Reputation: A Novel

by Indy Quillen

A fresh start in a new locale could be exactly what Liz needs ... or it could spell disaster.

Liz Allender's Los Angeles art exhibitions have become more lavish and popular with every show. The highly acclaimed artist is being noticed by collectors from as far away as New York and London.

But when the man in her life plants seeds of self-doubt about her artistic success, and then follows up with a personal betrayal, she loses both her artistic confidence and her ability to trust in love.

Liz flees L.A. for new scenery and anonymity, determined to reclaim her artistic passion and redefine her confidence as a woman. She doesn't count on meeting someone who will awaken a new and startling kind of passion in her.

But soon Liz becomes a target for envy and jealousy in the quaint mountain village of Cedar Valley. She learns how vulnerable her reputation is to those who resent her success ... and just how far they might go to destroy her.

320 pages, Paperback

Published May 30, 2020

Reviews

[Dale Amidei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indy Quillen paints with words. In her foray into romantic suspense, Quillen outdoes herself with lush scene setting and description, with each brushstroke of prose another step in the completion of a landscape of tension, romance, trepidation and triumph. Her protagonist Liz, seeking an escape from life in the city, finds everything an artist needs in a quaint mountain community ... but jealousy and spitefulness threaten to undo her treasure of peace and creative enlivenment. A new life beckons for her here in the mountains, if Liz can hold onto what she's found. Five earned stars for its wonderful writing.

[Ramcy Diek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance novel starts of with a bang, but then turns into a slow, predictable, and a bit cliche story about a woman who escapes her past for several months to live under an alias. I almost put it down, but then the writing and the story picked up speed.
In the end, I enjoyed it.

[David Barbur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't my usual kind of book, but I very much enjoyed it, anyway. It's a captivating story. Liz is a complex, three-dimensional character that grows and changes through the book. I enjoyed the insights into painting. The setting feels like an authentic place to me. The tension and conflict is psychological, which is MUCH harder to write than gunfights and explosions. Indy does a brilliant job.

[catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reputation

Indy is a jewel of a writer & I share her love of nature, horses, tracking & wilderness survival! I'm a big fan of her Fox Walker series which I hope she
continies! Reputation was a big surprise that was beautifully written & a joy to resd! Can't wait for her next release

[Jacque Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the story

Great story of intriguing twists and turns!! Intriguing art and artists who remained me of my home town of Laguna beach! Enjoyed the hiking and nature, the horses and small town atmosphere

[Del Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read. Great characters that are believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and read it in a day. Story line just grabs you and keeps you wanting to know what's next.

[Dave Weller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the four books in the Fox Walker series by Indy Quillen, so I decided to take a flyer on her other release outside the series. Fox Walker and his partner were outdoor survivalists and expert trackers, and that aspect of the series fascinated me. Reputation is a one hundred and eighty degree turnaround. Liz Allender is a successful abstract artist in the LA area and the daughter of wealthy parents. At the start of the novel she and the reader are at a high end art show hosted by Liz and her agent, Robert, and while out of sight, she hears some attendees remarking on the investment value of her art rather than the artistic qualities. She takes the criticism to heart because her boyfriend, Don, told her something similar in an argument prior to leaving for the show. She decides to return to her boyfriend's apartment to apologize, but walks into a steamy bedroom scene with one of her supposed friends. In a fit of rage she burns some of her sketches that Don was in the process of stealing and selling for his own financial advancement. Liz is crushed and depressed, so she decides to book lodging at a small resort in the mountains of California near a village called Cedar Valley. On her way she concocts the idea of changing her name and identity. I'll stop here, but suffice it to say, that the book follows the path of Virgin River by Robyn Carr. A strong and handsome guy meets her gaze at the lodge check in, some jealous women enter the fray, and an art mentor becomes a friend. For this fan of mysteries and thrillers, this book was too much sugar and not enough punch. It was not as syrupy sweet as Virgin River, but very simplistic and very predictable. As far as I know, this is the only remaining book by the author, so I have no decision to make about future reading.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reputation by Indy Quillen offers an engaging tale of resilience, self-discovery, and navigating the pitfalls of personal success. Liz Allender, a rising Los Angeles artist celebrated for her art exhibitions, is thrown into turmoil after betrayal shakes her trust in love and her own abilities.

Seeking a fresh start, Liz moves to Cedar Valley, a picturesque mountain town, hoping to rediscover her creative passion and rebuild her confidence. However, her escape to a simpler life is soon complicated by newfound love and the envy of others who resent her achievements. As tensions rise, Liz must confront how fragile her reputation can be in a tight-knit community and what she’s willing to do to protect it.

With its mix of personal drama, romance, and small-town intrigue, Reputation explores themes of self-worth, jealousy, and the strength it takes to rebuild after betrayal. The novel promises emotional depth and tension, appealing to readers who enjoy stories about reinvention and resilience.

[Jill Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking betrayal forces artist Liz to disguise herself and flee to a distant mountain where she immediately begins to face challenges. At night the secluded rental cabin is surrounded by unusual sounds, she gets lost while hiking and small-minded women start rumors about her. She meets hunky Luke who is ready for love. But can she let go and learn to trust again? This fast-paced romantic novel abounds with interesting characters, creative plot twists and page-turning suspense.

[Nona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz and Luke's story is amazing.

Struggling to keep confident that her artistic ability truly exists, Liz comes to a small town in the mountains to change her defeat into a new life for herself.
Luke meets Liz as she checks into her cabin.
The many changes and problems lead them to see a possibility of friendship or more. Read to find out.
Indy does a great job of keeping the story moving and creating amazing characters. You won't be disappointed.

[D.R.Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reputation

If you enjoy good clean romance with a little drama and thriller moments .I suggest picking up this novel. However, if you are looking forward to a mystery and a tracking novel as others under " Fox Walker " series . Be aware it Is not. But, don't let this stop you . . . from reading this novel. Indy Quillen, storytelling continues to give readers a worthy read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

definitely following this author

I read one book then hurriedly went to the next. You will not be disappointed! Well maybe that it ends too soon. I love the intrigue, her style of writing - it just pulls you in and suddenly you are engrossed with the story. What a wonderful find you have been …on to my third read now!

[Martine Beachboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this. Couldn't put it down. Well written, with surprising twists. Liked the characters. I wanted a sequel, and maybe even a prequel.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the SLOWEST moving book I've ever read. That may be okay with some readers, but it wasn't for me. It was 150 pages (~half way through) in before it barely started to pick up the pace. There were several times where I contemplated abandoning the read. I finished and was rewarded with a highly predictable ending. Not for me.