What do you think?
Rate this book
Pine Harbour #7
Love on the Outskirts of Town
Matt Foster has never met a woman he couldn’t seduce into his bed. But when he meets Natasha Kingsley, there’s just one little problem—she’s not alone. Her three-year-old daughter wants a pony ride, an ice cream cone, and help to reach the highest rungs of the climbers at the park. Before he knows it, he’s spent all day with the Kingsley girls, and for the first time in forever, finds himself wanting more.
Tasha doesn’t realize who Matt is related to until he gives her his number at the end of a perfect day. Turning down his request for a second date—with both her and her daughter—is the hardest thing she’s ever done. But her history with his brother, and her firm commitment to living a drama-free life for her daughter, means she can’t flirt with, sleep with, or dream about Jake Foster’s younger brother.
Not even if he makes her daughter laugh.
Not even if he seeks her out again and shows her just how interested he is in every part of her life. Because there’s no such thing as a truly secret affair—and Tasha’s done with being anyone’s guilty pleasure.
Tasha doesn’t realize who Matt is related to until he gives her his number at the end of a perfect day. Turning down his request for a second date—with both her and her daughter—is the hardest thing she’s ever done. But her history with his brother, and her firm commitment to living a drama-free life for her daughter, means she can’t flirt with, sleep with, or dream about Jake Foster’s younger brother.
Not even if he makes her daughter laugh.
Not even if he seeks her out again and shows her just how interested he is in every part of her life. Because there’s no such thing as a truly secret affair—and Tasha’s done with being anyone’s guilty pleasure.
456 pages, ebook
First published May 22, 2018
152 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Zoe York
125 books1,351 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Zoe York is a busy working mom of two young boys, wife to a very understanding soldier, and creator of modern, sexy, small town contemporary romances.
She lives in London, Ontario and is currently chugging Americanos, wiping sticky fingers, and dreaming of heroes in and out of uniform.
She lives in London, Ontario and is currently chugging Americanos, wiping sticky fingers, and dreaming of heroes in and out of uniform.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 22, 2018
5 ‘Lost Dreams come true’ Stars
Swoon! One HUGE swoon all throughout this book! Slow burn Romance that fit Tasha and Matt to PERFECTION! A new Pine Harbor FAV!
So realistic, so emotional and heart touching, and SURPRISING! I never excepted Matt and Natasha (and Emily) to became my PH fav, but Zoe York managed to once again create a true small town romance perfection.
Emily Kinglsey, three years old, and her love of all things pink. That’s what had gotten under his skin. Natasha Kingsley and her bright, fierce gaze. That, too. There was something sweet about the two of them, something he’d never taken the time to see or value before.
Something he wanted, suddenly, with a clarity that kind of scared him.
About the warmth in his chest, a new and interesting feeling that made the generalized worry that plagued him seem less scary.
Matt and Natasha meet by chance, and they are both instantly drawn to one another, specially Matt, that is absolutely captivated by the single mom and her adorable and irresistible three year old little girl, Emily. What they had no idea at the time was that Tasha’s hurtful past was in part crossed with Matt’s family, one of his brothers, Jake. But even though they knew how complicated that situation, that had left Tasha even more jaded than she was towards men, was, plus Matt very own issue’s that had made him do a one eighty on his player lifestyle six months prior, they still couldn’t resist their pull, it was just to strong to deny.
“There’s something here.” He quietly tapped his chest, then reached for her, his fingertips grazing her shirt above her breasts. “Between us. I didn’t see it coming, but now that I’ve found you, I don’t want to shy away from whatever this is.”
He kissed her hard enough to push away the remaining weirdness about her history, his track record, and any problems that might stand in their way.
Right now, there was only this. Two bodies and zero space in between.
How could they really? The chemistry was palpable, and the way Matt just full blown gave himself to the feelings, and his love and dedication to these two girls, just BLEW ME AWAY! Perfect Romance Hero right here!!! Swoon….
It was line after line, after line of pure swoon-worthy, sigh-inducing material! Who knew the ex ‘easy-going, bon vivant’ of the Foster brothers could reach this level of ALL TIME BEST BOOK BOYFRIEND?! He was just perfect!!!
She had dreams with a capital D.
Dreams.
What did Matt have? Fear. Regret. Anxiety.
He wanted to get her anything and everything she needed to make her dreams come true.
Natasha was just as incredible. Yes, she had made errors on the past, but she owned them and pulled through proving to everyone, and herself, just how bravely strong and independent she was. Emily was her whole world, and she was the best mommy possible, but when Matt come to their life, she slowly, and with a lot of support and helpful tips from her awesome sister – whom I adored, btw! – realized that it’s ok to allow herself to dream again, and specially to allow Matt to come though her walls! He was the best kind of bet! Her sister had the best way to put it!
“It’s complicated.”
Meredith gasped. “He doesn’t look complicated. He looks like a really good idea.”
That’ll make for awkward family dinners, but I’m thinking he’s worth it.”
Tasha did not like how her sister said that. It was indecent. “Based on what, exactly?”
“Six-foot-three-inches of hold-you-against-the-wall sex.”
And she sure was right, this man, and what he could become to them, was worth ALL the risk! Matt really come through to her in every way, and even in the darkest of times, he proved how perfectly imperfect he was. He managed to fight his own demon and still be there for his girls every step of the way! In the most delicious of forms and ways too! The man was scorching HOT!!! He was a Foster, after all! ;)
Even perfect had an upgrade option with Matt.
Someone-is-going-to-orgasm-and-its-going-to-be-Tasha kind of foreplay.
The sexy times really showed us just how SCORCHING these two were together, their relationship, and love story, may have been slow burn, but there wasn’t anything tame when it came to these two when it came to the bedroom – or the couch, or against the door, lol – and that was just another of the points that demonstrated Ms. York’s talent in giving us a realistic love story, the built up and slow paced development just made their intimate moments that much richer. I couldn’t get enough of their couple times, as well as family ones.
Speaking of family, it was fantastic to see all the other Foster siblings – as well as Tom, who I’m dying to read about after that little and bombshell teaser on the Epilogue, btw – with their own HEA, giving us even more beautiful family moments that are an important core element to these small town romances, and specially here, with the Foster and Minelli, that know first handle just how precious and cherished family should be. Family and Love truly are the essence of Pine Harbour series, and Matt and Natasha’s love story, are the perfect reflection of that. Love and family are everything, and once you have to, you never let go!
“I want to be everything you need.”
“That’s not realistic. I need to be what I need. You can be what I want.”
“That was my big realization this week. That I don’t need you in my life to be happy, but I want you anyway. I want you, Matt. Hear me say that, and hear how good that is. I. Want. You. Just the way you are, right now, damaged and imperfect.”
“I want you.” His voice was hoarse. “Every way. Any way I can get you.”
“You’ve got me,”
The growth, honesty and deep friendship and LOVE that Tasha and Matt shared, along with their slowly blossoming relationship should be in everyone’s life/couple goals. Love on the Outskirts of Town was an inspiring, thoughtful, sexy and Romantic story that will surely warm everyone’s hearts! A true MUST READ! All the STARS, all the FEELS! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
I want to be everything you need. I want to be a part of this. Share this burden. I want to be your best friend. I want to be your lover. I want to be your husband, some day, when you’re ready.”
“I love you. I’m terrified, but I love you with my whole heart.”
“I want to build this for you so you see it every day and know that no matter how bruised and jaded and broken you might feel, because life is rough, that I want to build castles in the sky for you. That I see how hard you work, and I appreciate you, and I want to honour you.”
ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review
For full review with Release Blitz, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
Swoon! One HUGE swoon all throughout this book! Slow burn Romance that fit Tasha and Matt to PERFECTION! A new Pine Harbor FAV!
So realistic, so emotional and heart touching, and SURPRISING! I never excepted Matt and Natasha (and Emily) to became my PH fav, but Zoe York managed to once again create a true small town romance perfection.
Emily Kinglsey, three years old, and her love of all things pink. That’s what had gotten under his skin. Natasha Kingsley and her bright, fierce gaze. That, too. There was something sweet about the two of them, something he’d never taken the time to see or value before.
Something he wanted, suddenly, with a clarity that kind of scared him.
About the warmth in his chest, a new and interesting feeling that made the generalized worry that plagued him seem less scary.
Matt and Natasha meet by chance, and they are both instantly drawn to one another, specially Matt, that is absolutely captivated by the single mom and her adorable and irresistible three year old little girl, Emily. What they had no idea at the time was that Tasha’s hurtful past was in part crossed with Matt’s family, one of his brothers, Jake. But even though they knew how complicated that situation, that had left Tasha even more jaded than she was towards men, was, plus Matt very own issue’s that had made him do a one eighty on his player lifestyle six months prior, they still couldn’t resist their pull, it was just to strong to deny.
“There’s something here.” He quietly tapped his chest, then reached for her, his fingertips grazing her shirt above her breasts. “Between us. I didn’t see it coming, but now that I’ve found you, I don’t want to shy away from whatever this is.”
He kissed her hard enough to push away the remaining weirdness about her history, his track record, and any problems that might stand in their way.
Right now, there was only this. Two bodies and zero space in between.
How could they really? The chemistry was palpable, and the way Matt just full blown gave himself to the feelings, and his love and dedication to these two girls, just BLEW ME AWAY! Perfect Romance Hero right here!!! Swoon….
It was line after line, after line of pure swoon-worthy, sigh-inducing material! Who knew the ex ‘easy-going, bon vivant’ of the Foster brothers could reach this level of ALL TIME BEST BOOK BOYFRIEND?! He was just perfect!!!
She had dreams with a capital D.
Dreams.
What did Matt have? Fear. Regret. Anxiety.
He wanted to get her anything and everything she needed to make her dreams come true.
Natasha was just as incredible. Yes, she had made errors on the past, but she owned them and pulled through proving to everyone, and herself, just how bravely strong and independent she was. Emily was her whole world, and she was the best mommy possible, but when Matt come to their life, she slowly, and with a lot of support and helpful tips from her awesome sister – whom I adored, btw! – realized that it’s ok to allow herself to dream again, and specially to allow Matt to come though her walls! He was the best kind of bet! Her sister had the best way to put it!
“It’s complicated.”
Meredith gasped. “He doesn’t look complicated. He looks like a really good idea.”
That’ll make for awkward family dinners, but I’m thinking he’s worth it.”
Tasha did not like how her sister said that. It was indecent. “Based on what, exactly?”
“Six-foot-three-inches of hold-you-against-the-wall sex.”
And she sure was right, this man, and what he could become to them, was worth ALL the risk! Matt really come through to her in every way, and even in the darkest of times, he proved how perfectly imperfect he was. He managed to fight his own demon and still be there for his girls every step of the way! In the most delicious of forms and ways too! The man was scorching HOT!!! He was a Foster, after all! ;)
Even perfect had an upgrade option with Matt.
Someone-is-going-to-orgasm-and-its-going-to-be-Tasha kind of foreplay.
The sexy times really showed us just how SCORCHING these two were together, their relationship, and love story, may have been slow burn, but there wasn’t anything tame when it came to these two when it came to the bedroom – or the couch, or against the door, lol – and that was just another of the points that demonstrated Ms. York’s talent in giving us a realistic love story, the built up and slow paced development just made their intimate moments that much richer. I couldn’t get enough of their couple times, as well as family ones.
Speaking of family, it was fantastic to see all the other Foster siblings – as well as Tom, who I’m dying to read about after that little and bombshell teaser on the Epilogue, btw – with their own HEA, giving us even more beautiful family moments that are an important core element to these small town romances, and specially here, with the Foster and Minelli, that know first handle just how precious and cherished family should be. Family and Love truly are the essence of Pine Harbour series, and Matt and Natasha’s love story, are the perfect reflection of that. Love and family are everything, and once you have to, you never let go!
“I want to be everything you need.”
“That’s not realistic. I need to be what I need. You can be what I want.”
“That was my big realization this week. That I don’t need you in my life to be happy, but I want you anyway. I want you, Matt. Hear me say that, and hear how good that is. I. Want. You. Just the way you are, right now, damaged and imperfect.”
“I want you.” His voice was hoarse. “Every way. Any way I can get you.”
“You’ve got me,”
The growth, honesty and deep friendship and LOVE that Tasha and Matt shared, along with their slowly blossoming relationship should be in everyone’s life/couple goals. Love on the Outskirts of Town was an inspiring, thoughtful, sexy and Romantic story that will surely warm everyone’s hearts! A true MUST READ! All the STARS, all the FEELS! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
I want to be everything you need. I want to be a part of this. Share this burden. I want to be your best friend. I want to be your lover. I want to be your husband, some day, when you’re ready.”
“I love you. I’m terrified, but I love you with my whole heart.”
“I want to build this for you so you see it every day and know that no matter how bruised and jaded and broken you might feel, because life is rough, that I want to build castles in the sky for you. That I see how hard you work, and I appreciate you, and I want to honour you.”
ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review
For full review with Release Blitz, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
December 7, 2021
There was SO MUCH good in this book. First, you rarely get a completely fair look at the other woman, (cough, Mary Balogh, I am looking at you #JusticeForFrejya), but Natasha is so completely her own character and Matt's refusal to let anyone stand in the way of her being that way was just great. Plus, I loved how messy the co-parenting stuff was here, it's so real and so rarely portrayed that way. Emily was a delight of a child character, and I loved how integral she was to their HEA.
May 23, 2018
Loved, Loved, Loved this Fabulous book! I have been waiting with baited breathe for "Love on The Outskirts of Town"! Why, well reading a Pine Harbour book is like returning to a home and family you have been missing it just warms the heart; Zoe York crafts wonderfull characters with distinct personalities and depth and manages to intergrates previous characters from prior stories with ease,giving you a glimpse of the on going life of characters you have come to love while still developing an incredible storyline that is both welcoming and inviting even to a reader who may be new to the series.
" Love on the Outskirts of Town" is Matt Foster and Natasha Kingsley and her daughter Emily's love story. Matt is military reservist, paramedic and well has never been much of a relationship kind of guy, unless you count one night stands as a relationship . Matthias never wanted anything more , until he meets Natasha and her adorable three year old Emily at a cooking class of all places while killing time waiting to attend a training course on new computer programs available to EMT's.
Cupcakes, pink icing and a playground fair with Natasha and Emily leaves Matt wanting to see Natasha again.
Natasha Kingsley is a single mom, bartender and dreamer living with her sister and brother in law ; the arrangement helping each other with child care and costs , helping Natasha save a nest egg toward her dream of her own home and ownership of an inn. However for Natasha s much fun as she had with Matt and as much as Emily likes him ........ Well after her ex; Dan, Emily's uninterested father Natasha is cautious , but optimistic about Matt. That is until when exchanging phone numbers she discovers his last name is Foster , the brother of Jake Foster whom she just happen to sleep with at one point, actually thinking he could possibly be Emily's dad; more along the lines of hoping he was , as nice as Jake was to her the relationship did not end as well as she would of hoped and to become involved with Matt and insist on being kept a secret so as not to be embarrassed is just not what she wants for her first foray back into dating.
However, just like all the other sexy Foster brothers Matt does not give up easily and just keeps showing up at cooking classes Ina town he does not live in and pushing slowly breaking down walls, the more time he spends with his to favorite girls , the more Matt changes and the more he deals with his own issues. Matt and Tasha become each other's strength, sounding board, confidants and eventually lovers . With any of Zoe 's wonderfull stories, you may cry, you may cheer, you may bite some nails , but you still get a happy ending.
I received an arc copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
" Love on the Outskirts of Town" is Matt Foster and Natasha Kingsley and her daughter Emily's love story. Matt is military reservist, paramedic and well has never been much of a relationship kind of guy, unless you count one night stands as a relationship . Matthias never wanted anything more , until he meets Natasha and her adorable three year old Emily at a cooking class of all places while killing time waiting to attend a training course on new computer programs available to EMT's.
Cupcakes, pink icing and a playground fair with Natasha and Emily leaves Matt wanting to see Natasha again.
Natasha Kingsley is a single mom, bartender and dreamer living with her sister and brother in law ; the arrangement helping each other with child care and costs , helping Natasha save a nest egg toward her dream of her own home and ownership of an inn. However for Natasha s much fun as she had with Matt and as much as Emily likes him ........ Well after her ex; Dan, Emily's uninterested father Natasha is cautious , but optimistic about Matt. That is until when exchanging phone numbers she discovers his last name is Foster , the brother of Jake Foster whom she just happen to sleep with at one point, actually thinking he could possibly be Emily's dad; more along the lines of hoping he was , as nice as Jake was to her the relationship did not end as well as she would of hoped and to become involved with Matt and insist on being kept a secret so as not to be embarrassed is just not what she wants for her first foray back into dating.
However, just like all the other sexy Foster brothers Matt does not give up easily and just keeps showing up at cooking classes Ina town he does not live in and pushing slowly breaking down walls, the more time he spends with his to favorite girls , the more Matt changes and the more he deals with his own issues. Matt and Tasha become each other's strength, sounding board, confidants and eventually lovers . With any of Zoe 's wonderfull stories, you may cry, you may cheer, you may bite some nails , but you still get a happy ending.
I received an arc copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2018
I love Zoe York’s books. She has a way with words that isn’t flowery or fancy, but immediately draws you in with her fantastic storytelling abilities.
We first met Natasha Kingsley in book two of the Pine Harbour series (Love in a Snow Storm), when she had a brief fling with Jake Foster. Several months later she finds out she’s pregnant, and not knowing for sure who the father is, calls Jake. But he was finally in a relationship with the girl he’d always loved, so it created a bit of tension for Jake and Dani (although as far as drama in romance novels go, it really wasn’t much - Jake wasn’t a massive jerk, Dani was level headed, and Tasha wasn’t vilified to the extent she could have been). Tasha called Jake a couple times in hopes that maybe she could get back together with him (since the actual father of her baby ending up not wanting anything to do with her or the baby). At the time, she was truly hoping Jake would be the father because she knew he was a good man, whereas her on again/ off again boyfriend was not. Needless to say, it wasn’t one of her finest hours, which she fully admits to after several years of reflection.
Now it’s four years later and Tasha is a single mom to precious Emily. She lives with her older sister, brother-in-law, and niece and nephew. She bartends at night, and helps with her sister’s kids during the day in exchange for free rent and childcare while she works. It’s not the life she’s always wanted, but it works and she’s happy.
Matt Foster (Jake’s younger brother) is sent to some training for work about an hour away from Pine Harbour. He checks into the hotel early, and with nothing to do for several hours, he checks the activities board in the lobby and decides to go to a cupcake decorating class. He’s thinking it may be a good place to pick up some companionship - of the female kind - for the evening.
And he does meet a cute girl - three year old Emily, who completely charms him from the get-go. That her mother is also beautiful and funny and sweet doesn’t hurt, either. They spend the day together, and at the end of their time together Matt works up the courage to ask Tasha for her phone number. During this exchange Tasha discovers who Matt is related to, and knows that she won’t be able to take things any further between them.
I love when and author doesn’t take the road always traveled with the plot - and there was plenty of opportunity for that in this book. When Matt decided to hunt Tasha down after she wouldn’t return his calls and texts, Tasha could have kept her connection with his brother secret, thus causing a big showdown when that information was revealed. That wasn’t the way it went down. Tasha’s relationship with Matt’s older brother could have made things complicated for Jake and Dani, who is now his wife. Things between the four of them could have been awkward, strained, and contentious, but they weren’t. Things with Emily’s father and his new girlfriend could have been filled with drama, but they weren’t (there was some conflict around their learning to co-parent, especially since Emily’s father hadn’t really made much effort to be involved previously, but it wasn’t overly-dramatized). Making things be all messy and complicated makes for a lot of drama, but doesn’t necessarily make for a great story. And I LOVED that’s Ms. York didn’t use these situations to create soap opera levels of drama. There’s also no insta-love, or cave-man, bossy, alpha male antics.
Instead, we get a heroine who admits to her faults and has a plan to make the best life possible for her daughter. We have a really great hero who has made some changes to his life (not necessarily prompted by meeting the heroine, but most certainly reinforced by her presence in his life), and wants to be the support for the woman he loves, but still also has some missteps.
“I want to be everything you need.”
“That's not realistic. I need to be what I need. You can be what I want.”
His heart pounded in his chest. “You deserve better than that.”
“Do I? Do any of us? Or do we deserve to know that we are enough, without another person propping us up? That was my big realization this week. That I don’t need you in my life to be happy, but I want you anyway.”
That right there, ladies and gentleman, is one smart, confident heroine. And I loved how that mindset created such a healthy, positive relationship between Matt and Tasha. Yes, Matt is still manly and macho, but he didn’t come into Tasha’s life to save the day. She had things handled just fine on her own, thank-you-very-much! But isn’t life better when you have a true partner? And that’s what they become.
Ms. York consistently writes really good stories with fantastic heroes and heroines, without the usual over-the-top ridiculousness that is so prevalent in today’s romance stories. I know whenever I read one of her books I’m going to be drawn right into the story by the writing and the characters, and that the plot will keep me engaged from page one until the very end. I have loved all the books I’ve read in the Pine Harbour series (still have a couple I need to read!), and will definitely be looking for the final Pine Harbour book, and the beginning book of Ms. York’s next series. Consider me a big Zoe York fan!
We first met Natasha Kingsley in book two of the Pine Harbour series (Love in a Snow Storm), when she had a brief fling with Jake Foster. Several months later she finds out she’s pregnant, and not knowing for sure who the father is, calls Jake. But he was finally in a relationship with the girl he’d always loved, so it created a bit of tension for Jake and Dani (although as far as drama in romance novels go, it really wasn’t much - Jake wasn’t a massive jerk, Dani was level headed, and Tasha wasn’t vilified to the extent she could have been). Tasha called Jake a couple times in hopes that maybe she could get back together with him (since the actual father of her baby ending up not wanting anything to do with her or the baby). At the time, she was truly hoping Jake would be the father because she knew he was a good man, whereas her on again/ off again boyfriend was not. Needless to say, it wasn’t one of her finest hours, which she fully admits to after several years of reflection.
Now it’s four years later and Tasha is a single mom to precious Emily. She lives with her older sister, brother-in-law, and niece and nephew. She bartends at night, and helps with her sister’s kids during the day in exchange for free rent and childcare while she works. It’s not the life she’s always wanted, but it works and she’s happy.
Matt Foster (Jake’s younger brother) is sent to some training for work about an hour away from Pine Harbour. He checks into the hotel early, and with nothing to do for several hours, he checks the activities board in the lobby and decides to go to a cupcake decorating class. He’s thinking it may be a good place to pick up some companionship - of the female kind - for the evening.
And he does meet a cute girl - three year old Emily, who completely charms him from the get-go. That her mother is also beautiful and funny and sweet doesn’t hurt, either. They spend the day together, and at the end of their time together Matt works up the courage to ask Tasha for her phone number. During this exchange Tasha discovers who Matt is related to, and knows that she won’t be able to take things any further between them.
I love when and author doesn’t take the road always traveled with the plot - and there was plenty of opportunity for that in this book. When Matt decided to hunt Tasha down after she wouldn’t return his calls and texts, Tasha could have kept her connection with his brother secret, thus causing a big showdown when that information was revealed. That wasn’t the way it went down. Tasha’s relationship with Matt’s older brother could have made things complicated for Jake and Dani, who is now his wife. Things between the four of them could have been awkward, strained, and contentious, but they weren’t. Things with Emily’s father and his new girlfriend could have been filled with drama, but they weren’t (there was some conflict around their learning to co-parent, especially since Emily’s father hadn’t really made much effort to be involved previously, but it wasn’t overly-dramatized). Making things be all messy and complicated makes for a lot of drama, but doesn’t necessarily make for a great story. And I LOVED that’s Ms. York didn’t use these situations to create soap opera levels of drama. There’s also no insta-love, or cave-man, bossy, alpha male antics.
Instead, we get a heroine who admits to her faults and has a plan to make the best life possible for her daughter. We have a really great hero who has made some changes to his life (not necessarily prompted by meeting the heroine, but most certainly reinforced by her presence in his life), and wants to be the support for the woman he loves, but still also has some missteps.
“I want to be everything you need.”
“That's not realistic. I need to be what I need. You can be what I want.”
His heart pounded in his chest. “You deserve better than that.”
“Do I? Do any of us? Or do we deserve to know that we are enough, without another person propping us up? That was my big realization this week. That I don’t need you in my life to be happy, but I want you anyway.”
That right there, ladies and gentleman, is one smart, confident heroine. And I loved how that mindset created such a healthy, positive relationship between Matt and Tasha. Yes, Matt is still manly and macho, but he didn’t come into Tasha’s life to save the day. She had things handled just fine on her own, thank-you-very-much! But isn’t life better when you have a true partner? And that’s what they become.
Ms. York consistently writes really good stories with fantastic heroes and heroines, without the usual over-the-top ridiculousness that is so prevalent in today’s romance stories. I know whenever I read one of her books I’m going to be drawn right into the story by the writing and the characters, and that the plot will keep me engaged from page one until the very end. I have loved all the books I’ve read in the Pine Harbour series (still have a couple I need to read!), and will definitely be looking for the final Pine Harbour book, and the beginning book of Ms. York’s next series. Consider me a big Zoe York fan!
May 22, 2018
While Love on the Outskirts of Town is number 7 of the incredible Pine Harbour series, it can be read as a standalone in my opinion. There are few moments that might make a few readers have some questions, but I felt it was fleshed out in the story well enough for new readers to catch on quickly and not be confused.
I absolutely love how Zoe York can take a character we've met before, not in the best of ways, and make me fall.in.love. We met Natasha in book 2, Love in a Snow Storm, and she was somewhere between a minor and major character. She caused some waves, and we find out in this installment of the series that she has been quite busy in the years since being a single mom and raising her daughter. A chance meeting brings her to Matt.
Tasha and Matt had a great story. I loved the realistic nature of the coparenting relationship between Tasha and her ex. I loved the desire and determination that Tasha put into everything she did. This book hit me in the feels a few times, and made me giggle during others. It's very well rounded. Love on the Outskirts of Town is a longer book, its involved and detailed. But there isn't any extras, or anything unnecessary in the story.
*4.5 Star Review*
I absolutely love how Zoe York can take a character we've met before, not in the best of ways, and make me fall.in.love. We met Natasha in book 2, Love in a Snow Storm, and she was somewhere between a minor and major character. She caused some waves, and we find out in this installment of the series that she has been quite busy in the years since being a single mom and raising her daughter. A chance meeting brings her to Matt.
Tasha and Matt had a great story. I loved the realistic nature of the coparenting relationship between Tasha and her ex. I loved the desire and determination that Tasha put into everything she did. This book hit me in the feels a few times, and made me giggle during others. It's very well rounded. Love on the Outskirts of Town is a longer book, its involved and detailed. But there isn't any extras, or anything unnecessary in the story.
*4.5 Star Review*
March 5, 2021
I'm a sucker for redemptive romance story lines for previously unlikable characters. This book handles that theme beautifully. Natasha was featured in book two of this series, and not in a likeable way. She was an antagonist then to the main couple, driving their conflict. I love that Zoe York brought her back in this story, re-visiting things from her perspective and showing growth over several years. She is regretful of her past behavior and has worked to become a better person. Matt's portrayal in the previous books is one of a good time guy, a party guy, the guy always ready for fun but never serious. After being rocked by his brother's near death (story from book #6), he begins to question his lifestyle and choices. These two make the best couple. Both have a lot of baggage and real life issues. I liked how they very slowly advanced their relationship, and handled things with discussion and maturity. This is my favorite book in this series. I'm loving the small town setting and the large, intertwined families of strong characters.
May 23, 2018
Matt Foster is taking an advanced EMT training class in a nearby town when he decides to attend a baking class at a local bakery one evening. He is quickly taken with a precocious three year old seated next to him, as well as her stunning mother. Finding out she is a single mother just has him more intrigued. Especially considering Matt is an admitted player, a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy. But little Emily is quickly working her way into his heart and the fact that her mother is also has Matt reconsidering where his life is and what his future looks like. But recent events have him suffering in silence and Matt has emotional work to do before he can be someone else's future.
Natasha has dreams and goals and she is working hard to see them become a reality. When her living situation suddenly changes, forcing Tasha to make some hard decisions sooner than planned, circumstances and fate take her even closer to the man she is rapidly falling for. Determined to succeed on her own won't be easy, especially when Emily's father suddenly shows up demanding time with his daughter. And how will David's arrival affect her new relationship with Matt?
Twists and turns abound in this fun and exciting love story of two lost souls working through pains from their past and finally realizing they deserve a happy ever after.
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
Natasha has dreams and goals and she is working hard to see them become a reality. When her living situation suddenly changes, forcing Tasha to make some hard decisions sooner than planned, circumstances and fate take her even closer to the man she is rapidly falling for. Determined to succeed on her own won't be easy, especially when Emily's father suddenly shows up demanding time with his daughter. And how will David's arrival affect her new relationship with Matt?
Twists and turns abound in this fun and exciting love story of two lost souls working through pains from their past and finally realizing they deserve a happy ever after.
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
February 27, 2020
I have said this before and I’ll say it again - authors need to move beyond stories about two brothers dating / sleeping together with the same girl, even if one was in the past and the other in the present / future. It’s just silly and to be honest, in very rare exceptions, not relevant in real life.
Thankfully Zoe York makes this as least - cringey as possible thanks to her lovely and mature writing (thankfully no sexual comparisons and other such rubbish - looking at you Carrie Ann Ryan!). It was nice to read about the ‘other side’ to Natasha from what we read about her in Dani and Jake’s book. Matt came across as sweet in his characterization. But not a book I’ll read again.
Thankfully Zoe York makes this as least - cringey as possible thanks to her lovely and mature writing (thankfully no sexual comparisons and other such rubbish - looking at you Carrie Ann Ryan!). It was nice to read about the ‘other side’ to Natasha from what we read about her in Dani and Jake’s book. Matt came across as sweet in his characterization. But not a book I’ll read again.
May 20, 2018
In full disclosure, I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I also pre-ordered the book a month ago.
'Love on the Outskirts of Town' is an emotional read about how lives are affected by baggage from the past, rejection, the possibility of second chances, building self-confidence, dysfunctional family relationships, and heartstrings being tugged on by a little one. Sound like too big of a story to believe? I guarantee you, it's all in here.
Zoe York, one of my favorite authors, has done it again. She's taken me on a journey to the outskirts of town, where a single mother struggles to reach her dreams. Natasha understands she can only depend on herself to provide for Emily, but rejection by Emily’s biological father bites, especially when he suddenly reappears in their lives and threatens to file for full custody of the child he barely knows.
Desperate to overcome her self-doubt and second-guessing, Natasha commits to a risky financial path in hope of ensuring her daughter's future, and a lonely existence for herself. She can only count on herself, right?
Stage right; enter the handsome playboy EMT bachelor, Matt. Their unexpected meeting and her little girl’s blind trust and acceptance of him tug on his heart, making him reassess his lifestyle. A man in a different woman’s bed each night for ages, until recently, how can Emily, the little girl, have such a huge impact on him? But Matt has his own demons, and his job could be on the line because of them. Things between the two adults begin to sizzle as they build trust… until Natasha learns Matt's last name, the same as that of a previous love interest.
Shame about her past actions and family rejection reappear. The imminent relocation of her sole support mechanism, her sister and brother-in-law, enable Natasha to go it alone. Ah, but the handsome EMT, Matt, can't let her go. He has other ideas about them belonging together, maybe being a family, but he’s fighting demons of his own. Until he acknowledges his own self-destructive actions and addresses the reason behind his devastating depression, he'll be lost to himself and any possibility of a future with Natasha and Emily.
This story is full of supporting characters that do just that… provide support and acceptance to the two main characters, help them diminish their anxieties, understand their needs, and reach their expectations, but not before we experience all that right along with them.
I highly recommend this book and suggest you visit Escape Inn Wiarton. It’s located just on the outskirts of town.
'Love on the Outskirts of Town' is an emotional read about how lives are affected by baggage from the past, rejection, the possibility of second chances, building self-confidence, dysfunctional family relationships, and heartstrings being tugged on by a little one. Sound like too big of a story to believe? I guarantee you, it's all in here.
Zoe York, one of my favorite authors, has done it again. She's taken me on a journey to the outskirts of town, where a single mother struggles to reach her dreams. Natasha understands she can only depend on herself to provide for Emily, but rejection by Emily’s biological father bites, especially when he suddenly reappears in their lives and threatens to file for full custody of the child he barely knows.
Desperate to overcome her self-doubt and second-guessing, Natasha commits to a risky financial path in hope of ensuring her daughter's future, and a lonely existence for herself. She can only count on herself, right?
Stage right; enter the handsome playboy EMT bachelor, Matt. Their unexpected meeting and her little girl’s blind trust and acceptance of him tug on his heart, making him reassess his lifestyle. A man in a different woman’s bed each night for ages, until recently, how can Emily, the little girl, have such a huge impact on him? But Matt has his own demons, and his job could be on the line because of them. Things between the two adults begin to sizzle as they build trust… until Natasha learns Matt's last name, the same as that of a previous love interest.
Shame about her past actions and family rejection reappear. The imminent relocation of her sole support mechanism, her sister and brother-in-law, enable Natasha to go it alone. Ah, but the handsome EMT, Matt, can't let her go. He has other ideas about them belonging together, maybe being a family, but he’s fighting demons of his own. Until he acknowledges his own self-destructive actions and addresses the reason behind his devastating depression, he'll be lost to himself and any possibility of a future with Natasha and Emily.
This story is full of supporting characters that do just that… provide support and acceptance to the two main characters, help them diminish their anxieties, understand their needs, and reach their expectations, but not before we experience all that right along with them.
I highly recommend this book and suggest you visit Escape Inn Wiarton. It’s located just on the outskirts of town.
September 2, 2023
I've been looking forward to Matt's story because I love it when the ladies man finds his person. Plus there is the lovely Natasha, who we saw mentioned in book 1 and in the center of full fledge drama on the page in book 2. The poor dear... I was so hoping she would get a happy ending after the way things went down for her in Jake and Dani's story; that I looked ahead after finishing. Well lo and behold we do get to see her find a happy ending and not with one of the Minelli boys...nope she had to go fall in love with Jake's brother and I had to wait 5 books for it.
As much as that seemed to be the pivotal point of the synopsis it just really wasn't that big of a deal. I was actually kind of relieved about the low angst/emotional drama of this story after Sean and Jenna really put me through it in book 6. The 'secret' is dealt with in such a healthy way on all fronts (shout out to my girl Dani for being the best).
Speaking of healthy, Matt is so good with little Emily and is always looking to Tasha for permission as he gets to know her. Once they really got into their relationship I loved seeing him meet her where she is at. He didn't try to swoop in and fix everything but was a support to her and a shoulder to lean on.... a very nice shoulder if that cover model is anything to go off of....
The real 'issues' of the book were Matt dealing with his trauma/mental health and Natasha navigating her baby daddy fumbling back into the picture. I thought Matt was super mature, after navigating a bit of a rocky confrontation about his health, on his journey and the way he supported Tasha was so lovely.
This book has:
-3rd person/dual POV
-ladies man turned doting boyfriend
-single mom
-adorable meet cute with pink cupcakes
-he falls first
-sexy EMT/soldier & a woman starting her own business
-HEA
So why the 4 stars and not 5? (Honestly after coming off of Sean and Jenna's book it was going to take a heck of a story.) This book was very much real life but I didn't feel like there was a huge plot that kept me pulled in. Most of the other Pine Harbour books had me thinking about them when I wasn't reading them but this one was just nice. They have a lovely, mature and nurturing relationship. I loved their honest conversations and the low drama that this book afforded but around the 80% it felt like the story could be wrapped up pretty quick and there was still over an hour left. I still loved these characters and I love a good epilogue that leads you on to the next (in this case the final book and a new series). I'm intrigues by Owen but first I have to finish with these Minelli boys...I missed them in this book.
As much as that seemed to be the pivotal point of the synopsis it just really wasn't that big of a deal. I was actually kind of relieved about the low angst/emotional drama of this story after Sean and Jenna really put me through it in book 6. The 'secret' is dealt with in such a healthy way on all fronts (shout out to my girl Dani for being the best).
Speaking of healthy, Matt is so good with little Emily and is always looking to Tasha for permission as he gets to know her. Once they really got into their relationship I loved seeing him meet her where she is at. He didn't try to swoop in and fix everything but was a support to her and a shoulder to lean on.... a very nice shoulder if that cover model is anything to go off of....
The real 'issues' of the book were Matt dealing with his trauma/mental health and Natasha navigating her baby daddy fumbling back into the picture. I thought Matt was super mature, after navigating a bit of a rocky confrontation about his health, on his journey and the way he supported Tasha was so lovely.
This book has:
-3rd person/dual POV
-ladies man turned doting boyfriend
-single mom
-adorable meet cute with pink cupcakes
-he falls first
-sexy EMT/soldier & a woman starting her own business
-HEA
So why the 4 stars and not 5? (Honestly after coming off of Sean and Jenna's book it was going to take a heck of a story.) This book was very much real life but I didn't feel like there was a huge plot that kept me pulled in. Most of the other Pine Harbour books had me thinking about them when I wasn't reading them but this one was just nice. They have a lovely, mature and nurturing relationship. I loved their honest conversations and the low drama that this book afforded but around the 80% it felt like the story could be wrapped up pretty quick and there was still over an hour left. I still loved these characters and I love a good epilogue that leads you on to the next (in this case the final book and a new series). I'm intrigues by Owen but first I have to finish with these Minelli boys...I missed them in this book.
May 18, 2018
Slipping between the pages of a Zoe York book is like crawling back under the covers on a snow day and picking up the phone to chat with your best friend. For me, this is particularly true in the worlds of Wardham and Pine Harbor, imaginary places filled with imaginary people who are so finely crafted, I am convinced they are real. How else can you explain that I fall in love with these people every time?
I received an ARC of this book; I loved it! One of the things that continues to impress me about Zoe York is her unyielding commitment to exploring tough emotional issues through the eyes of her characters with a compassionate and unwavering eye. She gets these people, and her non-judgmental style not only leads the reader to understanding, but also conveys what I am convinced is this author's open-minded love and appreciation for all people, regardless of their faults.
Conversations are natural and real, and sometimes raw. Observations are pithy and startlingly deep. There are real lessons within these pages.
Early on, Tasha's sister Meredith asks what she wants. Her response cracks me up: “I want a long-lost relative to bequeath me a rambling mansion I need to share with a Chris Hemsworth look-alike who's always losing his shirt. Reality demands some compromise on what I want.”
Tasha is full of regret and embarrassed by some of the things she's done in her past, but Meredith helps put things into perspective when she says, “Because I don't think you make mistakes. I think you live life to the fullest and that means sometimes you bump into the jagged edges. And Jake was particularly pointy, maybe. Sharp enough to cut you.”
“Deep enough to scar.” (Tasha’s response)
Tasha shares her insight with Matt when he admits his need/desire to be everything for her: “I need to be what I need. You can be what I want.” Words to live by.
This phrase floored me with its simplicity and depth:
“Matt swiped at his eye. There was something in it.
Feelings.”
And there were some funny statements too, like this one from Matt: “The holidays are emotional, or so I hear. I've been emotionally unavailable my whole life, so this is new and fascinating to me.”
It would be impossible for me to overstate just how much I enjoyed this book and how much I appreciate the talent of Zoe York. I am so glad she wrote another Pine Harbor book. And because I know she will read this review, I also want to commend her on competently weaving frisky beavers into the dialog. Genius!
I received an ARC of this book; I loved it! One of the things that continues to impress me about Zoe York is her unyielding commitment to exploring tough emotional issues through the eyes of her characters with a compassionate and unwavering eye. She gets these people, and her non-judgmental style not only leads the reader to understanding, but also conveys what I am convinced is this author's open-minded love and appreciation for all people, regardless of their faults.
Conversations are natural and real, and sometimes raw. Observations are pithy and startlingly deep. There are real lessons within these pages.
Early on, Tasha's sister Meredith asks what she wants. Her response cracks me up: “I want a long-lost relative to bequeath me a rambling mansion I need to share with a Chris Hemsworth look-alike who's always losing his shirt. Reality demands some compromise on what I want.”
Tasha is full of regret and embarrassed by some of the things she's done in her past, but Meredith helps put things into perspective when she says, “Because I don't think you make mistakes. I think you live life to the fullest and that means sometimes you bump into the jagged edges. And Jake was particularly pointy, maybe. Sharp enough to cut you.”
“Deep enough to scar.” (Tasha’s response)
Tasha shares her insight with Matt when he admits his need/desire to be everything for her: “I need to be what I need. You can be what I want.” Words to live by.
This phrase floored me with its simplicity and depth:
“Matt swiped at his eye. There was something in it.
Feelings.”
And there were some funny statements too, like this one from Matt: “The holidays are emotional, or so I hear. I've been emotionally unavailable my whole life, so this is new and fascinating to me.”
It would be impossible for me to overstate just how much I enjoyed this book and how much I appreciate the talent of Zoe York. I am so glad she wrote another Pine Harbor book. And because I know she will read this review, I also want to commend her on competently weaving frisky beavers into the dialog. Genius!
May 22, 2018
Two years ago, I discovered a new author (to me anyway), via NetGalley, when I read the phenomenal book Love on a Spring Morning by Zoe York. Love on a Spring Morning was the 3rd book in the Pine Harbour series and let me tell you this…I have been a total fan-girl for Zoe York and her spectacular writing ever since.
Love on the Outskirts of Town is the 7th book in the Pine Harbour series and is the most spectacular of them…. Stop, I cannot continue this thought, because as I am remembering the other books in this series, I have reevaluated this thought. I LOVE the WHOLE series. Right now, Love on the Outskirts of Town is my current favorite because it is most current in my mind.
Natasha and Matt, OMG! WOW!! These two are PERFECT for each other. Each a bit emotionally damaged. They meet, along with Natasha’s daughter Emily, at a cooking class, ok, yes a cooking class. The three of them immediately form a bond. That is until Natasha finds out Matt’s last name….. Sorry ladies, I refuse to spill the beans.
I loved seeing Natasha’s strength, and how she realized her strengths and learned how to compromise and let others help. Matt, I just wanted to hug him to bits and help him through his struggles, sigh…
Thank you, Ms. York, for gift of this total emotional read, for sharing your phenomenal talents with your readers. It was a total page turner for me and helped me through getting my mind off of some struggles I am going through at the moment.
Thank you for reading my review. If you love a great emotional read with total familial impacting story, this book/series is for you. So, what are you waiting for? Go hit that one click button, and enjoy your read.
Love on the Outskirts of Town is the 7th book in the Pine Harbour series and is the most spectacular of them…. Stop, I cannot continue this thought, because as I am remembering the other books in this series, I have reevaluated this thought. I LOVE the WHOLE series. Right now, Love on the Outskirts of Town is my current favorite because it is most current in my mind.
Natasha and Matt, OMG! WOW!! These two are PERFECT for each other. Each a bit emotionally damaged. They meet, along with Natasha’s daughter Emily, at a cooking class, ok, yes a cooking class. The three of them immediately form a bond. That is until Natasha finds out Matt’s last name….. Sorry ladies, I refuse to spill the beans.
I loved seeing Natasha’s strength, and how she realized her strengths and learned how to compromise and let others help. Matt, I just wanted to hug him to bits and help him through his struggles, sigh…
Thank you, Ms. York, for gift of this total emotional read, for sharing your phenomenal talents with your readers. It was a total page turner for me and helped me through getting my mind off of some struggles I am going through at the moment.
Thank you for reading my review. If you love a great emotional read with total familial impacting story, this book/series is for you. So, what are you waiting for? Go hit that one click button, and enjoy your read.
May 13, 2018
Zoe York writes stories about hot Alpha men & strong sexy women that touch your heart. They struggle to find their way & have to deal with issues along the way. The stories are about real life issues & conflicts.
Matt Foster is ex-military, a paramedic & a real player. Pickups one night stands are the norm. Until that night. The night everything fell apart. It all started with a routine call to a familiar patient & ended with the military vet striking out. As he was trying to absorb that, his phone rang with the news that his brother was injured in Iraq & no one knew his condition. This began a year of Matt pulling away from anything & everything. Big strong alpha males don't talk about feelings & definitely not depression. The thing is, they often don't see what's going on with themselves. Then he met Natasha & her daughter Emily & things started to change.
Natasha really liked the guy that approached her at cooking class. He was sexy, fun, flirty & friendly. He seemed like someone she would enjoy getting to know, until she found out his last name. She'd hooked up with Matt's brother Jake once & then, after finding out she was pregnant with some other guy's kid, thought Jake was someone she could depend on. She knew it was wrong but it still hurt when he pulled away. She couldn't see anything but heartache in her seeing Jake's brother not matter how much she liked him. Can they find a way to be together?
Matt Foster is ex-military, a paramedic & a real player. Pickups one night stands are the norm. Until that night. The night everything fell apart. It all started with a routine call to a familiar patient & ended with the military vet striking out. As he was trying to absorb that, his phone rang with the news that his brother was injured in Iraq & no one knew his condition. This began a year of Matt pulling away from anything & everything. Big strong alpha males don't talk about feelings & definitely not depression. The thing is, they often don't see what's going on with themselves. Then he met Natasha & her daughter Emily & things started to change.
Natasha really liked the guy that approached her at cooking class. He was sexy, fun, flirty & friendly. He seemed like someone she would enjoy getting to know, until she found out his last name. She'd hooked up with Matt's brother Jake once & then, after finding out she was pregnant with some other guy's kid, thought Jake was someone she could depend on. She knew it was wrong but it still hurt when he pulled away. She couldn't see anything but heartache in her seeing Jake's brother not matter how much she liked him. Can they find a way to be together?
May 24, 2018
So I have to make a confession... The Pine Harbor series is seriously one of my favorites... of all times! When I got the chance to read Book 7 - Love On the Outskirts of Town, of course I jumped on it. Zoe did not disappoint! This book is everything that is good about second-chance romances, and it fully lived up to my extremely high expectations!
Natasha is a single mother to three year old, Emily. The father wanted nothing to do with them when he found out she was pregnant, leaving Tasha living in her sister’s basement with a bitter view of the entire male population.
Matt is a paramedic that doesn’t do second dates. He knows he’s a player and so do the women he spends time with - until life happens and a series of tragedies change him forever.
Matt, Natasha and Emily meet over cupcakes, and the attraction is instant; however, when Natasha finds out who he is, she is hands-off.
I love how the books in this series weave in and out of each other’s stories. Most of my favorite Pine Harbor characters were here. This book took me back through Sean’s accident (and I cried AGAIN), it took me back to when Dean and Liana met, and so much more. Yet none of that detracts from Matt and Natasha’s story, only adds to it.
I laughed, I cried, and I cheered! I love the personal growth of both Matt and Natasha that I saw throughout the story. Natasha, standing up to her ex for the first time, and realizing that it is ok to set boundaries, especially where her daughter is concerned. Matt, realizing that he is not as “unaffected” as he thought by the tragedies he has experienced, figures out that it is OK to admit that he is not perfect, that he may not have it all under control - and most importantly, that recognizing and facing weakness is STRENGTH!
This story really is a beautiful second-chance romance that you can wrap your whole heart around!
Natasha is a single mother to three year old, Emily. The father wanted nothing to do with them when he found out she was pregnant, leaving Tasha living in her sister’s basement with a bitter view of the entire male population.
Matt is a paramedic that doesn’t do second dates. He knows he’s a player and so do the women he spends time with - until life happens and a series of tragedies change him forever.
Matt, Natasha and Emily meet over cupcakes, and the attraction is instant; however, when Natasha finds out who he is, she is hands-off.
I love how the books in this series weave in and out of each other’s stories. Most of my favorite Pine Harbor characters were here. This book took me back through Sean’s accident (and I cried AGAIN), it took me back to when Dean and Liana met, and so much more. Yet none of that detracts from Matt and Natasha’s story, only adds to it.
I laughed, I cried, and I cheered! I love the personal growth of both Matt and Natasha that I saw throughout the story. Natasha, standing up to her ex for the first time, and realizing that it is ok to set boundaries, especially where her daughter is concerned. Matt, realizing that he is not as “unaffected” as he thought by the tragedies he has experienced, figures out that it is OK to admit that he is not perfect, that he may not have it all under control - and most importantly, that recognizing and facing weakness is STRENGTH!
This story really is a beautiful second-chance romance that you can wrap your whole heart around!
May 15, 2018
Matt Foster is one of the four good looking Foster brothers who live in Pine Harbour. He is a paramedic and a big player. His boss asks him to take his place at a conference a couple towns away. When he gets there the first day, he takes a cooking class on how to make cupcakes. There he meets a pretty three year old named Emily and her beautiful mother Natasha Kingsley. Natasha is a single mother living in the basement of her sister and brother-in-laws house. Natasha helped her sister with her children, and her sister watched Emily on the nights Natasha worked at the bar. Matt wants to see more of Emily and Natasha, which is the opposite of how he usually feels about a woman. Natasha has not had a good track record of choosing men, so she is a little standoffish.
The author does an excellent job of telling the story of Matt and Natasha. Natasha is such a strong woman who is working on her dreams, even though she gets scared at times. I loved watching Matt and Natasha fall in love. Matt was so good with Emily it just melted my heart. I had conflicting feelings about Natasha’s ex. Matt was lucky to have his brothers and good friends around who were there to help him emotionally. There are a couple of surprises that end up working out. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
The author does an excellent job of telling the story of Matt and Natasha. Natasha is such a strong woman who is working on her dreams, even though she gets scared at times. I loved watching Matt and Natasha fall in love. Matt was so good with Emily it just melted my heart. I had conflicting feelings about Natasha’s ex. Matt was lucky to have his brothers and good friends around who were there to help him emotionally. There are a couple of surprises that end up working out. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
May 24, 2018
I am bleary eyed but happy, hopeful, and whole after reading this book. Fair warning, set aside your day to read, because I literally did not, could not, stop until I had all of Matt and Natasha's story!
Matt meets Natasha while out of town, not way out of town, just over a few towns. Her adorable daughter, Emily, takes a liking to him right away, and, as only 3 year olds can, attaches herself to him for the day. A small problem when they exchange numbers, she has an embarrassing history with someone close to him. He doesn't think it matters, she does.
This begins their "not" dating, and their "kinda" courtship, and a "take it slow" relationship that is "just for now" to make you comfortable, because that is what she needs. He, for the first time, wants to rush in whole hog. We find out it is for good reasons, but there are some deeper ones as well. She needs to be cautious because, she thinks, of their person in common, but also because of her past.
Both of these characters enjoyed life, love, and sex to the fullest in their younger years. She had to change her life when she became pregnant, and the father fully rejected her. He had some startling life changes pile on him all at once, spinning his life out of control. She needs to guard her heart, keep control of her life, and do what is best for herself and her daughter. He doesn't see how out of control he is, but he knows he finds peace with Natasha
I loved these two, I loved their story, their vulnerability, hopefulness. The support systems they had, even when unwanted, that cared for them, and their learning to depend on the other, and build their life together. See, warm, fuzzy, in the face of what real life can throw at you, and you keep moving forward and loving those around you!
Matt meets Natasha while out of town, not way out of town, just over a few towns. Her adorable daughter, Emily, takes a liking to him right away, and, as only 3 year olds can, attaches herself to him for the day. A small problem when they exchange numbers, she has an embarrassing history with someone close to him. He doesn't think it matters, she does.
This begins their "not" dating, and their "kinda" courtship, and a "take it slow" relationship that is "just for now" to make you comfortable, because that is what she needs. He, for the first time, wants to rush in whole hog. We find out it is for good reasons, but there are some deeper ones as well. She needs to be cautious because, she thinks, of their person in common, but also because of her past.
Both of these characters enjoyed life, love, and sex to the fullest in their younger years. She had to change her life when she became pregnant, and the father fully rejected her. He had some startling life changes pile on him all at once, spinning his life out of control. She needs to guard her heart, keep control of her life, and do what is best for herself and her daughter. He doesn't see how out of control he is, but he knows he finds peace with Natasha
I loved these two, I loved their story, their vulnerability, hopefulness. The support systems they had, even when unwanted, that cared for them, and their learning to depend on the other, and build their life together. See, warm, fuzzy, in the face of what real life can throw at you, and you keep moving forward and loving those around you!
May 14, 2018
rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. I love Zoes books and this one is no exception. we meet single mother Natasha, who works as a bartender and lives in her sisters basement to make ends meet. she takes her 3 yr old daughter Emily to a cooking/baking class on mondays but doesnt expect to find a hot and handsome man being reprimanded by her 3 yr old. we meet Matt, paramedic and army reserve officer who got roped into going to to training for his boss in the nearby town...great.. smtg he doesnt want to do..but he needs a break after working to the bone the past 6 months. to pass the time he goes to a baking class..hoping to pick up a willing woman but what he gets is a precocious 3 yr old telling him he better like pink. matt is struck by her mothers beauty and wants to get to know her. natasha doesn't know what she's doing anymore.. she has dreams and with Emily's father wanting to be in her life..its a bit much and to have a genuinely nice man have interest in her and Emily its refreshing..until she learns his last name. can matt convince her to give them a shot? will natasha be able to look past who his brother is? will matt be able to deal with life b4 it spirals outta control? again such a great read!!
May 18, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. Loved this it. Absolutely loved it. Pure Zoe York. A true keeper. We’re in Pine Harbour and riding along with Matt Foster, gorgeous paramedic, known player brother of the 4 Foster brothers. Still, he’s a charismatic guy. But this day changes him and affects his family. Matt starts driving himself hard physically, taking extra shifts, exercising beyond his normal limits, pushing himself. His supervisor sends him to a class a few hours away and to fill his day before it starts he takes a cooking class where he meets Natasha and her 3 year old Emily. Matt is hooked in a way he’s never been before. Natasha is attracted but oh, so wary, especially when she learns Matt’s last name. We’ve met Natasha before in Love in a Snowstorm, Jake and Dani’s book. She had a minor role. Of course, Na(Tasha) is still regretting whatever role she had...
So she decides she can’t have anything to do with Matt. But it seems Matt is persistent. Read their captivating, rocky story along with Matt’s self discovery in this amazing book by this amazing storyteller who makes the characters and places come alive!
So she decides she can’t have anything to do with Matt. But it seems Matt is persistent. Read their captivating, rocky story along with Matt’s self discovery in this amazing book by this amazing storyteller who makes the characters and places come alive!
May 27, 2018
This story is about learning from your past and Natasha did some serious growing up she became an awesome mother and learned to be dependent on herself and she also learned to stand up for herself especially to her ex whom wanted nothing to do with their young daughter. I loved that she even started on plans to start a business for herself plus work.
Matt also has some changes he was once a womanizer but now is willing to settle with a single mother at that he knows that Natasha had sort of a pass with his brother Jake but that doesn't matter to him. When he first saw Natasha something sparked and she is different than any of his past hookups and he finds himself not wanting a hookup with her, but maybe something serious. Matt is also suffering from some dreams that he is having so he does have some issues and he works way too hard and I think this is to help him cope with his issues and he also refuses help.
These two have some battle that they must overcome and these will only make their relationship stronger. Loved this story and I can't wait for the next one in this series.
Xoxo,
Meme Chanell Book Corner
Matt also has some changes he was once a womanizer but now is willing to settle with a single mother at that he knows that Natasha had sort of a pass with his brother Jake but that doesn't matter to him. When he first saw Natasha something sparked and she is different than any of his past hookups and he finds himself not wanting a hookup with her, but maybe something serious. Matt is also suffering from some dreams that he is having so he does have some issues and he works way too hard and I think this is to help him cope with his issues and he also refuses help.
These two have some battle that they must overcome and these will only make their relationship stronger. Loved this story and I can't wait for the next one in this series.
Xoxo,
Meme Chanell Book Corner
January 15, 2019
5 stars. Ok my bags are packed I'm moving to Pine Harbour tomorrow :) Seriously when I started this series it was okay I'll read another contemporary romance where the brothers get their HEAs but these books have truly drawn me in hook, line and sinker. I was a little dubious about this one as my first reaction was what THAT Natasha (you need to read Jake and Dani's book) but this was just a beautiful slow burn swoon worthy story. Natasha was a strong heroine who knew where she was at emotionally and put her little girl first. Matt is the last bachelor of the Foster brothers and seen by his family as a bit of a party animal and player. When he meets Tasha and her daughter he realises this is the life he wants but has to put to rest some demons of his own before he can truly commit fully to them. Zoe York dealt realistically and sensitively with the heroe's depression and I applaud her handling of the subject. I can't praise this book enough as it left me with a feeling of utter contentment with Tom being the only one left to get his story it will be sad for the stories to end but that is the beauty of books you can visit them time and time again😊 Highly recommend read.
May 23, 2018
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An amazing romance that is full of emotions you will just love it! 💗😍💗
I absolutely loved this book! It proves that we are the sum total of all of our experiences and that we have to go through the good, the bad, and the ugly to get to wonderful parts. Matt and Natasha have both been through a wringer emotionally. Within mere minutes of losing a patient that he thought was going to be all right, he learns that his younger brother has been seriously injured overseas and they aren't saying whether he's going to make it or not. This begins a long road for Matt that has many twists and turns. One of those turns is meeting Natasha and her daughter, Emily. Natasha's life hasn't been easy but she's getting there. And then life steps in and it gets really, really interesting! 💖💕💖
This is the seventh book in a series and they are all interconnected. I guess you could read it as a standalone but it's much better to read it in order. 😍
An amazing romance that is full of emotions you will just love it! 💗😍💗
I absolutely loved this book! It proves that we are the sum total of all of our experiences and that we have to go through the good, the bad, and the ugly to get to wonderful parts. Matt and Natasha have both been through a wringer emotionally. Within mere minutes of losing a patient that he thought was going to be all right, he learns that his younger brother has been seriously injured overseas and they aren't saying whether he's going to make it or not. This begins a long road for Matt that has many twists and turns. One of those turns is meeting Natasha and her daughter, Emily. Natasha's life hasn't been easy but she's getting there. And then life steps in and it gets really, really interesting! 💖💕💖
This is the seventh book in a series and they are all interconnected. I guess you could read it as a standalone but it's much better to read it in order. 😍
February 6, 2024
Wow what a heartwarming love story. I have enjoyed all of the Pine Harbour books by Zoe York and did not think she could meet the high bar she set with Love in a Sandstorm, but Matt and Natasha's story is just so so good. Matt, the player brother through and through meets Natasha and her 3-year-old daughter at a cupcake making class. He is instantly intrigued by Natasha and finds himself in a position that is very new to him, actually wanting to date someone. He falls first and spends a big part of the book trying to convince Natasha they are good together. Natasha's ex, who was mostly an absent parent suddenly wants to have a relationship with his daughter, and the issues that arise feel so incredibly real and messy. Zoe York tackled some truly big issues in this story, depression, trauma, lose, single-parenting and narcissistic ex's in such a touching way. I was engaged from the beginning and really rooting for Matt to make his case successfully to Natasha, even with the families and circumstances they are faced with.
May 14, 2018
I received this free e-book as an ARC and I am voluntarily writing a review. This book was the perfect week end read. Matt Forester is a paramedic, single a confirmed bachelor with a reputation of being a womanizer. But he is trying to change that image not that people have really noticed. He is sent by his department out of town to attending a week long electronic training seminar. Thinking that a good way to meet single women would be a cooking class in his free time from the seminar instead he meets an adorable three year old Emily and her hot, intriguing mom Natasha. Natasha is attracted to Matt but wary because she has been burned in the past by men, after all she is raising an amazing three year daughter on her own. All is great until they exchange phone numbers and last names and she discovers Matt is the brother to an embarrassing hook up with his brother which left in question a brief period of paternity to her unborn child.
May 16, 2018
Mister/Ms right always catch you when you're not looking...
This character driven tale grabs your heart from the very beginning. Matt, an EMT, is working every shift they will give him, running miles a week, and has put off women. Natasha has her life self contained. Her young daughter is her focus. Living with her sister, working at a nice bar, taking care of Emily and her niece and nephew. Life is good, if boring. Until she meets Matt.
I like that we really get to know both of these characters. If you've read and other Pine Harbor books, you know Matt is the party boy, the womanizer. But he's growing up fast and hard. And Tasha has history with a Foster too. This book doesn't pull any punches in telling their story. Life is hard even without baddies interfering. People are complex and sometimes our own minds are our biggest foe.
Yeah, this book really makes you think, and worry, and smile, and sigh.
This character driven tale grabs your heart from the very beginning. Matt, an EMT, is working every shift they will give him, running miles a week, and has put off women. Natasha has her life self contained. Her young daughter is her focus. Living with her sister, working at a nice bar, taking care of Emily and her niece and nephew. Life is good, if boring. Until she meets Matt.
I like that we really get to know both of these characters. If you've read and other Pine Harbor books, you know Matt is the party boy, the womanizer. But he's growing up fast and hard. And Tasha has history with a Foster too. This book doesn't pull any punches in telling their story. Life is hard even without baddies interfering. People are complex and sometimes our own minds are our biggest foe.
Yeah, this book really makes you think, and worry, and smile, and sigh.
May 22, 2018
I've never read a Zoe York book yet that I didn't love but she out did herself with this one. Matt is your typical playboy, the man who's never met a girl he couldn't get and he has his sights set on Tasha. After spending the day with her and her young daughter, Matt decides he wants more. Tasha is a single mom looking to avoid any drama in order to give her young daughter the best life she can. But Matt won't take no for answer and relentlessly pursues Tasha. Standing firm in her beliefs and avoiding Matt, she soon realizes that she cares more than she wanted. Matt soon realizes that he can't be a carefree anymore and must make changes if he wants to convince Tasha to give him a chance. An emotional read, with lots of character growth and revisits with some of our favorites in Pine Harbour. A great story and a must read.
May 23, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the author as part of an ARC group in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I have read all of Zoe York's books to date including all of the Pine Harbour books. I was very excited that Matt was finally getting his own story in the series. I honestly had forgotten about Tasha from Jake's book with Dani. You do not have to have read Jake's book to follow Matt's. Matt meets Tasha and her adorable daughter at a cupcake decorating class. The three hit it off and spend a great day together. Then Tasha realizes that Matt is Jake's brother and tries to keep Matt at a distance. This is a story about love, friendship, family and romance. I could not put it down once I started reading it. It was fantastic. I can't wait to see what else Zoe has in store for her readers.
I have read all of Zoe York's books to date including all of the Pine Harbour books. I was very excited that Matt was finally getting his own story in the series. I honestly had forgotten about Tasha from Jake's book with Dani. You do not have to have read Jake's book to follow Matt's. Matt meets Tasha and her adorable daughter at a cupcake decorating class. The three hit it off and spend a great day together. Then Tasha realizes that Matt is Jake's brother and tries to keep Matt at a distance. This is a story about love, friendship, family and romance. I could not put it down once I started reading it. It was fantastic. I can't wait to see what else Zoe has in store for her readers.
May 22, 2018
First, I received an ARC from the author to read/review honestly.
I wanted to LOVE this book so much. I really wanted to. But, I didn't.
First there were several times where the author literally repeated things she had just said in previous sentences or paragraphs.
Second, more importantly, this book felt so much like I was being told everything, not shown. I've read Ms. York's other books, and typically I give them 4's because they're good. This one simply didn't do it for me.
Also, I felt like there were more sparks between Matt and the three year old daughter, Emily, than with Natasha, the mother.
I would still recommend Ms. York's books, despite my not being overly enthusiastic of this particular one.
I wanted to LOVE this book so much. I really wanted to. But, I didn't.
First there were several times where the author literally repeated things she had just said in previous sentences or paragraphs.
Second, more importantly, this book felt so much like I was being told everything, not shown. I've read Ms. York's other books, and typically I give them 4's because they're good. This one simply didn't do it for me.
Also, I felt like there were more sparks between Matt and the three year old daughter, Emily, than with Natasha, the mother.
I would still recommend Ms. York's books, despite my not being overly enthusiastic of this particular one.
May 23, 2018
I have always really loved the Pine Harbour series, but this one is my favorite, although I think I say that after every book.
Matt was a really fun character in the previous books, but learning about him more, and his story made me fall in love with him. Natasha was a character that I unexpectedly fell in love with as well, and her little girl might be my new favorite character.
The way these two characters met, faced challenges in their relationship as well as within themselves, and overcame those challenges made this a book that I could not put down.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series. The way that Zoe York creates such amazing stories, makes me so excited for the next book she writes, because I have read everything she has written!
Matt was a really fun character in the previous books, but learning about him more, and his story made me fall in love with him. Natasha was a character that I unexpectedly fell in love with as well, and her little girl might be my new favorite character.
The way these two characters met, faced challenges in their relationship as well as within themselves, and overcame those challenges made this a book that I could not put down.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series. The way that Zoe York creates such amazing stories, makes me so excited for the next book she writes, because I have read everything she has written!
August 15, 2018
I absolutely loved this book by Zoe York! Love on the Outskirts of Town is the seventh book in her Pine Harbour series and is Matt and Tasha's love story.
Matt has mostly been about having fun. Up until meeting Natasha he hasn't ever wanted to be in a committed relationship, but meeting her and her lovely daughter Emily makes Matt realize that he is looking for more in his life.
Tasha doesn't realize at first who Matt is, but when she realizes that his brother is someone from her troubled past she puts the breaks on a second date especially since having her daughter she wants her life to be as drama free as possible.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Matt has mostly been about having fun. Up until meeting Natasha he hasn't ever wanted to be in a committed relationship, but meeting her and her lovely daughter Emily makes Matt realize that he is looking for more in his life.
Tasha doesn't realize at first who Matt is, but when she realizes that his brother is someone from her troubled past she puts the breaks on a second date especially since having her daughter she wants her life to be as drama free as possible.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews