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Cliffside Bay #1
Traded: Brody and Kara
Brody Mullen is the best quarterback in the AFL, and his Super Bowl win only confirms what he's suspected his entire career: romantic entanglements are bad for his game. No women. No sex. No problems. But after hiring a beautiful nurse to care for his mother, his resolve begins to weaken.
The small coastal town of Cliffside Bay, California seems like the perfect place to start over for Kara Eaton. Shielded by her new identity from the Witness Protection Program, she takes a job as a nurse and commits to never speaking of her past, lest she risk losing her life. The only problem? Falling for the handsome, very public, football player who hires her.
The first installment of The Cliffside Bay Series by bestselling author Tess Thompson follows the interwoven stories of five best friends, the beach community they love, and the women who captivate them. Prepare to get lost in a wave of small town charm, men you would love to take home to your mother, and smart, resilient heroines you wished lived next door.
The small coastal town of Cliffside Bay, California seems like the perfect place to start over for Kara Eaton. Shielded by her new identity from the Witness Protection Program, she takes a job as a nurse and commits to never speaking of her past, lest she risk losing her life. The only problem? Falling for the handsome, very public, football player who hires her.
The first installment of The Cliffside Bay Series by bestselling author Tess Thompson follows the interwoven stories of five best friends, the beach community they love, and the women who captivate them. Prepare to get lost in a wave of small town charm, men you would love to take home to your mother, and smart, resilient heroines you wished lived next door.
258 pages, ebook
First published February 15, 2018
3594 people are currently reading
1856 people want to read
About the author
Tess Thompson
119 books1,733 followersTess Thompson Romance...hometowns and heartstrings.
Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.
She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.
Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.
She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.
She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.
Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites
Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.
Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.
She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.
Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.
She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.
She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.
Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites
Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.
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November 5, 2022
Traded: Brody and Kara is book one in the Cliffside Bay series by Tess Thompson. This is my first book by this author.
Kara Boggs is twenty nine years old and is a Trauma Nurse. Even though Kara grew up with all the perks of a wealthy father, she never questioned where he made his money, until that fateful night when she realized her father was not who she thought he was. After prosecuting against him, Kara must enter into the witness protection program as Kara Eaton and is relocated to a tiny town on the coast of California, Cliffside Bay. She leaves her entire life behind knowing if she is ever found, it will be her end.
Brody Mullen is thirty years old and is the starting quarterback for the San Francisco Sharks. After winning the super bowl, he returns home to the house he shares with his mother and long time housekeeper in Cliffside Bay. But life isn’t as tranquil as he hoped. His mother broke her leg and is in a cast, and his housekeeper who is more like a second mother, has a brain tumor and needs surgery. Brody needs a nurse to help care for the two most important women in his life and lucky for him, one just moved to town!
The chemistry between Brody and Kara is immediate and strong. But everything Kara says is more like half truths. She’s not allowed to ever tell anyone the truth about her past. And to be attracted to a very well known public figure would be the worst possible thing she could do. Brody has sworn off women since he was horribly betrayed by his ex two years ago. He is convinced he can’t mix women with football. But his heart says something different every time Kara is near. Both of these two fight against the pull between them, knowing the risk was just too high.
In Cliffside Bay, though, Kara finds the family she never had, both in Brody’s home with his mom and housekeeper, and also with his friends. The thought of leaving when they don’t need her services any longer is painful but it’s what she needs to do because she could bring danger to them if she is ever discovered.
This was a very sweet story of a woman so strong and so willing to give up everything to do the right thing. And a man whose family is the most important thing to him. He’ll clearly do anything to keep them safe. With so many obstacles that are between them, is there any way they could ever make things work? I feel like I should tell you that this is a clean romance. I really didn’t miss the steam factor though. The next book in the series is Brody’s friend, Jackson’s story in Deleted: Jackson and Maggie.
“You’re the only team I need.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Kara Boggs is twenty nine years old and is a Trauma Nurse. Even though Kara grew up with all the perks of a wealthy father, she never questioned where he made his money, until that fateful night when she realized her father was not who she thought he was. After prosecuting against him, Kara must enter into the witness protection program as Kara Eaton and is relocated to a tiny town on the coast of California, Cliffside Bay. She leaves her entire life behind knowing if she is ever found, it will be her end.
Brody Mullen is thirty years old and is the starting quarterback for the San Francisco Sharks. After winning the super bowl, he returns home to the house he shares with his mother and long time housekeeper in Cliffside Bay. But life isn’t as tranquil as he hoped. His mother broke her leg and is in a cast, and his housekeeper who is more like a second mother, has a brain tumor and needs surgery. Brody needs a nurse to help care for the two most important women in his life and lucky for him, one just moved to town!
