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Haven Bay #1
Then There Was You
Love was never part of the plan… Then There Was You…
After struggling as a teen to support his ill mother, Sterling Knight understands the value of hard work and financial stability. It’s made him a workaholic, and he’s determined to prove himself by ensuring his company’s next project—a resort in the small seaside town of Haven Bay—is a huge success. He’s found the perfect piece of land. Now all he has to do is convince the stubborn (and distractingly beautiful) owner to sell.
Katarina Hopa has no intention of ever selling her property to some corporate suit. That land and the house on it are her sanctuary and all she has left. But Sterling stirs feelings and desires she thought she’d buried with her husband long ago. Ignoring their intense attraction is impossible. All she can do now is guard her heart against the devastation that will happen when everything falls apart. And it will fall apart. Because surely, no one gets a second chance at true love… right?
Can Katarina and Sterling overcome the pain of their tragic pasts and clear a path to happily ever after? Or will fear keep them apart forever?
Author’s Note: Opposites attract. Second chance at love. Uptight businessman with a heart of gold. Quirky small town. Meddling friends and relatives. Sexy-times and beachside kisses. True love.
After struggling as a teen to support his ill mother, Sterling Knight understands the value of hard work and financial stability. It’s made him a workaholic, and he’s determined to prove himself by ensuring his company’s next project—a resort in the small seaside town of Haven Bay—is a huge success. He’s found the perfect piece of land. Now all he has to do is convince the stubborn (and distractingly beautiful) owner to sell.
Katarina Hopa has no intention of ever selling her property to some corporate suit. That land and the house on it are her sanctuary and all she has left. But Sterling stirs feelings and desires she thought she’d buried with her husband long ago. Ignoring their intense attraction is impossible. All she can do now is guard her heart against the devastation that will happen when everything falls apart. And it will fall apart. Because surely, no one gets a second chance at true love… right?
Can Katarina and Sterling overcome the pain of their tragic pasts and clear a path to happily ever after? Or will fear keep them apart forever?
Author’s Note: Opposites attract. Second chance at love. Uptight businessman with a heart of gold. Quirky small town. Meddling friends and relatives. Sexy-times and beachside kisses. True love.
245 pages, ebook
First published July 24, 2020
609 people are currently reading
1342 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Rivers
56 books612 followersAlexa Rivers writes about genuine characters living messy, imperfect lives and earning hard-won happily ever afters. Most of her books are set in small towns, and she lives in one of these herself. She shares a house with a neurotic dog and a husband who thinks he’s hilarious.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, baking, eating too much chocolate, cuddling fluffy animals, drinking excessive amounts of tea, and absorbing herself in fictional worlds.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, baking, eating too much chocolate, cuddling fluffy animals, drinking excessive amounts of tea, and absorbing herself in fictional worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 19, 2020
[1.5 star] book wasn't terrible, felt it was okay for the first half of the book but i began to lost interest in the second half, so....
November 24, 2024
A delightful romance read
I enjoyed this story from start to finish - it was the perfect getaway book outside a busy everyday schedule. The characters were likable and the story felt real. Thank you to the author for giving readers a healthy romance.
I enjoyed this story from start to finish - it was the perfect getaway book outside a busy everyday schedule. The characters were likable and the story felt real. Thank you to the author for giving readers a healthy romance.
September 30, 2022
Katarina Hopa found peace in her little land that is also a motel. After her husbands death she couldn't control her feelings, so she did what she knew best at the moment - she pushed them aside with work. And luckily, there was always work on her land. Her routine seems like it's working, until Sterling Knight arrives at her doorstep.
Sterling has a chance to prove himself to his boss. He just needs to convince the owner of the land to sell it. Easy, right? But meeting the owner made him realize that he's not going to succeed in his intention. So why is he still on her land, and most importantly, why is he helping her?
They are on the opposite side of the situation. She wants to keep her motel and help as much broken people as possible. He just wants her to see the win situation for both parties. But no matter how much they insist in their statements, they have more in common than they realize. Both of them are afraid to live with full lungs, to enjoy the little things without the weights of the past. But will they finally understand that the only thing that keeps them back of living fulfilled life is... themselves? Or will their hearts rise the shields once again not risking the unknown?
I love how this book made me feel. It has such a summery and warm vibes that just fills your heart with happiness. The writing style is so easy that it conquers you like a chilly wind in a hot, summer night. The story is emotional, sweet, interesting and with a lot of messages.
However, I didn't feel the connection between the characters. Even though they are well written and well-developed, I just couldn't see and feel their connection fully. Did that ruin my enjoyment though? Absolutely not. There's more to this story than that. There's shown how one person can live through tragic incident and still be able to smile again, to be happy. How can someone learn, in the most unexpected way, to let go of the things that is holding her/him down. There is no use in the glances in the past or the future. The only treasurable moment we have is THE NOW, and we should learn to cherish it.
The side characters are also interesting to read about. Especially those that were opening line of this book. That one particular scene made me laugh with tears. Iconic! I really liked this story and can't wait to 'meet' the other characters through the other parts of the series.
Sterling has a chance to prove himself to his boss. He just needs to convince the owner of the land to sell it. Easy, right? But meeting the owner made him realize that he's not going to succeed in his intention. So why is he still on her land, and most importantly, why is he helping her?
They are on the opposite side of the situation. She wants to keep her motel and help as much broken people as possible. He just wants her to see the win situation for both parties. But no matter how much they insist in their statements, they have more in common than they realize. Both of them are afraid to live with full lungs, to enjoy the little things without the weights of the past. But will they finally understand that the only thing that keeps them back of living fulfilled life is... themselves? Or will their hearts rise the shields once again not risking the unknown?
I love how this book made me feel. It has such a summery and warm vibes that just fills your heart with happiness. The writing style is so easy that it conquers you like a chilly wind in a hot, summer night. The story is emotional, sweet, interesting and with a lot of messages.
However, I didn't feel the connection between the characters. Even though they are well written and well-developed, I just couldn't see and feel their connection fully. Did that ruin my enjoyment though? Absolutely not. There's more to this story than that. There's shown how one person can live through tragic incident and still be able to smile again, to be happy. How can someone learn, in the most unexpected way, to let go of the things that is holding her/him down. There is no use in the glances in the past or the future. The only treasurable moment we have is THE NOW, and we should learn to cherish it.
The side characters are also interesting to read about. Especially those that were opening line of this book. That one particular scene made me laugh with tears. Iconic! I really liked this story and can't wait to 'meet' the other characters through the other parts of the series.
July 20, 2020
If you're a small-town series fan of Claire Kingsley or Lucy Score, read this!
I love Alexa Rivers. I've read every single book in her Little Sky Romance series (and loved it! Read it, people!), and was BEYOND EXCITED when she announced her Haven Bay series and its first main character, Sterling Knight.
Sterling appeared in several of the Little Sky books, so I was gunning for his happily ever after since we met him in Eli's book. His slightly awkward social interaction endeared me, and his hard work ethic was admirable. Any friend of Eli's is a friend of mine.
'Then There Was You' is a great story continuing Sterling's time in Haven Bay which he shared about in Alexa Rivers's 'Dreaming of You'. This new series opens up a whole new world with a new cast of characters. One in particular, Katarina Hopa, is the heartbroken heroine pining the loss of her husband in the seclusion of Haven Bay, and her life runs headlong into Sterling's.
I loved the way these two interacted. His seriousness clashed with her desire to loosen him up. His unbending desire to win against her will to never give in. It was a beautiful dance which morphed into friendship then more, all the while peeling back layers of their personal struggles with guilt, insecurities, life's disappointments and their apparent damaged souls.
Such a beautiful story of healing. Alexa knows how to write a broken character so very well. Bravo! I'm looking forward to reading more about Sterling and Kat's friends Brooke, Bex, Logan, Jack, Tione, Kyle and Shane in the rest of the series. Yay!
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
I love Alexa Rivers. I've read every single book in her Little Sky Romance series (and loved it! Read it, people!), and was BEYOND EXCITED when she announced her Haven Bay series and its first main character, Sterling Knight.
Sterling appeared in several of the Little Sky books, so I was gunning for his happily ever after since we met him in Eli's book. His slightly awkward social interaction endeared me, and his hard work ethic was admirable. Any friend of Eli's is a friend of mine.
'Then There Was You' is a great story continuing Sterling's time in Haven Bay which he shared about in Alexa Rivers's 'Dreaming of You'. This new series opens up a whole new world with a new cast of characters. One in particular, Katarina Hopa, is the heartbroken heroine pining the loss of her husband in the seclusion of Haven Bay, and her life runs headlong into Sterling's.
I loved the way these two interacted. His seriousness clashed with her desire to loosen him up. His unbending desire to win against her will to never give in. It was a beautiful dance which morphed into friendship then more, all the while peeling back layers of their personal struggles with guilt, insecurities, life's disappointments and their apparent damaged souls.
Such a beautiful story of healing. Alexa knows how to write a broken character so very well. Bravo! I'm looking forward to reading more about Sterling and Kat's friends Brooke, Bex, Logan, Jack, Tione, Kyle and Shane in the rest of the series. Yay!
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
August 24, 2020
Crazy Old Ladies
This is certainly a slow burn romance. Because of their opposing motivations, it's almost set up as an enemies-to-lovers romance, though not quite. Their initial meet-cute didn't work out at all because of an interfering group of older ladies. This scene had some elements of humor, but I thought it was perhaps a bit over-the-top at times. What the old ladies did could actually be considered assault, though no man would ever press charges in such a circumstance. Actually, just before he walked out the door, he should have picked up that pink purse and taken it with him! Would have served those old gals right, I think. The actual meet-cute was a little better, and I think the author was able to imbue the story here and there with a bit of humor. I had a hard time, though, buying the romance aspect of it. The sometimes brittle personalities of the main characters just didn't come across as terribly romantic to me. So, all in all, I found myself a little disappointed in this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This is certainly a slow burn romance. Because of their opposing motivations, it's almost set up as an enemies-to-lovers romance, though not quite. Their initial meet-cute didn't work out at all because of an interfering group of older ladies. This scene had some elements of humor, but I thought it was perhaps a bit over-the-top at times. What the old ladies did could actually be considered assault, though no man would ever press charges in such a circumstance. Actually, just before he walked out the door, he should have picked up that pink purse and taken it with him! Would have served those old gals right, I think. The actual meet-cute was a little better, and I think the author was able to imbue the story here and there with a bit of humor. I had a hard time, though, buying the romance aspect of it. The sometimes brittle personalities of the main characters just didn't come across as terribly romantic to me. So, all in all, I found myself a little disappointed in this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
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March 9, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/13/2021)! 🎁
November 11, 2024
Didn’t finish after page 63. It’s okay. A little boring. He thinks she’s extremely hot immediately and she is attracted to him immediately too. We hear both points of view so there isn’t any mystery to what anyone is thinking or anyone’s motives or feeling are. Since they both like eachother it’s fairly we get to hear the same things twice as far as feeling go. Everything is laid out on the table early on. She’s nice. He’s nice. It’s all just….fine. Nothing bad nothing good. Nothing exciting.
I wish kat had a little more to contribute to the story/business aspect. The whole premise is that Kat needs to convince sterling that he needs her as a business partner. And from what I read of her abilities and how she runs the business, I’d never want to be partners with her if I was in his position. She doesn’t bring anything new or exciting to the table that he couldn’t already do easily and better since he has more money. She tells him her grand plans of making the b&b into a type of retreat with…yoga everyday, Healthy meals. Maybe some spa treatments outsourced through a spa in town. As a big business man with a lot of finances, I’d laugh if someone told me those were their grand plans. And a lot has gone wrong while sterling is there looking at the place. And not in an endearing way. It makes her look a little incompetent. I would have liked the author to dig a little deeper and create a more intricate story with kat being this sneakily brilliant business person. So sterling would be impressed and she would be stand out and give him a reason to actually want to stay besides the fact that she’s a pretty face. I wanted her to have a unique and interesting business sense that goes beyond what any regular person off the street could come up with. Maybe she shows more competence later, but I’m just not too invested. The story is too straightforward. I know the romance will be easy between the two because I know they both like eachother right away so the only hurdle they’ll have to go through is about the business. But I won’t be convinced that he doesn’t go into business with her solely because he wants her. Which is lame.
I wish kat had a little more to contribute to the story/business aspect. The whole premise is that Kat needs to convince sterling that he needs her as a business partner. And from what I read of her abilities and how she runs the business, I’d never want to be partners with her if I was in his position. She doesn’t bring anything new or exciting to the table that he couldn’t already do easily and better since he has more money. She tells him her grand plans of making the b&b into a type of retreat with…yoga everyday, Healthy meals. Maybe some spa treatments outsourced through a spa in town. As a big business man with a lot of finances, I’d laugh if someone told me those were their grand plans. And a lot has gone wrong while sterling is there looking at the place. And not in an endearing way. It makes her look a little incompetent. I would have liked the author to dig a little deeper and create a more intricate story with kat being this sneakily brilliant business person. So sterling would be impressed and she would be stand out and give him a reason to actually want to stay besides the fact that she’s a pretty face. I wanted her to have a unique and interesting business sense that goes beyond what any regular person off the street could come up with. Maybe she shows more competence later, but I’m just not too invested. The story is too straightforward. I know the romance will be easy between the two because I know they both like eachother right away so the only hurdle they’ll have to go through is about the business. But I won’t be convinced that he doesn’t go into business with her solely because he wants her. Which is lame.
April 18, 2021
This book was between an okay and I didn't like it. I stopped reading at page 75 because I was so annoyed with Kat that I couldn't take anymore.
She was so judgemental about how Sterling was living his life and that he needed to make changes. Kat insists that he attend a yoga class with her and when he falls on his face she laughs at him. Of course he's embarrassed and leaves while she thinks it's rude of him to walk out of the class. Not too long after that a dog jumps so hard on Sterling knocking him to the ground and she laughs again. Once again Sterling walks away which you can't blame him because who would want someone like her around.
I went back to the book after a break because I really liked Sterling. He's a great guy and way to good for Kat. Sterling put up with a lot from her which was so annoying. Beside the fact I did not feel any chemistry between them this relationship was all one sided with Sterling giving his all and her just taking.
I understand she lost her husband however she should have been dealing with that instead of being so judgmental of everyone else and trying to fix other people.
The old ladies at the retirement home added nothing to this story however the guys from the poker game I liked.
I had hoped that Sterling would have found someone else because Kat did not deserve him.
She was so judgemental about how Sterling was living his life and that he needed to make changes. Kat insists that he attend a yoga class with her and when he falls on his face she laughs at him. Of course he's embarrassed and leaves while she thinks it's rude of him to walk out of the class. Not too long after that a dog jumps so hard on Sterling knocking him to the ground and she laughs again. Once again Sterling walks away which you can't blame him because who would want someone like her around.
I went back to the book after a break because I really liked Sterling. He's a great guy and way to good for Kat. Sterling put up with a lot from her which was so annoying. Beside the fact I did not feel any chemistry between them this relationship was all one sided with Sterling giving his all and her just taking.
I understand she lost her husband however she should have been dealing with that instead of being so judgmental of everyone else and trying to fix other people.
The old ladies at the retirement home added nothing to this story however the guys from the poker game I liked.
I had hoped that Sterling would have found someone else because Kat did not deserve him.
November 12, 2023
Small town romance? Count me in IMMEDIATELY! This was my first Alexa Rivers book and I am jumping to get my next one. I was told by some book besties that Sterling appeared in the Little Sky books so I will probably pause Haven Bay and read those. But let's jump into it....
Sterling's all-around seriousness made me chuckle because it reminded me of myself, honestly. I am always so serious, so I really felt like I clicked with him. When we met Katarina, my heart immediately knew that they needed to end up together. I loved the dynamic that they had where she was hoping to get him to loosen up and not be so serious all the time. The emotion that hit me when we learned that Katarina came to Haven Bay because of the loss of her husband...yeah it hurt. As the story progressed, and they became friends (I MEAN NEED I SAY MORE???) you knew that they were headed towards something beautiful. Grief is such a fickle bitch....and watching them work through the grief, insecurities, and learning about each other slowly all the while falling in love was astonishing. Emotionally broken characters are easy to fall in love with as you are reading books because they are the ones who feel more real, at least for me anyways. This book was such a beautiful ride and simply put, I cannot wait for my next one from Alexa. Her writing style is great and its easy to get lost in.
Sterling's all-around seriousness made me chuckle because it reminded me of myself, honestly. I am always so serious, so I really felt like I clicked with him. When we met Katarina, my heart immediately knew that they needed to end up together. I loved the dynamic that they had where she was hoping to get him to loosen up and not be so serious all the time. The emotion that hit me when we learned that Katarina came to Haven Bay because of the loss of her husband...yeah it hurt. As the story progressed, and they became friends (I MEAN NEED I SAY MORE???) you knew that they were headed towards something beautiful. Grief is such a fickle bitch....and watching them work through the grief, insecurities, and learning about each other slowly all the while falling in love was astonishing. Emotionally broken characters are easy to fall in love with as you are reading books because they are the ones who feel more real, at least for me anyways. This book was such a beautiful ride and simply put, I cannot wait for my next one from Alexa. Her writing style is great and its easy to get lost in.
July 30, 2020
I laughed a lot and became emotional reading this book. Sterling was a stiff corporate executive in the beginning determined to convince Kat to sell her run down hotel and land. She and her friends help him learn how to relax, laugh at himself, and find out what makes him happy. I cheered when he struggled determinedly through yoga poses because I know how hard it is to get into some of those positions and hold them. I would love to learn how to surf someday and Kat was a patient teacher helping Sterling through the basics until he discovered something else to love. But Kat has her own scars and post-traumatic stress from the pain and guilt over her husband’s death to deal with before she can open her heart again to someone new. I didn’t know what rally racing was before I read this book. The bridge club is a riot and I loved their list of conditions on selling the Sanctuary. There were quite a few interesting characters in Haven Bay, who I hope have their own stories told in future books. I wish there was a list of definitions for the New Zealand terms in the beginning or end of the book.
November 24, 2020
Aww, I absolutely adored this story! It’s the first I’ve read by this author, and it certainly won’t be the last.
Kat and Sterling are so freakin’ cute together!
I love how he goes from being a very serious, almost arrogant guy determined to get his way, to slowly evolving into the more relaxed Sterling who seems to grow with every new day. He’s the kind of guy you could easily fall for, and hard.
Kat is this powerhouse of a woman who is set on punishing herself for her past. But in her endeavour to help Sterling loosen up, she winds up learning a thing or two about herself too.
This is such a beautiful story of finding yourself and embracing it. It’s about acceptance, both of yourself and others. And it’s about love, pure and simple.
There are some fantastic side characters along the way too, including a bunch of elderly women who mean well, but are often a little misguided.
Always great to read books set in NZ with that familiar vernacular and use of Te reo. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Kat and Sterling are so freakin’ cute together!
I love how he goes from being a very serious, almost arrogant guy determined to get his way, to slowly evolving into the more relaxed Sterling who seems to grow with every new day. He’s the kind of guy you could easily fall for, and hard.
Kat is this powerhouse of a woman who is set on punishing herself for her past. But in her endeavour to help Sterling loosen up, she winds up learning a thing or two about herself too.
This is such a beautiful story of finding yourself and embracing it. It’s about acceptance, both of yourself and others. And it’s about love, pure and simple.
There are some fantastic side characters along the way too, including a bunch of elderly women who mean well, but are often a little misguided.
Always great to read books set in NZ with that familiar vernacular and use of Te reo. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 11, 2023
Katarina Hopa owns a beachfront lodge in Haven Bay. She was in a horrible car accident and her husband died. She was severely injured. She bought the lodge which she named The Santuary so she could heal. Sterling Knight works for Lockwood Holdings and they want to buy the Sanctuary and turn it into a five star resort. The first time he visits Haven Bay, he is run out of town by the local group of little old ladies called the Bridge Club. Four months later Sterling comes back and actually meets Kat. She turns down his offer.
Sterling is determined to change Kat’s mind. Kat thinks Sterling is uptight and needs to learn how to relax. Kat tells Sterling that if he stays for 2 weeks and embraces the lifestyle at the Sanctuary then she will listen to his full business proposal.
Will Sterling stay and learn how to relax? Will either of them be able to open up their hearts to a possible new relationship?
Meeting all the other interesting people in Haven Bay while reading about Kat and Sterling really sets us up for the rest of the series.
Sterling is determined to change Kat’s mind. Kat thinks Sterling is uptight and needs to learn how to relax. Kat tells Sterling that if he stays for 2 weeks and embraces the lifestyle at the Sanctuary then she will listen to his full business proposal.
Will Sterling stay and learn how to relax? Will either of them be able to open up their hearts to a possible new relationship?
Meeting all the other interesting people in Haven Bay while reading about Kat and Sterling really sets us up for the rest of the series.
July 29, 2020
What if the scraps of your love are enough for him?
Sterling is an uptight workaholic, in Haven Bay to purchase Sanctuary. The company he works for plans to level the buildings to erect a new 5-star exclusive resort. Sanctuary is Kat's home, her sanctuary where she moved to heal, physically and spiritually. It's a small-town B&B in need of repairs, but it's a work in progress, and it has soul. She will give Sterling time for his sales pitch if he agrees to spend two weeks at Sanctuary, giving his best effort at a slower pace in life. Neither of them expects to fall in love during that time. It's a slow burn, with both of them having a lot of "where did that thought come from" moments. The people in this small town are real and interesting. I love the Bridge Club, and all of Kat's meddling friends. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sterling is an uptight workaholic, in Haven Bay to purchase Sanctuary. The company he works for plans to level the buildings to erect a new 5-star exclusive resort. Sanctuary is Kat's home, her sanctuary where she moved to heal, physically and spiritually. It's a small-town B&B in need of repairs, but it's a work in progress, and it has soul. She will give Sterling time for his sales pitch if he agrees to spend two weeks at Sanctuary, giving his best effort at a slower pace in life. Neither of them expects to fall in love during that time. It's a slow burn, with both of them having a lot of "where did that thought come from" moments. The people in this small town are real and interesting. I love the Bridge Club, and all of Kat's meddling friends. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2020
Stick in the mud meets free spirit, or so it seems
The blurb of this book enticed me to buy it, the little old ladies acting as an army of soldiers protecting their Katarina against the corporate suit intended on buying their ‘Sanctuary’.
The story delivers humor, lots of angst, adventure, and two people pushing the boundaries and learning to live outside of their comfort zones.
Katarina has suffered immeasurable pain, both emotionally and physically, but she found physical healing and an outlet in the ongoing restoration of her beloved Sanctuary. Sterling has eyed Sanctuary as an ideal location for a 5 star resort and intends to wear down Kat..
At the end of the day, this is a sweet romance (there’s a little bit of sexy time), a second chance for Kat and an opportunity to love and be loved for Sterling.
The blurb of this book enticed me to buy it, the little old ladies acting as an army of soldiers protecting their Katarina against the corporate suit intended on buying their ‘Sanctuary’.
The story delivers humor, lots of angst, adventure, and two people pushing the boundaries and learning to live outside of their comfort zones.
Katarina has suffered immeasurable pain, both emotionally and physically, but she found physical healing and an outlet in the ongoing restoration of her beloved Sanctuary. Sterling has eyed Sanctuary as an ideal location for a 5 star resort and intends to wear down Kat..
At the end of the day, this is a sweet romance (there’s a little bit of sexy time), a second chance for Kat and an opportunity to love and be loved for Sterling.
August 18, 2021
No, Yes, Maybe
Sterling had the assignment to go to Sanctuary to meet with Kat to make an offer to purchase Sanctuary so that a large spa hotel could be built. Kat opened Sanctuary after she lost her husband in a car accident. Sterling was an uptight workaholic. Kat was a person loved by her town & her employees. She challenges Sterling to spend some time at Sanctuary & then she will listen to his pitch. She has Sterling take part in yoga, try surfing, etc. Sterling insists she takes an day off from remodeling sanctuary for a massage, facial, thinking if he has to try new things, so should she. They spend a night together with Kat feeling guilty because she blames herself for her husband’s death. Sterling tells her she is the only one who can forgive herself! Will she or will he move out of Sanctuary for good? I would recommend this for young adults & older.
Sterling had the assignment to go to Sanctuary to meet with Kat to make an offer to purchase Sanctuary so that a large spa hotel could be built. Kat opened Sanctuary after she lost her husband in a car accident. Sterling was an uptight workaholic. Kat was a person loved by her town & her employees. She challenges Sterling to spend some time at Sanctuary & then she will listen to his pitch. She has Sterling take part in yoga, try surfing, etc. Sterling insists she takes an day off from remodeling sanctuary for a massage, facial, thinking if he has to try new things, so should she. They spend a night together with Kat feeling guilty because she blames herself for her husband’s death. Sterling tells her she is the only one who can forgive herself! Will she or will he move out of Sanctuary for good? I would recommend this for young adults & older.
November 19, 2023
Kat is still reeling from the traumatic loss of her husband, despite years having passed. Unable to move on, she throws herself into rehabbing a bed and breakfast. Now the landlord has a reason to sell, but Kat doesn’t have the funds to buy yet.
Sterling is in town on behalf of his company, scoping out Sanctuary as an investment opportunity. Then he meets Kat and sees her passion for the place and her desire to make it something more.
Kat’s grief is a character in this story, just as much as the locals and the main characters. Its impact adds another layer to the building storyline. The Sanctuary is described in so much detail you’ll be convinced it’s somewhere you can run to for peace as well.
Then There Was You is emotional and raw, but the perfect foundation for the Haven Bay series.
Sterling is in town on behalf of his company, scoping out Sanctuary as an investment opportunity. Then he meets Kat and sees her passion for the place and her desire to make it something more.
Kat’s grief is a character in this story, just as much as the locals and the main characters. Its impact adds another layer to the building storyline. The Sanctuary is described in so much detail you’ll be convinced it’s somewhere you can run to for peace as well.
Then There Was You is emotional and raw, but the perfect foundation for the Haven Bay series.
September 15, 2020
It was a good story but....
Not to sound like a prude, but I prefer to read stories without colorful swear words. We get enough of that in our movies. The sad thing is this was truly a good story and had part’s that were so funny I actually laughed out loud. However the difference between watching a movie and reading a book is that I feel you are more likely to internalize the words and you never know when they might pop out of your own mouth. I’m not as self righteous as I sound. Some of these words have come out of my mouth when I’m very angry or upset but there is no use adding fuel to the fire. That being said if you don’t mind some swear words then this seems like it would be a great story. I really liked that it could make me
smile and laugh.
Not to sound like a prude, but I prefer to read stories without colorful swear words. We get enough of that in our movies. The sad thing is this was truly a good story and had part’s that were so funny I actually laughed out loud. However the difference between watching a movie and reading a book is that I feel you are more likely to internalize the words and you never know when they might pop out of your own mouth. I’m not as self righteous as I sound. Some of these words have come out of my mouth when I’m very angry or upset but there is no use adding fuel to the fire. That being said if you don’t mind some swear words then this seems like it would be a great story. I really liked that it could make me
smile and laugh.
July 28, 2020
The anguish in this book is visceral, and the healing will take more of those tissues. Sterling starts off so uncompromisingly upright and uptight, and Kat seems so totally opposite to him. And this story hits every feel and every nerve, and it is a hardwon ending that will make you rejoice for both Sterling and Kat – and Brooke, what a friend to Kat. It’s hard to describe either the story or how it made me feel without throwing in a zillion spoilers, so just – read the first page – you won’t want to stop. And the next book has Brooke front and center – I can’t wait! As always, Alexa Rivers immerses the reader in the Haven Bay world she’s created, one of the best parts of her writing.
August 23, 2020
Alexa Rivers is fast becoming a favorite author of mine to read and this particular book is a great example as to why! Her ability to instill so much emotion into the written word is evident within the pages of this book. The characters of Sterling and Katarina are well-developed with depth and complexities. I really enjoyed seeing how both characters had some serious flaws and issues that they had to deal with but they were able to eventually recognize this and were willing to work to overcome them and grow as individuals and get their HEA!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2023
Kat, scarred by tragedy, is working to rebuild her life and her home, when she meets Sterling, a man obsessed with work with no time for a personal life. A love after loss love story, has both lovers turning to each other as they find ways to open their hearts. These are complex characters I want to know more about, but occasionally, the moments were often told rather than felt. This is a solid introduction to the series and there were many romantic moments, and interesting side characters, but I wished there was just a little more build up to their love story, or perhaps more lingering in the romance of glances, touches and stolen moments.
November 18, 2023
I’m stuck between 2 stars and 2.5 stars that I’d bump to 3. However, I’m going to have to go with 2 stars overall. I just didn’t connect with these characters. The story was slow-moving to the point of boring in some parts. Most of the auxiliary characters added little to the story and were even unbelievable. I’m looking at you, old ladies! The group of single guys/poker buddies was the most engaging group. I never felt the connection between Kat and Sterling, they didn’t fit one another. I could never develop an emotional connection to the characters or the story. Sorry. I may work for you, but it sure didn’t for me. It wasn't horrible, just not my cuppa.
December 21, 2023
A horrific accident changed her life forever and now her 'Sanctuary' is about to be sold out from under her which would set her adrift again. Can she convince the representative from Lockwood Industries that they should partner with her instead of buying the property outright? Can he be swayed to see just what special place Sanctuary is and also how special the manager is? Will he follow his boss's path and open his heart to love? She's already been through so much will she consider a new beginning with him? There are so many loveable characters in this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 26, 2025
Sterling and Kat
When the landlord of the bed and breakfast Kat is renovating goes up for sale she wonders if she can afford to buy it . It has memories of her late husband and the vacations they enjoyed in Haven Bay.
Enter Sterling who works for a developer that wants to build a huge resort much to the dismay of the quirky residents of Haven Bay. When the business and the ladies of the bridge club find out they plan to stop him from succeeding. Until both Kat and Sterling are given a second chance at love and to build a Sanctuary for guests needing to heal and rejuvenate.
When the landlord of the bed and breakfast Kat is renovating goes up for sale she wonders if she can afford to buy it . It has memories of her late husband and the vacations they enjoyed in Haven Bay.
Enter Sterling who works for a developer that wants to build a huge resort much to the dismay of the quirky residents of Haven Bay. When the business and the ladies of the bridge club find out they plan to stop him from succeeding. Until both Kat and Sterling are given a second chance at love and to build a Sanctuary for guests needing to heal and rejuvenate.
July 31, 2020
Sterling and Kat meet when the business focused Sterling comes to buy her B&B.
Both of these characters are opposites but have scars on their hearts.
When Sterling is to spend two weeks at the B&B he thinks it’s for his sales pitch to put up his own luxury building. Yet these two learn things about each other and themselves in that time.
A loved the setting, characters and secondary characters. So many emotional moments as well as funny moments. Wonderful characters and storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Both of these characters are opposites but have scars on their hearts.
When Sterling is to spend two weeks at the B&B he thinks it’s for his sales pitch to put up his own luxury building. Yet these two learn things about each other and themselves in that time.
A loved the setting, characters and secondary characters. So many emotional moments as well as funny moments. Wonderful characters and storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2020
Solid 4.5 star
I loved how different Katarina is to Sterling and how much the compliment each other too, Sterling is all about business suits and concrete jungles and is a bit of a duck out of water in this small town where as Katarina is all free flowing and embracing of nature and that lead to plenty of laughs, meddling friends, letting guards down, venerability, new friends as well as facing the past and learning that love can be had again as well as the fact everyone deserves it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved how different Katarina is to Sterling and how much the compliment each other too, Sterling is all about business suits and concrete jungles and is a bit of a duck out of water in this small town where as Katarina is all free flowing and embracing of nature and that lead to plenty of laughs, meddling friends, letting guards down, venerability, new friends as well as facing the past and learning that love can be had again as well as the fact everyone deserves it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2020
This is my first time reading something by this author. This was an entertaining and emotional read. The story was well-written and flowed nicely. The plot was interesting and had some plot twists and turns that made this an interesting and intriguing story. The characters were strong and well-developed and had great chemistry. The author did a nice job of bringing this story to life with her vivid descriptions and well-developed scenes. Great start to a new series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2022
This book is a page turner all the way to the end. It deals with very sensitive and emotional issues such as grief and guilt. The kind that paralyses you, your life and your actions. Kat, the main heroine has been suffering with enormous guilt in relation to her husband’s death in a tragic car accident implicating herself. When Sterling Knight her Angel and saviour miraculously appears in her sanctuary, he’ll be the one to unlock her heart and save her from herself. A reading You do not want to miss!
October 14, 2024
Katarina made a life for herself in Haven Bay after the death of her husband but the arrival of Sterling Knightley throws her into chaos. He could take away her Sanctuary but maybe she can convince him otherwise.
Wow this was a powerful read. It does touch on grief quite a bit so that might be a trigger for some people. The story is sweet though. I love how the town looks out for each other. The ending was perfect and finished the story off brilliantly. I'm looking forward to finding the next one.
Wow this was a powerful read. It does touch on grief quite a bit so that might be a trigger for some people. The story is sweet though. I love how the town looks out for each other. The ending was perfect and finished the story off brilliantly. I'm looking forward to finding the next one.
July 30, 2020
Healing Their Broken Hearts -
Sterling was a stiff suit, who felt out of place in a small town, but Kat was determined to let him loosen up. Kat had baggage she had been holding onto for so long, but Sterling wanted to help her get rid of the baggage. It is a beautifully written story, about two people who had just been surviving daily and didn’t realise they actually needed each other to thrive, until they were together. I suggest you have a box of tissues and a glass of wine close by when you start reading this truly amazing story, that made me cry and laugh. I am really looking forward to reading ‘Two Of A Kind’, which is the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sterling was a stiff suit, who felt out of place in a small town, but Kat was determined to let him loosen up. Kat had baggage she had been holding onto for so long, but Sterling wanted to help her get rid of the baggage. It is a beautifully written story, about two people who had just been surviving daily and didn’t realise they actually needed each other to thrive, until they were together. I suggest you have a box of tissues and a glass of wine close by when you start reading this truly amazing story, that made me cry and laugh. I am really looking forward to reading ‘Two Of A Kind’, which is the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2020
A steamy opposites attract romance in a lovely setting. From the descriptions, I want to visit! Especially that waterfall. I enjoyed these characters and their journeys in this story - finding the real self under a cold exterior and recovering from the past. I loved all the characters and the stories and lives happening in this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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