One evening she is attacked outside of the theater after a performance and is left without the use of her hand.
Fast forward two years. After grueling physical therapy and living and breathing the cello, Avary is determined to become the musician she once was. Her music coach encourages her to start playing in the public again, but the mind doesn't heal as fast as the body. Each time Avary closes her eyes she is filled with memories of the attack.
Living with her sister, out of money and in a career rut, Avary accepts an offer to play at a dinner party at the illustrious Knight Estate. Baby steps back into the musical world didn't include a luxurious weekend at a vineyard, but does she have a choice?
Reserved, intimidating, rich Victor Knight reluctantly invites unworldly, mousy Avary to his estate--but he's in for a shock. Nothing about her is mousy. The last thing he needs is to get involved with a sweet, free-spirited cellist, but why can't he resist? She cramps his bachelor lifestyle, and he's never been happier. But he can't lose someone again...
Can they leave the baggage at the door and learn to trust? Or will their past poison their future?
Rhonda Lee Carver is a bestselling author of contemporary western and romantic suspense, but she loves to write other genres too. She's known for writing stories that keep readers laughing, crying, gripping the edge of their seats, and screaming all in one book...like riding a virtual roller coaster. Whether she's creating sexy cowboys or tough guys, or sassy, independent heroines, readers are sure to find strong, powerful, memorable characters that are relatable.
By day, she taps into her creative, fictional world but at some point she transitions back into reality where she's a volleyball-stands cheerleader, homework virtuoso (at least she thinks so), amateur nurse to skinned knees, mediocre chef with some awesome microwave skills, pet-guru (all the strays show up at her house), and a Jackie of all trades for her kids who are the loves of her life. Yoga and chocolate keep her sane. Hallmark movies require cuddling up with tissues because she can be emotional. She adds a sprinkle of her own real-life adventures in each story she spins because a little truth never hurt anyone. She wouldn't give up one thing in her crazy, chaotic, ever-amusing life, except, she might do magic tricks for the bungalow on the beach she's had her eye on (GOALS).
Writing for Rhonda is like falling in love and finding a new best friend over and over again. Her characters will find a place inside your heart too.
One evening she is attacked outside of the theater after a performance and is left without the use of her hand.
Fast forward two years. After grueling physical therapy and living and breathing the cello, Avary is determined to become the musician she once was. Her music coach encourages her to start playing in the public again, but the mind doesn't heal as fast as the body. Each time Avary closes her eyes she is filled with memories of the attack.
Living with her sister, out of money and in a career rut, Avary accepts an offer to play at a dinner party at the illustrious Knight Estate. Baby steps back into the musical world didn't include a luxurious weekend at a vineyard, but does she have a choice?
Reserved, intimidating, rich Victor Knight reluctantly invites unworldly, mousy Avary to his estate--but he's in for a shock. Nothing about her is mousy. The last thing he needs is to get involved with a sweet, free-spirited cellist, but why can't he resist? She cramps his bachelor lifestyle, and he's never been happier. But he can't lose someone again...
Can they leave the baggage at the door and learn to trust? Or will their past poison their future?
A new series starring the Knight brothers. Victor has inherited the vineyard and lives the life of a rich bachelor. No ones seems to realize he contributes a lot of money to worthwhile causes. Avary is an accomplished cellist suffering from a wounded hand after a mugging. Victor's sister is dying and requests Avary to play at her farewell party. It's a big first step for Avary after being in seclusion at her sister's home. She'll have to stay at Victor's estate for the weekend. She brings out the best in Victor but he's not the commitment kind. This story unfolds as they both change and they gravitate towards each other, but can the alpha male really commit to the shy maiden?
I've read all of Rhonda's "cowboy" books so I decided to venture into the knights series not exactly sure what to expect. I WASNT DISAPPOINTED! The close relationship between a brother and sister during her medical illness was heartbreaking yet heartwarming at the same time. When Avary, a talented cellist, is invited to play at the winery of playboy millionaire Victor she doesn't realize it's to make his sister, who is a huge fan of Avarys,) happy if even for a short time. Maybe they can all find a bit of happiness in the small amount of time at the vineyard.
I really loved the way Ms Carver filled this story with scenes of being a true survivor living life again against personal demons & scenes of another who is loving life to the end. She handles two very real life foes for women-cancer & assault realistically and poignantly in this novel. Avary & Victor's story is a MUST read for 2017! Have tissues at hand! Superbly written! Loved it and can't wait for the rest of the Knight Brothers stories.
Decent story. Maybe a little too slow at the beginning since it had a lot of backstory. Not a fan of how often Victor said 'love, sweetheart' etc. Completely hated the ending. It felt a bit rushed and would've been better had the author expanded for a more 'full' feeling. Bedroom scenes were so-so. There were a total of two, which I'd expect a tad more given the story line.
Too basic...probably because of its short length. Sadly, my favorite characters were Angelina and Max. I don't think there was much time for character development. I will say that I liked the ending though. Also...do people really talk like that during sex? Asking for a friend.
I thought these was a wonderful story about two people finding each other and how they dealt with the things in their life. I enjoyed reading about the characters and I thought it was well written.
I enjoyed the characters in this journey. The emotions flowed and yes there raw emotion with one of the characters that broke my heart. Rhonda brings you a enjoyable read. The end i wish was more but I cant wait to read the next book
A sister who died from cancer yet never really left without insuring her brothers might just find their happy ever after with a little unknown help from her. You will not be disappointed in investing in this series enjoy the read and ride in each of these stories
Great read and start to the Knight Brothers series! This is Victor and Avary's story and it will capture your attention from the get go! Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
This book took a lot out of me emotionally. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster ride. I felt as though I could relate to Avary in almost every way. Avary, an accomplished musician, uses her music to hide behind. She's not really confident in herself and until music is almost taken away from her, she's never forced to "see" herself outside being a musician. Life happens and she's suddenly thrown into a life without her music and she doesn't know what to do with herself.
In comes Victor Knight. He's a successful businessman, a millionaire. He's confident, knows what he wants, and is decisive--except when it comes to his sister. Victor's sister has been diagnosed with the breast cancer, the same cancer that took their mother from them years ago. Although Victor has brothers, he's been sworn to secrecy by his sister about her diagnosis. It was during one of her treatments that they ended up at the same hospital Avary was brought to after her attack. Through a lot of hounding, Victor's sister convinces him to visit Avary in the hospital. He'd do anything to please his sister, so he buys flowers and a panda figurine for Avary. He goes to her room where he finds her broken and crying. He hands the items to the RN, then bolts!
Years later, Avary is asked to come play for a party Victor's throwing. She doesn't know it's at his sister's request, but needing the money she accepts. It's during her weekend stay with Victor that she learns to both love and hate him. She doesn't think she'd ever be the kind of woman he's used to, but she can dream....
So as not to spoil it.....I'll say that I cried like a baby. I generally don't like to read novels where I cry because I like to be entertained, but cancer SUCKS! I cried for all that was lost, all that could never be, BUT all that was. This is a stand alone, HEA with no cliffhangers!!! It was well written, but too rushed at the end. I wanted more of why Avary left the mansion, her feelings. I wanted more of her "learning" who she was, in spite of her music. Finally, I wanted more of the ending. With that said, it was a very good novel!
Rhonda Lee Carver is a phenomenal writer and this book will not only tug at your heart strings but will steal a part of your soul.
Victor and Avary are both tortured souls, Victor is this way because of his mothers death and his sister's long battle with her life altering illness and Avary well she is the way she is because of the vicious horrendous attack that has not only left her with a damaged hand nut it has made her a shell of who she use too be.
Avary has become withdrawn and introverted since the attack, she is not playing her cello as she use too kills her as it was her outlet her way too make the world better.
