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Lifeline
What do you do when your grandmother’s dying wish is for you to come home and restore her old farmhouse?
You come home.
Vivienne Westbrook left Bellemere after graduation, heartbroken, alone, determined to make a new life for herself in New York.
She also vowed never to return. But the sudden death of her beloved Lulu has her back in the small Louisiana town, face to face with the reason she left in the first place.
Oliver Bishop is not the same seventeen-year-old that broke Vivi’s heart. His years with the SEALs wiped away any traces of that boy. He’s hardened. Scarred. Changed. He wants her back, even though it has disaster written all over it.
Bellemere has changed, too. The once sleepy, boring town is now in the spotlight, a depraved man’s playground. Women are being murdered, throwing the town into a tailspin.
Oliver and Vivienne are wrong for each other, but with the small town in crisis, it couldn’t feel more right.
You come home.
Vivienne Westbrook left Bellemere after graduation, heartbroken, alone, determined to make a new life for herself in New York.
She also vowed never to return. But the sudden death of her beloved Lulu has her back in the small Louisiana town, face to face with the reason she left in the first place.
Oliver Bishop is not the same seventeen-year-old that broke Vivi’s heart. His years with the SEALs wiped away any traces of that boy. He’s hardened. Scarred. Changed. He wants her back, even though it has disaster written all over it.
Bellemere has changed, too. The once sleepy, boring town is now in the spotlight, a depraved man’s playground. Women are being murdered, throwing the town into a tailspin.
Oliver and Vivienne are wrong for each other, but with the small town in crisis, it couldn’t feel more right.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2018
13 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
dnf
June 29, 2020If he didn’t keep it in his pants when he was a 15/16 years old and he was already in love/lust with her why would he keep it inside 16 years later while separated? It makes no sense. Oh let’s also not forget that little fact that when she finds out that he gave it to this other girl he lied to her.. LIED. He told her that the girl was lying, he asked her to be his girl right after he had sex with the OG.. Couldn’t he had done that before sticking it to someone else? Fucking dick. The excuse in his head was that he wasn’t good enough for her. These pathetic excuses are dumb.
Anyway, the only thing I liked was that she was a successful woman but it wouldn’t surprise me if she was celibate during those 16 years years since she was all about her career.
Anyway, the only thing I liked was that she was a successful woman but it wouldn’t surprise me if she was celibate during those 16 years years since she was all about her career.
October 31, 2018
BEWARE of SPOILER
It seemed like once I read it, I read it all. There's nothing new. The reason Viv stayed at her hometown that she didn't want anything to do with was a house. And the house was just that, a house. Viv wasn't at the house that much either. She kept telling us she wanted to do something with the house and I waited but nothing seemed to happen.
And then we got Oliver who had his own baggage. And then something change and he was pursuing Viv. I don't know what's stopping them from leaving the town when they once did it with no problem.
The writer tried to balance the story with romance and mystery. But that's the problem. A mystery enthusiast would want more mystery and same goes to romance enthusiast. As for me, I skimmed most the romance part.
I lost interest early on when the writer implied that gay man couldn't have cute babies. And she repeated that part in case the reader forgot that one of the character is gay. It's also stupid. Like straight man cannot be friend with straight woman.
I stick for the mystery which was not so much of a 'bang'. Things built up only for that ending. I guessed from miles away who did it and was hoping that the writer might throw me off the loop with a plot twist. The end of the mystery part meant the end for my reading. So, don't ask me what happen to Viv and Oliver.
It seemed like once I read it, I read it all. There's nothing new. The reason Viv stayed at her hometown that she didn't want anything to do with was a house. And the house was just that, a house. Viv wasn't at the house that much either. She kept telling us she wanted to do something with the house and I waited but nothing seemed to happen.
And then we got Oliver who had his own baggage. And then something change and he was pursuing Viv. I don't know what's stopping them from leaving the town when they once did it with no problem.
The writer tried to balance the story with romance and mystery. But that's the problem. A mystery enthusiast would want more mystery and same goes to romance enthusiast. As for me, I skimmed most the romance part.
I lost interest early on when the writer implied that gay man couldn't have cute babies. And she repeated that part in case the reader forgot that one of the character is gay. It's also stupid. Like straight man cannot be friend with straight woman.
I stick for the mystery which was not so much of a 'bang'. Things built up only for that ending. I guessed from miles away who did it and was hoping that the writer might throw me off the loop with a plot twist. The end of the mystery part meant the end for my reading. So, don't ask me what happen to Viv and Oliver.
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May 12, 2018
Vivienne Westbrook owns her own marketing firm in NY but when her grandma, Lulu, dies she knows she must go back to the town that she has been avoiding since she left. She is accompanied to the funeral by her assistant and best friend Davis Hampton who is there to help her through.
When the will is read Viv is shocked by the stipulation in it, requiring her to get help from her ex-boyfriend, Oliver Bishop, the man who broke her heart. Viv wonders why her grandma would make her with Oliver after everything that happened in the past.
Her small town has taken an ominous turn lately with some unexplained murders and Oliver is working closely with Sheriff Taylor Bertrand to get to the bottom of everything. When the murders seem to have link will Oliver push Viv away to keep her safe and lose her for good?
This was a great book about discovering the truth and finding love again.
I liked Vivienne and completely understood why she left town so many years before and why her heart remained broken. As the book goes on we learn the truth about what really happened and then my heart was fixed but at the same time still broken because of everything that was kept in the dark. I would have been shocked as well with the stipulations of the will but you had to know that her grandma knew what she was doing.
Oliver was a great character and so protective over Viv, even when she did not want him to be. He wanted her safe and if he couldn't have her then he was still going to do his best. He was also doing his best to discover who was doing the killings and was coming up empty.
I loved Viv's friendship with Oliver's sister, Annie and how she sometimes made her see things differently.
The twists and turns were awesome and I totally thought I knew who the killer was and then was completely shocked it was someone else. My heart completely shattered though at one of the murders.
Such a great book and I look forward to more from the author!
When the will is read Viv is shocked by the stipulation in it, requiring her to get help from her ex-boyfriend, Oliver Bishop, the man who broke her heart. Viv wonders why her grandma would make her with Oliver after everything that happened in the past.
Her small town has taken an ominous turn lately with some unexplained murders and Oliver is working closely with Sheriff Taylor Bertrand to get to the bottom of everything. When the murders seem to have link will Oliver push Viv away to keep her safe and lose her for good?
This was a great book about discovering the truth and finding love again.
I liked Vivienne and completely understood why she left town so many years before and why her heart remained broken. As the book goes on we learn the truth about what really happened and then my heart was fixed but at the same time still broken because of everything that was kept in the dark. I would have been shocked as well with the stipulations of the will but you had to know that her grandma knew what she was doing.
Oliver was a great character and so protective over Viv, even when she did not want him to be. He wanted her safe and if he couldn't have her then he was still going to do his best. He was also doing his best to discover who was doing the killings and was coming up empty.
I loved Viv's friendship with Oliver's sister, Annie and how she sometimes made her see things differently.
The twists and turns were awesome and I totally thought I knew who the killer was and then was completely shocked it was someone else. My heart completely shattered though at one of the murders.
Such a great book and I look forward to more from the author!
June 3, 2018
Home really is where the heart is.
Vivian vowed never to return to her home town. She fled with a broken heart years before. Her main connection was her beloved grandmother.
When Vivian get the call to say her grandmother has passed she knows she will need to suck it up and go pay her final respects to her Lulu.
Oliver Bishop is a haunted man. He has the ghosts of his time as a SEAL with him day and night. The closest he comes to solace is having a drink with his elderly neighbour, the grandmother of his one true love. The same love that left and never came back.
The terms of her grandmothers will have Vivian trapped in town for a while. This makes Bishop unhappy for more than the obvious reason. There is a killer on the loose and Vivian is in the killer's main criteria of victim.
Drama and heart break this book has it all. My only negative is that a lot of the drama seems to happen right at very end of the book and seems a little rushed. A good read though.
Vivian vowed never to return to her home town. She fled with a broken heart years before. Her main connection was her beloved grandmother.
When Vivian get the call to say her grandmother has passed she knows she will need to suck it up and go pay her final respects to her Lulu.
Oliver Bishop is a haunted man. He has the ghosts of his time as a SEAL with him day and night. The closest he comes to solace is having a drink with his elderly neighbour, the grandmother of his one true love. The same love that left and never came back.
The terms of her grandmothers will have Vivian trapped in town for a while. This makes Bishop unhappy for more than the obvious reason. There is a killer on the loose and Vivian is in the killer's main criteria of victim.
Drama and heart break this book has it all. My only negative is that a lot of the drama seems to happen right at very end of the book and seems a little rushed. A good read though.
April 30, 2018
Can two broken people have a second chance at love?
When Vivienne has to return home to mourn her grandmother she comes along a big surprise when she ends up having to stay in her hometown. Oliver is running the family farm after coming home from his time in the service. They are both changed people but their feelings are still there. I did love the characters in this book. They were both broken and scarred. As they find themselves coming back together they slowly heal each other. The secondary characters were also great.
The angst of the murders kept the story interesting. The murders are mentioned in the beginning but really ramp up in the end. There are plenty of twists and turns that I did not see coming. The one and only thing I wished for was to learn more about Oliver's time in the SEALS and why and what scarred him.
When Vivienne has to return home to mourn her grandmother she comes along a big surprise when she ends up having to stay in her hometown. Oliver is running the family farm after coming home from his time in the service. They are both changed people but their feelings are still there. I did love the characters in this book. They were both broken and scarred. As they find themselves coming back together they slowly heal each other. The secondary characters were also great.
The angst of the murders kept the story interesting. The murders are mentioned in the beginning but really ramp up in the end. There are plenty of twists and turns that I did not see coming. The one and only thing I wished for was to learn more about Oliver's time in the SEALS and why and what scarred him.
June 6, 2018
I love second chance romances and this one was so much more. Viviane fled her home town when she was told her high school sweet heart left with no intention to come back for her. She was devistaed but determined to never come back. She kept in touch with her grandmother daily but avoided all information about Oliver and his family. When her grandmother passes, she must come back for the funeral. Fly in for one day. That's it. Her grandmother had other plans for her though. She inherited the house with a stipulation, she must fix it up. Shes not allowed to sell before it's done and she has to give first option to Oliver. Oh! And he has to help her with the repairs.
This moved in ways I didn't see coming. Pages turned without me even realizing it. The story that unfolds is way by one what I expected.
This moved in ways I didn't see coming. Pages turned without me even realizing it. The story that unfolds is way by one what I expected.
June 11, 2018
Solid 4.5 Stars. Oliver and Vivienne....or Ollie and Vivi... They had epic love...and then they suddenly didn't. Ollie and Vivi reunite after the death of her grandmother. Vivienne has a successful life in New York, but her fulfilling her grandmother's dying wish is so important she uproots herself and sets to do just that....but one problem...Ollie is her next door neighbor and he is troubled from his time in the military. To complicate things, there seems to be a killer on the loose, and Ollie vows to protect Vivi at all costs. Vivienne's renewed residency in her small town has her rethinking where she belongs. It isn't long before she realized she belongs with Ollie, but at what cost? There are a few big surprises in this one. the author takes a few risks and creates a suspenseful chemical second chance romance.
July 14, 2019
It had a good double plot. There was a lot of back story regarding the characters and why they fell apart years ago. Then there was the murders.
However, I felt like things were roughly explained with big time gaps. Some of the story was highly unbelievable...such as her being in this town did weeks and months. Not paying attention to a company she owns in New York.
The slang was weird too...can someone please explain what 'utting means because it was used in all manners to where I couldn't interpret the southern slang whatsoever. There was another in the book too that drive me crazy.
The person behind the murders was someone not at all on my radar. I had a feeling why the person did it and was correct but definitely wasn't close.
However, I felt like things were roughly explained with big time gaps. Some of the story was highly unbelievable...such as her being in this town did weeks and months. Not paying attention to a company she owns in New York.
The slang was weird too...can someone please explain what 'utting means because it was used in all manners to where I couldn't interpret the southern slang whatsoever. There was another in the book too that drive me crazy.
The person behind the murders was someone not at all on my radar. I had a feeling why the person did it and was correct but definitely wasn't close.
April 30, 2018
A romantic mystery that captures your interest right away. Oliver "Ollie" Bishop is the hometown boy back from the military struggling to survive his demons. Vivienne is back in town to bury her grandmother after running away sixteen years ago when Ollie broke her heart. An unexpected request keeps Vivienne in town and in Ollie's sights. As they continually cross paths old feelings surface and they rekindle their love. But a murder is at work in town and has Ollie on alert, causing stress and problems for the new couple. A well written, likable read by an author I will be adding to my favorites list. Highly recommended.
July 30, 2019
A great book from beginning to end.
This is the story of Vivienne who lost the only love she had ever had and decided to leave her small hometown for the bright lights of New York.
Lulu the grandmother she left behind was one of her only links to the town and it wasn’t until her death that Vivienne had to return, along with Davis her right hand man.
It wasn’t till after the ceremony that she was handed the letter that would change everything for not only her but the love she thought had abandoned her when she was at her lowest all of them years ago.
Lulu had always had her best interests at heart but could she carry out her grandmothers final wishes and keep her head and heart intact?
This is the story of Vivienne who lost the only love she had ever had and decided to leave her small hometown for the bright lights of New York.
Lulu the grandmother she left behind was one of her only links to the town and it wasn’t until her death that Vivienne had to return, along with Davis her right hand man.
It wasn’t till after the ceremony that she was handed the letter that would change everything for not only her but the love she thought had abandoned her when she was at her lowest all of them years ago.
Lulu had always had her best interests at heart but could she carry out her grandmothers final wishes and keep her head and heart intact?
April 17, 2018
This was such a beautiful second chance romance. Ollie and Viv had a beautiful romance but it was all ruined in a blink of eye. Some things happen that changed their lives forever. With some help of Viv's grandma, they were able to reconnect and find themselves again. Mixed with some mystery and romance, this is a book that was hard to put down. Ollie and Viv are great characters . This book touches on some delicate issues and handles them wonderfully. I loved all the characters and was sad to lose one even though you kinda wonder if it happens or not.
May 7, 2018
Lifeline follows Vivienne and Ollie. The 2 were childhood sweethearts but after a misunderstanding, deliberately by Vivienne’s mother the 2 both think they were abandoned by the other. Over the last 16 years they’ve lived very different lives, that is until Vivienne’s grandmother dies and her will brings Vivienne from New York back to her home town. Here she reconnects with Ollie and they discover what her mum did that split them up. I really enjoyed this book, not only is their the story of these 2 reconnecting but there is also a sub plot where women from Ollie’s past are being murdered.
July 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this second chance romance with a good helping of suspense. The characters were well written, and the author’s writing is easy to read. There are some sad and bittersweet moments. The heroine’s grandma sounds like a force of nature.
The path the two main characters take is a thorny one; they have a history that neither can forgive or forget. In the end they have to face their demons apart and together in order to find a way forward. I received a copy of this book from the author via Quirky Blind date with a Book.
The path the two main characters take is a thorny one; they have a history that neither can forgive or forget. In the end they have to face their demons apart and together in order to find a way forward. I received a copy of this book from the author via Quirky Blind date with a Book.
May 6, 2018
If you want twist and turns and suspense, you will love this book. Vivienne just got a terrible call from her mom. Her grandma passes away. Lulu was her best friend and her biggest supporter. She left to fix herself 16 years ago now she has one of the most successful marketing firm in the northeast. Oliver "Ollie" is back and running his families farm. These two get thrown back together by her gramdmas last wish in her will. This is a second chance romance story with suspense. Loved it.
May 12, 2018
Wow!! Gretchen Tubbs is a First time AUTHOR for me and She Had Me at the Very First chapter! Must warn you, it is a simply an Emotional journey and must have Tissues handy! Second chance Romances are One of my Favorite books and this one is No Exception! Vivienne and Oliver Storytelling is an Epic Suspenseful and Passionate Rollercoaster ride with Twists & Turns that will leave you wanting more!! Definitely an Author I'm Reading more books From!! A MUST READ BOOK!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 21, 2018
Always a great book when you have the military involved in it. Being a military brat, I enjoy how the author now's what they are writing. You need to research this or be one. Its a tough thing but a must to keep our country safe. The story was great, sad but had a lot of heart into it. I enjoyed each person and could relate of their feels which is hard to come through in writing, so I give a high five on a story well written.
June 21, 2018
I like second-chance romances. I like that when you have a strong bond/love with someone that nothing can break it, even being worlds apart at times. All you need is just a little push from above, some communication that probably should have happened eons ago, and some alone time...easy! (Or is it?)
And on top of that, some serial killer is going after women...like there wasn't enough drama to keep things interesting.
And on top of that, some serial killer is going after women...like there wasn't enough drama to keep things interesting.
May 14, 2018
I really love second chance romances and this one was great. It was a quick read but had loads packed in. Oliver and Vivienne’s past made them into the people they are today, they had both suffered heartbreak. How their story unfolded was beautifully written, the suspense was great with a few surprises thrown in. I enjoyed trying to figure things out and will definitely read more from Gretchen
May 22, 2018
Viv and Ollie have to overcome their pasts, live through a dangerous present before any type of future can be had. Second chance romance, suspense, murders, mystery. Smokey, sweet heat, as resolutions of past dramas are met. I liked this well written book. new to me author. Characters are relatable, plot is developed. recomended.
May 28, 2018
This is my first book by Gretchen Tubbs, and I really enjoyed it. This is a second chance romance with some mystery. I really loved the characters Ollie and Viv! Their chemistry is so powerful and their love for each other is so consuming. What these two go through apart and together is so beautiful and heartbreaking.
On another note, I absolutely loved Vivi's best friend Davis!!
On another note, I absolutely loved Vivi's best friend Davis!!
July 19, 2018
This author is new to me. I look forward to reading more. The story is full of emotions we can all relate to. It kept me reading needing to know if Vivi and Ollie can make their second chance work. After a gentle helping hand from Vivi's grandmother.
First love better the second time around.
First love better the second time around.
April 15, 2018
Oh my vivianne goes home when her grandma passes but when she runs into a ex boyfriend her whole world shakes up. Oliver is mad at Vivian for past discretion’s will they get over it plus Ollie is solving some crazy ness going on in his town and what’s the kicker it has you guessing
April 23, 2018
Lifeline is the first book I have read by this author. It was a really enjoyable read with a little bit of everything in the storyline. Second chance love, suspense and steamy scenes etc. I will definitely be reading more books by Gretchen.
April 24, 2018
I was provided a copy of this book and this is my honest review.......
Second chance romance, with some suspense thrown in. Ollie and Viv are well written, interesting characters thrown together by grandma’s will. There is drama as well in this page turner. Solid read!!
Second chance romance, with some suspense thrown in. Ollie and Viv are well written, interesting characters thrown together by grandma’s will. There is drama as well in this page turner. Solid read!!
June 8, 2018
This book was pretty different than what I was expecting actually. Vivienne and Ollie had a pretty rocky last that they were going to have to work thru to grant Lulu last wish. I love the dog aspect of this book and Cat omg all !that cuteness.
June 24, 2018
Loved this story. A hot ex navy seal, a beautiful best friend, a meddling grandmother and a second chance for Ollie and Vivi. What more could you ask for in a story. This was a great story with a slow build up to the HEA.
June 25, 2018
I loved this book as it goes from the present Viv and Oliver bishop to the past them and how their lives were intertwined until he broke her heart and they both left town. Now they are both back and the story really starts out sad and gets good at the same time.
July 7, 2018
Loved this story! This was my first novel by this author, but will not be my last. This was both a romance and a mystery, and it delivered on both. You feel invested in the main characters quickly and you want them to find their happy ending. I would recommend this book.
July 19, 2018
Great read, had an amazing story line with suspense and dirtiness. I just loved how this book kept me on my toes and wanting to know what was going to happen next some great surprises in the story line. I would love to read more with
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