Un luogo per restare

Anchor Island #3

by Terri Osburn, Lorenza Braga (Translator)

È sufficiente seguire il proprio cuore per scoprire il luogo a cui si appartiene?

Dopo essere fuggita dall’uomo sbagliato e da un passato doloroso, Willow Parsons è più che felice di trascorrere le giornate a servire da bere al Dempsey’s Bar & Grill e le notti da sola. Il suo rifugio ad Anchor Island rischia però di non essere più tanto sicuro…

L’affascinante e muscoloso Randy Navarro, proprietario della palestra dell’isola, è infatti convinto che Will lo eviti non perché faccia la difficile, ma a causa dei segreti che le adombrano gli occhi. Segreti che lui è intenzionato a scoprire.

Quando infine le vecchie paure saranno riportate alla luce, Randy riuscirà a far combattere Will per il loro amore? O lei deciderà di fuggire ancora una volta, lasciando lui e la loro isola felice?

Con Un luogo per restare Terri Osburn ci riporta nell’incantevole Anchor Island e torna a far battere i nostri cuori.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Fiction, Audiobook, Ebooks

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2014

About the author

Bestselling and award winning author Terri Osburn writes contemporary romance with heart, hope, and lots of humor. She fell in love with the written word at a young age and the genre of romance beckoned during her teen years. Since her debut in 2013, her work has been translated into five languages, and sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide. Terri resides in Pittsburgh, PA, with a menagerie of high-maintenance pets. You can learn more about this international bestselling author by visiting her website at www.terriosburn.com.

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Reviews

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the outside, Willow is the fun and feisty, happy go lucky girl, new to the island and an energetic bartender at Dempsey's Grill and Bar. In reality, Willow is still fun and feisty...anyone who can befriend both the crazy beautiful tomboy Sid and down to earth, sweet Beth is good people. But there's another side to Willow that she hasn't even even confided in her two best friends about.

Randy Navarro is this huge, hulking teddy bear and Sid's older brother. You'd think that his quiet demeanor and gentle nature would garner safe feelings from the fairer sex. But not from Will. She's jumpy and cautious, and Randy's tiptoed around her for over a year. It doesn't take long for the gentle giant to figure out what's going on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"For more than a year now, Randy had been tiptoeing around the wiry gypsy with the long dark hair and cautious blue eyes, trying not to be offended every time she leapt at the sight of him. (...)The only way he differed from other men was in his size, and since he knew he'd never done anything to her, another big guy must have. Randy wasn't the violent type. He believed in the sanctity of life, and had a natural inclination to protect. But every time Will flinched or got that haunted look in her eye, Randy wanted nothing more than to travel back in time and show whatever asshole had touched her what it felt like to mess with someone his own size."

(This quote made me fall in love with Randy.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oddly enough, Will isn't just a little afraid of Randy...she's also attracted to him. When some nosy reporters threaten Will's anonymity and safely built life on Anchor Island, her vulnerability starts to show. As Will and Randy are thrown together for various reasons, one including a much anticipated wedding, she begins to long for more than just roots and safety...she wants Randy. And Randy sees the cracks in her defenses, making it virtually impossible to stop the inevitable.

"Randy hadn't expected her to melt in his hands, then look at him with that kind of desire in her blue eyes.
As if she'd take him right there behind the bar.
All that from one compliment. One touch. If he never got more of her, she might burn him alive. "

Willow and Randy:


Terri Osburn has created this wonderful oasis from the fictional Anchor Island, filling it with good people, a small town atmosphere, and so much heart. Her characters resonate with me, each of them unique and refreshing. Her pacing is slow and easy but never stagnant...from page one, just as with her previous two books, I was able to sink back into the lives of these people, live again for a bit in this quaint community, and soak up her words as if watching these events on a screen while still being privy to their innermost thoughts.

I love the switching point of view. It was necessary to be inside of both Will and Randy's head in order to appreciate both male and female perspectives. Randy's such a beefcake...I'm not even ashamed to admit that I find him lustfully delicious; in fact, he's my favorite Anchor Island guy. There's much to be said for the alpha male, but although Randy has that uber protective streak, he's too laid back to be bossy, too tenderhearted to be domineering. He's exactly what Will needs and it was uplifting to watch her slowly allow him into her life. No matter how much she fights it.


This story was sweet and spicy and filled with what is becoming Osburn's trademark goofy, laid back humor. If you still haven't read Terri Osburn, I truly can't recommend her enough. She's one of my absolute favorites and so far each book I've read by her has reached five star status.

I was honored to be given an advance copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow was forced into a life on the run by her violent and abusive ex. Having arrived on Anchor Island a little over twelve months earlier, she has taken on every cash-in-hand job the small tourist town can give her and found herself a measure of peace with a small group of friends. But with her ex still looking for her, she can never get too comfortable and needs to be ready to run at a moments notice.

Randy owns the town’s gym and like Will’s ex, he is a big guy. Her nervousness around him is obvious to all, but despite his similar stature, he has a gentle and protective nature. With a little persistence he manages to break down her walls and they tentatively begin to explore their attraction.

When a travel reporter visits Anchor Island and recognises Will, her safe harbour is suddenly threatened and she realises it might be time to hit the road. Randy is determined to protect her and build a life with her, but for that to happen she will need to trust him.

There aren’t too many new ideas in this genre and I’ve read stories similar to this one before, but I don’t think I’ve read one that’s as good as this. The characters, especially the female characters really are kind of wonderful. I mean any book that has me rereading sections just because they were so much fun is kind of special.

Honestly there are a handful of authors who just make me so happy I could jump. Laini Taylor, Carolyn Crane, recently Marilyn Pappano, Faith Hunter…and Terri Osburn.

So yeah, this book gets 5 well deserved stars.

Many thanks to Terri Osburn for providing me with this ARC

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

Another fantastic instalment in the Anchor Island series, Home To stay was romantic, sweet, well written and perfectly steamy! From the first book in this series, Meant To Be, I've been invested in all the wonderful residents of Anchor. So getting Willow's story was well anticipated.
We've gotten snippets of Will's mysterious past, or rather that she has a past she keeps meticulously hidden. But she's also made friends and has come to see Anchor as home. Only problem is Randy Navarro, the big, brawny, muscled and sexy business owner and brother to Sid, has noticed Will.

She doesn't want complications, doesn't want a man in her life but staying away from Randy is becoming very difficult considering the upcoming nuptials of Beth and Joe. What's even harder is fighting the attraction to a man that makes her question everything, including protecting her heart. Randy is a sweet big ole' teddy bear. I loved him! He was so patient, so understanding, so damn sweet! There were many scenes I wanted to reach in my iPad and kiss him! Intelligent, kind, tender and extremely sexy...Randy was a great catch.

I really loved Willow too, she was so scared, so cautious, But oh, so lonely. Running from her past has exhausted her and right when she reconsiders her actions, everything blows up in her face. But even with that, she was strong and intelligent, finally deciding that maybe the time has come to stop running. And really with such great friends like Beth and Sid, great support from all around the island, Willow sees that all the family she needs is right where she is.

I want to move to Anchor island! It's a fictitious name but the island is actually real. No cell service, minimal internet...back to the simple and sweet enjoyment of life. Can you imagine living there? I can! If only I could convince my family to move, sigh...;-D. Even if moving to North Carolina isn't an option, reading about this atmospheric and captivating little island is the next best thing! I've loved this wonderful series from the beginning and really hope Terri Osburn continues with tales of love for the residents of anchor. Sam Edwards, the new hotelier in town has really captured my attention. I was getting the subtle impression that he might be featured in his own tale of love? He's definitely sexy sounding and quite possibly mysterious enough to weave a sweet story. I'd love to see his HEA! The question is with whom? Kinzi, the baker extraordinaire? Maybe Yvonne? I can only hope.

This is a great contemporary romance series and Terri Osburn has become one of my favourite authors!


**arc provided by the talented Terri Osburn for review **

[Antonella · Rating 5 out of 5]

a favorite in this series for sure!!
I loved the leading couple, maybe bc the anticipation for their story was building up in previous books too...
this is a great series for all small-town romance trope lovers!! very sweet too!!
4,5 stars

[Renegade ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 to 4 1/2 stars

[Geri Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 stars!

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that was disappointing. I've been looking forward to Randy and Will since the series started. Will was obviously hiding some serious problems and Randy seemed like just the guy to help her find peace.

The thing is, Randy is every bit the stud we knew he would be. I love the strong, protective, kind type and he was all that and more. Furthermore, he was all about seeing the strength in Will and only exercising his own strength in her service (i.e. to enhance her options and choices rather than limit them). Seriously, if you can't fall for Randy, Romance is not your genre.

And Will wasn't bad, either. Mostly. We've seen her strength and determination from the start and seeing it from her perspective didn't take away from that any. A tough girl with a tough problem made her immediately engaging.

Unfortunately, the story itself is wrapped in layers of stupid. I don't think of this as ranting, but my barometer is calibrated high. Also, spoilers:
1. The reporter is dumber than dirt. What reporter, on finding a "missing person" who is obviously hiding doesn't dig, even a little bit for the why?
2. The reporter's paper is stupid. What editor, on finding a . . . right see above redux.
3. Will's fear of Jeffrey is unforgivably irrational. What is this, Soviet Russia? All she needs is a good reporter and his life would be toast—As we learn by her own actions at the end. And that's before we learn she has proof of his illegal activities. What is she, twelve, that she believes his claims of omnipotent retribution? She has a college degree, for heaven's sake! She's been around enough to know she has options!
4. Will lost me completely when she ran once her secret got out. There's some hand waving later about panic being a habit, but see #3 above. This was a straight-up betrayal of all her relationships on the Island, not just Randy.
5. The inheritance just muddied the waters. It's like Osburn decided she hadn't done enough stereotyped things in the story yet and needed to make her quota. It was completely unnecessary; it played very little role in Will's solution in working out her freedom. Worse, since learning of her inheritance was her turning point in deciding to stand and fight, it makes it look like money made her brave rather than remembering that she has friends and/or something to fight for.

Okay, that was a rant, after all. Terribly disappointing. I'm calling this a 2.5 star read with enough weight in the end to round down. Sad. I'll probably read the last in this series, but I'm not looking forward to it as much as I might have.

A note about Steamy: Standard for the series at mid-level for me. I forget if it was two or three explicit scenes, but they were substantial enough to qualify either way.

[KatLynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I was very excited to grab this from Amazon's Kindle First program. Each month they select four books that will be released the following month, and you can choose one at a discounted price. Terri Osburn has become one of my favorite authors, and I quickly snatched this up:)

Home to Stay is another well written, engaging story featuring Randy Navarro and Willow Parson's journey. While somewhat predictable, I still very much enjoyed their romance. The author captures the essence of small town living perfectly and her cast of characters feel like your next door neighbors.

It was fun catching up on the news and visiting with those I've come to love from past books. I'm also completely intrigued with one very sexy Hotel Owner and keeping my fingers crossed the next book will feature his story:)

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
=====================

[Il confine dei libri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Salve lettrici.
Oggi vi parlo del terzo volume della serie “Anchor Island”di Terri Osburn, una serie che mi sta facendo passare delle bellissime giornate.
Ho iniziato questa serie solo per curiosità, dopo aver letto bellissime recensioni, e sono davvero felice di averlo fatto. L’ho completamente divorata, leggendola come se fosse un unico volume.
Ho iniziato con il primo libro, quello su Beth e Joe, passando per Sid e Lucas, e sono arrivata a questo terzo volume in un batter d’occhio.
“Un luogo per restare” è il titolo di questa terza storia e racconta di Willow e di Randy, il fratellone di Sid.
Come avevano già intuito dai romanzi pretendenti, Will è in fuga da qualcuno e quella fuga l’ha portata ad Anchor Island. L’isola è il suo rifugio e i suoi abitanti la sua famiglia. Con loro si sente al sicuro, si sente a casa, eppure tra di loro c’è un uomo che la mette in soggezione e quell’uomo è proprio Randy Navarro.
Randy è il proprietario della palestra dell’isola ed è quello che più comunemente viene definito un omaccione. Will, da quando è arrivata, evita il contatto con lui, ma non perché l’inquieta, perché ha paura di ciò che la sua vicinanza potrebbe causarle. Randy, però, al contrario di ciò che si potrebbe dire guardandolo, è davvero un tenerone ed è difficile rimanere immuni al suo fascino.

È una bella storia lettrici, piena di amicizia e ricca di un amore che trascina il lettore fino all’ultima pagina.
L’essenza di questa serie è tutta nel luogo in cui questi protagonisti vivono. L’autrice è stata davvero brava con i dettagli e con queste storie ci ha fatto davvero sognare. Anchor Island è un luogo fantastico e ogni suo abitante ha una storia da raccontare.
Ho adorato il fatto che in questo romanzo vedremo i vecchi protagonisti alle prese con gli imprevisti della vita e li vedremo cambiati tantissimo. Eravamo abituati ad una Beth calma e socievole e adesso la ritroviamo stressatissima, alle prese con il matrimonio e un bimbo in arrivo. Ma, ancora più sorprendente, sarà il cambiamento di Sid.
Will e Randy, invece, ci regaleranno una storia molto diversa da quelle che la precedono. Non ha lo stesso umorismo del primo volume, né la stessa sensualità del secondo, ma è comunque una bella storia.
È una lettura scorrevole, leggera e molto dolce, perfetta per questi pomeriggi gelidi. Peccato che il passato di Will non venga trattato adeguatamente e il finale non venga approfondito molto bene. Se l’autrice avesse curato meglio queste piccolezze, la storia avrebbe avuto senz’altro un tocco in più.
Consiglio comunque questa lettura a tutti gli amanti di quest’isola e consiglio questa serie a chi ama le belle storie d’amore.
Adesso non ci resta che aspettare la prossima uscita, che sembra sia anche l’ultima, e che vede come protagonista il bel Sam, l’albergatore dell’isola.

[Lapis Lazuli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mi è piaciuto un po' meno del secondo ma di più del primo. Will è una tipa tosta, Randy è talmente dolce che in alcuni punti ho rischiato di farmi venire il diabete. C'erano un po' troppo Beth e Joe ma il pizzico di suspense sul passato di Will tiene alta l'attenzione fino alla fine. Sid è fantastica come sempre.

[Annuccia Palmeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5/4 carino ma la più bella storia resta quella di Lucas e Sid!

[Sara Emme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bello come gli altri libri della serie! Davvero dolcissimo!
Vorrei davvero visitare un’isola come Anchor! Mai dire mai...

[Nefise · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very good reading for me.

I like Ms Osburn writing style. Her protagonist are likeable, mature people. In this story, heroine has a bad memory about her ex-boyfriend and escaped him. She is afraid of hero, Randy, due to a big man but now behave like a child or meaningless.

I like their relationship, their mature personalities and the journey of progress their involvement and love. Espicially I love Randy's personality. I think in real life, I prefer to fall in love or a have relationship this kind of a man. There's nothing extreme about him but he is level-headed, determined and good looking guy :)

I recommend readers who want tot read a well-written, well-paced, a quick, easy read that left you with a good feeling.

[Saly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn't pull me in like the other books by this author. The heroine is in hiding and the big hero scares her but yet their attraction simmers. I found the book a bit predictable and the characters not that vibrant.

[Ellie Effe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questo terzo libro dedicato all’isola di Anchor è il più bello, secondo me.
I protagonisti la barista del “Dempsey”, Will, e Randy, il gigante buono nonché fratello di Sid e proprietario della palestra e del negozio dedicato agli sport acquatici.
Nei due precedenti libri si ha già avuto modo di cominciare a conoscere i protagonisti, ma visti attraverso gli occhi degli amici Sid, Lucas, Beth e Joe e i loro personaggi saranno molto presenti anche in questo capitolo contribuendo in maniera attiva allo sviluppo della storia.
Mi è molto piaciuto come l’autrice ha lasciato dei piccoli indizi per poterci fare un’idea generale delle caratteristiche di Will e Randy nei libri precedenti per poi approfondire ogni singolo aspetto in questo romanzo.
E di vero romanzo rosa si tratta: con Randy che si rende conto che Will è speciale e che vorrebbe molto conoscerla per capire cosa nasconde, mentre Will, che inizialmente aveva timore di Randy a causa della sua possente corporatura, inizia a rendersi conto che non vuole più evitarlo e che è davvero attratta da lui. Questo però implica abbassare le difese e Will non può rischiare che il passato possa raggiungerla fin sull’isola altrimenti sarà costretta a scappare in fretta.
Mi sono davvero appassionata a questa serie è in una settimana ho letto tutti e tre i libri pubblicati in Italia ed ora non mi resta che aspettare l’uscita del quarto e ultimo libro di questa bellissima storia.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

How could you not love Randy the gentle giant. He has been patient with Willow in hopes that she will one day come around and not be afraid of him. He knows there must be something in her past that would cause her to be like that, but she won't talk about it. Willow has been running for three years and thinks she is safe and at home on Anchor Island, but that all changes when a reporter comes to town and wants to take her picture and interview her. She can't let that happen. Randy sees her fear and wants to help, but she won't tell anyone about her past. As Randy's sister pushes them together, the more she tries to resist. But, she can't. She has to live in the moment because she just might have to run again. Will she ever be free of her past?

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow Parson is Anchor Island's resident temp and bar manager for Dempsy's bar. She has been living on the Island for about 3 years and now her livelihood is being threatened.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the character developments for all of the characters and the fact that the characters kept re-appearing. We got to see the other developments from the previous novels.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questo libro mi è piaciuto di più dei precedenti nonostante i continui riferimenti al protagonista maschile come a un gigante (ok, dopo un po' si è capito!) e le incongruenze su alcuni aspetti della vita passata della protagonista da un capo all'altro del libro.

[Elerwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mi aspettavo di più, anche questo romanzo, assomiglia molto ai precedenti. Alla fine viene a noia.

[Donna Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Randy

When you read the other books you will come to the same conclusions I did about Willow, while we would be right we never would of seen the rest coming.
This is an awesome story of them falling in love. Get your copy today.

[Margreet Asselbergs · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...


My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐️


Working in Dempsey's Bar & Grill is not exactly what Willow Parsons went to school for, but it's what she has enjoyed doing for the last year since she landed on Anchor Island. Not eager to share the fact she has chosen the small community to hide out in, she has nonetheless been able to make some really good friends here. Only one person unsettles her, partly because his massive size reminds her of someone she never wants to see again, and partly because of the conflictling feelings he brings out in her.

Gentle giant, that is how everyone sees Randy Navarro, adventurer and owner of the local gym, but he can't seem to catch a break with Willow. Awkward, since Will and his sister Sid are the best of friends, and they all hang out together on a regular basis. When he notices there isn't simply dislike, but real fear in her eyes, he is determined to make her feel as safe as possible. The preparations for the wedding of their friends offers opportunities to slowly win her trust.

Recognizing Randy for the kind man he is, Willow finally is letting down her guard with him, and soon finds herself drawn into a romantic entanglement she did not want to have. But when her worst fears came true, instead of turning to the ones she had come to love, she reacted as she always had.......she ran.

*****

Warm and Lush!!

This is not my first book in the Anchor Island series by Terri Osburn, a series that centres around a small island on the outer banks, and each have left me feeling utterly satisfied.

The characters from previous books reappear as supporting cast in HOME TO STAY, but the book is a story by itself, a solid standalone. There is no ongoing backstory that snakes through the series you have to be afraid of missing out on if you don't read the books in sequence or even miss one here or there. A colourful collection of friends are at the core of each story, in their late twenties to mid thirties, each finding their own, sometimes unexpected, happy ever afters.

This time it is Randy's turn, a quiet and unassuming giant of a man who is protective of his friends and sister, loves challenging himself by seeking adventure and puts a high value on living healthy. A good man, who is bothered by the fact that the woman he has more than a passing interest in seems to be afraid of him, when he poses absolutely no threat to her at all.

The object of his focus, Willow, has come to the island a year ago, eager to escape into anonymity, for fear of being recognized and found, with good reason. She has kept to herself for the most part, but still has managed to make a few friends without having to share too much background information. She is simply seen as someone very private. Randy brings out feelings in her that slowly start making her feel safe enough to open up.

Well-written and dripping with atmosphere, Terri Osburn creates a close-knit community where people still look out for each other. Where the entire town is invested in the happiness of one of its members. And where, once you have been adopted, you always have a home. As Willow finds out.

✨A captivating, spicy and heart-warming home-coming.✨

**Copy provided in return for an honest review.**

[Kimberly Lund · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I really like this series and am happy to have found a new author I enjoy, this one just seemed a little trite. I'm not a huge fan of the "woman on the run" trope anyway, but this one tied up just a little too easy and a little too quickly for me. I do enjoy this series' characters and was happy to see Randy finally get his chance to shine, but overall not my favorite of the series. Especially disappointing coming off the second in the series, which was such a good story.

[Melodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is summer(or almost) and it's time for light fun reading. I kicked off my summer with this little gem. This is installment number three in a series, but it stands by itself very well. This is the first I have read from this author and I will be reading more.
The characters are engaging and there are quirky personalities that seem to abound in small towns. Anchor Island is based on Ocrakok Island of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. And I readily admit prejudice being a proud resident of that state.
The story line moves right along, I never felt bogged done in mindless detail. But there was enough background given that I didn't feel lost. Steamy racy scenes were present but handled deftly. I have read books that I had to skip pages and pages to get beyond all the explicit scenes. Not so here.
The author has created a community that I have fallen in love with. And I am going back there soon.

[Ashkenia · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s probably a good story!

Unfortunately way too slow! I was on chapter 8 & nothing has happened! I didn’t like it... by chapter 8 we should at least see the main characters getting together or connecting in some way. & way to many point of views to keep up. From the main characters (willow & randy) to the reporters to her girlfriends. Yea too much of nothing going on. Couldn’t keep track!
Tip: if you are writing with different point of view it would be best to label the chapters with that characters name that way it can prepared its readers & not confused them.

[Gail · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed

This is a DNF review. This is my first Kindle First read and I have the book longer than I normally would have in the hopes that it would eventually grab my interest. I read nearly 50% but the book never grabbed me. There's nothing to hate about the book, I just didn't find the characters interesting and the story didn't progress.

[Trish · Rating 1 out of 5]

Instead of crafting a strong story, this novel just had too much filler: language, scenes with the "Bridezilla" and of course sex. I started skimming after a few pages, and skipped whole chapters until reaching the rather implausible ending. Don't waste your time on this.

[~V~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4 1/2 stars**

Another super cute addition to the Anchor Island series! I even felt that the steam factor increased a bit more in this book...yay!

[Helen Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

very enjoyable

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terri Osburn is my new favorite writer. Her books are interesting and laugh out loud funny at times.

Looking forward to her next one.