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The Thorntons #1
The Nearness of You
The last thing Sara Flannigan needs is a man in her life. When she returns to her hometown, she vows to create a happy life for her son and to rebuild her life after a painful divorce. Yet when she meets her son’s new doctor, she can’t deny the spark of attraction that heats between them.
The problem?
He’s Harrison Thornton, the oldest son of the illustrious Thornton family. His family would never accept a woman like Sara, a woman who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She tries to ignore the whispers of her past, but she soon realizes secrets can never stay hidden for long.
Especially from the man claiming her wounded heart.
Growing up in the rich and powerful Thornton family, Harrison has lived a charmed life. A renowned physician, the last thing he expects is to desire the mother of one of his patients. Sara is beautiful and intelligent, and she’s completely devoted to her son, something that only deepens his attraction to her.
He doesn't want a single night of passion, though: he wants forever. Yet there are forces at work and people determined to tear them apart. Even Sara turns from him, certain she's unworthy. Harrison refuses to let Sara slip away, and soon, he’s fighting the greatest battle of all.
The battle to win the heart of the woman he loves.
The problem?
He’s Harrison Thornton, the oldest son of the illustrious Thornton family. His family would never accept a woman like Sara, a woman who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She tries to ignore the whispers of her past, but she soon realizes secrets can never stay hidden for long.
Especially from the man claiming her wounded heart.
Growing up in the rich and powerful Thornton family, Harrison has lived a charmed life. A renowned physician, the last thing he expects is to desire the mother of one of his patients. Sara is beautiful and intelligent, and she’s completely devoted to her son, something that only deepens his attraction to her.
He doesn't want a single night of passion, though: he wants forever. Yet there are forces at work and people determined to tear them apart. Even Sara turns from him, certain she's unworthy. Harrison refuses to let Sara slip away, and soon, he’s fighting the greatest battle of all.
The battle to win the heart of the woman he loves.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
2853 people are currently reading
1831 people want to read
About the author
Iris Morland
38 books1,091 followersA coffee addict and cat lover, USA Today bestselling author Iris Morland writes sparkling, swoon-worthy romances, including the Flower Shop Sisters and the Love Everlasting series.
If she's not reading or writing, she enjoys binging on Netflix shows and cooking something delicious.
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If she's not reading or writing, she enjoys binging on Netflix shows and cooking something delicious.
Sign up for my newsletter to stay up-to-date with new releases, sales, and exclusive giveaways!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
May 23, 2017
Entertaining but cliched romance between a girl from the wrong side of the tracks and one of the golden children from an A-list family. What makes this different is trying to anticipate what his nightmare of a manipulative mother will do next.
I actually want to read the next just to see how mums tries to sabotage the next son's romance.
I actually want to read the next just to see how mums tries to sabotage the next son's romance.
December 13, 2017
The nearness of you is a story of a single mother Sara Flannigan. Sara’s son James was diagnosed with cancer when he was just 22 months old.
Sara takes James to see a doctor and the doctor happens to be none other than Harrison Thornton the eldest son of the influential Thornton family of the small town of Fair Haven.
The book starts with Sara taking her son James to see the pediatric oncologist. While the book starts at a tragic note and Sara gains immediate sympathy from the readers by being a single mother of a Kid suffering from neuroblastoma, the emotions died as the novels progresses.
The readers feel cheated when the book transforms into an erotic read.
I couldn’t digest the intimacy between the lead pair. There’s no emotional connection except the two highly turned on humans succumbing to their primal desires.
The book is written in a simple language and is an easy read. However, at times it feels awkward. The dialogues feel disjointed and stilted.
There is some good phrasing related to the psychology of love and hatred but nothing that could allure the reader in. The story is old and stale.
It felt as if the author tried too hard to portray Harrison as an alpha male but failed in doing so. The characters are highly unlikable. The main downfall of the book is its transformation from an emotional romance to an erotica.
And the erotica which doesn’t deliver anything except awkwardness.
Sara takes James to see a doctor and the doctor happens to be none other than Harrison Thornton the eldest son of the influential Thornton family of the small town of Fair Haven.
The book starts with Sara taking her son James to see the pediatric oncologist. While the book starts at a tragic note and Sara gains immediate sympathy from the readers by being a single mother of a Kid suffering from neuroblastoma, the emotions died as the novels progresses.
The readers feel cheated when the book transforms into an erotic read.
I couldn’t digest the intimacy between the lead pair. There’s no emotional connection except the two highly turned on humans succumbing to their primal desires.
The book is written in a simple language and is an easy read. However, at times it feels awkward. The dialogues feel disjointed and stilted.
There is some good phrasing related to the psychology of love and hatred but nothing that could allure the reader in. The story is old and stale.
It felt as if the author tried too hard to portray Harrison as an alpha male but failed in doing so. The characters are highly unlikable. The main downfall of the book is its transformation from an emotional romance to an erotica.
And the erotica which doesn’t deliver anything except awkwardness.
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July 1, 2018💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (7/1/2018)!💝
Blurb:
The last thing Sara Flannigan needs is a man in her life. When she returns to her hometown, she vows to create a happy life for her son and to rebuild her life after a painful divorce. Yet when she meets her son’s new doctor, she can’t deny the spark of attraction that heats between them.
The problem?
He’s Harrison Thornton, the oldest son of the illustrious Thornton family. His family would never accept a woman like Sara, a woman who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She tries to ignore the whispers of her past, but she soon realizes secrets can never stay hidden for long.
Especially from the man claiming her wounded heart.
Growing up in the rich and powerful Thornton family, Harrison has lived a charmed life. A renowned physician, the last thing he expects is to desire the mother of one of his patients. Sara is beautiful and intelligent, and she’s completely devoted to her son, something that only deepens his attraction to her.
