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Northern Lights #1
A Change in Tide
What impact would it have when everything suddenly faded to black?
For Mia, a crowded subway ride changes her entire life. Retreating to the wilderness helps her cope with a world that is suddenly too loud, too turbulent.
Her existence safely contained to the small cottage on the lake, she is unprepared for the neighbor that moves across the bay
A career-ending injury has Jared permanently benched. His reputation as The Enforcer won’t survive the unanticipated responsibilities awaiting him.
Away from the public eye, he adjust to his new reality, under the quiet observation of the intriguing hermit on the other side of the water.
For Mia, a crowded subway ride changes her entire life. Retreating to the wilderness helps her cope with a world that is suddenly too loud, too turbulent.
Her existence safely contained to the small cottage on the lake, she is unprepared for the neighbor that moves across the bay
A career-ending injury has Jared permanently benched. His reputation as The Enforcer won’t survive the unanticipated responsibilities awaiting him.
Away from the public eye, he adjust to his new reality, under the quiet observation of the intriguing hermit on the other side of the water.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2017
711 people are currently reading
1597 people want to read
About the author
Freya Barker
78 books1,905 followersUSA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 448 reviews
April 26, 2017
I love this cover. A great representation of the hero. Nice composition. Nice typography, although the "A" is wierdly placed. All in all a nicely done cover.
So it is a testament to how well this author can weave a story that this ended up being a 3.5-Star read for me. Oh, it totally would have been an even higher rating if it hadn't been for that awful and unnecessary first chapter (see my rant below). I put this one down after that and gave myself 24 hours to bleach my brain before continuing from chapter two. From that point on this one was a wonderful read.I really enjoy this author's writing style. It's very meandering in its pace without being boring. Although the last 20% did drag a little for me. There wasn't really any angst or drama. Just a slow building relationship between two broken people older in years than the typical H/h (Hero=39 Heroine=42). Adults behaving like adults. I enjoyed both main characters immensely. This book isn't heavy on the side characters but Jared's sister Jordy plays a huge part in the book and I loved seeing how close she and Jared were. Little Ole was cute and a certain OPP officer intrigues me greatly. I hope we get a book or at least a novella featuring those two.
I also LOVED that this was set in Canada...HELLO, home country here. We need more books set in Canada. I laughed my butt off when Jared and Jordy looked at Mia in horror when she didn't know the difference between the OHL and the NHL. I loved when the nurse told Jared there was a Timmie's still open. It made me a little homesick, to be honest. In any case, I have a rant to get to so I am going to wrap this up. Personally, I would suggest if detail OW scenes bother you to just skip chapter one and start from chapter two. There are a couple mentions of the heroine having seen the hero having sex, but you will be spared the details along with the...other stuff.
So my rant...
April 19, 2019
The first chapter was awful. I am not sure why the author added so much detail with the hero having sex with another woman. He did not wear a condom with this OW and then after he said "I notice the sticky evidence of stupidity on my cock." (Loc 3%). There was no OW drama from that fling or surprise pregnancy. Beta readers should have suggested that the author take all that detail out since there no point to any of it. Authors need to choose people who are not their friends to give them advice.
I almost DNFed at that point, but I kept reading. The story got better at that point, but it was still missing something. I liked all the characters. The hero turned out to be a decent person. The heroine was okay. I just did not feel that connection that I wanted to with this couple. It was unfulfilled potential. We were told of the heroine's issues, but I felt it only scratched the surface. It was lacking. I am not sure if was the flow of the writing or the frequent switch in POVs, but something did not work. I wanted to love this, but sadly I didn't. I skimmed to finish.
I liked that the couple were older. The heroine is 42, the hero 39. The hero is an ex-NHL player. The heroine has a fear of being in crowds so she avoids them. However, she tries everyday to go out more and be more "social". One day, she notices her new next door neighbor having sex with a woman out in the open. (The awful chapter one). The next day he is helping a pregnant woman move into his house. The pregnant woman turned out to be Jared's sister, Jordy, who I really liked. Jared sister goes into labor when Mia steps in and helps with the delivery. Mia used to be a midwife before she had her breakdown from being trapped in a crowded subway for 6 hours. Mia is an amazing midwife and you can see throughout the story how comfortable and knowledgeable she is about childbirth and babies. That was clear. I would have liked to understand and be clear on other things such as the depth of her trauma and why it effected her for so long. Also, I did not feel a strong connection between the MCs. Did Jared really care for Mia because he loved Mia or because she was there for Jordy's deliver and helped care for his sister??? Also, I wish these characters would wear condoms until their relationship becomes monogamous. AIDS and STDs.
I almost DNFed at that point, but I kept reading. The story got better at that point, but it was still missing something. I liked all the characters. The hero turned out to be a decent person. The heroine was okay. I just did not feel that connection that I wanted to with this couple. It was unfulfilled potential. We were told of the heroine's issues, but I felt it only scratched the surface. It was lacking. I am not sure if was the flow of the writing or the frequent switch in POVs, but something did not work. I wanted to love this, but sadly I didn't. I skimmed to finish.
I liked that the couple were older. The heroine is 42, the hero 39. The hero is an ex-NHL player. The heroine has a fear of being in crowds so she avoids them. However, she tries everyday to go out more and be more "social". One day, she notices her new next door neighbor having sex with a woman out in the open. (The awful chapter one). The next day he is helping a pregnant woman move into his house. The pregnant woman turned out to be Jared's sister, Jordy, who I really liked. Jared sister goes into labor when Mia steps in and helps with the delivery. Mia used to be a midwife before she had her breakdown from being trapped in a crowded subway for 6 hours. Mia is an amazing midwife and you can see throughout the story how comfortable and knowledgeable she is about childbirth and babies. That was clear. I would have liked to understand and be clear on other things such as the depth of her trauma and why it effected her for so long. Also, I did not feel a strong connection between the MCs. Did Jared really care for Mia because he loved Mia or because she was there for Jordy's deliver and helped care for his sister??? Also, I wish these characters would wear condoms until their relationship becomes monogamous. AIDS and STDs.
July 29, 2020
Mia lives in relative seclusion in a tiny cabin on a peaceful lake. Her choice after an accident on the subway leaves her dealing with fear of being around crowds or away from her cabin. Everything is pretty much quiet until a new neighbor moves in across the lake. He’s gorgeous, but Mia doesn’t get the greatest first impression after witnessing him in a compromising situation out on the dock, in full view, with one woman, and then escorting another fully pregnant woman home the next week. Things aren’t always what they seem, which Mia soon learns.
Jared’s professional hockey career ends prematurely when an injury makes it impossible to compete, but the situation enables him to be there for his pregnant sister when her loser boyfriend abandons her. He gets glimpses of his neighbor across the lake, and he’s intrigued, but it isn’t until they need her help as a midwife that they become more acquainted.
I was kind of jealous of Mia’s situation, not the fear part, but I’d love to live out in a cabin on a beautiful, secluded lake. It sang to my hermit tendencies! Mia left her career behind when it became apparent her panic attacks interfered too much to continue. The arrival of Jared and his sister forced Mia to step up, and it actually helped Mia quicken the process of healing.
I really enjoyed the slow build friendship and then romance between Mia and Jared. She can’t help being attracted to him. Who can resist a man with such obvious love of his family? I just loved the bits where Mia uses her skills and knowledge of newborns to help Jordy with her new baby. The baby parts reminded me of that intense time when I just had my kids and when my daughter had her babies. There’s nothing like snuggling a newborn or trying to calm them, which can really take it out of you, lol!
Jared was an intense guy and once he started having feelings for Mia he was pretty focused on her. I did mention in the first scene Mia witnesses him with another woman, but I should say that was it. For those worried about “other woman” drama from that, the woman didn’t have any other part in the story whatsoever. Once Jared and Mia get together, they can’t keep their hands off each other and if I had any complaints it would be that there were maybe too many sex scenes. Still, I really enjoyed their romantic journey and I plan on picking up the next in the series: A Change in View. Both stories are available on Kindle Unlimited, but I recommend the audio version as well.
Charley Ongel and Tor Thom did an excellent job narrating the female and male chapters. Charley Ongel was easy on the ears with a smooth, lilting tone, and Tor Thom had a very masculine voice.
A copy was kindly provided by Spectrum Audio via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jared’s professional hockey career ends prematurely when an injury makes it impossible to compete, but the situation enables him to be there for his pregnant sister when her loser boyfriend abandons her. He gets glimpses of his neighbor across the lake, and he’s intrigued, but it isn’t until they need her help as a midwife that they become more acquainted.
I was kind of jealous of Mia’s situation, not the fear part, but I’d love to live out in a cabin on a beautiful, secluded lake. It sang to my hermit tendencies! Mia left her career behind when it became apparent her panic attacks interfered too much to continue. The arrival of Jared and his sister forced Mia to step up, and it actually helped Mia quicken the process of healing.
I really enjoyed the slow build friendship and then romance between Mia and Jared. She can’t help being attracted to him. Who can resist a man with such obvious love of his family? I just loved the bits where Mia uses her skills and knowledge of newborns to help Jordy with her new baby. The baby parts reminded me of that intense time when I just had my kids and when my daughter had her babies. There’s nothing like snuggling a newborn or trying to calm them, which can really take it out of you, lol!
Jared was an intense guy and once he started having feelings for Mia he was pretty focused on her. I did mention in the first scene Mia witnesses him with another woman, but I should say that was it. For those worried about “other woman” drama from that, the woman didn’t have any other part in the story whatsoever. Once Jared and Mia get together, they can’t keep their hands off each other and if I had any complaints it would be that there were maybe too many sex scenes. Still, I really enjoyed their romantic journey and I plan on picking up the next in the series: A Change in View. Both stories are available on Kindle Unlimited, but I recommend the audio version as well.
Charley Ongel and Tor Thom did an excellent job narrating the female and male chapters. Charley Ongel was easy on the ears with a smooth, lilting tone, and Tor Thom had a very masculine voice.
A copy was kindly provided by Spectrum Audio via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2020
I'm on a binge read of Freya Barker's backlog of books because I have become a big fan of her writing. Her books never fail to pull me in and keep me completely engrossed in the story. I feel like her characters are older, more mature with more mature problems they face. It's a nice change from reading about 20 year olds and the games you find in most books with younger characters.
Jared didn't start the book off very well. He is a newly retired hockey player that has lived the hockey life with women and booze. The first but small introduction to him was a vivid painting of him with some random blonde. The good thing is, it was the last of that you will see in the book.
Jared is expecting his pregnant sister to come live with him and he had already made the decision he needed to settle down and he was true to his word. I loved him after that. His reactions to his pregnant sister were pretty comical but he was also a very protective big brother and protective hero to Mia.
Mia's character was just as like-able. You don't know what she went through to cause her to shut herself off from life and that had me anxious to find out. I admit my imagination was much worse than what really happened. Despite her become a recluse, her character doesn't constantly bring you down. She was in the right setting enough to show what kind of woman she is when she isn't having panic attacks in public.
Bonus material had us seeing a second couple falling in love. I almost wish they had their own book cause I really wanted more of John. What small parts he had in the book, I loved him.
Jared didn't start the book off very well. He is a newly retired hockey player that has lived the hockey life with women and booze. The first but small introduction to him was a vivid painting of him with some random blonde. The good thing is, it was the last of that you will see in the book.
Jared is expecting his pregnant sister to come live with him and he had already made the decision he needed to settle down and he was true to his word. I loved him after that. His reactions to his pregnant sister were pretty comical but he was also a very protective big brother and protective hero to Mia.
Mia's character was just as like-able. You don't know what she went through to cause her to shut herself off from life and that had me anxious to find out. I admit my imagination was much worse than what really happened. Despite her become a recluse, her character doesn't constantly bring you down. She was in the right setting enough to show what kind of woman she is when she isn't having panic attacks in public.
Bonus material had us seeing a second couple falling in love. I almost wish they had their own book cause I really wanted more of John. What small parts he had in the book, I loved him.
nope-not-for-me
April 19, 2019I like this author, but I only read a few pages of the sample and that's a big NO from me. The h sees the H having sex with OW outside on the dock in plain view of everyone and she gets turned on by it!?!? And to make matters worse, the H doesn't even use a condom. All this in only the first chapter. So much nope.
June 20, 2020
Audiobook: Narrators - Charley Ongel & Tor Thom
These narrators did a great job of bringing the hero and heroine to life for me. Both of their voices were the perfect pitch for my ear and kept me engaged. However, I must admit that I struggled with both of their secondary characters’ voices. None of them sounded real or authentic. It was difficult to listen to at times, although likes and dislikes of voices are completely subjected so I suggest you listen to a sample.
I enjoyed this story of an older couple as it lacked the unnecessary drama that arises for characters in their twenties. There really isn’t a lot of drama that drives this story as it’s mostly built on two people getting to know one another, trusting each other, and falling in love. Both Jared and Mia have some baggage they’re dealing with but they’re doing it in a mature manner.
I loved Mia. My heart hurt for her and she was such a sweet woman with a heart of gold. She’s a prisoner of the past but as she gets to know Jared and his sister she began to find her strength.
I was pretty disappointed by my introduction to Jared. I felt it wasn’t necessary and I found myself prejudiced against him afterwards. After moving onward, I was finally able to put it out of my mind and found myself actually liking him. And as all of this author’s heroes - he was completely protective and possessive. Score!
This is pretty steamy and has some scenes that I was looking around my empty home to be sure no one could hear what I was hearing. With a few secondary characters that helped to showcase the strengths of the hero as well as the heroine, and a touch of humor, I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a low angst, steamy in the extreme read.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
These narrators did a great job of bringing the hero and heroine to life for me. Both of their voices were the perfect pitch for my ear and kept me engaged. However, I must admit that I struggled with both of their secondary characters’ voices. None of them sounded real or authentic. It was difficult to listen to at times, although likes and dislikes of voices are completely subjected so I suggest you listen to a sample.
I enjoyed this story of an older couple as it lacked the unnecessary drama that arises for characters in their twenties. There really isn’t a lot of drama that drives this story as it’s mostly built on two people getting to know one another, trusting each other, and falling in love. Both Jared and Mia have some baggage they’re dealing with but they’re doing it in a mature manner.
I loved Mia. My heart hurt for her and she was such a sweet woman with a heart of gold. She’s a prisoner of the past but as she gets to know Jared and his sister she began to find her strength.
I was pretty disappointed by my introduction to Jared. I felt it wasn’t necessary and I found myself prejudiced against him afterwards. After moving onward, I was finally able to put it out of my mind and found myself actually liking him. And as all of this author’s heroes - he was completely protective and possessive. Score!
This is pretty steamy and has some scenes that I was looking around my empty home to be sure no one could hear what I was hearing. With a few secondary characters that helped to showcase the strengths of the hero as well as the heroine, and a touch of humor, I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a low angst, steamy in the extreme read.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
November 14, 2024
Spoilers ahead
My immediate first impression of the H......ewwwwwwww
I'm a trope reader, I lock on to a particular trope and read as much as I can before something else catches my attention. I previously read a book where the h has panic attacks,mcs in their 20s H is a hockey player... pretty similar to this one actually EXCEPT those 20 something year olds were much more mature than these idiots
H 39 year old former hockey player forced into retirement by a career ending injury.....we first meet him having sex with another woman outside on his dock. The h is his neighbour and she's turned on by that scene. We find out that he didn't even use protection with a woman he'd met a couple days ago. I should've quit then to be honest but I continued, that scene unfortunately stuck in my mind. Finding out the h couldn't have kids I fully expected this woman to turn up pregnant because WTF was the reason for that disgusting scene? As a matter of fact he didn't even reach out to see if the ow was pregnant! Considering his super sperm was able to impregnate the 42 year old h maybe the ow is actually pregnant FFS!!! What was the fucking reason for that scene? What?!???? I can handle a reformed manwhore but that just showed exactly the kind of man the H was......he was a gigantic disgusting manwhore. Him forgetting a condom with the h later on just disgusted me further though of course he claims to have been tested since the ow. It's been a couple months since I believe. Nevertheless that ruined the book for me along with further evidence of his manwhoring past
Lots of other shit made me want to quit but I didn't, I held on to the bitter end. One of those was the comparison of the h to his usual type of women. She's 42 with little lines and some greys, of course doesn't wear makeup either..... absolutely nothing wrong with that but given the description of the woman he was fucking at the beginning plus the stupid article about the h just pissed me off even more.