Victor loves his sister with all his being, especially after their mother died she became his surrogate mum as well as his brothers. So her illness hits him hard as he is the only brother that knows and see's on a daily basis what she is going through.
His sister is a huge fan of Avary's and has planned carefully how too bring these two troubled soul's together once and for all, in doing this she turns their whole world upside down for them as well as opening up there possibilities for love.
When Avary performs her cello for everyone at Victor's estate, it changes her and who she was and is about too become it has opened her heart and thus begins the healing process for her.
This book is brilliant it is so well written that you fall deep in to the book immediately it is like you are a part of the book you have all these feelings of excitement and anticipation of what's too come. One thing I adored was the super sexy rapport between Victor and Avary it was right on point as well as being super funny, and heart warming as well as be smoking hot. And the intimate scenes are out of this world.
I just have too mention how much this book took a part of my heart, not many books get me so invested that they make me cry my eyes out sigh and swoon all at the same time.
I cannot wait for the next book in this exciting new series.
This is the first book in a new series by author Rhonda Lee Carver, following the Knight brothers. And what a marvelous start it is! An excellent read that I didn't want to put down! I love the new characters and Ms. Carver writes their emotional ups and downs so well. Avary is a concert cellist and suffers a debilitation injury after being attacked by a mugger outside of a theater. She has been hiding out from the world with her sister while healing and going through physical therapy. But she is still suffering mentally from the attack. Victor is rich and successful looking to the world, but he has secrets too. He is nursing his sister who has the same type of cancer that claimed their mother. Victor actually saw Avary the night of the attack in the hospital when she was scared and crying and alone. Avary has haunted his dreams. Now, he invites her to play her cello at a dinner party for his sister. Can they overcome their issues and find comfort and maybe more in each other? I smiled, laughed and got a little teary eyed reading this book. There is some hot sex in there as well, always a plus in my opinion! As I stated earlier, this is the first in a new series for Ms. Carver. The Knight family was decimated emotionally when their mother died of cancer when they were all young, and their father was unable to cope so he disappeared further into his work. The sister in this book is the only daughter and she stepped up and mothered the boys, so her illness is so hard on the family. The series will be following the boys and hopefully they will find their HEA’s!
This new series starts out really strong. Hitting upon two issues very high on the list for women from the first page. Cancer and assault. Both require strength and courage to deal with during treatment and after. A gift of a glass Panda becomes a key.
Invited to play at a dinner party, Avary Pine has accepted in an attempt to re-launch her performing career. If she can do this she can once again play in public.
Victor Knight is not a public man, not anymore. He does the minimum to get by and prefers to stay behind the scenes, caring for his sister. He has a friend with benefits to see to his other needs and otherwise concentrates on his business.
When he greets Avery that first evening, the day before her performance he finds she is nothing like he expected. There are plenty of innuendos in this book but this one is an accident and a favorite.
'She slid her hands down her thighs. "Okay. I'm here for you, so I can play as often as you wish." What? My words totally came off as sexual.
He blinked and his jaw turned solid again. "Let's get one thing straight, you're not here for me," he said point blank and fumbled with a pen, sticking it back into a metal holder.'
In spite of a near run-in with a friend with benefits this romance blossoms. Lots of the smoldering hot sex Rhonda is known for, but also tears and pain. A bit of an emotional rollercoaster that you won't be able to put down.
I really enjoyed the beginning of this story and although I knew there would be moments of sorrow and tears, I was compelled to endure these heartbreaking truths to discover the fate that awaited the aloof Victor Knight and the fragile Avary Pine.
The story started out smooth and flowing with characters that while flawed and often annoying, remained engaging enough to keep the reader interested and anxious for their HEA. The continual ebb and flow of emotions was understandable, if somewhat frustrating, and the sexual tension caused by their undeniable chemistry played and integral part in their non- relationship.
While the concept was good, the story deteriorated and became repetitive about two thirds of the way through; rather than developing into a likable, sensitive man, Victor’s character became even more pompous and obnoxious, and his speech and mannerisms were more rigid towards the end than they were in the beginning. The only time he showed any real sign of humility was at the bedside of his dying sister.
Considering how well the story started, it was disappointing that is fizzled for the last few chapters.
Pride and Pleasure was a fantastic read by Rhonda! Avary was just starting out as a well known cello player, until one night a horrible attack throws her entire life off kilter. She turns inside herself and is afraid that she will never be the same; never be able to perform again.
Victor Knight is a business man, he came from an extremely wealthy family, and has closed himself off to the idea of ever finding love. Until his meddling sister gets involved in things, and forces Victor to invite Avary over to their house to play cello for a party.
This book was so addictive and had me hooked from the very beginning. Victor is hard and unrelenting, and Avary is soft and innocent in every way. They compliment each other perfectly, and watching them help heal each other in different ways is so great.
Pride and Pleasure was a truly great book by Rhonda, and I am excited to see what is in store next.
*I received an early copy in exchange for an honest review*
What a wonderful new series by Rhonda Lee Carver. Victor and Avary are both two tortured souls, him because of his mom's death and sister's illness and her because of the vicious attack that left her hand damaged and her fears full.
Avary has withdrawn since the attack, not playing her cello nor falling in love. Victor loves his sister, after their mother died she became a surrogate mom for him and his brothers. So her sickness hits him hard. She is a big fan of Avary's and has plotted to bring the two of them together. She basically turns their world upside down.
Avary performs her cello for them at Victor's estate, and thus opens her heart and begins a healing process. The rapport between Victor and Avary is funny, heartwarming and breathtakingly hott. And be warned, the sex scenes are smoking!!!
What a wonderful new series by Rhonda Lee Carver. Victor and Avary are both two tortured souls, him because of his mom's death and sister's illness and her because of the vicious attack that left her hand damaged and her fears full.
Avary has withdrawn since the attack, not playing her cello nor falling in love. Victor loves his sister, after their mother died she became a surrogate mom for him and his brothers. So her sickness hits him hard. She is a big fan of Avary's and has plotted to bring the two of them together. She basically turns their world upside down.
Avary performs her cello for them at Victor's estate, and thus opens her heart and begins a healing process. The rapport between Victor and Avary is funny, heartwarming and breathtakingly hott. And be warned, the sex scenes are smoking!!!
I truly loved this book and really can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This was a book that was classic in its love story. I absolutely loved it! Avary, a talented musician, is attacked and left to struggle back into her career. Victor, is alpha, handsome and the owner of one of the most successful wineries. His sister, who quite honestly steals a few scenes herself by being the match maker between the two, was written beautifully – she made me a teary, snotty mess. But the chemistry between Victor and Avary is off the charts! They meet in the most unconventional way and circle back into each other’s lives a few short years later. The story sets up background into the Knight Brothers and leaves you anxiously waiting to meet the next brother! Rhonda writes fantastic alpha males and beautifully strong women who love them. Waiting (impatiently) for brother #2…!! A copy was provided. 5 out of 5 stars.
I've always enjoyed reading anything by Rhonda Lee Carver and this story did not disappoint. I was drawn in from the very beginning & think I fell in love with Victor almost immediately!!! Victor Knight is the owner of a successful winery; he's had some hard times in his life and feels he can't love or share his life; except for the feelings he has for his sister. Avary Pine is a concert cellist who suffers a major setback and doesn't feel she'll be good enough anymore to continue with her professional career. These two souls meet, sparks fly & hidden feelings surface. There are happy moments, sad moments, laughs, & tears all leading to Victor & Avary reaching out to one another & finding love. I recommend this as a start to this new series about the Knight Brothers. A copy was provided to me. I am certainly very anxious to meet the rest of this family.
Aviary Pine is a young up and coming brilliant cellist. Until she suffers a tragic setback and must pull herself out of depression and injury. Angelina Knight has heard Avary play. She gets her brother Victor to entice Avery out of seclusion for a private performance. The elegant and extravagant life style the Knights live overwhelms Avery at first. And Victor doesn't provide the most welcoming first impression. But Angelina is gracious and endearing. Soon Avery is taken in by this family, Victor realizing that Avary is unlike any woman he's known must also come to grips with life changing events. But his initial response is fear. Will he be able to adapt soon enough to find love? A lovely story in the telling.
I LOVED AVARY AND VICTOR'S STORY. AVARY HAS SUFFERED SO MUCH, AND YET IS VERY STRONG WILLED TO GET BACK WHAT SHE LOST. I LOVE A STRONG HEROINE LIKE THIS. VICTOR HAS HEARTACHE TO AND LIKES THINGS HIS WAY AND TO BE LEFT ALONE....BUT ONE LOOK AT AVARY....AND HE KNOWS THINGS WILL CHANGE.
I FELT THIS BOOK AND THE EMOTIONS IN IT....I CRIED READING....AND IT TAKES ALOT TO MAKE ME CRY....BUT I DO ENJOY A GOOD BOOK CRY....EVERY ONCE AND A WHILE!!!!
LOVE THE START OF THIS SERIES.....CAN'T WAIT FOR MORE!!!!
Rhonda does a fantastic job of grabbing your heart in the beginning of this story. After the first couple chapters your are so hooked you will not be able to put this book down until you find out what happens. This book is a good story about family and how two people learn to overcome fears brought on by the past so that they can create a future without those fears. Be ready to open your heart to this story, and be aware this may bring on some tears...so grab some kleenex and a comfy place to read and enjoy this new book in Rhonda's new series!!
I love reading Rhonda's books. This is the beginning of a new series that does not have any cowboys in the story. I really like the change in story. This book has a very strong female character who comes back from a life changing event. She has her issues but is a sweet and sassy woman with a mind of her own. I really like reading about strong women who I can identify with. The male character is very rich and has lived a privileged life but also has his own issues. They come together and awesomeness is the result. I'm excited for this new series.
Pride and Pleasure by Rhonda Lee Carver...Is a beautiful story that I absolutely loved. Rhonda has written a heartfelt story that I could not put down. The story unfolding between Avary and Victor will stick with me forever...it was one of those books that you don't forget and will re-read. Rhonda Lee Carver has become one of my go to author, every book I read by her I love. I highly recommend this book, so make sure you read it. I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Victor Knight was a powerful man that could only be cut down to size by his loving sister. She knew what he needed even before he did. She was looking out for him even while she was too sick to lift her arm. When she ask for a favor he couldn't say no. He invited Avary to play at a party for his sister and was taken by her immediately. Her innocence and beauty were at odds with her awkwardness. Given her past, it's surprising that she even came to the party. It's a good thing for both of them that she did.
Pride and Pleasure was a great book in a new series!Avary and Victor are brought together unfortunately by the workings of Victor's sister who is dying from cancer. Avary is overcoming a tragic accident that prevented her from playing her cello for 2 years. She is given the opportunity to play a private show for a party at Victor's home!
This is a different style of book for Rhonda Lee Carver but I enjoyed every word. The story line brings up many emotions of love, sorrow, and death. I can't wait to read more books in this series.
I have read several of Ms. Carver's books and had enjoyed them all. However, I didn't care for this one. The beginning was promising but then seemed to drag on. I loved Max and Angelina, but not the main characters. Victor is a pompous ass who seems to switch personalities depending on the situation. Avary is cautious and virgin but her actions seemed more like an experienced woman.
This was the first book in this new series. I was trying to figure out if I liked it or not as I was reading it and I was surprised to find that I did. It was not the typical love story that I expected to find, but so much more. It was well-rounded and the characters had a lot of depth. I am most definitely looking forward to the next story in this series because I can see these books and characters going far!!!