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Love on the North Shore #1
The Courage To Love
When Hollywood sweetheart, Mia Troy, checks into the Victorian Rose, the only things on her mind are rest and relaxation before she begins work on her new movie in Boston. That is until she meets Sean O’Brien, the co-owner of the bed and breakfast. From the moment she checks in, Mia is drawn to Sean, a reserved man who sees past her celebrity status.
Eighteen years ago Sean became the man of the house when his father walked out on the family. Without a second thought, he put his own hopes and dreams on the back burner and took care of his mom and younger sister. Now the co-owner of a successful bed and breakfast, Sean has accepted his position in life—until the day Mia Troy checks in.
Despite his better judgment, Sean can’t ignore his physical attraction to Mia. Soon he gives into his desire, telling himself all she wants is a quick fling to pass the time. As they spend time together, his feelings grow. But can two people from such different worlds ever last?
Eighteen years ago Sean became the man of the house when his father walked out on the family. Without a second thought, he put his own hopes and dreams on the back burner and took care of his mom and younger sister. Now the co-owner of a successful bed and breakfast, Sean has accepted his position in life—until the day Mia Troy checks in.
Despite his better judgment, Sean can’t ignore his physical attraction to Mia. Soon he gives into his desire, telling himself all she wants is a quick fling to pass the time. As they spend time together, his feelings grow. But can two people from such different worlds ever last?
208 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
November 28, 2019
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
May 2, 2015
Mia Troy is an actress who needs a break from work. For a month she will be at a bed and breakfast called the Victorian Rose, on the North Shore outside of Boston. There she meets handsome, Sean O'Brian, the son and part owner of the inn with his mom. Mia is fascinated by Sean and his handsome looks and he doesn't treat her like a big movie star. He treats her like a normal person. Sean thinks she is probably snooty but is surprised when he gets to know her a little and sees she isn't like that. This is a great love story with some heartache along the way. Don't want to give too much away, but you will love it
June 19, 2017
I read the first five chapters and gave up. A movie star named Mia is spending a mini vacation at a bed and breakfast, but mostly what she does is seduce the B&B's son. This is not for me. I demand quality writing and not smut.
December 4, 2014
A digital copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
This sweet and endearing tale revolves around celebrated Hollywood actor Mia Troy, who yearns to have a quiet few days to herself, away from all the glare and spotlight, and Sean O'Brien, who co-owns the modest and homely bed and breakfast joint that Mia comes to, to spend those "quiet and peaceful" days. As luck usually has it, Mia and Sean are drawn to each other. While Mia battles her fears for what would come out of it, Sean, who has been shouldering a lot of responsibilities right from a pretty young age, is convinced that all Mia is looking for is a short and casual fling. Do they clear each other's misunderstandings, or do they go their separate ways, is what the book takes us through.
Although mildly predictable, the plot holds the reader's interest all the same. The book is set at a good pace and helps the readers absorb the depth of the two protagonist characters. Sean's character is particularly carved out well, helping the reader understand the reasoning behind his cynicism and his contempt. The character's turmoil, when being pulled between his inner voice and Mia's alluring presence, is nicely narrated too.
Overall, this was a good read and I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of romance genres.
My rating for this book: 4 stars
This sweet and endearing tale revolves around celebrated Hollywood actor Mia Troy, who yearns to have a quiet few days to herself, away from all the glare and spotlight, and Sean O'Brien, who co-owns the modest and homely bed and breakfast joint that Mia comes to, to spend those "quiet and peaceful" days. As luck usually has it, Mia and Sean are drawn to each other. While Mia battles her fears for what would come out of it, Sean, who has been shouldering a lot of responsibilities right from a pretty young age, is convinced that all Mia is looking for is a short and casual fling. Do they clear each other's misunderstandings, or do they go their separate ways, is what the book takes us through.
Although mildly predictable, the plot holds the reader's interest all the same. The book is set at a good pace and helps the readers absorb the depth of the two protagonist characters. Sean's character is particularly carved out well, helping the reader understand the reasoning behind his cynicism and his contempt. The character's turmoil, when being pulled between his inner voice and Mia's alluring presence, is nicely narrated too.
Overall, this was a good read and I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of romance genres.
My rating for this book: 4 stars
September 30, 2019
I have been looking forward to reading this series for a while now and I liked it but I definitely didn't love the first book. Sean and Mia are interesting but they just didn't hold my interest at all times. There were many times when they were doing things - like their second date - and it went into detail on each house they visited and I was like no offense but I don't care. I read most of the book but those parts were it went into too much detail and was just boring I would skim over. I'm going to try the second book in the series and hoping it's better. Again it was nice but not great.
