When Abby Stone’s politically connected ex shows up at her new hideout and she uses a wine bottle in self-defense, she has nowhere left to turn. Miraculously, a magic suitcase appears, propelling her into an unsettling game involving a sexy, kind stranger while she stays one breath ahead of her stalker. Dylan Reece escaped tragedy to become a Key West single, yet Abby’s sad, wary eyes hold secrets and a chance for his redemption, if not more… Will the magic of their love be enough to save them?
A country girl at heart, Jolyse Barnett is living her happily-ever-after in Long Island suburbia with her real-life hero, two incredible children, and one very furry feline. Learn more about her by visiting http://jolysebarnett.com.
One More Sunset by Jolyse Barnett is a romantic suspense with a little bit of magic in the mix. I wasn’t sure that I would appreciate the “magic”, but it is done with an adorable flair. Abby Stone’s late grandmother taught her that there is more in the universe than what you experience with your five basic senses, so she goes with the flow when a mysterious suitcase is delivered to her in her moment of need.
I loved main character Abby. Regardless of her tragic situation, she has spunk and she has no intention of being a victim. She keeps on, keeping on. Unfortunately, her abusive ex-boyfriend, Kyle, has the same tenacity. Kyle is just despicable, powerful, connected, and possessive. His childish, self-centered beliefs lead him to believe that there are no consequences for doing whatever he has to in order to obtain what he wants. Dylan Reece is the antithesis of Kyle. He is the perfect guy. He is sensitive, chivalrous, and magnanimous. I fell for him as soon as he was introduced into the story.
Abby and Dylan’s romance is secondary in the story. Their relationship progresses at a very realistic and tasteful pace. First and foremost in the plot is Abby’s survival. Author Ms. Barnett treats the topic of abusive relationships with sensitivity and respect. There is nothing irreverent about this tale. She is able to do that and add a little whimsy in the mix. The whimsical magic comes from a couple of elderly, Greek women who are a kin to guardian angels or fairy godmothers. Their interventions are mild to the point of just being “assists”. Abby is in total control of her destiny, but Elpida and Lysis mysteriously provide her with a few tools to help her take back her life. I wish for each abused woman, a real-life Elpida and Lysis to help her get out of their dangerous situation.
One More Sunset is a charming, hopeful read that surprised me from start to finish. Tight writing, strong plot, lovely romance, and a good message make this book a perfect read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official: www.nerdgirlofficial.com.
I got about 75% through and I just couldn't finish it. Everything felt forced and rushed.
I just couldn't get into this book for some reason. The description sounded great but the story line was too rushed. I hate "insta-love" and I felt no chemistry between Abby and Dylan. There was nothing for me to look forward to. Also, to add insult to injury, the "magical" suitcase....
I felt like this book could have been much better if a couple key things had been changed.
Abby Stone has an ex that won’t leave her alone. It doesn’t help that she blames herself for ever getting involved with the joker that possesses an uncanny ability to find her wherever she goes. And surprise! He’s done it again. While she has no allies in this ongoing war, she finds that a bottle of wine smashed over his noggin does the trick. Unfortunately, Kyle won’t stay knocked out forever. (Darn!) He’ll be recovering consciousness in no time and using his brain power to track her down again. She scrambles to devise a plan of escape to a location where she remain hidden, but the arrival of a red suitcase interrupts her scheming, and changes the course of her destiny.
ONE MORE SUNSET by Jolyse Barnett was a fabulous book that I really enjoyed. It had a great storyline and I was hooked from the word go. The protagonist, Abby Stone, was a sympathetic character and she had me rooting for her to prevail and overcome the horrible situation she was stuck in. The writing was excellent and made the story very readable and go quick, quick, quick, like a bunny. The pacing was outstanding and I very much liked the touch of magic that was introduced. The element of fantasy gave the story a sense of whimsy, and also hope, which is exactly what Abby needed. I should add that the two purveyors of magic, Elpida and Lysis, were just plain delightful. In fact, I was really, really into this book for three-quarters of the way. It’s at the point I ran into some problems.
If you’ve read my other reviews, you know I hate dumb characters, and I’m not talking when they make a mistake or bad decision. In fact, I think including those types of missteps only adds realism. What I detest is when a supposedly smart character is just plain stupid. That’s the case here. Without giving any spoilers away, Abby knew what she was dealing with, and she still chose to make the most ridiculous, foolish moves someone in her situation could possibly make. What I really resented was that she not only put herself in danger, but endangered the life of someone she loved by being such a stubborn jerk. I also did not like her response to someone (again, no spoilers) helping out a woman in a similar situation. What she said was uncalled for and she never did apologize. The combination completely sucked all sympathy for this character out of me, and at that point, I didn’t care what happened to her, but that’s me. I would have so much preferred for her to act smartly and be outfoxed through no fault of her own. Overcoming a situation she didn’t put herself in would have been much more satisfying and kept my sympathy for her intact.
Even so, I definitely can recommend ONE MORE SUNSET. It’s exceedingly well-written by an author that I will read again. Ms. Barnett knows how to write and keep our interest. Plus the story was unique, the plot clever and the characters memorable. It’s a taut suspense thriller that will have you turning pages, but because of the problems mentioned above, I’m giving this a 4.0 instead of a 5.0.
For the purposes of full disclosure, I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
One More Sunset is a fantastic book. When I agreed to read and review in exchange for an honest review, I almost passed on this one because of a heavy load of commitments. I am so glad I didn’t. This book has a bit it all.
Abby Stone is on the run from her stalker ex-boyfriend. Just when she thinks she safe, he shows up. The last time, she ended up in the hospital with a broken wrist. When he finds her yet again in NYC, she barely gets away from him. While Kyle is knocked out, she accepts delivery of a red suitcase, then dashes for a cab. Inside the vehicle, she finds plane tickets and a lot of cash.
When Dylan Reece sees Abby in the airport waiting for the same flight, he is immediately attracted, but she isn’t interested. When he gets home to Old Town, Key West, he can’t seem to get her out of his mind.
When Abby shows up, this is Dylan’s chance to see if she is the woman of his dreams, or an illusion. But when her crazy ex shows up again, can he convince her to stay instead of run?
Abby Stone is a great heroine. She is determined, brave, and a truly nice person. I became fully vested in her character from the first page, which is an awesome opening scene, by the way. The fear she feels when her diabolical ex-boyfriend shows up just jumps off the page.
I loved Dylan Reece’s character. He’s the super nice, yet good-looking kind of guy most females want to meet and fall in love with. He’s kind, considerate, has a great sense of humor and very protective, a perfect alpha male without being a playboy.
There is an unusual aspect to this story, one I wasn’t sure would work, but I was so wrong. The mysterious red suitcase adds a lot to the book. I’m normally not into books with magic, but it is sprinkled in and the two magical females add a bit of humor to this dramatic tale of romance and suspense.
The pacing is excellent throughout the story. The details of the scenery are just right, enough to paint a picture, but still allowed me to use my imagination. At times, this is a hold onto your seat as one exciting scene after another happens. This really does have it all. A wonderful love story, great characters and plenty of action make this a book one you will not want to put down.
If you like an action-packed tale of love, intrigue with great sensual tension, then you will love One More Sunset. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend you give it a try. Happy reading!
This is my second book by Jolyse Barnett. I enjoyed her "last kiss" and I decided to read something by her again. This book was suspense romance novel with sprinkle with little magic. Abby Stone is on the run.. She always looks over her shoulders for her crazy ex-boyfriend. He has been stalking, abusing her ever since she broke up with him. She was never settling in one place and sworn off all the guys. While she was planning for a new life in New York, Kyle, the ex-boyfriend shows up. Kyle knocks her around and Abby fearing for her life, she knocks him with her grocery. She needs to get away quick. Mysterious red luggage with many suprises shows up at her door and she takes it with her to JFK. She meets Dylan at the airport who was kind, handsome and he starts conversation but she ends it shortly. She was on a run and afraid of trusting and opening up to anyone yet. In the red luggage, she finds necessary things to move to next city and inside it had a book. Hemingway's book "To have and have not". This book brings Abby to Key West to where Dylan was. finally they saw each other again and Abby is willing to give it a try. Poor Abby had a shot at a happiness but fear of Kyle showing up delays Abby to opening up to Dylan. Dylan lost his sister to domestic violence, he felt he didn't do enough to protect her sister, he feels he could save Abby. Kyle calls her and stalking her again and she is worried for her life again. But will their love will be enough to save them both? Will Abby have one more sunset with Dylan or Kyle will catch up to her and finally kill her?
It was short and suspense kept things move faster. I did like both main characters and it was believable. I can't wait to read the next one on the series. I would recommend to anyone who loves to read about suspense and romance.
Abby Stone is desperate to get away. No, not for vacation, but to save her life. She is on the run from her ex-boyfriend. After his latest attack she takes off again. With a little help from a magical suitcase, she's hoping this is the last time she will need to run. From the first time Dylan Reece lays on the gorgeous woman with pain in her eyes, he can't get her out of his head. When she shows up in his little island town, he knows he can't let her go again. The more he gets to know about her, the more he questions what she's hiding. Abby has been through so much. When we first met her she was closed off and bitter. I loved watching her change throughout this story. Dylan brought out a whole different side of her. While she was strong and capable, there was a vulnerable side to her that was so endearing. Dylan was a pretty perfect male lead. He was sweet, patient, sexy, protective, and so much more. In a sea of "bad boys", characters like Dylan really stand out. Jolyse Barnett weaves both suspense and paranormal aspects into the story fluidly and effectively. The suspense is set up in a way that you are always waiting for something to happen. You know it's coming, you just can't be sure when. It had me racing through this book. The introduction of "Red", the mysterious and magical suitcase is such a neat addition. The story of Red is fun and intriguing. Barnett delivers this to us in a way that just had me going along with it, without questioning it too much. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and these characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Barnett in the future.
I was given this ebook on Library Thing in exchange for an honest review. I truly enjoyed reading this book. It's a very fast paced story and took no time to fly through it. I couldn't read it fast enough! Sadly I have been bogged down with books that need reviews written and should've had this one done much earlier. The story begins with Abby who is constantly having to look over her shoulder and be on the move constantly to avoid being found by Kyle, her abusive ex. She feels no one can help her because everything that she's tried has been useless-considering that Kyle comes from an incredibly important political family. A strange suitcase arrives at her door that is packed with all of her necessities (all new), money and an airline ticket. (Don't worry, there's very little fantasy involved, just whimsical fun.) With this, Abby has no clue who sent it but decides it's her only chance to escape his clutches once again and to help settle into her new short-term home. While traveling, although leery, she meets a man named Dylan. Although he seems too good to be true, she can't stop thinking about him. Every time she opens the suitcase, it contains different items-guiding her on her path-a path that has lead her directly back to Dylan. Not that this is a spoiler-but Dylan is more than excited to see her too. How will Dylan respond when he finds out she's on the run? Will they stay happily hidden forever or is Kyle bound to show his face again?
Abby Stone spends her life running and hiding from an abusive ex who refuses to let go. After he finds her again she manages to escape with the help of a mysterious red suitcase that appears on her doorstep. While waiting at the airport she meets Dylan Reece but she knows that now is not the time to make friends. After Red guides her to Key West and back to Dylan she starts to relise that maybe its time to stop running and allow herself to trust again.
Abby evolves beautifully during the book from a scared woman in hiding to a strong woman in charge of her future. The situation with her ex is handled with understanding and compassion and I was happy to see Abby take control of her life. Dylan is the kind of man a woman dreams of kind, understanding and ready to protect. He isn't perfect but that adds greatly to his character and the relationship they have.
The paranormal aspect works really well and made me smile on several occassions. Althought it took me a little while to get into the book I'm glad that I continued otherwise I would of missed a great read. This is a well developed, interesting read that keeps you interested.
I would recommend this book to those who like a lovely romance, a little paranormal to their read or a woman that bets the odds. Fantastic.
Independent Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock.
I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This was a great book to read! I picked it up this morning and didn't put it down until the last page. I loved every part of the book! This book had it all; from action and suspense to magic and romance!
We meet Abby Stone on the run yet again. Her abuse ex boyfriend always seems to find her, making her run again. She continues to flee until she finds something worth sticking around for. Abby meets Dylan in the airport. Because of divine intervention (or magic) Abby finds herself heading to Key West FL where Dylan lives. She has a most wonderful week getting to know Dylan and his love. That is until Kyle, her ex, shows up again. What does Abby do? Does she run again? Will she ever find her home?
I enjoyed this book very much. I look forward to seeing what else comes from this series! If you like contemporary romance with a little bit of magic and a suspense, then this is the book for you!
A short but good novella. It was thought provoking for me and made me a bit teary eyed. A story with a touch of mysticism. A regular city girl falling in with a guy who is actually a monster in a handsome garb. Nobody willingly becomes a victim but it takes bravery, sometimes fatal courage to overcome abuse. This short story shows exactly that, running away works for a while only; you have to stand up to the abusers and claim your life back. In the process if you find a chance at love, take it. Give love a chance and take strength from it to face the fear and take it head on. I liked the story, it was heart warming to see the vulnerability and bravery of the heroine; and comforting to see the hero's love and support. It also has some great scenic backdrops if Key West, Florida which I enjoyed. A quick and enjoyable read, you won't regret reading it.
This book was an excellent read. It was highly recommended to me and I reluctantly started reading it. I am not a fan of romance novels, or of stories with magic themes so I started this trip with some reservation. That soon went straight out the window. I was hooked from the very beginning by the suspense and couldn't put the book down. I read it in two short days on my laptop sitting at my desk. That's how hooked I was. The romance angle really helped the story, just as in any good Hitchcock movie (Rebecca, The Birds, Marnie, North by Northwest, etc.) and I found myself really wanting Abby and Dylan to make it in the end. This story has a magical element that ties right in. "One More Sunset" is much more than a romance novel with a magic twist; it's an excellent suspense thriller. I highly recommend this read!
My goodness, where do I begin? I really enjoyed reading this book! You will empathize with Abby and cheer her on as she finds the strength to confront her tormentor. You will fall in love with Dylan, the handsome and kind stranger who is destined to cross paths with Abby. You will be intrigued by the sudden appearance of a magical red suitcase and the mysterious presence of Lysis and Elpida. You will be transported to Old Town, Key West and read about its beauty while learning more about Hemingway in the process. After reading this book, I found myself wanting to visit Hemingway's hometown with my own magical suitcase in tow. I'm so glad that this is a series! I give this 4 out of 5 stars. Thanks to the publisher for providing me an ebook copy of One More Sunset.
You will definitely want to have plenty of allotted reading time before starting this one. It was hard to put down. I was so engrossed in the story that I put off many of my important things to do. Jolyse Barnett does a great job of creating a Romantic Suspense that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
I was anticipating each thing, yet surprised the whole way through. And then its not just a Thriller, but there is a Romantic element which helps lighten the mood. I think the Romance was believable and unfolded smoothly which is always important. I don't like when Romances seem forced, this one seemed natural. Great not only Romantic Thriller but Thriller in general.
This was an interesting read..... a love story mixed with a little magic. I enjoyed the story of Abby & Dylan and was rooting for their HEA. The way they got there is what sets this story apart and I loved how the author created their romance. Looking forward to learning more about the 2 sisters & how they work their magic (in Abby's case it was a suitcase that kept giving her clues)
I am looking forward to more stories in this series, I think that the friends of Dylan & Abby are going to have their own amazing stories to share.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an engaging, thought provoking new series from author Jolyse Barnett. Though the story was relatively short, there is a strong background for the characters and reasons for their actions. Simply put, this book is about love, redemption, and healing. There is a little bit of a magical nudge for the characters to push them towards healing, this added a little twist to the story. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
i received an advanced reader's copy from PageCurl Publishing and Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
You will definitely want to have plenty of allotted reading time before starting this one. It was hard to put down. I was so engrossed in the story that I put off many of my important things to do. Jolyse Barnett does a great job of creating a Romantic Suspense that keeps the reader invested and guessing.
I think the Romance was believable and unfolded smoothly which is always important. I don't like when Romances seem forced, this one seemed natural. Great not only Romantic Suspense but Suspense in general.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a well written, very intense story. Abby is a typical battered woman. She's afraid, but wants to stand up for herself. She wants and needs someone to confide in and depend on, but doesn't want anyone else in harms way. Dylan is a hero. He offered help and support and love, but also freedom. I wish there were more endings like this.
I really enjoyed reading this book! I usually don't read romance suspense novels but so glad I gave it a try. This was an enjoyable read for me and it had a good mix of romance and humor, it also kept me rooting for the main character. I love how the author detailed the setting so intricately as well. Ahh the relaxed feeling of the Florida keys. I am excited to read other books by this author!
I got this book from net gallery for an honest review.
This was a great romance suspense book with lots of twists and turns. Lots of intense moments that leave you hanging on the very edge of your seat. I liked the whole mystery surrounding the red suitcase: it was innovative. Great book and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book. I can only imagine how hard it must be writing about domestic violence and stalking. Jolyse Barnett did it well. I felt Abby's fear and hopeless in her situation. I look forward to the author's next work
well done romantic suspense with a great setting (love Key West). The magic suitcase was a little much for me but didn't detract from my enjoyment of the basic story. You will root for Abby to find peace and happiness. THanks to netgalley for the ArC.
One More Sunset is a romantic mystery/suspense with an enjoyable storyline and believable characters. This is my first book by Jolyse Barnett, but won't be my last.