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A Rivers Community Romance #5
Love to the Rescue
The last time Brody Clark left the Rivers, she walked away from her life—her foolish dreams, her few friends, and the secrets she'd kept from everyone. For ten years she'd told herself there was nothing in her past she cared about—not the family who'd given her a home or the one girl she never stopped thinking about. But now she’s back as part of the new medevac flight crew, for at least as long as it takes to finally bury her ghosts. Val Valentine, DVM, planned on a big city boutique vet practice with high profile clients, easy hours, and lucrative profits. All until the man who was more father to her than her own asks for her help, and she ends up back in the backwater where all she has are bad memories. Brody figures cutting her ties to the past would be a hell of a lot easier if she could only avoid the woman she’s never been able to forget. Since Val never even knew she was alive back in high school, that shouldn’t be too hard now. When their lives collide, both women discover what might have been is closer than they think.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2019
About the author
Radclyffe
166 books1,708 followersRadclyffe has written over forty-five romance and romantic intrigue novels, dozens of short stories, and, writing as L.L. Raand, has authored a paranormal romance series, The Midnight Hunters. She has also edited Best Lesbian Romance 2009 through 2015 as well as multiple other anthologies. She is an eight-time Lambda Literary Award finalist in romance, mystery, and erotica—winning in both romance and erotica. A member of the Saints and Sinners Literary Hall of Fame, she is also an RWA Prism, Lories, Beanpot, Aspen Gold, and Laurel Wreath winner in multiple mainstream romance categories. In 2014, she received the Dr. James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist award from the Lambda Literary Foundation. In 2004, she founded Bold Strokes Books, an independent LGBTQ publishing company, and in 2013, she founded the Flax Mill Creek Writers Retreat offering writing workshops to authors in all stages of their careers.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 15, 2019
This is a webstore exclusive release for Bold Strokes Books. It is not available in places like Amazon for another 2 months (I believe). Go to https://www.boldstrokesbooks.com/book... if you are interested in reading this now.
Since I am currently single, I decided to treat myself on Valentine’s Day with the purchase of Rad’s newest book. I’m a huge fan of Radclyffe. I have read every one of her full length books and I was not about to miss a new one. This is the 5th book in her Rivers Community series. I always recommend reading series in order but you could start here if you really wanted to. While characters from previous books are in this, there are two new characters that star in this romance. I also think Rad explains enough that someone new to this series would not be too lost. For fans of this series Flannery, Abbey, Margie and Blake have the most screen time for the already established characters.
I may be a little biased when it comes to Rad, but I really enjoyed this one. I even thought it was better than book 4. The two new characters are Brody and Val. Brody is retired army, current flight medic and Val is a veterinarian. The interesting jobs of both characters kept me entertained. While I love medical romances, it was nice to be outside of the Rivers Hospital instead of always inside it.
Where the book shinned was the romance. It does border on insta-love, which I don’t normally care for, but I loved Val and Brody as a potential couple. I thought they had great chemistry and good steamy sex scenes. This book also has a tiny bit of excitement because of Brody’s past so the book is very readable and easy to get hooked into.
My one real complaint was the book felt too short. It is not short in length; it just felt that the story wasn’t ready to end yet. A few things were sort of fast forwarded in the end that I really wanted to see played out more. I would have loved 2 more chapters.
If you are a fan of Radclyffe, I think you will enjoy this. It was the kind of chemistry filled read she is so good at. It made a holiday, I don’t particularly care for, much more entertaining for me.
Since I am currently single, I decided to treat myself on Valentine’s Day with the purchase of Rad’s newest book. I’m a huge fan of Radclyffe. I have read every one of her full length books and I was not about to miss a new one. This is the 5th book in her Rivers Community series. I always recommend reading series in order but you could start here if you really wanted to. While characters from previous books are in this, there are two new characters that star in this romance. I also think Rad explains enough that someone new to this series would not be too lost. For fans of this series Flannery, Abbey, Margie and Blake have the most screen time for the already established characters.
I may be a little biased when it comes to Rad, but I really enjoyed this one. I even thought it was better than book 4. The two new characters are Brody and Val. Brody is retired army, current flight medic and Val is a veterinarian. The interesting jobs of both characters kept me entertained. While I love medical romances, it was nice to be outside of the Rivers Hospital instead of always inside it.
Where the book shinned was the romance. It does border on insta-love, which I don’t normally care for, but I loved Val and Brody as a potential couple. I thought they had great chemistry and good steamy sex scenes. This book also has a tiny bit of excitement because of Brody’s past so the book is very readable and easy to get hooked into.
My one real complaint was the book felt too short. It is not short in length; it just felt that the story wasn’t ready to end yet. A few things were sort of fast forwarded in the end that I really wanted to see played out more. I would have loved 2 more chapters.
If you are a fan of Radclyffe, I think you will enjoy this. It was the kind of chemistry filled read she is so good at. It made a holiday, I don’t particularly care for, much more entertaining for me.
April 24, 2019
Love to the Rescue is a pretty standard Radclyffe, and I imagine most lesfic readers understand what I mean by that. I don’t know many of us who haven’t read a Radclyffe…or twenty.
I like to pull out a Radclyffe book when I’m feeling nostalgic. Her settings are almost always in towns that I’m intimately familiar with, so I appreciate the accurate details she provides when describing her character’s surroundings. Too often I will read stories that take place in other areas I’m familiar with and not all authors are quite as talented in these regards. When I read a Radclyffe, I can almost taste the fresh, crisp air of the north and I can imagine myself on the roads, the lakes, and in this instance, at the Washington County Fair. These are all places where I spent time growing up, and no one can drag me back there quite like Radclyffe.
Unfortunately, no matter how nostalgic I became for the setting while reading this, I didn’t find myself fully invested in the romance.
Both main characters here have reluctantly returned to their small hometown…Brody to work as a medevac for Rivers Hospital and Val, as a favor to her mentor who needs help at his veterinary practice. We learn much more about Brody’s past and Val, at times, feels like a secondary character even though we are in her head just as much as Brody’s. It’s almost as if both Brody and Val are interested in figuring out Brody, but neither are really interested in learning about Val. She obviously has a strained relationship with her own family, but it’s not really touched on enough for me to have felt like I got a good sense of where she came from. Brody, on the other hand, we learn quite a bit about and I could see why she became the person she did (brooding, wary of others, kind), but none of her issues are well resolved except in a quick wrap-up in the last few pages. The entire book builds up to this one thing that is haunting Brody and then it’s done. Maybe it will be discussed in another River’s Community Romance. Who knows for sure? As for how it ends here, though, I can’t say I’m satisfied.
Overall, while an entertaining read, my biggest gripe is with the lack of really feeling like I got to know Val and the quick resolution of everything Brody’s been holding on to for 10 years. Recommended to current Radclyffe fans.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I like to pull out a Radclyffe book when I’m feeling nostalgic. Her settings are almost always in towns that I’m intimately familiar with, so I appreciate the accurate details she provides when describing her character’s surroundings. Too often I will read stories that take place in other areas I’m familiar with and not all authors are quite as talented in these regards. When I read a Radclyffe, I can almost taste the fresh, crisp air of the north and I can imagine myself on the roads, the lakes, and in this instance, at the Washington County Fair. These are all places where I spent time growing up, and no one can drag me back there quite like Radclyffe.
Unfortunately, no matter how nostalgic I became for the setting while reading this, I didn’t find myself fully invested in the romance.
Both main characters here have reluctantly returned to their small hometown…Brody to work as a medevac for Rivers Hospital and Val, as a favor to her mentor who needs help at his veterinary practice. We learn much more about Brody’s past and Val, at times, feels like a secondary character even though we are in her head just as much as Brody’s. It’s almost as if both Brody and Val are interested in figuring out Brody, but neither are really interested in learning about Val. She obviously has a strained relationship with her own family, but it’s not really touched on enough for me to have felt like I got a good sense of where she came from. Brody, on the other hand, we learn quite a bit about and I could see why she became the person she did (brooding, wary of others, kind), but none of her issues are well resolved except in a quick wrap-up in the last few pages. The entire book builds up to this one thing that is haunting Brody and then it’s done. Maybe it will be discussed in another River’s Community Romance. Who knows for sure? As for how it ends here, though, I can’t say I’m satisfied.
Overall, while an entertaining read, my biggest gripe is with the lack of really feeling like I got to know Val and the quick resolution of everything Brody’s been holding on to for 10 years. Recommended to current Radclyffe fans.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
January 4, 2020
Radclyffe can write ! She is one of the most seasoned authors out there in my opinion! When I pick up any of her books, I know I’m going to end up enjoying it!
So this one specifically was a 4.5. I liked it a bit more than the others in the series. The 2 main characters are not from the same Rivers family so maybe that’s why it was somehow more exciting because they were 2 new characters and u still get a glimpse of the rest anyways..
The sex scenes were so good I mean the chemistry between both MCs was insane!
The only drawback was it ended abruptly. As in I literally thought sthg is wrong with my kindle and had to check the chapters from the main menu!
So this one specifically was a 4.5. I liked it a bit more than the others in the series. The 2 main characters are not from the same Rivers family so maybe that’s why it was somehow more exciting because they were 2 new characters and u still get a glimpse of the rest anyways..
The sex scenes were so good I mean the chemistry between both MCs was insane!
The only drawback was it ended abruptly. As in I literally thought sthg is wrong with my kindle and had to check the chapters from the main menu!
April 11, 2019
Review of 'Love to the rescue' by Radclyffe.
This is book five of the 'Rivers Community Romance' series which focuses on the small community of Rivers and its hospital. It is a standalone novel but I recommend to read it in order as there are a few parts of the plot based on stories told in previous books. In this novel, flight medic Brody Clark comes back to Rivers after leaving town without a word ten years ago, to work for the Rivers Hospital newly established medevac team. There she meets Val Valentine, an old love interest of Brody's, who is recently back from living in New York City. Both want to bury the bad memories that they have from their teenage years in that town but, as they get to know each other, they suddenly realise that they have more in common than they'd thought. Will they be able to face their fears and act on their mutual attraction?
'Love to the rescue' goes beyond the medical romance formula that Radclyffe masters so well and delves into matters of family, friendship and loyalty. Considering this is a medical romance, the highlight is more on the latter. I think it's a pity that there aren't many medical scenes as this author describes them very well, using her experience as a now retired surgeon. If anything, there are more descriptions of Val's veterinary work and a special focus on Honcho, a retired war dog owned by Brody.
The story catches up with some of the other couples established in the previous books but mainly on Blake, a trans teenager dealing with his sexuality and society's rejection. Blake is a secondary character who is growing literally and metaphorically with each installment of the series and I can't wait to see where Radclyffe takes him in the future. Both mains are multilayered, especially Brody in her dark and broody personality that the author excels at describing. There is a small mystery subplot about her past that had much more potential but unfortunately was resolved a bit abruptly. All in all, it's an entertaining book, possibly not Radclyffe's best but worth reading anyway.
Overall, a good medical romance with a mystery subplot and a promising trans character. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
This is book five of the 'Rivers Community Romance' series which focuses on the small community of Rivers and its hospital. It is a standalone novel but I recommend to read it in order as there are a few parts of the plot based on stories told in previous books. In this novel, flight medic Brody Clark comes back to Rivers after leaving town without a word ten years ago, to work for the Rivers Hospital newly established medevac team. There she meets Val Valentine, an old love interest of Brody's, who is recently back from living in New York City. Both want to bury the bad memories that they have from their teenage years in that town but, as they get to know each other, they suddenly realise that they have more in common than they'd thought. Will they be able to face their fears and act on their mutual attraction?
'Love to the rescue' goes beyond the medical romance formula that Radclyffe masters so well and delves into matters of family, friendship and loyalty. Considering this is a medical romance, the highlight is more on the latter. I think it's a pity that there aren't many medical scenes as this author describes them very well, using her experience as a now retired surgeon. If anything, there are more descriptions of Val's veterinary work and a special focus on Honcho, a retired war dog owned by Brody.
The story catches up with some of the other couples established in the previous books but mainly on Blake, a trans teenager dealing with his sexuality and society's rejection. Blake is a secondary character who is growing literally and metaphorically with each installment of the series and I can't wait to see where Radclyffe takes him in the future. Both mains are multilayered, especially Brody in her dark and broody personality that the author excels at describing. There is a small mystery subplot about her past that had much more potential but unfortunately was resolved a bit abruptly. All in all, it's an entertaining book, possibly not Radclyffe's best but worth reading anyway.
Overall, a good medical romance with a mystery subplot and a promising trans character. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
April 2, 2019
Oh Rad.
I was falling in love with the brooding Brody with the mysterious past. I was confused that Val Valentine was a Sydney but loved her hands on veterinarian work and her acceptance that she might have been an entitled a$$ in her teens but had come home grounded and approachable.
I didn’t mind how pissed off Flann and cousin Courtney were with Brody and Val as it reflected more on their immaturity than any meaningful purposeful grudges. Grow up ladies. Nobody likes a small and narrow mind.
The courting was sweet and the between the sheets scenes steamy but what grabbed my attention and made this one of the better books in the Rivers Community series was the danger levels in the field and swirling around Brody. I was ramping up for more action and then, boom, the book ends. Everything resolved in a few scenes. Disappointing ending to a better than average read. I wanted more.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley
I was falling in love with the brooding Brody with the mysterious past. I was confused that Val Valentine was a Sydney but loved her hands on veterinarian work and her acceptance that she might have been an entitled a$$ in her teens but had come home grounded and approachable.
I didn’t mind how pissed off Flann and cousin Courtney were with Brody and Val as it reflected more on their immaturity than any meaningful purposeful grudges. Grow up ladies. Nobody likes a small and narrow mind.
The courting was sweet and the between the sheets scenes steamy but what grabbed my attention and made this one of the better books in the Rivers Community series was the danger levels in the field and swirling around Brody. I was ramping up for more action and then, boom, the book ends. Everything resolved in a few scenes. Disappointing ending to a better than average read. I wanted more.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley
May 18, 2020
4.5* – I wasn’t planning to read this book now, since I have ARCs to review asap, but I had forgotten to add them to my reader, and I was already in bed and too lazy to get up, and I figured they could wait a couple of days. I’m very glad I followed my laziness, for once, since this book was exactly what I needed to end the week. I’ve said before that Radclyffe‘s books are predictable, and I’m not saying it as a bad thing, I like that she’s a reliable author, someone I can count on. And while I have a few reservations about the Rivers Community series (the main one probably being that everyone is too perfect), I nevertheless like it a lot.
This instalment’s main characters are veterinarian Sidney “Val” Valentine, whom the readers have already had (not completely flattering) glimpses of in previous books, and Brody Clark, whom I don’t remember reading about before, which can be seen as a little strange since she seems to have played an important role in the Rivers family as a teenager, but it can also be explained by the fact that she left town without a word as soon as she was eighteen and joined the military, where she became a flight medic. Coming back is not her choice, the team she works with now that she’s retired is sent to the Rivers hospital, and she finds out about it way too late to back away. Fortunately for her, her best friend Jane moves with her. Despite not knowing her past and the reasons Brody left home in such a radical way, Jane knows her friend and how to be there for her. On the other hand are the people Brody left behind, and the pain and anger her leaving caused. Flann Rivers, for one, is not exactly ready to forgive. The reasons which pushed Brody to leave in the first place are still there too, and they’re way more dangerous than Flann’s resentment. Good things also come of Brody’s return, however, and the main one is meeting Val. The girl teenage Brody was obsessed with, the girl who doesn’t really remember her, not because she was not interesting at the time but because Val was a snob, and probably a mean girl to some extent. Like Brody, coming back home wasn’t her choice, but she’s finding it a lot more to her liking than she expected.
Love to the Rescue is both a second chance story and a tale of redemption, but not in the usual way. It’s not exactly a second chance romance since Brody and Val barely knew each other as teenagers. The second chance Brody gets is with family, learning to trust, learning that trust also extends to allowing the people you care about to make decisions for themselves. Making bad choices is human, it’s all about forgiving oneself and others for those bad choices, learning from them to not repeat them. Brody is broken on that front (and probably others, who isn’t), she knows it but doesn’t know how to fix it, yet she wants to. That’s part of the redemption arc, but Val’s got hers too, leaving the angry and, in some ways, spoiled teenager behind, showing herself as the kind and caring woman she has become. I wish the story had been a little more about her journey, which, while less dramatic than Brody’s, could have been interesting as well. The ending felt a bit rushed too.
I liked the chemistry between Val and Brody immediately, I liked the secondary stories too, which, unlike in the previous episode, were much more balanced, not taking over the main arc too much. The sex scenes are also much better than in the previous book, I thought, much more real.
Yet I think what I enjoyed the most was how familiar it all felt, not only the people (that’s what’s great with series), but the places. I know the Rivers hospital almost as well as if I worked there, and it sometimes feels as if I’d been to Ida and Edward’s home a lot as a teenager. When Brody walked to the treehouse, I knew she was going there and I knew the way. I guess I needed that coming-home feeling almost as much as Brody and Val.
This instalment’s main characters are veterinarian Sidney “Val” Valentine, whom the readers have already had (not completely flattering) glimpses of in previous books, and Brody Clark, whom I don’t remember reading about before, which can be seen as a little strange since she seems to have played an important role in the Rivers family as a teenager, but it can also be explained by the fact that she left town without a word as soon as she was eighteen and joined the military, where she became a flight medic. Coming back is not her choice, the team she works with now that she’s retired is sent to the Rivers hospital, and she finds out about it way too late to back away. Fortunately for her, her best friend Jane moves with her. Despite not knowing her past and the reasons Brody left home in such a radical way, Jane knows her friend and how to be there for her. On the other hand are the people Brody left behind, and the pain and anger her leaving caused. Flann Rivers, for one, is not exactly ready to forgive. The reasons which pushed Brody to leave in the first place are still there too, and they’re way more dangerous than Flann’s resentment. Good things also come of Brody’s return, however, and the main one is meeting Val. The girl teenage Brody was obsessed with, the girl who doesn’t really remember her, not because she was not interesting at the time but because Val was a snob, and probably a mean girl to some extent. Like Brody, coming back home wasn’t her choice, but she’s finding it a lot more to her liking than she expected.
Love to the Rescue is both a second chance story and a tale of redemption, but not in the usual way. It’s not exactly a second chance romance since Brody and Val barely knew each other as teenagers. The second chance Brody gets is with family, learning to trust, learning that trust also extends to allowing the people you care about to make decisions for themselves. Making bad choices is human, it’s all about forgiving oneself and others for those bad choices, learning from them to not repeat them. Brody is broken on that front (and probably others, who isn’t), she knows it but doesn’t know how to fix it, yet she wants to. That’s part of the redemption arc, but Val’s got hers too, leaving the angry and, in some ways, spoiled teenager behind, showing herself as the kind and caring woman she has become. I wish the story had been a little more about her journey, which, while less dramatic than Brody’s, could have been interesting as well. The ending felt a bit rushed too.
I liked the chemistry between Val and Brody immediately, I liked the secondary stories too, which, unlike in the previous episode, were much more balanced, not taking over the main arc too much. The sex scenes are also much better than in the previous book, I thought, much more real.
Yet I think what I enjoyed the most was how familiar it all felt, not only the people (that’s what’s great with series), but the places. I know the Rivers hospital almost as well as if I worked there, and it sometimes feels as if I’d been to Ida and Edward’s home a lot as a teenager. When Brody walked to the treehouse, I knew she was going there and I knew the way. I guess I needed that coming-home feeling almost as much as Brody and Val.
April 27, 2019
Radclyffe’s 5th in the Rivers Community Romance Saga shows no particular surprises. Radclyffe keeps to her success formula of dark-haired broody, noble and somewhat shy butch meets femme who she feels is high above her status. In Love to the Rescue we meet a few of the well established Rivers clan who will interact with prodigal (almost steph) daughter Brody. Brody ran away 10 years prior to enlist in the Army and that has caused resentment with the family, especially with Flannery who does not deal well with Brody’s return.
The plot was paper thin with Brody’s failure to communicate stretched to the max to accommodate a flimsy storyline. The romance between her and Val was sweet with some hot lovin’ in the trailer park Radclyffe style. There was some focus on youngest Rivers daughter Margie and Blake’s transitioning progress and how he deals with the stirrings of first love.
The end came way too soon. Everything was wrapped up in a few pages and it underlined again how lightweight this edition felt to me and that’s a shame because I really like this universe. I checked if the story really was shorter than the others but it wasn’t so it’s just a feeling, nothing more. Radclyffe fans will no doubt love this book but I had hoped for a little bit more of everything.
f/f
Themes: returning home, new medivac flight crew, small rural community, the Rivers Clan, Honcho the ex-service dog, you’re out of my league, some lingering bad blood, family.
3.8 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
The plot was paper thin with Brody’s failure to communicate stretched to the max to accommodate a flimsy storyline. The romance between her and Val was sweet with some hot lovin’ in the trailer park Radclyffe style. There was some focus on youngest Rivers daughter Margie and Blake’s transitioning progress and how he deals with the stirrings of first love.
The end came way too soon. Everything was wrapped up in a few pages and it underlined again how lightweight this edition felt to me and that’s a shame because I really like this universe. I checked if the story really was shorter than the others but it wasn’t so it’s just a feeling, nothing more. Radclyffe fans will no doubt love this book but I had hoped for a little bit more of everything.
f/f
Themes: returning home, new medivac flight crew, small rural community, the Rivers Clan, Honcho the ex-service dog, you’re out of my league, some lingering bad blood, family.
3.8 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
March 10, 2019
I am always looking for an amazing romance story. Capture my heart, invest me in their story, give me tension, a bit on anguish and a whole lot of delicious spellbinding dialogue. I want that from every book I read. I know a lot to ask, but when I come across one it’s like hitting the lotto. Picking up a Radclyffe book, you are guaranteed it’s going to be good, but this time, this one is great!
Brody Clark is headed home. She signed up to partner with her co-workers, keeping the trio together for a new venture. With little friends and not much to speak of in the way of a personal life this former Army medic didn’t even ask where to move was to when her team asked her to join. The unexpected twist she didn’t account for was the transfer would be bringing her back to the one place she ran from. Growing up, Brody had it hard. Her mother was addicted to drugs, sold her body for income and passed away to young. Brody was taken in by her friend, Flan and lived with the Rivers family through high school. Brody spent her teenage years always in the background quiet and steady but never really knowing her true value. After a late night accident, she left Flann and her new family joining the military and never returning to the one place that held so much of her past.
Dr. Sydney Valentine has come home as well. Val grew up with the Rivers too. She was the wild rich party girl during her teenage years always chasing Flan and whoever else caught her fancy. This teenage reputation is one this veterinarian would rather forget. Back in her home town to assist her injured mentor, Val is confronted with her past, as well as revealing who she really is.
Brody and Val have chemistry for days. Goodness, gracious these two sizzle page after page. Where this book really shines is in the romance department. It is front and center and is just so damn good. An easy five-star book and one I can’t wait to read again. Radclyffe always delivers a good book this just happens to be one of her great ones.
Brody Clark is headed home. She signed up to partner with her co-workers, keeping the trio together for a new venture. With little friends and not much to speak of in the way of a personal life this former Army medic didn’t even ask where to move was to when her team asked her to join. The unexpected twist she didn’t account for was the transfer would be bringing her back to the one place she ran from. Growing up, Brody had it hard. Her mother was addicted to drugs, sold her body for income and passed away to young. Brody was taken in by her friend, Flan and lived with the Rivers family through high school. Brody spent her teenage years always in the background quiet and steady but never really knowing her true value. After a late night accident, she left Flann and her new family joining the military and never returning to the one place that held so much of her past.
Dr. Sydney Valentine has come home as well. Val grew up with the Rivers too. She was the wild rich party girl during her teenage years always chasing Flan and whoever else caught her fancy. This teenage reputation is one this veterinarian would rather forget. Back in her home town to assist her injured mentor, Val is confronted with her past, as well as revealing who she really is.
Brody and Val have chemistry for days. Goodness, gracious these two sizzle page after page. Where this book really shines is in the romance department. It is front and center and is just so damn good. An easy five-star book and one I can’t wait to read again. Radclyffe always delivers a good book this just happens to be one of her great ones.
February 21, 2019
The fifth book in the Rivers Community series is a sure bet, as always with Radclyffe. If you haven’t read the other books in this series, you could start with this one, but I would recommend starting at the beginning for a better understanding of the community. I really love Radclyffe‘s series like Provincetown Tales, Honor or Justice but also the single books. As you can see I’m a big fan.
After leaving the army, Brody Clark returns home as a flight medic for the Rivers hospital. With her, she brings Honcho, a retired army dog, who served as a Search and Rescue dog. Ten years ago she left the Rivers Community overnight and left everybody behind. And not everybody is happy that she’s back, Brody had badly hurt some people with her abrupt running away. Here she meets her teenage crush Sydney Valentine again, the girl who, back then, never saw her. Val’s now a veterinarian which has recently returned too to help a friend, after working in her own practice in Manhatten. They are both new characters in the series.
For me, the romance itself was a little too fast. I would have liked it slower, but the characters are great, and for that, it wasn’t really bad. Both are interesting women with a shared past without having a lot in common ten years ago. But know it’s different, they have great chemistry and the attraction is instant. The sex scenes are, like most of the time in Rad’s books, steamy and hot.
Where Radclyffe, in my opinion, is perfect, is, how she continues the stories of all the different peoples and brings new characters in and intertwined them with the existing ones. She always creates and develops fascinating characters. In this book, we meet again mainly with Flann, Abbey, Blake, Margie, and Ida. The others have shorter appearances. This way we can follow a community for a long time and it never gets boring.
Highly recommended for romance and Radclyffe fans.
My rating 4.5 stars
After leaving the army, Brody Clark returns home as a flight medic for the Rivers hospital. With her, she brings Honcho, a retired army dog, who served as a Search and Rescue dog. Ten years ago she left the Rivers Community overnight and left everybody behind. And not everybody is happy that she’s back, Brody had badly hurt some people with her abrupt running away. Here she meets her teenage crush Sydney Valentine again, the girl who, back then, never saw her. Val’s now a veterinarian which has recently returned too to help a friend, after working in her own practice in Manhatten. They are both new characters in the series.
For me, the romance itself was a little too fast. I would have liked it slower, but the characters are great, and for that, it wasn’t really bad. Both are interesting women with a shared past without having a lot in common ten years ago. But know it’s different, they have great chemistry and the attraction is instant. The sex scenes are, like most of the time in Rad’s books, steamy and hot.
Where Radclyffe, in my opinion, is perfect, is, how she continues the stories of all the different peoples and brings new characters in and intertwined them with the existing ones. She always creates and develops fascinating characters. In this book, we meet again mainly with Flann, Abbey, Blake, Margie, and Ida. The others have shorter appearances. This way we can follow a community for a long time and it never gets boring.
Highly recommended for romance and Radclyffe fans.
My rating 4.5 stars
June 5, 2020
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢👩✈🚁🚨💕👩⚕👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of Radclyffe’s « Love To The Rescue » from BSB (via NetGalley) … So, here it is !!
My rating : 2.5 ⭐️
The story is supposed to focus on Brody Clark, a veteran flight medic and Dr Sydney Valentine (aka Val), a veterinary… They were in high school together and both have recently returned home to the Rivers Community after a decade far away from their childhood small town… But, from my POV, in this book there's too much back story about what happened in the previous novels of the series (it’s book 5 in the Rivers Community Romance series) and so many info about the current life of the supposedly secondary characters, that we don’t even know anymore if the MCs are really the MCs and if it’s a novel or an anthology of short stories to give us some updates … on Flann !!! Hmm ..
I’m a dog lover so, of course, I loved Honcho …
Other than that, what can I say about the book ???
The time frame is too rushed (the main part of the « action » takes place in less than a week … the entire novel like in 10 days) It moves way too fast => … too many things happen in all the areas in this short time to be believable, the « love » between Brody and Val seems to be the worst. => OK Brody had a crush on Val when they were in high school but Val didn’t even noticed Brody until now (she was focused on Flann) so, in other words, they don’t to know each other and suddenly (but really out of the blue) they are head over heels and before you know it love is being declared … Sorry but … I don’t buy it !! ‘cause no matter what happened in the past, a week, is definitely not enough time to fall in love with someone … And their (supposedly erotic but highly unhygienic) intimate encounters didn’t help me believe in the « romance » part, they look like more like pure lust to me and as a romantic, insta-love/lust it’s not what I prefer…
This story could have been great if really centered on the MCs & with more substance, and a better time line …
I’m surprised and, I confess, disappointed by the lack of quality in Radclyffe latest works compared to her novels from a few years back … I loved « Tomorrow’s promise » or « Love's Melody Lost » and, since I really like this author, I’d love to see her back to this high quality level …
Some people will love the book, some others won’t … So, I guess that the best thing for you to do, guys and gals, is to grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢👩✈🚁🚨💕👩⚕👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of Radclyffe’s « Love To The Rescue » from BSB (via NetGalley) … So, here it is !!
My rating : 2.5 ⭐️
The story is supposed to focus on Brody Clark, a veteran flight medic and Dr Sydney Valentine (aka Val), a veterinary… They were in high school together and both have recently returned home to the Rivers Community after a decade far away from their childhood small town… But, from my POV, in this book there's too much back story about what happened in the previous novels of the series (it’s book 5 in the Rivers Community Romance series) and so many info about the current life of the supposedly secondary characters, that we don’t even know anymore if the MCs are really the MCs and if it’s a novel or an anthology of short stories to give us some updates … on Flann !!! Hmm ..
I’m a dog lover so, of course, I loved Honcho …
Other than that, what can I say about the book ???
The time frame is too rushed (the main part of the « action » takes place in less than a week … the entire novel like in 10 days) It moves way too fast => … too many things happen in all the areas in this short time to be believable, the « love » between Brody and Val seems to be the worst. => OK Brody had a crush on Val when they were in high school but Val didn’t even noticed Brody until now (she was focused on Flann) so, in other words, they don’t to know each other and suddenly (but really out of the blue) they are head over heels and before you know it love is being declared … Sorry but … I don’t buy it !! ‘cause no matter what happened in the past, a week, is definitely not enough time to fall in love with someone … And their (supposedly erotic but highly unhygienic) intimate encounters didn’t help me believe in the « romance » part, they look like more like pure lust to me and as a romantic, insta-love/lust it’s not what I prefer…
This story could have been great if really centered on the MCs & with more substance, and a better time line …
I’m surprised and, I confess, disappointed by the lack of quality in Radclyffe latest works compared to her novels from a few years back … I loved « Tomorrow’s promise » or « Love's Melody Lost » and, since I really like this author, I’d love to see her back to this high quality level …
Some people will love the book, some others won’t … So, I guess that the best thing for you to do, guys and gals, is to grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢👩✈🚁🚨💕👩⚕👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
March 28, 2019
The Rivers series is my favorite by Radclyffe. I hope I get to read another one soon. This is book 5 in the series and I would suggest you read them in order. I have been waiting for Val to make more of an appearance and I am so happy she got her own book. I feel the new characters were great additions, and I was excited to check in on all the characters from the previous books. I can't wait to see what happens with Blake. While this one wasn't my favorite in the series it is still a great read. I read it quickly, and when it ended I was sad. The ending for me was abrupt and felt kind of rushed. Again, hopefully we get a little more in the next book.
February 18, 2019
Love to the Rescue’ is the fifth installment in Radclyffe’s ‘Rivers Community Romance’ series.
Brody Clark is a flight medic returning to her hometown after abruptly joining the Army and leaving ten years ago. Her return opens up some old wounds tied to her past with the Rivers family and her struggle to forgive her own reasons for leaving town in the first place. Val Valentine has also returned home after becoming a veterinarian and successfully starting a practice in Manhattan. Her mentor and father figure needed help running the practice she worked for many years ago. Val returned to help him and perhaps make amends for past mistakes.
In a way, this book was like coming home. The Rivers has become a tangible place for all the readers that have enjoyed this series. The hospital and adjacent community are well described, perhaps more so than in any of Radclyffe’s other works with maybe the exception of the ‘Provincetown Tales’. Both of these series are so dependent on their settings that the story would just not be the same in another place or time. ‘Love to the Rescue’ can be read as a stand alone but you will be losing out on a big part of its charm by doing so.
This book adds some new characters to the community. In addition to the above mentioned ones, the helicopter pilot is another interesting character and a potential lead in a future installment. Kudos to the author for introducing a retired Army canine in realistic fashion and making her a great secondary character. Several of the established characters in the series make an appearance, including Blake, one of my favorite story lines.
I will disclose that I am an avid Radclyffe reader. Her medical romances are overall great, with credible circumstances few can provide due to her background as a retired surgeon. I am beyond ecstatic that she has created a veterinarian to join the rest of her characters! Having said this, I will warn that her books also have the instant love factor that may not appeal to everyone. Nonetheless, Radclyffe is worth reading, anytime.
The cover design by Sheri is sharp, eye catching and on par with the story.
Available now exclusively on Bold Strokes Books website until wider release next month.
Overall another successful book by Radclyffe that will not disappoint old and new fans. 4 stars.
https://lezreviewbooks.com
Brody Clark is a flight medic returning to her hometown after abruptly joining the Army and leaving ten years ago. Her return opens up some old wounds tied to her past with the Rivers family and her struggle to forgive her own reasons for leaving town in the first place. Val Valentine has also returned home after becoming a veterinarian and successfully starting a practice in Manhattan. Her mentor and father figure needed help running the practice she worked for many years ago. Val returned to help him and perhaps make amends for past mistakes.
In a way, this book was like coming home. The Rivers has become a tangible place for all the readers that have enjoyed this series. The hospital and adjacent community are well described, perhaps more so than in any of Radclyffe’s other works with maybe the exception of the ‘Provincetown Tales’. Both of these series are so dependent on their settings that the story would just not be the same in another place or time. ‘Love to the Rescue’ can be read as a stand alone but you will be losing out on a big part of its charm by doing so.
This book adds some new characters to the community. In addition to the above mentioned ones, the helicopter pilot is another interesting character and a potential lead in a future installment. Kudos to the author for introducing a retired Army canine in realistic fashion and making her a great secondary character. Several of the established characters in the series make an appearance, including Blake, one of my favorite story lines.
I will disclose that I am an avid Radclyffe reader. Her medical romances are overall great, with credible circumstances few can provide due to her background as a retired surgeon. I am beyond ecstatic that she has created a veterinarian to join the rest of her characters! Having said this, I will warn that her books also have the instant love factor that may not appeal to everyone. Nonetheless, Radclyffe is worth reading, anytime.
The cover design by Sheri is sharp, eye catching and on par with the story.
Available now exclusively on Bold Strokes Books website until wider release next month.
Overall another successful book by Radclyffe that will not disappoint old and new fans. 4 stars.
https://lezreviewbooks.com
April 10, 2026
Ahhh, the master at work again, all is well in the world. Read in one tearful, wonderful, blissful afternoon. A real pleasure to become reacquainted with old friends. Simply class.
April 12, 2019
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a fan of Rads and this a pretty much a by the numbers Rad book, it’s also book 5 in the Rivers series and anyone who’s read the others will want to read this.
This one features MC Brody who is a flight medic for helicopters, which the Rivers hospital has just added, and Val, who is a veterinarian who has come back to town to help out her mentor. Both characters are interesting, and they have great chemistry. They also know each other from school way back when (Brody remembers Val more than the other way around) and they click pretty much right away. Brody also has (pretty convenient and never before mentioned) ties to the Rivers clan, which feeds some of the back story. I also found both of the MCs jobs interesting, and Brody has a cool dog. Most of the other previous characters get little more than cameos, but Blake and Margie’s story is furthered here and I did like how that was handled, Flann also features fairly heavily.
It’s not perfect though. First, I had to get past the credulity stretching scenario that this small town in upstate New York is home to SO. MANY. LESBIANS. Seriously, it’s not even vaguely believable. I knew that going in though, so just had to go with it. The MCs also know each other for a week, maybe at a stretch it was 10 days, so the insta-love almost gave me whiplash, but Rad does like her characters to fall fast and hard. The main ‘mystery’ element, which also ties into Brody’s past, wasn’t really that intriguing and was wrapped up too quickly for me, which was more than can be said for Val’s backstory which went... nowhere. The book itself also just ends (and the last scene doesn’t even feature both MCs, I seriously swiped to the next page expecting another scene with the MCs and was shocked to see the ‘About the Author’ page).
So, all in all I can only go 3 stars for this. It needed another 50 pages to flesh things out properly (like Brody actually having a conversation with the other half of the Rivers family, and the MCs romance), I assume there will be another book, and that it might feature Val’s cousin, in which case some of these loose ends might get tied up, but I wanted that in this book. This is a fast read, and enjoyable enough as part of this series.
I’m a fan of Rads and this a pretty much a by the numbers Rad book, it’s also book 5 in the Rivers series and anyone who’s read the others will want to read this.
This one features MC Brody who is a flight medic for helicopters, which the Rivers hospital has just added, and Val, who is a veterinarian who has come back to town to help out her mentor. Both characters are interesting, and they have great chemistry. They also know each other from school way back when (Brody remembers Val more than the other way around) and they click pretty much right away. Brody also has (pretty convenient and never before mentioned) ties to the Rivers clan, which feeds some of the back story. I also found both of the MCs jobs interesting, and Brody has a cool dog. Most of the other previous characters get little more than cameos, but Blake and Margie’s story is furthered here and I did like how that was handled, Flann also features fairly heavily.
It’s not perfect though. First, I had to get past the credulity stretching scenario that this small town in upstate New York is home to SO. MANY. LESBIANS. Seriously, it’s not even vaguely believable. I knew that going in though, so just had to go with it. The MCs also know each other for a week, maybe at a stretch it was 10 days, so the insta-love almost gave me whiplash, but Rad does like her characters to fall fast and hard. The main ‘mystery’ element, which also ties into Brody’s past, wasn’t really that intriguing and was wrapped up too quickly for me, which was more than can be said for Val’s backstory which went... nowhere. The book itself also just ends (and the last scene doesn’t even feature both MCs, I seriously swiped to the next page expecting another scene with the MCs and was shocked to see the ‘About the Author’ page).
So, all in all I can only go 3 stars for this. It needed another 50 pages to flesh things out properly (like Brody actually having a conversation with the other half of the Rivers family, and the MCs romance), I assume there will be another book, and that it might feature Val’s cousin, in which case some of these loose ends might get tied up, but I wanted that in this book. This is a fast read, and enjoyable enough as part of this series.
February 28, 2019
It’s nice to read about all the characters in the Rivers series again. I liked this book and can recommend it. I am a fan of Radclyffe. Her books never disappoint me, though some are better than others. This one was good, but not the best in this series imo. Stil an enjoyable read.
February 15, 2019
The River’s Community is one of my favorite series. I don’t know what it is about this community and these women that just keeps drawing me back in. I read this one in 2 hours because I just couldn’t put it down. Was there anything that stuck out as extraordinary? Not really. This was just Radclyffe at her usual best. The story flowed, the chemistry was believable and all the characters were seamlessly tied together. Another great read from Radclyffe.
April 22, 2019
I actually loved this story and more so for the family/friendship aspects than the love.
Brody left the River’s community and the Rivers family without looking back. Now after years away, she’s back to help start the Medivac team at the Hospital. Memories are flooding back and she’s trying to avoid the confrontation with the River’s family (especially Flann) whenever she can but when you live in a small town it’s hard to avoid anyone. The only shining light of being back is the crush she still has on Val from High School and the fact that Val now sees her instead of cool other kids at school. Val feel’s a connection to Brody straight away. She’s everything she has been looking for but how did she not see it before?
What a great story and I really enjoyed it being out with the hospital for a change. Val being the local Vet and Brody being the Medivac set them in the Hospital mix but not at the centre of all the drama. The flow and pace were perfect, and it was a really nice read for a Sunday afternoon at home.
The chemistry and budding romance from Val and Brody felt easy to read and enjoy. Their relationship was lovely and at no point could I see it end in heart break or did it throw too much angst. The angst was between Brody and her connection to the Rivers family. The hurt her leaving did to them especially Flann who just can’t get on board with why she is back.
In fact, the friendship and love between Flann and Brody is where the real story is in the book. It felt heated and hurtful between them both. Radclyffe gave such emotion to the moments they were together toughing it out but in turn the love flowed during the times they spoke about each other or the rest of the Rivers crew.
I can’t review a Rivers Community book without mentioning Maggie and Blake. Our young teens that have been around since book two. I just think that Radclyffe really needs to be commended for the continued excellence when it comes to writing Blake and his transition with such accuracy. As a trans male he goes through some hard times but with Maggie and the Rivers clan by his side he seems to be able to tackle anything. I do really hope he finds love with Maggie one day, if any couple deserve each other it’s those two.
Great addition to the Rivers Community books. Still hot and sexy with so much love it’s hard not to swoon.
4.5 stars
Brody left the River’s community and the Rivers family without looking back. Now after years away, she’s back to help start the Medivac team at the Hospital. Memories are flooding back and she’s trying to avoid the confrontation with the River’s family (especially Flann) whenever she can but when you live in a small town it’s hard to avoid anyone. The only shining light of being back is the crush she still has on Val from High School and the fact that Val now sees her instead of cool other kids at school. Val feel’s a connection to Brody straight away. She’s everything she has been looking for but how did she not see it before?
What a great story and I really enjoyed it being out with the hospital for a change. Val being the local Vet and Brody being the Medivac set them in the Hospital mix but not at the centre of all the drama. The flow and pace were perfect, and it was a really nice read for a Sunday afternoon at home.
The chemistry and budding romance from Val and Brody felt easy to read and enjoy. Their relationship was lovely and at no point could I see it end in heart break or did it throw too much angst. The angst was between Brody and her connection to the Rivers family. The hurt her leaving did to them especially Flann who just can’t get on board with why she is back.
In fact, the friendship and love between Flann and Brody is where the real story is in the book. It felt heated and hurtful between them both. Radclyffe gave such emotion to the moments they were together toughing it out but in turn the love flowed during the times they spoke about each other or the rest of the Rivers crew.
I can’t review a Rivers Community book without mentioning Maggie and Blake. Our young teens that have been around since book two. I just think that Radclyffe really needs to be commended for the continued excellence when it comes to writing Blake and his transition with such accuracy. As a trans male he goes through some hard times but with Maggie and the Rivers clan by his side he seems to be able to tackle anything. I do really hope he finds love with Maggie one day, if any couple deserve each other it’s those two.
Great addition to the Rivers Community books. Still hot and sexy with so much love it’s hard not to swoon.
4.5 stars
December 13, 2025
*** 3.39 ***
I love this medical themed series, but the insta love is starting to get to me... Lust is more than understandable, but the proclamations of Love after just sleeping together gets to be too much... Still, the medicine parts are awesome!!! 😊👍
I love this medical themed series, but the insta love is starting to get to me... Lust is more than understandable, but the proclamations of Love after just sleeping together gets to be too much... Still, the medicine parts are awesome!!! 😊👍
April 19, 2019
Love to the Rescue by Radclyffe is the first full length novel that I’ve read by this author, so I was really looking forward to this book. I’m happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
This is the fifth book in the River Community Romances series. I was a bit concerned about starting a book this far into a series, but found that I had no problem reading this as a standalone novel. The author gave plenty of information about the back stories from the earlier books. Now that I’ve read this one, I definitely will be looking for the earlier books in this series, especially since I’m now familiar with the characters from those earlier books. Most of them play secondary roles in this one.
The two main characters in Love to the Rescue return to the Rivers Community after a decade. Both left for different but rather painful reasons. Brody and Val meet and become reacquainted with each other as they deal with their painful pasts. They also have to deal with the attraction they feel for each other.
This is a beautiful, sweet, and lovely romance. There is a little angst for the characters that runs through the story, but nothing that mars the romantic feel of the tale. The characters have a depth to them that makes them real to the reader, and the story is engaging and romantic.
If you love a good romance that makes you smile and gives you that happy feeling as you read, then this is a good story for you.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
This is the fifth book in the River Community Romances series. I was a bit concerned about starting a book this far into a series, but found that I had no problem reading this as a standalone novel. The author gave plenty of information about the back stories from the earlier books. Now that I’ve read this one, I definitely will be looking for the earlier books in this series, especially since I’m now familiar with the characters from those earlier books. Most of them play secondary roles in this one.
The two main characters in Love to the Rescue return to the Rivers Community after a decade. Both left for different but rather painful reasons. Brody and Val meet and become reacquainted with each other as they deal with their painful pasts. They also have to deal with the attraction they feel for each other.
This is a beautiful, sweet, and lovely romance. There is a little angst for the characters that runs through the story, but nothing that mars the romantic feel of the tale. The characters have a depth to them that makes them real to the reader, and the story is engaging and romantic.
If you love a good romance that makes you smile and gives you that happy feeling as you read, then this is a good story for you.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
February 15, 2019
Never ever, was I disappointed in Rad’s books and this one is no exception. Emotional roller coaster full of hidden drama. I loved the story, and characters and I absolutely loved that dog.
I loved books 1-4 and #5 is wonderful continuation. Now, being patient and waiting for another is a different story….
I loved books 1-4 and #5 is wonderful continuation. Now, being patient and waiting for another is a different story….
February 16, 2019
Honcho reminds me of this dog, Brutus, from a little comic called,'Pixie and Brutus' on Instagram. I want my very own Honcho and Brutus. *nods*
So back to the book...
I've really enjoyed 'A Rivers Community Romance' series so far and this fifth book did not disappoint. I hope there's another book that follows this one because I must know more about my favourite characters and place.
So back to the book...
I've really enjoyed 'A Rivers Community Romance' series so far and this fifth book did not disappoint. I hope there's another book that follows this one because I must know more about my favourite characters and place.
March 5, 2019
Radclyffe being Radclyffe... again.
May 2, 2019
This is the 3rd Rivers Community Romance I have read and realized I have been meaning to go back and read book 2 about Flannery. This Rivers Romance is about Brody and Val. I really don't want to get into the plot because it really gives you a false sense that this book will be better than it is. Now, I don't think it was terrible, it just was not as good as the others. Here is my problem. It moves way too fast. The two characters really don't seem to get to know each other and before you know it love is being declared. A week for sure is not enough time to fall in love with someone just because you were in to them in High school. I think if they had a better connection and it lasted more than a week, I would have liked this more.
I give this one 3 stars.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
I give this one 3 stars.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
March 30, 2019
Radclyffe at the moment for me is below par compared to her writing of a couple of years ago. The last year or so has been hit or miss (with more miss) for me and I am afraid this is a miss in my book.
I liked the main characters of Brody and Val but I did not feel the chemistry from them at any time throughout the book. I felt Brody had more chemistry with Jane, her best friend and co-worker. The story line was ok but I felt like the ending was rushed and not quite finished.
Even though Rad is my favourite author, this book just didn't do it for me. Hopefully her next book will be better.
I liked the main characters of Brody and Val but I did not feel the chemistry from them at any time throughout the book. I felt Brody had more chemistry with Jane, her best friend and co-worker. The story line was ok but I felt like the ending was rushed and not quite finished.
Even though Rad is my favourite author, this book just didn't do it for me. Hopefully her next book will be better.
May 17, 2019
Loved the story and how all the Rivers are getting on. I hope we get to see more on Blake’s story.
April 23, 2019
This is the fifth novel in the Rivers Community Romance series and it’s a nice enough series but hasn’t grabbed me the way the Provincetown series did. In this instalment Brody Clark is given a new air medic posting but doesn’t find out until it’s too late that she’s returning to her home town. She left one night when she was 18 and hadn’t returned in 10 years. Sydney Valentine (Val) has also recently returned to the area when asked by her mentor to join him in his veterinary practice. When Val and Brody meet again there is definitely chemistry but Brody’s past has made her wary.
I liked the story but I felt that there were a number of avenues that were opened up but not really dealt with. Some were integral to Brody and who she is as a character so they seemed glossed over instead of becoming part of a powerful backstory. Brody has a strong connection to the Rivers family and yet the two older Rivers sisters are entirely absent from the story. The same with Val in terms of her family dynamic and I imagine some of it may be revisited in future additions to the series but I felt there wasn’t enough explored in this instalment to fully anchor the characters.
The one continuous aspect to this series that I am really invested in is Blake, his friends and his transition journey. I am starting to be a little irritated by the Rivers family in that they’re starting to sound and behave like the community medical mafia. Love to the Rescue is still an enjoyable light read but not my favourite in the series so far.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I liked the story but I felt that there were a number of avenues that were opened up but not really dealt with. Some were integral to Brody and who she is as a character so they seemed glossed over instead of becoming part of a powerful backstory. Brody has a strong connection to the Rivers family and yet the two older Rivers sisters are entirely absent from the story. The same with Val in terms of her family dynamic and I imagine some of it may be revisited in future additions to the series but I felt there wasn’t enough explored in this instalment to fully anchor the characters.
The one continuous aspect to this series that I am really invested in is Blake, his friends and his transition journey. I am starting to be a little irritated by the Rivers family in that they’re starting to sound and behave like the community medical mafia. Love to the Rescue is still an enjoyable light read but not my favourite in the series so far.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
December 28, 2019
This is the fifth installment of "A Rivers Community Romance". It's a standalone novel, but it's better, since the different characters are recurrent, to read the entire series.
It's a good Radclyffe, as always. Brody and Val, newcomers to the city, face a painful and obscure past and the story leads us to understand why.
It is a book of forgiveness, surpassing oneself and facing one's demons.
The cover and in continuity with the other cover of this series.
I highly recommend this book.
It's a good Radclyffe, as always. Brody and Val, newcomers to the city, face a painful and obscure past and the story leads us to understand why.
It is a book of forgiveness, surpassing oneself and facing one's demons.
The cover and in continuity with the other cover of this series.
I highly recommend this book.
April 28, 2019
Sydney Valentine (Val) and Brody Clark both return to Rivers for different reasons. Both are close to the Rivers family. The brooding Brody Clark, has quite the backstory of a dysfunctional family situation and has worked hard to put behind her by running away. Val has an interesting backstory of being a selfish entitled not so nice person in her youth that has her doing the right thing by returning to Rivers. Although their getting to know each other was quick, I thought considering the need for caring they each had, I felt okay about it. The ending in my opinion was rushed and abrupt and did not set well. On the other hand, I can appreciate a story about finding self, family, friends, and love a joy.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
February 21, 2019
I love the Rivers books and will continue to read them over and over again.
March 7, 2019
Rating 3.33 (I can't give it a 3.5 or 4 and based on my ongoing Rad addiction I can't just say i liked it (3)).
This is the latest in one of Rad's many series based in an American town populated primarily by hot, single (but not for long) and broody lesbians. If you've been reading the series, you'll enjoy it. Overall I liked it (I've said it before ... I just can't seem to quit Radclyffe ... I will always read her newest in one sitting even though I know all the tropes and often have issues with some of the storylines). I did find it pretty short - almost like it was setting up something for a future book as one of the key plot points didn't really seem to get resolved. The angst factor wasn't as high as other Rad romances (angst/simmering lust) and their path to love was pretty short and relatively obstacle free. The ongoing subplot with Margie and Blake continued in the background, but even that was kind of short and didn't really progress their stories - kudos to Rad for including a recurring character who is a transitioning teen. At times during the series I couldn't care less about the MCs and wanted to know more about what Margie and Blake were up to. If you are a closet Rad addict (raise your hand), you'll be reading this. If you aren't ... you won't. :)
This is the latest in one of Rad's many series based in an American town populated primarily by hot, single (but not for long) and broody lesbians. If you've been reading the series, you'll enjoy it. Overall I liked it (I've said it before ... I just can't seem to quit Radclyffe ... I will always read her newest in one sitting even though I know all the tropes and often have issues with some of the storylines). I did find it pretty short - almost like it was setting up something for a future book as one of the key plot points didn't really seem to get resolved. The angst factor wasn't as high as other Rad romances (angst/simmering lust) and their path to love was pretty short and relatively obstacle free. The ongoing subplot with Margie and Blake continued in the background, but even that was kind of short and didn't really progress their stories - kudos to Rad for including a recurring character who is a transitioning teen. At times during the series I couldn't care less about the MCs and wanted to know more about what Margie and Blake were up to. If you are a closet Rad addict (raise your hand), you'll be reading this. If you aren't ... you won't. :)
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