I can't even do my usual detailed review because I'm still pissed off
No cheating
H was a manwhore in his hockey playing days
After the ow he's not with anyone else
h was married but after an incident on a subway she started having severe panic attacks leading to a divorce
h suffered a miscarriage previously
My immediate first impression of the H......ewwwwwwww
I'm a trope reader, I lock on to a particular trope and read as much as I can before something else catches my attention. I previously read a book where the h has panic attacks,mcs in their 20s H is a hockey player... pretty similar to this one actually EXCEPT those 20 something year olds were much more mature than these idiots
H 39 year old former hockey player forced into retirement by a career ending injury.....we first meet him having sex with another woman outside on his dock. The h is his neighbour and she's turned on by that scene. We find out that he didn't even use protection with a woman he'd met a couple days ago. I should've quit then to be honest but I continued, that scene unfortunately stuck in my mind. Finding out the h couldn't have kids I fully expected this woman to turn up pregnant because WTF was the reason for that disgusting scene? As a matter of fact he didn't even reach out to see if the ow was pregnant! Considering his super sperm was able to impregnate the 42 year old h maybe the ow is actually pregnant FFS!!! What was the fucking reason for that scene? What?!???? I can handle a reformed manwhore but that just showed exactly the kind of man the H was......he was a gigantic disgusting manwhore. Him forgetting a condom with the h later on just disgusted me further though of course he claims to have been tested since the ow. It's been a couple months since I believe. Nevertheless that ruined the book for me along with further evidence of his manwhoring past
Lots of other shit made me want to quit but I didn't, I held on to the bitter end. One of those was the comparison of the h to his usual type of women. She's 42 with little lines and some greys, of course doesn't wear makeup either..... absolutely nothing wrong with that but given the description of the woman he was fucking at the beginning plus the stupid article about the h just pissed me off even more.
I can't even do my usual detailed review because I'm still pissed off
No cheating
H was a manwhore in his hockey playing days
After the ow he's not with anyone else
h was married but after an incident on a subway she started having severe panic attacks leading to a divorce
h suffered a miscarriage previously
May 7, 2017
I really like Freya Barker's writing style, it just works for me. I love the way she builds her characters (although I'm not too sure on how we meet Jared for the first time, don't think that was needed and certainly detracted from the story which I don't think was the author's intention). I usually have no issue at all with man-whores or other men/women situations, but this time it niggled at me.
That said, once I got over that bump right at the beginning of the book I ended up enjoying it. I chose to forget what Jared did and concentrated on how good he was with his girls. I love how patient he was with Mia, never forcing her to do anything she wasn't ready to do. Jared and Mia were great together, perfect for each other and the bonus? No ridiculous childish drama. That'll do for me :)
That said, once I got over that bump right at the beginning of the book I ended up enjoying it. I chose to forget what Jared did and concentrated on how good he was with his girls. I love how patient he was with Mia, never forcing her to do anything she wasn't ready to do. Jared and Mia were great together, perfect for each other and the bonus? No ridiculous childish drama. That'll do for me :)
July 14, 2020
This is my first read by Miss Barker. The first 30% of this book promising something sexy, angst romance story. Blending in mental healyh issue should make it interesting.
What I found out, the story is bit flat and dragging in the middle. The growing chemistry is there but does not develop well. The mental health issue is more just telling and no showing. Hence the story feels flat.
I also get frustrated with push and pull between the characters. Need more vulnerability, need more foreplay, need more seduction.
Overall this is still OK read.
3 stars
What I found out, the story is bit flat and dragging in the middle. The growing chemistry is there but does not develop well. The mental health issue is more just telling and no showing. Hence the story feels flat.
I also get frustrated with push and pull between the characters. Need more vulnerability, need more foreplay, need more seduction.
Overall this is still OK read.
3 stars
April 28, 2017
Freya Barker's poignant stories always pull me under until I've lost hours of my day. Mia and Jared's story is no different. Both are broken in their own way, and watching their story unfold is heartbreaking and sigh worthy at the same time. Miss Barker's description of emotions makes your heart race right along with the characters, and her gift for weaving narrative in a pace that lulls you into contentment, forcing you to curl up with a cup of coffee so you can enjoy the ride, is one of the best I've read. A Change in Tide will make you hurt, make your heart race in empathy, and then put you back together again!
August 16, 2020
First time reading this author
This was my first book from this author. My decision to read this book was based on the great reviews of others. But this almost always never works out for me. While the book was good, it never really drew me into these characters. They seemed mediocre as was the story. I'm not sure if I will read another book of hers, but if I do it will be much later.
This was my first book from this author. My decision to read this book was based on the great reviews of others. But this almost always never works out for me. While the book was good, it never really drew me into these characters. They seemed mediocre as was the story. I'm not sure if I will read another book of hers, but if I do it will be much later.
April 30, 2017
To start with, this is my first read from Freya Barker but it DEFINITELY won't be my last!!
I loved so much about this book; I loved Freya's writing style. So down-to-earth, so earthy, not fast-paced or with a whole lot of superfluous information...clean, clear-cut, straight-to-the-point, but in no way was it boring or did it ever feel forced! The character development was superb, from beginning to end, making me fall equally in love with both Jared and Mia, as well as Jared's sister Jordy! There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, along with quite a few that set my hair on fire...even a few that had tears clouding my vision as I read! The sex scenes were heart-palpitatingly good and all-in-all, I just loved everything about this book!
I have to say that Mia is one of my all-time favourite heroines! She's oh-so-damaged (she made me want to wrap my arms around her and tell her everything would be ok), yet, at the same time, I so admired her for her tenacity and her determination to overcome her issues (with me cheering her on the whole way!) I don't think I've ever talked to my kindle like I was talking to the characters in a book before, but that's the kind of impact both Mia and Jared had on me! Lol, I hope the straightjacket isn't on it's way!
This book is an absolute MUST READ for me and I will have no trouble recommending it to anybody who will listen!
I loved so much about this book; I loved Freya's writing style. So down-to-earth, so earthy, not fast-paced or with a whole lot of superfluous information...clean, clear-cut, straight-to-the-point, but in no way was it boring or did it ever feel forced! The character development was superb, from beginning to end, making me fall equally in love with both Jared and Mia, as well as Jared's sister Jordy! There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, along with quite a few that set my hair on fire...even a few that had tears clouding my vision as I read! The sex scenes were heart-palpitatingly good and all-in-all, I just loved everything about this book!
I have to say that Mia is one of my all-time favourite heroines! She's oh-so-damaged (she made me want to wrap my arms around her and tell her everything would be ok), yet, at the same time, I so admired her for her tenacity and her determination to overcome her issues (with me cheering her on the whole way!) I don't think I've ever talked to my kindle like I was talking to the characters in a book before, but that's the kind of impact both Mia and Jared had on me! Lol, I hope the straightjacket isn't on it's way!
This book is an absolute MUST READ for me and I will have no trouble recommending it to anybody who will listen!
April 22, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Change in Tide introduced me to the work of Freya Barker. I thought the main characters would be in the late twenties or early thirties age group. However, it surprised me to discover they were older, which I appreciated. This is the first book in the Northern Lights series, and I have to say it’s off to a good start.
In this installment, we get Mia and Jared’s story. Mia, a divorcee and a midwife, lives in seclusion in a lake house, a choice she made after being diagnosed with agoraphobia. Living at the lake house provided her , however her peaceful life would be disturbed when Jared, a retired hockey player, moved in next door.
Mia’s first impression of Jared did not go well. Witnessing him in a compromising position with a woman she believed to be his girlfriend, then not soon after she sees a pregnant woman moving in with him. However, things are not always as one may first perceive.
I have to my first impression of Jared was far from flattering, but as the story progressed my feelings towards him changed. Jared oozed confidence. Strong, determined, protective and an excellent cook. He refused to let his career ending injury impact him negatively. Instead, he worked on finding other ways to utilise his skills. He was not afraid to go after what he wants, and Mia was in his sights. I admired Mia’s willingness to help someone in need and her feistiness. Both are complex characters and I had fun peeling away their layers.
I loved the friendship and the romance which developed between Mia and Jared. They took time to know each other and learnt a lot. The biggest revelation was learning of their connection through a tragedy they both suffered on the same day. Both characters showed tremendous growth throughout the story, especially Mia.
The story featured some humorous situations that had me giggling whenever they occurred. It moved at a steady pace to a large extent. The reader got the chance to witness Jared's sister going through her own share of issues and finding happiness in the end.
Narration
With this story we got a dual narration. This is the first time I have listened to narrators Tor Thom and Charley Ongel. I think they did an excellent job in bringing out the temperament of the characters. Their range of voices and tone enhanced the listening experience. Their voices were distinct making easy to distinguish between the characters they are representing.
Overall, A Change In Tide delivered a well-written romance featuring mature characters with real-life problems and realistic flaws.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
A Change in Tide introduced me to the work of Freya Barker. I thought the main characters would be in the late twenties or early thirties age group. However, it surprised me to discover they were older, which I appreciated. This is the first book in the Northern Lights series, and I have to say it’s off to a good start.
In this installment, we get Mia and Jared’s story. Mia, a divorcee and a midwife, lives in seclusion in a lake house, a choice she made after being diagnosed with agoraphobia. Living at the lake house provided her , however her peaceful life would be disturbed when Jared, a retired hockey player, moved in next door.
Mia’s first impression of Jared did not go well. Witnessing him in a compromising position with a woman she believed to be his girlfriend, then not soon after she sees a pregnant woman moving in with him. However, things are not always as one may first perceive.
I have to my first impression of Jared was far from flattering, but as the story progressed my feelings towards him changed. Jared oozed confidence. Strong, determined, protective and an excellent cook. He refused to let his career ending injury impact him negatively. Instead, he worked on finding other ways to utilise his skills. He was not afraid to go after what he wants, and Mia was in his sights. I admired Mia’s willingness to help someone in need and her feistiness. Both are complex characters and I had fun peeling away their layers.
I loved the friendship and the romance which developed between Mia and Jared. They took time to know each other and learnt a lot. The biggest revelation was learning of their connection through a tragedy they both suffered on the same day. Both characters showed tremendous growth throughout the story, especially Mia.
The story featured some humorous situations that had me giggling whenever they occurred. It moved at a steady pace to a large extent. The reader got the chance to witness Jared's sister going through her own share of issues and finding happiness in the end.
Narration
With this story we got a dual narration. This is the first time I have listened to narrators Tor Thom and Charley Ongel. I think they did an excellent job in bringing out the temperament of the characters. Their range of voices and tone enhanced the listening experience. Their voices were distinct making easy to distinguish between the characters they are representing.
Overall, A Change In Tide delivered a well-written romance featuring mature characters with real-life problems and realistic flaws.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
March 7, 2018
There are certain author names that evoke certain reactions in me as a reader. Certain expectations that you connect automatically when your read them. So when the name Freya Barker appeared on my kindle my mind directly connected it to intense storylines that I read from her in the past.
And you can believe me when I tell you her newest book “A Change In Tide” picks up right where she left us when she finished her last series. We find ourselves in a different setting with different characters yet we get told a story with an intensity that I truly love from this author.
Her description of the setting really brings the reader into the story and the characters invited my to join them during the developing plot. I felt like I was right beside Mia, the female lead when she faced her daily struggles and she made me want to hug her and tell her to hold on.
The male lead was as confusing to me as he felt to Mia at first. Jared is a strong minded guy with a big heart that is hidden under layers of old pain. Pain that is not obvious to outsiders and is therefore often misunderstood.
I loved the developing relationship between the leads but as this is one Freya’s trademarks that was really no surprise to me. The leads were remarkable, fragile yet strong. I enjoyed every minute of reading and I will pick up a book from this author at any time if the plot appeals to me.
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July 21, 2020
Audiobook ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, the audiobook for this was really, really good. The narrators are new-to-me, but I really liked them. The male narrator had such a nice, deep voice.
While I feel like this story was longer than it needed to be, I did really like it. I especially appreciated that the main character was a midwife who supported the hero’s sister throughout her “4th trimester.” It’s obvious the author has experience with all the nuances that come along with breastfeeding and all the attachment parenting things that I went through as a new mom. I had so many flashbacks to when my girls were newborns reading this book – it even made me nostalgic for those days as hard as they were!
I love this take on the hockey player trope. While it plays a big part in the story, especially toward the end, it’s different since Jared is retired due to an injury.
While I don’t have agoraphobia, the representation of the anxiety part of her disorder was done really well.
I loved how Jared took care of his sister and how well the heroine fit into their little family.
The journalist was incredibly annoying and seemed a bit over the top.
This book definitely made me wish I had a nice, secluded lake house across from a famous hockey player! Lol!
First of all, the audiobook for this was really, really good. The narrators are new-to-me, but I really liked them. The male narrator had such a nice, deep voice.
While I feel like this story was longer than it needed to be, I did really like it. I especially appreciated that the main character was a midwife who supported the hero’s sister throughout her “4th trimester.” It’s obvious the author has experience with all the nuances that come along with breastfeeding and all the attachment parenting things that I went through as a new mom. I had so many flashbacks to when my girls were newborns reading this book – it even made me nostalgic for those days as hard as they were!
I love this take on the hockey player trope. While it plays a big part in the story, especially toward the end, it’s different since Jared is retired due to an injury.
While I don’t have agoraphobia, the representation of the anxiety part of her disorder was done really well.
I loved how Jared took care of his sister and how well the heroine fit into their little family.
The journalist was incredibly annoying and seemed a bit over the top.
This book definitely made me wish I had a nice, secluded lake house across from a famous hockey player! Lol!
Read
August 19, 2017NO rating for me:( SPOILERS AHEAD YOU ARE WARNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why, oh, why didn't I try and see if any of my GR friends read this or attempted too! LOL.... Shari Kay....you are awesome as soon as I read your spoiler I was dying like why didn't I research before I started it, lol...I could NOT believe that opening scene, I just couldn't get past it, total turn-off! I would have been slightly bothered by it BUT the fact she got turned on and the whole no condom thing, ewwwwwwww, I just couldn't and didn't get over it.
I saw this on a whim last night and said you know I have never read anything by this author so I decided to throw caution to the wind and, yeah, NO for me!
I just wasn't into it unfortunately and it's too bad because it had some potential but just didn't capture me at all, I ended up skipping to the end and even that didn't have a wow factor for me...... I will definitely give this author another shot though, hopefully, this book was a "just me" thing!
Why, oh, why didn't I try and see if any of my GR friends read this or attempted too! LOL.... Shari Kay....you are awesome as soon as I read your spoiler I was dying like why didn't I research before I started it, lol...I could NOT believe that opening scene, I just couldn't get past it, total turn-off! I would have been slightly bothered by it BUT the fact she got turned on and the whole no condom thing, ewwwwwwww, I just couldn't and didn't get over it.
I saw this on a whim last night and said you know I have never read anything by this author so I decided to throw caution to the wind and, yeah, NO for me!
I just wasn't into it unfortunately and it's too bad because it had some potential but just didn't capture me at all, I ended up skipping to the end and even that didn't have a wow factor for me...... I will definitely give this author another shot though, hopefully, this book was a "just me" thing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 6, 2023DNF about 1% in. This book sounded so amazing!! I love the secluded cabin setting and the rugged neighbor across the lake. It could be so good but the immense Spicy scene right on page two is enough to know it’s going to be through this whole book. What a bummer!
May 7, 2017
5 Stars to A Change In Tide (Northern Lights #1) by Freya Barker.
Jared and Mia.......
A Change In Tide is my first book by this author. I have to say this...I have close to 1,000 books on my TBR. This book was not one of them. While posting this release on my blog, I read the blurb as I usually do and something about it caught my attention. Nothing specific; just a feeling I had. That said, I didn't waste any time by adding this book. I just bought it, and read it immediately. So glad I did! I enjoyed this book immensely!
Both main characters, Mia and Jared, are dealing with emotional circumstances. Jared is a former hockey payer, recently retired due to an injury sustained during a game. His retirement forced him to put things into a different perspective which caused him to make substantial changes in his life.
Mia has been keeping to herself, literally, for the past several years due to a horrifying incident that happened several years prior. Because of that incident, Mia has lost much of her old self, her life.
Mia and Jared don't get off to the best start. Or I guess that could be a matter of opinion. Depends how you look at it, I guess. ;) The acquaintance status came first as they are neighbors. Once it developed, their actual relationship took its time to grow and bloom. And bloom it did. They were beautiful together. The reverence and love they had for each other was so special. I loved watching their interactions. However the intimacy between Jared and Mia was not rushed but their chemistry was evident from early on. Truthfully, I appreciate that their intimacy did not happen too soon. I felt it was more profound by being delayed. But when they finally came together, it was sexy and steamy.
As characters, as people, I adored Jared and Mia. They were real. Their situations were profound and believable. There are several secondary characters as well. Those characters, even the less than likable ones, brought even more depth to the story. I really, really adored Jared's sister, Jordy.
I could go on and on about how wonderful this book is. But I won't. I want you to experience all the feels on your own. And trust me when I say this book has all the 'feels.'
I am definitely a new fan of Freya Barker. I can't wait to read more from her.
Published: May 3, 2017
Read: May 5, 2017
Cover: 5
Standalone
POV: 1st person dual
Kindle edition: 398 pages
Genres: Romance, Sports, (hockey) PTSD,
Jared and Mia.......
A Change In Tide is my first book by this author. I have to say this...I have close to 1,000 books on my TBR. This book was not one of them. While posting this release on my blog, I read the blurb as I usually do and something about it caught my attention. Nothing specific; just a feeling I had. That said, I didn't waste any time by adding this book. I just bought it, and read it immediately. So glad I did! I enjoyed this book immensely!
Both main characters, Mia and Jared, are dealing with emotional circumstances. Jared is a former hockey payer, recently retired due to an injury sustained during a game. His retirement forced him to put things into a different perspective which caused him to make substantial changes in his life.
Mia has been keeping to herself, literally, for the past several years due to a horrifying incident that happened several years prior. Because of that incident, Mia has lost much of her old self, her life.
Mia and Jared don't get off to the best start. Or I guess that could be a matter of opinion. Depends how you look at it, I guess. ;) The acquaintance status came first as they are neighbors. Once it developed, their actual relationship took its time to grow and bloom. And bloom it did. They were beautiful together. The reverence and love they had for each other was so special. I loved watching their interactions. However the intimacy between Jared and Mia was not rushed but their chemistry was evident from early on. Truthfully, I appreciate that their intimacy did not happen too soon. I felt it was more profound by being delayed. But when they finally came together, it was sexy and steamy.
As characters, as people, I adored Jared and Mia. They were real. Their situations were profound and believable. There are several secondary characters as well. Those characters, even the less than likable ones, brought even more depth to the story. I really, really adored Jared's sister, Jordy.
I could go on and on about how wonderful this book is. But I won't. I want you to experience all the feels on your own. And trust me when I say this book has all the 'feels.'
I am definitely a new fan of Freya Barker. I can't wait to read more from her.
Published: May 3, 2017
Read: May 5, 2017
Cover: 5
Standalone
POV: 1st person dual
Kindle edition: 398 pages
Genres: Romance, Sports, (hockey) PTSD,
May 10, 2017
Book Review
Title: A Change in Tide
Series: Northern Lights #1
Author: Freya Barker
Genre: Sports Romance
Publication Date: April 12, 2017
Cliff Hanger: No
4 Stars
*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes and language intended for adults 18+
Synopsis:
What impact would it have when everything suddenly faded to black?
For Mia, a crowded subway ride changes her entire life. Retreating to the wilderness helps her cope with a world that is suddenly too loud, too turbulent.
Her existence safely contained to the small cottage on the lake, she is unprepared for the neighbor that moves across the bay
A career-ending injury has Jared permanently benched. His reputation as The Enforcer won’t survive the unanticipated responsibilities awaiting him.
Away from the public eye, he adjusts to his new reality, under the quiet observation of the intriguing hermit on the other side of the water.
My Thoughts:
A great start to a new series! This is the first time I have read this author’s work and I enjoyed her writing style. This story goes at a slower pace and has a buildup of the characters and story. The characters are older and a bit wiser. Mia is 42 and Jared is 39.
Mia is a broken woman. She had a great career as a midwife, even owned the practice with her best friend. She had a good marriage and an active life. Until that fateful day that she had her incident that caused her ever-worsening PTSD. Over the years struggling with her PTSD she developed agoraphobia and eventually gave up her job, her practice and her marriage. She moved to the small town on the lake for solitude and for her peace of mind. She continues her therapy sessions although it’s a struggle for her to get there, even going to the grocery store causes her to have severe panic attacks. The only companion she has is her dog. Mia’s first impression of Jared was not good. I won’t say anymore on that, you need to read the book.
Jared moved to the lake to get away from the publicity of his career ending injury as an Enforcer with his NHL team. He is trying to find out what he wants to do with his life now that his career is over. He partied a little too hard, was with too many women. It was time to settle down. He also had to help his 36-year-old pregnant sister, Jordy, since her loser boyfriend left her. Jordy goes into labor while out on Jared’s boat and he can’t get the boat restarted. Luckily Mia is out on the lake in her kayak and happens upon the flustered Jared and the panicked Jordy.
I won’t tell you anymore, as you need to read this book and find out what happens. The characters are developed and they have such a great connection. they truly are the healing balm for both of their tortured souls. I loved the secondary characters! There is a lot that goes on in this story and a few times I felt it dragged a bit. The concurrent story of Jordy and her little boy is a great addition and I hope that she gets her own book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
ARC kindly provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review.
Title: A Change in Tide
Series: Northern Lights #1
Author: Freya Barker
Genre: Sports Romance
Publication Date: April 12, 2017
Cliff Hanger: No
4 Stars
*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes and language intended for adults 18+
Synopsis:
What impact would it have when everything suddenly faded to black?
For Mia, a crowded subway ride changes her entire life. Retreating to the wilderness helps her cope with a world that is suddenly too loud, too turbulent.
Her existence safely contained to the small cottage on the lake, she is unprepared for the neighbor that moves across the bay
A career-ending injury has Jared permanently benched. His reputation as The Enforcer won’t survive the unanticipated responsibilities awaiting him.
Away from the public eye, he adjusts to his new reality, under the quiet observation of the intriguing hermit on the other side of the water.
My Thoughts:
A great start to a new series! This is the first time I have read this author’s work and I enjoyed her writing style. This story goes at a slower pace and has a buildup of the characters and story. The characters are older and a bit wiser. Mia is 42 and Jared is 39.
Mia is a broken woman. She had a great career as a midwife, even owned the practice with her best friend. She had a good marriage and an active life. Until that fateful day that she had her incident that caused her ever-worsening PTSD. Over the years struggling with her PTSD she developed agoraphobia and eventually gave up her job, her practice and her marriage. She moved to the small town on the lake for solitude and for her peace of mind. She continues her therapy sessions although it’s a struggle for her to get there, even going to the grocery store causes her to have severe panic attacks. The only companion she has is her dog. Mia’s first impression of Jared was not good. I won’t say anymore on that, you need to read the book.
Jared moved to the lake to get away from the publicity of his career ending injury as an Enforcer with his NHL team. He is trying to find out what he wants to do with his life now that his career is over. He partied a little too hard, was with too many women. It was time to settle down. He also had to help his 36-year-old pregnant sister, Jordy, since her loser boyfriend left her. Jordy goes into labor while out on Jared’s boat and he can’t get the boat restarted. Luckily Mia is out on the lake in her kayak and happens upon the flustered Jared and the panicked Jordy.
I won’t tell you anymore, as you need to read this book and find out what happens. The characters are developed and they have such a great connection. they truly are the healing balm for both of their tortured souls. I loved the secondary characters! There is a lot that goes on in this story and a few times I felt it dragged a bit. The concurrent story of Jordy and her little boy is a great addition and I hope that she gets her own book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
ARC kindly provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review.
June 13, 2020
4.5 Stars
This was such a beautiful story of two people overcoming their past and present problems. I loved how the author portrayed the characters as being each other's support and rock while having them slowly fall in love.
This wasn't an insta-love type of story but a slow build up of a mature and responsible romance while battling many obstacles in the process.
I loved Mia and Jared's story and their character development along with the secondary story of Jordy!
This is definitely a "feel good" type of book that can be enjoyed by many.
This was such a beautiful story of two people overcoming their past and present problems. I loved how the author portrayed the characters as being each other's support and rock while having them slowly fall in love.
This wasn't an insta-love type of story but a slow build up of a mature and responsible romance while battling many obstacles in the process.
I loved Mia and Jared's story and their character development along with the secondary story of Jordy!
This is definitely a "feel good" type of book that can be enjoyed by many.
Read
August 11, 2020dnf @ 20%
childbirth and babies are not my thing. i’m out
childbirth and babies are not my thing. i’m out
December 24, 2020
I finally was able to track down a copy of this book: for whatever reason, I was unable to download this book after I requested and received an ARC when it first came out on NetGalley. I was glad I finally came across this title on the internet. I suspect I hadn't realized that this was an audiobook, so when I went to look for it on my Kindle, it was nowhere to be found. I was able to scrounge up an ebook version of this book, and am now happy to file my review.
Being a Canadian, I was very pleased to find that the book is set in northern Ontario - around Bracebridge. Toronto (my neck of the woods) is also referred to.
The author does a great job of characterization and world building. I was certainly transported to the less populated wilderness of that remote area: beautiful country with breathtaking views and plenty of wildlife.
The opening scene of this story is certainly an eye opener, in more ways than one!
Mia, a former midwife, suffers from PTSD from injuries she received during the 2003 North Eastern Blackout. Jared's NHL career is over due to a severe knee injury. These two walking wounded find comfort in each other.
I like how Jared talks Mia through a few of her panic attacks. Mia helps deliver Jared's sister's baby, and the two become friends. Jared's sister is a single parent. Jared convinces Jordy to come live with him. Mia helps Jared and Jordy when litte Oliver is born. Jordy and Mia become friends, and Mia is reminded that she wanted to have children, but her PTSD demolished her life and any chance of a family with it. I was glad to see that Jared was willing to pass up a promising coaching career because he wanted to stay close to his sister during these early days. His initial introduction as a player in the first chapter is a bit misleading. With each passing chapter, we see him slowly morph into the decent guy that his sister Jody insists he is.
This was an engrossing, relaxing read. Gentle, but with just enough action and angst to keep the plot moving. A nice slow burn, with plenty of sizzle here and there, and a satisfying HEA - for everyone, including little Oliver!
Being a Canadian, I was very pleased to find that the book is set in northern Ontario - around Bracebridge. Toronto (my neck of the woods) is also referred to.
The author does a great job of characterization and world building. I was certainly transported to the less populated wilderness of that remote area: beautiful country with breathtaking views and plenty of wildlife.
The opening scene of this story is certainly an eye opener, in more ways than one!
Mia, a former midwife, suffers from PTSD from injuries she received during the 2003 North Eastern Blackout. Jared's NHL career is over due to a severe knee injury. These two walking wounded find comfort in each other.
I like how Jared talks Mia through a few of her panic attacks. Mia helps deliver Jared's sister's baby, and the two become friends. Jared's sister is a single parent. Jared convinces Jordy to come live with him. Mia helps Jared and Jordy when litte Oliver is born. Jordy and Mia become friends, and Mia is reminded that she wanted to have children, but her PTSD demolished her life and any chance of a family with it. I was glad to see that Jared was willing to pass up a promising coaching career because he wanted to stay close to his sister during these early days. His initial introduction as a player in the first chapter is a bit misleading. With each passing chapter, we see him slowly morph into the decent guy that his sister Jody insists he is.
This was an engrossing, relaxing read. Gentle, but with just enough action and angst to keep the plot moving. A nice slow burn, with plenty of sizzle here and there, and a satisfying HEA - for everyone, including little Oliver!
July 16, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
You can’t do that to a kid who’s got more wrinkles than an elephant’s scrotum.
A change in tide… When you get caught in a rip current or strong tide, the best way to prevent getting pulled under is to ride it out. You can struggle against it, but you’ll only exhaust yourself, and eventually drown. Just ride it out, Mia, pace yourself, but ride it out. It may get bumpy, but there is always, always calmer water on the other side.
Life is messy, and unless you want to live alone on an island, completely cut off from the world, the mess will find you.
So you should know by now that life has no track. It just bounces you around. But if you want to enjoy the good stuff, you have to take the bumps that come along with it. You can’t control it—that’s an illusion— because the moment you’re in control, you’re no longer living— you’re merely existing.
My Review:
I have delighted in every well-crafted book I have read from Freya Barker, she is definitely a treasure. Her latest book, A Change In Tide, was a thoughtful, entertaining, and observant read. Her books are not the type I can read in one sitting, as her work is far too observant, poignant, emotionally rousing and thought-provoking. I am more inclined to savor, take pleasure, and absorb her craft at a more leisurely and indulgent manner than I do most novels. The quality of her skill and the allure of her characters certainly merit the time and attention, although reading her entertaining and engaging stories is definitely not a chore. I enjoy her humor and steam but also the real-life problems, older characters, realistic flaws, and the well-researched challenges, exchanges, and encounters her stories involve. Sigh, I just adore Freya Barker.
You can’t do that to a kid who’s got more wrinkles than an elephant’s scrotum.
A change in tide… When you get caught in a rip current or strong tide, the best way to prevent getting pulled under is to ride it out. You can struggle against it, but you’ll only exhaust yourself, and eventually drown. Just ride it out, Mia, pace yourself, but ride it out. It may get bumpy, but there is always, always calmer water on the other side.
Life is messy, and unless you want to live alone on an island, completely cut off from the world, the mess will find you.
So you should know by now that life has no track. It just bounces you around. But if you want to enjoy the good stuff, you have to take the bumps that come along with it. You can’t control it—that’s an illusion— because the moment you’re in control, you’re no longer living— you’re merely existing.
My Review:
I have delighted in every well-crafted book I have read from Freya Barker, she is definitely a treasure. Her latest book, A Change In Tide, was a thoughtful, entertaining, and observant read. Her books are not the type I can read in one sitting, as her work is far too observant, poignant, emotionally rousing and thought-provoking. I am more inclined to savor, take pleasure, and absorb her craft at a more leisurely and indulgent manner than I do most novels. The quality of her skill and the allure of her characters certainly merit the time and attention, although reading her entertaining and engaging stories is definitely not a chore. I enjoy her humor and steam but also the real-life problems, older characters, realistic flaws, and the well-researched challenges, exchanges, and encounters her stories involve. Sigh, I just adore Freya Barker.
April 12, 2017
Yet another wonderfully poignant story by Freya Barker.
With an overall more timid but no less thought provoking feel to it, A Change in Tide carries readers along a wave of emotion as you experience Mia’s struggles with PTSD and the daily, painful reminders of the life she once lived.
When ex-hockey star Jared moves into a lakeside house, he does so in the hope that following his retirement from the sport that he loved, he’ll be afforded the space and tranquillity to reflect on his future. Jared’s has lived his life to the fullest with fame, money and women aplenty but now he finds himself wanting something totally different out of life and new neighbour, Mia, unwittingly holds the key to his future.
After a less than favourable introduction to each other, Mia and Jared are soon forced to reconcile their differences when Jared’s heavily pregnant sister goes into labour out on the lake. Mia steps in to help Jordy to deliver the baby but in doing nearly loses control of her own emotions. With agoraphobia Mia’s only companion these days, any interaction with the outside world is an unrelenting challenge for her but Jared quickly steps in to protect her from the dark shadows now ever present in her life.
What Jared and Mia don’t initially realise is that their past experiences are joined in a way that makes both reflect on how they have recovered from their respective traumas. Despite starting to make small steps towards living a relatively normal life, Mia finds herself in unchartered waters when the paparazzi locate Jared and are determined to squeeze yet another story out of The Enforcer, even if it's at the expense of Mia’s health.
Side by side, Jared and Mia start to carve a future out for themselves but can Mia ever outrun her demons long enough to find her HEA with Jared?
I really enjoyed this book although I did find parts of this story became a little like a self-help guide to nursing mothers but these, detailed, anecdotes were few and far between thank goodness! Whilst Mia and Jared’s developing relationship was the main focus of the book, Jordy and her new love interest also had a special part to play. It was the opposites attract feel to this story that made it special in my eyes though. The lazy, lakeside, remote feel to this book also gave it an added depth which made a pleasant change from the fast paced lives of characters in many books on the market today. Freya and waterside themed books seem to blend perfectly together and long may it last.
This ebook was kindly provided by the author prior to release date in return for an honest and unbiased review.
We are proud to provide honest and unbiased reviews written from the heart.
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With an overall more timid but no less thought provoking feel to it, A Change in Tide carries readers along a wave of emotion as you experience Mia’s struggles with PTSD and the daily, painful reminders of the life she once lived.
When ex-hockey star Jared moves into a lakeside house, he does so in the hope that following his retirement from the sport that he loved, he’ll be afforded the space and tranquillity to reflect on his future. Jared’s has lived his life to the fullest with fame, money and women aplenty but now he finds himself wanting something totally different out of life and new neighbour, Mia, unwittingly holds the key to his future.
After a less than favourable introduction to each other, Mia and Jared are soon forced to reconcile their differences when Jared’s heavily pregnant sister goes into labour out on the lake. Mia steps in to help Jordy to deliver the baby but in doing nearly loses control of her own emotions. With agoraphobia Mia’s only companion these days, any interaction with the outside world is an unrelenting challenge for her but Jared quickly steps in to protect her from the dark shadows now ever present in her life.
What Jared and Mia don’t initially realise is that their past experiences are joined in a way that makes both reflect on how they have recovered from their respective traumas. Despite starting to make small steps towards living a relatively normal life, Mia finds herself in unchartered waters when the paparazzi locate Jared and are determined to squeeze yet another story out of The Enforcer, even if it's at the expense of Mia’s health.
Side by side, Jared and Mia start to carve a future out for themselves but can Mia ever outrun her demons long enough to find her HEA with Jared?
I really enjoyed this book although I did find parts of this story became a little like a self-help guide to nursing mothers but these, detailed, anecdotes were few and far between thank goodness! Whilst Mia and Jared’s developing relationship was the main focus of the book, Jordy and her new love interest also had a special part to play. It was the opposites attract feel to this story that made it special in my eyes though. The lazy, lakeside, remote feel to this book also gave it an added depth which made a pleasant change from the fast paced lives of characters in many books on the market today. Freya and waterside themed books seem to blend perfectly together and long may it last.
This ebook was kindly provided by the author prior to release date in return for an honest and unbiased review.
We are proud to provide honest and unbiased reviews written from the heart.
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June 29, 2020
It's not a surprise that I love the books that Freya Barker writes and A Change in Tide is no exception. However, this book seems a bit different from many of her other works. In my opinion it feels like a more personal, intimate story. It might be that this is the first book set in the author's homeland, Canada, rather than the United States or maybe the use of Canadian spellings. Whatever the difference is, I am a big fan. I had a difficult time putting the book away because Jared and Mia's story is so compelling.
Both Mia and Jared had their life turned upside down by the same event. However, each of them handled their loss in different ways. For Jared, he threw himself into his career, while Mia lost hers and so much more. At first glance, Jared and Mia's relationship should not work. One is reclusive and the other used to being in the spotlight. Yet, when they share the losses they have endured, their simmering chemistry shifts into high gear.
At first Jared appears to be an ass, yet Mia can't seem to keep her eyes off of her new neighbor. Once Jared takes on an unanticipated responsibility, he settles and leaves his playboy ways behind and is intrigued by his neighbor across the bay. After losing his career, Jared seeks to be out of the limelight, which is exactly where he finds Mia, whom he tries to draw back into society. Unexpectedly thrown together, their attraction becomes magnetic, although they fight their feelings.
I love that Jared knows, most of the time, how to prod Mia gently out of her comfort zone. But like all men, he often puts his foot in his mouth, a fact that his sister enjoys pointing out. Mia struggles with the feelings she develops for Jared, and has to often step back and regroup to handle the things that overwhelm her.
I refuse to give spoilers but I will say that this story is beautifully written and tackles some tough issues for the characters. Love and loss often go hand in hand, but in this book Ms. Barker uses love to heal the losses of the past and create an unexpected relationship and HEA. There are intriguing plot twists and some very personal, true to life events and relationships, even beyond Jared and Mia. Jared might not always be perfect, but he's flawed just enough to endear him into the readers heart for a long time to come.
Added audiobook review. I absolutely love the way Tor Thom and Charley Ongel brought Mia and Jared to life. Tor Thom's mellow, sensual voice is perfect for Jared's character. It's as smooth and sexy as a shot of Canadian whisky and draws all the emotions and nuances of Ms. Barker's hot former hockey player. A man who is struggling with not only new responsibilities but a relationship he never expected. Ms. Ongel's characterization brings out all the subtle sides of Mia's hermit former midwife. Mia is a mix of strength, vulnerability, curiosity, fear, and anxiety but faces it all, even though she thought she left the idea of a relationship in her past. This duo is one of my favorite narration teams and I always look forward to their audiobooks.
Both Mia and Jared had their life turned upside down by the same event. However, each of them handled their loss in different ways. For Jared, he threw himself into his career, while Mia lost hers and so much more. At first glance, Jared and Mia's relationship should not work. One is reclusive and the other used to being in the spotlight. Yet, when they share the losses they have endured, their simmering chemistry shifts into high gear.
At first Jared appears to be an ass, yet Mia can't seem to keep her eyes off of her new neighbor. Once Jared takes on an unanticipated responsibility, he settles and leaves his playboy ways behind and is intrigued by his neighbor across the bay. After losing his career, Jared seeks to be out of the limelight, which is exactly where he finds Mia, whom he tries to draw back into society. Unexpectedly thrown together, their attraction becomes magnetic, although they fight their feelings.
I love that Jared knows, most of the time, how to prod Mia gently out of her comfort zone. But like all men, he often puts his foot in his mouth, a fact that his sister enjoys pointing out. Mia struggles with the feelings she develops for Jared, and has to often step back and regroup to handle the things that overwhelm her.
I refuse to give spoilers but I will say that this story is beautifully written and tackles some tough issues for the characters. Love and loss often go hand in hand, but in this book Ms. Barker uses love to heal the losses of the past and create an unexpected relationship and HEA. There are intriguing plot twists and some very personal, true to life events and relationships, even beyond Jared and Mia. Jared might not always be perfect, but he's flawed just enough to endear him into the readers heart for a long time to come.
Added audiobook review. I absolutely love the way Tor Thom and Charley Ongel brought Mia and Jared to life. Tor Thom's mellow, sensual voice is perfect for Jared's character. It's as smooth and sexy as a shot of Canadian whisky and draws all the emotions and nuances of Ms. Barker's hot former hockey player. A man who is struggling with not only new responsibilities but a relationship he never expected. Ms. Ongel's characterization brings out all the subtle sides of Mia's hermit former midwife. Mia is a mix of strength, vulnerability, curiosity, fear, and anxiety but faces it all, even though she thought she left the idea of a relationship in her past. This duo is one of my favorite narration teams and I always look forward to their audiobooks.
July 12, 2018
Mia is severely agoraphobic, although I would say that her fear is of people rather than open spaces, she is happy pottering around in her garden or rowing on the lake but a trip into the local small town to visit the supermarket can induce panic attacks. Her only trips out of the house are for her weekly therapy sessions. Gradually over the years as her condition worsened Mia has lost everything, her career, her husband, her friends. Nos she is down to one friend. Mia lives alone with her dog Griffin on a lake in rural Canada. Her solitude is spoilt one day when she finds her new neighbour ‘entertaining’ a scantily clad woman in the lake and on his deck. Although she is annoyed by the noise of the powerboat and the woman’s shrieks, she is also strangely aroused when she sees them having sex on the deck – until her neighbour hears her moan!!!! To make matters worse, the next day she sees a heavily pregnant woman clearly moving into the house – what a sleaze.
Jared Kesla is a retired hockey player, he’s bought a home in rural Canada to look after his pregnant sister Jordy and get away from the booze and groupies lifestyle that he fell into after a punishing tackle retired him early. He is having one last fling before Jordy’s arrival when he hears his neighbour taking more of an interest than he feels comfortable with. He also berates himself for falling into the tabloid trap – he expects that his new neighbour won’t take long to sell pictures of him behaving badly to whatever sleazy tabloid she can.
But when Jordy goes into labour one day while she and Jackson are on the lake Mia feel compelled to put her previous professional experience as a midwife into action, rescuing the brother and sister and delivering the baby. From that experience a strange friendship develops between them. Mia has no idea who Jackson is, she doesn’t follow sports, and Jackson is intrigued by a woman who wears no make-up and spends most of her days wearing old baggy mens clothing.
I recently read the third book in this series and was sufficiently smitten that I immediately got the previous two books. Freya Barker seems to specialise in writing romances about 40-something year old women, sometimes with a disability, which really venture into a new area for me. The characters are likeable and sympathetic, they may have weathered adversity but it isn’t all angst, angst, angst and they are thoughtful.
Mia’s disability didn’t just disappear, she remains afraid of crowds of people throughout the book, but her relationship with Jackson and Jordy helps her to expand her world.
Loved it.
Jared Kesla is a retired hockey player, he’s bought a home in rural Canada to look after his pregnant sister Jordy and get away from the booze and groupies lifestyle that he fell into after a punishing tackle retired him early. He is having one last fling before Jordy’s arrival when he hears his neighbour taking more of an interest than he feels comfortable with. He also berates himself for falling into the tabloid trap – he expects that his new neighbour won’t take long to sell pictures of him behaving badly to whatever sleazy tabloid she can.
But when Jordy goes into labour one day while she and Jackson are on the lake Mia feel compelled to put her previous professional experience as a midwife into action, rescuing the brother and sister and delivering the baby. From that experience a strange friendship develops between them. Mia has no idea who Jackson is, she doesn’t follow sports, and Jackson is intrigued by a woman who wears no make-up and spends most of her days wearing old baggy mens clothing.
I recently read the third book in this series and was sufficiently smitten that I immediately got the previous two books. Freya Barker seems to specialise in writing romances about 40-something year old women, sometimes with a disability, which really venture into a new area for me. The characters are likeable and sympathetic, they may have weathered adversity but it isn’t all angst, angst, angst and they are thoughtful.
Mia’s disability didn’t just disappear, she remains afraid of crowds of people throughout the book, but her relationship with Jackson and Jordy helps her to expand her world.
Loved it.
July 16, 2020
I love audiobooks. I love being able to do two things at the same time so when Netgalley announced they were going to be audiobooks ARCs available very soon, I got excited. A Change In Tide is the first audiobook I got this way and I can't be more happy to listen to a romance to start.
Unfortunately, I feel like the app might have some problems especially since I kept feeling like the chapters were all mixed up and I had to check every time if it didn't skip a chapter (going from chapter 3 to 5, 6 to 8 etc.) Now, I don't think it's an audiobook problem as I've seen the same comment somewhere else about another audiobook. My only hope is that Netgalley will see this issue and fix it.
Now, about this book!
A Change in Tide follows Mia, a woman living in a cottage on the lake. After an accident in a subway, she kept having panic attacks when she left her home so she moved where very few people are around. She has to deal with PTSD and agoraphobia. The only thing breaking her peace is the new neighbor and player, Jared. The first time she sees him is naked and having sex with a blonde woman. When his pregnant sister visits him and start her labour early, Mia who used to be a midwife doesn't hesitate to give her help. From there, Jared and here will only get closer and closer.
I was immediately hooked by the audiobook. The narrators did a really good job (even though the female narrator had some cracking in the background at the beginning). Overall, I enjoyed it!
(Thank you for letting me listen and review an ARC via Netgalley)
Unfortunately, I feel like the app might have some problems especially since I kept feeling like the chapters were all mixed up and I had to check every time if it didn't skip a chapter (going from chapter 3 to 5, 6 to 8 etc.) Now, I don't think it's an audiobook problem as I've seen the same comment somewhere else about another audiobook. My only hope is that Netgalley will see this issue and fix it.
Now, about this book!
A Change in Tide follows Mia, a woman living in a cottage on the lake. After an accident in a subway, she kept having panic attacks when she left her home so she moved where very few people are around. She has to deal with PTSD and agoraphobia. The only thing breaking her peace is the new neighbor and player, Jared. The first time she sees him is naked and having sex with a blonde woman. When his pregnant sister visits him and start her labour early, Mia who used to be a midwife doesn't hesitate to give her help. From there, Jared and here will only get closer and closer.
I was immediately hooked by the audiobook. The narrators did a really good job (even though the female narrator had some cracking in the background at the beginning). Overall, I enjoyed it!
(Thank you for letting me listen and review an ARC via Netgalley)
April 20, 2017
Mia has been living in seclusion after an event left her in fear. She is now basically battling PTSD and is lonely and just taking it day to day. Her career as a mid-wife is all but gone because she can’t leave her home. Jared has now moved in across the lake. He is trying to adjust to life after an injury has ended his hockey career.
Mia and Jared’s first encounter was pretty cute. She witness’s him screwing some girl and the next day his pregnant sister shows up. So Mia watching from her window is convinced Jared is quite the player. Soon Jared becomes intrigued by Mia. Mia’s impression is skewed but once she discovers he is helping his pregnant sister her view changes.
These two start to develop a relationship but Mia is convinced that she can’t ever have a normal life. As she helps Jared’s sister she starts to miss her career. Then falling for Jared makes her long for things she could have. Jared is awed by Mia and just wants to help her as he starts to learn why she is scared.
I have enjoyed all of Freya Barker’s books so I am not surprised at how much I liked this. Jared was a great protective alpha character but not over the top. Mia was a strong character she just needed a reminder of that. I liked the setting, the side characters, and the slow burn romance. Well done!
*advance copy provided for a voluntary review*
Mia and Jared’s first encounter was pretty cute. She witness’s him screwing some girl and the next day his pregnant sister shows up. So Mia watching from her window is convinced Jared is quite the player. Soon Jared becomes intrigued by Mia. Mia’s impression is skewed but once she discovers he is helping his pregnant sister her view changes.
These two start to develop a relationship but Mia is convinced that she can’t ever have a normal life. As she helps Jared’s sister she starts to miss her career. Then falling for Jared makes her long for things she could have. Jared is awed by Mia and just wants to help her as he starts to learn why she is scared.
I have enjoyed all of Freya Barker’s books so I am not surprised at how much I liked this. Jared was a great protective alpha character but not over the top. Mia was a strong character she just needed a reminder of that. I liked the setting, the side characters, and the slow burn romance. Well done!
*advance copy provided for a voluntary review*
July 26, 2017
This was my first book by the author and I liked it a lot.
The characters are interesting and older where the life is in the process of change and in search of new paths.
All we need in life is a reason to change and the incentive to move on.
Recommend!
The characters are interesting and older where the life is in the process of change and in search of new paths.
All we need in life is a reason to change and the incentive to move on.
Recommend!
"Every morning is a little like Christmas when I start up my Kindle, considering all the books I tend to pre-order."
“But it’s clear nothing can hold back the Enforcer’s little soldiers.”
April 30, 2020
Didn't know if I was going to like this based on the first chapter but surprise I did. You can read books and yes they have plots but sometimes what is missing is the old fashion talent of story telling. There is a solid story here. I loved the characters. I loved the setting. Held my interest to the end. Well done Freya.
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