Barely hanging on after narrowly escaping an abusive relationship, Cassie Alan is running dangerously low on funds. After her job hunt comes up empty, she wishes for a miracle, only for the skies to turn black and dump on her. That pretty much sums up her life. But then he shows up. With the promise of a warm truck and a list of people who would vouch he’s not a serial killer, Cassie accepts the ride. What she doesn’t expect is for her entire life to change when she steps into the old truck.
New business owner Mason Hayes has a very strict rule: Do not mix business and pleasure. Until he hires the beautiful rain-soaked girl he rescued on the side of the road and finds it impossible to resist her. With each innocent touch and passion fueled gaze, his desires only grow. Afraid to scare her away and determined to gain Cassie’s trust, Mason gives Cassie complete control over the pace of their budding relationship.
As Cassie slowly opens up, revealing her dark past and shameful secrets, Mason sees beyond the scars to the strong fighter she really is. But when the past she ran away from threatens their happily ever after, will Cassie find the strength Mason sees in her to fight back?
Romance author, lover of books, 90's pop music and happily ever afters. Writes YA under Tessa Marie.
Long bio:
Theresa Paolo lives in Long Island, NY with her fiancé and their fish. She writes steamy small-town romances with sassy heroines, sexy heroes and feisty townspeople. When she's not writing, she's reading, brewery hopping, or daydreaming. She loves coffee, all things Christmas and fall, and making lists.
I absolutely devoured Moments with Mason in a day. Cassie's past was tough but the author handled it well. There were parts that were difficult to read but, in the end, they made the story more believable.
Cassie escaped an abusive relationship and found herself in the small town of Red Maple Falls, NH. She's been living in the campgrounds in a tent while searching for a job. On her way "home" from a particularly defeating day, Mason spots Cassie walking along the side of the road in the rain. It takes some convincing but he finally gets her to accept a ride. When he finds out where Cassie is staying he takes her back to his soon-to-be-open brewery for some dry clothes...and a job interview.
Cassie is cautious and guarded, exactly how I would expect a woman in her situation to behave. She doesn't trust anyone and still lives in fear of her ex, Dylan, finding where she's been hiding. She's a strong woman who is determined to stand on her own two feet.
Mason is not the man of few words that he appeared to be in earlier books. He really opens up with Cassie and is thoughtful of his words and actions. As soon as he realized that Cassie has been abused at some point (she hadn't told him the details yet) he handed over the reins of their relationship to her. He would do anything to protect her.
I found myself so invested in Cassie and Mason and rooting for them the whole time. Like I said, there were some parts that were hard to read but it would have been a disservice to the readers if the author had glossed them over.
I was provided an audible version by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, this book was excellent. I have read multiple books from The Red Maple Falls series and I do read them out of order it seems. Each book follows a different couple and references other books but I feel like you still don’t need to read them in order to understand what is happening.
This book follows Cassie and Mason. From the books I’ve read, this was a deep one that deals with a harder hitting topic than the others. I think that the narrator did a great job but whenever I picture the characters voices in my head, I do imagine a younger sounding voice.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend this series.
I loved it...and its really just that simple. Theresa has a skill that not a lot of writers do and it causes you to connect to her characters in a way that they suck you in and this book is no different. I loved reading about the town, the crazy, loud, and overbearing family, the hurt and pain that often comes with a dark past, and the hope that always comes with a new love. Its hard writing a review that doesnt contain any spoilers so I will just say that I stayed up all night reading the book and lived off of coffee the next day but regret nothing.
Very refreshing and sweet story. I loved learning the backstory of Cassie and what made her who she is. I would have loved to read more about Mason though and his backstory. Cassie thinks she is very weak but with all of her struggles and new experiences she proves to us she is one hell of a strong survivor.
So far probably my favorite of the series. None of the characters were too flamboyant or crazy (well, except the usuals I suppose), it was just an amazing read, and even if some parts of the plot were a little predictable, I couldn't put it down. Some touches were really subtle and lovely, really, as cliché as it sounds, it touched me.
Listened to this story on Audible. Narrator does a good job. She doesn't quite fit the characters for me, but still a good listening experience.
I've really enjoyed all the previous books in this series so far! Love the town of Red Maple Falls and the family dynamic between all of the Hayes'. Love the hopeful, heartfelt tone of this whole series. There's usually some steamy passion too! In this book, Mason is in the process of opening his own brewery in Red Maple Falls, when he sees someone walking down the road in the rain. Cassie is that girl; she has just escaped a dangerous relationship and is trying to stay hidden so he doesn't find her, so she has very little money and is living at a campsite. She's been trying to find a job, but no one is hiring in Red Maple Falls. Luckily, Mason offers her a job at his new brewery. Cassie and Mason are attracted to each other, but there's the whole you shouldn't date at work; especially your boss. Also, Cassie pretty much has PTSD for her past, so she's very skittish and needs to gain her self worth back; she has trust issues and self esteem issues. Mason is such a wonderful guy; I loved how supportive he was with Cassie. The connection between them is so sweet, and they are a good fit. Loved the suspense element with Cassie's situation and how Cassie's strength shined through. Next up is Cooper's book, who I'm not entirely loving and the premise isn't my favorite, but I still want to read it since I've loved all the other books in this series so far.
Well-Done Book Puts the Spotlight on the Effects of Partner Abuse
What a heartfelt and beautifully written book! I had chosen this as my mealtime reading, and I kept prolonging dinner and breakfast to keep reading the book! The author tackles a difficult subject in this book, partner abuse. The heroine was able to get away from her abusive long-time boyfriend and is essentially hiding out, trying to eke out an existence while she hopes her ex forgets about her. The author did a good job showing the emotional and psychological difficulties that someone who has lived through a long-term abusive relationship could have. And our hero is the perfect man to know how to handle a woman with such problems with dignity and respect; he is sweet and utterly swoon-worthy. The book brought me to tears several times, which I don't mind as I do like and appreciate a book that can provoke an emotional response. I did think that the ending wrapped up a little too quickly. I would have loved to have seen a victory lap of sorts. This couple earned it. And I do certainly question how the climax of the book could come about. ****spoiler start**** How could he have known where she was and slip in her house within that very small pocket of time while the hero was gone? ****spoiler end**** Other than those issues, I thought the book was wonderfully well done.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Theresa Paolo is making me want to move to Red Maple Falls. The people are so wonderful, the small town feel, and the incredible families just make the stories flow. This time, we focus on Mason. He is opening a brewery with his own recipes and is need of a waitress. Good thing Sarah shows up in need of a job! Mason finds her, dirty, hungry and wet, and he takes her in. But will she be safe? These two are quite the pair. They have definite chemistry and enjoy the same things. But there are some obstacles to overcome. Cassie has a past causing her to look over her shoulder and makes her leery of trusting anyone. Mason is focused on his new bar and doesn't mix business with pleasure. Where will it leave them? Ask Mason's grandmother! This family filled, warm and loving story will make your heart break and put it back together! It's got it all, the banter, the meddling, the love, the passion, the frustration and did I mention the love? I am loving this series and getting to know the Hayes family. It's a blast!
Krista Nicely continues her narration of this series. She is their voices, and keeps them all consistent between books. With so many crossover characters, it's a pleasure to be able to know who is talking. I am enjoying her performances.
I am really enjoying this series! Mason is such a sweetie and I've been looking forward to his story since the beginning of the series!
Cassie has gotten herself out of an abusive relationship, she just needs a way to support herself. Mason picks up a girl from the side of the road in the middle of a rainstorm. He offers her a job and as they get to know each other, there might be a spark.
I really loved both Cassie and Mason in this story. They both pulled at my heart and made me fall in love. The two of them together were definitely perfection. I still love seeing the characters from previous books and seeing characters from future books as well. I did want just a bit more from this one, but overall it was great!
Krista Nicely's narration went back to using the same voices for all the characters again. I was a bit hard to distinguish between who was talking at some points. Other than that, she did a great job!
*I received a copy of this audiobook from Audiobook Obsession in exchange for an honest review*
Title: Moments with Mason Author: Theresa Paolog Format: Audio Narrator:Krista Nicely Genre: Romance - small town, contemporary, office Standalone: yes Part of a Series: book 3 of the Red Maple Falls series POV: Mason and Cassie Steam Level: steamy
Moments with Mason is sweet and steamy. Cassie’s backstory is heartbreaking but dealt with in a compassionate manner. I loved how Mason was patient and took his time with Cassie, recognizing that she was haunted by her past and using his words and actions to help her heal. This is a fun series and I cannot wait to read more. I think Mason is my favorite so far (although I haven't read Matt's story, yet)
Favorite Quote: We all have a dark side, Sweetie. It’s the people who live in the dark that you should be scared of, not the people who took a wrong turn and get lost there for a little while.
I received this audiobook for free from Audiobook Obsession. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This was a sweet story and I'm enjoying all the stories in this small town series by Theresa Paolo. In this case, Cassie gets to Red Maple Falls and she's in a difficult place- she needs a job and she's running from her past. She meets some nice people, including Mason, who helps her by giving her a job. It is a slow burn romance and I love the characters. I feel bad for what Cassie had to go through and I love how understanding and wonderful the supporting characters are (I love Grandma Betty!).
I really like Krista Nicely's performance although I do think it would be best to have both a male and female narrator since there are dual POVs (3rd person, not first person). However, she did a good job playing multiple characters, both male and female.
The final words of the book from the author “Mason and Cassie’s story wasn’t an easy one to write”, I can only imagine. I have never been in a physically abusive relationship, however, I have known people who have. I know it’s difficult to get away from, and anyone who says different, is either in denial or is lying. It isn’t just men who abuse women, but we all need to get to a place where abuse is a thing of the past, NOBODY has the right to hurt another person with their hands or their words. I am trying to raise my grandson to be a gentleman, I am trying to stop the cycle of words and hands being used to “put someone in their place”. As a society, we all need to stop the cycle. We need to learn to listen to each other and talk to each other. We are not the property of another person, and the sooner we all realize that, the better the world will become.
Cassie is on the run from her abusive ex Dylan when she runs into Mason while she is walking in the rain and he picks her up. Mason is on the verge to opening his own brewery and needs someone on the taps and Cassie just so happens to have experience and needs a job so he hires her. They are attracted to each other but she is still shaken but the brutal attack by Dylan so Mason keeps his distance while letting her know that he cares. This is a really sweet romance with some very funny family members and Mason is so sweet on loving to her. Loved it!
Book three in the A Red Maple Falls Novel series a well written story with a very good storyline. It almost felt like you where there watching the story happen. Cassie Alan is running from her past and ends up in Red Maple Falls where she meets new business owner Mason Hayes, he hires her to work for him. This story has suspense, drama, danger, a very evil ex, and romance. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassie is walking the streets of Maple Falls in the storm and Mason conveniences her to get in his truck. Mason realizes that something is wrong in the way she talks and her mannerism. Cassie has left an abusive relationship and is hiding out. When Cassie she how Mason's family is, she wishes she could have had a family like that. Mason slowly introduces her to his family and finally gets her to tell him what happened to her. When she does Mason goes to his brother, Matt, the sheriff for advise. This was a good book which brought some tears to my eyes. A definite read.
I didn’t care for this one and didn’t feel any chemistry between the two MCs. It felt like Cassie was a victim and too frail or scared. So the relationship developing between these two felt icky to me, like Mason had to take care of a little girl. And the sex scenes- eek it made me feel gross. Cassie didn’t act like a survivor until she had to face Dylan again. And by then the book is over.
So for me it was mostly meh. And this is for sure my least favorite couple so far, I hoped for better for Mason.
Mason begins to fall in love with Cassie when he sees her in the rain. He can see past the wounded, abused woman to the beautiful person she truly is. I love this series with well-written characters, the Hayes family and the warm people who live in the small town of Red Maple Falls. I loved this book so much I purchased the box sets so I could binge read the whole series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a new author and series to me and I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were good and enjoyable and very heart warming. I definitely recommend you read this book as the chemistry and connection between them was great and the abuse situation was written very tastefully. I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy Of This Book.
Cassie is on the run from an abusive relationship. She's keeping a low profile, taking small jobs, and then moves on.. Until she came to Red Maple Falls. There she met Mason. Their relationship develops, but will her abusive past come between them? I enjoyed listening to this story narrated by Krista Nicely.🎧audiobookobsessionreviewe🎧
The book is a good small town romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable, emotional, and heartwarming romance read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassie has ran from an abusive ex and is trying to survive. Mason hires her and treats her like a person who matters and they start a relationship. She finally finds herself and makes friends who care. Will the ex come back and ruin everything or is Cassie stronger than she thinks.
This was sweet and nicely written. The way this author brings her characters together and the way the story flow is well worth the experience of reading it. She had not disappointed me so far!
Another winner! Mason and Cassie are terrific characters. Mason is one of those guys you'd be happy to know in real life - just a really nice guy. All wrapped up in a sexy package of course! You'll cheer for Cassie as she is learning to be strong and brave. Great story!
Better storyline than the first, although entirely predictable. There was a little more meat to the characters, especially Cassie. Basic plot, and again blatantly obvious editing misses that took me out of the story entirely. Cut, easy, 3 stars.