March 11, 2014
Christine Tetreault has created an wonderful story to kick off a new amazing series.. included in this story are Characters we have met before.. I loved Sean and Mia.. Even if I did want to smack Sean a few times...I know I am going to love this series as much as the Sherbrookes of Millport.. I recommend this book 100%.. You will not go wrong
March 9, 2014
Good start to a new series
This book was a good start to a new series while spring boarding off from a previous one. If you want a light and quick romantic read, check this out.
This book was a good start to a new series while spring boarding off from a previous one. If you want a light and quick romantic read, check this out.
October 12, 2016
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Review to come...
Review to come...
February 13, 2017
An enjoyable book, but needs better editing. Too many spelling errors. Very distracting.
June 9, 2021
Mia Troy is a Hollywood star, has been since she was a young girl. She was born on the East Coast and has returned to film a movie but she needs a break so she finds a Bed and Breakfast in the town of North Salem, Ma. There she meets Sean O'Brien and his mom. Mia and Sean start spending time together agreeing to fun for the time she is there. But when that time is up Mia asks for a bit more. She wants to still see him when filming begins in Boston. Sean lets her go as the movie filming warps in Boston but can his heart let her go?
I enjoyed this book. Sean is broody and keeps his emotions in check, well all but anger which he lets get the best of him sometimes. He is insecure, he is who he is and Mia is a huge star. Many times he wonders why she picked him. I liked that Ms. Tetreault gives her characters flaws. It humanizes them. The scenery is wonderful and I have been to Salem and Boston and her descriptive writing brought me back there. I will defiantly be reading the next book in this series. It is a stand-alone but because I enjoyed reading about the characters and the town of North Salem, I want to know more!
I enjoyed this book. Sean is broody and keeps his emotions in check, well all but anger which he lets get the best of him sometimes. He is insecure, he is who he is and Mia is a huge star. Many times he wonders why she picked him. I liked that Ms. Tetreault gives her characters flaws. It humanizes them. The scenery is wonderful and I have been to Salem and Boston and her descriptive writing brought me back there. I will defiantly be reading the next book in this series. It is a stand-alone but because I enjoyed reading about the characters and the town of North Salem, I want to know more!
April 15, 2018
Well, well, well, I didn't expect it but this was a great read. For starters, I didn't expect the super rich girl meet the average guy and then fall in love. That is fresh. I mean she initiated the whole thing and freaking asked him out.
Second, i didn't expect the h an A list Hollywood actress to be that amazing and sweet. She just stole my heart. I thought she is gonna turn out to be a snob but Mia was super nice and wonderful all through
As for the H, Sean was just too much. He embodies everything I admire in my heros. Sean is
Cool, hardworking, respectful, super down to earth and cute. Mia wouldn't have gotten it better.
I enjoyed this a lot more than The Sherbrooke of Newport series.
Second, i didn't expect the h an A list Hollywood actress to be that amazing and sweet. She just stole my heart. I thought she is gonna turn out to be a snob but Mia was super nice and wonderful all through
As for the H, Sean was just too much. He embodies everything I admire in my heros. Sean is
Cool, hardworking, respectful, super down to earth and cute. Mia wouldn't have gotten it better.
I enjoyed this a lot more than The Sherbrooke of Newport series.
May 20, 2018
I can't finish this. The writing is juvenile, but the wording and instances are old-fashioned, making it difficult to become properly engaged. Typical and stereotypical situations with too much information being dumped every single time to make me not care. I'm desperately searching for good Contemporary Romance authors, but this is not my idea of how it should read. She's supposed to be famous and popular but doesn't give that impression behavior-wise, and he is supposed to be 36 but reads more like a festering college student. Telling me he's attractive and she's popular doesn't make it so if you aren't, also, going to give me some concrete examples to back it up.
September 30, 2019
I have been looking forward to reading this series for a while now and I liked it but I definitely didn't love the first book. Sean and Mia are interesting but they just didn't hold my interest at all times. There were many times when they were doing things - like their second date - and it went into detail on each house they visited and I was like no offense but I don't care. I read most of the book but those parts were it went into too much detail and was just boring I would skim over. I'm going to try the second book in the series and hoping it's better. Again it was nice but not great.
September 16, 2018
The Courage To Love
After his father walked out on the family Sean ends up helping his mother run the BnB. Now eighteen years later he is still there. When client, Mia, comes for a month stay. She is a Hollywood actress. She is there for a break and to reconnect with her family. He is finding out that what happened years ago was not so cut and dried. What happens when he finds out that what he was lead to believe was a lie? And his missed opportunity hurts more than he thought.
After his father walked out on the family Sean ends up helping his mother run the BnB. Now eighteen years later he is still there. When client, Mia, comes for a month stay. She is a Hollywood actress. She is there for a break and to reconnect with her family. He is finding out that what happened years ago was not so cut and dried. What happens when he finds out that what he was lead to believe was a lie? And his missed opportunity hurts more than he thought.
October 1, 2018
I’ve had several CT books in my Nook library for awhile and just now finally got to one of them. The Courage to Love is set in a quaint New England town that is a definite highlight in the story. The main characters, Sean and Mia, are interesting but not exceptionally captivating. The story is good but there’s nothing surprising and the storyline is one that’s been used before. It’s a cute, quick read. If you’re looking for something that is easy and fun, but one that doesn’t consume you, this one might be for you.
February 25, 2019
Sean has given up a lot of his dreams, since his father left. Now, it’s eighteen years later and he’s running The Victorian Rose bed and breakfast with his mom. Mia, a beautiful actress, comes to stay before she heads to Boston to start a new movie. Sean and Mia grow close, but he knows there’s an expirations date to their time together. During Mia’s stay, some secrets come to light and she helps him come to terms with them. Shortly before she needs to return to California, Sean ends things. Will they ever reunite or will he be alone forever. Grab your copy and see what happens.
September 16, 2020
It read more like a tour guide than anything
Sean's life is in transition. Mia is the loving supportive girlfriend. It's typical. There is absolutely nothing earth shattering happening in her life. Everything is because she wants it while he has to form his life after all his plans are tossed away. So she's basically a throw away character. She "had" an eating disorder but it better now. She's the perfect woman and so boring it hurts. He's a jerk. You can pass it off as his reaction to his life change but he's just all out rude to every character in the book.
Sean's life is in transition. Mia is the loving supportive girlfriend. It's typical. There is absolutely nothing earth shattering happening in her life. Everything is because she wants it while he has to form his life after all his plans are tossed away. So she's basically a throw away character. She "had" an eating disorder but it better now. She's the perfect woman and so boring it hurts. He's a jerk. You can pass it off as his reaction to his life change but he's just all out rude to every character in the book.
November 4, 2022
I liked the story, it is a simple fast reading romance that you can enjoy, but it had some.problems that made it a cute story but not a great story for me. Starting with the writing, the author repeated the ideas in an almost exact way in different parts of the book, so I ended up having several déjà vus while reading, and Sean's character did not hit the mark with me. While Mia was very sweet and understanding, Sean did not feel that invested in making things work, at least in my opinion, it was lacking a little to convince me of the love story line.
June 11, 2017
"The Courage To Love" is an easy and enjoyable read. The characters are easily likable and relatable.
It's a story about family and choices; about relationships and forgiveness and discovering that sometimes things and people are not always what or who they appear to be. It's a lesson in that age old saying, "there are two sides to every story and somewhere in the middle lies the truth."
Looking forward to book #2 in this series.
It's a story about family and choices; about relationships and forgiveness and discovering that sometimes things and people are not always what or who they appear to be. It's a lesson in that age old saying, "there are two sides to every story and somewhere in the middle lies the truth."
Looking forward to book #2 in this series.
June 28, 2017
Celebrity Mia Troy decides to take a break from Hollywood before starting her next movie and checks into The Victorian Rose B & B. Sean O'Brien and his mom own the B & B and Sean gave up all his plans in life to help run the B & B with his mom. Mia's grandparents lived in the area so she was somewhat familiar with in and anxious to make some family connections. Of coarse Sean and Mia are attracted to each other.
January 8, 2019
Love Story
The author 's choice of settings was a pleasant surprise. I could see the town in my mind after living in Massachusetts. I enjoyed the story very much. Having recently been to a bed and breakfast in Maine. The story flowed easily from page to page. I liked how the B&B's owner kept trying to set her son up with someone.
The characters were believable and I wanted only the best outcome for them all.
The author 's choice of settings was a pleasant surprise. I could see the town in my mind after living in Massachusetts. I enjoyed the story very much. Having recently been to a bed and breakfast in Maine. The story flowed easily from page to page. I liked how the B&B's owner kept trying to set her son up with someone.
The characters were believable and I wanted only the best outcome for them all.
June 8, 2017
Great story
This is a heartwarming story that will definitely keep your interest.
Sean and Mia have such a sweet romantic story you will not put down. Sean has a sad life as a teenager and he is somewhat a recluse before he meets the beautiful movie star - Mia. She just has a way of bringing life back into Sean.
Recommend this book.
This is a heartwarming story that will definitely keep your interest.
Sean and Mia have such a sweet romantic story you will not put down. Sean has a sad life as a teenager and he is somewhat a recluse before he meets the beautiful movie star - Mia. She just has a way of bringing life back into Sean.
Recommend this book.
March 8, 2018
Cute story, really liked the main characters. One of the big mishaps for me was timing. For instance, it was said that he spent every weekend in California with Mia (closer to the end of the book), but then you read that Taylor stayed with him most weekends. Which is it? I did like it, it was a cute story, not a ton of depth, but the characters were likable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2021
3.5 Stars for a heartwarming romance
This a heartwarming, emotional romance. Both Sean and Mia are a bit lost when they first meet and the author does a good job of drawing the reader into their connection, making you feel invested in their relationship and the trials they need to overcome. Relatively clean, the heat factor is very mild
This a heartwarming, emotional romance. Both Sean and Mia are a bit lost when they first meet and the author does a good job of drawing the reader into their connection, making you feel invested in their relationship and the trials they need to overcome. Relatively clean, the heat factor is very mild
April 5, 2017
I was going to say this is a small town romance, but part of it takes place in LA. I'm not a huge fan of movie star characters, but Mia's superstar status takes a backseat most of the time. The emphasis is on the romance of Mia and Sean.
Sean's character is kind of confusing. I can't decide if I admire him for sticking by his mom and making sacrifices to help her, or if I'm more irritated that he seemed to give up so much of himself to do it.
I feel like I have to address the reviewer who complained about the sex scenes and said there wasn't even a mention of a condom..were you listening? It's a book that gives you the lead up to the sex and then kind of closes the door. It's a little cleaner that way. There was definitely mention of condoms and the use of condoms. It was the reviewers shortsightedness, not the authors.
The narration by Em Eldridge was very good. Her voice is very easy to listen to.
Sean's character is kind of confusing. I can't decide if I admire him for sticking by his mom and making sacrifices to help her, or if I'm more irritated that he seemed to give up so much of himself to do it.
I feel like I have to address the reviewer who complained about the sex scenes and said there wasn't even a mention of a condom..were you listening? It's a book that gives you the lead up to the sex and then kind of closes the door. It's a little cleaner that way. There was definitely mention of condoms and the use of condoms. It was the reviewers shortsightedness, not the authors.
The narration by Em Eldridge was very good. Her voice is very easy to listen to.
January 2, 2019
Sweet Story
This was a sweet story about finding oneself and finding love. Even though the main characters come from different backgrounds, they soon find they are more alike than they realized.
This was a sweet story about finding oneself and finding love. Even though the main characters come from different backgrounds, they soon find they are more alike than they realized.
April 26, 2020
Great beach read
Great story line and great characters. Not your typical romance story which made this a great read with memorable characters. It delighted me to learn that this was just book one in the series!
Great story line and great characters. Not your typical romance story which made this a great read with memorable characters. It delighted me to learn that this was just book one in the series!
May 23, 2020
Good start to a series
Without taking the chance of a spoiler, I thoroughly enjoyed the humor and romance in this book. The ending was predictable though a bit wishe washe for me, but the romance and family issues were nicely tied together by the end.
Without taking the chance of a spoiler, I thoroughly enjoyed the humor and romance in this book. The ending was predictable though a bit wishe washe for me, but the romance and family issues were nicely tied together by the end.
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August 7, 2022A New Fan
This was a delightful story. I was hooked from the first page. All the characters were strong supportive and likable. They seamed so down to earth. I highly recommend this book.
This was a delightful story. I was hooked from the first page. All the characters were strong supportive and likable. They seamed so down to earth. I highly recommend this book.
December 22, 2022
Mia
Pleasant read - not heavy going. Famous actress meets normal stubborn working man. A few ups and downs later, happy ending. Typical romantic novel. Would only read more from this series when a light read wanted.
Pleasant read - not heavy going. Famous actress meets normal stubborn working man. A few ups and downs later, happy ending. Typical romantic novel. Would only read more from this series when a light read wanted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews