What do you think?
Rate this book
Whiskey Creek #10
Discovering You
Can she ever trust another "bad boy"?
India Sommers once had the perfect family—until an ex-boyfriend broke in and shot her husband. Not only did that cost her the man she loved, a respected heart surgeon and the father of her child, but she also feels responsible. Charlie died because of the people she hung out with before she had the strength to change her life.
Just after moving to Whiskey Creek with her little girl, Cassia, to start over, she's learned that her ex-boyfriend's trial ended in a hung jury. He's getting out of jail; he could try to find her again. And that's not all that scares her. She's extremely attracted to her next-door neighbor, but Rod Amos is the handsome "bad boy" type that's given her so much trouble in the past. If she got involved with him, her in-laws would sue for custody of Cassia.
India has to keep her distance from Rod—but the more she gets to know him, the more difficult that becomes.
India Sommers once had the perfect family—until an ex-boyfriend broke in and shot her husband. Not only did that cost her the man she loved, a respected heart surgeon and the father of her child, but she also feels responsible. Charlie died because of the people she hung out with before she had the strength to change her life.
Just after moving to Whiskey Creek with her little girl, Cassia, to start over, she's learned that her ex-boyfriend's trial ended in a hung jury. He's getting out of jail; he could try to find her again. And that's not all that scares her. She's extremely attracted to her next-door neighbor, but Rod Amos is the handsome "bad boy" type that's given her so much trouble in the past. If she got involved with him, her in-laws would sue for custody of Cassia.
India has to keep her distance from Rod—but the more she gets to know him, the more difficult that becomes.
395 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 27, 2015
432 people are currently reading
2138 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
238 books6,991 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
July 11, 2016
India Sommers and her daughter are starting over in Whiskey Creek after tragic events that occurred eleven months ago. She's moved into the house next door to the Amos brothers and has caught the eye of Rod Amos. Though neither of them were looking for a relationship, Rod's not interested in a short-term fling. However, secrets from India's past cast a big shadow of danger over their situation.
I enjoyed the story, primarily because of the suspense element. The danger was real, doubly impacted by the suspicion thrown on India's credibility. While it was unfair, it was realistic. The romance was fine, more sweet than fiery. I liked both Rod and India and they made a good couple. His slight insecurity about their differences added some conflict but not much.
The narrator, Carly Robins, was excellent! She distinguished the characters very well and added emotion in all the right places. Her performance made a good story even better.
There's a secondary romance set up that I found even more compelling than this one. I'm looking forward to that story and was still pleased with this one. Here's hoping to seeing more suspense elements in future books.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
I enjoyed the story, primarily because of the suspense element. The danger was real, doubly impacted by the suspicion thrown on India's credibility. While it was unfair, it was realistic. The romance was fine, more sweet than fiery. I liked both Rod and India and they made a good couple. His slight insecurity about their differences added some conflict but not much.
The narrator, Carly Robins, was excellent! She distinguished the characters very well and added emotion in all the right places. Her performance made a good story even better.
There's a secondary romance set up that I found even more compelling than this one. I'm looking forward to that story and was still pleased with this one. Here's hoping to seeing more suspense elements in future books.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
January 24, 2020
Adoro a Brenda Novak, aunque no tanto esta novela de ella. Quizás la tengo en tan alta estima que, cuando coletea, me decepciona enormemente.
No os equivoquéis: me maravilla el argumento, la forma de desenredarse la trama, los personajes... pero hay cosas que pierden fuelle.
Empecemos por lo que no me ha gustado:
- El final tan precipitado con respecto a Van. No esperaba un detalle exhaustivo de cómo consiguieron la custodia los protagonistas, pero sí ahondar un poco más en su personaje y, aunque a pinceladas, hacer una breve alusión de cómo consiguieron introducirle en su pequeña familia.
- Los suegros de India juegan un papel importante, sobretodo porque -por desgracia- su perfil es casi de nuestro día a día. Hubiese estado bien que Novak les hubiese dado la importancia que merecen. Al menos, para decir -aunque fuese de forma sutil- por qué tomaron la decisión de no luchar por la custodia de Cassia, hija de su propio hijo.
Lo que me ha encantado:
- El personaje de Rod. ¡Quiero uno así en mi vida! Maravilloso, no puedo definirlo de otro modo. Íntegro, con fuertes convicciones, honesto, luchador... En fin, me encanta el papel que juega en la trama, cómo se desenvuelve, su manera de pensar... Espectacular.
- El personaje de India. No la adoro, pero sí la cogí cariño. Es fácil ponerse en su lugar y empatizar con sus decisiones.
- La trama, la manera de desentramarla...
La novela, en general, ha estado bien, pero no ha sido espectacular.
No os equivoquéis: me maravilla el argumento, la forma de desenredarse la trama, los personajes... pero hay cosas que pierden fuelle.
Empecemos por lo que no me ha gustado:
- El final tan precipitado con respecto a Van. No esperaba un detalle exhaustivo de cómo consiguieron la custodia los protagonistas, pero sí ahondar un poco más en su personaje y, aunque a pinceladas, hacer una breve alusión de cómo consiguieron introducirle en su pequeña familia.
- Los suegros de India juegan un papel importante, sobretodo porque -por desgracia- su perfil es casi de nuestro día a día. Hubiese estado bien que Novak les hubiese dado la importancia que merecen. Al menos, para decir -aunque fuese de forma sutil- por qué tomaron la decisión de no luchar por la custodia de Cassia, hija de su propio hijo.
Lo que me ha encantado:
- El personaje de Rod. ¡Quiero uno así en mi vida! Maravilloso, no puedo definirlo de otro modo. Íntegro, con fuertes convicciones, honesto, luchador... En fin, me encanta el papel que juega en la trama, cómo se desenvuelve, su manera de pensar... Espectacular.
- El personaje de India. No la adoro, pero sí la cogí cariño. Es fácil ponerse en su lugar y empatizar con sus decisiones.
- La trama, la manera de desentramarla...
La novela, en general, ha estado bien, pero no ha sido espectacular.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2017
You know when you’re watching a horror film and the characters are doing something so incredibly reckless, and you’re just screaming, “WTF are you doing?? GET THE FUCK OUT OF THERE!”
The 2nd half of the book is just me shaking my head at this recklessness. To be fair, I do understand that the characters’ paranoia drove them to being reckless. However, it’s just so cringeworthy seeing them do things that would make the killer find and catch them more easily.
I have to applaud Novak for always writing such emotional reads. The things that these characters have to suffer – usually relating to how absolutely horrifying humans can treat other humans – make my heart wrench. Her characters are always so complex.
The romance between India and Rod is nice too. No complaints here.
On the other hand, the side romance between Natasha and Mack is cringeworthy. I don’t care about the age gap, or that they’re step-siblings. I personally don’t ship it because the romance is…well, unhealthy. Like, realistically, if they became a couple: How could he be with someone who does not love and, moreover, does not respect herself? She still needs to learn and mentally grow up. She literally has too much teenage angst and rebellion in her, the way she runs away every time she fights with Mack, the way she throws herself at a guy who can’t take no for an answer, and she is too embarrassed to yell for help and has too low self-esteem to think she doesn’t deserve better than a gross creep who would force himself on her. (NOTE: She’s not yelling – not because her fear clogged her throat. She’s not yelling because 1) she’s drunk and can’t think clearly 2) she thinks she doesn’t deserve any better than this.)
I mean I don’t have a problem with her character. I think Natasha is complex and earnest, and I really think she has potential to grow up to be someone amazing after learning from her young, naïve self. She needs to work on herself before she gets in a relationship.
For now, she gotta get her shit together, before declaring her undying love for the 1st real guy who treats her well and loves her. She doesn’t even have a life outside of him. No friends (because apparently, all of the people at her high school are assholes). No goals (she’d gladly give up going to college if it meant staying with Mack because he’s the only thing that matters to her in her life). I MAINLY just want her to learn to respect herself before she gets into a relationship with him.
And then, there’s him: Like should he be with her when he gives her mixed signals, and has sex with other women in the house they’re both living in, just so he could try to drive away his own lust (and love) for her. I mean… This is such a mess. I can’t. And then
The side romance appears every once in a while throughout this book, and it is so sticky and angsty. I’m hoping if Novak pursues this in a later book, she would make them both more mature. Like, this all feels too much like YA teenage angst for me. The angst, the drama, the girl desperately pining after the guy even after he pushes her away 1001 times, the stupid decisions, the girl’s other men (who are always sex-crazed, disrespectful assholes), the guy’s other women (who are always petty women who acts callous because of “competition” for a guy) – HOPEFULLY it won’t be like that, like how it somewhat was like here. I just really hate seeing a girl pine over a guy, even after he pushes her away and sleeps with a million other women. Like, where’s the self-respect?
Anyway, this book is suspenseful and heart-wrenching. There are complicated feelings and thoughts going through pretty much each character. I am giving this 2.5 stars because I like the sweet main romance and complex characters, but I feel blah about the side romance and the sometimes frustrating plot. This is not as good as some of Novak’s other books but also better some.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
What age level would be appropriate?
----------
Book 10?? WTF when did I get here?
But anyway, it has been a while since I've continued this series. I'm kinda missing that whole "small town" atmosphere.
The 2nd half of the book is just me shaking my head at this recklessness. To be fair, I do understand that the characters’ paranoia drove them to being reckless. However, it’s just so cringeworthy seeing them do things that would make the killer find and catch them more easily.
I have to applaud Novak for always writing such emotional reads. The things that these characters have to suffer – usually relating to how absolutely horrifying humans can treat other humans – make my heart wrench. Her characters are always so complex.
The romance between India and Rod is nice too. No complaints here.
On the other hand, the side romance between Natasha and Mack is cringeworthy. I don’t care about the age gap, or that they’re step-siblings. I personally don’t ship it because the romance is…well, unhealthy. Like, realistically, if they became a couple: How could he be with someone who does not love and, moreover, does not respect herself? She still needs to learn and mentally grow up. She literally has too much teenage angst and rebellion in her, the way she runs away every time she fights with Mack, the way she throws herself at a guy who can’t take no for an answer, and she is too embarrassed to yell for help and has too low self-esteem to think she doesn’t deserve better than a gross creep who would force himself on her. (NOTE: She’s not yelling – not because her fear clogged her throat. She’s not yelling because 1) she’s drunk and can’t think clearly 2) she thinks she doesn’t deserve any better than this.)
I mean I don’t have a problem with her character. I think Natasha is complex and earnest, and I really think she has potential to grow up to be someone amazing after learning from her young, naïve self. She needs to work on herself before she gets in a relationship.
For now, she gotta get her shit together, before declaring her undying love for the 1st real guy who treats her well and loves her. She doesn’t even have a life outside of him. No friends (because apparently, all of the people at her high school are assholes). No goals (she’d gladly give up going to college if it meant staying with Mack because he’s the only thing that matters to her in her life). I MAINLY just want her to learn to respect herself before she gets into a relationship with him.
And then, there’s him: Like should he be with her when he gives her mixed signals, and has sex with other women in the house they’re both living in, just so he could try to drive away his own lust (and love) for her. I mean… This is such a mess. I can’t. And then
The side romance appears every once in a while throughout this book, and it is so sticky and angsty. I’m hoping if Novak pursues this in a later book, she would make them both more mature. Like, this all feels too much like YA teenage angst for me. The angst, the drama, the girl desperately pining after the guy even after he pushes her away 1001 times, the stupid decisions, the girl’s other men (who are always sex-crazed, disrespectful assholes), the guy’s other women (who are always petty women who acts callous because of “competition” for a guy) – HOPEFULLY it won’t be like that, like how it somewhat was like here. I just really hate seeing a girl pine over a guy, even after he pushes her away and sleeps with a million other women. Like, where’s the self-respect?
Anyway, this book is suspenseful and heart-wrenching. There are complicated feelings and thoughts going through pretty much each character. I am giving this 2.5 stars because I like the sweet main romance and complex characters, but I feel blah about the side romance and the sometimes frustrating plot. This is not as good as some of Novak’s other books but also better some.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
What age level would be appropriate?
----------
Book 10?? WTF when did I get here?
But anyway, it has been a while since I've continued this series. I'm kinda missing that whole "small town" atmosphere.
May 25, 2016
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Discovering You is just as much about self-discovery as it is about discovering other people and getting to know them. Strong characters made the story move forward.
If you're familiar with Novak's Whiskey Creek series, you know all about the Amos bad-boy brothers - how they aren't necessarily as bad as some people make them out to be, because they're hard-working, loyal and open for love if it ever comes their way. Discovering You is about India, who has just moved to Whiskey Creek, and her frequent encounters with Rod. India has been through a pretty horrible year, and it seems her ordeal is not completely over yet. Between what India thinks she needs, and what her heart wants - there's a chasm, and Rod might be so much more than meets the eye. However, India has too much to lose if she gets involved with him, especially because her in-laws have her daughter at the moment.
There is both mystery, heartache and romance in Discovering You. We got several glimpses into the Amos household, and there is a lot going on there, especially the dynamics between the brothers on one side, and their father with his bride and step-daughter on the other. There is also more than one budding romance in this story, one that has some strong shades of forbidden - but that really isn't... And I sure hope the next Whiskey Creek novel will feature the other couple.
India and Rod drew me into their story from the start, and I loved how India was doing her best to be strong, and to do the right thing - both for herself and for her daughter. Moving forward and being so very brave made me love her even more. And I have to say, the tender and romantic moments between India and Rod almost made my kindle melt, that's how hot they were together!
Written in third person point of view, past tense, Discovering You also included dialogues that made getting to know the characters very easy. There was both humor and hotness and seeing how well India and Rod worked together made me want more.
Yep, this was exactly the kind of guy she would've liked once upon a time. She wouldn't have cared that he could be volatile. She wouldn't have cared that he probably didn't have a college education or even a decent job. Physically, he was everything a woman dreamed about.
"I guess friends will be a good place to start."
"To start?" she echoed.
"I'm going to want to sleep with you eventually," he said, and when he didn't so much as crack a smile, she knew it wasn't a joke.
Discovering You is just as much about self-discovery as it is about discovering other people and getting to know them. Strong characters made the story move forward.
If you're familiar with Novak's Whiskey Creek series, you know all about the Amos bad-boy brothers - how they aren't necessarily as bad as some people make them out to be, because they're hard-working, loyal and open for love if it ever comes their way. Discovering You is about India, who has just moved to Whiskey Creek, and her frequent encounters with Rod. India has been through a pretty horrible year, and it seems her ordeal is not completely over yet. Between what India thinks she needs, and what her heart wants - there's a chasm, and Rod might be so much more than meets the eye. However, India has too much to lose if she gets involved with him, especially because her in-laws have her daughter at the moment.
There is both mystery, heartache and romance in Discovering You. We got several glimpses into the Amos household, and there is a lot going on there, especially the dynamics between the brothers on one side, and their father with his bride and step-daughter on the other. There is also more than one budding romance in this story, one that has some strong shades of forbidden - but that really isn't... And I sure hope the next Whiskey Creek novel will feature the other couple.
India and Rod drew me into their story from the start, and I loved how India was doing her best to be strong, and to do the right thing - both for herself and for her daughter. Moving forward and being so very brave made me love her even more. And I have to say, the tender and romantic moments between India and Rod almost made my kindle melt, that's how hot they were together!
Written in third person point of view, past tense, Discovering You also included dialogues that made getting to know the characters very easy. There was both humor and hotness and seeing how well India and Rod worked together made me want more.
Yep, this was exactly the kind of guy she would've liked once upon a time. She wouldn't have cared that he could be volatile. She wouldn't have cared that he probably didn't have a college education or even a decent job. Physically, he was everything a woman dreamed about.
"I guess friends will be a good place to start."
"To start?" she echoed.
"I'm going to want to sleep with you eventually," he said, and when he didn't so much as crack a smile, she knew it wasn't a joke.
May 20, 2016
I love Whiskey Creek but this was not one of my favorites. The suspense element was okay but somehow I felt that it either needed to be more suspenseful or not be in there at all. It kind of distracted from the romance but was't robust enough to really convince you that you were reading a romantic suspense book. I'm glad that the Amos boys are getting stories of their own and really hope that Mack and Natasha's book kicks ass.
July 22, 2016
After her husband was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, India Sommers moves to Whiskey Creek in the hope of rebuilding her life with her young daughter. Then her ex who should have been put away for life is released after the case against him collapses and India once again fears for her safety.
When Rod Amos first met India he'd just crashed his motorbike and been involved in a fist-fight with the man who ran him off the road. He immediately feels a spark of interest but the mixed signals she's sending are confusing.
I have a problem with this book.
But it's not a problem with the story or the writing or the characters. It's an entertaining book from start to finish. Well deserved 4 Stars and all of that.
The problem I have is more with the way writers in general go to the gun. One of the things I love about Contemporary Romance is generally the stories are about people first. But it seems that a lot of authors believe that the only way to add conflict is to add guns....it's entrenched in the way some authors think and it's also pretty damned lazy if I'm completely honest. There are a million stories just waiting to be written that don't have a single gun in them.
I shoot, I can put a bullet on a dime at 250 meters depending on the optics I have. I don't have a problem with guns any more than I have a problem with toasters. But I wish writers would go to the gun as a last resort. Only put them in the book if they progress the story.
When Rod Amos first met India he'd just crashed his motorbike and been involved in a fist-fight with the man who ran him off the road. He immediately feels a spark of interest but the mixed signals she's sending are confusing.
I have a problem with this book.
But it's not a problem with the story or the writing or the characters. It's an entertaining book from start to finish. Well deserved 4 Stars and all of that.
The problem I have is more with the way writers in general go to the gun. One of the things I love about Contemporary Romance is generally the stories are about people first. But it seems that a lot of authors believe that the only way to add conflict is to add guns....it's entrenched in the way some authors think and it's also pretty damned lazy if I'm completely honest. There are a million stories just waiting to be written that don't have a single gun in them.
I shoot, I can put a bullet on a dime at 250 meters depending on the optics I have. I don't have a problem with guns any more than I have a problem with toasters. But I wish writers would go to the gun as a last resort. Only put them in the book if they progress the story.
May 30, 2016
I enjoyed some of the books in the series, but this was uninspiring.
The plot for the main couple was ok, but their planning and interactions with the bad guy let me down. No one did anything unusual, smart, or different. It was like anyone could have written that. I’m not sure how to describe what was wrong. If you had an interesting or unusual character who reacted in unusual ways - that would have made it better.
I definitely did not like the secondary story about Natasha and Mack. His father and her mother married. Natasha age 19 and Mack age 28 are living in the same house for a year or so. They are not blood related. They fall in love but Mack refuses to admit it or let anything happen. She tells him she loves him. He lies and says he does not feel that way. His reason was STUPID. Mack felt like it was a taboo - a perverted relationship that would hurt the family’s reputation in town. But he was wrong. And the parents wouldn’t mind. And Natasha is hurting and grieving because she loves Mack so much. It was too contrived to be a good story. It’s like the author couldn’t think of another way to keep an in-love couple apart.
THE SERIES:
This is book 10 in the Whiskey Creek series. I enjoyed several books in the series. My favorites are:
#1 When Lightning Strikes
#5 Take Me Home for Christmas
#8 This Heart of Mine
You can read them as stand alones, but it’s nice to read them in order.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: about 400 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words but rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: about 4. Setting: current day northern California. Copyright: 2016. Genre: contemporary romance.
The plot for the main couple was ok, but their planning and interactions with the bad guy let me down. No one did anything unusual, smart, or different. It was like anyone could have written that. I’m not sure how to describe what was wrong. If you had an interesting or unusual character who reacted in unusual ways - that would have made it better.
I definitely did not like the secondary story about Natasha and Mack. His father and her mother married. Natasha age 19 and Mack age 28 are living in the same house for a year or so. They are not blood related. They fall in love but Mack refuses to admit it or let anything happen. She tells him she loves him. He lies and says he does not feel that way. His reason was STUPID. Mack felt like it was a taboo - a perverted relationship that would hurt the family’s reputation in town. But he was wrong. And the parents wouldn’t mind. And Natasha is hurting and grieving because she loves Mack so much. It was too contrived to be a good story. It’s like the author couldn’t think of another way to keep an in-love couple apart.
THE SERIES:
This is book 10 in the Whiskey Creek series. I enjoyed several books in the series. My favorites are:
#1 When Lightning Strikes
#5 Take Me Home for Christmas
#8 This Heart of Mine
You can read them as stand alones, but it’s nice to read them in order.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: about 400 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words but rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: about 4. Setting: current day northern California. Copyright: 2016. Genre: contemporary romance.
March 13, 2016
I love stories that make you want to read faster, and chuck the real world out the window whilst you escape in the exciting pages. This was one of those reads. I happily neglected my motherly and wifely duties while I promised myself just one more page.
India lost her husband tragically and feels partially responsible. While she rebuilds her life in Whiskey Creek, her daughter is staying with her in-laws until she has everything settled. She’s lonely and in need of a friend. In steps neighbor and bad boy Amos brother, Rod. She doesn’t want to fall for his ‘type’ but the two just click.
As they fight to put closure on India’s past – they just get closer and as things get more dangerous they realize how much they have to lose.
I loved India’s background and her story. I loved the idea that someone could come from nothing and make the life she had with her husband. I thought Ms. Novak poured even more truth into the pages showing how the past constantly finds its way to the present and even the best people have to defend and explain actions they’ve paid for over and over again. She and Rod had that in common. The Amos family has a rep, Rod is no stranger to trouble, but he’s a good man – a great man.
They had great chemistry and a true relationship. They were honest with each other from the start and I loved the way they took each other as they were - flaws and all, no apologies.
There is a side story that is barely an appetizer in size – yet the content is huge and I devoured it and enjoyed it like my last supper. I craved the little snippets that she gave me and felt like a giddy kid at Christmas with each one. I can NOT wait for Natasha and Mack’s story. I’m practically salivating over here. Bravo, Ms. Novak, for expertly enticing me and torturing me at the same time. It’s quite a gift you have!!
Cherise Everhard, March 2016
I received this book from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review
India lost her husband tragically and feels partially responsible. While she rebuilds her life in Whiskey Creek, her daughter is staying with her in-laws until she has everything settled. She’s lonely and in need of a friend. In steps neighbor and bad boy Amos brother, Rod. She doesn’t want to fall for his ‘type’ but the two just click.
As they fight to put closure on India’s past – they just get closer and as things get more dangerous they realize how much they have to lose.
I loved India’s background and her story. I loved the idea that someone could come from nothing and make the life she had with her husband. I thought Ms. Novak poured even more truth into the pages showing how the past constantly finds its way to the present and even the best people have to defend and explain actions they’ve paid for over and over again. She and Rod had that in common. The Amos family has a rep, Rod is no stranger to trouble, but he’s a good man – a great man.
They had great chemistry and a true relationship. They were honest with each other from the start and I loved the way they took each other as they were - flaws and all, no apologies.
There is a side story that is barely an appetizer in size – yet the content is huge and I devoured it and enjoyed it like my last supper. I craved the little snippets that she gave me and felt like a giddy kid at Christmas with each one. I can NOT wait for Natasha and Mack’s story. I’m practically salivating over here. Bravo, Ms. Novak, for expertly enticing me and torturing me at the same time. It’s quite a gift you have!!
Cherise Everhard, March 2016
I received this book from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review
March 3, 2016
I honestly can't believe this is the 10th book in the whiskey creek series and while I loved each and every book in their own way I had some issues with this one.
If you have kept up with the series you will have remembered Rod Amos as Dylan and Aaron's brother of the famous Amos family and now he is getting his story. While I did like the characters I found myself missing the group of friends that I have grown to love. Don't get me wrong a few and what I mean by a few is maybe 2 of them make an appearance but whiskey creek just didn't feel the same.
I did like that Novak twisted up the storyline by bringing in a single mother whose husband died by the hands of her ex. I kept thinking how could India ever get over this and take the chance to love again but Novak wrote her confused on wanting to move on and not sure if she was making the right decisions for herself and her daughter. The issue I had with India is that she left her in laws walk over her and tried to play detective. I get she didn't want Rod involved but come of course he was going to get involved!
I would have also liked to see more interaction with Rod and India's daughter. It's like after the meet for the first time the epilogue happens. I understand while she is away for the month that India and Rod fall in love but I felt like she was part of the story that was just missing for me.
This story also had a second story between Rod's brother Mack and his step sister Natasha. While it was great to get a chance to know each of them a little better I was getting frustrated with them and felt they were taking a little bit away from Rod and India's story.
In a way I am glad that the rest of the Amos brothers will get their own books I just hope that Novak will include the previous characters in their stories in the future. Like
Maybe have Rod and India join the regular group for coffee on Fridays or have a girls/guys night after all India now lives in whiskey creek.
If you have kept up with the series you will have remembered Rod Amos as Dylan and Aaron's brother of the famous Amos family and now he is getting his story. While I did like the characters I found myself missing the group of friends that I have grown to love. Don't get me wrong a few and what I mean by a few is maybe 2 of them make an appearance but whiskey creek just didn't feel the same.
I did like that Novak twisted up the storyline by bringing in a single mother whose husband died by the hands of her ex. I kept thinking how could India ever get over this and take the chance to love again but Novak wrote her confused on wanting to move on and not sure if she was making the right decisions for herself and her daughter. The issue I had with India is that she left her in laws walk over her and tried to play detective. I get she didn't want Rod involved but come of course he was going to get involved!
I would have also liked to see more interaction with Rod and India's daughter. It's like after the meet for the first time the epilogue happens. I understand while she is away for the month that India and Rod fall in love but I felt like she was part of the story that was just missing for me.
This story also had a second story between Rod's brother Mack and his step sister Natasha. While it was great to get a chance to know each of them a little better I was getting frustrated with them and felt they were taking a little bit away from Rod and India's story.
In a way I am glad that the rest of the Amos brothers will get their own books I just hope that Novak will include the previous characters in their stories in the future. Like
Maybe have Rod and India join the regular group for coffee on Fridays or have a girls/guys night after all India now lives in whiskey creek.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2016
In Discovering You by Brenda Novak, India has moved to Whiskey Creek to start fresh with her young daughter after her husband was murdered by a man she once knew. Not long after she's moved in and getting her new home set up, she comes across her neighbor Rod one night...and this bad boy gives her shivers and thrills she doesn't expect, nor does she welcome them. India has had her share of bad boys and a rough life before she met her husband, and that is all part of her past she wants to leave in the past. Rod is enchanted by India and as much as India wants to keep him at arms length he finds himself wanting to know her much better. Just as India feels like she's settling, the man who killed her husband is suddenly out of jail. She knows that spells a lot of trouble not only for her, but for her daughter and her relationship with her in laws. Suddenly her life feels like it's becoming out of control...but India is determined this time to take control. Rod is more than willing to help her...and soon the two of them find themselves not only exploring their feelings for each other and becoming closer, but searching for a murderer before he can find her.
Brenda Novak pulled me in quickly to Discovering You and kept me there with a well balanced, exciting plot and great characters. I really enjoyed this book and I really enjoyed getting to know India and Rod. Both of them have moved forward from their pasts, but the past isn't necessarily finished with them. I liked how they dealt with things straight on, even if the 'adventure' they ended up on wasn't always realistic, it was fast paced and well written. India and Rod have great chemistry and I liked the connection between them. Their relationship grew despite the many obstacles they have to overcome and I really found myself hoping they could navigate this rocky road and come out on top. They felt right together.
I liked the suspense Brenda works into the plot with the murderer of India's husband being released from jail after a hung jury in his trial. This upped the tension and uncertainty of where things would end up.
Lots of family dynamics are involved in the plot of Discovering you, and a secondary plot involving one of Rod's brothers was very intriguing!
I liked seeing some of the characters from other Whiskey Creek books, but they are seen only in the context of Discovering You, making Discovering You easily a stand alone book.
I'd recommend Discovering You to any romance reader.
Brenda Novak pulled me in quickly to Discovering You and kept me there with a well balanced, exciting plot and great characters. I really enjoyed this book and I really enjoyed getting to know India and Rod. Both of them have moved forward from their pasts, but the past isn't necessarily finished with them. I liked how they dealt with things straight on, even if the 'adventure' they ended up on wasn't always realistic, it was fast paced and well written. India and Rod have great chemistry and I liked the connection between them. Their relationship grew despite the many obstacles they have to overcome and I really found myself hoping they could navigate this rocky road and come out on top. They felt right together.
I liked the suspense Brenda works into the plot with the murderer of India's husband being released from jail after a hung jury in his trial. This upped the tension and uncertainty of where things would end up.
Lots of family dynamics are involved in the plot of Discovering you, and a secondary plot involving one of Rod's brothers was very intriguing!
I liked seeing some of the characters from other Whiskey Creek books, but they are seen only in the context of Discovering You, making Discovering You easily a stand alone book.
I'd recommend Discovering You to any romance reader.
March 10, 2016
Let me first say that this series is Amazing. I have read all the books. If I could I would rate this book a 6.
In DISCOVERING YOU the 10th book in Whiskey Creek Ms. Novak brings us another bad boy Amos brother Rodney or Rod as eveyeone calls him. Well he might be a bad boy, but he also goes to great lengths to protect the ones he loves and cares about.
When Rod meets India the girl next door she offers him a ride home from a bad situation. She herself has lost so much recently and reaches out to him. The more time they spend together the more he finds out about her situation. It starts to get dangerous for both of them, but he will go to great lengths to protect her.
India wasn't looking for anything but discovered something in Rod. So take a ride with India and Rod. Where will the road lead them? She has fears about what happend to her that awful night. The only person who sees her for what kind of person she really was back then is Rod. Can she open her heart, and move forward to a future filled with the happiness Rod has given her? It might be fast, but it might be just right. You'll see and love it.
Well you need to buy DISCOVERING YOU now!!! Coming out 5/24 you don't want to miss it.
In DISCOVERING YOU the 10th book in Whiskey Creek Ms. Novak brings us another bad boy Amos brother Rodney or Rod as eveyeone calls him. Well he might be a bad boy, but he also goes to great lengths to protect the ones he loves and cares about.
When Rod meets India the girl next door she offers him a ride home from a bad situation. She herself has lost so much recently and reaches out to him. The more time they spend together the more he finds out about her situation. It starts to get dangerous for both of them, but he will go to great lengths to protect her.
India wasn't looking for anything but discovered something in Rod. So take a ride with India and Rod. Where will the road lead them? She has fears about what happend to her that awful night. The only person who sees her for what kind of person she really was back then is Rod. Can she open her heart, and move forward to a future filled with the happiness Rod has given her? It might be fast, but it might be just right. You'll see and love it.
Well you need to buy DISCOVERING YOU now!!! Coming out 5/24 you don't want to miss it.
June 5, 2016
BN can be a hit or miss author for me and as much as I loved Rod, I didn't love India. I thought that she was a bit of a marshmallow in dealing with her inlaws. Also Rod for all his tatted self, didn't come off as bad boy to me. Yes he got into fights as a youth, but he was a business owner and extremely reliable, what more could you want in a man. Plus I just didn't feel the romance or attraction between the two. I got whiplash from India's back and forth with I shouldn't or a should be in a relationship. The ILY's came way too fast considering how resistance she was to the relationship in the first place. Don't even get me started on the way they acted with the bad guy, that was just strange all the way around. I was more intrigued with what was going on with Mack and Natasha.
March 15, 2016
Novak continues to be my favorite author. Loved India and Rod's story. I've read all the Whiskey Creek books, but this book can be read as a stand alone. I'm pretty darn sure that if you haven't read the series, you'll be wanting more after this book! Great job, Brenda!
May 27, 2016
There was a bloody man walking down the middle of the road.
Now, there is an attention-grabbing first sentence! I settled in to be entertained by another great Whiskey Creek novel.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen for me. There were three story lines weaving through this book: India's backstory and her romance with Rod, Rod's altercation with Liam, and the Natasha/Mack relationship. Some of the scenarios were so absurd that I started skimming through them. Ultimately, I couldn't really connect with any of these characters, and I almost DNF'd before the half-way point. Rod and Mack are part of the Amos brothers clan; I had been looking forward to their stories. India has an intense backstory, but she had so many TSTL moments that I found her to be more annoying than endearing. And of course, once I've identified the heroine as lacking both intelligence and common sense, I can't help but look askance at our intrepid but obviously obtuse (or sex-focused) hero. Novak has captured the hostile, immature, self-centered, hormone-driven 19-year-old female perfectly in Natasha, but that also made her a difficult character to admire. Mack, 28, is the youngest Amos brother and has his own set of problems.
I think this does it for me with the Whiskey Creek series. I only wish I had stopped at #8.
Now, there is an attention-grabbing first sentence! I settled in to be entertained by another great Whiskey Creek novel.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen for me. There were three story lines weaving through this book: India's backstory and her romance with Rod, Rod's altercation with Liam, and the Natasha/Mack relationship. Some of the scenarios were so absurd that I started skimming through them. Ultimately, I couldn't really connect with any of these characters, and I almost DNF'd before the half-way point. Rod and Mack are part of the Amos brothers clan; I had been looking forward to their stories. India has an intense backstory, but she had so many TSTL moments that I found her to be more annoying than endearing. And of course, once I've identified the heroine as lacking both intelligence and common sense, I can't help but look askance at our intrepid but obviously obtuse (or sex-focused) hero. Novak has captured the hostile, immature, self-centered, hormone-driven 19-year-old female perfectly in Natasha, but that also made her a difficult character to admire. Mack, 28, is the youngest Amos brother and has his own set of problems.
I think this does it for me with the Whiskey Creek series. I only wish I had stopped at #8.
May 14, 2016
Another amazing story in the Whiskey Creek series. Each book is easily read standalone but it's always nice to go back and get the stories of characters from prior books. This one is about another of the Amos Brothers. Rod Amos has always lived his life on the edge. Thankfully big brother Dylan was always there to pull him back before he went to far. He knows full well what his rep is around town but one look at India and he knows he wants to prove to her he's a better man than that. India is new to Whiskey Creek. After the devastating murder of her husband, she's trying to lay low and provide a good home for her daughter. Rod Amos may not be the man she wants to want but he may be just the man she needs. When her husbands killer is set free she fears he may come after her since she testified against him. Rod is determined not to let anything happen to her. Will these two be able to find a way to their HEA or will her past come back and prevent them from moving forward?
I highly recommend you grab this one and find out!
I highly recommend you grab this one and find out!
April 1, 2016
India Sommers has moved to Whiskey Creek, California to get away from the Bay area where her surgeon husband, Charlie, was murdered in their home in front of her. He was killed by Sebastian Young, a former boyfriend of hers that she was trying to help out never knowing he would repay her kindness by killing her husband. India plans a new life in Whiskey Creek that includes starting a new business selling pottery that she will make and eventually sell in a shop after she has built up stock. While she is getting on her feet, her daughter, Cassia, is staying with her in-laws. All of her friends have turned against her and she isn't sure what Charlie's parents think of her. Some are suspicious of her involvement in Charlie's death and what she will gain financially.
Her new home is next door to the unmarried Amos boys, their father, step mother and step sister. Returning home late one night she comes upon Rod Amos, who had been run off the road while traveling on his motorcycle. Recognizing him as her new neighbor, she gave him a ride home. From there, the two develop a friendship and India is in need of a friend especially when she heard from the detective investigating her husband's death that they had to release Sebastian. His first trial ended in a hung jury. They haven't been able to find the gun he used to kill Charlie and until they find more evidence, they don't want to take him to trial again. Now India is paranoid that Sebastian will find out where she has moved and come after her. The Amos boys are known to be able to take care of themselves and their loved ones, bad boys that they are. Rod fills the role of India's protector as they decide to set out to find evidence to prove Sebastian's guilt. This takes them on a wild, nail biting suspenseful journey. A side story going on involves Mack, one of the other Amos brothers living at home. Mack is fighting his attraction to their step sister Natasha and she doesn't make it easy on him. I am betting their story is coming up one of these days soon. Once more, Ms. Novak does a great job developing believable characters in the believable town of Whiskey Creek.
Her new home is next door to the unmarried Amos boys, their father, step mother and step sister. Returning home late one night she comes upon Rod Amos, who had been run off the road while traveling on his motorcycle. Recognizing him as her new neighbor, she gave him a ride home. From there, the two develop a friendship and India is in need of a friend especially when she heard from the detective investigating her husband's death that they had to release Sebastian. His first trial ended in a hung jury. They haven't been able to find the gun he used to kill Charlie and until they find more evidence, they don't want to take him to trial again. Now India is paranoid that Sebastian will find out where she has moved and come after her. The Amos boys are known to be able to take care of themselves and their loved ones, bad boys that they are. Rod fills the role of India's protector as they decide to set out to find evidence to prove Sebastian's guilt. This takes them on a wild, nail biting suspenseful journey. A side story going on involves Mack, one of the other Amos brothers living at home. Mack is fighting his attraction to their step sister Natasha and she doesn't make it easy on him. I am betting their story is coming up one of these days soon. Once more, Ms. Novak does a great job developing believable characters in the believable town of Whiskey Creek.
March 13, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am SO invested in the good folks of Whiskey Creek and I just love the Amos brothers. This book is about Rod (Rodney) Amos and India Sommers (who also has a little girl named Cassia). Rod and India both have had terrible, awful events in their background and individually they are just trying to get through life the best way they can. When they meet, their attraction is almost immediate, although both fight it for all they are worth. The story deals with some very heavy and serious issues but it also deals with family and connections. Trust that both Rod and India come from dysfunctional backgrounds but the Amos brothers take care of their own. At least Rod has a support system where India does not. Rod is such an amazing character; I just love him. And it helps that both these two think the other is “gorgeous”; they really are made for one another. Rod’s scenes with children will make you sniffle, in a good way. A great supporting cast as well – both folks we’ve met before and new people who step up to the plate. And a few you want to smack upside the head! But it all comes together in another great Whiskey Creek story.
February 19, 2017
3.5 Stars. This series is very hit and miss for me but I enjoyed this one. It wasn't my favorite but I still really liked it. The tension/drama of the story comes from the suspense and not internal conflict although Rod's feeling that they are so different added a little drama/conflict. I enjoyed the overall plot and thought that it was realistic and believable. There were times when I wanted to yell at India to stop letting her in-laws have so much control but I could also understand where she was coming from. I loved that this book featured Dylan's family as he is my favorite character from this series and I really love the whole family. There was a secondary romance that began in this book that I actually enjoyed more than the primary relationship between India and Rod. There wasn't a lot of "the gang" in this one and I actually enjoyed that about this book - it was more focused then some of the previous books which I really liked.
March 7, 2016
OMG! OMG! OMG! OMFG! This book was awesome!!
This is I think one of Brenda Novak''s best YET! I am not one of those people who normally gushes over books, but let me tell you from the start you could just see the sparks fly between India and Rod Amos (sigh) I could not put it down!!
I admit I was a little upset over the situation at first because India got dealt a rather crappy hand but the book had the main male character to handle it. I don't want to say to much because I am scare it will be a major spoiler alert.. I don't know why but the Amos boys hold a special place in my heart. I like ALL the people in Whiskey Creek but...idk those boys just make you melt!
I knew Rod was smitten with India at once and like all the Amos boys once they fall they fall HARD!
Hope to see much more of them in later books. I can't WAIT for the others!!
This is I think one of Brenda Novak''s best YET! I am not one of those people who normally gushes over books, but let me tell you from the start you could just see the sparks fly between India and Rod Amos (sigh) I could not put it down!!
I admit I was a little upset over the situation at first because India got dealt a rather crappy hand but the book had the main male character to handle it. I don't want to say to much because I am scare it will be a major spoiler alert.. I don't know why but the Amos boys hold a special place in my heart. I like ALL the people in Whiskey Creek but...idk those boys just make you melt!
I knew Rod was smitten with India at once and like all the Amos boys once they fall they fall HARD!
Hope to see much more of them in later books. I can't WAIT for the others!!
May 21, 2016
Discovering You by Brenda Novak
A Whiskey Creek contemporary romance. Small-town. Supportive family of brothers with some emotional handicaps but also some fearsome resilience and strength.
A little heartbreaking and a love so rewarding.
I love a "happily ever after" and this book took that extra feel good step. (No spoilers here but it's so nice.)
Stands alone without having to read previous series books.
Excerpt:
"He’d never felt such tenderness. For a minute or two that concerned him. It suggested he could end up with a broken heart, after all—his first since his mother died so long ago. But he didn’t want to dwell on the possibility. Not when he had what he wanted right now."
Excerpt from Discovering You by Brenda Novak
A Whiskey Creek contemporary romance. Small-town. Supportive family of brothers with some emotional handicaps but also some fearsome resilience and strength.
A little heartbreaking and a love so rewarding.
I love a "happily ever after" and this book took that extra feel good step. (No spoilers here but it's so nice.)
Stands alone without having to read previous series books.
Excerpt:
"He’d never felt such tenderness. For a minute or two that concerned him. It suggested he could end up with a broken heart, after all—his first since his mother died so long ago. But he didn’t want to dwell on the possibility. Not when he had what he wanted right now."
Excerpt from Discovering You by Brenda Novak
April 17, 2018
Si bien la pareja se va conquistando, lo que me ha gustado es esa tensión permanente que vamos sintiendo, de ese enemigo oculto. Descubriéndote nos entrega una trama ligera donde la tensión, la pasión, el amor se van enredando hasta entregarnos una buena obra para poder disfrutar de una tarde, mientras nos vamos enamorando.
Brenda Novak sigue siendo una apuesta segura, su pluma sabe como jugar cada carta para traer personajes humanos, cercanos y cercanos que tienen temores, inseguridades y que pueden ser un vecino más en nuestra comunidad. Sabe como conquistar tocando los bonotes del romance justos para tener una obra de romántica a su medida. En definitiva.. me ha encantado. ¡Feliz lectura!
Brenda Novak sigue siendo una apuesta segura, su pluma sabe como jugar cada carta para traer personajes humanos, cercanos y cercanos que tienen temores, inseguridades y que pueden ser un vecino más en nuestra comunidad. Sabe como conquistar tocando los bonotes del romance justos para tener una obra de romántica a su medida. En definitiva.. me ha encantado. ¡Feliz lectura!
December 3, 2019
es el último libro de la saga Whiskey Creek, el 10º libro que leo y me ha gustado mucho, de los que más me han gustado. Tiene una trama policíaca y apenas aparecen el resto de los personajes de los otros libros pero la historia de india y Rod es preciosa y vale la pena leerla.
Lamento que sea el último libro, me encantaría saber de baxter y de otros personajes como natascha y Mack
Lamento que sea el último libro, me encantaría saber de baxter y de otros personajes como natascha y Mack
April 25, 2022
Always love a Brenda Novak book. Whiskey Creek series.
May 24, 2016
Received in exchange for a honest review.
Haven’t read a Whiskey Creek novel I didn’t like and this one is no exception. I did take issue with how India first judged Rod. She who was upset for being judged the same by others and her inlaws was now doing the same thing to Rod. So wrong of you India so wrong. Once you get past the exterior you see that Rod is a awesome dude. He is kind, gentle and sweet. Also a family guy and how he looks up to Dylan is just amazing. Dylan raised him and the appreciation he has for that is humbling. Rod may seem like a bad boy but he really is a serious family man. what him and his brothers did for Natasha shows this and also how he is there for his brothers as well. He’s just misunderstood and trying to get over his past abandonment issue from his mom. He’s trying to learn to trust women for the long term and that is hard. He is so sweet though and open and honest as well with a wicked sense of humour. when rod first meets India he doesn’t think a girl like her would go for a guy like him. Felt she was out of his league. I say peeshaw to Rod. You are worth more than all the cardiac surgeons ever could be. so instead of trying for anything serious he flirts and goes for lighthearted. When India comes on to him he is the gentlemen and backs off not because he doesn’t want her but because he knows he wants more.
India from the beginning is a mess of confused emotions. She is trying to deal with guilt that she shouldn’t have, loss of her husband and missing her daughter. She is feeling under the microscope and judged which is what she does to rod at the beginning so shame on you India. As she gets to know Rod, she sees him for the amazing man he is and struggles with that as well. What makes it harder is her fear of losing her daughter because of her inlaws and the danger that they are still in. the man who killed her husband is still on the streets and could come back to hurt them again. She fears losing another she loves. So as she is in a growing smoking intimate relationship with Rod she is also dealing with the past and unresolved danger it can bring to her future. Resolved to fix things India goes off on a half baked hair brained idea to stop the killer before he comes after them. Thank heavens for Rod and Dylan. Dylan supporting Rod no matter what is such a sweet thing. Family comes first is one thing the Whiskey creek series teaches us is that Family matters. They are there no matter what. Dylan shows this with his brothers and they show this towards natasha.
Rod is a hero in this and also helps India have the strength and support to stand up to her inlaws. My favorite moment is Rod with Van-that poor boy was starving for affection and Rod gave it with no expectation. Even after the dust settled he was there for van. A awww moment.
The story of Rod and India is at times smoking hot, sweet, loving, tender and a journey for both. For Rod he learned to let a woman fully in and forget what happened as a child. He learned to trust India and love her with a open heart. For India she learned to stand up for herself and let the past go. She learned that her heart has room for love and that you can’t always judge a person by the exterior. this story though gives us the sensuous dangling teaser of Mack and Natasha as well. Ms. Novak you vixen you there. That is some serious tension between them you left us off with. A heartwarming story that you won’t be able to put down as you see Rod find love and open himself up to letting others in and trusting them, India finds strength and love and a new chapter while getting closure and family being there for them no matter what. We see love overflowing, danger with the ex and resolution as well, and new love stories pop up for the future. Another fantastic whiskey creek couple unfolds in this story where we see the characters open up to let love in their hearts once again and let go of preconceived notions of others and themselves to find something amazing once they do.
Haven’t read a Whiskey Creek novel I didn’t like and this one is no exception. I did take issue with how India first judged Rod. She who was upset for being judged the same by others and her inlaws was now doing the same thing to Rod. So wrong of you India so wrong. Once you get past the exterior you see that Rod is a awesome dude. He is kind, gentle and sweet. Also a family guy and how he looks up to Dylan is just amazing. Dylan raised him and the appreciation he has for that is humbling. Rod may seem like a bad boy but he really is a serious family man. what him and his brothers did for Natasha shows this and also how he is there for his brothers as well. He’s just misunderstood and trying to get over his past abandonment issue from his mom. He’s trying to learn to trust women for the long term and that is hard. He is so sweet though and open and honest as well with a wicked sense of humour. when rod first meets India he doesn’t think a girl like her would go for a guy like him. Felt she was out of his league. I say peeshaw to Rod. You are worth more than all the cardiac surgeons ever could be. so instead of trying for anything serious he flirts and goes for lighthearted. When India comes on to him he is the gentlemen and backs off not because he doesn’t want her but because he knows he wants more.
India from the beginning is a mess of confused emotions. She is trying to deal with guilt that she shouldn’t have, loss of her husband and missing her daughter. She is feeling under the microscope and judged which is what she does to rod at the beginning so shame on you India. As she gets to know Rod, she sees him for the amazing man he is and struggles with that as well. What makes it harder is her fear of losing her daughter because of her inlaws and the danger that they are still in. the man who killed her husband is still on the streets and could come back to hurt them again. She fears losing another she loves. So as she is in a growing smoking intimate relationship with Rod she is also dealing with the past and unresolved danger it can bring to her future. Resolved to fix things India goes off on a half baked hair brained idea to stop the killer before he comes after them. Thank heavens for Rod and Dylan. Dylan supporting Rod no matter what is such a sweet thing. Family comes first is one thing the Whiskey creek series teaches us is that Family matters. They are there no matter what. Dylan shows this with his brothers and they show this towards natasha.
Rod is a hero in this and also helps India have the strength and support to stand up to her inlaws. My favorite moment is Rod with Van-that poor boy was starving for affection and Rod gave it with no expectation. Even after the dust settled he was there for van. A awww moment.
The story of Rod and India is at times smoking hot, sweet, loving, tender and a journey for both. For Rod he learned to let a woman fully in and forget what happened as a child. He learned to trust India and love her with a open heart. For India she learned to stand up for herself and let the past go. She learned that her heart has room for love and that you can’t always judge a person by the exterior. this story though gives us the sensuous dangling teaser of Mack and Natasha as well. Ms. Novak you vixen you there. That is some serious tension between them you left us off with. A heartwarming story that you won’t be able to put down as you see Rod find love and open himself up to letting others in and trusting them, India finds strength and love and a new chapter while getting closure and family being there for them no matter what. We see love overflowing, danger with the ex and resolution as well, and new love stories pop up for the future. Another fantastic whiskey creek couple unfolds in this story where we see the characters open up to let love in their hearts once again and let go of preconceived notions of others and themselves to find something amazing once they do.
May 26, 2016
***.5 "Discovering You" (A Whiskey Creek novel) by Brenda Novak
The premise of this novel is catching from the very beginning. India Sommers comes upon a man who is bleeding and clearly injured. While she wrestles within herself whether she should just drive by and stay out of the drama that clearly will unfold, another part of her knows she might be the last person to come along to help for awhile. Reluctantly, she stops, and only then does she realize the injured person is her neighbor, Rodney Amos. This was the start of a friendship, of the two being confidants for the other, a sexual relationship which turns into a lovingly one, and eventually a committed relationship. (I was provided with an advanced readers copy for a fair and honest review.)
But all that comes in time. Time in which India has to face her past as her past has suddenly sprung up more quickly than she expected. Rod is there helping her, first to her reluctance then to her willingness and appreciation. While that part of the novel seemed to drag a little, it was engaging and interesting and ended in the best way possible.
While the characters were well written to a degree, there were also gaps in being able to truly get to know them or relate to them. To some degree with India and Rod, but more so in the secondary plot line of Natasha and Mack and also all the brothers. There was so much back and forth and repetition in the backstory part of the novel (Natasha and Mack), that the reader just want to say, "get it over and done with already." There was little in their characters that the reader could relate to between them as characters or within their storyline. In many respects, I felt like the novel would have been stronger without this backstory.
While I enjoyed the novel and India and Rod as characters and the main plot, I felt like this novel lacked much depth in all areas. It often felt like the author skimmed over certain parts that felt as if they were potentially more important or should have played a bigger role if Ms Novak had let them. In addition, I felt like there was a fair amount of repetitive dialogue and/or behavior throughout.
"Discovering You," is an enjoyable, interesting, and relatively engaging novel. I would recommend it as a good beach or rainy day read.
Amazon link: http://amzn.to/1WPU1N6
Blog post: https://www.facebook.com/Avid.Reader....
The premise of this novel is catching from the very beginning. India Sommers comes upon a man who is bleeding and clearly injured. While she wrestles within herself whether she should just drive by and stay out of the drama that clearly will unfold, another part of her knows she might be the last person to come along to help for awhile. Reluctantly, she stops, and only then does she realize the injured person is her neighbor, Rodney Amos. This was the start of a friendship, of the two being confidants for the other, a sexual relationship which turns into a lovingly one, and eventually a committed relationship. (I was provided with an advanced readers copy for a fair and honest review.)
But all that comes in time. Time in which India has to face her past as her past has suddenly sprung up more quickly than she expected. Rod is there helping her, first to her reluctance then to her willingness and appreciation. While that part of the novel seemed to drag a little, it was engaging and interesting and ended in the best way possible.
While the characters were well written to a degree, there were also gaps in being able to truly get to know them or relate to them. To some degree with India and Rod, but more so in the secondary plot line of Natasha and Mack and also all the brothers. There was so much back and forth and repetition in the backstory part of the novel (Natasha and Mack), that the reader just want to say, "get it over and done with already." There was little in their characters that the reader could relate to between them as characters or within their storyline. In many respects, I felt like the novel would have been stronger without this backstory.
While I enjoyed the novel and India and Rod as characters and the main plot, I felt like this novel lacked much depth in all areas. It often felt like the author skimmed over certain parts that felt as if they were potentially more important or should have played a bigger role if Ms Novak had let them. In addition, I felt like there was a fair amount of repetitive dialogue and/or behavior throughout.
"Discovering You," is an enjoyable, interesting, and relatively engaging novel. I would recommend it as a good beach or rainy day read.
Amazon link: http://amzn.to/1WPU1N6
Blog post: https://www.facebook.com/Avid.Reader....
May 24, 2016
India Sommers is trying to rebuild her life after an ex-boyfriend shot her husband and she’s hoping that moving to Whiskey Creek is a step in the right direction but she having a bit of difficulty keeping her distance from her “bad boy” neighbor Rod Amos in this brilliant contemporary romance.
This story is a brilliant romance where the characters are strong, compelling and easily draw the readers in, they have some similarities in their past that gives them common ground and they are both deserving of a happily ever after and the sizzling chemistry between them starts them off in the right direction but the relationship is complicated by emotional issues, family issues and of course the ex-boyfriend presents quite a big problem.
Spine tingling tension builds throughout the story as India learns that her ex has been released from jail and the increasing certainty that she’s not safe has India looking for a solution and a way to ensure that her daughter is protected. Her solution is a bit risky and adds lots of anticipation and excitement to the story, especially when Rod steps in and insists on helping which of course moves their relationship forward another step much to India’s dismay.
The scenes are well written and bring this romance to vibrant life while the intriguing events keep readers glued to the pages of this steady to fast paced romance full of suspense. Everyone loves “bad boys” and Rod certainly makes hearts pound, but together with India, this couple has an outstanding appeal that just says they belong together and I just had to know how everything worked out for them, so once again, I had a wonderful visit to Whiskey Creek and I am looking forward to the next one.
4 ½ STARS
This story is a brilliant romance where the characters are strong, compelling and easily draw the readers in, they have some similarities in their past that gives them common ground and they are both deserving of a happily ever after and the sizzling chemistry between them starts them off in the right direction but the relationship is complicated by emotional issues, family issues and of course the ex-boyfriend presents quite a big problem.
Spine tingling tension builds throughout the story as India learns that her ex has been released from jail and the increasing certainty that she’s not safe has India looking for a solution and a way to ensure that her daughter is protected. Her solution is a bit risky and adds lots of anticipation and excitement to the story, especially when Rod steps in and insists on helping which of course moves their relationship forward another step much to India’s dismay.
The scenes are well written and bring this romance to vibrant life while the intriguing events keep readers glued to the pages of this steady to fast paced romance full of suspense. Everyone loves “bad boys” and Rod certainly makes hearts pound, but together with India, this couple has an outstanding appeal that just says they belong together and I just had to know how everything worked out for them, so once again, I had a wonderful visit to Whiskey Creek and I am looking forward to the next one.
4 ½ STARS
May 24, 2016
Brenda Novak has another hit!
Although one might have thought by book ten they would get bored with a series, it's not the case with the Whiskey Creek series. India Sommers moves to Whiskey Creek from San Francisco after the tragic loss of her husband. She nearly runs over Rod Amos after he'd been involved in an accident. Their chance meeting occurred just weeks after India moved in next door to the Amos brothers.
There was an instant attraction and the chemistry builds as Rod helps India try to solve who murdered her husband. The tension builds and I found I didn't want to put the book down.
My favorite part of this book and the series in general is that Novak isn't afraid to write about some tough real life experiences: drugs, murder, child molestation, and child abuse and neglect.
I have often felt like Novak was writing about different parts of my life, so I have felt very close to many of her characters and been unable to stop reading until I am done. Most in this series I have read in one or two sittings.
I liked the introduction of Mack Amos and Natasha's story and hope to read more about them and the other Amos brothers. And maybe in one of their books we'll be able to read more about India, Cassia & Rod.
No spoiler from me, but I do highly recommend DISCOVERING YOU. It was a slight departure from the usual Whiskey Creek books where there is more interaction among the group of friends. But since much of this book took place in San Francisco, and was action packed, I didn't miss the change.
Although one might have thought by book ten they would get bored with a series, it's not the case with the Whiskey Creek series. India Sommers moves to Whiskey Creek from San Francisco after the tragic loss of her husband. She nearly runs over Rod Amos after he'd been involved in an accident. Their chance meeting occurred just weeks after India moved in next door to the Amos brothers.
There was an instant attraction and the chemistry builds as Rod helps India try to solve who murdered her husband. The tension builds and I found I didn't want to put the book down.
My favorite part of this book and the series in general is that Novak isn't afraid to write about some tough real life experiences: drugs, murder, child molestation, and child abuse and neglect.
I have often felt like Novak was writing about different parts of my life, so I have felt very close to many of her characters and been unable to stop reading until I am done. Most in this series I have read in one or two sittings.
I liked the introduction of Mack Amos and Natasha's story and hope to read more about them and the other Amos brothers. And maybe in one of their books we'll be able to read more about India, Cassia & Rod.
No spoiler from me, but I do highly recommend DISCOVERING YOU. It was a slight departure from the usual Whiskey Creek books where there is more interaction among the group of friends. But since much of this book took place in San Francisco, and was action packed, I didn't miss the change.
May 8, 2016
This is the 10th book in the Whiskey Creek series by Brenda Novak. Right of the bat Brenda did a great job developing India and Rod's characters. She gave you enough of a backstory on India so that you could understand why India acted the way that she did but did not go too overboard where you got bored. She also gave you more backstory on Rod so that you could understand how he had turned out the way he did. In addition to the well developed characters Brenda did a great job of setting the scenes in the book. As the reader reads the story you are really able to picture yourself in the Amos household or on the porch where India is creating her master pieces.
Something that I have always enjoyed about Brenda's books is how she incorporates suspense in romance books. For instance in one of her previous books it was the crazy ex girlfriend. In this book it was the crazy ex boyfriend. I think this suspense helps keep the audience interested in the book all the way through as you want to find out what is going to happen in addition to seeing the romance build between the two main characters. It a great mix of suspense and romance.
I don't think that there was anything that I would have changed about the book. I am interested to see who the next character will be that will have a love interest. Can wait to read more books by Brenda Novak and I interested to see where she is going to take the series in the future.
Something that I have always enjoyed about Brenda's books is how she incorporates suspense in romance books. For instance in one of her previous books it was the crazy ex girlfriend. In this book it was the crazy ex boyfriend. I think this suspense helps keep the audience interested in the book all the way through as you want to find out what is going to happen in addition to seeing the romance build between the two main characters. It a great mix of suspense and romance.
I don't think that there was anything that I would have changed about the book. I am interested to see who the next character will be that will have a love interest. Can wait to read more books by Brenda Novak and I interested to see where she is going to take the series in the future.
May 22, 2016
Brenda Novak's books are always the perfect antidote to any reading funk I might find myself in. Her writing kicks me back into gear and gets me back to devouring pages and stories again. I feel like I've been teased with the Amos brothers all these years. Having read two of the brothers' stories, I've gotten a peek at them here and there, but now I feel like I'm really getting to see them. Discovering You has made them the center of attention, and Rod and India's story was a great way to do it. I love how complex Novak has made Rod. We first see him fresh from a fight, walking down the street, looking very tough and intimidating. However, it doesn't take long for his sweet side to become obvious as well. I find it impossible to not find him completely irresistible. He even cuts India's grass without being asked! A man after my own heart. India is very complex too. She has not had it easy either, but she is still a wonderful person. It's no wonder it doesn't take long for Rod to take a liking to her. Like all good books, accompanying the good parts are the creepy, scary, dramatic parts. Rod and India are very familiar with trouble, and they see plenty of drama in this book. Their battles with their own personal demons and feelings was just as exciting as the conflict with the murderous villain. Now I just need to deal with being teased with Natasha and Mack. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews