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Nolan Brothers #1
Beautiful Ruin
A good archaeologist always finds what he’s digging for…
When Mina Winslow buys her ancestral home with plans to restore it to the beautiful sanctuary it once was, she discovers more than she bargained for. Soon, she's face-to-face with a man from her past. The one man she never stopped longing for.
Renowned archaeologist, Noah Nolan, swore he’d never return to the small, remote island in Lake Michigan. After agreeing to complete a short-term excavation project, he realizes the site belongs to the woman who inexplicably rejected him years before. A woman he’s never forgotten – or forgiven.
When Noah’s affinity for uncovering all things lost, forgotten, and buried stirs Mina’s repressed memories of a terrifying secret, she must find the courage to unearth the past, or risk losing the treasure of her heart forever.
When Mina Winslow buys her ancestral home with plans to restore it to the beautiful sanctuary it once was, she discovers more than she bargained for. Soon, she's face-to-face with a man from her past. The one man she never stopped longing for.
Renowned archaeologist, Noah Nolan, swore he’d never return to the small, remote island in Lake Michigan. After agreeing to complete a short-term excavation project, he realizes the site belongs to the woman who inexplicably rejected him years before. A woman he’s never forgotten – or forgiven.
When Noah’s affinity for uncovering all things lost, forgotten, and buried stirs Mina’s repressed memories of a terrifying secret, she must find the courage to unearth the past, or risk losing the treasure of her heart forever.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2015
391 people are currently reading
784 people want to read
About the author
Amy Olle
11 books640 followersAmy Olle writes sexy contemporary romances filled with hope, heart, and humor. She is delighted to put her Psychology degrees to good use writing romance.
Her debut novel, BEAUTIFUL RUIN, is the first book in a series about the five Irish-born Nolan brothers sent as children to live with family on a remote island in northern Michigan.
BEAUTIFUL RUIN received a Readers' Favorite 5-star review!
Amy lives in Michigan with her long-suffering husband, brilliant son, and (female) turtle named George.
If you would like to receive notifications of Amy's new releases, join her mailing list at: http://www.amyolle.com/newsletter/
Her debut novel, BEAUTIFUL RUIN, is the first book in a series about the five Irish-born Nolan brothers sent as children to live with family on a remote island in northern Michigan.
BEAUTIFUL RUIN received a Readers' Favorite 5-star review!
Amy lives in Michigan with her long-suffering husband, brilliant son, and (female) turtle named George.
If you would like to receive notifications of Amy's new releases, join her mailing list at: http://www.amyolle.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 7, 2016
Favorite Quotes:
“It's shocking, I know. A Winslow without money. It's like a Kardashian without a TV camera.”
“He'd seen the sunrise over Jerusalem, touched the walls of the Hagia Sophia, and smelled the air inside the Sistine Chapel, but none of it compared to Mina in that moment of trust and freedom. She broke his heart.”
“He'd had his lifetime full of being expendable to people, and just once, he wanted someone to want him to stay.”
“Her heart contracted. That he worried so made her feel cherished. Loved. The fear vanished like the stars at dawn.”
My Review:
This review could be complete with once sentence. Beautiful Ruin was beautifully written. I could stop right there but I have a great need and desire to expound and tell you more – this marvelous book wrecked me. In addition to the sweet and sensual love story – that was not supposed to happen - the plot is embedded with long-repressed secrets and the personal pain and traumas for both characters, and I desperately wanted to know what they were. It was peeling the onion as this crafty writer played it close to the vest. I was fascinated, frustrated, transfixed, exasperated, enthralled, and on edge. The storyline was intriguing, sensual, heart rendering, and highly addictive. The emotive writing stung my eyes, burned my throat, and tightened my chest. I had to stop reading to sob more than once. The ending was satisfying and all I hoped for. I adored this book and want to read everything this author ever writes, so no surprise - I have her second book already loaded.
“It's shocking, I know. A Winslow without money. It's like a Kardashian without a TV camera.”
“He'd seen the sunrise over Jerusalem, touched the walls of the Hagia Sophia, and smelled the air inside the Sistine Chapel, but none of it compared to Mina in that moment of trust and freedom. She broke his heart.”
“He'd had his lifetime full of being expendable to people, and just once, he wanted someone to want him to stay.”
“Her heart contracted. That he worried so made her feel cherished. Loved. The fear vanished like the stars at dawn.”
My Review:
This review could be complete with once sentence. Beautiful Ruin was beautifully written. I could stop right there but I have a great need and desire to expound and tell you more – this marvelous book wrecked me. In addition to the sweet and sensual love story – that was not supposed to happen - the plot is embedded with long-repressed secrets and the personal pain and traumas for both characters, and I desperately wanted to know what they were. It was peeling the onion as this crafty writer played it close to the vest. I was fascinated, frustrated, transfixed, exasperated, enthralled, and on edge. The storyline was intriguing, sensual, heart rendering, and highly addictive. The emotive writing stung my eyes, burned my throat, and tightened my chest. I had to stop reading to sob more than once. The ending was satisfying and all I hoped for. I adored this book and want to read everything this author ever writes, so no surprise - I have her second book already loaded.
December 14, 2015
If you want a book that has romance, intrigue this is for you !
This is the first time I have read a story from Amy Olle, and I can
tell you that I hope she continues on with stories about the Nolan Brothers.
This is the first time I have read a story from Amy Olle, and I can
tell you that I hope she continues on with stories about the Nolan Brothers.
July 25, 2017
Beautiful Ruin is one of those books you don't want to put down. I was up until 3am reading, and even then had trouble stopping. It's the best book I've read in a while.
I loved, LOVED, Noah and Mina. They had such amazing chemistry and both their backstories added so much to the story. I knew pretty early on that something was up with Mina, but I had no idea what until everything started to unravel in her world. And I like how the author didn't gloss over it and make it all better over night.
Noah was one of those book boyfriends you just can't help but fall in love with. He was exactly the man Mina needed and it didn't hurt that he had a sexy Irish accent either.
If you couldn't tell already, I highly recommend this book. It's emotional and sexy and I can't wait to read more of this series.
I loved, LOVED, Noah and Mina. They had such amazing chemistry and both their backstories added so much to the story. I knew pretty early on that something was up with Mina, but I had no idea what until everything started to unravel in her world. And I like how the author didn't gloss over it and make it all better over night.
Noah was one of those book boyfriends you just can't help but fall in love with. He was exactly the man Mina needed and it didn't hurt that he had a sexy Irish accent either.
If you couldn't tell already, I highly recommend this book. It's emotional and sexy and I can't wait to read more of this series.
March 28, 2016
Beautiful Ruin by Amy Olle will beautifully ruin readers for any other romance novel. Amy Olle has a power with words that pulls readers deep into her characters souls and into their realistic worlds. Life is beyond easy or simple. A rich girl who pushes her rich lifestyle away trying to make herself into a human being that others can admire will surely get readers attention especially when you add the bad boy gone good, to this mix...Hot, exciting, and one super addictive read. Readers won't know what hit them when they read this title. I was amazed at the plot...that lured me in fast and kept me in until the last page. I felt like I was in the book and witnessing ever thing. At the same time, I wasn't just witnessing it, I felt like I stepped into the main character's shoes. Talk about wow. Amy Olle is indeed talented and I can't wait to read more by her in the future.
Beautiful Ruin is a tale about how one stubborn woman raised into the high social luxury lifestyle goes out on her own and buys her grandma's old house to renovate it. However, her plans to turn it into something to profit from is delayed by an archeological find, where the well needs to be worked on...before the workers can continue to work, she has to have the site examined as is required by her. As always, life throws unexpected curve balls..little does our main character know that she and her former lover will unite under tight circumstances...such as her being fired because her former lover will get her former job...and he's the one assigned to her archeological dig site. Old sparks are soon flying everywhere and readers will feel the heat turn up page-by-page. I absolutely loved reading Beautiful Ruin by Amy Olle ,and I highly recommend her hot sexy novel to readers everywhere.
Beautiful Ruin is a tale about how one stubborn woman raised into the high social luxury lifestyle goes out on her own and buys her grandma's old house to renovate it. However, her plans to turn it into something to profit from is delayed by an archeological find, where the well needs to be worked on...before the workers can continue to work, she has to have the site examined as is required by her. As always, life throws unexpected curve balls..little does our main character know that she and her former lover will unite under tight circumstances...such as her being fired because her former lover will get her former job...and he's the one assigned to her archeological dig site. Old sparks are soon flying everywhere and readers will feel the heat turn up page-by-page. I absolutely loved reading Beautiful Ruin by Amy Olle ,and I highly recommend her hot sexy novel to readers everywhere.
May 3, 2016
I loved every moment of this series, starting with Beautiful Ruin, dealing with a second chance love between Mia and Noah where secrets and power are revealed and the true potential of what a relationship could really be when you put down those prejudices that come along with not really knowing what is going on with someone else, but just judge them from the outside. Sweet and sexy at the same time I fell in love with these brothers, and Amy's writing from the get-go. While the beginning of this book was a little difficult for me to get into the writing style, the moment (approx chapter 3 or 4) that I fell in like and then in love with not just these specific characters but the entire cast, the villains, the heros, the family. All of them.
July 16, 2017
An emotional read that tells the story of a second chance romance whose first time was never given a shot due to an undisclosed trauma. 15 years later the chance for that romance is here but will this hea last thru the revelations and hardships? This debut author does a pretty good job of putting together a story that is a standalone but has characters that carry over in the series giving you a chance to get to know the brothers and the women who love them better. The passion is hot and the characters are easily relatable. This author has much to share and I look forward to more.
October 15, 2016
It didn't disappoint, even if I reversed the order of the books and started with the other one. The only issue I had with both is that, while terribly and (at times) boringly realistic, the main characters left too much unsaid and unresolved. The details loomed too big and important, like the archaeological site that was left undeveloped. I mean, what about the fact that she could not have a well if the site was kept? Where did she get water in the end? What about the treasure / find and the considerable amount any museum would have paid to have it? We got to read dozens of pages of details and information about that, then it was swept aside. But the big ones were only hinted at. Like the fact that Drew's father died about the time she was raped? Or who Jeremy was? The father or brother? Or who killed him ? Did someone make him pay? What was the big shit that made him leave everything behind at 19? Who was Sam and why, when she feared males, did he know she his in the library and he was allowed inside? What made her so comfortable around him and no others? Why was Vivian's change left unexplained? THAT is unresolved and left to hang in there, UNLIKE the book 2... That's why it got 4 stars instead of 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2016
This is everything a romance should be. I love reunion stories and second-chance romances, so that's a plus. But Amy Olle has gone above and beyond with this book. I cared about the characters immediately and ached for them to overcome their past to get back together. Amy is a beautiful writer with patient prose that brings the house, the town, and the lake to life along with the characters. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
February 5, 2018
Amy Olle's newsletter piqued my interest when I opened my e-mail a couple of weeks ago. I haven't read a romance novel, and I never knew I wanted to read one since I stumbled to her offer of a free eBook, which is Beautiful Ruin. What made me want to read it was Amy Olle’s bio, saying “Amy Olle writes sexy contemporary romances...” so I gave it a try. :^) PLUS it was my fourth time reading an eBook since 2015! yay
Noah Nolan, the archaeologist a.k.a. “academic rock star” has been in love with Mina Winslow ever since he first met her during fall of their senior year. It may sound typical for a romance story with a guy who seems like a nobody (when in fact he isn’t; I just can’t find the right words to say HAHA) while the girl having all the riches in the world. But Mina, as the lady who was thought to have all the riches in the world, is actually having a hard time with her life, proving herself to her mother, and not paying any more attention to her chubby physique.
As the story started with Noah visiting the one-hundred-and-fifty-year-old Winslow mansion for a site visit and archaeological excavation, it developed into discovery not only about the mystery behind the mansion, but also about their past lives—as “lovers” and as individuals. I really love how Noah and Mina’s story developed throughout the book. It may be frustrating at first, not knowing what the real problem was between them. But as the story progressed, the truth about their past was revealed, showing a deeper meaning behind Mina’s hesitation and withdrawal towards Noah.
It was slow-paced and a fast-read. I’m in love with Noah’s patience for Mina to understand her and everything that happened between fifteen years of being apart. Love is truly worth the wait and energy.
Since it was my first time reading a “sexy contemporary romance,” I thought there’s going to be lots of those scenes. HAHA. So dumb of me. But I really enjoyed it and it still makes my heart happy days after reading it. I also like how the author paid attention to Mina’s recovery towards nearing the end of the story. I’m not giving it five stars as I found the transitions at some parts somehow confusing (not in a sense that it’s out of the storyline) that you have to think about that transition for a moment to understand its relevance to the uncovering of the past. The transitions go from Mina’s story to Noah’s, so you’ll get the feel of each character until the end.
I can’t wait to read the next Nolan brothers series; I can’t believe I got hooked to this. <3 It’s lovely, and I’m looking forward for this series and for more of Amy Olle’s books in the future.
And also, Amy Olle is such a warm and nice person. ♥
Noah Nolan, the archaeologist a.k.a. “academic rock star” has been in love with Mina Winslow ever since he first met her during fall of their senior year. It may sound typical for a romance story with a guy who seems like a nobody (when in fact he isn’t; I just can’t find the right words to say HAHA) while the girl having all the riches in the world. But Mina, as the lady who was thought to have all the riches in the world, is actually having a hard time with her life, proving herself to her mother, and not paying any more attention to her chubby physique.
As the story started with Noah visiting the one-hundred-and-fifty-year-old Winslow mansion for a site visit and archaeological excavation, it developed into discovery not only about the mystery behind the mansion, but also about their past lives—as “lovers” and as individuals. I really love how Noah and Mina’s story developed throughout the book. It may be frustrating at first, not knowing what the real problem was between them. But as the story progressed, the truth about their past was revealed, showing a deeper meaning behind Mina’s hesitation and withdrawal towards Noah.
It was slow-paced and a fast-read. I’m in love with Noah’s patience for Mina to understand her and everything that happened between fifteen years of being apart. Love is truly worth the wait and energy.
Since it was my first time reading a “sexy contemporary romance,” I thought there’s going to be lots of those scenes. HAHA. So dumb of me. But I really enjoyed it and it still makes my heart happy days after reading it. I also like how the author paid attention to Mina’s recovery towards nearing the end of the story. I’m not giving it five stars as I found the transitions at some parts somehow confusing (not in a sense that it’s out of the storyline) that you have to think about that transition for a moment to understand its relevance to the uncovering of the past. The transitions go from Mina’s story to Noah’s, so you’ll get the feel of each character until the end.
I can’t wait to read the next Nolan brothers series; I can’t believe I got hooked to this. <3 It’s lovely, and I’m looking forward for this series and for more of Amy Olle’s books in the future.
And also, Amy Olle is such a warm and nice person. ♥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2020
Wow, two broken people couldn't be more perfect for each other! Amy Olle gives us an interesting and beautifully flawed cast of characters, setting us up for what I'm anticipating to be an amazing series featuring the Nolan brothers. I loved Mina's struggles with her past and how they created a vulnerability that Noah wanted to soothe. Noah had his grudges to deal with too, and the love he shares with Mina helps him conquer them. The writing is beautiful and intense, keeping me turning the pages well into the night. The final 1/3 I read in one sitting. I am excited to read more of this sexy series!
December 18, 2017
One of the best reads of the year!
Review coming soon...
Review coming soon...
Read
March 19, 2017Just can't get into this one...shelving it for now and maybe I will come back to it
April 20, 2016
Review auf to catch a falling book
Das Haus ihrer Großmutter, in dem sie als Teenager einige Jahre verbracht hatte, ist vollkommen desolat, doch Mina hat einen Traum. Sie will es restaurieren und ein B&B daraus machen, doch das kostet eine Menge Zeit und vor allem Geld. Geld, das sie, obwohl sie eine Winslow ist, nicht hat. Dann werden bei Grabungsarbeiten an einem Brunnen auch noch einige Relikte gefunden und die Arbeit verzögert sich erneut. Als wäre das nicht genug, verliert Mina auch noch ihren Job und muss sich ihrem Ex-Verlobten, dem Bürgermeister der Stadt, stellen.
Als Dr. Noah Nolan nach 15 Jahren zurück nach Thief Island kehrt, ist er hin- und hergerissen. Einerseits hasst er die Insel, andererseits will er seine vier Brüder wiedersehen. Dass er dann auch noch auf Mina trifft, hätte er nicht erwartet. Sie hat ihm damals mit ihrer Zurückweisung das Herz gebrochen, jezt müssen die beiden allerdings zusammenarbeiten, denn als erfolgreicher Archäologe ist er mit den Ausgrabungen auf ihrem Grundstück betraut. Doch mit den alten Gefühlen zwischen ihnen kehren auch längst vergessene, schlimme Erinnerungen zurück.
Mina Winslow ist eine ruhige, zurückhaltende Persönlichkeit. Ihr Wunsch, das Haus wieder in seinem alten Glanz erstrahlen zu können, treibt sie nicht nur finanziell, sondern auch körperlich fast in den Ruin. Doch viel schlimmer steht es um ihr Innenleben, wie man im Lauf der Geschichte herausfindet. Ein schlimmes Ereignis vor 15 Jahren hat sie traumatisiert zurückgelassen. Sie fühlt sich innerlich ausgehöhlt, leer und einsam. Noah und seine Rückkehr bringen Gefühle in ihr hoch, die sie längst für abgestorben gehalten hatte. Minas tiefer Schmerz hat mir selbst richtig wehgetan und ich war froh, dass sie sich letztlich Hilfe geholt hat und schließlich versucht, den Schmerz zuzulassen und nicht sich selbst, die Schuld, an dem was passiert ist, zu geben.
Noah kann ich schlecht einordnen. Vor 15 Jahren wurde er seiner Meinung nach von Mina abgewiesen und von seinem älteren Bruder Shea weggeschickt. Er ging nach Irland, der Heimat seiner Eltern, wo ein erfolgreicher Archäologe wurde. Jetzt, nachdem sein alkoholkranker und gewalttätiger Vater gestorben ist, kehrt er für eine Weile zurück, um sich mit seinen vier Brüdern auszusöhnen und die Freude an seiner Arbeit wiederzufinden. Will er sich anfangs von Mina fernhalten, so zieht ihn ihre verletzte und gleichzeitig vertraute Art in ihren Bann. Leider blieb sein Charakter für mich immer etwas unnahbar und fremd. Er kümmert sich um Mina und versucht, ihr zu helfen, ist sympathisch, aber ich kann nicht genau beschreiben, was mir gefehlt hat.
Von der Inhaltsangabe her hätte ich mir etwas anderes erwartet, doch das, was ich stattdessen bekommen habe, hat mir dennoch gefallen, auch wenn die Geschichte dadurch emotionaler und schwerer geworden ist. Meiner Meinung nach merkt man, dass Amy Olle Psychologin ist/war, denn Minas Ängste und Probleme waren detailreich, emotional, aber nie übertrieben oder unglaubhaft dargestellt.
„Beautiful Ruin“ ist eine gut geschriebene Geschichte voller Emotionen und letztlich auch Hoffnung und Neubeginn. Ich bin gespannt, wie es mit den Brüdern weitergehen und hoffe, dass das nächste Buch Lukes und Emilys Geschichte sein wird.
Das Haus ihrer Großmutter, in dem sie als Teenager einige Jahre verbracht hatte, ist vollkommen desolat, doch Mina hat einen Traum. Sie will es restaurieren und ein B&B daraus machen, doch das kostet eine Menge Zeit und vor allem Geld. Geld, das sie, obwohl sie eine Winslow ist, nicht hat. Dann werden bei Grabungsarbeiten an einem Brunnen auch noch einige Relikte gefunden und die Arbeit verzögert sich erneut. Als wäre das nicht genug, verliert Mina auch noch ihren Job und muss sich ihrem Ex-Verlobten, dem Bürgermeister der Stadt, stellen.
Als Dr. Noah Nolan nach 15 Jahren zurück nach Thief Island kehrt, ist er hin- und hergerissen. Einerseits hasst er die Insel, andererseits will er seine vier Brüder wiedersehen. Dass er dann auch noch auf Mina trifft, hätte er nicht erwartet. Sie hat ihm damals mit ihrer Zurückweisung das Herz gebrochen, jezt müssen die beiden allerdings zusammenarbeiten, denn als erfolgreicher Archäologe ist er mit den Ausgrabungen auf ihrem Grundstück betraut. Doch mit den alten Gefühlen zwischen ihnen kehren auch längst vergessene, schlimme Erinnerungen zurück.
Mina Winslow ist eine ruhige, zurückhaltende Persönlichkeit. Ihr Wunsch, das Haus wieder in seinem alten Glanz erstrahlen zu können, treibt sie nicht nur finanziell, sondern auch körperlich fast in den Ruin. Doch viel schlimmer steht es um ihr Innenleben, wie man im Lauf der Geschichte herausfindet. Ein schlimmes Ereignis vor 15 Jahren hat sie traumatisiert zurückgelassen. Sie fühlt sich innerlich ausgehöhlt, leer und einsam. Noah und seine Rückkehr bringen Gefühle in ihr hoch, die sie längst für abgestorben gehalten hatte. Minas tiefer Schmerz hat mir selbst richtig wehgetan und ich war froh, dass sie sich letztlich Hilfe geholt hat und schließlich versucht, den Schmerz zuzulassen und nicht sich selbst, die Schuld, an dem was passiert ist, zu geben.
Noah kann ich schlecht einordnen. Vor 15 Jahren wurde er seiner Meinung nach von Mina abgewiesen und von seinem älteren Bruder Shea weggeschickt. Er ging nach Irland, der Heimat seiner Eltern, wo ein erfolgreicher Archäologe wurde. Jetzt, nachdem sein alkoholkranker und gewalttätiger Vater gestorben ist, kehrt er für eine Weile zurück, um sich mit seinen vier Brüdern auszusöhnen und die Freude an seiner Arbeit wiederzufinden. Will er sich anfangs von Mina fernhalten, so zieht ihn ihre verletzte und gleichzeitig vertraute Art in ihren Bann. Leider blieb sein Charakter für mich immer etwas unnahbar und fremd. Er kümmert sich um Mina und versucht, ihr zu helfen, ist sympathisch, aber ich kann nicht genau beschreiben, was mir gefehlt hat.
Von der Inhaltsangabe her hätte ich mir etwas anderes erwartet, doch das, was ich stattdessen bekommen habe, hat mir dennoch gefallen, auch wenn die Geschichte dadurch emotionaler und schwerer geworden ist. Meiner Meinung nach merkt man, dass Amy Olle Psychologin ist/war, denn Minas Ängste und Probleme waren detailreich, emotional, aber nie übertrieben oder unglaubhaft dargestellt.
„Beautiful Ruin“ ist eine gut geschriebene Geschichte voller Emotionen und letztlich auch Hoffnung und Neubeginn. Ich bin gespannt, wie es mit den Brüdern weitergehen und hoffe, dass das nächste Buch Lukes und Emilys Geschichte sein wird.
May 6, 2016
This was an understated start to this series, with a second chance romance and in other parts of their lives.
For Mina it is a chance to reclaim her ancestral home and she discovers more than she bargained for when bringing it back to its former glory. Holding a special place in her heart with lots of good memories, she is determined nothing will stop her in her quest. When a possible historic site is uncovered, renowned archaeologist Noah returns to the island to the family and the love that he had to leave behind. This homecoming is a chance to do what he is good at and to work towards a second chance with his brothers...and Mina. Both Noah and Mina have demons in their past that they to confront as the past and the present collide.
Close communities make for interesting reads as the characters are larger than life and it is a collective job pulling you into their community. These characters succeeded in doing just that. Mina and Noah so obviously belong together as this evolves into a beautiful story of finding yourself and seizing the moment.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
For Mina it is a chance to reclaim her ancestral home and she discovers more than she bargained for when bringing it back to its former glory. Holding a special place in her heart with lots of good memories, she is determined nothing will stop her in her quest. When a possible historic site is uncovered, renowned archaeologist Noah returns to the island to the family and the love that he had to leave behind. This homecoming is a chance to do what he is good at and to work towards a second chance with his brothers...and Mina. Both Noah and Mina have demons in their past that they to confront as the past and the present collide.
Close communities make for interesting reads as the characters are larger than life and it is a collective job pulling you into their community. These characters succeeded in doing just that. Mina and Noah so obviously belong together as this evolves into a beautiful story of finding yourself and seizing the moment.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
May 6, 2016
I stumbled across this author in search of a good read to fill in time before the next release day of my "favorite author". Amazing!!! I was struck by the quality of Ms Olle's writing and character development. Maybe it was saying something about books i'd read previously, but there was a sweetness, a beauty in sharing the past of a haunting heroine as she battles to save an old estate that once belonged to her ancestors. Struggling with bad experiences from her teen years, Mina is determined to leave the painful events behind and find herself - redirect her life for the better.
I found the book, read the book and found a new author to follow - pages and pages of beautifully shared scenery and character building, anxious healing and coming to terms with their past lives - I cannot recommend this book more.....Looking forward to following Amy Olle's future pennings - she has been added to my short list of authors to follow. Truly take this journey with her - with Mina and Noah.
I found the book, read the book and found a new author to follow - pages and pages of beautifully shared scenery and character building, anxious healing and coming to terms with their past lives - I cannot recommend this book more.....Looking forward to following Amy Olle's future pennings - she has been added to my short list of authors to follow. Truly take this journey with her - with Mina and Noah.
May 2, 2016
This was an emotional rollercoaster of a book. There were secrets to be found out and from the start we were guessing. I thought I had the secret in the bag and had it all wrapped up very nicely in my head, but no that is not what Amy Olle did, she twisted it away from what I thought to something totally different and I loved it.
This right here is what I love about a book, that the authors takes you on an adventure where you haven’t got a clue what is going to happen. Bloody love it!
Thank you Amy Olle for bringing this book to us, just in case you didn’t realise I absolutely loved it! I would give it ten stars if I could, but seeing as five is the maximum then I give this book five very well deserved pink stars.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review and I would not hesitate in recommending this book to my friends and I can’t wait for the next one.
I give this book 5 pink stars
This right here is what I love about a book, that the authors takes you on an adventure where you haven’t got a clue what is going to happen. Bloody love it!
Thank you Amy Olle for bringing this book to us, just in case you didn’t realise I absolutely loved it! I would give it ten stars if I could, but seeing as five is the maximum then I give this book five very well deserved pink stars.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review and I would not hesitate in recommending this book to my friends and I can’t wait for the next one.
I give this book 5 pink stars
October 12, 2016
I liked this book so much, it is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story with some steamy moments.
Amy Olle's writing lured me into this story,it is so realistic and honest, it looked like I met some new friends and discovered some new beautiful places page after page.
Mina and Noah need some happiness in their troubled lives. After some years they found each other again and their chemistry is still the same,but this time they also open their hearts, telling all the truth about their dark pasts and letting Love in, and hopefully their story will end differently.
I can't wait to read more about the Nolan clan.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
January 7, 2017
Emotional, fast-paced and sensual with a dark twist. Sometimes I thought I was watching a movie because the characters really came alive.
November 17, 2018
Beautiful Ruin
Author, Amy Olle, brings us a story of intrigue, tragedy, and soul healing love in Beautiful Ruin. The sweet and shy Mina has a secret past and despite her best efforts there's only one man she can't seem to forget - Noah Nolan. Noah has his own dark past, but can't let Mina slip through his fingers this time. After historical artifacts are discovered on her property, Mina finds archaeologist, Noah, thrust into her world once again.
The author draws you in with an intriguing storyline and well developed characters. Some transition areas were a bit disjointed and choppy making portions of the story difficult to follow. In addition some facets of the story didn't receive enough attention and left holes. Mina's story and past is for the most part thoroughly explained, however we're left wanting with Noah. His last altercation with his father and subsequent departure from Thief Island was only briefly touched on and a true reconciliation with his brothers isn't well described. His story left me confused. Considering the series focuses on the Nolans, I expected more here. I did appreciate the author's sensitive approach in describing a character becoming the victim of sexual assault. I have read the opposite in other books and truly appreciated the subject matter addressed in a respectful manner. Well done.
Overall, Beautiful Ruin is an enjoyable and lovely read.
Author, Amy Olle, brings us a story of intrigue, tragedy, and soul healing love in Beautiful Ruin. The sweet and shy Mina has a secret past and despite her best efforts there's only one man she can't seem to forget - Noah Nolan. Noah has his own dark past, but can't let Mina slip through his fingers this time. After historical artifacts are discovered on her property, Mina finds archaeologist, Noah, thrust into her world once again.
The author draws you in with an intriguing storyline and well developed characters. Some transition areas were a bit disjointed and choppy making portions of the story difficult to follow. In addition some facets of the story didn't receive enough attention and left holes. Mina's story and past is for the most part thoroughly explained, however we're left wanting with Noah. His last altercation with his father and subsequent departure from Thief Island was only briefly touched on and a true reconciliation with his brothers isn't well described. His story left me confused. Considering the series focuses on the Nolans, I expected more here. I did appreciate the author's sensitive approach in describing a character becoming the victim of sexual assault. I have read the opposite in other books and truly appreciated the subject matter addressed in a respectful manner. Well done.
Overall, Beautiful Ruin is an enjoyable and lovely read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2020
Not only is this a new author me, this is the start of a new series. This is book one in the Nolan Brother series. This is Nolan and Mina's amazing story. When Mina's family home comes up for sale, her dream is to purchase it and turn it into a bed and breakfast. However, fate has a few tricks up its sleeve that makes this project an eye opening experience for Mina in many ways. Noah returns home to his childhood small town for a job. He soon finds out that this job puts him back into the past for a few reasons. You see, Noah and Mina have a joint past that ended badly. Both of them still long for the other after all these years, is this their second chance? Can they figure out the past and move forward to a future? I loved the story, I found it flowed so smoothly and contains various twists to keep you captivated to continue to the next page. The characters are well layered and contain their own uniqueness that makes it interesting to learn more about them. I cannot wait to continue the series. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2017
Mina Winslow has taken on the nearly impossible task of renovating the huge old crumbling house that was built by her ancestors. She has dreams of making it into a bed and breakfast. When it becomes necessary to dig a new well, interesting artifacts surface.
Enter Noah Nolan, a world renowned archaeologist. He is doing his best to complete the archaeological dig in a timely manner so that Mina can continue with her plans. Noah and Mina are not strangers. They attended the same high school and dated at one time. They parted on difficult terms.
Both Mina and Noah have families that could only be called dysfunctional. The family dynamics added interest to the story. Mina and Noah are both wounded souls with a lot of issues to overcome.
This book kept me reading far into the night. I couldn’t put it down. This is the first book in the Nolan Brothers series. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading the next three books in the series.
This was my first book by this author but it definitely won’t be my last.
Enter Noah Nolan, a world renowned archaeologist. He is doing his best to complete the archaeological dig in a timely manner so that Mina can continue with her plans. Noah and Mina are not strangers. They attended the same high school and dated at one time. They parted on difficult terms.
Both Mina and Noah have families that could only be called dysfunctional. The family dynamics added interest to the story. Mina and Noah are both wounded souls with a lot of issues to overcome.
This book kept me reading far into the night. I couldn’t put it down. This is the first book in the Nolan Brothers series. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading the next three books in the series.
This was my first book by this author but it definitely won’t be my last.
October 24, 2025
The story could have been better. I was super excited for this one but I think the fact that it wasn’t in first person pov, is really what ruined it.
The characters were very wishy washy, felt one way one minute and another way another minute, and this was throughout the story. If it had been in first person, we could have gotten a better look at their feelings and what was going on inside their head. Mina was very child like, even though she wasn’t a child, that was a little odd to me. I know both the characters had suffered past traumas which affected them both emotionally, I would have liked to have read about their feelings, again first person would have been helpful here.
There was enough mystery in the story, that I wanted to know what happened, but I almost stopped reading multiple times. There were a few times when the spicy scenes faded out, that always leaves me sad. And there were a few cheesy scenes, which is hard to do in books, but it just wasn’t working for me. I don’t plan on reading any more of this series or books by this author.
The characters were very wishy washy, felt one way one minute and another way another minute, and this was throughout the story. If it had been in first person, we could have gotten a better look at their feelings and what was going on inside their head. Mina was very child like, even though she wasn’t a child, that was a little odd to me. I know both the characters had suffered past traumas which affected them both emotionally, I would have liked to have read about their feelings, again first person would have been helpful here.
There was enough mystery in the story, that I wanted to know what happened, but I almost stopped reading multiple times. There were a few times when the spicy scenes faded out, that always leaves me sad. And there were a few cheesy scenes, which is hard to do in books, but it just wasn’t working for me. I don’t plan on reading any more of this series or books by this author.
January 29, 2017
Mina buys her ancestral home on Thief Island hoping to renovate it and open a bed and breakfast. During the renovation, however, some artifacts are found, and an archaeologist is called in. Nolan is a renowned Irish archaeologist...and also Mina's high school crush! They had one intense night together in high school, but lost contact until he walks into her door about the excavation. They are startled to see each other, but the old attraction is still there.
I liked the characters and the story in this book. Mina and Nolan are both broken, in their own way, and they are trying to heal together. I also liked Nolan's brothers. Even though Nolan hasn't seen them for years, they still embrace him as one of their own. Maybe Luke and Emily are next? I would give this book four stars.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the characters and the story in this book. Mina and Nolan are both broken, in their own way, and they are trying to heal together. I also liked Nolan's brothers. Even though Nolan hasn't seen them for years, they still embrace him as one of their own. Maybe Luke and Emily are next? I would give this book four stars.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
Beautiful Ruin is a sad love story with many unresolved issues between Mina and Noah. Both had terrible pain that had not been dealt with and as they meet up again after 15 years, the pot begins to bubble and the issues surface. Mina has so much that is working against her, and the disappointments just keep mounting. Noah's own self-worth is in much need of repair as well. However, the attraction between Noah and Mina is still so strong that it overrides the inner devils beleaguering them. I was left feeling sad when I finished the novel, however it is well written with depth of feeling and hope for the future.
Beautiful Ruin is a sad love story with many unresolved issues between Mina and Noah. Both had terrible pain that had not been dealt with and as they meet up again after 15 years, the pot begins to bubble and the issues surface. Mina has so much that is working against her, and the disappointments just keep mounting. Noah's own self-worth is in much need of repair as well. However, the attraction between Noah and Mina is still so strong that it overrides the inner devils beleaguering them. I was left feeling sad when I finished the novel, however it is well written with depth of feeling and hope for the future.
July 6, 2023
I would’ve likely finished the book in one sitting if I didn’t need to sleep. The tension between Noah and Mina, the suspense of what might be found buried on the property of her family’s ancestral home, the unraveling of their individual pasts and the impact on the present… all of this propelled me to keep reading.
The love scenes are steamy for sure but still extremely romantic— even the frantic and urgent ones, where passion takes over.
I loved the inclusion of a smattering of Gaelic. I didn’t translate it, but it added a dash of flavor.
The familial relationships are just as complex and well-crafted as the romantic ones.
I look forward to reading more of this series, even if Noah Nolan might be a tough act to follow.
The love scenes are steamy for sure but still extremely romantic— even the frantic and urgent ones, where passion takes over.
I loved the inclusion of a smattering of Gaelic. I didn’t translate it, but it added a dash of flavor.
The familial relationships are just as complex and well-crafted as the romantic ones.
I look forward to reading more of this series, even if Noah Nolan might be a tough act to follow.
September 5, 2017
I liked the total story but I was very confused in the beginning. I was expecting a very 'naughty' book. Don't get me wrong, it had its naughty moments. but it was more of a love story. Past lovers reunited and all of that, but the author tried to make it raunchy. This was not a raunchy story. Two people with a crush on each other but too much baggage. When Ms. Olle decided it was about love, half way through, then we had a story.
Notes for next time, it is what it is. If you want a love story, write a love story. If you was a raunchy, naughty story, then do that. Don't try to combine the two. You deceive your audience.
Notes for next time, it is what it is. If you want a love story, write a love story. If you was a raunchy, naughty story, then do that. Don't try to combine the two. You deceive your audience.
December 4, 2017
This book kept me reading, even when it was sometimes confusing. The story is beautifully written and both Mina and Noah have demons from the past to overcome.
It took a while for the whole story to be reveiled and It was a bit weird how un-communicative all these people were! You haven't seen your brother in 15 years and you don't know anything about his life or career? They felt so detached from each other, but as the story progresses more came to light.
I did feel the heroine had to work through her issues by herself. Noah and Mina had lots of sex but I was missing a loving connection sometimes. They both struggled apart from each other, not together!
It took a while for the whole story to be reveiled and It was a bit weird how un-communicative all these people were! You haven't seen your brother in 15 years and you don't know anything about his life or career? They felt so detached from each other, but as the story progresses more came to light.
I did feel the heroine had to work through her issues by herself. Noah and Mina had lots of sex but I was missing a loving connection sometimes. They both struggled apart from each other, not together!
March 30, 2018
This was the first book I have read by Amy Olle and I plan to read more. From the first chapter, she sucked me in. I liked the stories of both characters and the chemistry she created with them. Olle gave just enough background story to suck the reader in. The writing was powerful and made you really care about the characters.
You have two characters who went to high school together, who didn't run in the same crowds but ended up together over a Halloween party one night. Fast forward to 15 years later and they are thrust together again. Hard feelings and trust issues ensue.
The writing was fluid, the dialogue made me smile, and the sex scenes were on point :)
You have two characters who went to high school together, who didn't run in the same crowds but ended up together over a Halloween party one night. Fast forward to 15 years later and they are thrust together again. Hard feelings and trust issues ensue.
The writing was fluid, the dialogue made me smile, and the sex scenes were on point :)
February 11, 2020
Beautiful Ruin is the first book in "A Nolan Brothers Novel" series and is a fantastic start to this new series.
This is the first book I have read by this author and it certainly will not be the last. This story is well written, heartbreaking but heartwarming, emotional, and has secrets, a money pit of an ancestral home, family issues, and a second chance for romance. The characters are well developed, loving, and realistic.
I hope to read all of the Nolan Brothers novels.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
This is the first book I have read by this author and it certainly will not be the last. This story is well written, heartbreaking but heartwarming, emotional, and has secrets, a money pit of an ancestral home, family issues, and a second chance for romance. The characters are well developed, loving, and realistic.
I hope to read all of the Nolan Brothers novels.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
July 3, 2020
Deep/dark background story for a lovely end
This is a deep/dark story with full background for a lovely HEA. The speed on the story changes and is a little bit confusing. They reunite and get together fast but all the darkness and background stories keeps tearing them apart and it takes them long to put the pieces back together; it was mature and reflected their darkness and suffering but as a reader I was a little impatient.
I guess in the rest of the series we can get some more on the story of what happened afterwards.
This is a deep/dark story with full background for a lovely HEA. The speed on the story changes and is a little bit confusing. They reunite and get together fast but all the darkness and background stories keeps tearing them apart and it takes them long to put the pieces back together; it was mature and reflected their darkness and suffering but as a reader I was a little impatient.
I guess in the rest of the series we can get some more on the story of what happened afterwards.
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