Read the first two full-length, standalone romance novels from USA Today bestselling author Tracey Alvarez’s Due South and Far North series.
In Too Deep (Due South, #1) Two hearts. A second chance. Everything on the line… Ryan "West" Westlake belongs on the island. It's in his blood and who he is. Nobody can deny that. When Piper Harland walked out of his life years ago, West let her go. He'd never stand in the way of a woman and her dreams. But now that she's back, their past smacks him right in the face. With tempers flared and desires heightened, West just might realize what he lost so long ago.
Hide Your Heart (Far North, #1) Lauren Taylor has returned to her rural New Zealand hometown, having cut all ties with her past as a former model. Nate Fraser, a burned-out photojournalist, plans to fix up the property next door and sell it as a celebrity retreat. As passion ignites, Lauren must trust Nate not only with her secrets, but with her heart—before her safe haven is exposed and she can no longer hide in the shadows.
Fall in love with these authentic heroes and heroines trying to find their special someone—then read the other standalone books to discover the friends and family who stumble into a once-in-a-lifetime love themselves.
Tracey Alvarez lives in the Coolest Little Capital in the World (a.k.a Wellington, New Zealand) where she’s yet to be buried under her to-be-read book pile by Wellington’s infamous wind—her Kindle’s a lifesaver! Married to a wonderfully supportive IT guy, she has two teens who would love to be surgically linked to their electronic devices.
Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.
When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework.
Tracey also writes flirty, dirty stories under the penname Jessie Logan.
Book 1, In Too Deep 4.5 stars- I loved this New Zealand Island romance. What a wonderful experience. The writing was so vivid I could see the images and walk along side these fabulous characters. This was like taking a vacation without the cost and long flight. The characters, there is no way you can't help but admire, like and wish the best for them. They have realistic problems, and deal with them is easy to believe ways, and even have believable sex. Yes you heard that right, there were no extreme unrealistic descriptions or actions- thank the gods ! I'm off to read another from this author. Book 2 3.7 stars Wonderful characters, likable, nice people you can't help but enjoying spending time with. The setting was more inland country than here other series which was all about the water. This story had a more mature story of a woman hiding from an abusive husband and public life, a little boy who wakes from nightmares of past horrors, and a good man who hasn't found any reason to put down roots. This was the second book in the New Zealand romance starter set by the same author. I enjoyed it almost as much and the Due South series book in this set. Due South is my favorite but this one runs close by.
I might have given these books a four or five but I had to skip large graphic sexual descriptions. A good romance does not require detailed sexual encounters.
I have read each of the books included in this set individually. Following are my reviews, originally posted on Rach Lawrence Books:
In Too Deep:
New Zealand police officer and dive team member Piper Harland left her home nine years ago after the death of her father and being dumped by her one true love. Ryan “West” Westlake never got over letting Piper go, but his home is on the island where they grew up, running his family’s business. Now Piper’s brother is in financial trouble, and she needs to return to the island to help save his business. She has to work alongside of West for six weeks in order to put everything back to rights—including her relationship with her family and friends.
Neither Piper nor West is willing to admit their feelings to the other. It’s an impossible situation anyway since she’ll be returning to the city. They both will need to decide what’s most important: staying the course or being truly happy.
In Too Deep was a flirty, fun, sexy read. Both main characters were stubborn, but they way the author had them butting heads was entertaining. Just when I thought it was starting to get old, they both gave in to the UST and allowed the fireworks to soar. That wasn’t the end of their banter though. It continued even during the intimate scenes, but it was appropriate for the characters as they were written and amusing for the reader.
The story was much more than a romance though. Piper had to let go of her guilt over her father’s death, and she also had to mend fences with her family. West had been holding on to a grudge thanks to his mother leaving him years ago that rendered him incapable of being happy in a relationship. All of these plot lines were tied together nicely with secondary characters who added depth and meaning to the story. There were a few instances of Piper’s brother’s point of view, but they were integral to the plot and not just there to get the reader interested in the next book (although I’ll add they did that anyway!).
I also enjoyed the way the author provided information on diving in a way any reader could understand. It was not too technical yet not too dumbed down.
In Too Deep is a must read for contemporary romance fans. I would definitely read more by this author and more of this series.
Hide Your Heart:
Bounty Bay native Lauren Taylor is happy to live a quiet life with her four-year-old son Drew, and her brother and his family close by. An abusive ex-husband and a former life in the spotlight keep Lauren from opening up to anyone. But all that will change if Nate Fraser has his way. Nate has purchased the house and land adjacent to Lauren’s, with plans to renovate and sell to someone who wants to turn the place into a celebrity retreat, bringing the paparazzi right back to Lauren’s front door.
Famed photojournalist and most eligible bachelor Nate Fraser never plans to stay in one place for very long. His life is one of travel and adventure. From his own childhood, Nate knows having a wife and child are out of the question with his lifestyle. His investment in the Bounty Bay property should provide a quick return, allowing him more freedom in the types of jobs he takes. He can’t let his attraction to his sexy neighbor and her loveable son put a kink in his plans.
When their attraction can no longer be denied, Nate and Lauren give in to temptation. Each of them knows better than to give their heart over to this temporary situation. But denying their love will only get them so far. Lauren will need to come out of her protective shell, while Nate needs to decide what he loves more: the freedom of traveling, or Lauren and Drew.
Tracey Alvarez has written another stellar contemporary romance in Hide Your Heart. The characters are deep and go through a lot of growth throughout the story. Even little Drew will squeeze your heart and hold on tightly. Although the situations aren’t necessarily relatable—wouldn’t we all like to be tall, gorgeous former fashion models?—their struggles are real. Lauren only wants to keep to herself and protect Drew, and Nate’s plan for his property threatens that. Even Nate himself, famous in his own right, is dangerous for Lauren to be around if she doesn’t want to be recognized.
Lauren is a strong woman; her past has seen to that. But she continues to grow and strengthen as her relationship with Nate progresses. Her initial reaction to him—fear to near passing out—is contrasted nicely with her trust in him later in the story when he grabs her ankle playfully and holds her down.
Nate knows what he wants out of life, and having a wife and kid don’t fit into that picture. His own relationship with his father is sprinkled throughout the story. We come to understand why Nate would never want to subject anyone else to that kind of life, but we also get to hear about the good times he remembers with his father. Comparing those times to Nate’s relationship with Drew will give you all the warm fuzzies.
I also appreciate the author’s descriptions of New Zealand. Even though I’ve never been there, I’m still able to picture the scenes as I read without feeling like I’m getting a geography lesson. The climate is worked right into the plot with rain storms facilitating the meeting between the main characters and necessitating their close proximity during the rest of the story.
Hide Your Heart is a must read for contemporary romance fans. Although it’s a standalone book, the secondary characters are nicely woven into the plot leaving you eager to read the next book. I’m looking forward to the next installment of the Far North series.
Two FREE books by one of my favorite authors! How wonderful to see them together for new readers! I have read EVERY ONE of Tracey’s books and look forward to reading many more through the years.
My reviews for the two books:
In too Deep by Tracey Alvarez
This may be Tracey Alvarez’s first novel but hopefully it will not be her last. The characters she has peopled her story with are all multidimensional and interesting. The small town in New Zealand where this story takes place is inviting, charming and one that I would love to visit…if it exists in real time. I found that there is a Pinterest page with photos that were inspiration for the author when developing the book’s characters and the location of the story – what fun!
Piper, a police diver working in Wellington, is called home to assist with a family emergency. When she left at 18 she never really thought she would return to the island she grew up on. Upon her return she is forced to confront and deal with the past and that includes her first love, Ryan. The plot and characters are multi-dimensional, the twists and turns interesting enough to draw you in and make you wonder what will happen next. And, though I have never considered underwater diving with a tank I could easily visualize all that was written about. I was also introduced to the sport of free diving and just how scary it would be to compete in such a sport.
I believe anyone who enjoys a well written Adult love story will enjoy this book.
Five stars
AND
Hide Your Heart by Tracey Alvarez
Once again Ms Alvarez has created charming, believable, heartwarming characters that I would love to have as friends or be the neighbors of. Lauren Taylor is on her own living with her son in Bounty Bay, New Zealand. Nate Fraser comes to their rescue within the first few pages of the book BUT the two of them have a lot to overcome if they are to get together even though there is instant attraction. Drew, Lauren’s four year old son, brings a special element to this story and his part in helping his mother and Nate is fun to read. The development of the characters is perfect and made me feel I knew them well.
Though this is a love story it is also about overcoming, being strong but knowing when to bend. Throughout the story friendship and family shine through as all important.
Thank you to the author for the ARCs of these books. This is my honest review.
The first of each of her two series, Stewart Island(Due South) and Bounty Bay(Far North). Both series are set in New Zealand, which was a new experience for me, the locations make the most of the countries landscape and obvious affinity with the sea.
Stewart Island - In too deep. I took a while to gel with the characters in this novel, Piper is a police diver, very strong and single minded woman, who left her hometown to pursue her career and to escape her past. West, her brother's best mate is a large part of the past she is trying to escape. Very soon I got into the characters and was pulled in to find out why the past influenced them both so much.
As the story unfolded I loved to see how they found their way through traumatic experiences and learned to see things from others' point of view to piece themselves together to move forward.
Bounty Bay - Hide your heart. I devoured this book much quicker, getting into these characters much more easily. Equally a strong woman, Lauren is hiding from her past and trying to protect her son. A breakdown in a rainstorm and a sprained ankle renders her helpless and at the mercy of the tall dark stranger who stops on the isolated road to help. He does not factor being helpful might just be a life changing experience and that the strange 'damsel in distress' may actually be part of his life for a while as he tries to create financial security by doing up a property to sell on.
I enjoyed both books and look forward to reading more of Tracey Alvarez's stories.
In Too Deep: This is the first book in the Due South Series by Tracey Alvarez. It is the second series I've read by this author and I am hooked. Her characters are realistic and are fast becoming old friends. The dynamics and dialogue between the characters really show their complexity and love for each other. The tension is thick. If Piper and West aren't at each others throats, they're fighting their mutual attraction. Will they wise up and grab a hold of what's in front of them or let their insecurities ruin their second chance at happiness?
Hide Your Heart: This heartwarming story of Lauren and Nate is endearing and the wonderful beginnings of the Far North Series. Can Lauren trust her heart and safety to a man embroiled in scandal? Will Nate learn the meaning of home and family. The book made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me want to read more.
Romance Down Under: New Zealand Romance Starter Set is by Tracey Alvarez. The book is cute and easy to read. The characters and plot are realistic and is something you can see if you visit the islands. Piper Harland was proud of the job she did. She was on the Police National Dive Squad and spent her time recovering bodies. This wasn’t her first one but it was the first who resembled Ryan Westlake, her first love. She knew she hadn’t done as well as expected; but she didn’t expect the dive master to put her on desk work. Instead, she finds herself on the way home to help her brother Ben at the beach house that had been in the family for years. However, can she help him? He wants to swim with shark cages to bring in customers and she doesn’t want to. To top it off, his dive manager is none other then Ryan Westlake.
In Too Deep 4* - Had mixed feelings about this book, I hated how her brother and West treated and blamed Piper for the past, even after West had treated her so badly. I also thought her mother, who seemed to be a kick ass woman, should have attempted to visit her daughter during those nine years to help heal her. Having said all that, the story was engaging and emotional with a HEA.
Hide Your Heart 5* - Lauren and her son escaped her abusive marriage and returned to Bounty Bay to heal and hide from the paparazzi. Her property is isolated but family live nearby and she doesn’t need anyone else; until that is photojournalist Nate turns up to renovate and sell the house next door. Loved the characters, the back story and how Lauren came to trust. Very well written, highly recommended.
This is a 2 book set and they are both great reads. I love 2nd chance romances. In Too Deep: Ryan and Piper come back together when she returns home to help her brother. After much miscommunication and pent-up feelings, truths come out that not only bring Ryan and Piper together but also helps to heal a family. Hide Your Heart: Lauren and her son Drew return home after an abusive marriage. She has left her celebrity life and wishes to stay away from people. In walks Nate who finds her on the side of the road, the car in a ditch and she with a broken ankle. He comes to her rescue and their lives become intertwined. An emotional reading of a woman trying to navigate after domestic violence, a child looking for a "good" Dad, and a man getting a family he never knew he wanted.
Two short story's , Likable characters, interesting take on location the story are set.
First story a little choppy in the reading, people with attitude without any real reason especially the two people the story revolves around. Our girl piper had reason. 9 years and still feeling hurt from a rejection from the only man she ever felt anything for. As the reader I found my self having to re-read passages to understand who was saying what .
Second story much improved a more polished read. easy to follow very lovable people a very predictable story line that doesn't detract from the romance of the story as it unfolded.
Piper goes back home after many years of being away & is confronted by the first love she ever had, along with memories of a sad time in her family’s past. This was a nice story.
Hide Your Heart (Bounty Bay Book #1)
Nice story here... When Nate tries to help Lauren, her son says he can't wear her apron because it's pink. His answer, "Not a problem. I'm not allergic." Love this! In this story Lauren is trying to hide from her past, but with Nate at her doorstep, her past is impossible to escape from. It's a really nice story, but it's unrealistic how quickly she confides in him about halfway through the book, all of a sudden.
I loved it ! Tracey always writes so well & spins a story that you will want to read to find out what her characters do!
This is set on Stewart Island which is an island at the bottom of New Zealand! These people all have quirks but, they work them out In the end! Stewart Island tends to have people who live a way from everyone except for the ferry to the main land. They live & love on this small island!
Perhaps they will leave as young adults but, return to where their heart lies!
I definitely would recommend this book to meet the people who reside on the Island! You’ll love it!
Loved the characters, all of which were well fleshed out like you could picture them right in front of you. That's, to me, is one sign of a great writer, along with an excellent plot which Tracey Alvarez did an excellent job of as well. I shed years of joy several times along the way which (to me) means good story telling, too. Keep 'em coming, Tracey!
Two cute romances set in Australia and New Zealand. The first is two people who have grown up with each other and struggle to figure out that they truly are in love with each other. The second is a battered wife who finally left the glamourous world of being a well known model and trusting herself to love another man without having her shattered for a second time. Learning to trust and live again.
Wow, this starter collection is amazing! I loved it! You will feel everything a person can feel (anger, heartbreak, passion, and love). A warning, have tissues handy! I went through everything these characters went through and can't wait to go through it all over again with the next in the series. Enjoy!
One of the best romances I’ve read. It’s well written and fast-moving. Even though the plot isn’t original, and characters are familiar, Tracy Alvarez won’t give you a chance to feel bored. A great writer is someone who retells an old tale and still gets you hooked. I love Piper and West although they both have made mistakes.
It really does seem like it would be a good book and I really wanted to read it but two pages in and I started getting plain blank pages. All the way through the downloaded books there's pages missing and I can't make sense of the story with that much information missing.
Love the story line that knows that beautiful doesn't mean stupid or inept. Also the acknowledgement that abusive people hide under many public personae. A strong female character doing the best she can will always get my vote.
These stories take place in New Zealand. The first in Oban on the southern most island and has lots of scuba and free diving. The second in northern New Zealand at Bounty Bay. This couple have lots of fears to overcome.
I loved how the love between two people can wonderful. It get difficult because they are not willing to share true feelings because they do not see what others see. At last love is Possible but will they said up in time?
Very romantic story. Loved the story development. They are a very explosive couple. This book brings out a lots of emotion as you read what the characters go through and how they feel. I really enjoyed this book.
Both books were true love on the pages. Exciting and adventurous in both stories. Made you believe you were right there with the characters. Great job Ms Tracey Alvarez.
This is the second time I've read these actually, and even knowing what was going to happen they were just as good as the first time. I love the characters and the stories.
This starter set of two stories was absolutely magnificent.The characters of each story draws you inside their stories.It is like you are right there with them through each of their trouble and triumphs
Off in what is I’m sure beautiful countryside, and retreat a family living has Sister and her son move in from NYC. Reclusive, and then the story begins with a new neighbor. Good reading romance with some mystery as to why she and son Drew are out here.
Adult romance with moving sexual content that’s not smutty trash. A lot of the newer “romance” books make sex scenes uncomfortable for readers. I am glad I found a new author to read who brings the heat without bringing the trash bag along.
Two good books set in New Zealand. Out of them both I preferred the second one which was a better read, the first one had a lot of description which at times I thought was unnecessary. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Loved the story line. The little boy was a hoot, typical 4-year old wants! Not your typical woman either, getting her hands dirty in am man's world. Was hard to buy down. I would read more books from this Author.