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The Gentrys of Paradise #2
For This Moment
1871 Born to privilege and duty, Olivia Gentry comes of age as women begin to find their social and political independence. The youngest child, and only daughter, of a successful Virginia horse breeding family, she has been raised and educated to carry on the family business with her brothers. Having been deceived in love as a young woman and unsure of her instincts, she is wary to commit to a marriage, but she cannot deny her long-buried feelings for a family friend.
Jim Somerset has been in love with Olivia Gentry from the moment she gazed up at him as a young girl. A farrier by trade like his father before him, he and his business’s future are inexorably entwined with the Gentry family. He has watched her be courted by statesmen, and considers her and her goals out of the reach of a common workman. But he is fearful that he will never purge Olivia from his mind and his heart. Has the moment come for him to reveal his passions for her? Find out in the third installment of the Gentrys of Paradise.
Jim Somerset has been in love with Olivia Gentry from the moment she gazed up at him as a young girl. A farrier by trade like his father before him, he and his business’s future are inexorably entwined with the Gentry family. He has watched her be courted by statesmen, and considers her and her goals out of the reach of a common workman. But he is fearful that he will never purge Olivia from his mind and his heart. Has the moment come for him to reveal his passions for her? Find out in the third installment of the Gentrys of Paradise.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2018
About the author
Holly Bush
26 books721 followers“Love always has something to say. Sometimes it shouts from the highest hill, and sometimes it whispers so softly one must listen closely to hear. Do not turn away. It is a rare and precious commodity. Treasure it.” The Gentrys of Paradise
Holly's newest series is a historical mystery set in Baltimore in 1867, The Browns of Butcher's Hill. The first book is available called Kidnapped. Blackmailed releases in August of 2025 and Murdered in November of 2025.
Holly's historical romances are set in the US during the turbulent and transformative years of the late 1800’s.
The Thompsons of Locust Street, Philadelphia, chronicles five siblings from Scotland with some danger and mystery surrounding their move to America. The series order is The Bachelor's Bride, The Bareknuckle Groom, The Professor's Lady, and The Captain's Woman. The final book in the series will release in 2024.
The Gentrys of Paradise begins with the novella Into the Evermore where readers meet Virginia horse breeders, Eleanor and Beauregard Gentry. The following books feature their children, Adam, Matthew, and Olivia in For the Brave, For This Moment, and For Her Honor.
The Crawford Family Series following the fortunes of the three Boston born Crawford sisters and includes Train Station Bride, Contract to Wed, Her Safe Harbor, and companion novella, The Maid’s Quarters.
Cross the Ocean and Charming the Duke are both British set Victorian romances. Fan favorites stand-alone historical romance novels include Romancing Olive and Reconstructing Jackson. Holly's books are described as ‘emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance.’
She also writes General Fiction under the name of Hollis Bush.
Holly makes her home with her husband, one happy Labrador Retriever, a clever Jack Russell rescued from the pound, and two difficult cats in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Connect with Holly at www.hollybushbooks.com, on Twitter @hollybushbooks, and on Facebook at Holly Bush. Follow Holly on her Amazon author page to receive new release updates and on BookBub to check out her reviews and get sale information.
Holly's newest series is a historical mystery set in Baltimore in 1867, The Browns of Butcher's Hill. The first book is available called Kidnapped. Blackmailed releases in August of 2025 and Murdered in November of 2025.
Holly's historical romances are set in the US during the turbulent and transformative years of the late 1800’s.
The Thompsons of Locust Street, Philadelphia, chronicles five siblings from Scotland with some danger and mystery surrounding their move to America. The series order is The Bachelor's Bride, The Bareknuckle Groom, The Professor's Lady, and The Captain's Woman. The final book in the series will release in 2024.
The Gentrys of Paradise begins with the novella Into the Evermore where readers meet Virginia horse breeders, Eleanor and Beauregard Gentry. The following books feature their children, Adam, Matthew, and Olivia in For the Brave, For This Moment, and For Her Honor.
The Crawford Family Series following the fortunes of the three Boston born Crawford sisters and includes Train Station Bride, Contract to Wed, Her Safe Harbor, and companion novella, The Maid’s Quarters.
Cross the Ocean and Charming the Duke are both British set Victorian romances. Fan favorites stand-alone historical romance novels include Romancing Olive and Reconstructing Jackson. Holly's books are described as ‘emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance.’
She also writes General Fiction under the name of Hollis Bush.
Holly makes her home with her husband, one happy Labrador Retriever, a clever Jack Russell rescued from the pound, and two difficult cats in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Connect with Holly at www.hollybushbooks.com, on Twitter @hollybushbooks, and on Facebook at Holly Bush. Follow Holly on her Amazon author page to receive new release updates and on BookBub to check out her reviews and get sale information.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 27, 2018
Olivia Gentry is unlike most young women of the era as her parents believed she should have the same education as her brothers and be prepared to help manage the family horse ranch. She’s well read and informed on current events but hasn’t fared well in choosing the right man. She’s loved one man since she was a young girl but he’s made it clear that he’s not an option. Jim Somerset is the town farrier and a close family friend of the Gentrys. He’s also been in love with Olivia since forever but doesn’t feel he’s worthy of this worldly woman who he feels is destined for a bigger life than one he can offer.
I really liked both Olivia and Jim for completely different reasons. It was so refreshing to see a character like Olivia set in this era (1871) who was about more than fashion and gossip but still maintaining her femininity. Jim actually embraced all that was the best about Olivia in addition to serving as the head of his family of four sisters and a brother now that his father was deceased. He was a quiet, gentle soul. Unfortunately, those characteristics that made them so wonderful also served as a barrier in these two finding each other. There were times I wanted to shake Jim into sensibility (joining his sisters in that effort) as he could be maddening in his reticence.
This was a lovely story that offered a different perspective about strong women living in this era while complying with societal restrictions. Olivia and Jim were really strong people, adept at pretty much everything except communicating their feelings. It’s a good story, strong on family and historical context with an even better romance. Love this series, especially as it’s set in 19th century America.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an unbiased review)
I really liked both Olivia and Jim for completely different reasons. It was so refreshing to see a character like Olivia set in this era (1871) who was about more than fashion and gossip but still maintaining her femininity. Jim actually embraced all that was the best about Olivia in addition to serving as the head of his family of four sisters and a brother now that his father was deceased. He was a quiet, gentle soul. Unfortunately, those characteristics that made them so wonderful also served as a barrier in these two finding each other. There were times I wanted to shake Jim into sensibility (joining his sisters in that effort) as he could be maddening in his reticence.
This was a lovely story that offered a different perspective about strong women living in this era while complying with societal restrictions. Olivia and Jim were really strong people, adept at pretty much everything except communicating their feelings. It’s a good story, strong on family and historical context with an even better romance. Love this series, especially as it’s set in 19th century America.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an unbiased review)
February 11, 2021
Audiobook: This is the third book in this series and I thought it was Avery nice read. I loved both characters especially the independence that Olivia portrayed. I loved her character's spirit and showing that independent spirit in her views and actions. I too liked Jim but he frustrate at times in the story.
This was a nice historical romance and I've added Ms. Bush on my list of new authors to this reader. Her novels gave not failed to disappoint. The narration was done well by Maury Light, a new narrator to this reader.
This was a nice historical romance and I've added Ms. Bush on my list of new authors to this reader. Her novels gave not failed to disappoint. The narration was done well by Maury Light, a new narrator to this reader.
April 29, 2018
I really should make a more concerted effort to read more historical romances. In the unendingly deep pool of alpha male heroes, there’s something just so inherently romantic about men who appreciate a woman’s beauty, but are more concerned about her values and with safeguarding her virtue. Actually, everyone is concerned with safeguarding the women's virtue.
Olivia turned, her cheeks warm, to her brother Matt. She stepped back quickly. “Of course not. Have you met Mr. Armsworth?"
“I haven’t,” Matt said with a smile extending his hand. “What brings you to Winchester, and within six inches of my sister, Mr. Armsworth?
It’s not that the women in these books are treated as weak and second-rate citizens. They are respected and cared for, and the men (well, the heroes anyway) treat them as such.
Jim and Olivia’s relationship is a slow-burn of epic proportions. Olivia, having been rebuffed by Jim at the tender age of 15, has spent several years since returning from college trying to find a suitable suitor, and getting over her lingering feelings for Jim. After a series of serious mishaps in regards to that endeavor, she’s beginning to lose hope that she’ll ever fall in love and have a family. Torn between wanting more than what 1870s society approves of for women and wanting to be a wife and mother, she’s having a hard time figuring out who she is and what she wants.
Jim has been in love with Olivia for far longer than he’s willing to admit to himself. Everyone around him knows it. And just when he’s finally willing to consider doing something about it, a dinner with Olivia’s family and some friends from Washington DC causes him to believe she would be better off with someone else.
It was at that moment, as Jim looked at her, at her sparkling eyes and shining lips and rosy cheeks, that he realized he was reaching too far above himself. He was not material for a capital visit - he was a farrier. He’d always be a farrier. He had no intention of moving away from his family or hometown. His dreams were smaller than hers. A home, a peaceful future, a wife, children, and a continuation of everything that was comfortable about his life. She was meant for something bigger, something grander - that was clear.
It isn’t frequent that my heart breaks for the hero of the story, but it did for this one. Jim is a good man, and has taken on the responsibility for his widowed mother and younger siblings. Ladies, you want a man who is deeply in love with a woman and doesn’t try to manwhore his way out of those feelings? THIS IS YOUR HERO! He has other women offering themselves to him, and he just can’t imagine being with them. He’d rather live his life alone than try to fake it with someone else. Even his best friend - who is Olivia’s brother and knows how he feels about her - tells him he needs to go a couple towns over and get some experience with women. But he won’t do it. That is true love, ladies and gentlemen.
Look, I don’t really want to go back to the way things were in the late 1800s, but I can’t help but wonder if maybe all our sexual freedom isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. That waiting to be physically intimate with the one person you have been longing to be with is the ultimate act of sacrifice and love. Jim and Olivia were a little frustrating, because seriously they could have avoided so much heartache had they just TALKED with one another. But social propriety of that day didn’t always allow for such frank discussion, and also...the book wouldn’t have been very long. 😉
I have loved every book in this series, and this one is my favorite. I loved Jim and Olivia, I loved Jim’s sister Emmaline (PS Holly Bush, please write a story for Emmaline!). I loved the tension and heartbreak I could feel from both Jim and Olivia, and I was so happy when they both finally got their heads out of their bums and declared their love. This has been a really great series, and I can’t wait for Adam’s story!
* thank you to NetGalley and Holly Bush books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Olivia turned, her cheeks warm, to her brother Matt. She stepped back quickly. “Of course not. Have you met Mr. Armsworth?"
“I haven’t,” Matt said with a smile extending his hand. “What brings you to Winchester, and within six inches of my sister, Mr. Armsworth?
It’s not that the women in these books are treated as weak and second-rate citizens. They are respected and cared for, and the men (well, the heroes anyway) treat them as such.
Jim and Olivia’s relationship is a slow-burn of epic proportions. Olivia, having been rebuffed by Jim at the tender age of 15, has spent several years since returning from college trying to find a suitable suitor, and getting over her lingering feelings for Jim. After a series of serious mishaps in regards to that endeavor, she’s beginning to lose hope that she’ll ever fall in love and have a family. Torn between wanting more than what 1870s society approves of for women and wanting to be a wife and mother, she’s having a hard time figuring out who she is and what she wants.
Jim has been in love with Olivia for far longer than he’s willing to admit to himself. Everyone around him knows it. And just when he’s finally willing to consider doing something about it, a dinner with Olivia’s family and some friends from Washington DC causes him to believe she would be better off with someone else.
It was at that moment, as Jim looked at her, at her sparkling eyes and shining lips and rosy cheeks, that he realized he was reaching too far above himself. He was not material for a capital visit - he was a farrier. He’d always be a farrier. He had no intention of moving away from his family or hometown. His dreams were smaller than hers. A home, a peaceful future, a wife, children, and a continuation of everything that was comfortable about his life. She was meant for something bigger, something grander - that was clear.
It isn’t frequent that my heart breaks for the hero of the story, but it did for this one. Jim is a good man, and has taken on the responsibility for his widowed mother and younger siblings. Ladies, you want a man who is deeply in love with a woman and doesn’t try to manwhore his way out of those feelings? THIS IS YOUR HERO! He has other women offering themselves to him, and he just can’t imagine being with them. He’d rather live his life alone than try to fake it with someone else. Even his best friend - who is Olivia’s brother and knows how he feels about her - tells him he needs to go a couple towns over and get some experience with women. But he won’t do it. That is true love, ladies and gentlemen.
Look, I don’t really want to go back to the way things were in the late 1800s, but I can’t help but wonder if maybe all our sexual freedom isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. That waiting to be physically intimate with the one person you have been longing to be with is the ultimate act of sacrifice and love. Jim and Olivia were a little frustrating, because seriously they could have avoided so much heartache had they just TALKED with one another. But social propriety of that day didn’t always allow for such frank discussion, and also...the book wouldn’t have been very long. 😉
I have loved every book in this series, and this one is my favorite. I loved Jim and Olivia, I loved Jim’s sister Emmaline (PS Holly Bush, please write a story for Emmaline!). I loved the tension and heartbreak I could feel from both Jim and Olivia, and I was so happy when they both finally got their heads out of their bums and declared their love. This has been a really great series, and I can’t wait for Adam’s story!
* thank you to NetGalley and Holly Bush books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
March 12, 2018
For This Moment is the third installment from The Gentrys of Paradise series. I thought it was pretty good and I enjoyed it. I was not sure how I thought of Olivia at first, but she quickly grew on me. I love her in the scenes with Jim. They have great chemistry together, however, they do not know that each other have their own secret.
I give For This Moment four stars. I would like to catch up and read the first two of the series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I give For This Moment four stars. I would like to catch up and read the first two of the series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
July 2, 2018
Still on the historical romance kick. But then again, I love Holly Bush. I read about her Crawfords and now I’m on to the Gentrys. However, I have NOT read Matt’s book which I have already bought. I did read the prequel/parents story and loved it. I missed old Beau in this book but he is Olivia’s mind at all times.
What I really liked about this book is the family. They rally around each other and it’s good to see healthy relationships between everyone. Including Annie, Matt’s wife. She’s a sweetheart and the relationship that she has with Olivia is spot on. Married or not, Annie is still a woman and talks to Olivia has one, not as Matt’s wife. Plus, Eleanor Gentry, the matriarch of the family is a force to be reckoned with. She treats her children with respect, love, and friendship.
Jim Somerset. I wanted to slap him most of the time in the book. Talk about stubborn, hard-headed and so much in love with Olivia that it hurts. Plus, he thought the bro code was still in place. Communication or lack of is Jim’s biggest problem and at times it was maddening. I realize that is the point of the book but honestly, I got tired of it. But I didn’t give up on him. His blind devotion to Olivia and the Gentry’s is endearing. Plus, I loved his family. They never let up on him when it needed. Now, I will say that I swooned when he FINALLY went all caveman on Olivia. I know, I know. It sounds backward but when he did it, I literally swooned. It was his moment to get the girl and he did it the only way he knew how.
Olivia might seem to be a strong woman but actually, she’s has been burned before when it comes to men, so I could understand her reluctance when it comes to men. The senator’s aide is an ass and I’m glad that she saw that but then she…oh wait…I can’t say that. I really liked her from the start and honestly, she was the only one of them that actually communicated. Even when she was with Josephine, she communicated. Let’s not forget about the train ride either.
Overall, I loved the book. Once Jim decided that he just had to have Olivia, with some physical confrontation with Matt. I can’t wait to read about Adam next. This book has some humor, lots of love and two people that fell in love with each other has children. Love a childhood friends story and this story has it in spades.
What I really liked about this book is the family. They rally around each other and it’s good to see healthy relationships between everyone. Including Annie, Matt’s wife. She’s a sweetheart and the relationship that she has with Olivia is spot on. Married or not, Annie is still a woman and talks to Olivia has one, not as Matt’s wife. Plus, Eleanor Gentry, the matriarch of the family is a force to be reckoned with. She treats her children with respect, love, and friendship.
Jim Somerset. I wanted to slap him most of the time in the book. Talk about stubborn, hard-headed and so much in love with Olivia that it hurts. Plus, he thought the bro code was still in place. Communication or lack of is Jim’s biggest problem and at times it was maddening. I realize that is the point of the book but honestly, I got tired of it. But I didn’t give up on him. His blind devotion to Olivia and the Gentry’s is endearing. Plus, I loved his family. They never let up on him when it needed. Now, I will say that I swooned when he FINALLY went all caveman on Olivia. I know, I know. It sounds backward but when he did it, I literally swooned. It was his moment to get the girl and he did it the only way he knew how.
Olivia might seem to be a strong woman but actually, she’s has been burned before when it comes to men, so I could understand her reluctance when it comes to men. The senator’s aide is an ass and I’m glad that she saw that but then she…oh wait…I can’t say that. I really liked her from the start and honestly, she was the only one of them that actually communicated. Even when she was with Josephine, she communicated. Let’s not forget about the train ride either.
Overall, I loved the book. Once Jim decided that he just had to have Olivia, with some physical confrontation with Matt. I can’t wait to read about Adam next. This book has some humor, lots of love and two people that fell in love with each other has children. Love a childhood friends story and this story has it in spades.
March 6, 2018
For This Moment is the third book in The Gentrys of Paradise series by Holly Bush. I haven't read the other books before this one but don't feel like it was a necessity.
This book is set in Virginia in 1871. Olivia Gentry is now of age and is an educated, independent woman. She knows just as much about politics and the way of the world as any man and certainly as much as her brothers. In a time where women are meant to be gentle belles, Olivia stands out. She has had one bad experience with a man in her past, besides which she has also been hopelessly in love with her brother's best friend. It's an unrequited love because a few years back he rejected her advances. She knows it's time she seriously considered marriage, but can't put her heart and soul into it.
Jim Somerset is the man that Virginia loves. Yes, he rejected her but didn't explain to her why. She was just left heartbroken. In truth, he is as in love with her as she is with him. He is a farrier, socially far beneath Olivia. He knows she can and must do better than him when it comes to love and marriage. It's because of that he knows he can never let her know his true feelings. For the most part, he tries to avoid her, but as the families are firm friends and they do attend the occasional social gathering at the same time, he has to suffer being close to her but unable to be with her. Now she is of age and he has to watch her being wooed by other men he is in absolute agony over his feelings for her. He is doing the right thing by her, or is he?
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the era and the setting of the story, and I couldn't read the book quickly enough to see if Jim and Olivia had their happy ending. It was so sad reading about how they both felt about each other, and yet they seemed to be drifting further and further apart instead of getting closer. Olivia was a breath of fresh air. I admired her independence, and I particularly loved one scenario where she herself got to play hero. The very same scenario which was when Jim's feelings came to light finally!
This was a very sweet story, so if you are looking for steamy passionate scenes this book won't be for you. But if you are looking for a beautiful, old-fashioned romance, this will be a perfect read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
March 6, 2018
Olivia Gentry has the advantage of coming from a wealthy family and the disadvantage of having older brothers who are constantly, and annoyingly, looking out for her. While she understands they only want to protect her, she has grown weary of not being her own woman in charge of her own life. After having fallen for the wrong man once, she now feels that she may never find love. Except for one man, someone she’s known her entire life, who she has feelings for, but she believes he doesn’t return her affection. What she doesn’t know is he secretly does love her, yet doesn’t feel he can give her the life she deserves.
FOR THIS MOMENT is a sweet and tender love story with a few willful moments as Olivia tries to prove to her family that she is no longer a child, but a grown woman. As we watch the two lovers dance around each other, neither understanding how the other feels, the reader can’t help but hope that they will eventually get past their differences and fall in love.
As an avid Holly Bush fan, I’ve read all of her novels and I can’t say enough good things about this latest series. You will fall in love with this family and these wonderful characters, and can’t help but want to learn what will happen to them next. I highly recommend this series. You will enjoy each and every book.
(The author provided me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.)
FOR THIS MOMENT is a sweet and tender love story with a few willful moments as Olivia tries to prove to her family that she is no longer a child, but a grown woman. As we watch the two lovers dance around each other, neither understanding how the other feels, the reader can’t help but hope that they will eventually get past their differences and fall in love.
As an avid Holly Bush fan, I’ve read all of her novels and I can’t say enough good things about this latest series. You will fall in love with this family and these wonderful characters, and can’t help but want to learn what will happen to them next. I highly recommend this series. You will enjoy each and every book.
(The author provided me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.)
March 19, 2018
For This Moment ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️by Holly Bush
(The Gentry’s of Paradise #3)
1871, Winchester, Virginia, Olivia Gentry comes from a wealthy family both she and her family are politically active and forward thinkers for the time. The family is has a successful horse breeding business which she helps run with her brothers.
Olivia has learned the hard way that men are attracted to her money and her family and at times made very poor romantic choices. Her deep loves has been for her brother Matt’s best friend Jim Somerset. She feels he only thinks of her as a sister and is so wrong about that. Jim can think of no other woman. As children he protected her and watched her mature to a beautiful woman. Olivia holds his heart and does not know it.
It is ironic how both Jim and Olivia pit against each other. And the family watches and see how much they truly care for each other. Jim finds it very difficult to express his feelings and Olivia just does not know where she stands with him.
It takes a tragedy to bring these two together and believe me as you read this novel you are routing for both of them to come to their senses. Ms Bush is a wonderful author full of homespun stories that as still so relatable. This is a wonderful read.
(The Gentry’s of Paradise #3)
1871, Winchester, Virginia, Olivia Gentry comes from a wealthy family both she and her family are politically active and forward thinkers for the time. The family is has a successful horse breeding business which she helps run with her brothers.
Olivia has learned the hard way that men are attracted to her money and her family and at times made very poor romantic choices. Her deep loves has been for her brother Matt’s best friend Jim Somerset. She feels he only thinks of her as a sister and is so wrong about that. Jim can think of no other woman. As children he protected her and watched her mature to a beautiful woman. Olivia holds his heart and does not know it.
It is ironic how both Jim and Olivia pit against each other. And the family watches and see how much they truly care for each other. Jim finds it very difficult to express his feelings and Olivia just does not know where she stands with him.
It takes a tragedy to bring these two together and believe me as you read this novel you are routing for both of them to come to their senses. Ms Bush is a wonderful author full of homespun stories that as still so relatable. This is a wonderful read.
March 14, 2018
For this moment
I loved the story. Mrs. Bush has cultivated the Gentry family and friends into someone you really want to get to know. The real emotions that come out holds you spell bound. The dialogue is sharp and witty. The pain is believable. This is a wonderful series and I can not wait for Adam's story. Well done.
I loved the story. Mrs. Bush has cultivated the Gentry family and friends into someone you really want to get to know. The real emotions that come out holds you spell bound. The dialogue is sharp and witty. The pain is believable. This is a wonderful series and I can not wait for Adam's story. Well done.
June 18, 2021
More than a Moment
Characters were true to life and the story held your attention. The push and pull of Jim and Olivia's romance kept the reader in suspense.
Characters were true to life and the story held your attention. The push and pull of Jim and Olivia's romance kept the reader in suspense.
July 28, 2018
Enjoyed this installment. Looking forward the the final one in the series.
March 7, 2021
It’s 1871 in this story of the Gentry’s and Somerset families. Jim is a farrier like his father and grandfather. Olivia wants to be independent and find her way in not only society but in the political realm. Her family business is raising magnificent horses and she plans to carry on that business. However, though plans come and go, her love for Jim and his love for her, always seem to get in the way of becoming something more than friends. By the end of the book, they finally confess their love and while everyone saw they belonged together, they had stubbornly ignored their feelings. The story has wonderful writing and imagination for the late 1800’s when women were taking stronger stands in families and communities and men wondered what would become of the future.
February 6, 2024
This book is a 3.5 / 4 book.
I didn't like it as much as Matt's book.
It's a "brother's best friend" and "unrequited love" trope which, done right, is amazing. But, throughout this entire book, I just wanted to PUNCH Jim. Jesus, he was annoying. He's all, "I love her but I can never have her," and proceeds to stammer every time he talks to her or says insensitive shit to her every time he sees her. She's not necessary forthright with her emotions either and you KNEW he loved her but he just acted like a dick every time they were together. I felt sorry for Olivia because she was right to move on. I would have too. At the LAST POSSIBLE SECOND, before she's set to move on to Washington and on with her life after this manipulative douche, he comes to his senses and caves and tells her everything.
Was not that much of a fan of this book because of Jim. It just felt in the 3rd act, he realized it and did something about it. Up until then, he wasn't budging. There was no natural flow.
I didn't like it as much as Matt's book.
It's a "brother's best friend" and "unrequited love" trope which, done right, is amazing. But, throughout this entire book, I just wanted to PUNCH Jim. Jesus, he was annoying. He's all, "I love her but I can never have her," and proceeds to stammer every time he talks to her or says insensitive shit to her every time he sees her. She's not necessary forthright with her emotions either and you KNEW he loved her but he just acted like a dick every time they were together. I felt sorry for Olivia because she was right to move on. I would have too. At the LAST POSSIBLE SECOND, before she's set to move on to Washington and on with her life after this manipulative douche, he comes to his senses and caves and tells her everything.
Was not that much of a fan of this book because of Jim. It just felt in the 3rd act, he realized it and did something about it. Up until then, he wasn't budging. There was no natural flow.
February 13, 2021
2.5-3.0 stars; was not as good as I had hoped. I liked the previous books, but this one was difficult to grasp Jim's character. Both are over 20 years of age, yet acted immaturely. I cannot believe a man would save himself for the woman he loves, and once done, he insults her and then doesn't fight for her. He was still confused or uncertain? Not sure I bought it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2024
1.5. Slow moving/boring. The MC's hardly had any interaction throughout the book due to a ridiculous misunderstanding from 10 years ago. Jim had no personality whatsoever. Hugely disappointing, as I liked the 2 previous books in the series.
January 29, 2021
I had trouble with the story because the characters were so wooden.
October 15, 2022
I liked Olivia’s spunk, her relationship with her family and her hidden desire for town farrier Jim who is a quiet, responsible and respectful friend of the Gentry family. A woman’s life in this time period is filled with solicitous relationships and household tasks and Olivia and her mother are exceedingly gracious hostesses. I liked Jim’s admiration for Olivia and his dedication to his mother and sisters and his friendship with Matthew. Unfortunately I grew tired of the constant miscommunications between Olivia and Jim and the predictable dastardly suitor storyline made this just an okay read for me.
May 28, 2021
This is the third book in The Gentrys of Paradise series, a Historical Romance. Olivia and Jim's story is sweet, romantic, and beautifully written. Olivia is such a wonderful character, independent, smart, and strong. Jim is handsome, and protective. Their story is filled with drama, miscommunication, and misunderstanding. Maury Light did a good job with the narration. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listen to For Her Honor, the next book in the Series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews