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Sawtooth Mountains #1
Somewhere
After a cataclysmic tragedy leaves her alone in the world, Gabriela Kincaid climbs into her father’s ancient pickup and strikes off on her own, turning her back on everything she knows. No destination in mind, moving toward nothing but distance.
Just somewhere.
Fate chooses her destination, and she finds herself in Jasper Ridge, Idaho, a small town in the shadow of the Sawtooth Range. With nowhere else to get to, and no way to get anywhere else, she decides to make her home there.
Heath Cahill is fighting the demons of his own horrific past. A son of the most important rancher in Jasper Ridge, he’s tethered to the town, so he’s made his escape inward, turning his back on any new chances for a happy life.
But he sees something in the eyes of the young woman who walks into the town saloon: a guarded pain he recognizes as like his own. He tries to resist the pull he feels, but with a nudge from Fate, friends, and family, Heath opens his heart again.
Together, they find love and hope for happiness. First, though, they must face a past that neither has escaped.
NOTE: This book was originally published in 2016, under the pseudonym Jenny Gavin.
Just somewhere.
Fate chooses her destination, and she finds herself in Jasper Ridge, Idaho, a small town in the shadow of the Sawtooth Range. With nowhere else to get to, and no way to get anywhere else, she decides to make her home there.
Heath Cahill is fighting the demons of his own horrific past. A son of the most important rancher in Jasper Ridge, he’s tethered to the town, so he’s made his escape inward, turning his back on any new chances for a happy life.
But he sees something in the eyes of the young woman who walks into the town saloon: a guarded pain he recognizes as like his own. He tries to resist the pull he feels, but with a nudge from Fate, friends, and family, Heath opens his heart again.
Together, they find love and hope for happiness. First, though, they must face a past that neither has escaped.
NOTE: This book was originally published in 2016, under the pseudonym Jenny Gavin.
489 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2017
55 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,418 followersI was born and raised in the Midwest, but I was transplanted into the dusty soil of Northern California and have apparently taken root there. An inveterate geek and gamer, I am a fan of many things considered pop culture and maybe even lowbrow.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 7, 2024
This story had promise, but there was something about the relationship between these main characters that didn’t quite work for me.
It begins with Gabriela Kincaid (Gabe, 22) leaving town in her father’s ancient pickup, she doesn’t know where she’s going, she just needs to leave everything behind. Her truck breaks down in a small town, and that is where she finds a job.
Heath Cahill (37) is a farrier dealing with a horrific past. His father owns one of the largest ranches in Jasper Ridge.
Almost 500 pages, which normally wouldn’t bother me, but this story feels much too long. It has descriptions of almost everything and I found myself bored quite often.
15 year age gap
Small town Idaho
Both characters have VERY tragic pasts
HEA
TW: Drunk driving that leads to the gruesome death of a child and mother. A father who stabs his daughter and killed his wife. Lots of drunken, violent behavior.
It begins with Gabriela Kincaid (Gabe, 22) leaving town in her father’s ancient pickup, she doesn’t know where she’s going, she just needs to leave everything behind. Her truck breaks down in a small town, and that is where she finds a job.
Heath Cahill (37) is a farrier dealing with a horrific past. His father owns one of the largest ranches in Jasper Ridge.
Almost 500 pages, which normally wouldn’t bother me, but this story feels much too long. It has descriptions of almost everything and I found myself bored quite often.
15 year age gap
Small town Idaho
Both characters have VERY tragic pasts
HEA
TW: Drunk driving that leads to the gruesome death of a child and mother. A father who stabs his daughter and killed his wife. Lots of drunken, violent behavior.
August 12, 2020
3 Stars
A few years ago I promised myself I would never, ever read another book by Susan Fanetti.
You see, she's one of those authors whose characters, places and events taste like real. Her narrative style is rich and deep, sometimes closer to general fiction than romance (at least in my opinion). And she has a nasty habit of
Well, maybe not a habit but, for me, once was enough. And hence my promise to myself.
A few days ago, though, I stumbled upon a web-page where Susan Fanetti gives us her word that ALL of the books in the Sawtooth Mountains series will have an HEA. It took me about three seconds to one-click this book.
This is allegedly Ms. Fanetti's debut novel and it shows. I mean, the writing is good and the story isn't bad either: small town setting, older hero-younger heroine, a touch of suspense... all of the ingredients I love in my books.
BUT.
I had a problem with connecting with the majority of the characters.
I didn't like the hero. A HEAVY drinker, violent, stubborn, psycho possessive. I get that he has to be "real" but, frankly, I'm worried for the heroine's mental health and safety, let's say two decades from now.
And no matter how hard I tried, I was not able to see what the heroine and the hero had in commonexcept for sex, obviously, which, by the way, was too clinical and over the top in my opinion. So much so that there were times I seriously thought she was trapped - a young, innocent, traumatized girl with not enough life experience and parental guidance falling into the trap of a much older, greedy, violent man.
He is an egotist,
Still, I had no problem finishing this book and I did enjoy it to a certain extent. I just expected better from Ms. Fanetti.
A few years ago I promised myself I would never, ever read another book by Susan Fanetti.
You see, she's one of those authors whose characters, places and events taste like real. Her narrative style is rich and deep, sometimes closer to general fiction than romance (at least in my opinion). And she has a nasty habit of
Well, maybe not a habit but, for me, once was enough. And hence my promise to myself.
A few days ago, though, I stumbled upon a web-page where Susan Fanetti gives us her word that ALL of the books in the Sawtooth Mountains series will have an HEA. It took me about three seconds to one-click this book.
This is allegedly Ms. Fanetti's debut novel and it shows. I mean, the writing is good and the story isn't bad either: small town setting, older hero-younger heroine, a touch of suspense... all of the ingredients I love in my books.
BUT.
I had a problem with connecting with the majority of the characters.
I didn't like the hero. A HEAVY drinker, violent, stubborn, psycho possessive. I get that he has to be "real" but, frankly, I'm worried for the heroine's mental health and safety, let's say two decades from now.
And no matter how hard I tried, I was not able to see what the heroine and the hero had in common
He is an egotist,
Still, I had no problem finishing this book and I did enjoy it to a certain extent. I just expected better from Ms. Fanetti.
October 8, 2017
SOMEWHERE was 5 stars for me! It had everything I enjoy in a book; tension, sweetness, a little bit of the unknown, close-knit family and an older alpha male. The setting was a small town in Idaho where everyone knows everyone’s business. A little ranch community.
Gabriela ‘Gabe’ is running from her past which has left her alone in the world. She’s searching for her “somewhere” to belong and feel whole again. Loading up her duffle bag with the few items she can claim as her own she ventures out of the known and into the unknown.
She ends up in a small ranching community where she decides to spend a little time while she waits for her broken down truck to be fixed. In this town, there is another lonely heart, Heath Cahlin. He’s a man who has lost the most precious thing to him and has vowed to be single for the rest of his days.
”Like they were the hot new storyline on the town soap opera.”
Of course, theirs isn’t an easy road to love and happiness. Two broken hearts going through the daily motions of everyday living trying to find purpose within their pain. Along the way, they find each other, the only other person in that town who can empathize with their situation. The healing of each other's sorrows makes for a beautiful story. The resolution to their situation was so well done that I had forgotten this was a debut novel.
I love how the author made the town itself into a character. The town had it’s own personality and quirks. The way it draws you in with its familiarity and gives you the 'All American' feel to it. Where cowboys spend their days working the cattle and little kids could be found swinging on a tire swing drinking lemonade. I wanted to crawl inside the pages and live in that town where life seems so much simpler. But with any small town, there's always the rumor mill where gossip turns into “truths” made from tidbits, be it true or not.
I had a hard time putting this book down because the story was intriguing and the execution was well done.
Gabriela ‘Gabe’ is running from her past which has left her alone in the world. She’s searching for her “somewhere” to belong and feel whole again. Loading up her duffle bag with the few items she can claim as her own she ventures out of the known and into the unknown.
She ends up in a small ranching community where she decides to spend a little time while she waits for her broken down truck to be fixed. In this town, there is another lonely heart, Heath Cahlin. He’s a man who has lost the most precious thing to him and has vowed to be single for the rest of his days.
”Like they were the hot new storyline on the town soap opera.”
Of course, theirs isn’t an easy road to love and happiness. Two broken hearts going through the daily motions of everyday living trying to find purpose within their pain. Along the way, they find each other, the only other person in that town who can empathize with their situation. The healing of each other's sorrows makes for a beautiful story. The resolution to their situation was so well done that I had forgotten this was a debut novel.
I love how the author made the town itself into a character. The town had it’s own personality and quirks. The way it draws you in with its familiarity and gives you the 'All American' feel to it. Where cowboys spend their days working the cattle and little kids could be found swinging on a tire swing drinking lemonade. I wanted to crawl inside the pages and live in that town where life seems so much simpler. But with any small town, there's always the rumor mill where gossip turns into “truths” made from tidbits, be it true or not.
I had a hard time putting this book down because the story was intriguing and the execution was well done.
September 10, 2016
I saw some reviews for this and saw the words "older male hero" I got a bit excited, to say the least. Older? LOL, I'm fucking old enough to be his mother!.
Nice read. Good debut novel from this author. His use of the endearment of her annoyed the fuck out of me. But it would annoy me in any book. It was used 63 times in the book.
"Gabe" - all I could picture was a character from a Pamela Clare novel I read a few years back.
As I said, a nice enough read but not enough to WOW me. Would be interested in reading Logan's story.
Nice read. Good debut novel from this author. His use of the endearment of her annoyed the fuck out of me. But it would annoy me in any book. It was used 63 times in the book.
"Gabe" - all I could picture was a character from a Pamela Clare novel I read a few years back.
As I said, a nice enough read but not enough to WOW me. Would be interested in reading Logan's story.
October 8, 2017
This is a nice mix of solid story telling and romance. No motorcycles, but a really good book about two people struggling to put their lives back together after huge tragedies. I started this and read it all in one night, it was that good and the romance was awesome with a great HEA.
October 18, 2017
At last, I found a very good CR story!!!
It’s May-Dec romance, if a huge gap (15 years) age between the H and h is not your thing, you better pass this one. But honestly you can’t feel the difference much, the poor poor girl have to grown up so fast with tragedy surrounding her life.
Anyway, this is a Susan Fanetti’s book, she just can’t help herself not to insert crimes in her story, lol. Many compare this one with KA’s books, probably there are similarities with KA’s classic books. I love this one more though because the hero doesn’t have an evil ex with tons of kids who the heroine conveniently took care of them like KA’s typical book.
Also, Ms. Fanetti promised, there will never MCs got killed in this series like her other series.
Hah!! I bet she lost quite few fans because of that book 🙄.
There is something which really bothered me thought, the amount hard liquor consumed in this story is staggering!!! Not just by the hero, even though there is explanation for that, I wasn’t buying it. Those peoples should end up in a rehab or dead for consuming that much 😠.
But I’m glad at the end the hero tried to reduce his drinking habits and found it not that easy, yeah! That’s about right, no one unscathed after drinking binge for years like that..
I won’t tell you anymore, feel free to get a shock from the first chapter like me 😜 and enjoy the rest of it. I was awake till very late again last night because couldn’t stop reading this!:)
It’s May-Dec romance, if a huge gap (15 years) age between the H and h is not your thing, you better pass this one. But honestly you can’t feel the difference much, the poor poor girl have to grown up so fast with tragedy surrounding her life.
Anyway, this is a Susan Fanetti’s book, she just can’t help herself not to insert crimes in her story, lol. Many compare this one with KA’s books, probably there are similarities with KA’s classic books. I love this one more though because the hero doesn’t have an evil ex with tons of kids who the heroine conveniently took care of them like KA’s typical book.
Also, Ms. Fanetti promised, there will never MCs got killed in this series like her other series.
Hah!! I bet she lost quite few fans because of that book 🙄.
There is something which really bothered me thought, the amount hard liquor consumed in this story is staggering!!! Not just by the hero, even though there is explanation for that, I wasn’t buying it. Those peoples should end up in a rehab or dead for consuming that much 😠.
But I’m glad at the end the hero tried to reduce his drinking habits and found it not that easy, yeah! That’s about right, no one unscathed after drinking binge for years like that..
I won’t tell you anymore, feel free to get a shock from the first chapter like me 😜 and enjoy the rest of it. I was awake till very late again last night because couldn’t stop reading this!:)
September 9, 2016
WOW!
This is one of those books that just has it all. Deep thoughts, a few little laughs, lots of tears, some highly anxious moments and an overabundance of love.
I couldn't read it from cover-to-cover the way I really wanted, because real life kept getting in the way. But let me assure you - if it weren't for the distractions, this book would have been a one-night read for me.
I can't recommend this one enough!
This is one of those books that just has it all. Deep thoughts, a few little laughs, lots of tears, some highly anxious moments and an overabundance of love.
I couldn't read it from cover-to-cover the way I really wanted, because real life kept getting in the way. But let me assure you - if it weren't for the distractions, this book would have been a one-night read for me.
I can't recommend this one enough!
November 15, 2017
**Somewhere generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
5 ”This is where it starts…” Stars
Jenny Gavin comes as a new author for me and I’m excited to say I very much look forward to more of her story telling. Gavin’s debut novel, Somewhere, set in the beautiful mountains of Jasper Ridge, Idaho hit all my favorite romance buttons. The story, comprised of contemporary romance, western elements, draws you in from the very beginning with the heroine moving past devastating tragedy with strength and vulnerability alike. Somewhere hails a second chance romance for both hero and heroine and the second chance they get was pure beauty entangled with tough situations and a whole lot of healing.
With an older male hero who’s put the trials of his own life on the front burner, a fresh but haunted-eye beauty walks into his bar in his town. From there a burgeoning friendship and kindred spirit relationship blooms despite their age difference (something I personally love reading older H with younger h). Both of these characters had interesting and unfortunate histories. This author held nothing back in terms of putting her characters through really tough times. It shapes and molds them into who they are today and leads to actions and consequences in their present that create a great story. Heath Cahill and Gabe Kincaid work to remember their pasts fondly while navigating the world together. He’s a strong man, a lonely man. She’s a strong woman who needs a strong man to love her.
The family dynamics in this book are strong and play a great role in the forward motion of the story. The Cahills are humble royalty in Jasper Ridge and with them comes a cast of colorful characters. There are, additionally, many characters in this small town who intrigue and lend curiosity to the readers throughout the story. The tone in which this book is written and conveyed sets the mood at a simplistic, real mode and it very much complimentary to the lifestyle and culture of the mountains. Gavin really knows how to create a setting and culture within her story.
With great characters, intelligent writing, and engrossing story telling Somewhere makes for a perfect reading experience. There wasn’t anything about the book I found with displeasure. It was a beautiful story that ebbs and flows with life as we move past tragedy and into light. It’s about acceptance and forgiveness. It’s about anger and resentment. It’s about letting go of the uncontrollable and moving on. It’s about soul-deep love and a beautiful relationship. It’s about family and small town antics. I’m excited I’ve had the opportunity to read Somewhere and I hope there will be plans for Jenny Gavin to return to the Sawtooth Mountains one day. I want to learn about every character I met in this picturesque setting.
5 ”This is where it starts…” Stars
Jenny Gavin comes as a new author for me and I’m excited to say I very much look forward to more of her story telling. Gavin’s debut novel, Somewhere, set in the beautiful mountains of Jasper Ridge, Idaho hit all my favorite romance buttons. The story, comprised of contemporary romance, western elements, draws you in from the very beginning with the heroine moving past devastating tragedy with strength and vulnerability alike. Somewhere hails a second chance romance for both hero and heroine and the second chance they get was pure beauty entangled with tough situations and a whole lot of healing.
With an older male hero who’s put the trials of his own life on the front burner, a fresh but haunted-eye beauty walks into his bar in his town. From there a burgeoning friendship and kindred spirit relationship blooms despite their age difference (something I personally love reading older H with younger h). Both of these characters had interesting and unfortunate histories. This author held nothing back in terms of putting her characters through really tough times. It shapes and molds them into who they are today and leads to actions and consequences in their present that create a great story. Heath Cahill and Gabe Kincaid work to remember their pasts fondly while navigating the world together. He’s a strong man, a lonely man. She’s a strong woman who needs a strong man to love her.
The family dynamics in this book are strong and play a great role in the forward motion of the story. The Cahills are humble royalty in Jasper Ridge and with them comes a cast of colorful characters. There are, additionally, many characters in this small town who intrigue and lend curiosity to the readers throughout the story. The tone in which this book is written and conveyed sets the mood at a simplistic, real mode and it very much complimentary to the lifestyle and culture of the mountains. Gavin really knows how to create a setting and culture within her story.
With great characters, intelligent writing, and engrossing story telling Somewhere makes for a perfect reading experience. There wasn’t anything about the book I found with displeasure. It was a beautiful story that ebbs and flows with life as we move past tragedy and into light. It’s about acceptance and forgiveness. It’s about anger and resentment. It’s about letting go of the uncontrollable and moving on. It’s about soul-deep love and a beautiful relationship. It’s about family and small town antics. I’m excited I’ve had the opportunity to read Somewhere and I hope there will be plans for Jenny Gavin to return to the Sawtooth Mountains one day. I want to learn about every character I met in this picturesque setting.
March 30, 2019
Somewhere is a different kind of Susan Fanetti book but still great nonetheless. What I really enjoyed was the Cahill family , their dynamics as a family and how they embraced Gabe and took her in.
Heath and Gabe have both experienced tremendous loss which have left them both a little lost. When they finally do acknowledge their feelings there’s no turning back. There’s fifteen years between them but still they work and complement each other. Gabe is an old soul in a young body. Heath is still fueled with helplessness and anger towards the man who destroyed his family.
I enjoyed Somewhere but I struggled with the length and pace of the story. Despite that I’m still very invested in the Cahill family and the next book which is Logan’s.
Heath and Gabe have both experienced tremendous loss which have left them both a little lost. When they finally do acknowledge their feelings there’s no turning back. There’s fifteen years between them but still they work and complement each other. Gabe is an old soul in a young body. Heath is still fueled with helplessness and anger towards the man who destroyed his family.
I enjoyed Somewhere but I struggled with the length and pace of the story. Despite that I’m still very invested in the Cahill family and the next book which is Logan’s.
May 9, 2020
Meh. This didn't do anything for me. The H/h don't have much in common other than the fact that they are both traumatized by past events. The H ignores the h for the first third of the book as we get to know the characters and then BAM! they hop in bed and from then on they are a couple. Their love just didn't feel earned to me. There was no sizzle to their romance. The H also drinks very heavily for most of the book. It just got really boring reading about how many beers he drank or how many bottles of bourbon he downed every night. This guy had an alcohol problem that wasn't really addressed and it bored me to death getting the daily tally. Midway through the book, things take a sudden turn and the whole tone of the story changes from a romance to a murder mystery. It's obvious who the villain is, I mostly kept reading to see how they would prove it.
Sadly this was a miss for me.
Safety
Sadly this was a miss for me.
Safety
October 15, 2017
I read this over a year ago when it was published under a different name and thought it was a decent debut by a new author. It started out strong, even had a bit of a KA feel to it, but about half way through started going downhill and never recovered [for me]. I also didn't care for the name 'Gabe' or constant [over]use of a nickname male lead had for the heroine. As I said, for a debut author, the book was OK.
Now that I know that this is Susan Fanetti's novel, it makes it a bit awkward because I can't help but compare it against so many of her other books I read and loved in the past. If I had to be 100% honest, this is my least favorite story of hers to date. It's a shame, really, because age gap, small town setting and third person POV are usually all the ingredients I need for a book to be a sure winner but not in this case. Something was amiss but I am not sure what exactly.
I do recommend you pick this up and judge for yourself, especially if you are new to this author. You might enjoy this sweet side of hers more than I did.
Cheers!
Now that I know that this is Susan Fanetti's novel, it makes it a bit awkward because I can't help but compare it against so many of her other books I read and loved in the past. If I had to be 100% honest, this is my least favorite story of hers to date. It's a shame, really, because age gap, small town setting and third person POV are usually all the ingredients I need for a book to be a sure winner but not in this case. Something was amiss but I am not sure what exactly.
I do recommend you pick this up and judge for yourself, especially if you are new to this author. You might enjoy this sweet side of hers more than I did.
Cheers!
October 18, 2018
4.5 solid stars
Not Susan Fanetti's typical biker romance, but really quite enjoyable. She had cowboys in a bucolic setting, murder and suspense and of course the two broken souls who find each other. Sad and beautiful all in one book and I can't wait to read her new release showcasing Heath's (hero in this one) brother Logan.
Not Susan Fanetti's typical biker romance, but really quite enjoyable. She had cowboys in a bucolic setting, murder and suspense and of course the two broken souls who find each other. Sad and beautiful all in one book and I can't wait to read her new release showcasing Heath's (hero in this one) brother Logan.
July 4, 2024
I couldn't connect in any way with story and characters. I found it a drudge and a bore.
I couldn't understand the focus of the book, romance? Then where was it, they meet and for the simple reason (not so simple ok) they survived tragedy they fall in love at first sight (almost literally), by 30% (and three months after meeting, with very few contact in between) they are living together.
Small town life? If this is the town, let me run in the other direction, malice everywhere with no positive aspects.
Crime? It was all over the place, almost unbelievable (because evil was an external, never seen or met threat) and with a WTH resolution.
Characterwise, I had similar problems. Hero was a drunk, violent man with a pathetic (as in really sad) backstory that somewhat explained his outburst. But at least all of this came out in the plot. He has a for-show job (there because he had to have one, but you almost don't see it.)
Heroine is a ghost of a character. A survivor of a terrible tragedy, but except in a few details it's not really there. She's 19 going on unknown. (And here my age shows: I did cringe when she said that she had sex last time three years before, ergo at 16, and she had four previous lovers... But you know they were boyfriends... Sorry what?)
As I said she was a ghost to me, couldn't really understand, couldn't connect, it was all over the place for me.
Even my thoughts are all over the place for this books it seems :)
I couldn't understand the focus of the book, romance? Then where was it, they meet and for the simple reason (not so simple ok) they survived tragedy they fall in love at first sight (almost literally), by 30% (and three months after meeting, with very few contact in between) they are living together.
Small town life? If this is the town, let me run in the other direction, malice everywhere with no positive aspects.
Crime? It was all over the place, almost unbelievable (because evil was an external, never seen or met threat) and with a WTH resolution.
Characterwise, I had similar problems. Hero was a drunk, violent man with a pathetic (as in really sad) backstory that somewhat explained his outburst. But at least all of this came out in the plot. He has a for-show job (there because he had to have one, but you almost don't see it.)
Heroine is a ghost of a character. A survivor of a terrible tragedy, but except in a few details it's not really there. She's 19 going on unknown. (And here my age shows: I did cringe when she said that she had sex last time three years before, ergo at 16, and she had four previous lovers... But you know they were boyfriends... Sorry what?)
As I said she was a ghost to me, couldn't really understand, couldn't connect, it was all over the place for me.
Even my thoughts are all over the place for this books it seems :)
October 13, 2017
3 1/2 "It's going to be okay." Stars!
There was a lot I liked about this story, but a lot I didn't like too. I know lots of people are going to love this so much. There is a lot to love. SF tells a good story as usual, but for me both MCs fell a little short. But again, neither of them were all bad. They both had some real highlights and some real issues. Issues I feel are not quite resolved. It could just be me. Plus, there is more to come in this series. I'm sure I'll give book two a go.
I know that was confusing. (Did you like it nor not!? 😕 Undecided) But... Happy reading!
There was a lot I liked about this story, but a lot I didn't like too. I know lots of people are going to love this so much. There is a lot to love. SF tells a good story as usual, but for me both MCs fell a little short. But again, neither of them were all bad. They both had some real highlights and some real issues. Issues I feel are not quite resolved. It could just be me. Plus, there is more to come in this series. I'm sure I'll give book two a go.
I know that was confusing. (Did you like it nor not!? 😕 Undecided) But... Happy reading!
October 10, 2019
Susan Fanetti is a fantastic storyteller.
Her writing is very good and the way she tells a story keeps your attention completely.
Her writing is very good and the way she tells a story keeps your attention completely.
July 25, 2024
**Somewhere generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
5 ”This is where it starts…” Stars
Susan Fanetti once again showcases her romance writing chops and I’m excited to say I very much look forward to more of her story telling from the Sawtooth Mountains. Fanetti's newest novel Somewhere, set in the beautiful mountains of Jasper Ridge, Idaho hit all my favorite romance buttons. The story, comprised of contemporary romance, western elements, draws you in from the very beginning with the heroine moving past devastating tragedy with strength and vulnerability alike. Somewhere hails a second chance romance for both hero and heroine and the second chance they get was pure beauty entangled with tough situations and a whole lot of healing.
With an older male hero who’s put the trials of his own life on the front burner, a fresh but haunted-eye beauty walks into his bar in his town. From there a burgeoning friendship and kindred spirit relationship blooms despite their age difference (something I personally love reading older H with younger h). Both of these characters had interesting and unfortunate histories. This author, as usual, held nothing back in terms of putting her characters through really tough times. It shapes and molds them into who they are today and leads to actions and consequences in their present that create a great story. Heath Cahill and Gabe Kincaid work to remember their pasts fondly while navigating the world together. He’s a strong man, a lonely man. She’s a strong woman who needs a strong man to love her.
The family dynamics in this book are strong and play a great role in the forward motion of the story. The Cahills are humble royalty in Jasper Ridge and with them comes a cast of colorful characters. There are, additionally, many characters in this small town who intrigue and lend curiosity to the readers throughout the story. The tone in which this book is written and conveyed sets the mood at a simplistic, real mode and it very much complimentary to the lifestyle and culture of the mountains. Fanetti really knows how to create a setting and culture within her story.
With great characters, intelligent writing, and engrossing story telling Somewhere makes for a perfect reading experience. There wasn’t anything about the book I found with displeasure. It was a beautiful story that ebbs and flows with life as we move past tragedy and into light. It’s about acceptance and forgiveness. It’s about anger and resentment. It’s about letting go of the uncontrollable and moving on. It’s about soul-deep love and a beautiful relationship. It’s about family and small town antics. I’m excited I’ve had the opportunity to read Somewhere and I hope there will be plans for Susan Fanetti to return to the Sawtooth Mountains one day. I want to learn about every character I met in this picturesque setting.
5 ”This is where it starts…” Stars
Susan Fanetti once again showcases her romance writing chops and I’m excited to say I very much look forward to more of her story telling from the Sawtooth Mountains. Fanetti's newest novel Somewhere, set in the beautiful mountains of Jasper Ridge, Idaho hit all my favorite romance buttons. The story, comprised of contemporary romance, western elements, draws you in from the very beginning with the heroine moving past devastating tragedy with strength and vulnerability alike. Somewhere hails a second chance romance for both hero and heroine and the second chance they get was pure beauty entangled with tough situations and a whole lot of healing.
With an older male hero who’s put the trials of his own life on the front burner, a fresh but haunted-eye beauty walks into his bar in his town. From there a burgeoning friendship and kindred spirit relationship blooms despite their age difference (something I personally love reading older H with younger h). Both of these characters had interesting and unfortunate histories. This author, as usual, held nothing back in terms of putting her characters through really tough times. It shapes and molds them into who they are today and leads to actions and consequences in their present that create a great story. Heath Cahill and Gabe Kincaid work to remember their pasts fondly while navigating the world together. He’s a strong man, a lonely man. She’s a strong woman who needs a strong man to love her.
The family dynamics in this book are strong and play a great role in the forward motion of the story. The Cahills are humble royalty in Jasper Ridge and with them comes a cast of colorful characters. There are, additionally, many characters in this small town who intrigue and lend curiosity to the readers throughout the story. The tone in which this book is written and conveyed sets the mood at a simplistic, real mode and it very much complimentary to the lifestyle and culture of the mountains. Fanetti really knows how to create a setting and culture within her story.
With great characters, intelligent writing, and engrossing story telling Somewhere makes for a perfect reading experience. There wasn’t anything about the book I found with displeasure. It was a beautiful story that ebbs and flows with life as we move past tragedy and into light. It’s about acceptance and forgiveness. It’s about anger and resentment. It’s about letting go of the uncontrollable and moving on. It’s about soul-deep love and a beautiful relationship. It’s about family and small town antics. I’m excited I’ve had the opportunity to read Somewhere and I hope there will be plans for Susan Fanetti to return to the Sawtooth Mountains one day. I want to learn about every character I met in this picturesque setting.
November 21, 2017
4.5 ⭐️
May 28, 2020
3.5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I wouldn’t mind reading more...
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I wouldn’t mind reading more...
July 7, 2021
3.5 Stars
It was a fantastic beginning and the story was giving me everything I wanted in a book. Then, at the point the couple actually got together, I felt the story waned. I wasn't bothered at all over the age gap (older H,) but when they were finally together, the heroine's personality started annoying me. I guess it was then that the age gap became more pronounced and the h started acting that of her young age. She also started becoming too much of a femme fatale, which undid all the strength she possessed at the beginning of the story. It ended strong and I enjoyed how the mystery wrapped up. Overall, I really liked the author's writing style and attention to detail. I'm certain that their will be more SF stories in my future and in truth, this was a nice introduction to her writing.
September 10, 2016
i picked this up because i saw a few really good reviews singing its praises and from the blurb it sounded like the type of book i would usually go for and love. heroine escaping her past and starting over in a new town, broody hero with his own heartbreak. i also have a thing for the whole 'older man, younger woman' trope. as much as i liked this book, it didnt really hit the mark for me. the heroine is 21 and hero, 38. i was expecting maybe mid 40's. i liked the small town feel and it was a fairly quick read. there was just something missing for me. story wise it was a tad predictable. before something happened you knew how it would go down or what people would say and if they'd jump to conclusions for the added drama sake. i found the hero's petname 'little one' for the heroine overdone. it became quite annoying while reading, less is more. not almost every page please. for a debut novel, it was okay. i might return to read the next book. over all this was an alright read. it just didnt quite grip and excite me.
October 30, 2017
Wish I could rate this one more than 5 stars. Fanetti does it again for me. This one is a contemporary romance, no MC theme. It's heartbreaking and uplifting. The H is 36 and the h is 22. Both have had horrible losses in their life and both are trying to find themselves and move on with life. Gabe, the h, is searching for "somewhere" to start a new life and she finds it in a small town in Idaho. This one is no lite/fluffy read. My heart hurt so bad for these two damaged people but what a strong, deep love they ended up with, not without some real battles along the way.
No cheating and a HEA. Loved the secondary characters in this book and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
No cheating and a HEA. Loved the secondary characters in this book and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
September 26, 2018
A re-release. Originally released as Jenny Gavin.
A great read. a contemporary romance that will appeal to romance lovers.
A great read. a contemporary romance that will appeal to romance lovers.
February 1, 2021
It's slow and boring, but majorly, I dislike that Heath is 14 yrs older than Gabe AND that the sex scenes are a disaster.
DNF
DNF
October 9, 2017
When I read the first chapter of this book, I knew I was going to be in for a gripping and emotional ride, and I was right. The two main characters, Heath and Gabe, both have such heart-wrenching histories, and you very quickly find yourself rooting for both of them and hope they are able to find the love and happiness they both deserve. Their painful pasts are not easy for either to escape, and they both struggle to push past the pain, anger and nightmares so they can move forward. I don’t know how people move on from things like this, but I was in their corner the entire book. I am so happy SF rereleased this book, and I’m really looking forward to the next in the series!
October 15, 2017
This is one of those books that make me pause and 'digest' before starting another one, trying to relate to the characters. I liked the theme of how each thing that happens affects something else, simplistic, but true if anything is.
This is very different than the Signal Bend and SoCal series (my favorites), so don't expect anything close to that in subject matter, but I'm glad that Susan Fanetti brought this in under her own name and is going to develop the series. (Plus tracking author's works through a bunch of pseudonyms is a PITA). The best thing about Ms. Fanetti's characters is that she writes them honestly, because even the worst people usually have some good things in their characters, or I still like to believe that's true. There is much sadness and joy here. I hope there will be a few more, because it would be nice to see the futures for a few of the characters. There is a small Idaho town, with the good and bad things about our disappearing small towns in the country and their struggles to maintain their economic viability.
My only real problem with the story was the age difference of the main characters. It was just too much.
This is very different than the Signal Bend and SoCal series (my favorites), so don't expect anything close to that in subject matter, but I'm glad that Susan Fanetti brought this in under her own name and is going to develop the series. (Plus tracking author's works through a bunch of pseudonyms is a PITA). The best thing about Ms. Fanetti's characters is that she writes them honestly, because even the worst people usually have some good things in their characters, or I still like to believe that's true. There is much sadness and joy here. I hope there will be a few more, because it would be nice to see the futures for a few of the characters. There is a small Idaho town, with the good and bad things about our disappearing small towns in the country and their struggles to maintain their economic viability.
My only real problem with the story was the age difference of the main characters. It was just too much.
January 29, 2022
Reread Jan 2022. Still enjoyed it!
4.5 stars. I enjoyed this one. I have always been a fan of Susan Fanetti's writing, so when I heard that she had written a more contemporary romance story, well I was definitely in for reading it! It is a definite change from her previous books, but great writing as I expected. It had some of the things you expect from this author, which would be a unique setting/town, interesting characters, and a couple that you like together. And, though they don't live in a violent world, there are a few darker themes in this book. There is an age difference, with the h being younger, but honestly you wouldn't notice it if they didn't mention it themselves a couple of times.
It took me a little bit longer to really fall in love with the secondary characters jn this one, because the focus was on the main couple in the beginning, but by the end I was definitely hooked and can't wait for more of this series! Overall, it was a good story and I enjoyed it!!
Of Note- the authors note at the beginning states that she guarantees an iron clad HEA for all characters throughout for this series.
4.5 stars. I enjoyed this one. I have always been a fan of Susan Fanetti's writing, so when I heard that she had written a more contemporary romance story, well I was definitely in for reading it! It is a definite change from her previous books, but great writing as I expected. It had some of the things you expect from this author, which would be a unique setting/town, interesting characters, and a couple that you like together. And, though they don't live in a violent world, there are a few darker themes in this book. There is an age difference, with the h being younger, but honestly you wouldn't notice it if they didn't mention it themselves a couple of times.
It took me a little bit longer to really fall in love with the secondary characters jn this one, because the focus was on the main couple in the beginning, but by the end I was definitely hooked and can't wait for more of this series! Overall, it was a good story and I enjoyed it!!
Of Note- the authors note at the beginning states that she guarantees an iron clad HEA for all characters throughout for this series.
October 7, 2017
Well written
Well written as all of Ms. Fanetti's books are but different than the Northwomen saga and her Signal Bend series...more relaxed in that it didn't have quiet the complex plot the other series has, however, I did like the book.
Well written as all of Ms. Fanetti's books are but different than the Northwomen saga and her Signal Bend series...more relaxed in that it didn't have quiet the complex plot the other series has, however, I did like the book.
January 5, 2018
Beautiful and safe story.
October 10, 2017
5 "Everything changes everything" ☆'s
I'm not sure that I can praise Susan Fanetti's work enough, she really goes above and beyond with her character development. I'm so in awe of her work. I always have that 100% satisfied feeling when I'm finished with one her book's. Like right at the end, I take a deep breath, close my eyes, close the book and smile to myself. It's the feeling we all look for when reading a story. Feeling fulfilled.
Right, Heath & Gabe. Where to begin. What a journey of sadness and heartache they've both been on. Both very much broken and in need of healing. Gabe, that was fate. You was in the right place at the right time, even if you had to meet a jerk in the process.
Morgan, what a man. They don't make them like that anymore. Logan, Reese = swoon!.
All the supporting characters were perfect, and God bless, Emma!...I loved her.
Notes - 98% Never laughed so much!. Poor Logan lol!.
Morgan, perfect visual on the Pinterest board!...and the rest of the characters.
*Teasers made with purchased pics.
I'm not sure that I can praise Susan Fanetti's work enough, she really goes above and beyond with her character development. I'm so in awe of her work. I always have that 100% satisfied feeling when I'm finished with one her book's. Like right at the end, I take a deep breath, close my eyes, close the book and smile to myself. It's the feeling we all look for when reading a story. Feeling fulfilled.
Right, Heath & Gabe. Where to begin. What a journey of sadness and heartache they've both been on. Both very much broken and in need of healing. Gabe, that was fate. You was in the right place at the right time, even if you had to meet a jerk in the process.
Morgan, what a man. They don't make them like that anymore. Logan, Reese = swoon!.
All the supporting characters were perfect, and God bless, Emma!...I loved her.
Notes - 98% Never laughed so much!. Poor Logan lol!.
Morgan, perfect visual on the Pinterest board!...and the rest of the characters.
*Teasers made with purchased pics.
dnf
August 26, 2020I really haven't been getting anywhere in terms of this book- so I'm going to DNF it for now. I'm not going to write a review atm, as I'm most likely going to be finishing this book in a couple of days time. (imma take a small break)
However, I will say (from what I had read) I had absolutely loved the writing style. I just wasn't the biggest fan of the main character's connection, or lack thereof. I felt as if there wasn't a connection between the characters- they had nothing in common aside from a past trauma. We as readers, never got to see them connect (they literally only had one conversation with each other) yet they suddenly jump into bed, getting down and dirty (nothing wrong with that obviously), however, it was written in such a way, that made us believe it was meaningful to them. And because of the lack of insight/ detail into their relationship with each other- it just felt kinda weird. And because I didn't really see their connection, I honestly wasn't that interested in their relationship.
Above is basically my (messy) thought process into why I DNF-ed the book. But after reading reviews, the storyline does seem to get more interesting and focuses more on the characters- so I'm looking forward to that. As I said earlier, I'm just going to take a small break- so yeh :)
However, I will say (from what I had read) I had absolutely loved the writing style. I just wasn't the biggest fan of the main character's connection, or lack thereof. I felt as if there wasn't a connection between the characters- they had nothing in common aside from a past trauma. We as readers, never got to see them connect (they literally only had one conversation with each other) yet they suddenly jump into bed, getting down and dirty (nothing wrong with that obviously), however, it was written in such a way, that made us believe it was meaningful to them. And because of the lack of insight/ detail into their relationship with each other- it just felt kinda weird. And because I didn't really see their connection, I honestly wasn't that interested in their relationship.
Above is basically my (messy) thought process into why I DNF-ed the book. But after reading reviews, the storyline does seem to get more interesting and focuses more on the characters- so I'm looking forward to that. As I said earlier, I'm just going to take a small break- so yeh :)
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