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Secret Billionaire #4
The Owner's Secret
A brutal storm. A cryptic message. A life changed . . . forever.
Melody de Lyon's cozy New Orleans bookstore is her pride and joy – until a violent hurricane sweeps it all away. Forced to flee the storm by boat with her ailing grandmother, she wonders how she will ever pick up the pieces of this disaster.
Then, in a fevered state, her grandmother utters a cryptic message that sets Melody on the quest of a lifetime: “Go to White Castle.”
With nothing left to lose, Melody seeks out the old mansion – a beautiful Southern relic haunted by secrets. Once there, she finds Britt Mandeville, the handsome and charming White Castle caretaker.
Sparks fly, but any hopes of a relationship between them are dashed when she discovers that Britt is already spoken for.
When Melody stumbles across a strange 60-year-old photograph in the house, she is determined to find answers – and the shocking revelations and strange twists of fate lead her right back to Britt.
Can she put all the pieces of the puzzle together, or will family secrets and true love be lost to her forever?
Melody de Lyon's cozy New Orleans bookstore is her pride and joy – until a violent hurricane sweeps it all away. Forced to flee the storm by boat with her ailing grandmother, she wonders how she will ever pick up the pieces of this disaster.
Then, in a fevered state, her grandmother utters a cryptic message that sets Melody on the quest of a lifetime: “Go to White Castle.”
With nothing left to lose, Melody seeks out the old mansion – a beautiful Southern relic haunted by secrets. Once there, she finds Britt Mandeville, the handsome and charming White Castle caretaker.
Sparks fly, but any hopes of a relationship between them are dashed when she discovers that Britt is already spoken for.
When Melody stumbles across a strange 60-year-old photograph in the house, she is determined to find answers – and the shocking revelations and strange twists of fate lead her right back to Britt.
Can she put all the pieces of the puzzle together, or will family secrets and true love be lost to her forever?
236 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2018
722 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Kimberley Montpetit
66 books390 followersKimberley Montpetit once spent all her souvenir money at the La Patisserie shops when she was in Paris—on the arm of her adorable husband. The author grew up in San Francisco, another swoon-worthy city, loves all things Parisian and chocolate and lives in a small town along the Rio Grande with her family.
Kimberley has won many awards for her work, including the Southwest Book Award, the Whitney Award, the Arizona/New Mexico Book Award, is a Crystal Kite Finalist (SCBWI) and included in the Bank Street College Best Books of the Year.
She once stayed in a haunted castle tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland, sailed on the Seine in Paris, walked the beaches of Normandy, eaten in numerous French cafes, ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan, sunbathed on Waikiki, shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria.
She adores all baked goodies; brownies, éclairs, donuts, tarts, and pie, and makes a lot of chocolate chip cookies while revising.
Kimberley is, of course, hard at work on her next novel(s).
Kimberley has won many awards for her work, including the Southwest Book Award, the Whitney Award, the Arizona/New Mexico Book Award, is a Crystal Kite Finalist (SCBWI) and included in the Bank Street College Best Books of the Year.
She once stayed in a haunted castle tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland, sailed on the Seine in Paris, walked the beaches of Normandy, eaten in numerous French cafes, ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan, sunbathed on Waikiki, shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria.
She adores all baked goodies; brownies, éclairs, donuts, tarts, and pie, and makes a lot of chocolate chip cookies while revising.
Kimberley is, of course, hard at work on her next novel(s).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 5, 2018
The Owner's Secret had me hooked from the very beginning. Britt Mandeville is a character who is hard to forget. Melody tries to, but all his gentlemanly ways, and his devastatingly good looks are not helping. With the mystery of White Castle and her grandmother urging her to go there for refuge after the hurricane, Melody finds herself drawn to Britt and the strange memories surrounding the beautiful plantation mansion. I loved the mystery, the history of the southern plantation, the fun literary references, but especially the friendship and swoony romance between Britt and Melody. I didn't want to set the book down, even after I had finished the last page. Clean and swoony romance readers alike, this is one book you'll not want to miss!
Content: Clean
Happy Reading!!!
Content: Clean
Happy Reading!!!
September 18, 2018
(3.5 Stars) It was a little surreal to read this book just as Hurricane Florence was marching through the Atlantic, unleashing a stormy fury on the Eastern coast of the United States. The book opens with a hurricane in Louisiana--both physically and literally, ha ha.
Melody has an interesting family and her journey to White Castle, at her sick grandmother's urging, really showcases the crazy, but I especially enjoyed the slight mystery that developed. Her arrival takes Britt, the jack-of-all-trades, by surprise, but the sparks that instantaneously fly between them are no laughing matter.
Both Britt and Melody are old-fashioned: they love things of the past, stories of times gone by, and their speech and mannerisms are from an older era. A more suited match couldn't have been made by anything other than chance. This is sweet, but seemed a little incongruous to who their inner characters were, especially when given very recent relationships.
I love that this romance isn't neat and tidy--there are some messy connections to deal with--in multiple facets of their lives, which made it enjoyable.
Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril
Melody has an interesting family and her journey to White Castle, at her sick grandmother's urging, really showcases the crazy, but I especially enjoyed the slight mystery that developed. Her arrival takes Britt, the jack-of-all-trades, by surprise, but the sparks that instantaneously fly between them are no laughing matter.
Both Britt and Melody are old-fashioned: they love things of the past, stories of times gone by, and their speech and mannerisms are from an older era. A more suited match couldn't have been made by anything other than chance. This is sweet, but seemed a little incongruous to who their inner characters were, especially when given very recent relationships.
I love that this romance isn't neat and tidy--there are some messy connections to deal with--in multiple facets of their lives, which made it enjoyable.
Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril
June 3, 2021
Wow!! I started reading this book while my sweetheart was in the VA having blood work done. After some shopping & a quick bite to eat, I had to stick my nose back into the world of southern mansions. I love stories like this one!! A hurricane, a family mystery, a beautiful old antebellum mansion, and a hunky guy~~ what's not to love!?
October 24, 2018
There are tons of these billionaire type romances. I’ve really enjoyed the ones that I’ve read. And Kimberly Montpetit is one of my favorite authors. This book was a lot of fun! I loved the plot, the characters and the way the characters and the setting all fit together in the end.
This book starts with Britt. There’s a hurricane brewing and it seems like the perfect time to ask his girlfriend, Crystal, to marry him. It doesn’t hurt that he’s got one of the most romantic settings ever, the ballroom of the White Castle mansion. There’s just one problem, Crystal wants nothing to do with the beautiful antebellum mansion. She leaves, breaking off their relationship and taking the gigantic rock he bought her with her. I liked Britt. There was a lot more to him than meets the eye. I loved his kindness and the way he was constantly looking out for someone else. He watches out for Melody and he constantly wants to help others who were hurt by the hurricane.
Melody was right in the midst of the hurricane in New Orleans. She was caring for her sick grandmother when the flood waters started coming in. She ends up leaving her grandma in the hospital, and trying to fulfill the promise she made to her grandmother to go to White Castle. Melody happens to have also already lost her home, her bookstore and her boyfriend. I loved her unselfishness. She was always more concerned for someone else than herself, her grandma, her sister (her horrible sister) and pretty much everyone around her.
I loved the portion of the plot that dealt with White Castle. Melody has no idea why her grandma wanted her to go there so badly. She was so curious about it that she went and did a bunch of research to figure out what her reasons could have been. She makes some really great discoveries, not only about the mansion, but also about Britt.
The ending of this one is so perfect. It’s romantic and beautiful. I loved everything about it.
If you like contemporary romance, make sure to pick this one up!
This book starts with Britt. There’s a hurricane brewing and it seems like the perfect time to ask his girlfriend, Crystal, to marry him. It doesn’t hurt that he’s got one of the most romantic settings ever, the ballroom of the White Castle mansion. There’s just one problem, Crystal wants nothing to do with the beautiful antebellum mansion. She leaves, breaking off their relationship and taking the gigantic rock he bought her with her. I liked Britt. There was a lot more to him than meets the eye. I loved his kindness and the way he was constantly looking out for someone else. He watches out for Melody and he constantly wants to help others who were hurt by the hurricane.
Melody was right in the midst of the hurricane in New Orleans. She was caring for her sick grandmother when the flood waters started coming in. She ends up leaving her grandma in the hospital, and trying to fulfill the promise she made to her grandmother to go to White Castle. Melody happens to have also already lost her home, her bookstore and her boyfriend. I loved her unselfishness. She was always more concerned for someone else than herself, her grandma, her sister (her horrible sister) and pretty much everyone around her.
I loved the portion of the plot that dealt with White Castle. Melody has no idea why her grandma wanted her to go there so badly. She was so curious about it that she went and did a bunch of research to figure out what her reasons could have been. She makes some really great discoveries, not only about the mansion, but also about Britt.
The ending of this one is so perfect. It’s romantic and beautiful. I loved everything about it.
If you like contemporary romance, make sure to pick this one up!
March 26, 2020
This is a billionaire romance. I tend to stay away from this genre even though it is popular. But this was about a rich guy who was very humble and doesn’t want many to know he is rich. I like the premise of Melody owning a bookshop in New Orleans. And when trouble in the form if a hurricane hits, there are loads of possibilities. The author gives us lots to think about with a sick grandma who is mysteriously connected to White Castle, an old mansion on the Mississippi. Good thing Melody and Britt, hunky billionaire, love history and old mansions. There is a twist or two and lots if hunting through attics and records to find the real owner of White Castle. Fun stuff. A quick, enjoyable read.
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
January 4, 2022
-‘Would he ever find the right woman to share his passions and interests? He was thirty-five and so far, had been utterly unlucky in love. Maybe he was looking in all the wrong places.’-
First the good... gorgeous cover!
Now, the part I didn’t enjoy so much... I’m not a fan of regency or historical romances as a genre in general and, although this is supposed to be a contemporary story, I found it read too much like a historical for me and it really wasn’t for me.
First the good... gorgeous cover!
Now, the part I didn’t enjoy so much... I’m not a fan of regency or historical romances as a genre in general and, although this is supposed to be a contemporary story, I found it read too much like a historical for me and it really wasn’t for me.
September 6, 2018
Nothing like a little Southern romance! This story follows Britt, a really nice guy ready to start a family with his girlfriend who turns out to be rather mercenary and not at all like he thought. Disillusioned by his bad relationship luck he wonders what will his future hold. Enter Melody, a bookstore owner displaced by the hurricane. She stumbles into the White Castle plantation and into Britt’s life. Britt and Melody have so much in common having a shared love of Southern history and they would make just the cutest couple if all these roadblocks didn’t keep getting in their way......
This story was so much fun to read. It starts off with an botched wedding proposal and is quickly followed by another traumatic event- a devastating hurricane and flooding. My heart kept leaping at all the drama and suspense going on. I couldn’t put this book down. The book was so descriptive that I felt like I was there in this hurricane rushing to save my granny. Then there is the beautiful antebellum plantation home where most of the action takes place. So picturesque that I found myself sidetracked on Pinterest looking up awesome Southern estates.
I’ve read other books by this author and I think this book has the best dialogue of all the others. It was like I was reading a modern day flirty banter between Scarlet O’Hara and Rhett Butler. Also there was this whole suspense going on about why Melody’s grandmother wanted her to go to White Castle. Mystery! Intrigue! Just lots of fun stuff in this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author. However, this review is voluntary and my honest opinion.
This story was so much fun to read. It starts off with an botched wedding proposal and is quickly followed by another traumatic event- a devastating hurricane and flooding. My heart kept leaping at all the drama and suspense going on. I couldn’t put this book down. The book was so descriptive that I felt like I was there in this hurricane rushing to save my granny. Then there is the beautiful antebellum plantation home where most of the action takes place. So picturesque that I found myself sidetracked on Pinterest looking up awesome Southern estates.
I’ve read other books by this author and I think this book has the best dialogue of all the others. It was like I was reading a modern day flirty banter between Scarlet O’Hara and Rhett Butler. Also there was this whole suspense going on about why Melody’s grandmother wanted her to go to White Castle. Mystery! Intrigue! Just lots of fun stuff in this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author. However, this review is voluntary and my honest opinion.
September 7, 2018
Owner's Secret is a captivating book.
It grabs you from the very first pages
to the last! It's a touching, & emotional story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
Melody's grandma Mirry is very ill.
Mirry's home was being flooded,
& Melody needed to get her help.
She kept saying to Melody "White Castle". Once Mirry was in a hospital, & she had
no where to go, she decided to find
White Castle.
There is where Melody meets Britt,
the caretaker. She thought the home
was abandoned. Britt asked Melody
to say. She would be safe from all the flooding. Melody still wondered what
the mystery was about White Castle,
& what it meant to her grandma.
Melody searched to uncover the
mystery & of it's caretaker, Britt.
This is a well-written book with
memorable characters that just
unfolded brilliantly!
Most Highly Recommended!!!
It grabs you from the very first pages
to the last! It's a touching, & emotional story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
Melody's grandma Mirry is very ill.
Mirry's home was being flooded,
& Melody needed to get her help.
She kept saying to Melody "White Castle". Once Mirry was in a hospital, & she had
no where to go, she decided to find
White Castle.
There is where Melody meets Britt,
the caretaker. She thought the home
was abandoned. Britt asked Melody
to say. She would be safe from all the flooding. Melody still wondered what
the mystery was about White Castle,
& what it meant to her grandma.
Melody searched to uncover the
mystery & of it's caretaker, Britt.
This is a well-written book with
memorable characters that just
unfolded brilliantly!
Most Highly Recommended!!!
September 18, 2018
Lots of twists and mysterious, unexpected connections. Some cute scenes with the MC's. I liked how down to earth the billionaire was. The language seemed a little old fashioned. That bugged me. I didn't know if it was intentional because the story focused around the late 1800's/early 1900's, but people in our day don't really talk like the MC's talked. I would have liked to have seen one more scene with the ex-fiance for some closure rather than her just disappearing from their lives. She was so angry and in their face about the relationship and then she disappeared. Interesting to think about life after a hurricane and how difficult it would be to pick up the pieces. Gets the reader interested in getting in touch with their roots. It was clean. No language. No sex. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2020
I loved everything about this book. A couple of pages in, I turned to my husband and asked how a guy can want to be with someone so stupid?? (You'll see what I mean when you read Crystal's idea of the Civil War.) I'm glad Britt realized it wouldn't work on his own, BEFORE he met Melody.
Well-written and paced, I enjoyed the wit between the characters and the bit about family history. Definitely recommend.
Well-written and paced, I enjoyed the wit between the characters and the bit about family history. Definitely recommend.
kindle-free-self
May 1, 2022I'm very sorry, but I simply could not get past the idea of "White Castle" as the name of a plantation. Sliders, anyone?
September 15, 2018
I loved this book and didn't want to put it down. I love history, especially the Antebellum era and just fell in love with the White Castle Plantation. This book had me from the very beginning. First I was disgusted with Britt's choice of girlfriend and couldn't wait to see how that panned out and then the hurricane struck and I could not believe the devastation, loss and struggle. In ways I felt like I was right there living it. Then Melody and Britt meet and their chemistry is amazing! They click instantly and they are so wonderful together. He's such a great Southern gentleman and she's a caring independent woman and they just go together so well. I also enjoyed the intrigue throughout the book. It was a great addition to this sweet romance.
September 14, 2018
Melody de Lyon owned a bookstore in New Orleans and she took care of her grandmother. When a hurricane swept through New Orleans, she lost her bookstore, her apartment and her grandmother's home. Her grandmother was very ill and during the worst part of the storm, she and her grandmother were evacuated by boat ambulance. Her grandmother was admitted to the hospital running a high fever and having pneumonia. Before she left her grandmother's side, her grandmother told her to "go to White Castle".
White Castle was a southern plantation home between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Even though she didn't understand her grandmother's need to have her go to White Castle, she went. When she arrived at the plantation, she met the gardener/caretaker, Britt Mandeville. There was an instant connection with the handsome man who turned out to be her sister's fiance', sort of.
The more time Melody spent with Britt, the more she learned about the secrets of White Castle and the secrets that Britt kept, also. As her home and business were being repaired, she wanted more than just a casual friendship with Britt. Was that even possible? Would the secrets between them destroy the fragile new relationship? Would there be a happy ever after for them?
I grew up in Louisiana and loved the telling about this fictional historic plantation home and about the history of the south. This was a sweet, clean romantic story that is appropriate for anyone to read. This is not the first of this author's books that I have read and I am certain it won't be the last, either.
White Castle was a southern plantation home between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Even though she didn't understand her grandmother's need to have her go to White Castle, she went. When she arrived at the plantation, she met the gardener/caretaker, Britt Mandeville. There was an instant connection with the handsome man who turned out to be her sister's fiance', sort of.
The more time Melody spent with Britt, the more she learned about the secrets of White Castle and the secrets that Britt kept, also. As her home and business were being repaired, she wanted more than just a casual friendship with Britt. Was that even possible? Would the secrets between them destroy the fragile new relationship? Would there be a happy ever after for them?
I grew up in Louisiana and loved the telling about this fictional historic plantation home and about the history of the south. This was a sweet, clean romantic story that is appropriate for anyone to read. This is not the first of this author's books that I have read and I am certain it won't be the last, either.
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Blurb:
A brutal storm. A cryptic message. A life changed . . . forever.
Melody de Lyon's cozy New Orleans bookstore is her pride and joy – until a violent hurricane sweeps it all away. Forced to flee the storm by boat with her ailing grandmother, she wonders how she will ever pick up the pieces of this disaster.
Then, in a fevered state, her grandmother utters a cryptic message that sets Melody on the quest of a lifetime: “Go to White Castle.”
With nothing left to lose, Melody seeks out the old mansion – a beautiful Southern relic haunted by secrets. Once there, she finds Britt Mandeville, the handsome and charming White Castle caretaker.
Sparks fly, but any hopes of a relationship between them are dashed when she discovers that Britt is already spoken for.
When Melody stumbles across a strange 60-year-old photograph in the house, she is determined to find answers – and the shocking revelations and strange twists of fate lead her right back to Britt.
Can she put all the pieces of the puzzle together, or will family secrets and true love be lost to her forever?
Blurb:
A brutal storm. A cryptic message. A life changed . . . forever.
Melody de Lyon's cozy New Orleans bookstore is her pride and joy – until a violent hurricane sweeps it all away. Forced to flee the storm by boat with her ailing grandmother, she wonders how she will ever pick up the pieces of this disaster.
Then, in a fevered state, her grandmother utters a cryptic message that sets Melody on the quest of a lifetime: “Go to White Castle.”
With nothing left to lose, Melody seeks out the old mansion – a beautiful Southern relic haunted by secrets. Once there, she finds Britt Mandeville, the handsome and charming White Castle caretaker.
Sparks fly, but any hopes of a relationship between them are dashed when she discovers that Britt is already spoken for.
When Melody stumbles across a strange 60-year-old photograph in the house, she is determined to find answers – and the shocking revelations and strange twists of fate lead her right back to Britt.
Can she put all the pieces of the puzzle together, or will family secrets and true love be lost to her forever?
September 25, 2018
This is the first book from this series that I have read. From what I can tell it can be read as a stand-alone novel but I am looking forward to catching up on what the other ones in the series are like.
This was a sweet, clean romance. I liked the interaction between the two main characters. In some ways it was rather fast moving in that the book jumped ahead by weeks & then months without you realising it. But this was understandable.
I don’t like to give away spoilers, so I’ll just leave it with saying that I found this book to be a sweet & enjoyable read.
This was a sweet, clean romance. I liked the interaction between the two main characters. In some ways it was rather fast moving in that the book jumped ahead by weeks & then months without you realising it. But this was understandable.
I don’t like to give away spoilers, so I’ll just leave it with saying that I found this book to be a sweet & enjoyable read.
November 15, 2018
The Owner's Secret: A Secret Billionaire Romance - PG
Violence: none
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: no sex, a few kisses
I'm Southern, so I usually like anything that's set in the South. This didn't disappoint because it also had several of my other favorites: loads of books and a smart, gentlemanly Hero. I liked that the heroine had such a strong loyalty to her family. Good book!
Violence: none
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: no sex, a few kisses
I'm Southern, so I usually like anything that's set in the South. This didn't disappoint because it also had several of my other favorites: loads of books and a smart, gentlemanly Hero. I liked that the heroine had such a strong loyalty to her family. Good book!
June 1, 2020
I loved this story! I loved the characters, I loved the castle and I loved all of the history that they discovered together. This is a really sweet, clean romance.
October 25, 2018
Melody ends up at White Castle after her ailing grandmother tells her to go there. But why?
Britt lives at White Castle. So, when a woman lands in his entryway, he's both surprised and intrigued. Who is she?
As they get to know each other, they are both aware that there is a very real attraction between them, but is it right to give in to it? After all, he just proposed to another woman a week earlier.
What follows is part mystery, with Melody searching the house for clues as to why her grandmother wanted her to be there, as well as part love triangle. When Melody discovers who the other woman is, she's more than determined to resist Britt's charms. But, with Britt determined to win her heart, can she resist for long?
For the most part, the storyline worked. There were a few leaps in logic, and although the title of the story is about a secret, the amount of secrets in the story is a bit excessive. Also, the other woman and that drama just felt over the top.
On the good side, Britt is a great billionaire hero. Even though he has some fancy cars, he doesn't flaunt them, and he chooses to do things himself instead of hiring it done. Also, Melody tries to be very level headed and follows through with her research.
Romance - PG, kissing
Language - PG / clean
Violence - mentioned damage and injuries from the storm. Also referenced dangers after the storm.
My rating - 4 stars
Britt lives at White Castle. So, when a woman lands in his entryway, he's both surprised and intrigued. Who is she?
As they get to know each other, they are both aware that there is a very real attraction between them, but is it right to give in to it? After all, he just proposed to another woman a week earlier.
What follows is part mystery, with Melody searching the house for clues as to why her grandmother wanted her to be there, as well as part love triangle. When Melody discovers who the other woman is, she's more than determined to resist Britt's charms. But, with Britt determined to win her heart, can she resist for long?
For the most part, the storyline worked. There were a few leaps in logic, and although the title of the story is about a secret, the amount of secrets in the story is a bit excessive. Also, the other woman and that drama just felt over the top.
On the good side, Britt is a great billionaire hero. Even though he has some fancy cars, he doesn't flaunt them, and he chooses to do things himself instead of hiring it done. Also, Melody tries to be very level headed and follows through with her research.
Romance - PG, kissing
Language - PG / clean
Violence - mentioned damage and injuries from the storm. Also referenced dangers after the storm.
My rating - 4 stars
September 23, 2018
Melody and Britt meet in the aftermath of a hurricane. They have an instant attraction to eachother, but some surprising developments get in the way of their relationship.
There was the added mystery of why Melody's grandma asked her to seek out the White Castle Plantation, whose caretaker is Britt, at the first place.
What I like was the gentleness, generosity and down-to-earthedness (is there such a phrase? :D) of Britt. I also liked that Melody wouldn't get involved with a taken man.
What I didn't like so much was the insta love (just not my cuppa), the forwarding of the relationship (several months a squeezed into few paragraphs) and the absence of Britt's point of view from a certain moment on (I really prefer books that narrate both from the male and female perspective - why did this dual POV stop in this book, I don't know).
Religion: not really
Narrative: 3rd person, following Melody (some chapters Britt at the beginning)
Romance: overall clean (some phrases like "her legs trembled with attraction and desire for this man" I didn't appreciate that much)
There was the added mystery of why Melody's grandma asked her to seek out the White Castle Plantation, whose caretaker is Britt, at the first place.
What I like was the gentleness, generosity and down-to-earthedness (is there such a phrase? :D) of Britt. I also liked that Melody wouldn't get involved with a taken man.
What I didn't like so much was the insta love (just not my cuppa), the forwarding of the relationship (several months a squeezed into few paragraphs) and the absence of Britt's point of view from a certain moment on (I really prefer books that narrate both from the male and female perspective - why did this dual POV stop in this book, I don't know).
Religion: not really
Narrative: 3rd person, following Melody (some chapters Britt at the beginning)
Romance: overall clean (some phrases like "her legs trembled with attraction and desire for this man" I didn't appreciate that much)
September 25, 2018
Britt's proposal to Crystal went down like a lead balloon, so they broke things off, Crystal disappointed that the castle he lives in isn't more modern and Britt realising how little he ever really knew her. Then, only a week or two later, a girl (or is she an angel?) lands on his front mat, escaping a hurricane in which she has lost everything - her home, her car, her bookstore. Melody has been sent to White Castle, where Britt is caretaker, by her grandmother, desperately ill with pneumonia and in hospital in New Orleans - but why? What is the connection between her grandmother and this old mansion? And though a connection grows between Britt and Melody, can it survive a visit from her sister Crystal (yep, the same person), who claims to be engaged to Britt, ring and all?
This was a fairly light, clean, enjoyable read. The writing is generally pretty good, the storyline is good though somewhat predictable, and the characters felt real. Though part of a series, the book is a standalone romance. All in all, an author I enjoy reading. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
This was a fairly light, clean, enjoyable read. The writing is generally pretty good, the storyline is good though somewhat predictable, and the characters felt real. Though part of a series, the book is a standalone romance. All in all, an author I enjoy reading. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
September 13, 2018
This was a wonderfully written and very captivating book. I love that it is a contemporary romance but with a lot of history throughout the book. Melody and her sick grandmother were in a terrible hurricane and lost just about everything. When Melody was leaving her grandma in the hospital she told her to "go to White Castle" so she searched it out and headed to this amazing southern plantation which was not what she expected and little did she know her life was going to change forever. Britt is such a southern gentleman who has a girlfriend turned fiancé and ex fiancé real quick. When he and Melody meet at White Castle sparks fly real quick and a twist with the ex fiancé happens. The development and chemistry of the characters, the beautiful setting, and the storyline made for an excellent and very intriguing book.
October 31, 2018
I give this book 3.5 stars. This is the first book by Kimberley Montpetit I have read and it is fun, clean, and fast-paced. The premise of an old Southern sugar plantation mansion bringing together a secret billionaire and a bookstore owner in the midst of a hurricane with a hint of family mystery definitely drew me into the story. Melody is sweet, spunky, kind, and tender-hearted while Britt is downright swoon-worthy with his love for history and antiques and his caring, thoughtful, and considerate ways. Melody’s backstory is better fleshed-out than Britt’s; it would have been nice to have more of Britt’s past enter the storyline. The dialogue is fun and there are some interesting twists to the plot.
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher through Kathy at I Am A Reader and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher through Kathy at I Am A Reader and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
June 14, 2020
Sweet, Clean Romance, But...
This was a sweet, clean romance, but the conflicts were strange to me. The dialog was odd in places, too. There were several bits of wording that could've been worked on a little more. Also, for a person who was determined not to take things any further, she sure didn't work too hard at it.
Having said all that, the settings were beautifully painted. I was pleased to see this was based on a real location. It's a great way to encourage people to explore history and Louisiana. I loved the connection between the heroine and her grandmother. That relationship was the most believable to me. I did like the fact that the hero respected her wishes about waiting to make things official.
If you're looking for a quick, clean romance to read, you might give this one a try.
This was a sweet, clean romance, but the conflicts were strange to me. The dialog was odd in places, too. There were several bits of wording that could've been worked on a little more. Also, for a person who was determined not to take things any further, she sure didn't work too hard at it.
Having said all that, the settings were beautifully painted. I was pleased to see this was based on a real location. It's a great way to encourage people to explore history and Louisiana. I loved the connection between the heroine and her grandmother. That relationship was the most believable to me. I did like the fact that the hero respected her wishes about waiting to make things official.
If you're looking for a quick, clean romance to read, you might give this one a try.
September 9, 2020
Story: 5 stars
Likable main characters forced together during a hurricane and it's aftermath. A mystery to solve and a grandmother who is the reason the heroine finds the hero. It's all very romantic...
I read parts of this story and it wasn't as magical in my inner-voice. The voice actress is what makes this book amazing!
Narrator: 5 stars
This is the second book I've listened to that is voice-acted by Reagan Boggs. Her voice, with it's southern accent and mellow calmness, creates a feeling to this listening experience that makes you want it to never end. I will actively search out more books read by this voice actress. Her male/female voices have some subtle differences, but her inflections and expressions are perfect, as is the mood her voice creates.
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
Likable main characters forced together during a hurricane and it's aftermath. A mystery to solve and a grandmother who is the reason the heroine finds the hero. It's all very romantic...
I read parts of this story and it wasn't as magical in my inner-voice. The voice actress is what makes this book amazing!
Narrator: 5 stars
This is the second book I've listened to that is voice-acted by Reagan Boggs. Her voice, with it's southern accent and mellow calmness, creates a feeling to this listening experience that makes you want it to never end. I will actively search out more books read by this voice actress. Her male/female voices have some subtle differences, but her inflections and expressions are perfect, as is the mood her voice creates.
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
September 19, 2018
I enjoyed this story overall. It is clean, sweet and a fairly quick read. I liked both the main characters generally. It was a bit surreal to read while I've been getting Florence storm reports from friends that live on the east coast. At least none of my friends have had huge losses like Melody had.
I think my only negative for this book is my own fault. For some reason I am never attracted to reading billionaire stories so that part of the book was less interesting to me. Perhaps it is just so far from my reality that it feels unbelievable or something.
Sex: some kisses and a little mild innuendo
Language: no
Violence: no
I received a complimentary copy of this book and wrote this review voluntarily.
I think my only negative for this book is my own fault. For some reason I am never attracted to reading billionaire stories so that part of the book was less interesting to me. Perhaps it is just so far from my reality that it feels unbelievable or something.
Sex: some kisses and a little mild innuendo
Language: no
Violence: no
I received a complimentary copy of this book and wrote this review voluntarily.
October 5, 2023
I was honored to have listened to this on Youtube for free. I love audiobooks to be honest, it is a way to multi-task and consume more books.
Anyway, this is an interesting story set in historic Louisiana I guess. Two lives cross in an unexpected way, during one of the famous hurricanes of the area.
Melody is caught in the storm and loses everything. As if that wasn't enough, her grandmother got pneumonia ib the process. That grandmother kept telling her to go to the historic mansion in a neighboring city, so she did. And there she met the house's keeper. Or so she thought anyway.
I loved the historic context of the story, and the way it all flows together. The chemistry between the pair is very good and the ending is simply precious.
Anyway, this is an interesting story set in historic Louisiana I guess. Two lives cross in an unexpected way, during one of the famous hurricanes of the area.
Melody is caught in the storm and loses everything. As if that wasn't enough, her grandmother got pneumonia ib the process. That grandmother kept telling her to go to the historic mansion in a neighboring city, so she did. And there she met the house's keeper. Or so she thought anyway.
I loved the historic context of the story, and the way it all flows together. The chemistry between the pair is very good and the ending is simply precious.
September 10, 2018
I loved this story! I thought author did a great job introducing the characters. I loved Melody and her willingness for adventure, although a little scared while doing it. Then ending up no where, but somewhere familiar. I loved Britt and his passion for history and reality. They made a great pair and a great story. I have to say I did not see the twist coming, usually I figure that stuff out, but this one surprised me, I like that. I love the trials and troubles they endure together. Showing a little more of a real life scenario. Great story and as always happy ending!! :)
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.
September 28, 2018
Didn't love it, didn't hate it but I guess I was disappointed. I usually love the books this author writes. But this one hit me as just okay. Maybe it is the hurricane or maybe the whole sister thing but it just felt off. No one seemed to deal in honesty. Grandma never shares her history, Crystal is one big lie and mooch and then we get to the main characters that just decide to dance around truth by omission. Loved the historic mansion tho.
Thanks for the opportunity to read the book.
Thanks for the opportunity to read the book.
October 10, 2018
A hurricane, a very ill grandmother, and a fevered whispered message cause Britt and Melody to meet. Life is not all fun and games, and this book reflects that. There are hard losses and great loves. Kimberley Montpetit has written an engaging story. I love the main characters and their bantering, the setting of an old Southern plantation, and a very satisfying HEA. The author does a great job of making me feel along with the characters and picture the setting. I hope to read more of this author's works. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion.
October 17, 2018
I liked reading The Owner’s Secret. I haven’t read many of the “Billionaire” books so I didn’t know what to expect. I have read one other book by Kimberley Monpetit so I knew she was a good author and this should be interesting.
At first I thought the premise of the story was fairly simple but Monpetit threw in a twist that even this jaded mystery-reader wasn’t expecting. And I suspect EVERYTHING. Add to that the mystery of White Castle and a handsome, kind man and who wouldn’t be ensnared?
4 Stars. Fun, clean and quick read.
At first I thought the premise of the story was fairly simple but Monpetit threw in a twist that even this jaded mystery-reader wasn’t expecting. And I suspect EVERYTHING. Add to that the mystery of White Castle and a handsome, kind man and who wouldn’t be ensnared?
4 Stars. Fun, clean and quick read.
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