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Of All Hearts #1
Of All Places
She’s read all about romance but never found love. Will taking a chance on a handsome stranger lead her to find the love she’s craved?
After a rough year, librarian Melanie Allen longs to escape a string of bad dates and boring days. So she jets off to picturesque Montenegro for a one-week tour, determined to prove there’s life at almost-forty. But when she encounters a stunningly handsome man, she acts impulsively for the very first time and decides to extend her stay.
Still unsure how she managed to capture the striking man’s attention, who she senses is holding back emotional wounds, deep down Melanie knows she must dare and transform her self-conscious ways if she doesn’t want to repeat the painful mistakes of her past.
Will Melanie overcome her doubts and forge a future with the man she hopes is her soulmate?
Of All Places is a charming standalone contemporary romance novel. If you like relatable characters, sizzling chemistry, and breathtaking locations, then you’ll adore Lily Baines’s enthralling tale.
After a rough year, librarian Melanie Allen longs to escape a string of bad dates and boring days. So she jets off to picturesque Montenegro for a one-week tour, determined to prove there’s life at almost-forty. But when she encounters a stunningly handsome man, she acts impulsively for the very first time and decides to extend her stay.
Still unsure how she managed to capture the striking man’s attention, who she senses is holding back emotional wounds, deep down Melanie knows she must dare and transform her self-conscious ways if she doesn’t want to repeat the painful mistakes of her past.
Will Melanie overcome her doubts and forge a future with the man she hopes is her soulmate?
Of All Places is a charming standalone contemporary romance novel. If you like relatable characters, sizzling chemistry, and breathtaking locations, then you’ll adore Lily Baines’s enthralling tale.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2020
27 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Lily Baines
14 books171 followersLily Baines is a mother, wife, and author, and the order to this changes depending on the day. For 20 years she has worked in Human Resources, mostly in the high-tech industry, but kept writing to maintain her sanity and flow of creative juices. Lily is dedicating her time to her 3 children, husband, family dog, bottomless laundry basket, full kitchen sink, and her writing.
Lets connect :)
amazon.com/author/lilybaines
https://www.lilybaines.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lilybainesau...
Bonus chapters await here: https://www.lilybaines.com/
Lets connect :)
amazon.com/author/lilybaines
https://www.lilybaines.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lilybainesau...
Bonus chapters await here: https://www.lilybaines.com/
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 13, 2020
Thanks to Hidden Gems for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Positive:
I could relate to the protagonist Melanie. She's an introverted, voracious reader, librarian who's life is a tad dull. I've also traveled to places that you feel a connection to & want to stay forever. I've also had those "mini-vacation romances".
The writer does a great job of painting a beautiful picture of the town & people of Kotor in Montonegro. It does make you want to pick up & have a lovely holiday too.
The book wasn't too long.
Negative:
It was kind of dull.
While there was an HEA, it didn't feel like a long-term one.
Overall, it was an okay vacation romance story.
Positive:
I could relate to the protagonist Melanie. She's an introverted, voracious reader, librarian who's life is a tad dull. I've also traveled to places that you feel a connection to & want to stay forever. I've also had those "mini-vacation romances".
The writer does a great job of painting a beautiful picture of the town & people of Kotor in Montonegro. It does make you want to pick up & have a lovely holiday too.
The book wasn't too long.
Negative:
It was kind of dull.
While there was an HEA, it didn't feel like a long-term one.
Overall, it was an okay vacation romance story.
October 27, 2021
A lovely read
A breath of fresh air that was much needed. I love the focus on a ‘slightly’ older woman for a change.
I love the optimism that this novel comes with, it’s inspiring in that way. It’s intriguing in places, sad in others and carries a lovely message that we should all believe in ourselves a little more. Will definitely be checking out more books by this author.
A breath of fresh air that was much needed. I love the focus on a ‘slightly’ older woman for a change.
I love the optimism that this novel comes with, it’s inspiring in that way. It’s intriguing in places, sad in others and carries a lovely message that we should all believe in ourselves a little more. Will definitely be checking out more books by this author.
July 18, 2021
Delightful, Lily’s descriptive writing made me feel that I was there. Introverted, shy librarian Melanie takes a holiday to escape monotony and lost romance… then spontaneously decides to extend her stay after briefly meeting a captivating local shopkeeper… and her world opens up!
Well worth reading, doubt you’ll be able to stop reading part-way for a breather.
Well worth reading, doubt you’ll be able to stop reading part-way for a breather.
July 14, 2020
I will cherish this beautiful story forever, I fell in love with it instantly. Maybe because I am close to the heroine in age, but truth be told it is the authors ability to create a story I almost wish was my own.
If I ever travel to Montenegro, which I hope I will one day, it is partly because of this book. The way the people and the places are portrayed makes my heart melt.
The story is heart wrenching, but oh so romantic. I pulled at my heartstring more than once.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
If I ever travel to Montenegro, which I hope I will one day, it is partly because of this book. The way the people and the places are portrayed makes my heart melt.
The story is heart wrenching, but oh so romantic. I pulled at my heartstring more than once.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
July 18, 2020
Melanie is on vacation in Montenegro when she decides to take a step outside her usual comfort zone when she meets a gorgeous local, Theo. She's introverted, shy and has always felt plain until this gorgeous man takes an interest in her. Will a whirlwind romance be enough to make them both happy? Happy enough for her to stay?
I liked the setting and the characters of this short little novella. It did feel a bit rushed, though, and not a whole heck of a lot happened. The scenes are closed door/fade to black, which did not help in the general feeling of not much happening. Perhaps if there were more descriptive scenes and more detail added, it would have felt much more well rounded. But all in all this is a sweet, if incomplete feeling, story.
ARC via Hidden Gems Books for an honest review.
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August 4, 2020
Entertaining and enchanting story with great characters. Intense and exhilarating tale of romance and love. Love the journey. Good read. Your next beach read.
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.
July 20, 2020
I loved this book! It felt real, natural, organic. I loved the natural awkwardness of meeting new people and how the interactions weren't so cookie-cutter perfect or directly filled with attitude. It wouldn't have felt real if everything was perfect, though Theo almost was. There were a few situations where he should have been more direct. Then again, with how real this book's emotions and situations were portrayed, it's amazing as it is.
Oh, and so much of what people said, their shared wisdom, resonated with me. I loved the "right time" comments (gotta read the book to get this) and how a place feels good because it's new, yet you realize it's just like everywhere else. So true!
I look forward to reading more from this author. Lily just really knows how to portray emotions so well.
Oh, and so much of what people said, their shared wisdom, resonated with me. I loved the "right time" comments (gotta read the book to get this) and how a place feels good because it's new, yet you realize it's just like everywhere else. So true!
I look forward to reading more from this author. Lily just really knows how to portray emotions so well.
July 21, 2020
She’s read all about romance but never found love. Will taking a chance on a handsome stranger lead her to find the love she’s craved?
A beautiful story that will pull at your heart strings, can be heart wrenching at times, but is still such a great romance. The characters are well developed, easy to fall in love with and the location is described so well, you feel like you're right there. (after reading this book, you'll definitely want to go there). A wonderful romance you'll be glad you read and disappointed if you pass it up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A beautiful story that will pull at your heart strings, can be heart wrenching at times, but is still such a great romance. The characters are well developed, easy to fall in love with and the location is described so well, you feel like you're right there. (after reading this book, you'll definitely want to go there). A wonderful romance you'll be glad you read and disappointed if you pass it up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2020
Melanie decided she needed a break from everything and everybody so she booked a week long tour to Montenegro. Little did she know she would find the love of her life there.
Theo had been hurt by women before so he had given up on love. That was until a gorgeous woman walked into his clothing shop. He did not know that he was going to fall hard for her.
Will Theo and Melanie get through the bad times to get to the good times?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Theo had been hurt by women before so he had given up on love. That was until a gorgeous woman walked into his clothing shop. He did not know that he was going to fall hard for her.
Will Theo and Melanie get through the bad times to get to the good times?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2020
Taking a chance
Melanie has always felt like she was an alien in the dating world. The gutsy librarian takes her life in her own hands and jets off to Montenegro for a week’s stay. After meeting Theo she takes a chance and extends her stay for another week. She also realizes that this is her opportunity to realize her dreams after she meets handsome Theo. Will she muster the courage to be the person she wants to be and realize her dreams?
Delightful characters in this touching story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Melanie has always felt like she was an alien in the dating world. The gutsy librarian takes her life in her own hands and jets off to Montenegro for a week’s stay. After meeting Theo she takes a chance and extends her stay for another week. She also realizes that this is her opportunity to realize her dreams after she meets handsome Theo. Will she muster the courage to be the person she wants to be and realize her dreams?
Delightful characters in this touching story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. Romantic escapism at its best, it tells the story of Melanie, who, disappointed in love, takes a vacation in an affordable European destination, expecting a bit of diversion from her life. But she finds a new life there and a new love, the type that she’s been looking for and never found before. You get sucked into the place, the characters, keeping your fingers crossed for this quiet and sweet woman, and you fall in love with Theo along with her.
July 17, 2020
Reading this book, I was reminded how much I need a holiday! It was a perfect beach read though I can't go to the beach these days, so I enjoyed being transported to the beautiful seaside town that Melanie, the heroine, went to, and where she found love. Theo is a swoon-worthy hero and I loved reading the string of events that brought him and Melanie together. It's romantic, relatable, fun read that I will go back to in dreary days.
June 7, 2021
Cute story
This was a cute story. It had a lot of adventure mixed with drama and romance. It kind of made me want to book a brief holiday to Montenegro and explore the quaint little towns :)
This was a cute story. It had a lot of adventure mixed with drama and romance. It kind of made me want to book a brief holiday to Montenegro and explore the quaint little towns :)
July 14, 2020
Of all Places was a quick easy read about a librarian Melanie who is dealing with a rough year and a few emotions issues. In an attempt to deal with and move past these issues Melanie takes a weeks vacation to the island of Montenegro to get away and regroup. What she doesn’t plan on is a romantic encounter that will challenge her typical behavior.
The author does a great portrayal of the quiet, shy and reserved librarian Melanie and Theo her love interest. The storyline development showcases their chance encounter and the path it follows, previous relationships, heartache and moving on.
While somewhat predictable I did enjoy the book and the author’s idea of “letting go of the fear and hold on to hope” concept was clearly evident. I would definitely recommend this book as a great beach read.
The author also makes the location very real and appealing. Feel like I need a vacation now!!!
Thank you to Hidden Gems for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author does a great portrayal of the quiet, shy and reserved librarian Melanie and Theo her love interest. The storyline development showcases their chance encounter and the path it follows, previous relationships, heartache and moving on.
While somewhat predictable I did enjoy the book and the author’s idea of “letting go of the fear and hold on to hope” concept was clearly evident. I would definitely recommend this book as a great beach read.
The author also makes the location very real and appealing. Feel like I need a vacation now!!!
Thank you to Hidden Gems for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2021
Can a vacation be the beginning of something more
Melanie is a librarian who has spent years careing for her mother. Her obligation to her mother and her job have left little time for a social life. She's nearing 40 and feels like life is passing her by so she books a vacation to Montenegro with a tour company. Near the end of the tour they visit a sea side town that resonates with her and makes her wish she could stay longer. Theo is a ship builder but they meet while he is working in his sisters shop and he asks her to dinner. Will Melanie find love in this exotic local or will this be the high point of her vacation?
The scene was set with vivid descriptions of the town and its people. I was hopeful of a good outcome for Melanie and Theo,their relationship had such promise.I have read the other two books in this series and loved them. This book did not disappoint. It is well written and and an enjoyable story.
Melanie is a librarian who has spent years careing for her mother. Her obligation to her mother and her job have left little time for a social life. She's nearing 40 and feels like life is passing her by so she books a vacation to Montenegro with a tour company. Near the end of the tour they visit a sea side town that resonates with her and makes her wish she could stay longer. Theo is a ship builder but they meet while he is working in his sisters shop and he asks her to dinner. Will Melanie find love in this exotic local or will this be the high point of her vacation?
The scene was set with vivid descriptions of the town and its people. I was hopeful of a good outcome for Melanie and Theo,their relationship had such promise.I have read the other two books in this series and loved them. This book did not disappoint. It is well written and and an enjoyable story.
December 2, 2020
To Stay or not to Stay in Montenegro?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. From the moment Melanie connected with Theo, I kept rooting for them. I loved that the plot was set in Montenegro. The author's use of imagery and other descriptions seemed to add to the allure and the hopefulness of the plot and the main characters who were believable and interesting. This is the second book I've read by this author who is a good story teller! I'm hooked!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. From the moment Melanie connected with Theo, I kept rooting for them. I loved that the plot was set in Montenegro. The author's use of imagery and other descriptions seemed to add to the allure and the hopefulness of the plot and the main characters who were believable and interesting. This is the second book I've read by this author who is a good story teller! I'm hooked!
August 7, 2020
The plot was like Under the Tuscan Sun for me in that she needed a life change and didn't know what to do until she jumped in head first. The beginning was a bit slow for me but by the end I didn't want it to finish.
February 18, 2023
This is a nice vacation romance. After a few bad relationships, Melanie wanted to prove to herself she could go out on her own, travel to a foreign country and be okay, and to find herself. Added bonus, meeting a handsome stranger. I enjoyed reading Melanie and Theo’s story.
July 17, 2020
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from Hidden Gems for giving my two cents. We meet librarian Melanie on a tour vacation in Montenegro. She sees all these beautiful women who wear dresses and jewelry and she can't help but think she is a plain Jane. She ventures into a boutique and is helped by an incredibly handsome man who she learns his name is Theo. Melanie develops a little crush on the man. She befriends a husband/wife duo that owns a bookstore but her mind goes back to thr handsome Theo. As she is about to leave with the tour, Melanie decides to once in her 39 years to take a chance and stays in Kotor for a few more days. She finds an inn and then returns to the boutique to be helped by the owner. A series of events happen and the next thing Melaniw knows she is on a boat with Theo and his friends. Can melanie get past her insecurities and embrace life or will she continue to be a wilted flower.
October 19, 2020
Melanie and Theo are two characters that you can actually relate to. Both have been hurt by those that they loved or thought they loved. If you are looking for a quick romance right in the beginning, then this is not the book for you.
This book has the typical troubles – exes (Sofia) who still thinks she has a claim in Theo and tries her best to get him back to her bed. It did make me mad that Theo wouldn’t just straight up tell her that he was no longer interested in her, but I guess if Melanie was only there on vacation, why should he give up a sure thing? Friends who tried to dissuade Melanie from staying any longer as not to hurt their friend. And of course Melanie and Theo are their own worst enemies.
Cute story and I would recommend. I am looking forward to reading more by Lily Baines.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Hidden Gems ARCs for an honest review.
This book has the typical troubles – exes (Sofia) who still thinks she has a claim in Theo and tries her best to get him back to her bed. It did make me mad that Theo wouldn’t just straight up tell her that he was no longer interested in her, but I guess if Melanie was only there on vacation, why should he give up a sure thing? Friends who tried to dissuade Melanie from staying any longer as not to hurt their friend. And of course Melanie and Theo are their own worst enemies.
Cute story and I would recommend. I am looking forward to reading more by Lily Baines.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Hidden Gems ARCs for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2020
The book took a little time taking off but once it did it was so much fun!
The story follows Melanie, an insecure 40-year-old lady with no love life and a crushed heart. Taking an unplanned vacation, she ends up in a random town thinking she wants to stay. Meeting a man doesn’t make it any easier for her to leave.
The story is what people can understand as maybe some point in their lives it has happened. It makes sense how Melanie is insecure. It felt as it were a real story. I really liked it.
It could have been much more descriptive of how Melanie and her surroundings looked. I also felt as if it was a bit disconnected.
I voluntarily agreed to review the book. There was a free copy provided to me.
The story follows Melanie, an insecure 40-year-old lady with no love life and a crushed heart. Taking an unplanned vacation, she ends up in a random town thinking she wants to stay. Meeting a man doesn’t make it any easier for her to leave.
The story is what people can understand as maybe some point in their lives it has happened. It makes sense how Melanie is insecure. It felt as it were a real story. I really liked it.
It could have been much more descriptive of how Melanie and her surroundings looked. I also felt as if it was a bit disconnected.
I voluntarily agreed to review the book. There was a free copy provided to me.
July 20, 2020
Melanie longs to scape her boring life in Connecticut as a librarian. When she arrive she to beautiful beach town of Kotor in Montenegro, little she knows that she will dare to do new things, meet new people and dream about a new life with happiness and love. A sweet love story.
April 25, 2023
i could feel the waves under my feet.
This book has given me wanderlust. I would love to go Montenegro and see the brick walls tumbling with flowers. Have a walk in the sea and meet my own Theo, if only
This book has given me wanderlust. I would love to go Montenegro and see the brick walls tumbling with flowers. Have a walk in the sea and meet my own Theo, if only
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews