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Rest and Relaxation #1

Rest and Relaxation

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Allyse De Leon is a high powered executive at the top of her game, until one day, her hectic life catches up with her. She grudgingly agrees to get some medically ordered rest and relaxation. Leaving behind the comfort of glass, steel and concrete, she finds herself in the middle of nowhere, thrown together with a most unusual hostess—a woman who has her own way of doing things and has no respect for Allyse’s position. Dani Saxon is used to being alone. Life’s lessons has taught her that it’s less complicated and a lot less painful that way. She loves her horses and her farm and making her own schedule. She doesn’t like getting up early and she sure doesn’t worry about deadlines or dealing with people unless she wants to. When Allyse meets Dani, she’s intrigued with the quirky cowgirl. An attraction that flip-flops between frustration and desire. The woman is emotionally hard to peg and even more difficult to deal with at times. Dani isn’t the type of woman you can easily put in a box and label no matter how hard you try. She doesn’t understand why this woman is so important to her, but she’s willing to see where it all might go. There’s one problem. She only has thirty days. After that, Allyse has to go back to New York. Will that be enough time to determine if Dani is “the one” or will Allyse leave her behind and go on with her life?

396 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2015

83 people are currently reading
245 people want to read

About the author

Rhavensfyre

26 books136 followers
Rhavensfyre is the collaborative pen name used by two writers, Roxanne and KL, who have been partners since 2000 and were finally legally married in Washington D.C. in 2012. They have a small farm in Pennsylvania where they raise and breed horses. KL is a horse trainer and has shown western pleasure in the past, now her focus is more on pleasure riding and breeding. She is an avid cyclist, and when she is not on four hooves she is on 2 wheels. Roxy works as a nurse by night and an artist by day. A military veteran, she has seen a good bit of the world and now enjoys the quiet country life immensely. “Switching Gears” is their first book.

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5 stars
161 (37%)
4 stars
155 (35%)
3 stars
82 (18%)
2 stars
25 (5%)
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11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Sandra Andersson.
80 reviews40 followers
June 28, 2019
3.75 ★

This is the first book I've read by the author and I enjoyed it. I really liked both the main characters and the setting. The chemistry between the two characters were great, there was a lot of cute and funny scenes through the book.

The only thing that bothered me was Dani and how she would run from something that a quick conversation could've solved. It did get better towards the end though but still.. If I was in a relationship with someone who ran from everything I would probably explode.

Sometimes it was a little confusing cause it would switch POV in the middle of a chapter with no warning, other than that the writing was good. The ending seemed a little abrupt though, I would've liked a actual scene with Dani meeting the children and all of that worked out.

It was overall was a decent read and I will probably check out Rhavensfyre's other novels.
Profile Image for Char Dafoe.
Author 28 books193 followers
June 4, 2021
A love story with a side of country rugged, horses, and sweet mead kisses

Before I begin, I have to say that I was so deep in the story that I literally jolted when the words 'The End' appeared on the last page. Everything around me had lost all meaning anytime I sat down to read this book. Rhavensfyre must have magic in their fingertips because every story of theirs has taken me on a spiritual journey through their poetic prose. The way they create sentences, taking everyday tasks, thoughts, actions, and turning them into beauty is, in my opinion, rare. Rhavensfyre's writing is rich in vivid imagery. I can see the characters and the surrounding settings the characters are in.

To be blunt and to the point, Dani gave me whiplash. She could switch from one emotion to another, or one thought to the next as easy as turning on or off a tap. If I hadn't already been aware that Dani was on the spectrum of A.D.D., I would have guessed bipolar. I won't divulge, but some of Dani's behaviour reminded me how I can be at times. But at the mention of A.D.D. made more sense, much more sense, because Dani didn't appear depressed. Just sad, frustrated, and lonely. Honestly, I don't think I could handle living with someone like Dani, I think we'd butt heads and I would end up being hurt. I liked her character, she was intelligent, loyal, and caring. But with my bipolar brain and her brain, it wouldn't be pretty. As for Allyse, I'm not entirely sure what to make of her. She made many mistakes and fumbles regarding Dani and the landmine of her mind, and she learned over time what to do and what not to say. Her and Dani were cute together, but there were no sparks flying for me. Don't misunderstand, their sexual chemistry was hot, but everywhere else was just neutral for me. It's possible we'll see more of their growing relationship in the sequel.

The story was great. A city woman stressed to death takes a leave for the quiet country with a tall, rugged, sexy cowgirl. What's not to like? I enjoyed the outdoor settings and the horses. I particularly enjoyed anytime Dani was riding a horse, so sexy. This story was like taking a walk down the path of discovery. Allyse acknowledged her attraction for Dani, a woman, and learned how to relax while dealing with someone who thought differently than her. And Dani forced herself to confront old wounds regarding her uncles and finally expressing herself about everything she'd held back over the years. Rhavensfyre turned over every stone and dealt with what was underneath, wrapping the story up nicely. However, they did leave it open for more to come, and I'll assume more is to come in the sequel.
Profile Image for Kexx.
2,289 reviews96 followers
March 26, 2021
OK, OK, I take it all back.... I've been giving Radclyffe a hard time about shortened endings, but this book took the art of a sudden ending to a new height. Lost a star at least. Assume a first book but can't find a sequal... Bah!
Profile Image for Val.
412 reviews15 followers
August 5, 2017
I very much enjoyed this romance from Rhavensfyre. Loved both of these two women characters and the chemistry between them. My only complaint is the ending. The book ends rather abruptly and the reader is left hanging. Come on man! Give me a sequel or something...
Profile Image for Lexxi Kitty.
2,059 reviews470 followers
February 6, 2017
This is my seventh work by Rhavensfyre that I've read. Five of which have been in the Chase & Rowan series, one of which was a Zombie book, and then this one here. Considering what I've read, I found it vaguely humorous when there was an end note noting that this one was 'different' or however that was worded. Well, yeah, considering the only other things I've read by this author is a series of short stories (Chase & Rowan) and a full length zombie book . . . a full length lesbian romance is different. I had the impression that they meant something else. Maybe. heh. (eta: I used both singular and plural to mention the author in that paragraph; well, I always had the impression that there were two women, married to each other, who were using this Rhavensfyre name to write books. But one of the first sentences in this here book's end-notes said something like 'Rhavensfyre is the pen name of Award winning east coast writer, KL.' Then later references to the author involved using 'we', as in 'We hope to keep bringing you peeks of Chase and Rowan’s life together throughout the years.' So now I'm confused as to whether the books are a two person project, all but this one were a two person project, or what. Then again, for this specific book, it says 'We introduce a new set of characters . . .' which implies more than one author. Maybe the first sentence was written somehow either incorrectly, or incompletely?)

So, a high powered woman in the fashion industry, head of her own company, has some health issues. And is talked into taking a month off for some rest and relaxation. Allyse De Leon, a type of 'high powered woman' who makes grown men squeal in fear, is off for a month on a farm. To which she arrives dressed in a power suit and high heels. With similar type of outfits in her luggage. She is meet by one Dani Saxon, owner and operator of the farm. Who wasn't exactly given the chance to say no to this invasion set up by her uncle - who happens to be Allyse's business partner.

Dani is a strong stubborn woman who is also skittish as a colt. Somewhat quick to jump to conclusions, and then have long thinking sessions, while walking all night.

Allyse is also a strong stubborn woman, but, to a certain extent, that's the persona that she adopted to be able to operate as a head of a fashion house. While on the farm she attempts to relearn and/or remember the woman underneath the persona.

Both women also happen to share at least two similarities, the first being that they find themselves attracted to the other, and the second being that they are somewhat nervous about whether or not the other is even a lesbian. That is kind of a groan-worthy type of somewhat overused cliche for a theme, but it was handled a lot better than expected in this book.

Solid characterizations, at least of the two main characters. Good interesting story. The story-line created a massive issue/problem that never got resolved, but the book ended well enough, despite that.

Profile Image for AnnMaree Of Oz.
1,510 reviews131 followers
May 8, 2020
I'm in love with the character of Dani and her farm and horses. I'm excited to read the next book to see where her relationship goes.

Steamy book with a lot of heart, too.
1,149 reviews15 followers
February 24, 2020
Great!

I loved Rest and Relaxation. I have no idea why I didn’t review it earlier. Love Allyse and Dani. I love Dani’s close relationship to her horses.
Profile Image for Melissa  Hensley.
73 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2015
First time reading your work.

This is a great book with awesome characters. I've been reading this genre for about two years and most books that I have read are full of typical drama. R&R is drama free and I found that very refreshing. Watching Dani and Allyse fall in love was great. Allyse actually taking time to figure out Dani's quirks and love her in spite of them was outstanding. I hope to read more adventures from Dani and Allyse and I will definitely look for more work from Rhavensfyre.
Profile Image for Heidi.
701 reviews32 followers
April 22, 2015
Very enjoyable. I kept having to slow my reading down, because I wanted the story to last. I really liked the characters and how they interacted. Too very different personalities, that worked well as a couple.
Profile Image for Wendy Turner.
53 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2021
This review is also for the audio book.

Allyse is what I would describe as the typical “stuck up” rich woman who has way too much money and too much power. But after working long hours and burning herself out, her business associate orders her to go for a holiday at his niece’s farm.

Dani took ownership of her uncles farm after he passed away and Eric ,her uncles partner, went off to live in the city. She has her demons though and carries them with her, deep inside. Dani loves her farm lifestyle, she also loves late mornings, strong coffee and her own company. So when Allyse comes to stay for some much needed “rest and relaxation”, little did Dani know that her life would be turned upside down.

What follows is a charming story of how two women from very different backgrounds can be just the right medicine for each other.

This is a f/f and age gap romance.

I have read Rhavensfyre books before and I love their work. Their style of writing is very easy to get lost in as you fall into a flow of the story that draws you away from the real world into the story. The characters are both strong independent women who have some sort of ghost in their past they need to deal with. This is the sort of character I have grown accustomed to reading with Rhavensfyre books.

I found the audio version of the book very easy listening. I would listen to it on my way to and from work on my hour long drive and I often found myself getting to my destination and not wanting to stop the car as I wanted to keep listening. Stephanie Montalvo is a great choice of narrator for this story giving the characters a life of their own with the clever use of her voice and she has a lull to her voice that I must admit I fell asleep to on more than one occasion.

The erotic scenes in the story are well written but don’t over power the storyline. They don’t rush into the relationship and there is an enjoyable build up to them finally reaching that point with plenty of twists and turns long the way.

There was only one gripe that I had with this story and without giving anything away, let’s just say, I am a little tired of all the characters in romance books being well off executives or rich property owners who have dream jobs. I would love to read some novels about your average Jane.

At nearly 400 pages and 11 hours of listening I really felt I got my monies worth with this purchase. It was only $8.48 AU for the kindle version with audible added on. Well done Rhavensfyre on another great book and I give you a solid 4 stars.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,300 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2020
2 broken hearts × 2 different lifestyles ≈ 4 ever?

“Warm brown eyes met hers then slid away, but not before Allyse saw the pain lurking there. It was a haunting reminder that the past was never so far away that it couldn’t be felt in the now.”

“She knew what a rare commodity love could be. To find someone who could hold your heart as deeply and completely as this inexplicable and unusual woman did, that was even rarer.”

“You can fight and scream as much as you want, but fate has a way of doing what it wants without a care as to whether it hurts you or not. I’d be stupid not to accept a gift that comes to me honestly, even if that gift is just a chance at happiness.”
+ • + • + • +

An intriguing book about two women, shaped & scarred by a broken heart— 1 is physical, from a heart attack at 35 & 1 is emotional, from losing everyone she ever loved by 19— both who take the chance of building a romantic relationship together, finding, nurturing & sustaining love in/for each other that bestows peace, joy & safety to heal the wounds & override the damages & doubts from their pasts.

I loved this journey of attraction, recognition, understanding & love as it developed & intensified between Dani & Alysse— as they're evolving & redefining who they are & who they could be.
Profile Image for Zingari.
214 reviews
March 14, 2017
Lord

This was a great story with great potential. I think I'm a pretty patient person when it comes to human interaction and in relationships, but man, oh man.

If I had to deal with someone constantly on the run, I'd have lost it. Then I would have left, because... Nope.

The story was long, or it seemed long. It was love at first sight, in a rush, and no amount of reasoning will change my view. Not only that but it was as if the sudden openness and candid conversation somehow, after chapters upon chapters of irreconcilable hurt/resentment, happened right before the end.

It bothered me that Dani could make a joke, but due to her ever fragile state, she couldn't take a joke. Allyse did all of the heavy lifting, and don't get me wrong, it happens, but is that healthy? Probably not.

It wasn't a bad book, nor story. I just couldn't get into the groove of it. Simply put, it just wasn't for me.
Profile Image for CassTrusty.
83 reviews
September 6, 2017
10/10 would recommend

This was pretty great. The characters were very well developed and the details weren't overwhelming and seemingly irrelevant like a lot do detailed books I've read.

Dani seemed so tough at the start and the more you got to know her it's like she transformed and it was awesome. It wasn't a sudden change, but a gradual one.

Alysse also changed throughout the book. She started out kind of withdrawn but then she was all out, putting her feelings out there.

I wish there was more to the ending, but I'll take it over all the possible bad endings it could have had.
Profile Image for andrea .
43 reviews
September 16, 2018
I liked this well enough to finish it. I was sorely disappointed with how abruptly it ended, and even more disappointed to see there is no sequel. I believe this started as a Mirandy fanfic, so there’s a chance the issues I have with it are based on that knowledge.

I don’t think the characters were terribly well fleshed out. We are told how Allyse is an ice queen back in NYC, but we only see her slip into that persona a couple times, then all of a sudden she completely changes. All this said, it was fairly well written and I will read more by Rhavensfyre in the future.
4 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2020
Rest and relaxation

It's a story about a fashion designer who has health problems and goes for some rest on a ranch and meets the ranch owner and falls in love eventually. I found that the story was confusing at first because it's not revealed until late in the story why the first character had to rest, and the second main character was hard to understand but that might just be because of my aspergers that I missed some social clues. Overall I enjoyed he book and would read again.
Profile Image for Pam.
424 reviews
February 2, 2024
Taking time away helps facing the truth especially when it can be scary.Dan

Dani has faced a lot of loss that has changed how she sees the world. Allyse has experienced some very real changes in her world. More is needed ro care for herself. The journey they take is a real connection between two strong women who might need to lean a little to be open to the truths. I love how they start as the writer weaves their story. Such a delicate balance for each one but together could be so much more. So many emotion, feels, with this brilliantly told story.
369 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2018
Wonderful

What a wonderful read,the slow burning development of the relationship between the tough hardworking fashion executive Allyse and Dani the young woman who lost so much in her short life is written to perfection. The funeral scene is so emotional and evocative you can see it in your minds eye.Well worth a read
Profile Image for Devoncatt.
322 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2019
Ending missing?

It feels like an adequate ending is missing. The book was rather good for the most part but it looks like someone forgot to finish the ending. It was good until then, I was expecting another novel or at least an ending that tied everything up but there wasn't one...
Profile Image for Kimberly.
243 reviews11 followers
July 25, 2017
Very nice

It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did it went way too fast. This a story of ying finding yang. Although they're opposites they are perfect for one another. Good HEA.
8 reviews
August 27, 2018
Decent

It was a decent read. It took a bit to get into but the ending needs work. There’s still unresolved questions and unless there is a part two to this story, I wouldn’t read it again.
Profile Image for Sheila.
917 reviews
August 7, 2023
beautiful

The universe provides you with opportunities to be courageous enough to find love. Hold on to it because everything in life is fleeting. Staying present and accepting what life has to offer and you can experience a HEA.
Profile Image for Tammy.
324 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2018
Not sure exactly why I didn't like it? Maybe because I feel like I've already read it a dozen times under other titles?
816 reviews8 followers
March 18, 2020
I did expect a few more pages at the end, or is there an additional book ? Was a good read.
Profile Image for Jeff.
1,637 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2020
Great story

I have enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book of Dani and Allyse to see how their love grows.
Profile Image for Katie Cotter.
160 reviews3 followers
February 20, 2023
I think the writing was excellent. The characters were so realistically flawed, I wanted to scream at one to shut-up up and back off time and time again. So I was involved!
519 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2023
great story

The story is wonderful, the characters engaging and the development of their relationship kept the pages turning. A truly enjoyable lesbian romance
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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