Where Lemons Bloom

by Blair McDowell

Romantic suspense that takes the reader on a non-stop thrill ride! Set on the beautiful Amalfi Coast of Italy.


When Eve Anderson meets Adamo de Leone on a ship bound for Europe, she has no idea of the dark secret that will endanger both their lives. She accompanies him to his home on Italy’s Amalfi Coast to open an inn left to him by his grandfather. But then she learns he spent 5 years in prison for a crime he claims he didn’t commit. Could the man she loves be responsible for embezzling eighty million dollars from the investment firm he once owned?

Adamo wants to hold Eve at arm’s length until he can clear his proud family name. But when there is an attempt on his life and Eve is terrorized by a gun-bearing thug, he realizes how much he wants her, and he must accept whatever help he can get to uncover the well-hidden trail of a six-year-old crime

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

265 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2015

About the author

The two things I enjoy most in life are traveling and writing. I think I’ve been writing stories since the day I was first given a pencil and paper. I had a vivid imagination as a child…a characteristic that has gotten me into trouble more than once, and that has only increased with age. I’ve never been able to recount any event without embellishing it.

So it was natural that I should turn to writing fiction. And even more natural to choose to write romantic suspense, where I could let my imagination run wild.

In my earlier days, my work took me to some fascinating places; the Torres Strait islands, off the north coast of Australia, the Caribbean before it became a tourist haven, Hungary when the Russian soldiers were still patrolling the streets. I spent time in Australia, Austria, and Germany. And later in Italy and Greece.

These locales became the settings for my books:
• Canada’s Sunshine Coast, Sonata;
• Greece, The Memory of Roses;
• Italy, Where Lemons Bloom;
• Germany, Austria and Hungary, Romantic Road;
• France, Fatal Charm

I built a house on a small still un-touristic island in the Caribbean – on a plot of land with no electricity or running water. Friends there told me stories and legends about their island and Delighting In Your Company was born.

In a word, I have lived a rather unorthodox life…And loved every minute of it.

Today I am more settled. I operate a Bed & Breakfast with a friend on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast in the spring and summer. When fall comes we head for Europe. Last year we traveled to Scotland to research the locale for my work in progress, The MacInnes Affair. It weaves together two love stories, one in the present and one in the past, in Scotland and in Canada.

A recent reviewer referred to my “vivid and clear descriptions of places” that that made her feel “as if she were there.” She queried whether I had used Google or had actually been to all those places.

My answer to all such questions is: Been there, done that!

Reviews

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In Bernini's rendition of this moment, Daphne's fingertips were sprouting leaves, her toes were turning to roots, and bark was enclosing her torso."
- Blair McDowell. Where Lemons Bloom


I would like to start this review by thanking the author for getting me out of a bit of a reading slump.


You see the last few books I’ve read, have all been twos and threes. I’m sure you have gone through such droughts yourselves
Where you wondered whether you’d ever find a great four or five star book again.

Well – I found one! This magic little book set primarily in Amalfi in Italy was a winner!


There is so much to like about this one. I love the protagonist Eve, I love the other protagonist Adamo.

So I must preface this by telling you, one of the genres is romance, and that’s probably one of my least read genres.

Because of the fact that I don’t read much romance I was very wary of picking this up, but the enchanting cover, the great reviews, and the overall seemingly fun aspect really got to me. So I read and I read and I read some more.


It starts out in Barbados. Adamo rescues Eve from drowning.


It is obvious from the beginning that there was something between them, an attraction of sorts .


There are some racy sex scenes in this, so I do feel I have to warn you that if you like your romance is 100% G rated such is not the case here, though the scenes are few and far between, and are not the focus.

It turns out that Adam – I’m just gonna call him Adam, because my spellcheck keeps changing his name anyway! – Is running from his past.


He has been in prison for many years for embezzlement, but he didn’t do it. He’s afraid to tell Eve the truth about his past, thinking she is too good for him.



I won’t go into the weeds on what happens. I can’t do that as I don’t wanna give anything away. But I will talk a little bit about what I liked about this book.


All the historical stuff. My gosh for a Mythology fan like me this was heaven! And might I say that I’ve always wanted to visit Italy? As Eve walked around and saw everything I felt like I was right there with her.

To my Goodreads friends who I’ve had conversations with about going to Italy – and you know who you are – let’s go tonight!


You have to understand that I’m a huge fan of ancient Mythology and ancient history in general so I really found the history captivating.


And the theme of lemons! It was all over the book I could feel their delicacy, smell and taste them.


The symbolism was enchanting. Actually, everything about this book was enchanting. The author who seems like a great person, really writes in an extremely warm and accessible manner. I can’t believe how much I enjoyed this.


Perhaps she’ll write a part two and we can revisit this world again. This is now the second book I’ve read this year that takes place in Amalfi and I seem to have a preference for this type of book.


The last thing I will say is that surprisingly I did not develop a crush on Adam, who was described as being absolutely gorgeous.


For some inexplicable reason, I found myself drawn to Mark. He was adorable! There was just something very sexy about him.


SPOILERS

I love the wrapup at the end, and I love the fact that Mark and Emma get married. Everything about this was a delicious escape, which I think I really needed as I’ve been reading a lot of dark books lately.


I think this is a book that can really be enjoyed, even if you’re not into the romance genre, because there’s so much history and mystery frothing between the pages that it just turns the reading experience into a real festival of fun.

Need I say I recommend this? OK I’ll say it. I really recommend this!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel will not disappoint you!

Where Lemons Bloom by Blair McDowell takes us on a trip from the United States to Barbados to Lisbon and on to Italy. Eve Anderson is enjoying a vacation after taking care of her father the last five years. He just passed away. She has flown to Barbados from where she will board a ship. Eve decides to go swimming and finds herself captured by the heavy undertow. Eve is rescued by Adamo de Leone. Eve and Adamo enjoy a special night. Eve does not expect to see Adamo again and is shocked when they encounter each other on The Wind Surf (the ship). They spend the time on the ship getting to know each other. Except Eve does not know that Adamo is hiding a secret. A secret that will endanger both of them.

After the ship they spend two days in Lisbon. Adamo is going to be heading to Positano, Italy (where he was born and lived until age fourteen) on the Amalfi coast. Adamo inherited a small inn (and a little money) from his grandfather. Adamo invites Eve to join him. Adamo is hoping to make a success of the inn. But Adamo’s past follows him to Italy. Adamo spent five years in jail (and one year probation) for a crime that he did not commit. Someone is not happy that Adamo is still alive (evidently he is a threat) and is trying to rectify it. Eve and Adamo need to find out who committed the actual crime. Can they solve a six year old case?

Where Lemons Bloom is a beautiful story. I really liked the mystery and how it was resolved. Though this novel did contain more romance than mystery. Blair McDowell crafted an intriguing novel. She did a wonderful job describing the various settings in the book (especially Italy). Positano sounded just lovely with all the lemon trees and old buildings (my allergies would go nuts though). I wish there had been a little less romance (it was a little over the top, but it is the type of love every woman dreams of finding). The book does contain some explicit sex scenes. Where Lemons Bloom is a fast-paced novel. I read it straight through in a few hours one night. I give Where Lemons Bloom 4 out of 5 stars. The ending will leave you with a smile on your face. This is the second novel I have enjoyed by Blair McDowell, and I will definitely be reading her works in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of Where Lemons Bloom from NetGalley and Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.

Check out my blog for more details: http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve is almost drowning when she was rescue by a silver-hair man. Eve is lost and wants someone to hold her so she has one night stand with this stranger whom after she discover is in her ship too.
Eve just want friendship but she start to realise that she has feelings to this stranger-Adamo. After sometime together they fly to Italy where he lives.

Adamo is an ex-con who spend 5 years in prison. His friend die and all the blame of the disappearance of 8 millions was all on him.Now he is happy with Eve however after knowing each other and building a life. His life is in risk someone try to kill inside of Conti's organisation. He asks for help and Mark Conti was cool to help and he also wants to know who would treat his business.

The investigation begins and was very clear that Monica ex-wife of Adamo and her lover put all the blame on him. This part was the best because the plot moves so quickly and I really want to know how they would catch him. Though I was very very disappointed how the "problem" was handle.

The others characters are fun and Eve's sister have FIVE children with nature birth. Strong woman; The other romance btw Mark and Emma Emmet's sister was so cute!!!!!!!!!!! I was with hearts in my eyes when Mark starts to read her novels.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunshine and mystery

The more I moved into this story the more Involved I became. At first I went, really? A short time later I was exclaiming...Really!!! Wow! Waste no time! All right extenuating circumstances--maybe?
Eve is a strong and determined woman who finds herself through love with a handsome stranger, sunshine and a picture postcard habitat on the Italian Amalfi coast.
I swear I felt the sun's rays kiss my face and the sea view calm my soul as I sipped coffee with Adamo and Eve's on their pensione balcony
The meeting of Eve Adomo de Leone is dramatic. They part, never to meet again, but fate throws a curve ball and they find themselves on the same boat bound for Italy.
Instead of going their own ways Eve accompanies Adamo to the Almafi coast and to the beginnings of a new life--dogged by the mystery of eighty million missing dollars Adamo has supposedly embezzled, and now attempted murder.
As the story spun out I found myself glued to the pages awaiting the outcome. There are some very interesting secondary characters whose lives intersect Adamo and Eve's seamlessly, bringing further interest to the plot.

A NetGalley ARC

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

Where Lemons Bloom is a non-stop romantic adventure, complete with a dramatic rescue, a romantic cruise, an innocent man trying to clear his name, and his hair-raising confrontation with the ex who did him very, very wrong. All while being helped by an old Godfather in Italy and his younger brother in the States who is trying to stay out of the old family business, but can’t resist a chance to right a wrong – especially when he and his company have been caught up in the mess.

It all starts with a romantic rescue. Eve Anderson gets caught in the undertow off the coast of Barbados, and Adam de Leone rescues her from death by drowning. As she recovers from her ordeal, she wants to celebrate that she is still alive in a midnight tryst with the mysterious stranger, never expecting to see him again.

Instead, they find themselves sharing a table on a romantic trans-Atlantic cruise. For different reasons, neither of them feels ready to explore their intense attraction, but they can’t stop themselves from falling into each other’s company, and into a warm friendship that tries to bury the chemistry they feel.

Of course, they finally acknowledge failure, and as their romance blossoms, Adamo is finally forced to reveal the secret that Eve has sensed he’s been hiding. He’s a convicted felon, but he swears he’s innocent. At first, it seems as if he’s just saying what every criminal would say, but Eve believes him.

Not just because she loves him, but because the crime he is supposed to have committed doesn’t make sense. Or it doesn’t make sense that Adamo committed it. Someone certainly made off with $80 million dollars from his investment firm, but it wasn’t Adamo. His partner supposedly committed suicide to escape his own guilt, but there’s no suicide note.

And someone is trying to kill Adamo. If he’s a threat to anyone, it’s to the real perpetrators. He was willing to put it all behind him, but with his and Eve’s lives on the line, he has to find out who really done it before they do him in.

Adamo certainly has to get over his stupid notion that Eve could definitely do better than a broke ex-con with only a defunct inn in Positano to his name and seemingly a price on his head. Eve knows better, but convincing Adamo is a harder sell than it ought to be.

Of course, they could get killed before the dust settles. Or they could find their happily ever after.

Escape Rating A-: Adamo and Eve are two people who have both been through their own versions of hell. They are both certain that they are not ready to enter into a relationship, but love finds them anyway. Then it takes them on the non-stop thrill ride of their lives.

One of the things that I liked about this book is that the hero and heroine both have a few miles on them. They aren’t teenagers or even young twentysomethings. These are two people who have been around the block, and the trip has left them with some life scars that made them who they are.

Eve’s troubles have been more deeply personal, where Adamo’s were spread across the front pages for weeks. At the same time, the events in Eve’s life also changed who she expected to be, and left her with a load of her own guilt. Eve dropped out of college to become the full-time caregiver for her aging and invalid father as he suffered a series of strokes that left him disabled. She gave up her dreams so that he wouldn’t die alone in a nursing home, and in the end, he died alone while she was out shopping.

She feels both relieved and guilty. When she meets Adamo she is at the beginning of a three-month trip to Europe where she hopes to reset her life now that it is hers again. She needs to find a new purpose. She finds that purpose in helping Adamo reopen the inn that his grandfather left him. After his catastrophic failure and his prison term, the inn is the only asset Adamo has, and the only thing keeping him moving forward. Well, that and the marvelous extended family that is waiting to welcome him home to Italy.

It’s been said that the two most important things in life are love and meaningful work. Re-opening the inn gives both Adamo and Eve plenty of meaningful work. They also find love with each other, but Adamo is holding back because he’s so sure Eve can do better. When his life is threatened, he finally decides that he can’t live and let live, he has to solve the mystery of his past before it gets them both killed.

Once Adamo starts chasing own that old truth, the pace of the story never lets up. Especially once the Conti brothers get involved. With a little investigation, Adamo discovers that whoever tried to kill him is using the Conti organization, or at least its low-level soldiers, to get things done. Neither the “connected” Conti brother in Italy nor the legitimate businessman Conti brother in New York are happy to discover that someone has infiltrated their organizations and is involving them in contract hits and money-laundering schemes that they didn’t authorize.

When the villains find that the tables have been very efficiently turned on them, revenge is sweet, if not quite complete. But there are more than enough just desserts to make you smile at the end.

There has been a recent spate of “Italian Billionaire” romances, but Where Lemons Bloom turns that trope on its head. Adamo has all the makings of the typical Italian romantic hero, but is poor as a churchmouse. There has also been a recent rush of mobster romances, but this story subverts that in a good way. The old-fashioned Godfather is now an old man who is trying to take care of his people before he, and possibly some of the old ways, pass away. His younger brother is legit, but still willing to play the part if it helps the side of the angels.

All in all, Where Lemons Bloom is romantic suspense where the suspense has the reader frantically flipping pages to make sure everything turns out alright. And the romance is absolutely incandescent.

[Elite Group · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non-stop thrill ride!

Blair McDowell is known for her tales of romantic suspense and mystery. McDowell won the 2015 Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Award in the ‘Action/Suspense/Mystery’ category. Stories include; Abigail’s Christmas, The Memory of Roses, Delighting in Your Company, Sonata and Romantic Road.

On holiday in Barbados, Eve gets into difficulty when swimming in the ocean. Her rescuer, Adamo, not only saves her life but sweeps her off her feet. Fate strikes and they meet again on a cruise ship bound for Europe, where their adventure truly begins. Eve and Adamo then travel to Adamo’s home town on the Amalfi Coast and move into an Inn left to him by his grandfather. But there is trouble in paradise, both their lives are at risk and it’s all down to Adamo’s dark and mysterious past.
McDowell reveals a lot about Eve and her difficult past from the offset. However, Adamo is a cryptic character, guarding a dark secret that later endangers both their lives. The plot is a puzzle of unsolved questions, keeping you on your toes throughout.

I could only reward this book 3 out of 5 stars as the story is not always believable, particularly in terms of the romance. This is not helped by the fact there is little characterisation and description of the setting. Considering it is set in one of the most beautiful and enchanting places in the world, more description would have been beneficial. Much of the sex is irrelevant and adds nothing to the plot, whereas other more crucial aspects of their relationship are missed out. The story is fast paced, which despite being a good thing, leads to many ‘Later that day’ and ‘A week later’ which makes it harder to become entirely immersed in the story.

Kristie R Lovegrove

Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of this book to review

[S.J. Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful cover on this book! There I said it. Sorry, but I had to. Fortunately, unlike a great many books out there, this cover reflects what the story is about inside. I just adore the Amalfi coast where this story takes place. I’m not one for straight romances, but good ones, great ones always attract my interest, especially romantic suspense that keep the pages turning. This one did that right away from the opening scene. Unfortunately, after the first scene, I was able to guess what would happen next. No surprises there, which disappointed me greatly. I hate predictable books. That’s the problem I have with typical romance books. Fortunately, once I delved into the story after that, I grew to enjoy it, and though, the character names Adamo and Eve are far from original for a romance, one disregards that trite fact once the reader delves into the story.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Reading Alley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I found I truly enjoyed Where Lemons Bloom by Blair McDowell and will be looking for other books by her. If you’re a traveler via armchair, or your chosen mode of transportation, this book combines vivid traveling with a romantic suspense. All in all, I highly recommend this book for any fan of romance, suspense, travel and mystery. You won’t be disappointed.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most glorious places in the world must be the Amalfi Coast. If one cannot get back there in person, it is nice to do so immersed in a book.
Blair McDowell has written a book that tickles the senses and allows you to travel to this beautiful spot.
It is where heroine, Eve, and hero, Adamo, journey after he saves her from drowning and their one night stand turns into love. Adamo is a felon who was wrongly convicted for a crime he did not commit. When he is released from prison, he has nothing until a bequest from his grandfather wills him a hotel in Positano.
The story has a fair helping of romance, lots of twists and turns, suspense, and did I mention-romance. I would not call it a mystery although the discovery of who and what was behind Adamo's incarceration is exciting especially as the perp wants him dead.
The two lovers find friends in unexpected places. The characters were fascinating and their stories compelling. As Shakespeare wrote: all's well that ends well and this story certainly did end well.
I walked away with a big cheesy grin on my face. Could one ask more from a book? I think not.

[Bookfan36 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story!
I loved the story, it felt like the author took me on a journey across the globe. From the sunny beaches of Barbados to cosmopolitan Lisbon on to the breathtaking Italian Amalfi coast then to the East Coast of the United states. The story really captured me from the start. Once I started I could not really stop, I had to know what happened next. The story flowed well and was nicely paced. There were no slow bits. The characters were credible and well developed. I would recommend this book to any one who loves a good story with some romance, a bit of suspense and a few twists.

Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sherry Royal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for anyone who loves a good mystery, impending danger, romance and absolutely beautiful backdrops. The Amalfi Coast is a place I have always wanted to travel to but have never had the opportunity. I feel like I've been there after reading this book. It's the kind of book you have to keep reading, even if it is 2 o'clock in the morning!!

[Reggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...just.wow. The cover of this book may have you believing that it’s a nice, relaxing book...nope! The story was riveting from page 1. Eve is on a brief stop in Barbados before boarding a fancy sailboat to cruise for 2 wks. She is looking forward to her extended vacation after being her father’s care giver for 5yrs. On her last day on the island, Eve is rescued from drowning by Adamo...that’s just too cute...Adam & Eve! Anyhoo, they have a one-night stand and Eve is ready to move on. Exceeeept...yep, her tablemate for dinner that first night of the cruise is none other than Adamo! They decide to be friends and end up spending the next two weeks getting to know each other. Eve agrees to accompany Adamo to his home on the Amalfi coast...and then things definitely pick up! Adamo is a convicted felon, who spent 6yrs in jail for embezzlement...a crime that he denies. After a couple of failed attempts on his life, Adamo & Eve believe that there is more to Adamo’s case...and the investigation begins. Who was behind the embezzlement and will they find out before the next attempt on Adamo’s life is successful? Where is the missing 80 million dollars? What will come of Adamo & Eve’s relationship?
The supporting characters are great and you can sense the care and concern amongst them. Fantastic story and totally worth the read!!
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Em__Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed WHERE LEMONS BLOOM. It’s part romance, part mystery, and part travelogue. The story was entertaining but I never found it overtaxing or mired in angst given some of the more serious topics addressed.

I found the beginning quite fast. Many significant yet seemingly unrelated things happen at once with little exploration or explanation. However, it does not take long for the pacing to slow down and the story proceeds in a more balanced manner.

I loved the descriptions of Barbados and the Amalfi coast. It felt like I was right there with our characters. And the descriptions of food made me hungry! The issue of embezzled funds that saw Adamo in prison for several years, drives the story from location to location as he and Eve try to prove his innocence. The conclusion was satisfying and all loose ends were nicely tied up.

I thoroughly enjoyed Alex Lee’s narration. Her melodic voice was a pleasure to listen to, and she was able to well convey feelings and emotions as per story requirements. I am making the assumption she is English, and she does not hide this accent during the narration. Some might be put off by this given the majority of the characters are American, but I had no issues with this at all.

In fact, it was pleasant change from the typical American voice I listen to on audio books.

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have it in Audio
This is one .listen that you will be glued to the story. It will take you to many places . Lobe how the author took one story and gave you a glimpse of many places. It will have you wondering what next. This will take you from the USA to Barbados to Lisbon and finally to Italy .
Hero is Adamo. Heroine is Eve .
Eve needs some TLC , some time tomherself .. Eve flies to Barbados. Where she is ready to go. For some down time she desires to go for a swim . Something goes on and Adamo saves her .
Eve and Adomo get together for a night.
Grab it and see do the continue

Alex voice was precise and very well. Alex did the different characters perfectly

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

A mashup of the Godfather and Under the Tuscan Sun, written with the skill and predictability of a cheesy Hallmark movie but with none of the charm. Skip it and read the Mac Reilly series by Elizabeth Adler instead.

[Debbie Learman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed, immensely.

The book was enjoyed...the ending, most excellent.
I read it from start to finish ....
I’ve found a new favorite author!

[Aanandita Maitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embark on a voyage of romantic thrill.....
Pack up your backpacks, put on your adventure boots and take off for an exhilarating expedition across the globe in Blair McDowell's Where Lemons Bloom, where panoramic vistas, sun kissed beaches,lush tropical islands,and exotic cuisines eagerly awaits your arrival. Combined in this heavenly package, the ancient structural grandeurs and Renaissance art along with the heady infusion of local culture, seduces you with promises of Zion, of Arcadia's idyllic delights.
The story essentially revolves around the love story of Adamo and Eve, and their subsequent physical and psychological journey to uncover buried secrets and build a life without fear. After the passing away of her father, Eve takes off on a path to rediscover herself, and meets Adam who first as her savior, then as her lover, helps her along the way, but Adam is also hiding terrible secrets that, paves the way for the rest of the story. With Adamo's past threatening their new life it is a race against time to reveal the perpetrator before it is 'la fine'.
Coming to character development, the central focus was on the male protagonist and his struggles to prove his innocence in condemning world, which was quick to punish him for a crime not of his own. With in-depth precision, Blair has drawn the character of Adamo showcasing his emotional conflicts in the arresting lines of his stony expressions, his ardour for Eve and the consequent self deprecation in accepting her love,when faced with the felon tag marked over him. Trying to hold her at arms length, but still unable to comprehend a life with Eve in it, he determines to clear his family name before accepting their relationship. In the end though, it takes Eve's ultimatum to make him realize the priorities in his life, and grasp on to his happy ending.
On the other hand, the character of Eve is a very open one, who decides to trust Adamo from the start and reveals her grieving past to him. So, it hurts Eve, when she is resisted with the barriers stonewalled in their relationship by Adamo. Her trust does not waver from him even when faced with the proof of his felony, but rather, she helps him uncover new facts, and look at the treachery against him in a different light. It is her belief in him that gives him the courage to confront his demons and reinvent the joys of life.
Now, the setting of the story leaps with joyful momentum from the sudden encounter between Adamo and Eve,in the verdant tropical greens to the sweeping Mediterranean tours, to the shores of Lisbon and ultimately to the little town of Postiano altering sometimes to New York, Silver Springs, and Eastern Shore of USA. The author seems to be a wanderer by heart in the way she paints the Italian coastlines with shimmering seas under the rays of the sun, jagged coastlines with colourful gondolas, and meandering roads leading uphill.
Also an elevated sense of art and architecture is prevalent in the book where a gloom of death hangs over Roman Colosseum, where a distinctive comparison has been drawn between Michaelangelo's and Bernini's David, where Bernini's Apollo and Daphne channels the inner turmoils of the authors words and, where Renaissance paintings dazzles in shimmering lights in the readers' mind.
And lastly, mention must be made of the exquisite cuisine ranging from Italian delicacies like, antipasto, cornettis, platters of cheeses, the tempting flavors of Italian wine, and especially the tartness of Postiano's famous lemons, to the steamed crabs and sea food delicacies of the US coast, tuned with the haunting melody of the Fado.
The writing and craftsmanship is delicate and intricately beautiful providing wondrous appeal to both adventurers and mystery lovers.
The sensual concupiscence provides another dimension to this tale and the multi- person narrative give an interesting perspective to it's plot.
I also loved the start with Goethe's poem and yes lemons do bloom in sunshine as our hopes in life.
Overall, it is a significant writing in romantic suspense and deserves to be a top shelf read.
*Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.*

[CassandraG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had action, adventure and an unexpected mystery right from the start and an unexpected romance between two people who wouldn’t have met under any circumstances. You like the intrigue, the way the story unfolds and flowed and the wit that shone through. So if you get a chance and want a little getaway, pick up a copy and enjoy

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

The gorgeous settings described in WHERE LEMONS BLOOM had me thisclose to booking my own vaca more than once!

When Eve Anderson almost drowns on her first day in Barbados, she's infinitely grateful to her rescuer Adamo de Leone. After a bout of mind blowing sex, Eve boards a ship bound for Portugal expecting never to see Adamo again, so she's stunned when it turns out he's on the same voyage. The two spend every moment together and quickly fall in deep, Eve agreeing to accompany Adamo to his new home in Italy. But she knows nothing about the man who's stolen her heart, and when Adamo finally tells Eve the truth: that he spent 6 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, she immediately believes in his innocence. When people start trying to kill Adamo, the two of them are determined to find out who wants him dead, and why. From Barbados to Portugal, Italy to New York and Maryland to Miami, Adamo and Eve work with the Italian mafia, suspect businessmen, a writer and even an IRS agent to ferret out the truth.

WHERE LEMONS BLOOM was an interesting romantic suspense featuring some exotic locales and a delicious dose of intrigue. Adamo and Eve were well suited and had decent chemistry, but truly this book didn't really feel like it focused much on their relationship. Instead, there was always something else going on: the case of the missing money, getting the inn ready, meeting new friends and old family, and even seeing the sites all took precedence over the development of their relationship.

Speaking of sex, there was a lot of sweet and sensual lovemaking in WHERE LEMONS BLOOM, much of it glossed over and implied rather than in your face. But the real stars of this book are the settings. From exotic Barbados, old world Italy and even harsh NYC, the globetrotting Adamo and Eve visited some fabulous locales that kept me (and Google) busy investigating for my own future vaca destinations.

Bottom Line: A sweet and lightly suspenseful read that you can use as your next travel guide. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...

- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘They call it ‘the little death’

Canadian author Blair McDowell began her career as a musician and a teacher, studying in Hungary, Australia, Canada and the USA and teaching at the university level. Now she is an inveterate traveler, or as she expresses it ‘I usually spend the month of October in Europe, Greece or Italy, and the winter in a little house I built many years ago on a small non-touristy Caribbean Island. I have worked and studied in many places -- Hungary, Australia the US and Canada, and have lectured in most of the States and Provinces as well as Taiwan and various cities in Europe. I enjoy being surrounded by cultures other than my own. I enjoy my own as well -- but variety is indeed the spice of my life.’ And spice is what she sprinkles liberally through her stories – she writes Romance stories that are rich in passion but also include adventure, suspense, and psychological character development.

Blair opens her book WHERE LEMONS BLOOM (a phrase borrowed from Goethe) with a lifesaving adventure from drowning that follows a significant 0and passionate) love scene that glues the reader to the story with promises of more to come.

Blair’s own synopsis distills the main points of the novel well: ‘When Eve Anderson meets Adamo de Leone on a ship bound for Europe, she has no idea of the dark secret that will endanger both their lives. She accompanies him to his home on Italy’s Amalfi Coast to open an inn left to him by his grandfather. But then she learns he spent five years in prison for a crime he claims he didn’t commit. Could the man she loves be responsible for embezzling eighty million dollars from the investment firm he once owned? Adamo wants to hold Eve at arm’s length until he can clear his proud family name. But when there is an attempt on his life and Eve is terrorized by a gun-bearing thug, he realizes how much he wants her, and he must accept whatever help he can get to uncover the well-hidden trail of a six-year-old crime.’

This is a spicy thriller and a lusty romance blended with some superb prose and imagery. Blair McDowell takes advantage of her travels in knowing the various countries and interpersonal inclinations of their populace. A very solid book, this.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Where Lemons Bloom
Author: Blair McDowell
Published: 12-16-15
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Pages: 210
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers and Suspense
Sub Genre: Romance,
ISBN: 9781509204717
ASIN: B017PT3K71
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley

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Following the death of her father, Eve Anderson heads to Barbados to take a cruise to relax and grieve. While out swimming the beautiful Barbados waters Eve gets caught in an undertow. Adamo de Leone, a stranger with a hidden past, saves her and following a shared night they part not expecting to see one another again. Imagine Eve's surprise when she runs into Adamo on the cruise ship. The spend the cruise getting to know one another and after leaving the ship Adamo ask Eve to come with him to Italy where he is hoping to make a success of an inn his grandfather left him and she agrees.


