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Turtleback Beach #1
Almost a Bride
Can he love her…
And keep her safe?
No one in Turtleback Beach knows that veterinarian Grayson Zale is in the witness protection program—not even the woman who left him at the altar. When a joint inheritance brings Mandi Rivers back to their small seaside town, Gray can’t deny that their connection is as strong as ever. But his mysterious past remains between them; can he reveal the truth without endangering Mandi—and their future?
And keep her safe?
No one in Turtleback Beach knows that veterinarian Grayson Zale is in the witness protection program—not even the woman who left him at the altar. When a joint inheritance brings Mandi Rivers back to their small seaside town, Gray can’t deny that their connection is as strong as ever. But his mysterious past remains between them; can he reveal the truth without endangering Mandi—and their future?
- GenresContemporary
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published June 4, 2019
5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Rula Sinara
23 books427 followersAfter a childhood enriched with exotic travels and adventures (both in books and real life), USA Today and Nationally Bestselling author Rula Sinara is now settled in rural Virginia with her husband, three kids and crazy but endearing pets. When she's not writing, she's busy attracting wildlife to her yard, watching romantic movies (despite male protests) or researching trees on her garden wish list.
She's a 2014 National Readers Choice Award winner and double finalist, a 2015 HOLT Medallion Award of Merit winner, a 2015 Golden Quill runner up and a 2015 Book Buyer's Best finalist.
Find out more or sign up for her newsletter at www.rulasinara.com or www.awritersrush.blogspot.com.
She's a 2014 National Readers Choice Award winner and double finalist, a 2015 HOLT Medallion Award of Merit winner, a 2015 Golden Quill runner up and a 2015 Book Buyer's Best finalist.
Find out more or sign up for her newsletter at www.rulasinara.com or www.awritersrush.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 28, 2020
“…he held her face in his hands, then kissed her like there was no tomorrow, but with the promise of forever.”
I love Rula Sinara’s books so I’ve been excited about her new Turtleback Beach series since I first heard about it. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to read book 1 until now, but I can assure you it was well worth the wait!
Second chance romances always have a swoonilicious amount of barely-suppressed feelings and emotional-tension-heavy sparks, and Almost a Bride is no exception. Gray and Mandi were nearly married until she grew fed up with the way he held back about his past (a hazard of his being in witness protection, which he also can’t tell her about). I rooted for Gray from the beginning – he’s a great character, with just enough brooding to make him interesting but a tender side especially where animals and Mandi are concerned. Mandi is also very likable but has some baggage to deal with and she really won’t be able to move on until Gray opens up to her … which of course he can’t do yet.
The setting of Turtleback Beach is endearing and quaint, with a vivid mix of characters and picturesque beaches, but it’s the animals in Almost a Bride who steal the show! Between Gray’s loyal rescue dog and the kittens that Mandi rescues, there are plenty of opportunities for cuteness in that department. And watching Gray and Mandi interact with the pets is sure to put a smile on your face. Not to mention the nests of turtles that Gray watches over.
Bottom Line: Almost a Bride is sweet, swoony, and touching. The second chance at love for Gray and Mandi is not easily won, but readers will be cheering for them every step of the way. And while Mandi’s grandmother may no longer be alive, she’s still very much a part of the story – in some unique ways that added more layers and dimension to the plot. A delicious romance with a dash of suspense – I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Turtleback Beach!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
I love Rula Sinara’s books so I’ve been excited about her new Turtleback Beach series since I first heard about it. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to read book 1 until now, but I can assure you it was well worth the wait!
Second chance romances always have a swoonilicious amount of barely-suppressed feelings and emotional-tension-heavy sparks, and Almost a Bride is no exception. Gray and Mandi were nearly married until she grew fed up with the way he held back about his past (a hazard of his being in witness protection, which he also can’t tell her about). I rooted for Gray from the beginning – he’s a great character, with just enough brooding to make him interesting but a tender side especially where animals and Mandi are concerned. Mandi is also very likable but has some baggage to deal with and she really won’t be able to move on until Gray opens up to her … which of course he can’t do yet.
The setting of Turtleback Beach is endearing and quaint, with a vivid mix of characters and picturesque beaches, but it’s the animals in Almost a Bride who steal the show! Between Gray’s loyal rescue dog and the kittens that Mandi rescues, there are plenty of opportunities for cuteness in that department. And watching Gray and Mandi interact with the pets is sure to put a smile on your face. Not to mention the nests of turtles that Gray watches over.
Bottom Line: Almost a Bride is sweet, swoony, and touching. The second chance at love for Gray and Mandi is not easily won, but readers will be cheering for them every step of the way. And while Mandi’s grandmother may no longer be alive, she’s still very much a part of the story – in some unique ways that added more layers and dimension to the plot. A delicious romance with a dash of suspense – I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Turtleback Beach!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
January 28, 2020
Grayson and Mandi are meant for each other and even made it to the altar, but Mandi had second thoughts and jilted Gray there. Ouch!!
A few years later a sad occasion reunites them. Gray is deeply committed to his veterinary practice on the quaint island of Turtleback Beach in the outer banks of NC, while Mandi is set to start her new advertising career in NYC. Both are still fighting their feelings for one another, but Mandi is reluctant to get involved with a reticent, guarded man who doesn’t seem to trust her. She’s unaware that Gray is in a witness protection program, and that disclosing this information could be deadly. Meanwhile, Mandi’s manipulative father dislikes Gray and is determined to keep the two apart. His meddling, though, could have disastrous consequences.
This second chance romance story tugged at my heart strings. I desperately wanted Gray to tell Mandi that he couldn’t open up to her because it would be too dangerous. That bit of conflict in the story kept me guessing how things would turn out for them. The clever way the revelation took place was highly satisfying. Gray was such a likable character; a vet who cared for sick and injured animals. Who couldn’t love a man with such tender compassion for animals and wildlife?
There’s a lot to love about Almost a Bride: lovable animals, hidden secrets, necessary lies and a HEA that will leave you feeling all happy inside. It’s always gratifying to read a book by Rula Sinara because you’ll almost always learn something new and exciting about animals and preservation, and that alone makes her books worth the investment.
A few years later a sad occasion reunites them. Gray is deeply committed to his veterinary practice on the quaint island of Turtleback Beach in the outer banks of NC, while Mandi is set to start her new advertising career in NYC. Both are still fighting their feelings for one another, but Mandi is reluctant to get involved with a reticent, guarded man who doesn’t seem to trust her. She’s unaware that Gray is in a witness protection program, and that disclosing this information could be deadly. Meanwhile, Mandi’s manipulative father dislikes Gray and is determined to keep the two apart. His meddling, though, could have disastrous consequences.
This second chance romance story tugged at my heart strings. I desperately wanted Gray to tell Mandi that he couldn’t open up to her because it would be too dangerous. That bit of conflict in the story kept me guessing how things would turn out for them. The clever way the revelation took place was highly satisfying. Gray was such a likable character; a vet who cared for sick and injured animals. Who couldn’t love a man with such tender compassion for animals and wildlife?
There’s a lot to love about Almost a Bride: lovable animals, hidden secrets, necessary lies and a HEA that will leave you feeling all happy inside. It’s always gratifying to read a book by Rula Sinara because you’ll almost always learn something new and exciting about animals and preservation, and that alone makes her books worth the investment.
April 22, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Prism Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Almost a Bride by Rula Sinara is a sweet romantic book about trying to bring two people that are in love together.
Will Mandi ever trust Gray without him not telling her about his past?
Grayson Zale
Grayson Zale is the primary male love interest, and he is the local veterinarian. He is all about saving the marine wildlife that visits Turtleback Beach. He is into saving the sea turtles, well except for the healthy preditors. Gray is also trying to keep his heart from being hurt by Mandi again. These two have a lot of issues to work out, and the best way to do that is by trying to make Nana's house beautiful again. Along with discussing a big secret that Gray has been keeping for the past five years.
What I like about Gray is that he is a great character. He is already trying his hardest to keep moving forward, but his past is continually affecting his present. Another thing that I like about him is that he knows that even if he can't have the girl if he wants to keep her safe.
Mandi Rivers
Mandi Rivers is the main female love interest, and she is originally from Turtkleback but left for her master's degree in advertising. She is overall a perplexed person, especially after she comes back home for her grandmother's funeral and stays long enough to get her house on the market. She is confused because she doesn't want to be like her dad but inadvertently let herself become him in ways that Mandi didn't see until she was old enough to understand.
Mandi loves Gray and wants to make it work, but she can't deal with Gray lying to her all the time. What I like about her is that she is a sweet person once she is in her hometown again. Another thing that I like about her is that when Mandi is with Gray, he brings out the best in her. The one thing that I don't like is that even though she is twenty-five, she allows her father to tell her what to do.
Five Stars
Almost a Bride by Rula Sinara is a fantastic book that had me on the edge of my seat reading through the entire story. I had to know what happened next and if Mandi would ever find the truth about Gray. Granted, I won't spoil anything, but it's a great read. I am giving it five stars and recommending it to anyone that loves sweet romances. Not only does it have a cute vet but a guy that loves sea turtles!
Other Book in the Series
Will Mandi ever trust Gray without him not telling her about his past?
Grayson Zale
Grayson Zale is the primary male love interest, and he is the local veterinarian. He is all about saving the marine wildlife that visits Turtleback Beach. He is into saving the sea turtles, well except for the healthy preditors. Gray is also trying to keep his heart from being hurt by Mandi again. These two have a lot of issues to work out, and the best way to do that is by trying to make Nana's house beautiful again. Along with discussing a big secret that Gray has been keeping for the past five years.
What I like about Gray is that he is a great character. He is already trying his hardest to keep moving forward, but his past is continually affecting his present. Another thing that I like about him is that he knows that even if he can't have the girl if he wants to keep her safe.
Mandi Rivers
Mandi Rivers is the main female love interest, and she is originally from Turtkleback but left for her master's degree in advertising. She is overall a perplexed person, especially after she comes back home for her grandmother's funeral and stays long enough to get her house on the market. She is confused because she doesn't want to be like her dad but inadvertently let herself become him in ways that Mandi didn't see until she was old enough to understand.Mandi loves Gray and wants to make it work, but she can't deal with Gray lying to her all the time. What I like about her is that she is a sweet person once she is in her hometown again. Another thing that I like about her is that when Mandi is with Gray, he brings out the best in her. The one thing that I don't like is that even though she is twenty-five, she allows her father to tell her what to do.
Five Stars
Almost a Bride by Rula Sinara is a fantastic book that had me on the edge of my seat reading through the entire story. I had to know what happened next and if Mandi would ever find the truth about Gray. Granted, I won't spoil anything, but it's a great read. I am giving it five stars and recommending it to anyone that loves sweet romances. Not only does it have a cute vet but a guy that loves sea turtles!
Other Book in the Series
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Almost a Bride by Rula Sinara.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
August 2, 2020
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Moving back to Turtleback Beach, North Carolina, Mandy is fighting her attraction to once loved Grayson Zale. The more they are together the more the attraction is pretty clear. This is a fun story to follow. The character are real and enjoyable, for the most part. I love that there was a mysterious side to this story as well, throwing a nice twist to the story and made it more enjoyable for me. I love a good mystery! Overall I enjoyed this book except for one thing that I had a difficult time with. And maybe a ***Spoiler***. There was a twist that I didn’t care for, and that was a alternative lifestyle the author throws in as an unexpected surprise, with no warning, which there should have been. Everyone has a right to their opinions, and I totally respect that, but readers have a right to a WARNING when something like this is included in a book. And for this reason, it saddens me that I will not be reading anything else from Rula Sinara, because the previous books I have read from her have been great reads.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Moving back to Turtleback Beach, North Carolina, Mandy is fighting her attraction to once loved Grayson Zale. The more they are together the more the attraction is pretty clear. This is a fun story to follow. The character are real and enjoyable, for the most part. I love that there was a mysterious side to this story as well, throwing a nice twist to the story and made it more enjoyable for me. I love a good mystery! Overall I enjoyed this book except for one thing that I had a difficult time with. And maybe a ***Spoiler***. There was a twist that I didn’t care for, and that was a alternative lifestyle the author throws in as an unexpected surprise, with no warning, which there should have been. Everyone has a right to their opinions, and I totally respect that, but readers have a right to a WARNING when something like this is included in a book. And for this reason, it saddens me that I will not be reading anything else from Rula Sinara, because the previous books I have read from her have been great reads.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
May 6, 2020
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
This is a clean, contemporary romance with nothing offensive in it. In keeping with these kinds of heartwarming romances, I was expecting a sedate, typical romance, and for the most part, that is what I got. In fact, I was planning on giving this a 4-star rating. That is, until the last one-fourth of the book!
What I appreciated so much about this book is that a suspenseful twist appeared towards the end of the book that suddenly caused the action and the stakes to skyrocket. Even though I was pretty certain everything would turn out all right in the end, I found myself invested thoroughly in this book.
Even before this exhilarating conclusion, I was sucked into the story of these characters. It made no difference to me if this book's plot was similar to "Hallmarkesque" films I had seen. While the characters are standard, the author had a way of writing these people that engendered feelings of sympathy, understanding, and likability. This is a quick read that is perfect for any time of year.
This is a clean, contemporary romance with nothing offensive in it. In keeping with these kinds of heartwarming romances, I was expecting a sedate, typical romance, and for the most part, that is what I got. In fact, I was planning on giving this a 4-star rating. That is, until the last one-fourth of the book!
What I appreciated so much about this book is that a suspenseful twist appeared towards the end of the book that suddenly caused the action and the stakes to skyrocket. Even though I was pretty certain everything would turn out all right in the end, I found myself invested thoroughly in this book.
Even before this exhilarating conclusion, I was sucked into the story of these characters. It made no difference to me if this book's plot was similar to "Hallmarkesque" films I had seen. While the characters are standard, the author had a way of writing these people that engendered feelings of sympathy, understanding, and likability. This is a quick read that is perfect for any time of year.
April 22, 2020
Who doesn’t love a second chance romance? Rula Sinara introduces readers to the cozy Outer Banks town of Turtleback Beach and many of its residents (two legged and four legged) in Almost a Bride.
As Mandi is set on returning to a brand new job in New York, Gray is determined to convince her to stay. But the reason she left is still a problem as he cannot disclose his past. And Mandi’s dad doesn’t make the task any easier.
While this is a fairly mellow paced book for the most part, there’s some nice action near the end that sped things up.
I will definitely return to Turtleback as I’d like to hang out with some more of the residents as they fall in love. And the animals add a nice touch too.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
As Mandi is set on returning to a brand new job in New York, Gray is determined to convince her to stay. But the reason she left is still a problem as he cannot disclose his past. And Mandi’s dad doesn’t make the task any easier.
While this is a fairly mellow paced book for the most part, there’s some nice action near the end that sped things up.
I will definitely return to Turtleback as I’d like to hang out with some more of the residents as they fall in love. And the animals add a nice touch too.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
June 21, 2019
This is a new series for Rula. I am looking forward to the journey this series will provide. I got to be part of her previous series Kenya mid way thru and loved it. Having read this one I can't wait for the second one. Meeting Grayson Zale was fascinating. He had a strength of character forged by fire. His character had many layers that you got to know more as the story progresses. There are important secrets he cannot reveal to anyone. Meeting Mandi Rivers was great. Rula gave her a depth of character that was kinda neat. She was a person you would like on first meeting. Watching the 2 working out past problems was great to see. Mandi trying to handle her father was good to see for each of us have that issue. Its got a great story that gives you a glimpse into witness protection and life. I look forward to the next one..
May 1, 2020
Almost a Bride is a sweet second chance romance. Things move relatively slowly for much of the book--the hero/heroine POV only occasionally interrupted by that of the antagonist, which was a bit jarring--until the last 15% or so, when things suddenly shifted into extremely high gear. At that point the book veered toward a romantic suspense (it definitely isn't a true RS, but Gray *is* in the witness protection program, so use your imagination here... ;) ) and suddenly everything shifted into high gear.
From that point everything happened really fast, which stretched the veneer of realism a bit (add in the supposed redemption of the antagonist, which all but gave me whiplash) but it all led to what readers were hoping for all along--Gray and Mandi getting back together at last (spoiler alert?) and their future being more settled than either of them had hoped for up to that point--and the epilogue was OMG wonderful, and I put the book down with a smile on my face.
Plus it introduced us to a lovely fictional seaside town *and* confirmed that I really, really want to watch baby turtles hatch (safely and respectfully, of course) some day, so--win-win! Bring on book two... :)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
From that point everything happened really fast, which stretched the veneer of realism a bit (add in the supposed redemption of the antagonist, which all but gave me whiplash) but it all led to what readers were hoping for all along--Gray and Mandi getting back together at last (spoiler alert?) and their future being more settled than either of them had hoped for up to that point--and the epilogue was OMG wonderful, and I put the book down with a smile on my face.
Plus it introduced us to a lovely fictional seaside town *and* confirmed that I really, really want to watch baby turtles hatch (safely and respectfully, of course) some day, so--win-win! Bring on book two... :)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 8, 2020
Almost a Bride is the first book in the new Turtleback Beach series and the first book I have read from this author. I really enjoyed getting to know all the locals of Turtleback Beach. The book had a great plot and was fast-paced. It had the “can’t put down” combination with wonderful characters that made me fall in love with it.
Turtleback Beach was a small town with a lot of warm, caring people that helped each other out like they were family. Mandi Rivers had returned to Turtleback Beach when her grandmother, who was known as Nana to everyone, passed. She had left town several years ago when she deserted her fiancé at their wedding, but she knew she would have to face him. Grayson Zale past was a secret and he had to keep it that way. He was the local veterinarian and his feelings for Mandi had never gone away. He knew the death of Nana would be devastating for Mandi and the entire town. Neither of them expected Nana to bequest the two of them with her house on the beach. Can they find their way to having a second chance at love?
I received an ARC and am voluntarily writing a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Turtleback Beach was a small town with a lot of warm, caring people that helped each other out like they were family. Mandi Rivers had returned to Turtleback Beach when her grandmother, who was known as Nana to everyone, passed. She had left town several years ago when she deserted her fiancé at their wedding, but she knew she would have to face him. Grayson Zale past was a secret and he had to keep it that way. He was the local veterinarian and his feelings for Mandi had never gone away. He knew the death of Nana would be devastating for Mandi and the entire town. Neither of them expected Nana to bequest the two of them with her house on the beach. Can they find their way to having a second chance at love?
I received an ARC and am voluntarily writing a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 23, 2020
The beautiful cover makes you pick up this book. But there’s more! Well-developed characters, a picture-perfect setting, family drama, intense action, a heartwarming romance, and turtles – this book has it all! I enjoyed this story from the first page. I liked everything about it. There is a great cast of characters, each unique and has their own story to tell. The beach setting was visual and inviting. The family drama is mixed with Mandi’s controlling father and the secrets of her grandmother’s past. There’s action brewing and when it arrives it has you on the edge of your seat. The chemistry between Mandi and the handsome vet, Grayson, is so engaging. The turtles hatching at the end made the story rise even higher. What a great start to a new series! I am already hooked on Turtleback Beach and can’t wait to read more. 5 Stars. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.
April 8, 2020
I loved this story. Grayson was a strong, honest character who told the truth and was forced to erase his entire life because of it.
Mandi was a great foil for him. Her desire to learn more about his past led to a lot of conflict between the two.
The tension between the two, their obvious affection for each other, and the hint of a mystery made for an easy read. I loved meeting these characters and the story of their lives together. I also enjoyed the small community of Turtleback Beach and understood why both characters were drawn to the people there and the sense of family they provided.
Almost A Bride was a clean read which I thoroughly enjoyed as I was left with a nice, good satisfied glow. I received a complimentary copy of Almost A Bride from Prism Tours; a positive review was not required. Purchase your copy of Almost A Bride using one of the links below.
Mandi was a great foil for him. Her desire to learn more about his past led to a lot of conflict between the two.
The tension between the two, their obvious affection for each other, and the hint of a mystery made for an easy read. I loved meeting these characters and the story of their lives together. I also enjoyed the small community of Turtleback Beach and understood why both characters were drawn to the people there and the sense of family they provided.
Almost A Bride was a clean read which I thoroughly enjoyed as I was left with a nice, good satisfied glow. I received a complimentary copy of Almost A Bride from Prism Tours; a positive review was not required. Purchase your copy of Almost A Bride using one of the links below.
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June 1, 2019Categories
Military Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Turtleback Beach
Military Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Turtleback Beach
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews