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Elusive Dreams
Marine Erik Storm intends to keep the promise he made to a dying mother. Protect her two young children, survivors of the bombing that left him barely able to walk. He moves into his grandparents' house in coastal Maine next door to a childhood friend.
Tessa Porter is no longer the shy little girl from his youth, but a life in foster care has left her leery of people. When his custody of the children is questioned, she offers to enter into a marriage of convenience to boost his case.
They don't expect the sparks that fly or their growing desire. When their marriage becomes real they have to find ways to heal together or risk losing their perfectly imperfect family for good.
Tessa Porter is no longer the shy little girl from his youth, but a life in foster care has left her leery of people. When his custody of the children is questioned, she offers to enter into a marriage of convenience to boost his case.
They don't expect the sparks that fly or their growing desire. When their marriage becomes real they have to find ways to heal together or risk losing their perfectly imperfect family for good.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2019
29 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 26, 2025
I’ve eagerly been anticipating the arrival of Kari Lemor’s newest book, Elusive Dreams, from the Wild Rose press.
I just finished it and want to turn right around and read it again! This book had so many emotional highs and lows for me that I feel like I’ve been run through the dryer like a wet rag!
Eric Storm’s promise to raise two orphaned Afghani children as his own after their mother dies in battle is no empty promise. But there is one huge stumbling block for him and that's that he's been severely wounded in the same gunfire that killed the children's mother. Emotionally raw and physically bereft, Eric moves into his grandparents Maine home with a thought to keep the children safe and by his side while they all get used to the idea of this new kind of family. He doesn’t realize how much help he truly needs until the day he moves into the house. After falling flat on his ass in the driveway and unable to carry groceries into the house due to his need for walking appliances, Eric knows the road ahead of him will be long and tortuous.
When Eric's neighbor, Tessa Porter, finds him on the ground, she is the essence of kindness and help. She's always had a little crush on her older neighbor and now here he is in the flash, although that flash is damaged, and he admits he needs her help. When she meets the two children that he has sworn to raise as his own, her heart swells. Through no fault of their own, they’ve lost the one person who means the most to them. Tessa knows a little something about that.
This modern day marriage of convenience story is filled with emotional highs and lows. Tessa has never believed she had a purpose or that anyone could love her. Eric has always been the alpha male and now he has to rely on others, something he simply has a hard time with. As the two of them care for the children they grow to not only love them but realize they need each other for more than just support.
Told in revolving person point of view between Eric and Tessa, Elusive Dreams is the first book in MMs Lemor’s new Storms of New England series. And it’s an amazing first book to what promises to be an exceptional series.
Get your hankies ready, folks. You’re gonna need them.
The only problem I have now is that I need to wait until book 2 is released! Five well deserved and emotionally driven stars from me for a story that will have you crying, smiling, and finally cheering these two damaged yet completely whole wonderful characters. Brava
I just finished it and want to turn right around and read it again! This book had so many emotional highs and lows for me that I feel like I’ve been run through the dryer like a wet rag!
Eric Storm’s promise to raise two orphaned Afghani children as his own after their mother dies in battle is no empty promise. But there is one huge stumbling block for him and that's that he's been severely wounded in the same gunfire that killed the children's mother. Emotionally raw and physically bereft, Eric moves into his grandparents Maine home with a thought to keep the children safe and by his side while they all get used to the idea of this new kind of family. He doesn’t realize how much help he truly needs until the day he moves into the house. After falling flat on his ass in the driveway and unable to carry groceries into the house due to his need for walking appliances, Eric knows the road ahead of him will be long and tortuous.
When Eric's neighbor, Tessa Porter, finds him on the ground, she is the essence of kindness and help. She's always had a little crush on her older neighbor and now here he is in the flash, although that flash is damaged, and he admits he needs her help. When she meets the two children that he has sworn to raise as his own, her heart swells. Through no fault of their own, they’ve lost the one person who means the most to them. Tessa knows a little something about that.
This modern day marriage of convenience story is filled with emotional highs and lows. Tessa has never believed she had a purpose or that anyone could love her. Eric has always been the alpha male and now he has to rely on others, something he simply has a hard time with. As the two of them care for the children they grow to not only love them but realize they need each other for more than just support.
Told in revolving person point of view between Eric and Tessa, Elusive Dreams is the first book in MMs Lemor’s new Storms of New England series. And it’s an amazing first book to what promises to be an exceptional series.
Get your hankies ready, folks. You’re gonna need them.
The only problem I have now is that I need to wait until book 2 is released! Five well deserved and emotionally driven stars from me for a story that will have you crying, smiling, and finally cheering these two damaged yet completely whole wonderful characters. Brava
August 20, 2019
I loved everything about this story! As usual, Kari Lemor's writing is excellent--full of complex, realistic characters who come to life on the page.
Erik is a wounded vet who's returned from war with an injury that's not nearly healed and two very young children who he adopted from overseas following events that happened in the war. He's completely devoted to the children but is in way over his head and must swallow his pride to accept help from Tessa, his new neighbor and a grown-up version of the girl he's known all his life.
As Erik comes to terms with his own recent trauma, his own feelings of brokenness, and his own struggles to assimilate to life back home, he feels a new kinship with Tessa, who has always had a mysterious sadness about her, who has never seemed to fit in, and who he has always suspected had a traumatic past of her own.
Tessa, meanwhile, feels a kinship to Erik's children. She, too, was adopted and feels protective of them, even though Erik (unlike Tessa's series of foster parents) is a responsible dad. The fact that she cares about the kids, is drawn to Erik (the object of many a crush in their town), and has few attachments as a result of her own problems leads to an utterly credible marriage of convenience.
I won't give spoilers, but I will say the evolution of the love story is satisfying, as is the resolution of the problems in their lives. Tessa and Erik are one of those couples who are perfect for one another in their flaws and imperfection. Add to all of it the seaside setting of a town in Maine, the cuteness of babies, and the warmth of found family and it's pretty much a perfect read. I highly recommend this book!
Erik is a wounded vet who's returned from war with an injury that's not nearly healed and two very young children who he adopted from overseas following events that happened in the war. He's completely devoted to the children but is in way over his head and must swallow his pride to accept help from Tessa, his new neighbor and a grown-up version of the girl he's known all his life.
As Erik comes to terms with his own recent trauma, his own feelings of brokenness, and his own struggles to assimilate to life back home, he feels a new kinship with Tessa, who has always had a mysterious sadness about her, who has never seemed to fit in, and who he has always suspected had a traumatic past of her own.
Tessa, meanwhile, feels a kinship to Erik's children. She, too, was adopted and feels protective of them, even though Erik (unlike Tessa's series of foster parents) is a responsible dad. The fact that she cares about the kids, is drawn to Erik (the object of many a crush in their town), and has few attachments as a result of her own problems leads to an utterly credible marriage of convenience.
I won't give spoilers, but I will say the evolution of the love story is satisfying, as is the resolution of the problems in their lives. Tessa and Erik are one of those couples who are perfect for one another in their flaws and imperfection. Add to all of it the seaside setting of a town in Maine, the cuteness of babies, and the warmth of found family and it's pretty much a perfect read. I highly recommend this book!
August 26, 2019
Erik Storm is determined to keep the promise he made to a woman he believes he failed to protect. Filled with guilt, he's come home to Maine in hopes of making things work. However, he never imagined how difficult it would be, especially with the injury he's still recovering from. Luckily, he finds help in the form of Tessa Porter, a childhood friend who lives in the house next door; help that includes a marriage of convenience in order for Erik to keep the children in his life when the threat of losing them becomes a possibility.
What a poignant, heartfelt and utterly captivating tale of two people helping each other to heal while giving two adorable children what they need most -- love and family after losing their mother; and which encompasses two fantastic main characters and a delightful array of secondary ones in Erik's family; well-written dialogue that made this story hard to put down; and a wonderful plot that had me cheering for the main characters HEA at every obstacle they faced to be together.
As for the main characters, I absolutely loved this pair together. They’re perfect for each other because they both believe they’re broken when they’re not. Certainly, it’s understandable why they both think so after everything they’ve been through with what Erik suffered in his time in the military and Tessa never feeling like she’s ever fit in because of her time in foster care. Yet, both show strength and are willing to push the other past their comfort zones. Moreover, the hero is resilient, courageous, stubborn at times but I like that he’s willing to accept help, even though it’s hard for him to ask. While the heroine, she’s also very resilient and courageous by everything she does for Erik. Since it’s not easy for her to get close to people for fear that they’d end up rejecting her. Still, she pushes past her fear and I liked how far she was willing to go for Erik and the children.
Overall, Ms. Lemor has started this series off brilliantly and I loved the way it ended, as Erik and Tessa are so deserving of their HEA after the challenges they face to be together and after everything they’ve been through in their pasts that make it hard for each of them to turn on other people, even though Erik has such a wonderful and loving family that will do anything for him. I would recommend Elusive Dreams by Kari Lemor, if you enjoy small town romances, the marriage of convenience trope or if you love heartfelt romances where two people help each other to heal from their pasts in order to have a future together.
February 11, 2020
Much Anticipated New Series was well worth the wait!
Elusive Dreams by Kari Lemor is the first book released in her Storms of New England series. This series will be following the Storm family and begins with Erik Storm. Erik is a wounded vet who finds himself responsible for raising two young orphans per their dying mom’s wishes. His next door neighbor is Tessa Porter who he knew growing up as the shy girl from foster care. The readers are introduced to these two complex characters, both dealing with their own securities and never thinking they can ever be the perfect mate for anyone. While working as a team to care for the children, they are also dealing with their own physical, mental and social scars. The depth Lemor takes Erik and Tessa to left me crying many times as they mastered raising a family with love, but at the same time felt so completely broken that they themselves questioned who could ever love their flaws.
Lemor does a fabulous job dealing with PTSD as well as abandonment. I am now in love with the Storm family and can’t wait for the next book to be released!
Elusive Dreams by Kari Lemor is the first book released in her Storms of New England series. This series will be following the Storm family and begins with Erik Storm. Erik is a wounded vet who finds himself responsible for raising two young orphans per their dying mom’s wishes. His next door neighbor is Tessa Porter who he knew growing up as the shy girl from foster care. The readers are introduced to these two complex characters, both dealing with their own securities and never thinking they can ever be the perfect mate for anyone. While working as a team to care for the children, they are also dealing with their own physical, mental and social scars. The depth Lemor takes Erik and Tessa to left me crying many times as they mastered raising a family with love, but at the same time felt so completely broken that they themselves questioned who could ever love their flaws.
Lemor does a fabulous job dealing with PTSD as well as abandonment. I am now in love with the Storm family and can’t wait for the next book to be released!
October 4, 2019
Elusive Dreams is a sweet marriage of convince story about two wounded people, one physically, the other emotionally Eric survived severe injuries in Afghanistan that left him unable to walk without support. Tessa was an abandoned child, passed from one bad foster situation to another that left her insecure, frightened by crowds, and scared of human touch. They enter into marriage to protect Eric’s fostering of the two Afghan orphans he had saved when he was injured. He doesn’t think anyone would want a scarred cripple. She has been told she is ugly and unlovable for as long as she can remember. Those two precious children deserve a stable family, however, and in the process of caring for them, Eric and Tessa come to care for each other. The marriage of convenience trope, a common romance theme, becomes fresh in the capable hands of Ms. Lemor as the effects PTSD and abandonment are explored within the context of a most enjoyable story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.
October 22, 2019
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a honest review
Elusive Dreams by Kari Lemor was a delightful surprise. I have never read any of this author's books by the story line made me curious and so I decided to read and review this story and I'm glad I did. So Erik Storm is a marine who has come home after a bombing to recover and take care of two kids he met while he was away and who's mom was killed in the bombing that injured Eric. Tessa Porter has grown up in foster care and has know Erik pretty much since she came to live in Maine. Erik has moved into his grandparents old house which is next door to Tessa's house. What starts out as friendship turns into something more. This was a feel good story all the way and I was sad when it ended. I liked how this romance evolved between these two and I also liked that we got both Erik and Tessa's POV, this story pulled me in from the very beginning.
Elusive Dreams by Kari Lemor was a delightful surprise. I have never read any of this author's books by the story line made me curious and so I decided to read and review this story and I'm glad I did. So Erik Storm is a marine who has come home after a bombing to recover and take care of two kids he met while he was away and who's mom was killed in the bombing that injured Eric. Tessa Porter has grown up in foster care and has know Erik pretty much since she came to live in Maine. Erik has moved into his grandparents old house which is next door to Tessa's house. What starts out as friendship turns into something more. This was a feel good story all the way and I was sad when it ended. I liked how this romance evolved between these two and I also liked that we got both Erik and Tessa's POV, this story pulled me in from the very beginning.
September 6, 2019
The STORMS OF NEW ENGLAND series has a strong opening with the story in ELUSIVE DREAMS. Mixing classic romantic tropes (friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, found family) with the details of small town life, this book is a lovely contemporary romance. Erik and Tessa are such a beautiful couple. Their past traumas create the conflict brewing in this story, but what I appreciate most is that while their love helps give them stability and purpose, it doesn't "cure" their struggles like a magic pill. I loved reading their interactions on the page and seeing how their love develops and grows as they realize their own self-worth. I'm so excited to see this series debut and can't wait for the next one!
November 8, 2019
So this is my first book by this author and it did not disappoint!
I absolutely loved Erik and Tessa!
Such loveable characters who aren't perfect, but they are perfect for each other. Add in two cute kids who they are in the process of adopting and you have yourself a wonderful feel good story worthy of a Hallmark movie.
What starts off as marriage of convenience quickly (and I mean quickly) becomes more.
I couldn't have enjoyed this story more!
I highly recommend you give it a try- you will not be disappointed.
I absolutely loved Erik and Tessa!
Such loveable characters who aren't perfect, but they are perfect for each other. Add in two cute kids who they are in the process of adopting and you have yourself a wonderful feel good story worthy of a Hallmark movie.
What starts off as marriage of convenience quickly (and I mean quickly) becomes more.
I couldn't have enjoyed this story more!
I highly recommend you give it a try- you will not be disappointed.
August 13, 2019
I had the opportunity to read an early copy. My review is my own.
Kari's settings in New England are fantastic. As a native to the area, her experience brings realism to her fiction. These characters are so broken at the beginning and what they form makes the backbone of a beautiful new series of books for Lemor. I can't wait to see what's next for the Storms of New England
Kari's settings in New England are fantastic. As a native to the area, her experience brings realism to her fiction. These characters are so broken at the beginning and what they form makes the backbone of a beautiful new series of books for Lemor. I can't wait to see what's next for the Storms of New England
March 12, 2020
A HEARTWARMING STORY OF THE HEALING POWER OF LOVE. FIVE SPARKLING STARS!
WOW! I devoured this sweet, sexy, heartwarming story of two wounded people who find healing and love in what begins as a marriage of convenience. I'm so glad I found this "unputdownable" book!
Here's a bit of the plot. (WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD!) Marine Captain Erik Storm rescues two small children from a bombed-out cellar in Afghanistan despite his own severe injuries. He brings them home to Maine and wants to adopt them, but he soon realizes he can't take care of them by himself. Enter Tessa, a reclusive next-door neighbor with deep emotional scars from her childhood in foster homes. She soon becomes attached to the little boy (Matty) and his baby sister (Kiki), so she agrees to marry Erik--in name only--for the children's sake.
It's a delicious slow-burn romance between a physically scarred man (who thinks he's impotent) and a woman so emotionally traumatized that she can't bear to be touched. Tessa and Erik develop a bond as they care for the children together, and it's not long before a few "therapeutic" kisses and touches lead to something more intense, as "No-touch Tessa" discovers she's not frigid after all, and Erik finds he's able to perform quite well despite his injuries. They gradually fall in love but hesitate to admit it, because Tessa believes she's an unlovable "freak" and Erik regards himself as a scarred, crippled man no woman could possibly love.
While their love story is the plot's central theme, there's also an intriguing mystery, nail-biting suspense, a couple of tearful scenes (tissues required), and a perfect Happily Ever After ending. The children are absolutely adorable (and smart little Matty becomes a hero!).
This first book in the new series introduces us to Erik's family, including his parents, grandparents, sister (Sara), and brothers (Alex and Luke). Sara's story comes next, and I'm looking forward to Alex's and Luke's as well. Will any woman manage to tame wild Luke?
The author writes beautifully, drawing the reader into the hearts and minds of the characters. Kudos also for perfect editing and proofreading (rare these days) and for limited use of profanity. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
WOW! I devoured this sweet, sexy, heartwarming story of two wounded people who find healing and love in what begins as a marriage of convenience. I'm so glad I found this "unputdownable" book!
Here's a bit of the plot. (WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD!) Marine Captain Erik Storm rescues two small children from a bombed-out cellar in Afghanistan despite his own severe injuries. He brings them home to Maine and wants to adopt them, but he soon realizes he can't take care of them by himself. Enter Tessa, a reclusive next-door neighbor with deep emotional scars from her childhood in foster homes. She soon becomes attached to the little boy (Matty) and his baby sister (Kiki), so she agrees to marry Erik--in name only--for the children's sake.
It's a delicious slow-burn romance between a physically scarred man (who thinks he's impotent) and a woman so emotionally traumatized that she can't bear to be touched. Tessa and Erik develop a bond as they care for the children together, and it's not long before a few "therapeutic" kisses and touches lead to something more intense, as "No-touch Tessa" discovers she's not frigid after all, and Erik finds he's able to perform quite well despite his injuries. They gradually fall in love but hesitate to admit it, because Tessa believes she's an unlovable "freak" and Erik regards himself as a scarred, crippled man no woman could possibly love.
While their love story is the plot's central theme, there's also an intriguing mystery, nail-biting suspense, a couple of tearful scenes (tissues required), and a perfect Happily Ever After ending. The children are absolutely adorable (and smart little Matty becomes a hero!).
This first book in the new series introduces us to Erik's family, including his parents, grandparents, sister (Sara), and brothers (Alex and Luke). Sara's story comes next, and I'm looking forward to Alex's and Luke's as well. Will any woman manage to tame wild Luke?
The author writes beautifully, drawing the reader into the hearts and minds of the characters. Kudos also for perfect editing and proofreading (rare these days) and for limited use of profanity. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
October 15, 2019
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
3.5 stars.
A journey about healing with two lovable, damaged characters is central to the plot of “Elusive Dreams”, by Kari Lemor (The Wild Rose Press), a heartwarming story involving two darling children where a secret teen crush and older brother’s feelings turn adult love.
Erik, a stubborn, “bent and broken” marine with strong protective instincts and an amazingly loving family, is the right man for Tessa.
Tessa’s troubled childhood, the psychological scars and pain it left are heartbreaking to watch, but the way she connects with both children and finds solace and comfort in simply snuggling or holding the toddler is touching.
It’s also heartwarming to watch Tessa heal through the “touch therapy” with the children and the hero while she becomes more positive, her self-confidence rises and her sexual awakening happens.
Erik’s wounds are more than the visible injuries and his candor admitting the extent of these issues early in the story is admirable. A few episodes consisting in a tantrum or PTSD related sounded far too much melodramatic in my opinion.
Erik’s unpreparedness and lack of plans to having two children coming to live with him while he’s still recovering from debilitating injuries don’t match his marine persona and defies any sense of practicality any ordinary human being would show in such circumstances. While his efforts surely come from the heart, furthermore making him rely inevitably on Tessa’s help, one cannot but be perplexed by Erik’s forgetfulness about trivial details about caring for the children, although it’s all conveniently wrapped up in the end with the heroine’s presence and his attention to other dimensions and love for Matty and Kinah.
An enjoyable read, yet at times it seemed too many things were happening to our romantic couple while they made their bumpy journey to the deserved HEA.
3.5 stars.
A journey about healing with two lovable, damaged characters is central to the plot of “Elusive Dreams”, by Kari Lemor (The Wild Rose Press), a heartwarming story involving two darling children where a secret teen crush and older brother’s feelings turn adult love.
Erik, a stubborn, “bent and broken” marine with strong protective instincts and an amazingly loving family, is the right man for Tessa.
Tessa’s troubled childhood, the psychological scars and pain it left are heartbreaking to watch, but the way she connects with both children and finds solace and comfort in simply snuggling or holding the toddler is touching.
It’s also heartwarming to watch Tessa heal through the “touch therapy” with the children and the hero while she becomes more positive, her self-confidence rises and her sexual awakening happens.
Erik’s wounds are more than the visible injuries and his candor admitting the extent of these issues early in the story is admirable. A few episodes consisting in a tantrum or PTSD related sounded far too much melodramatic in my opinion.
Erik’s unpreparedness and lack of plans to having two children coming to live with him while he’s still recovering from debilitating injuries don’t match his marine persona and defies any sense of practicality any ordinary human being would show in such circumstances. While his efforts surely come from the heart, furthermore making him rely inevitably on Tessa’s help, one cannot but be perplexed by Erik’s forgetfulness about trivial details about caring for the children, although it’s all conveniently wrapped up in the end with the heroine’s presence and his attention to other dimensions and love for Matty and Kinah.
An enjoyable read, yet at times it seemed too many things were happening to our romantic couple while they made their bumpy journey to the deserved HEA.
September 7, 2019
Snuggle up with the Storms
This first entry into the Storms of New England series features Erik and Tessa Storm, old acquaintances, family friends, who enter into a marriage of convenience for the sake of two orphaned children. Erik is a Marine just back from combat with a severe injury to his leg, his pride, and the knowledge his life will never be the same. Tessa is a product of the foster system and damaged in ways that can't be seen with the naked eye. If she never lets anyone close, she can't be hurt. She won't let anyone touch her. Literally.
Ironically, Erik and Tessa's struggles make them perfect for each other, and Kari Lemor has written a story of incredible strength and warmth as we see the two becoming parents, overcoming the obstacles that haunt them, and creating a new family. It's a wonderful read and a promising beginning to what will undoubtedly be another great series from the author. Can't wait!
This first entry into the Storms of New England series features Erik and Tessa Storm, old acquaintances, family friends, who enter into a marriage of convenience for the sake of two orphaned children. Erik is a Marine just back from combat with a severe injury to his leg, his pride, and the knowledge his life will never be the same. Tessa is a product of the foster system and damaged in ways that can't be seen with the naked eye. If she never lets anyone close, she can't be hurt. She won't let anyone touch her. Literally.
Ironically, Erik and Tessa's struggles make them perfect for each other, and Kari Lemor has written a story of incredible strength and warmth as we see the two becoming parents, overcoming the obstacles that haunt them, and creating a new family. It's a wonderful read and a promising beginning to what will undoubtedly be another great series from the author. Can't wait!
March 2, 2020
This is book 1 in the Storms of New England series. I can't wait for books 2, True Dreams. My only disappointment in this book was I wanted one more chapter but I'm counting on Ms. Lemor giving an update in the next book. Erik Storm is moving into his grandparents house in Maine after an accident in Afghanistan leaves him disabled and an adoptive father of a friends 2 young children. Tessa Porter has know Erik since they were kids and is very sympathetic about the plight of the young children he is about to help. The characters seem very lifelike and their situation is handled with a true life eye. Some might find the story line a little unrealistic with a marriage of convenience growing into a love affair and the characters working out their flaws and outlooks but I liked it and the people who help them work things out. I wish the review sites had 10 stars, this one would rank that high for me. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 29, 2020
A marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, sweet and steamy romance between two wounded characters. Lemor builds this story one building block at a time to bring two unlikely partners together. From one person, physically challenged who hates the thought of admitting he needs help to keep a promise, to another person compelled to keep to herself, but also desperate to be part of a real family. Lemor takes the tragedies of these two characters, builds upon them, allowing each character to slowly open up and admit their failures, flaws, and frailties, all the while growing to love themselves and the one they are meant to be with for life. Add in the beautiful Maine setting, two sweet children, and a loving, caring set of family and friends, and you have small-town romance at its best.
January 4, 2026
An enjoyable read. I loved at how this book looked at family from a number of angles - it certainly made me look at my own differently. It is centred around a military veteran hero, his neighbour (heroine) and the children in their care. Each has their own challenges to face and come to grips with - I can't speak to how realistic any of these are as they are challenges I have not faced.
I hope we get glimpses of Erik, Tessa, Matty and Kiki in future books. Looking forward to seeing who will get their HEA next.
I hope we get glimpses of Erik, Tessa, Matty and Kiki in future books. Looking forward to seeing who will get their HEA next.
October 27, 2019
Edge of my chair
I fell in love with this book at the start due to the storyline and I love all of this author's books. The further into the book I got the harder it got to put down as I could not wait to see what happens. As always this was a perfect story from start to finish. Now to wait for the next book in the series. You can never go wrong reading any of this author's books.
I fell in love with this book at the start due to the storyline and I love all of this author's books. The further into the book I got the harder it got to put down as I could not wait to see what happens. As always this was a perfect story from start to finish. Now to wait for the next book in the series. You can never go wrong reading any of this author's books.
August 26, 2020
Really engrossing
So many things in this book resonated with me. Issues with self esteem and coping with physical pain and limitations along with loving children and wanting what's best for them are just facts of life in my case. Family interactions, personalities and the love that binds us all together is what matters above all else. This was a very satisfying read!
So many things in this book resonated with me. Issues with self esteem and coping with physical pain and limitations along with loving children and wanting what's best for them are just facts of life in my case. Family interactions, personalities and the love that binds us all together is what matters above all else. This was a very satisfying read!
August 4, 2020
Just wow!
From start to finish, this story captivated me. It was easy to fall in love with the characters. They were so well done; it was as though I knew them. Emotionally charged and wonderful.
From start to finish, this story captivated me. It was easy to fall in love with the characters. They were so well done; it was as though I knew them. Emotionally charged and wonderful.
May 25, 2025
I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I hated every single page of this book - with my whole heart.
It’s a well-loved story, and I truly don’t get it. Am I supposed to root for this couple? One half is an abusive husband who uses PTSD as an explanation - which I understand, but it doesn’t excuse his behaviour. And then the wife gets blamed for being scared of him? After he was throwing things at walls and smashing the kids’ toys?
And let’s not even start on the emotional labour - she does everything around the house because he’s injured. So injured, apparently, he can’t even help pick out colours for the kids’ rooms. Mind you, at that point they weren’t even her kids. She was just being a nice neighbour helping out, and still he couldn’t lift a finger?
And the kicker? This book was written in 2019 - not 1919. Honestly… What on earth?
It’s a well-loved story, and I truly don’t get it. Am I supposed to root for this couple? One half is an abusive husband who uses PTSD as an explanation - which I understand, but it doesn’t excuse his behaviour. And then the wife gets blamed for being scared of him? After he was throwing things at walls and smashing the kids’ toys?
And let’s not even start on the emotional labour - she does everything around the house because he’s injured. So injured, apparently, he can’t even help pick out colours for the kids’ rooms. Mind you, at that point they weren’t even her kids. She was just being a nice neighbour helping out, and still he couldn’t lift a finger?
And the kicker? This book was written in 2019 - not 1919. Honestly… What on earth?
July 11, 2022
This page-turner has a compelling story of friendship, need and comfort that develops into love. Erik and Tessa both have had emotional and/or physical trauma in their lives. They knew each other in the past and surprisingly end up as neighbors. Will the need, kindness, and two orphan children bring these two together to make a happy home. I did not put this book down until the end. This author really know has to tell a story that keeps your attention. Looking forward to reading more of her books.
April 20, 2022
A heartwarming story about a scared and injured Marine who promises a dying mother to care for her two children and next door Tessa who feels she is a freak helps Erik and they enter a marriage of convenience to adopt the children.They have their problems but will love happen for Eric and Tessa?
February 1, 2025
So in love with this book. It has romance steam and so much more. Loved when Erik finally tells Tessa he loves her. There were parts that made me tear up but what good romance doesn’t touch your heart. I can’t wait to read more of this series. Highly recommend
March 20, 2022
Lovely read.
July 19, 2025
Very good and heart felt, true to life
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