He doesn't want a single night of passion, though: he wants forever. Yet there are forces at work and people determined to tear them apart. Even Sara turns from him, certain she's unworthy. Harrison refuses to let Sara slip away, and soon, he’s fighting the greatest battle of all.
The battle to win the heart of the woman he loves.
Blurb:
The last thing Sara Flannigan needs is a man in her life. When she returns to her hometown, she vows to create a happy life for her son and to rebuild her life after a painful divorce. Yet when she meets her son’s new doctor, she can’t deny the spark of attraction that heats between them.
The problem?
He’s Harrison Thornton, the oldest son of the illustrious Thornton family. His family would never accept a woman like Sara, a woman who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She tries to ignore the whispers of her past, but she soon realizes secrets can never stay hidden for long.
Especially from the man claiming her wounded heart.
Growing up in the rich and powerful Thornton family, Harrison has lived a charmed life. A renowned physician, the last thing he expects is to desire the mother of one of his patients. Sara is beautiful and intelligent, and she’s completely devoted to her son, something that only deepens his attraction to her.
He doesn't want a single night of passion, though: he wants forever. Yet there are forces at work and people determined to tear them apart. Even Sara turns from him, certain she's unworthy. Harrison refuses to let Sara slip away, and soon, he’s fighting the greatest battle of all.
The battle to win the heart of the woman he loves.
July 26, 2018
I’m giving this 2 stars because 1) The hero, Harrison, is a decent guy, and 2) It wasn’t so awful that I couldn’t finish it. But that’s about all this book is going to get from me.
I’m usually more discriminating with my downloads, but this was a BookBub freebie, and sadly, I sometimes download those without doing much research. If I would have looked at some other reviews before 1-clicking, I might’ve passed on this one. (And I kind of wish I would have) Here’s what didn’t work for me:
The trope:
The old “girl from the wrong side of the tracks meets rich all-American rich dude” trope can go horribly wrong for me. I’m OK with it if the heroine is unapologetic about who she is and how she grew up. (Like Emilia in Vicious, for example) But when the heroine is a whiny-ass baby and goes around boo-hooing about how a relationship between them can never work because of crap that happened when they were in high school, I have no tolerance for it. Girl, if you can’t enjoy the company of a single, sweet, sexy doctor who treats cancer kids because you grew up poor and some weenies in high school spread some unsavory rumors about you, well, you’re too stupid to have your own book, in my opinion. And in case I wasn’t clear, Sara, the heroine, is a whiny-ass baby about her past, even though in the present, she’s a good mom and teacher. Make like Elsa and let it go, Sara.
Instalove:
Harrison is a sweetie, but he falls for Sara REALLY fast. Frankly, I don’t see the attraction. To each his own, I suppose. (*shrugs*)
Unnecessary drama:
As if the drama of Sara constantly pushing Harrison away, then pulling him back in over and over again because of her stupid insecurities wasn’t enough, I also had to tolerate Sara’s quasi-stalker, jealous/jackass ex, grumpy sequel-bait sister, and Harrison’s intolerant (and frankly asshole-ish mother). It was all a bit too much. Sara was enough of a hot mess all on her own that these two didn’t need any of the other outside conflicts to keep them apart.
Grown-ass women who are ate-up over high school:
Once you’re out of high school and a full-fledged grown-up with kids of your own, a mortgage, and a full-time job, if the crap that people said to you in high school still eats you up inside, you need to get psychological help. Sara wasn’t beaten up in high school. She wasn’t bullied day in and day out. All that happened was some rumors were spread. In the immortal words of Bobby Singer from Supernatural, “Well, boo-hoo. I’m so sorry your feelings are hurt, princess.” In other words, Sara, get over your crap and move on with your adult life.
So, long-story-short, I wanted to fix the hero up with a heroine from another book, because he was a great guy and Sara was a bit of a turd. I’ve definitely read worse free books, but I won’t be picking up the second book in the series, either. (Free or not)
Don't forget to follow the Romance Rehab blog for reviews, giveaways, and other fun stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/
I’m usually more discriminating with my downloads, but this was a BookBub freebie, and sadly, I sometimes download those without doing much research. If I would have looked at some other reviews before 1-clicking, I might’ve passed on this one. (And I kind of wish I would have) Here’s what didn’t work for me:
The trope:
The old “girl from the wrong side of the tracks meets rich all-American rich dude” trope can go horribly wrong for me. I’m OK with it if the heroine is unapologetic about who she is and how she grew up. (Like Emilia in Vicious, for example) But when the heroine is a whiny-ass baby and goes around boo-hooing about how a relationship between them can never work because of crap that happened when they were in high school, I have no tolerance for it. Girl, if you can’t enjoy the company of a single, sweet, sexy doctor who treats cancer kids because you grew up poor and some weenies in high school spread some unsavory rumors about you, well, you’re too stupid to have your own book, in my opinion. And in case I wasn’t clear, Sara, the heroine, is a whiny-ass baby about her past, even though in the present, she’s a good mom and teacher. Make like Elsa and let it go, Sara.
Instalove:
Harrison is a sweetie, but he falls for Sara REALLY fast. Frankly, I don’t see the attraction. To each his own, I suppose. (*shrugs*)
Unnecessary drama:
As if the drama of Sara constantly pushing Harrison away, then pulling him back in over and over again because of her stupid insecurities wasn’t enough, I also had to tolerate Sara’s quasi-stalker, jealous/jackass ex, grumpy sequel-bait sister, and Harrison’s intolerant (and frankly asshole-ish mother). It was all a bit too much. Sara was enough of a hot mess all on her own that these two didn’t need any of the other outside conflicts to keep them apart.
Grown-ass women who are ate-up over high school:
Once you’re out of high school and a full-fledged grown-up with kids of your own, a mortgage, and a full-time job, if the crap that people said to you in high school still eats you up inside, you need to get psychological help. Sara wasn’t beaten up in high school. She wasn’t bullied day in and day out. All that happened was some rumors were spread. In the immortal words of Bobby Singer from Supernatural, “Well, boo-hoo. I’m so sorry your feelings are hurt, princess.” In other words, Sara, get over your crap and move on with your adult life.
So, long-story-short, I wanted to fix the hero up with a heroine from another book, because he was a great guy and Sara was a bit of a turd. I’ve definitely read worse free books, but I won’t be picking up the second book in the series, either. (Free or not)
Don't forget to follow the Romance Rehab blog for reviews, giveaways, and other fun stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/
December 21, 2017
Goodness I thought this book would take me through to the new year but once I started I couldn't stop. This is on the freebie list and a book worth checking out. Sara Flannigan is a divorced mother of one. I found her to have strong character. Her son fought cancer when he was 22 months I believe and she bore everything alone. Now she's moving back to a town as a 3rd grade teacher that holds bad memories to try to patch up her relationship with her now sober mother and a sister.
When finding her son with swollen glands she fears the worst and takes him to the top oncologist in the area. That's when we get to meet Dr. Harrison Thornton. He is confident, reassuring and gorgeous. Everything you want a man to be packed into one package. He immediately sees Sara as you the reader will but Sara is still, in her mind, this trashy daughter of a drunk from the wrong side of the tracks.
Harrison doesn't give her fear notice but goes to work telling and showing her all the good things that make her desirable. He is a bit of a surprise I must say because as professional as he may be he has a bad boy side that I found highly attractive. There are different issues that arise in their path to love that will get you going. Starting with a meddling mother (Harrison's) an ex husband and a old high school trouble maker.
I loved the authors approach to slowly take her reader through the steps of two endearing characters. The descriptions and dialog was all enjoyable as were the side characters. Sara's son, James, totally adorable. To see him and Harrison and his matchmaking were one of my favorite parts. Caleb, Marc and Jujibee all siblings of Harrison's were not a bit snobbish as their mother. In fact, Caleb is a cop and has a thing for Megan who is Sara's little sister.
I can't wait to read The Very Thought of you. That's their story and you get a glimpse from their book at the end of this one. If I had one thing I'd like different it might have been to see more on Kyle end (Sara's ex and James's dad). I'm not sure though as sara and Harrison's separation about killed me. This is not a clean read but the H is not a manwhore prior to book. That's a plus for me. Such a great book and one I'd read again. Enjoy!
When finding her son with swollen glands she fears the worst and takes him to the top oncologist in the area. That's when we get to meet Dr. Harrison Thornton. He is confident, reassuring and gorgeous. Everything you want a man to be packed into one package. He immediately sees Sara as you the reader will but Sara is still, in her mind, this trashy daughter of a drunk from the wrong side of the tracks.
Harrison doesn't give her fear notice but goes to work telling and showing her all the good things that make her desirable. He is a bit of a surprise I must say because as professional as he may be he has a bad boy side that I found highly attractive. There are different issues that arise in their path to love that will get you going. Starting with a meddling mother (Harrison's) an ex husband and a old high school trouble maker.
I loved the authors approach to slowly take her reader through the steps of two endearing characters. The descriptions and dialog was all enjoyable as were the side characters. Sara's son, James, totally adorable. To see him and Harrison and his matchmaking were one of my favorite parts. Caleb, Marc and Jujibee all siblings of Harrison's were not a bit snobbish as their mother. In fact, Caleb is a cop and has a thing for Megan who is Sara's little sister.
I can't wait to read The Very Thought of you. That's their story and you get a glimpse from their book at the end of this one. If I had one thing I'd like different it might have been to see more on Kyle end (Sara's ex and James's dad). I'm not sure though as sara and Harrison's separation about killed me. This is not a clean read but the H is not a manwhore prior to book. That's a plus for me. Such a great book and one I'd read again. Enjoy!
April 3, 2019
Αρκετά καλό, τρυφερό και όχι μόνο...
April 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! The strength of character displayed by both MC's was great and precocious little James was sweet. While I think that Sara went from one extreme to the other, I can't fault her reactions to various pressures. I would have liked to see her be a bit more proactive in a way that wasn't so...martyr-like. Harrison's determination was very sweet. I loved that he accepted his feelings for Sara without feeling the need to deny, run away, or act contrary to them. Together they were both sweet and sexy.
The resolution was tender after all the drama that outside interference caused. Most of the issues were resolved "off stage", which was fine, it just kept the story on the lighter side rather than a slightly bitter and angst-ridden tone that one hell of an epilogue would have to make up for.
Overall, a very enjoyable few hours. I willingly reviewed an ARC received from Hidden Gems.
The resolution was tender after all the drama that outside interference caused. Most of the issues were resolved "off stage", which was fine, it just kept the story on the lighter side rather than a slightly bitter and angst-ridden tone that one hell of an epilogue would have to make up for.
Overall, a very enjoyable few hours. I willingly reviewed an ARC received from Hidden Gems.
December 13, 2017
After her divorce, Sara returns to her small hometown with her six-year-old so to be closer to her sister and mother. As the girl who grew up “on the wrong side of the tracks,” the girl about whom nasty rumors were spread in high school, and the daughter of a single, alcoholic mother who’s now in recovery, Sara knows there will be challenges, because no matter the truth of things, people have long memories. When her son wakes up one morning with swollen lymph nodes, fearing his cancer has returned, Sara takes him to the local oncologist, Dr. Harrison Thornton, eldest son of the town's most prominent family. Having left for college before a lot of the trouble for Sara started, Harrison sees only an attractive woman who’s had a lot of challenges in life and will do anything for her son. Regardless of what people in town or his parents may think, Harrison is immediately taken with Sara and wants a chance with her.
The advance copy I read of this book is my first by this author and it will definitely not be the last! First of all, I love that the titles of all these books are taken from so many fantastic old songs that my parents taught me to appreciate (I’ve been humming this one for days!). Second, Ms. Moreland does small town romance extremely well. All of the characters are complex and well developed and so sweetly endearing (except for those you’re supposed to dislike, of course). She does a beautiful job of bringing the town alive and inserting the reader in the middle of the story. Not only is there the quaintness an quirkiness of the small town setting, but the story of Harrison and Sara is one full of emotion that touches the heart. Readers who enjoy small town romances from Susan Mallery, Brenda Novak, RaeAnne Thane and Emily March will love the Thornton series, and I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Moreland!
The advance copy I read of this book is my first by this author and it will definitely not be the last! First of all, I love that the titles of all these books are taken from so many fantastic old songs that my parents taught me to appreciate (I’ve been humming this one for days!). Second, Ms. Moreland does small town romance extremely well. All of the characters are complex and well developed and so sweetly endearing (except for those you’re supposed to dislike, of course). She does a beautiful job of bringing the town alive and inserting the reader in the middle of the story. Not only is there the quaintness an quirkiness of the small town setting, but the story of Harrison and Sara is one full of emotion that touches the heart. Readers who enjoy small town romances from Susan Mallery, Brenda Novak, RaeAnne Thane and Emily March will love the Thornton series, and I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Moreland!
June 20, 2017
The Nearness of You: The Thorntons Book 1 is by Iris Morland. This series is about the Thornton family of Fair Haven, not far from Seattle. They are a major family in town with their wealth and position. They have five grown children. Harrison, Caleb, and Jubilee live in Fair Haven. Mark has a ranch, Seth is a Marine, and Lizzie is a member of a band which is touring. Lisa Thornton, the mother, is stuffy and snobby. She likes to control all things around her, even her children. She pushes them to get married and has even been known to set her sons up on blind dates. She is extremely conscious of position in society.
The Flannigans, on the other hand, are the trash of Fair Haven. All their lives, Sara and her sister Megan had to suffer with their alcoholic mother and being bullied by almost all the other children because they never had anything. The girls stuck together and now Megan has a bakery and Sara has returned to Fair Haven with her son James to teach at the local elementary. Sara has made up with their Mother who is now sober and wants to repair their relationship. Megan hasn’t quite made that last step yet.
Sara takes her son to the local oncologist to make sure his cancer hasn’t returned. Here she meets Dr. Harrison Thornton. Harrison had been older than Sara and gone from school before the worst rumors were spread about Sara and he knew nothing of them. Their meeting was like the meeting of Romeo and Juliet, intense. Will their story end like Romeo and Juliet, in ashes or will they be luckier? Just how much clout does Lisa Thornton have?
This book being the first of the series makes reading the series necessary. What other messes will the Thornton’s get into?
The Flannigans, on the other hand, are the trash of Fair Haven. All their lives, Sara and her sister Megan had to suffer with their alcoholic mother and being bullied by almost all the other children because they never had anything. The girls stuck together and now Megan has a bakery and Sara has returned to Fair Haven with her son James to teach at the local elementary. Sara has made up with their Mother who is now sober and wants to repair their relationship. Megan hasn’t quite made that last step yet.
Sara takes her son to the local oncologist to make sure his cancer hasn’t returned. Here she meets Dr. Harrison Thornton. Harrison had been older than Sara and gone from school before the worst rumors were spread about Sara and he knew nothing of them. Their meeting was like the meeting of Romeo and Juliet, intense. Will their story end like Romeo and Juliet, in ashes or will they be luckier? Just how much clout does Lisa Thornton have?
This book being the first of the series makes reading the series necessary. What other messes will the Thornton’s get into?
December 5, 2020
I like stories with class differences, especially in small towns since that element usually adds something to the story.
That being said I was expecting everybody in the Thornton family to be better than the other people in this small town. When I read a series about a family I want to like everyone in that family from the Patriarch/Matriarch on down to the youngest child. That is not the case here.
I hate Harrison's parents. His mom is bitch and his dad doesn't appear to do anything but coddle her. Whenever she did something deplorable excuses were made on her behalf. It was even worse considering what she went through when she married her husband, which is the flimsiest excuse possible for her behavior. You don't want anyone else to go through what you went through, but you're the one causing all the problems.
I also felt as though Harrison and Sara didn't really talk about anything when there was an issue. They'll get close, but then they would just have sex.
I was actually more interested in Caleb and Megan and what they really have going on, and Lizzie (who wasn't even there) and Trent.
I think the others may get better since we got the bitch of a mother out of the way, so I will eventually read the next book in the series.
There is no way I will ever like Lisa Thornton though. That ship has sailed and I hope to either never see her again within the pages of the series (highly doubtful since she's the mother) or continue to see her get put in her place.
That being said I was expecting everybody in the Thornton family to be better than the other people in this small town. When I read a series about a family I want to like everyone in that family from the Patriarch/Matriarch on down to the youngest child. That is not the case here.
I hate Harrison's parents. His mom is bitch and his dad doesn't appear to do anything but coddle her. Whenever she did something deplorable excuses were made on her behalf. It was even worse considering what she went through when she married her husband, which is the flimsiest excuse possible for her behavior. You don't want anyone else to go through what you went through, but you're the one causing all the problems.
I also felt as though Harrison and Sara didn't really talk about anything when there was an issue. They'll get close, but then they would just have sex.
I was actually more interested in Caleb and Megan and what they really have going on, and Lizzie (who wasn't even there) and Trent.
I think the others may get better since we got the bitch of a mother out of the way, so I will eventually read the next book in the series.
There is no way I will ever like Lisa Thornton though. That ship has sailed and I hope to either never see her again within the pages of the series (highly doubtful since she's the mother) or continue to see her get put in her place.
January 29, 2020
Audio book review
The Nearness of You is another good story from Iris Morland. The author wrote a strong story that shows what is important in the characters life . What the heroine has to do to survive. Iris Moreland writes what the human body goes through and survives .
Hero is Harrison . Heroine is Sara .
Sara returns home trying to patch things up with her sister and her mother . She tries to put her life back together in her small hometown but something happy to terrify Sara . Sara finds her son sick , his glads are swollen irregular. When she takes her son James, to the hospital she meets Dr. Harrison is the top oncologist. When Harrison sees Sara he doesn’t see a broken , unworthy woman, but someone strong with a head on her shoulders. Harrison decides to get to know both Sara and her son better.
Jeffrey Kafter and Heather Costa performance was fantastic. They are perfect together. Their voices are strong, smooth and they did the characters great
The Nearness of You is another good story from Iris Morland. The author wrote a strong story that shows what is important in the characters life . What the heroine has to do to survive. Iris Moreland writes what the human body goes through and survives .
Hero is Harrison . Heroine is Sara .
Sara returns home trying to patch things up with her sister and her mother . She tries to put her life back together in her small hometown but something happy to terrify Sara . Sara finds her son sick , his glads are swollen irregular. When she takes her son James, to the hospital she meets Dr. Harrison is the top oncologist. When Harrison sees Sara he doesn’t see a broken , unworthy woman, but someone strong with a head on her shoulders. Harrison decides to get to know both Sara and her son better.
Jeffrey Kafter and Heather Costa performance was fantastic. They are perfect together. Their voices are strong, smooth and they did the characters great
May 28, 2017
Eh this book was ok. I didn't like how Harrison kept calling his parents by their first names, that just seemed weird to me. Also the problem with Kyle would show up then 5 chapters later we'd about it again and then another few chapters would pass before we would hear about it again. Same with the Devin guy. I'm glad I got this for free and most likely won't buy the other books unless they are free from bookbub too.
February 16, 2019
Obsessed
I just love me some small town romance. I absolutely fell for Sara and Harrison. They clicked from the beginning and couldn't wait to see how this story will unfold. I rooting for them for the beginning. I just love how Harrison didn't put up with his mom disapproval and showed Sara all respect in the world. Not just her but her son as well. I love a good tight nit family. It was great to see the all they went through to get the ending they deserved.
I just love me some small town romance. I absolutely fell for Sara and Harrison. They clicked from the beginning and couldn't wait to see how this story will unfold. I rooting for them for the beginning. I just love how Harrison didn't put up with his mom disapproval and showed Sara all respect in the world. Not just her but her son as well. I love a good tight nit family. It was great to see the all they went through to get the ending they deserved.
September 25, 2017
A good love story with an interesting storyline. I liked the evolution of the relationship between Sara and Harrison. Harrison's mother is manipulative and tries everything to separate Sara and Harrison. Love prevails, though I did think there were too many intimate scenes. Otherwise, I enjoyed it.
June 21, 2021
Not that great of a read, but it was a free borrow from the library in May. It was a bit too much detail in many scenes and predictable in love. This story could have been half as long and many of the tertiary characters were not necessary, or at least not in that much detail.
November 4, 2019
really enjoyed this story. This is a new author for me and I will be buying more romances by her....I rate the sizzle factor a stong 7 out of 10.
March 8, 2017
Heartwarming emotional journey for a single mom and a great opposites that grew up in the same town but don't really spark till later in life romantic adventure. Very sweet love that grows from an unexpected place for both of them and a real relatable story about family and friends and the ties that bind us to one another. Her son is so adorable and Harrison is so sweet and has a huge heart.
Highly entertaining start to this interesting new series by this wildly fun new author. Looking forward to the next visit to see The Thorntons.
Highly entertaining start to this interesting new series by this wildly fun new author. Looking forward to the next visit to see The Thorntons.
March 2, 2017
What a great start to a new series. Sara has moved back to her small home town after her divorce to help her mother. Sara and her sister Megan had a bad childhood as their mother was an alcoholic and there was no father in the picture. They were known as coming from the wrong side of the tracks. Their mother has gone through rehab and has been sober for a year. She needs Sara’s help to live, so Sara and her six year old son James has moved back so her mother can live with her. Her son had a form of cancer when he was young, and his lymph nodes are swollen, just like it started before, so she takes him to Harrison Thornton in town who is an oncologist. Harrison is good looking and Sara remembers him from when he was young. Harrison is attracted to Sara and ends up later asking her out. Sara is leery as she knows they live in opposite worlds. Besides her ex was rich and a real jerk. She doesn’t want to go through that again.
I felt bad that Sara and her sister had such a bad childhood and how mean the kids were to them. One guy, who still lives there, started a rumor that Sara slept with the whole football team when they were in high school. It was not true, but the rumor still follows her. Sara is such a good mother to her son, and has gone through his cancer scare by herself and her ex husband didn’t want anything to do with the sickness. Sara’s son James is a riot. I loved him as his whit in the story. Out of the mouth of babes is never truer. I also loved Harrison. He felt bad that he had everything when he was growing up and never realized what Sara went through. Harrison is such a caring man. I definitely did not like Harrison’s mother. She was a witch. I couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t give Sara a chance, especially after what she had gone through when she married her husband. You would think she would have more empathy and try to help. Sara’s sister Megan was very outspoken. Megan and Caleb have something going on that seems like they hate each other. But when you look closely, there is something else there. I can’t wait to read their book next. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
I felt bad that Sara and her sister had such a bad childhood and how mean the kids were to them. One guy, who still lives there, started a rumor that Sara slept with the whole football team when they were in high school. It was not true, but the rumor still follows her. Sara is such a good mother to her son, and has gone through his cancer scare by herself and her ex husband didn’t want anything to do with the sickness. Sara’s son James is a riot. I loved him as his whit in the story. Out of the mouth of babes is never truer. I also loved Harrison. He felt bad that he had everything when he was growing up and never realized what Sara went through. Harrison is such a caring man. I definitely did not like Harrison’s mother. She was a witch. I couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t give Sara a chance, especially after what she had gone through when she married her husband. You would think she would have more empathy and try to help. Sara’s sister Megan was very outspoken. Megan and Caleb have something going on that seems like they hate each other. But when you look closely, there is something else there. I can’t wait to read their book next. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
March 2, 2017
Loved, loved, loved it! Sarah and Harrison grew up in the same town. Across the tracks, so to speak, from one another. She was on the wrong side. Sara led a rough life as a teen with an alcoholic mother. She pretty much had to raise her younger sister and struggle to provide meals. After a tough time with teasing and harassment through high school, she married and moved away. She also became a mother. Years later, she has returned to town. Her mother is sober. Her sister is grown. She is divorced. Her young son, now in remission, needs to go to the doctor. The doctor is none other than Harrison Thornton, oldest of the privileged and elite Thortons. Sara is immediately self conscious around him, but he doesn't seem to care about her past. He only sees her. Her compassion and dedication to her son only makes him like her more. He pursues a relationship with her. She relents, but is very aware of the differences of their past. Again, he doesn't seem to care. Things are going well until we meet witchy-poo, I mean Lisa Thornton. She is the matriarch of the Thornton clan. You would think with similar circumstances, Lisa would be kind and supportive, but she is nothing close to that. She is almost inhuman in her disregard for her son, his girlfriend, their feelings, and the decency which she should conduct herself. I was appalled. Thankfully, even though Sara is scared, Harrison is determined. This is a beautiful story about love conquering all and taking no prisoners. I can't wait to read the next book!
Honest and voluntary review of ARC provided by the author.
Honest and voluntary review of ARC provided by the author.
September 21, 2019
Sara and Harrison prove that love knows no bounds and will move mountains. Sara doesn't want much out of life - mostly she wishes for her son’s James’ cancer to remain in remission, to continue to prove a happy home for him now that her cheating husband is gone, and to hopefully find some happiness herself. When circumstances bring her back to the her hometown, the very last place she ever thought she would ever be again, she is hoping against hope that it will not be a mistake. Then surprise - James’ new doctor is Harrison Thornton. While she was growing up on the wrong side of the tracks with a troubled mother and issues, he and his family lived a charmed lovely life. Now the town doctor he is as handsome and charming as ever and had his sights apparently set on its newest single mom. Harrison never really put much thought behind the fact that he was a Thornton and doesn’t make a habit of trading off the name. When his newest patient’s mother is Sara Flannigan, outside of the bounds of generally not dating within his practice boundaries, he sees no reason why he cannot ask out the beautiful caring woman. Apparently the people of Fair Haven are starved for entertainment and feel entitled to weigh in on matters in which they have no say and are wrong about in all accounts. Worst yet his mother is a chief offender in the citric brigade and Harrison will not stand for it. But will people's opinions make harder than Harrison would like to get Sara to consider throwing caution into the wind and taking a chance on forever with him.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
March 5, 2017
What a wonderful story by Iris Morland. I look forward to reading all the Thornton series books.
Sara and Harrison's story is one of many journeys. Ms Morland introduces us to her characters and all their flaws. While her stories are always steamy, have HEA and entertain the reader, but they are also ones which have themes which we can all relate. Her characters are not perfect and have baggage galore but throughout the story learn to live with the baggage and their imperfections and still find their happiness.
Sara has returned to her hometown with her son to help her recovering mother. Sara is fighting the demons of her past and the stigma of being from the wrong side of the tracks, having an alcoholic mom and getting pregnant. She is also fighting the fears from her son having cancer and currently being in remission. Sara is trying to have a positive outlook and not live in the past.
Harrison comes from the right side of the tracks. He had everything growing up and is a pediatric oncologist. He meets Sara when she brings her son in for a check-up.
You will be introduced to the many people in Sara and Harrison's life and see how they effect what happens in their life both past and present.
You will relate to their baggage, their need for independence from parents and wanting to just find their happiness.
This is a book that should be part of your collection.
I received this ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
Sara and Harrison's story is one of many journeys. Ms Morland introduces us to her characters and all their flaws. While her stories are always steamy, have HEA and entertain the reader, but they are also ones which have themes which we can all relate. Her characters are not perfect and have baggage galore but throughout the story learn to live with the baggage and their imperfections and still find their happiness.
Sara has returned to her hometown with her son to help her recovering mother. Sara is fighting the demons of her past and the stigma of being from the wrong side of the tracks, having an alcoholic mom and getting pregnant. She is also fighting the fears from her son having cancer and currently being in remission. Sara is trying to have a positive outlook and not live in the past.
Harrison comes from the right side of the tracks. He had everything growing up and is a pediatric oncologist. He meets Sara when she brings her son in for a check-up.
You will be introduced to the many people in Sara and Harrison's life and see how they effect what happens in their life both past and present.
You will relate to their baggage, their need for independence from parents and wanting to just find their happiness.
This is a book that should be part of your collection.
I received this ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
March 15, 2017
Sara Flannigan grew up poor, from the "wrong side of town." She left her hometown after high school and returned divorced with her young son. Harrison Thornton is the oldest son of the illustrious Thornton family. His family, mother, would never accept a woman like Sara. Harrison is older but still VERY naive about his family, how they rule the town, and how snobby his mother is. I was annoyed with him when he would not believe Sara when she broached the subject with him. Sara is still hurt by the horrible rumors from high school and her former classmates continue the problems when she is out with Harrison. She also has self worth issues and believes herself beneath notice from Harrison or any decent man. Sara exasperates the situation. HEA. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
August 14, 2018
The beginning of a new series -- thought I'd give it a look-see. It just wasn't for me. Insta-love, juvenile 30 year olds with baggage that should have been easily dealt with under the circumstances. Rich guy/girl from wrong side of tracks. Ex-husband, small child, small town gossip and high school reputation issues that carry forward way too many years and a interfering momma with her nose in the air who needed a swift kick in the butt by her husband for causing so many family problems. Too much of a whirlwind effect with little depth or development. (In my opinion.)
December 13, 2017
I'm glad that I read this book. It was very enjoyable. I was irked a little because of all the drama she had. She totally loved him and yet wouldn't be with him. It was so obvious how she felt. Don't get me wrong I understand his mother was an awful person and made her feel bad. However, when he made it quite clear he didn't feel that way she should have been with him sooner. I liked her sister and his brother so I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 23, 2019
Good story
The book contains a good story with a lot of sex, but still a good plot. There are a few words that stopped me to figure them out, like glass wear instead of glass ware.
The book contains a good story with a lot of sex, but still a good plot. There are a few words that stopped me to figure them out, like glass wear instead of glass ware.
July 14, 2018
Typical cliche romance about the girl from the wrong side of the track meets the rich aristocratic doctor. Sex scenes were a bit 50 Shades of Gray in description.
January 9, 2018
Didn’t finish after page 11. I don’t need to read any more to know exactly what kind of book this is since I’ve read so many romance novels and the majority of them are all the same. Girl meets guy✅. Girl monologues in detail about how attractive the guy is. ✅. Dual point of view writing so we know what each character is thinking about everything in every situation. ✅. Guy then monologues in detail about how attractive the girl is.✅. Either or both characters then chide themselves for thinking about the attractiveness of the other for whatever reason. ✅. Author delivers information about the characters in the most straight forward way.✅. There. Did I get all of them? It just is so easy to make a non cliche romance (just do the opposite of that checklist) that I can’t figure out why authors go this route. It’s like, that check list I made above is written somewhere and authors feel like they have to follow it for some reason. In this book, get rid of the girl monologuing how hot she thinks the doctor is. An off-handed comment like, “he was still attractive like he was in high school” (she knew him growing up) would have sufficed just fine for me to know he was attractive. The rest of the time the author should have had her so focused on her son and the worry that would surely accompany this visit that she wouldn’t even be thinking about anything remotely close to lusting after the doctor or explaining to us just who he is and what he was like in high school. Have that part come later. Let us find that all out as the story unfolds. And his would result in another cliche that could be eliminated-the author explaining things in the most straight forward, unoriginal way. I’d rather see this girl so focused on her son that everything she monologues is just basic info. I’d even make her kinda not like the doctor because she thinks he was just a typical rich boy who didn’t bother with people like her. Instead of her telling me how amazing looking he is, tell me that she might want to change doctors to someone more down to earth. Or that she didn’t know if she could trust him because she didn’t like who he used to be very much. Or just something. Anyways, just something other than what every other author does. As for the rest of the story, since it’s dual point of view writing I know there won’t be any intrigue or mystery that goes along with their romance. I’ll never have to wonder about anything. I’ll know everything. And since I know they both already are lusting after eachother then them getting together will be easy. Or, if not easy, it will be predictable. He won’t m want to be involved because her son is a patient, or because of her background, etc. She will think he’s too rich or too good for her or whatever else thing like that. Maybe the ex will get in their way somehow later on. But either way, I’ll always know exactly how everyone is feeling about everything and I like to be able to unfold stories layer by layer and have to wonder about what will happen. Not just know everything or be told outright via character monologuing what is going on and who everyone is and stuff.
March 9, 2021
Sara Flanagan has grown up her whole life fighting: against her mother’s alcoholism, against viscous high school rumors, against her reputation born of poverty, against her unsalvageable marriage, and against her son’s cancer.
Just when she thinks she has finally caught a break, she will need to piece together her battle armor again because this fight may be her toughest yet. She must decide if love worth jeopardizing everything good that’s finally fallen into place.
—
I liked The Nearness of You a lot. The characters (including secondary) were great, the plot sound, and the dialogue hilarious. I just struggled in some places: the repetitive nature of the family drama, Sarah’s commitment, and the sex scenes.
Harrison was the true hero of the story, in more ways than one. I don’t think I would have finished had it not been for his undying loyalty for Sara. While her reasons for wariness of their relationship were valid, I wished that the book hadn’t spent the entirety of the story on it. I felt the subplots didn’t really live up to their potential either, and in the end, they just felt more or less worthless to the characters’ ARC. Except for a scene toward the end with a confrontation—that was pretty good. (Sorry, no spoilers.)
The sex scenes were decent. I don’t normally bring this up in reviews, but they weren’t terrible considering other stuff I’ve read. They just read a little ... adult film-ish, specifically with the dialogue? I don’t know? It just felt a bit uncomfortable at times. Otherwise, they did make me reach for the ice-water. It’s complicated.
Speaking of complicated: the drama! Talk about star-crossed lovers. This was like Romeo & Juliet! Both families had animosity toward one another, and I’m pretty unsatisfied with one specific drama queen, especially after reading about her history. I just felt that she seemed extremely unredeemable, so much so that I wish the author had given something for the readers to watch out for. She’ll be a recurring character in the series, so I was disappointed there wasn’t at least some resolution in that part of the plot.
Speaking of resolutions: it niggles me when authors use the last chapter to tie up loose ends. I always prefer a little bit of buffer to devote to that HEA. Nevertheless, I’m glad we’ll see both characters as the series progresses.
🍉🍊🍍
Hero rating: 4.7 stars
Heroine rating: 4.2 stars
Writing mechanics (literary elements/devices usage included): 4.6 stars
Plot rating: 4.3 stars
Dialogue rating: 4.3 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.4 stars
Story ending rating: 4.0 stars
Sexual tension rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.2 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3 (not good nor bad, just occurrence rating)
******************************************
Overall rating: 3.9 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
—
Read: March 4, 2021
Review: March 5, 2021
Posted: March 5, 2021
Just when she thinks she has finally caught a break, she will need to piece together her battle armor again because this fight may be her toughest yet. She must decide if love worth jeopardizing everything good that’s finally fallen into place.
—
I liked The Nearness of You a lot. The characters (including secondary) were great, the plot sound, and the dialogue hilarious. I just struggled in some places: the repetitive nature of the family drama, Sarah’s commitment, and the sex scenes.
Harrison was the true hero of the story, in more ways than one. I don’t think I would have finished had it not been for his undying loyalty for Sara. While her reasons for wariness of their relationship were valid, I wished that the book hadn’t spent the entirety of the story on it. I felt the subplots didn’t really live up to their potential either, and in the end, they just felt more or less worthless to the characters’ ARC. Except for a scene toward the end with a confrontation—that was pretty good. (Sorry, no spoilers.)
The sex scenes were decent. I don’t normally bring this up in reviews, but they weren’t terrible considering other stuff I’ve read. They just read a little ... adult film-ish, specifically with the dialogue? I don’t know? It just felt a bit uncomfortable at times. Otherwise, they did make me reach for the ice-water. It’s complicated.
Speaking of complicated: the drama! Talk about star-crossed lovers. This was like Romeo & Juliet! Both families had animosity toward one another, and I’m pretty unsatisfied with one specific drama queen, especially after reading about her history. I just felt that she seemed extremely unredeemable, so much so that I wish the author had given something for the readers to watch out for. She’ll be a recurring character in the series, so I was disappointed there wasn’t at least some resolution in that part of the plot.
Speaking of resolutions: it niggles me when authors use the last chapter to tie up loose ends. I always prefer a little bit of buffer to devote to that HEA. Nevertheless, I’m glad we’ll see both characters as the series progresses.
🍉🍊🍍
Hero rating: 4.7 stars
Heroine rating: 4.2 stars
Writing mechanics (literary elements/devices usage included): 4.6 stars
Plot rating: 4.3 stars
Dialogue rating: 4.3 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.4 stars
Story ending rating: 4.0 stars
Sexual tension rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.2 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3 (not good nor bad, just occurrence rating)
******************************************
Overall rating: 3.9 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
—
Read: March 4, 2021
Review: March 5, 2021
Posted: March 5, 2021
August 11, 2017
This is the first book that I have read by Iris Moreland. I thought this book was a well written and I absolutely loved the characters. I thought the storyline was one people may be able to relate to since I'm sure it happens from time to time. Sara Ferguson has always been known as the "slut" in her home town of Fair Haven ever since she was a teenager. She grew up in a home with an alcoholic mother and a sister who was 1 year younger whom she helped raise. She left right after high school due to being pregnant, getting married and just wanting to move away. After a few years of a marriage that was nothing but pain, cheating and heartbreak, she moved back to town with her 6 year old son James. James had cancer a few years ago and since then Sara has always been cautious about signs that if may be coming back. When she felt his lymphnodes swell, she immediately made an appointment with the town oncologist. Harrison Thornton's family has always been well off. they are the matriarch of Fair Haven. He never went without. Being a few years older than Sara, he never knew what she endured during high school. When Harrison sees her for the first time after seeing James, there is a connection there that is undeniable. He asks her out on a date after knowing that James' cancer did not come back and he is no longer his patient. They endure many obstacles during this time of seeing each other. Can they get past those in order to be happy? Will Sara's ex-husband show his face after all this time? What will Harrison's family think of him dating someone they think is "unworthy" of him? You will have to read the book to find out. It's really a great story and I didn't want to put it down until I knew what was happening. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book. Enjoy
May 24, 2017
Sara has always noticed Harrison Thornton from afar but never gave in that she would ever be with him or have his affections in real life. She was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks and him being the family that pretty much owned the town. Years later Sara moves back home and goes to take her son to the best Doctor in town to do a check up of her son only to run into Harrison Thornton. Harrison is a man who has never wanted for anything growing up and his life is great, besides for his mom always trying to set him up and get him Married to give her grandchildren, he never wanted any of that until Sara walked back into his world.
What I enjoyed most about The Nearness of You is watching Sara devote all of herself to her son and has always done that, but needing some happiness for herself she finally gives into Harrison and goes on a Date to realize they just click in every way. Harrison wants Sara from the first moment he sees her again in his Office and for once tries his best to not give up and keep asking her out until she gives in to one Date one Date that turns into so much more.
This book was amazing, so sweet and loving after so much heartbreak in her life. Sara moves back to her home town to help take care of her mother, Sara a devoted mother to her son that has suffered through Cancer when he was a Toddler feels something might be wrong and takes him to see a Doctor in town, Harrison went into Medical because of his sister having Leukemia growing up and that is how Sara and Harrison will connect and nothing will ever be the same again, a Love Story. If you like stories like this, then The Nearness of You is a must!
What I enjoyed most about The Nearness of You is watching Sara devote all of herself to her son and has always done that, but needing some happiness for herself she finally gives into Harrison and goes on a Date to realize they just click in every way. Harrison wants Sara from the first moment he sees her again in his Office and for once tries his best to not give up and keep asking her out until she gives in to one Date one Date that turns into so much more.
This book was amazing, so sweet and loving after so much heartbreak in her life. Sara moves back to her home town to help take care of her mother, Sara a devoted mother to her son that has suffered through Cancer when he was a Toddler feels something might be wrong and takes him to see a Doctor in town, Harrison went into Medical because of his sister having Leukemia growing up and that is how Sara and Harrison will connect and nothing will ever be the same again, a Love Story. If you like stories like this, then The Nearness of You is a must!
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