The chemistry between Brody and Kara is immediate and strong. But everything Kara says is more like half truths. She’s not allowed to ever tell anyone the truth about her past. And to be attracted to a very well known public figure would be the worst possible thing she could do. Brody has sworn off women since he was horribly betrayed by his ex two years ago. He is convinced he can’t mix women with football. But his heart says something different every time Kara is near. Both of these two fight against the pull between them, knowing the risk was just too high.
In Cliffside Bay, though, Kara finds the family she never had, both in Brody’s home with his mom and housekeeper, and also with his friends. The thought of leaving when they don’t need her services any longer is painful but it’s what she needs to do because she could bring danger to them if she is ever discovered.
This was a very sweet story of a woman so strong and so willing to give up everything to do the right thing. And a man whose family is the most important thing to him. He’ll clearly do anything to keep them safe. With so many obstacles that are between them, is there any way they could ever make things work? I feel like I should tell you that this is a clean romance. I really didn’t miss the steam factor though. The next book in the series is Brody’s friend, Jackson’s story in Deleted: Jackson and Maggie.
“You’re the only team I need.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
April 3, 2021
I loved this story. The heroine enters the Witness Protection Program, and is moved to a small town. Football player hero lives there with his mother and their housekeeper, both of who need taking care of for health reasons. He hires the heroine, who is a nurse. Gradually, they fall in love. Beautiful story.
December 1, 2021
Book started out great and was very interesting. Problem is that it's a slow burn romance that went from 0-60 at around 75% (book ends at 88%) and it just ends. The ending was too abrupt and didn't really satisfy. Also this is a clean romance so there weren't any sexy times scenes.
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February 16, 2018I was excited to read this as I love sports romance, however, this was not sports romance. Although the story revolves around Brody, who is a professional football player, it is more about Brody and Kara, the small town of Cliffside Bay and the five best friends and their families. Even though I started out disappointed, I quickly discovered I was really enjoying this book.
This is a new to me author and I liked her smooth writing style. It was well written and there is a lot going on with multiple stories in progress, but it was so well done, that I was totally engaged. It is also told in dual POV, which I appreciate because I am in the characters heads. It started a little slow with the laying of the foundation of Kara’s entry in the Witness Protection Program, but quickly rolled in to a smooth rhythm.
I loved Kara! She was an amazing, smart and nurturing woman with a very tragic past. My heart hurt for her. She was so kind, and people just connected with her. She had a way about her that draws you in and makes you feel comfortable and that’s what hooked Brody. She was not only beautiful on the outside, she was beautiful on the inside!
Brody was a great guy but at times he was selfish, and I loved how Kara called him on it. He could be harsh and quickly regretted his mistakes when he would lash out. He has strong women in his life, his mother and the housekeeper/nanny that helped raise him. It has been two years since Brody lost his beloved father and it has taken a toll on the family. Kara is hired to help take care of Brody’s mom after she fell and broke her leg and Flora the ailing housekeeper that is recovering from pneumonia and is suffering from a brain tumor that is going to require surgery. Kara becomes attached to her wards, even though that is not her way. She can’t help falling for the women that remind her of the mother that she lost.
Brody and Kara want to be together, but he is her employer, and this is only a temporary arrangement. Their attraction is strong, and feelings are getting involved. Their relationship is slow burn. It took a while for them to get together. There are no explicit scenes, this is a sweet love story. I usually like more heat in my romance, but it was a good story with engaging characters, so I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
The secondary characters have significant roles in this book as it sets up all the players. They are genuinely good people with stories to tell and I can’t wait to read them. I truly enjoyed each and every one of them. Okay so why the lower rating, I felt that with all the build up that the ending was rushed, and I felt like I needed more. A chapter or epilogue to wrap it up in a neat little bow. Alas I didn’t get it. I really enjoyed the book and I will continue with the series because I am invested in all the characters.
ARC kindly provided by L. Woods PR for an honest review.
This is a new to me author and I liked her smooth writing style. It was well written and there is a lot going on with multiple stories in progress, but it was so well done, that I was totally engaged. It is also told in dual POV, which I appreciate because I am in the characters heads. It started a little slow with the laying of the foundation of Kara’s entry in the Witness Protection Program, but quickly rolled in to a smooth rhythm.
I loved Kara! She was an amazing, smart and nurturing woman with a very tragic past. My heart hurt for her. She was so kind, and people just connected with her. She had a way about her that draws you in and makes you feel comfortable and that’s what hooked Brody. She was not only beautiful on the outside, she was beautiful on the inside!
Brody was a great guy but at times he was selfish, and I loved how Kara called him on it. He could be harsh and quickly regretted his mistakes when he would lash out. He has strong women in his life, his mother and the housekeeper/nanny that helped raise him. It has been two years since Brody lost his beloved father and it has taken a toll on the family. Kara is hired to help take care of Brody’s mom after she fell and broke her leg and Flora the ailing housekeeper that is recovering from pneumonia and is suffering from a brain tumor that is going to require surgery. Kara becomes attached to her wards, even though that is not her way. She can’t help falling for the women that remind her of the mother that she lost.
Brody and Kara want to be together, but he is her employer, and this is only a temporary arrangement. Their attraction is strong, and feelings are getting involved. Their relationship is slow burn. It took a while for them to get together. There are no explicit scenes, this is a sweet love story. I usually like more heat in my romance, but it was a good story with engaging characters, so I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
The secondary characters have significant roles in this book as it sets up all the players. They are genuinely good people with stories to tell and I can’t wait to read them. I truly enjoyed each and every one of them. Okay so why the lower rating, I felt that with all the build up that the ending was rushed, and I felt like I needed more. A chapter or epilogue to wrap it up in a neat little bow. Alas I didn’t get it. I really enjoyed the book and I will continue with the series because I am invested in all the characters.
ARC kindly provided by L. Woods PR for an honest review.
June 14, 2018
This is the first book I've read by Tess Thompson and I am so looking forward to reading more!
I was drawn to the main characters, Kara and Brody instantly. This is a wonderful and touching romantic story that I couldn't stop reading. From the way Kara was brought into Brody's life to the development of their relationship....I was in it with them. I fell in love with these people and felt like I was part of the "family" as they worked through the circumstances they were in. The co-characters were woven into the story beautifully. I loved them all, too. There were so many lines in the book that reveal the talent of Tess Thompson in her writing. Some of my favorite ones are these:
"But you're a football fan?" She fixed her gaze on Kara like a seagull staring down a kid with a pretzel on a beach." LOL
"If I could just have one more day with him. But then I'd just want one more."
"But without the familiar details of her old existence, combined with the half-truths, she was a tumbleweed in a windy desert. Nothing to hold on to, nothing to impede her endless spinning."
The best one: "They were better together than apart."
This is a very sweet romance story with lots of "meat" in the storyline. I enjoyed reading it so very much. I am honored. Thank you, Tess Thompson, for such a wonderful book. Thank you to your wonderful team, too! I recommend this book very highly. Oh.....I also have to say that the book cover is gorgeous! On to the next book! Deleted! YAY!
I was drawn to the main characters, Kara and Brody instantly. This is a wonderful and touching romantic story that I couldn't stop reading. From the way Kara was brought into Brody's life to the development of their relationship....I was in it with them. I fell in love with these people and felt like I was part of the "family" as they worked through the circumstances they were in. The co-characters were woven into the story beautifully. I loved them all, too. There were so many lines in the book that reveal the talent of Tess Thompson in her writing. Some of my favorite ones are these:
"But you're a football fan?" She fixed her gaze on Kara like a seagull staring down a kid with a pretzel on a beach." LOL
"If I could just have one more day with him. But then I'd just want one more."
"But without the familiar details of her old existence, combined with the half-truths, she was a tumbleweed in a windy desert. Nothing to hold on to, nothing to impede her endless spinning."
The best one: "They were better together than apart."
This is a very sweet romance story with lots of "meat" in the storyline. I enjoyed reading it so very much. I am honored. Thank you, Tess Thompson, for such a wonderful book. Thank you to your wonderful team, too! I recommend this book very highly. Oh.....I also have to say that the book cover is gorgeous! On to the next book! Deleted! YAY!
May 22, 2020
2.5 stars
Good characters, engaging story.
It was obvious that this is the first in a planned series & that’s fine. But the writer introduced way too many characters w/all of their back stories that I was overloaded in details. It was too much. While I’m so what interested in reading future stories, I didn’t need all of that in order to become so.
i did like the plot of a character in witness protection falling in love. i thought that introduced a new spin on the conflict for the protagonist characters.
thank you to the author for a free copy of this ebook so that i might sample her work.
Good characters, engaging story.
It was obvious that this is the first in a planned series & that’s fine. But the writer introduced way too many characters w/all of their back stories that I was overloaded in details. It was too much. While I’m so what interested in reading future stories, I didn’t need all of that in order to become so.
i did like the plot of a character in witness protection falling in love. i thought that introduced a new spin on the conflict for the protagonist characters.
thank you to the author for a free copy of this ebook so that i might sample her work.
September 15, 2019
I knew I will love this book and it was so true! I couldn't put it down because I was in love with all those people that were characters in this amazing book. Family! That's the word which explains everything. Fate. Love. Circumstances. Insecurities. And much more.
May 12, 2022
I really struggled through this book. I was immediately intrigued by the premise of the story. Kara, new to the Witness Protection Program after ratting out her mobster father, starts working for Brody, a Super Bowl winning quarterback, to take care of his injured mother and previous maid as she goes through brain cancer recovery. I thought this was an interesting idea for a story but I had a hard time enjoying it at all.
Brody and Kara immediately feel a spark, even though she supposedly hated him a few weeks ago. They both decide individually that they cannot be together. Thus begins the loooonnggg drawn out story of them still deciding they cannot be together. Most of the story was filled with pointless conversations between them and side characters. The author spent a lot of time building these side characters for the upcoming series, which I understand. That being said, she introduced way too many characters and I was getting pretty lost trying to keep track of them all.
This book was entirely too cheesy for me. Once Kara and Brody acted on their feelings, they couldn't stop gushing in the worst of ways. Also, throughout the entire book, Brody fully-seriously refers to his friend group as "The Dogs" and I just couldn't stop laughing the entire time. I wanted to like this book but just didn't! I have a lot of friends who enjoyed it but I think it was too cheesy and drawn out preparing for the rest of the series.
Brody and Kara immediately feel a spark, even though she supposedly hated him a few weeks ago. They both decide individually that they cannot be together. Thus begins the loooonnggg drawn out story of them still deciding they cannot be together. Most of the story was filled with pointless conversations between them and side characters. The author spent a lot of time building these side characters for the upcoming series, which I understand. That being said, she introduced way too many characters and I was getting pretty lost trying to keep track of them all.
This book was entirely too cheesy for me. Once Kara and Brody acted on their feelings, they couldn't stop gushing in the worst of ways. Also, throughout the entire book, Brody fully-seriously refers to his friend group as "The Dogs" and I just couldn't stop laughing the entire time. I wanted to like this book but just didn't! I have a lot of friends who enjoyed it but I think it was too cheesy and drawn out preparing for the rest of the series.
August 12, 2021
An inoffensive, fuzzy read with a nice H.E.A. If you enjoy strawberries and cream, warm Spring breezes, bubble baths and starry nights, then you've found your next good read. Well written Tess.
September 30, 2018
This is a very entertaining story about two people, Brody and Kara, authentic, caring, intriguing characters. Brody is a quarterback at the top of his game. Kara is a young woman entering the witness protection program. Neither one of them is looking for love....in fact they each have reasons for avoiding love! As a reader, I felt the sparks fly every time they were in the same room! I loved that we heard their story from both of their points of view! Great characters, lovely setting, and intriguing storylines add up to a very compelling story!
did-not-finish
November 28, 2024My first by the author, and probably the last, but who knows?
It looks like the kind of romance that in the beginning is very slow, with lots of repetitions. Perhaps it would be better later, but I was too bored to go through. Moreover, Tess Thompson presented many characters for the next parts of the series, with too much information.
It looks like the kind of romance that in the beginning is very slow, with lots of repetitions. Perhaps it would be better later, but I was too bored to go through. Moreover, Tess Thompson presented many characters for the next parts of the series, with too much information.
August 16, 2022
the book had a great premise and so much potential but the writing just didn’t do it for me. i wish i liked it but it’s not my cup of tea.
2⭐️
2⭐️
June 8, 2018
I have found a new to me author that I cannot wait to read the rest of her books!!
Kara witnessed her father do the unthinkable one night and her life changed forever. Brody is AFL’s top player at the moment, who has sworn off romance. Kara is given a new life and moved to Cliffside Bay, California to be safe. A chance meeting turns into something Kara and Brody couldn’t ever think of.
This is a sweet romance about two people overcoming the obstacles that is their lives to find and keep love and happiness.
Kara witnessed her father do the unthinkable one night and her life changed forever. Brody is AFL’s top player at the moment, who has sworn off romance. Kara is given a new life and moved to Cliffside Bay, California to be safe. A chance meeting turns into something Kara and Brody couldn’t ever think of.
This is a sweet romance about two people overcoming the obstacles that is their lives to find and keep love and happiness.
June 13, 2018
OMG this is such a good book. The story pulls you in and does not let you go. You will fall in love with all the characters in this book. It is such a touching story. Both happy and sad. It made me shed so many tears. Even in the happy parts. It has lots of happy too.
Kara is a wonderful young woman who only wanted to do the right thing. At the cost of her life as seh knew it she gave up everything to set things right. She starts a new life and meets new people who will ultimately become her family.
Brody is the true love for Kara even if she takes forever to admit it. He is a star quarterback and in the lime light a lot. He’s worked hard for his life but will give it all up in a minute for the woman he loves with all his heart. How do you walk away from that kind of love? He takes care of his mother and the housekeeper who is a second mother to him. He hires Kara to care for them after his mom breaks her leg and Flora, the housekeeper, has to have an operation.
Brody has true friends who always have his back. They have Kara’s Back also and she learns that she can live a good life with this gorgeous football player. Love can help you overcome so much. But will she remain safe? She finally has the family she has always wanted but can they really keep her safe?
This is one fantastic story of loss, love, happiness and new beginnings. I can’t wait to read Deleted:Jackson and Maggie.
This was a big 5 star book for me. You have to read it.
Kara is a wonderful young woman who only wanted to do the right thing. At the cost of her life as seh knew it she gave up everything to set things right. She starts a new life and meets new people who will ultimately become her family.
Brody is the true love for Kara even if she takes forever to admit it. He is a star quarterback and in the lime light a lot. He’s worked hard for his life but will give it all up in a minute for the woman he loves with all his heart. How do you walk away from that kind of love? He takes care of his mother and the housekeeper who is a second mother to him. He hires Kara to care for them after his mom breaks her leg and Flora, the housekeeper, has to have an operation.
Brody has true friends who always have his back. They have Kara’s Back also and she learns that she can live a good life with this gorgeous football player. Love can help you overcome so much. But will she remain safe? She finally has the family she has always wanted but can they really keep her safe?
This is one fantastic story of loss, love, happiness and new beginnings. I can’t wait to read Deleted:Jackson and Maggie.
This was a big 5 star book for me. You have to read it.
January 27, 2019
What we if you found out the life you had lived was all created by lies? What if when you found out the truth you had to give up everything you have to start somewhere else as somebody else, never to see your friends and family again, and had to keep your life and past a secret forever? Well, that is exactly what has happened to Kara.
Kara has started her life over in Cliffside Bay. Kara is a nurse and wants to continue being one but there are not a lot of opportunities in a small town like Cliffside Bay. In walks Brody Mullen. Brody Mullen has just quarterbacked his football team to a win in the Super Bowl. Handsome and famous, the last thing Kara needs or wants. Brody needs a nurse for his mother and housekeeper.
Kara takes the job but in the process will she lose her heart and reveal her past?
Tess Thompson has written a wonderful and beautiful story that keeps you wanting for more. She has you falling love with the characters and story and makes you want more. The reader wants the story continued.
I absolutely loved this book. I can not recommend this book highly enough! I am really looking forward to reading book 2 in the Cliffside Bay Series!
Kara has started her life over in Cliffside Bay. Kara is a nurse and wants to continue being one but there are not a lot of opportunities in a small town like Cliffside Bay. In walks Brody Mullen. Brody Mullen has just quarterbacked his football team to a win in the Super Bowl. Handsome and famous, the last thing Kara needs or wants. Brody needs a nurse for his mother and housekeeper.
Kara takes the job but in the process will she lose her heart and reveal her past?
Tess Thompson has written a wonderful and beautiful story that keeps you wanting for more. She has you falling love with the characters and story and makes you want more. The reader wants the story continued.
I absolutely loved this book. I can not recommend this book highly enough! I am really looking forward to reading book 2 in the Cliffside Bay Series!
January 23, 2018
3.5-4 stars
This is a new author for me and a very sweet story. A romance about second chances and learning to trust again. Told in dual POV it was a really easy read. Although it lacked the heat I am used to in my stories it was definitely enjoyable and the characters were great.
I received an ARC of this book
This is a new author for me and a very sweet story. A romance about second chances and learning to trust again. Told in dual POV it was a really easy read. Although it lacked the heat I am used to in my stories it was definitely enjoyable and the characters were great.
I received an ARC of this book
February 16, 2018
Traded by Tess Thompson a four-star read that you will want more from. I know this is a sports romance and yes it is, but it’s also more there is passion, drama and a story that will take you on a journey.
May 21, 2019
Wow! Book number 1 in this new series for me completely won me over!!!! I absolutely loved it and read in half of a day!!! I loved Kara’s character as well as Brody!!! I have completely fell in love with this series and I can not wait to read them all!! An unforgettable and heart warming love story filled with everything that means the most!! Highly recommend!
February 15, 2018
Traded: Brody and Kara
4.5 Stars
Tess Thompson is a new author to me. I really loved Ms. Thompson's style of writing, it was clean and flowed naturally, Its told from dual point of view. After reading the blurb I was instantly excited to read this book. Sports romances are a favorite of mine. If you're looking for a sports romance this isn't necessarily book for you, it was very little to do with football other than that is Brody's profession. This is a romance, it's sugary sweet without the toothache.
The first chapter of this book I knew it would be layered with many elements...
Brody is a seasoned quarterback with only a few possible years left until retirement. He is on the on top of his game, Super Bowl winner and all around good guy. After his season was over he returns to Cliffside Bay to find his mother with a broken leg and his second mom with a brain tumor. After realizing this is a job he isn't quite prepared or qualified for he looks to hire a in house nurse. And.... Enter Kara
Kara a nurse practitioner with a closet full of secrets. After being placed in the witness protection program (you'll need to read to find out why, I hate spoilers in reviews) and move to the little town of Cliffside Bay. She finds her self with a full time job taking care of Brody's loved ones. Will Kara find her happily ever after or will her past always come back to her? Will the spotlight that Brody finds his self in to often be to much for Kara to over come?
This is a book once you start its hard to stop. Tess Thompson wrote a page turner, a easy read that's hard to put down. This is probably one of the sweetest stories I've read, It wasn't filled with profanity or sex. Its a true love story.
4.5 Stars
Tess Thompson is a new author to me. I really loved Ms. Thompson's style of writing, it was clean and flowed naturally, Its told from dual point of view. After reading the blurb I was instantly excited to read this book. Sports romances are a favorite of mine. If you're looking for a sports romance this isn't necessarily book for you, it was very little to do with football other than that is Brody's profession. This is a romance, it's sugary sweet without the toothache.
The first chapter of this book I knew it would be layered with many elements...
Brody is a seasoned quarterback with only a few possible years left until retirement. He is on the on top of his game, Super Bowl winner and all around good guy. After his season was over he returns to Cliffside Bay to find his mother with a broken leg and his second mom with a brain tumor. After realizing this is a job he isn't quite prepared or qualified for he looks to hire a in house nurse. And.... Enter Kara
Kara a nurse practitioner with a closet full of secrets. After being placed in the witness protection program (you'll need to read to find out why, I hate spoilers in reviews) and move to the little town of Cliffside Bay. She finds her self with a full time job taking care of Brody's loved ones. Will Kara find her happily ever after or will her past always come back to her? Will the spotlight that Brody finds his self in to often be to much for Kara to over come?
This is a book once you start its hard to stop. Tess Thompson wrote a page turner, a easy read that's hard to put down. This is probably one of the sweetest stories I've read, It wasn't filled with profanity or sex. Its a true love story.
July 30, 2022
Some secrets are too big to keep . . .
A “clean” romance with touches of intrigue and suspense, along with well-written characters in a smalltown setting. Oh! And a bit of a sports-related tone as well. New-to-me-author! And it’s a rather lengthy story as well at over 400 pages. Three storylines swirling into one combining loss, healing and love. I'll admit that I found myself caught up more in the two older women's stories than the one developing between the main characters.
Brody Mullen spent a lotta time in the doghouse with me by acting like a spoiled immature jerk for a large part of the story, especially when it came to the women in his life. He was the weakest character by far -- and really didn't balance with his "best quarterback in NFL history" depiction.
Be prepared to stretch your imagination because the author goes outside the realm of reality where the Witness Protection Program comes into play in Kara’s situation. Spending so much of my life working in the legal field didn’t help make this jump easy to swallow.
And finally, my biggest problem with this book was the ending. Holy moly -- it spoiled the entire book for me. At a time when so much needed to be said and the words just went missing in action.
Hopefully, Kara and Brody's story will receive some additional attention and development as this series continues. Otherwise, it’s difficult to agree that this book can be depicted as a standalone.
I am undecided whether or not I'll give this series another try. I upped this one to 3 stars because it was well-written and edited and there were secondary characters that really caught my attention.
Although “Traded” started out with the potential for being a winner, it fell short and disappointing. After such a hard-fought battle overcoming the hard times, the elation just sputtered and flatlined.
February 11, 2018
This was more of a love story with very little splash of sports.
Brody was the star quarterback that was very sensitive and family oriented. Kara was running from her past when she met Brody. She’s a huge football fan and always thought that he was jerk just by watching him on tv. How wrong was she. Brody was extremely protective of his family and his very small circle of friends.
Fate brought them together when Kara was hired to be the new live in nurse at Brody’s house taking care of his mother and housekeeper who was like his second mom. These two were sort of broken but for different reasons. Brody grew up in a loving family while Kara didn’t.
Brody was adorable and his small circle of friends were awesome. They welcomed Kara from day one. But these two fought their attraction until the end. Kara had her reasons for not trying to have a relationship with Brody. He always knew there was something deeper that she was hiding but he never pushed her. When she finally told him her secret he stood by her. He was not going to lose her.
Kara was a great heroine. The things she went thru were heartbreaking. But she had to do what she had to do. She fit right in with Brody’s family and friends. She’s very protective of her past because she has to be but her feelings for Brody makes her question the risks.
The ending is sad and beautiful but I wish there was more.
Brody was the star quarterback that was very sensitive and family oriented. Kara was running from her past when she met Brody. She’s a huge football fan and always thought that he was jerk just by watching him on tv. How wrong was she. Brody was extremely protective of his family and his very small circle of friends.
Fate brought them together when Kara was hired to be the new live in nurse at Brody’s house taking care of his mother and housekeeper who was like his second mom. These two were sort of broken but for different reasons. Brody grew up in a loving family while Kara didn’t.
Brody was adorable and his small circle of friends were awesome. They welcomed Kara from day one. But these two fought their attraction until the end. Kara had her reasons for not trying to have a relationship with Brody. He always knew there was something deeper that she was hiding but he never pushed her. When she finally told him her secret he stood by her. He was not going to lose her.
Kara was a great heroine. The things she went thru were heartbreaking. But she had to do what she had to do. She fit right in with Brody’s family and friends. She’s very protective of her past because she has to be but her feelings for Brody makes her question the risks.
The ending is sad and beautiful but I wish there was more.
September 4, 2018
3.75 stars rounded up to 4.0 stars
I love Tess Thompson's writing, and there were many things about TRADED I absolutely adored. But I had a huge problem with one of the key components of the plot that kept me from giving it a higher rating.
I hate "spoilers," so I won't say what it was other than to state it wasn't the secondary characters and it wasn't the slow-developing relationship between the H/h (all of which really worked for me, by the way).
I also felt the ending was a tad abrupt. I wanted better closure (which will probably come in the follow-on books, but for this to be a true stand-alone it needs closure in this book).
Does this mean I won't read the next books in the series? Absolutely not. This book was sweet, well-written, and kept my interest despite its flaws, and I'm sure the others will be the same.
I love Tess Thompson's writing, and there were many things about TRADED I absolutely adored. But I had a huge problem with one of the key components of the plot that kept me from giving it a higher rating.
I hate "spoilers," so I won't say what it was other than to state it wasn't the secondary characters and it wasn't the slow-developing relationship between the H/h (all of which really worked for me, by the way).
I also felt the ending was a tad abrupt. I wanted better closure (which will probably come in the follow-on books, but for this to be a true stand-alone it needs closure in this book).
Does this mean I won't read the next books in the series? Absolutely not. This book was sweet, well-written, and kept my interest despite its flaws, and I'm sure the others will be the same.
February 17, 2018
This was a bit of a slow burn but I do love small town romances! Kara is a nurse who is in the witness protection program and starting over in a new town across the country. Brody is a star quarterback who has trust issues. She can’t tell him about her past and he knows she’s hiding something. This was a suspenseful, sweet, and interesting story! I love that it had dual POV’s! Overall, I really enjoyed this book but the ending fell short for me. It was a bit rushed. I wanted more! Lol.
*I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own! :)
*I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own! :)
June 21, 2018
Classic, clean romance. This is the first in a series of books, about a group of guy friends (“The Dogs”) finding love. Solid story, likable characters-good clean fun!
Brody’s a Super Bowl Star, and Kara is the nurse practitioner hired to care for a couple of ailing family members. The kicker? Kara’s in the witness protection program, being forced to lie to everyone about her past, and reluctant to share her future.
I really liked how the story developed, and the characters, and I’m anxious to read more. Although each book follows a different Dog, I’m hoping to see a bit more of where Brody & Kara’s story goes, too
Brody’s a Super Bowl Star, and Kara is the nurse practitioner hired to care for a couple of ailing family members. The kicker? Kara’s in the witness protection program, being forced to lie to everyone about her past, and reluctant to share her future.
I really liked how the story developed, and the characters, and I’m anxious to read more. Although each book follows a different Dog, I’m hoping to see a bit more of where Brody & Kara’s story goes, too
June 21, 2018
Tess Thompson brings life to Cliffside Bay in this novel. The book starts off with the mess of Kara's life and with Brody winning the Superbowl as a famous quarterback. They end up meeting by chance and getting thrown together and the rest you can imagine. She creates an enjoyable cast of characters.
If you are a fan of "cleaned" up romance, you would be a fan of the start of this series. I say "cleaned" up as there aren't a lot of gritty steamy scenes. The author leaves more of those scenes for the readers imagination.
I'm ready for book two!
If you are a fan of "cleaned" up romance, you would be a fan of the start of this series. I say "cleaned" up as there aren't a lot of gritty steamy scenes. The author leaves more of those scenes for the readers imagination.
I'm ready for book two!
July 27, 2018
New to me author
* I was provided a ARC for an Honest Review*
This is a new to me author and I gotta say thou I am pleased with the story I wanted more from the Hero and heroine, don't get me wrong I enjoyed the interactions with the the others but I feel like it focused on the outside just a bit more than the slow romance getting built, maybe it's jut me. Otherwise this book gives you a picture perfect of everything going on, by that I mean it truly felt like I was there.
* I was provided a ARC for an Honest Review*
This is a new to me author and I gotta say thou I am pleased with the story I wanted more from the Hero and heroine, don't get me wrong I enjoyed the interactions with the the others but I feel like it focused on the outside just a bit more than the slow romance getting built, maybe it's jut me. Otherwise this book gives you a picture perfect of everything going on, by that I mean it truly felt like I was there.
August 28, 2018
This is the first book I’ve ever read by this author & I absolutely loved it! The characters are well developed. There’s more than one story line. Cliffside Bay sounds like a place I would love to live or even visit. Kara is a nurse practitioner. She finds herself witnessing something that can’t be overlooked, and doing the right thing means leaving everything and everyone behind. She’s relocated to Cliffside Bay. A city in California that isn’t on the map. With a new name, a rehearsed backstory and her life on the line, Kara is determined to live her life as far under the radar as possible. Brody, best quarterback in the league, had just won the super bowl. That moment was bittersweet for him, his Dad would have been so proud, he lost him 2years prior. Brody doesn’t have much time to celebrate his win, he has to head home to care for his mother, who broke her leg, and his housekeeper Flora (who is like his 2nd mother), was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Brody needs to hire a nurse and Kara happens to be looking for a job. It’s a employer-employee, friend to lovers, sweet, slow burn with a lot of football innuendos along the way. Welcome to Cliffside Bay!
January 23, 2018
Read and reviewed an ARC copy for an honest review on behalf of Everything Marie http://everythingmarie.com/
Traded captured my heart! Sweet romance that pulled on my heart strings and had it pumping for love to follow through!
Kara never had it easy. She had a family of criminals and she did not know until she was older. She decided to turn them in which in turn forced her to go into witness protection and forever leave her old life behind.
Brody- every girls dream- sexy football player, showed to be a pompous Jerk on the tv screen, but in reality he has the biggest heart. Big family man with a heart of gold-
Together they take a up and down ride to find love- many obstacles in the way.... one being trust- a heart knows love and these two sure have a sweet love story!
Traded captured my heart! Sweet romance that pulled on my heart strings and had it pumping for love to follow through!
Kara never had it easy. She had a family of criminals and she did not know until she was older. She decided to turn them in which in turn forced her to go into witness protection and forever leave her old life behind.
Brody- every girls dream- sexy football player, showed to be a pompous Jerk on the tv screen, but in reality he has the biggest heart. Big family man with a heart of gold-
Together they take a up and down ride to find love- many obstacles in the way.... one being trust- a heart knows love and these two sure have a sweet love story!
January 20, 2018
Such a sweet story! Traded: Brody and Kara is sweet romance that is light and all consuming. A story that grips you in the very beginning and keeps a hold of you until the very end.
Kara is in a place that no one ever wants to be in. Going against family can be deadly especially since her dad is/was a drug lord. She goes against him and has to be put into the witness protection program. Kara Boggs is erased and Kara Eaton is formed. She has to leave everything behind and start over.
Brody Mullens is the hottest QB in the AFL. He wins the Super Bowl and heads back home to his safe place. What you see on the tv is nothing what he's really like. He's a sweetheart and a family man.
When these two meet the sparks fly and we ride a bumpy road while they get theirselves together. There are secrets that can't be told but love will conquer all.
**i was given this book in advanced for a honest review.**
Kara is in a place that no one ever wants to be in. Going against family can be deadly especially since her dad is/was a drug lord. She goes against him and has to be put into the witness protection program. Kara Boggs is erased and Kara Eaton is formed. She has to leave everything behind and start over.
Brody Mullens is the hottest QB in the AFL. He wins the Super Bowl and heads back home to his safe place. What you see on the tv is nothing what he's really like. He's a sweetheart and a family man.
When these two meet the sparks fly and we ride a bumpy road while they get theirselves together. There are secrets that can't be told but love will conquer all.
**i was given this book in advanced for a honest review.**
July 23, 2019
I really enjoyed the story of Brody and Kara and how it all began . I love the tidbits given of other characters as well without ruining the main storyline . I look forward to reading more book by Tess .
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