeping the kind of secrets that she's got would weigh heavily on any potential relationship. The conflict is resolved in a way I wasn't expecting but appreciated for its originality. I'm hoping that Mark's siblings, Carter and Mercer, will also get their stories told and that Before the Storm is just the beginning for Rarity Cove. 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Barclay Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
Before the Storm is a romantic suspense novel from author Leslie Tentler and is set in the fictional coastal town of Rarity Cove in South Carolina. Trina Grissom is a woman who thinks she has escaped her tortuous past by creating a totally new identity for herself. As Samantha Marsh, she's living the kind of life that she's dreamed of for years. Falling in love with the single father Mark St. Clair isn't part of her plan, but there's a connection between that refuses to be severed and she's made an equally strong connection with Mark's daughter Emily, who has been mute for the past two years due to witnessing the accidental death of her mother, Mark's late wife. The love story between Samantha and Mark is one that marks a turning point for them since they've never been open to the possibility of being with someone else for some time.
While the romance aspect of the book had my attention, it is the mystery and suspense that proves to be captivating. Samantha has worked hard to bury any and all connection to Trina, but it takes one tenacious individual to wreak havoc on everything she's created. There are a couple of twists in the story and they certainly kept things quite interesting. When combined with the love story, you can't help but empathize with Samantha because she deserves to find love and happiness with Mark but then keeping the kind of secrets that she's got would weigh heavily on any potential relationship. The conflict is resolved in a way I wasn't expecting but appreciated for its originality. I'm hoping that Mark's siblings, Carter and Mercer, will also get their stories told and that Before the Storm is just the beginning for Rarity Cove. 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars. ♥
October 20, 2015
WOW! This book had me hooked from the start and wanting to know what the hell was going to happen. The story is told from Trina Grissom aka Samantha's POV and Mark and a few others have a chapter in there. Sam has had a hard life and you get to understand why she changed her name and disappeared from the first page and from then it flows well through the whole book. She is a great main female lead and Mark is strong but serious, he's a St Clair, a well known family in the small town that Sam moves to. Mark sadly lost his wife and now looks after Emily his daughter. The writing style of this book is set in both present and past however this doesn't get confusing like some of the books I have read, the chapters flow together and you can picture the story easily. writing style for me worked well as you got a little off each character, more so Sam due to her past life but I still felt you got equal measure from Mark and what he was going though. The other people in the book, Carter (the brother who will make you laugh and shout), Luther (well what can be said about him apart from everyone needs him in their lives), Mercer (the sister that could make friends with anyone). You meet all these people throughout the book as they all stay close together. I'm really hoping there is going to be other books with their stories in the future.
August 13, 2016
The new life that Samantha Marsh has built for herself in an attempt to erase her violent past is threatened when she draws the attention of Mark St. Clair, a widower with a young daughter. Unaccepting of Samantha's initial rejection of their growing connection, Mark pushes for more, until he realises that the truth is more than he can handle, just as Samantha's past catches up with her.
Before the Storm is classic Leslie Tentler: written with a measured tone and believable characters who ache and feel without going to extremes, topped off with a good dose of suspense especially towards the end, yet teeters into the trap of a heroine who keeps secrets when it was made clear the hero could be trusted - long enough to wander into TSTL territory - because of her shame of her checkered past. The ending is a bittersweet but realistic one, with some revelations that still managed to surprise me when I thought I had it pegged.
*ARC by netgalley (and I'm ever grateful, mind)
Before the Storm is classic Leslie Tentler: written with a measured tone and believable characters who ache and feel without going to extremes, topped off with a good dose of suspense especially towards the end, yet teeters into the trap of a heroine who keeps secrets when it was made clear the hero could be trusted - long enough to wander into TSTL territory - because of her shame of her checkered past. The ending is a bittersweet but realistic one, with some revelations that still managed to surprise me when I thought I had it pegged.
*ARC by netgalley (and I'm ever grateful, mind)
October 13, 2015
The past, secrets, fears and reservations play a big part in this story. Samantha and Mark feel attraction for one another from their first meeting but with the pasts they both have are not willing to move forward easily or quickly. There is hesitation and family interference along with personal indecision to contend with. Add to this some very bad characters and a hurricane and the plot thickens. I enjoyed the story, though it is somewhat familiar, and would like to say it was very well written and edited. The one character I would like to know more about is Luther but have a feeling he may not get his own book, though he just might deserve one. This is the first book I have read by Leslie Tentler but hope that it will not be the last.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barclay Publicity for the copy of this book to read and review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barclay Publicity for the copy of this book to read and review.
November 12, 2020
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An eminently readable novel, "Before the storm" is a compelling romantic suspense novel in the vein of Carla Neggers, Linda Howard and the like. As many of my followers know, I’m not a huge fan of romance. Although quite formulaic, this novel DID hold my interest to the end. I guess I just wanted to read the ‘happily ever after’ for myself. I believe (from my many years of working in a public library) that this book will be very well received by readers who enjoy romantic fiction. It had a trace of a ‘Harlequin’ feel, but that was laced with enough suspense that it was lifted up from the everyday romance. Overall, an easy, entertaining novel.
An eminently readable novel, "Before the storm" is a compelling romantic suspense novel in the vein of Carla Neggers, Linda Howard and the like. As many of my followers know, I’m not a huge fan of romance. Although quite formulaic, this novel DID hold my interest to the end. I guess I just wanted to read the ‘happily ever after’ for myself. I believe (from my many years of working in a public library) that this book will be very well received by readers who enjoy romantic fiction. It had a trace of a ‘Harlequin’ feel, but that was laced with enough suspense that it was lifted up from the everyday romance. Overall, an easy, entertaining novel.
September 20, 2015
Via Netgalley for honest review.
I loved Mark and Samantha. Each running from their past and trying to live day by day. The suspense in this story keeps your attention and the love story keeps your heart on edge. My only disappointment with this book was lack of sexiness, lust and hunger from Mark and Sam. Also loved how Luther protected Sam. Good read and totally recommend.
I loved Mark and Samantha. Each running from their past and trying to live day by day. The suspense in this story keeps your attention and the love story keeps your heart on edge. My only disappointment with this book was lack of sexiness, lust and hunger from Mark and Sam. Also loved how Luther protected Sam. Good read and totally recommend.
no-thank-you
September 19, 2015Absolutely not interested in this possible snoozefest.
Saved by Baba. Here's the review.
Saved by Baba. Here's the review.
November 1, 2015
Good romantic suspense. Solid plot and character development. Kept me on the edge of my seat. If you like romantic suspense novels then I think you will enjoy this one.
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