Then the secrets Adamo has been keeping come to light and Eve wonders if Adamo is the man she thought he was. All Adamo wants to do is prove his innocence. Unfortunately the real culprit has decided Adamo is a threat that needs to be removed permanently. Will Adamo and Eve survive long enough to clear his name or will the truth die with them.


Blair McDowell has provided a plot full of mystery and suspense that is tempered with a touch of romance. This is a fast moving mystery that will grab you and hold you enthralled as Adamo and Eve travel around the world. Her descriptions will have you imagining yourself in warm waters of Barbados, the beautiful countryside of Italy and the many numerous stops elsewhere. The characters are lifelike and believable. This is a story you will not want to miss.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...

Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where...

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

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[Zoey Zane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. This book was pretty cool.

Eve needs a break from her life, so she jumps on a plane and flies to Barbados. There, she swims in the ocean, and almost drowns. She is saved by Adamo, an innocent passerby who was basking in the sun on the beach. They have an amazing night together, and she sneaks out.

Next thing you know, she's on a two-week cruise before she goes to hang out on the other side of the world. Who does she bump into? Yep, that's right. Adamo. Who actually sounds pretty sexy. Italian, fit. ;-)

They have an amazing two weeks, then go to part ways. Except they can't. Sparks continue to fly on this outstanding journey.

I love Eve's character. She is so vibrant and open to everything! Adamo's character seems sketchy, but it turns out there is a good reason for it. He completely redeems himself throughout the story. Their story together is pretty good as they find a way to the truth. I commend Eve for sticking with him, as I would have done the same thing.

If I had any doubts about wanting to visit Italy, which I didn't, I sure wouldn't now. Blair McDowell does a spectacular job at weaving her words to describe the places Eve and Adamo went; she did an even better job at describing Italy. And that inn?! I would love to live there. Or just a visit. But I might fall in love... <3

Her writing transports you on the journey to Italy, but doesn't stop until it ends right back in Italy. I felt like I was right there, and I want to smell the lemons! I would die!

SPOILER ALERT:
Lemons bloom in the most awesome place. :-)
SPOILER OVER.

*I received a copy from NetGalley.

[Sarah Peachey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great story. It is a romance novel with a mystery built in, so what's not to love? But honestly, what I really enjoyed was the author's description of the wonderful places in this book. Bright, beautiful Barbados beaches, and the Amalfi coast of Italy. Both of these places are now officially on my bucket list, thanks to Blair McDowell! When she's describing the blooming lemon trees (hence the book's title) you wonder if you can smell a faint whiff of lemons in the air! I love traveling, but life won't allow me to do as much as I would like, so it's always wonderful to read a book that really transports me!

The story is about Eve, who has spent the last several years taking care of her ailing father. Now that he's has passed away, she is taking a trip to rest and rejuvenate. Romance is the last thing on her mind, which is when the love bug always seems to come calling! Enter Adamo. He is the perfect man... or is he? He is hiding a secret, one that could put Eve in danger. He was incarcerated for a crime he didn't commit, and now it seems like whoever framed him has decided he's a liability and wants him dead. Adamo and Eve need to figure out who committed the original crime to clear Adamo's name and find out who is still after him.

This book has a good mix of romance with mystery plot. It's definitely not just a mushy romance like some. It has it's own body of substance to keep your interest. They solve the mysteries of Adamo's past together, and build on their connection, which is strong. It's great to see their relationship developing.

[Julius Blitzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, the romantic genre is not my thing, not even close, yet, I give it a try to this

one and…. My opinion hasn’t changed that much, but I really enjoy it.

One of the nicest thing of this story is the character development, Eve and

Adamo get along really well and we get to know both of them, at first it was a

little cliché that Adamo was hiding his past and was playing the mysterious kind

of guy that makes the girl fall in love with, but then he really opens up, it’s like

a girl’s dream projected in a book, an exciting trip, a good and handsome man,

there are some cheesy moments but that’s okay.

The story also has a few twists and mysteries, I like the pacing of it and I really

would loved to see more of suspense, I know that the focus of this story was

the romance between Eve and Adamo, but the parts that I enjoyed the most

was when they were resolving those mysteries, is a really nice book, I really like

ending, I especially like it because it was not like other types of books that

shows two people insecure about themselves not wanting to be far off they

love, this couple have a background story, they basically lost their meaning of

living, and find the answer for a brighter future in love itself, which means to be

together for the rest of their lives.

[Ivory R · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we meet Eve, she is trying to figure out what she wants. She had put her life on hold to take care of her father and now feels lost in the sauce. I love the beautiful settings of the different locations, they set the mood for the sweet romance that blooms between Eve and Adamo. Although the story pace was a little slow in the beginning, it definitely held my attention to find out who is trying to harm Adamo. The author makes the characters relatable and realistic. I loved the quiet strength of Eve, the noble honor of Adamo and the in charge attitude of Mark.

I appreciate the sweet and sexy romance between Eve and Adamo. I know it is the trend nowadays for love scenes to be very graphically sensual but I think it is refreshing to see something that left to imagination. I love a good romance and when mixed with a mystery it definitely holds my attention. I am so glad that although Adamo never went back to court, he did get the pardon so that his name can be cleared. A good name is worth alot and anyone who has been denied something due to a background check. Overall, great read for anyone who loves a romance mixed with suspenseful mystery.

[RR.Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story certainly opens with a bang. This had me turning the pages very quickly straight away upon opening the book. I just had to know what was happening with what was to be introduced as our hero.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. It had everything I love in a book - mystery, romance, drama and a happy ever after - it was a delight to read. The exotic locations were a joy to imagine the characters in. At first we are treated to an exotic opening scene in the tropics where our main character almost drowns. How is that for drama?

All the elements within the novel get seamed together effortlessly by a talented author to present a wonderful story to feast on. I devoured this all within one afternoon. This novel isn't an epic, so it was easy to read and also quite a short read. I was actually a little disappointed when the end was coming up, as I would have like to have read it further. I believe there is a little room for a sequel/series if the author would like to write one. I am a new fan of McDowell's.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming love story is coupled with mystery, crime drama and some very loving family. Eve meets Adamo under some very unique circumstances and they fall head over heels for each other. Adamo comes with a past however, and he is reluctant to share that path with Eve until her life is threatened and his control on the situation slips. Adamant to protect her and him, Adamo ends up trekking back to the USA from Italy with Eve to try and figure out who is tying to have them killed, and how they can stop them.
I really liked this book, the pace sped up and slowed a little in spots, but overall it was a pleasant read. The love scenes were not over the top erotica as you get nowadays and I loved that. The book was centered on the couple and their relationship with each other and the dynamics of outside influences. One sentence in the book was truly inspiring: “We have to choose life, with all its untidiness and unpredictability. To retreat from life, to live in constant fear of the ‘what if’s’” This sentiment sums up my entire outlook on life, so this was an especially nice touch.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve is just looking for a little bit of fun after spending years taking care of her father. But she isn’t even remotely prepared for what happens when she nearly drowns in Barbados. She finds Adamo and before she knows what’s happening she’s on the adventure of a lifetime. There’s definitely a lot in Adamo’s past that just might mean the end of everything important to them if they aren’t careful.

This was an amazing book that I definitely loved. It was full of romance from the beginning and there was definitely plenty of adventure going on as it progressed. I loved the characters and they were definitely interesting to read about. There was definitely a great storyline and it all seemed to flow properly. I liked their history and learning about the different places they visit as well. I would definitely be interested to read even more about these characters while they build their lives.

[Archie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It kinds of grabs your attention and takes you to the ride of a beautiful world. Where Lemons Bloom, to me, is an amazing fast faced romantic novel in one hand and a suspenseful thriller on the other. The author beautifully takes all elements of phenomenal writing and produced a wonderful novel for the readers to enjoy. The main characters Eva Anderson and Adamo de Leone are well developed, believable and nicely portrayed. This is the story of two people who met for a short while and liked each other, but then parted away never to meet again. But, as the globe is round, they meet again, come together and some old secrets are revealed. There comes doubts, suspense and one has to prove innocence against all odds. This book is a true page-turner and you probably want to read it in one sitting. There are many twists and turns and at some stage it does become unpredictable, hence “very engaging”. Great Job by Author!

[Purple · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining novel in one of my favorite genres - mystery romance. It is a fast read; I finished the book in 2 days. Where Lemons Bloom is peopled with engaging characters whose secrets are revealed slowly throughout the story. The novel begins with a mysterious stranger who rescues the heroine from certain death; an immediate chemistry, and a romantic cruise to Italy. And that is just the first couple of chapters. The romance continues with a sense of danger lurking in the background. The reason for the danger is slowly revealed to both the characters and the reader as the story evolves. The story moves from Barbados, to Italy, to various places in the US including NYC, the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Miami. All settings are described in great detail and add depth to the story; in addition, meals are often described that match the location and add further realism.

I will definitely look for other novels this author has written.

[Ellen Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam's past affects Eve's future.
Eve Anderson, seeking a new direction for her life, buys a once-in-a-lifetime sailing voyage from Barbados to Lisbon. An impulsive swim, a riptide, and a rescue combine to give her a unique night.
During a brief stay on Barbados, Adamo deLeone rescues a swimmer. His internal discipline and caution vanish for one wonderful night. Confident he’ll never see her again, he continues his journey to a new life. An inheritance will enable him to run a small inn near his Italian relatives. The thing he wants to avoid most is explaining his past.
Ms. McDowell has written a well-plotted romance with just the right hints of danger. The setting compliments the story with a touch of exotic. It makes me want to find a lemon grove in bloom and drift away on the scent.