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Elizabeth and Violet #1
Segreti a luci rosse
Elizabeth Mason non ne può più di quella vita piatta e perbenista e decide di partire per l'Australia alla ricerca della libertà. Lì incontra il supersexy Nathan Jones, il peccato fatto uomo. Grazie a lui e alle sue talentuose mani Elizabeth sperimenterà ogni tipo di fantasia in un crescendo erotico sempre più intenso e appagante. Ma cosa succede quando il cuore inizia a fare sentire la propria voce? Non c'è che un modo per metterlo a concedersi sempre di più e sempre più a lungo.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
18 people are currently reading
1184 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Mayberry
159 books1,149 followersSarah Mayberry was born in Melbourne, Australia, and is the middle of three children. From the time that she first “stole” paper from kindergarten and stapled it together to make “books,” Sarah has always wanted to be a writer. In line with this ambition, on graduation from high school she completed a bachelor of arts degree majoring in professional writing, then sat down to write a book. When inspiration didn’t strike, she began to wonder if, perhaps, she needed to live some life first before writing about it.
This still left the burning question of how to pay the rent. She found her way into trade journalism, working off the principle that it was better to write anything for a living than nothing at all. Her time there lead to the opportunity to launch a new decorator magazine for one of Australia’s major retailers, an invaluable and grueling experience that she found very rewarding.
But the opportunity to write fiction for a living soon lured Sarah away. She took up a post as storyliner on Australia’s longest running soap, Neighbours. Over two years she helped plot more than 240 hours of television, as well as writing freelance scripts. She remembers her time with the show very fondly — especially the dirty jokes and laughter around the story table — and still writes scripts on a freelance basis.
In 2003 she relocated to New Zealand for her partner’s work. There Sarah served as storyliner and story editor on the country’s top-rating drama, Shortland Street, before quitting to pursue writing full time.
Sarah picked up a love of romance novels from both her grandmothers, and has submitted manuscripts to Harlequin many times over the years. She credits the invaluable story structuring experience she learned on Neighbours as the key to her eventual success — along with the patience of her fantastic editor, Wanda.
Sarah is revoltingly happy with her partner of twelve years, Chris, who is a talented scriptwriter. Not only does he offer fantastic advice and solutions to writing problems, but he’s also handsome, funny and sexy. When she’s not gushing over him, she loves to read romance and fantasy novels, go to the movies, sew and cook for her friends. She has also become a recent convert to Pilates, which she knows she should do more often.
This still left the burning question of how to pay the rent. She found her way into trade journalism, working off the principle that it was better to write anything for a living than nothing at all. Her time there lead to the opportunity to launch a new decorator magazine for one of Australia’s major retailers, an invaluable and grueling experience that she found very rewarding.
But the opportunity to write fiction for a living soon lured Sarah away. She took up a post as storyliner on Australia’s longest running soap, Neighbours. Over two years she helped plot more than 240 hours of television, as well as writing freelance scripts. She remembers her time with the show very fondly — especially the dirty jokes and laughter around the story table — and still writes scripts on a freelance basis.
In 2003 she relocated to New Zealand for her partner’s work. There Sarah served as storyliner and story editor on the country’s top-rating drama, Shortland Street, before quitting to pursue writing full time.
Sarah picked up a love of romance novels from both her grandmothers, and has submitted manuscripts to Harlequin many times over the years. She credits the invaluable story structuring experience she learned on Neighbours as the key to her eventual success — along with the patience of her fantastic editor, Wanda.
Sarah is revoltingly happy with her partner of twelve years, Chris, who is a talented scriptwriter. Not only does he offer fantastic advice and solutions to writing problems, but he’s also handsome, funny and sexy. When she’s not gushing over him, she loves to read romance and fantasy novels, go to the movies, sew and cook for her friends. She has also become a recent convert to Pilates, which she knows she should do more often.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 1, 2012
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, being a Blaze it was hot but also had depth. We see the heroine letting go of her inhibitions and her grandparents expectations she has lived her life by, it is all precipitated by her finding out that she has another father, her biological one and that makes her break free, she breaks off her engagement to Martin, a sweet man she has been with for six years, partially because her grandparents approve of him, calls off her wedding and goes to Australia.
I liked how we saw that it took some time for her English pride to thaw and for her to become comfortable in her sexuality. She meets Nathan when she goes to her father's address. Nathan has his own issues to deal with, the death of his little sister which has made him withdraw from life trying to use alcohol to numb the pain, both of them are ideally suited for a fling.
Generally I sometimes I find that emotions come in too fast in a fling but here everything felt natural. Nathan's guilt and mix of emotions, everything.
Now, I am gonna read Martin, the ex-fiancee's and Violet, the best friend's story.
I liked how we saw that it took some time for her English pride to thaw and for her to become comfortable in her sexuality. She meets Nathan when she goes to her father's address. Nathan has his own issues to deal with, the death of his little sister which has made him withdraw from life trying to use alcohol to numb the pain, both of them are ideally suited for a fling.
Generally I sometimes I find that emotions come in too fast in a fling but here everything felt natural. Nathan's guilt and mix of emotions, everything.
Now, I am gonna read Martin, the ex-fiancee's and Violet, the best friend's story.
October 6, 2010
Awe, I just love Sarah Mayberry. Once again she's written a romance in the short Blaze format that feels much longer. The characters are well developed. The setting is vivid and has a decided island feel to it. Both Elizabeth and Nathan have some baggage and Mayberry explores their pasts and how it got them to where they are now - on Phillip Island outside of Melbourne, Australia.
Elizabeth is a well-bred, proper English woman who suddenly finds out a family secret that sets her off on a journey to confront the truth. She travels from England to Australia but before she finds what she's looking for she finds sexy Nathan Jones. The sparks were flying from their first encounter. Elizabeth is funny in how she deals with Nathan's rudeness and lack of clothing. She doesn't have much experience with flirting and with men who come on strong the way Nathan does. She's smart and picks up quickly on how to deal with Nathan and his shocking behavior.
Nathan Jones wants to be left alone. He's got his routine down pat - sleep late, hit the beach for some surfing, evenings at the bar getting drunk. Then he walks/stumbles home to pass out and hope the nightmares don't wake him. Nate's cute and sexy in a gruff type of smart-ass way. And you guys know, I love those smart-ass heroes! He's sad too. And the loneliness pores off him in waves. He acts like he's having a good time, surfing and drinking, but it's all an act. Nate's hiding out from his past and the last thing he wants is a proper Englishwoman messing that up. But he is curious - he wants to see what's under those proper clothes.
Nate gets his wish when Elizabeth has a little too much to drink and decides to pursue her fantasy of a one night stand. Holy Guacamole Batman! These two are hot! When Elizabeth lets her hair down she doesn't hold back. She shocks Nate with her willingness and enthusiasm. Mayberry's ability to write hot love scenes while continuing to show character development is evident in Hot Island Nights. Nate and Elizabeth both have hang-ups when it comes to sex, although it's usually after the sex when those ghosts appear.
While Nate and Elizabeth continue with their island fling, the rest of the world tries to intrude in one form or another. It's not all paradise when reality knocks in the form of Elizabeth's former fiance'. I thought Elizabeth dealt well with the situation. Nate, not so much. His jealous side was showing which really irritated him since he's not serious about Elizabeth. Nope, not him. Men! Mayberry shows how at the beginning it seemed Nate was the experienced one but as their affair continues it's Elizabeth who has the knowledge and experience to help Nate confront his past.
The story isn't all fun in the sun. Both Nate and Elizabeth have serious decisions to make, including the willingness to risk rejection. The issue of alcoholism is addressed but not in any lengthy, in depth process. If Hot Island Nights had been a full length novel, then I would have expected the alcoholism addressed in greater depth but for this length I thought Mayberry gave it just enough page time.
Mayberry continues to be one of my go-to authors for contemporary romances. Hot Island Nights proves it once again. A steamy, romantic love story with complex characters in a beautiful setting.
Elizabeth is a well-bred, proper English woman who suddenly finds out a family secret that sets her off on a journey to confront the truth. She travels from England to Australia but before she finds what she's looking for she finds sexy Nathan Jones. The sparks were flying from their first encounter. Elizabeth is funny in how she deals with Nathan's rudeness and lack of clothing. She doesn't have much experience with flirting and with men who come on strong the way Nathan does. She's smart and picks up quickly on how to deal with Nathan and his shocking behavior.
Nathan Jones wants to be left alone. He's got his routine down pat - sleep late, hit the beach for some surfing, evenings at the bar getting drunk. Then he walks/stumbles home to pass out and hope the nightmares don't wake him. Nate's cute and sexy in a gruff type of smart-ass way. And you guys know, I love those smart-ass heroes! He's sad too. And the loneliness pores off him in waves. He acts like he's having a good time, surfing and drinking, but it's all an act. Nate's hiding out from his past and the last thing he wants is a proper Englishwoman messing that up. But he is curious - he wants to see what's under those proper clothes.
Nate gets his wish when Elizabeth has a little too much to drink and decides to pursue her fantasy of a one night stand. Holy Guacamole Batman! These two are hot! When Elizabeth lets her hair down she doesn't hold back. She shocks Nate with her willingness and enthusiasm. Mayberry's ability to write hot love scenes while continuing to show character development is evident in Hot Island Nights. Nate and Elizabeth both have hang-ups when it comes to sex, although it's usually after the sex when those ghosts appear.
While Nate and Elizabeth continue with their island fling, the rest of the world tries to intrude in one form or another. It's not all paradise when reality knocks in the form of Elizabeth's former fiance'. I thought Elizabeth dealt well with the situation. Nate, not so much. His jealous side was showing which really irritated him since he's not serious about Elizabeth. Nope, not him. Men! Mayberry shows how at the beginning it seemed Nate was the experienced one but as their affair continues it's Elizabeth who has the knowledge and experience to help Nate confront his past.
The story isn't all fun in the sun. Both Nate and Elizabeth have serious decisions to make, including the willingness to risk rejection. The issue of alcoholism is addressed but not in any lengthy, in depth process. If Hot Island Nights had been a full length novel, then I would have expected the alcoholism addressed in greater depth but for this length I thought Mayberry gave it just enough page time.
Mayberry continues to be one of my go-to authors for contemporary romances. Hot Island Nights proves it once again. A steamy, romantic love story with complex characters in a beautiful setting.
September 26, 2018
Steamy and passionate story. Hero was very broken and tortured and heroine brought him back to life with her unconditional love and kindness. She was a fierce and determined heroine. Loved them together! No pregnancy or kids in the epilogue. Bummer!
March 27, 2012
Wounded hero has problems. I liked the development of the relationship. I liked the passionate sex.
STORY BRIEF:
Elizabeth’s parents died when she was 7. She was raised by her grandparents. They overly controlled her life including selecting her fiancé. She always tried to please them and did what they asked. She sees her birth certificate and is shocked to learn that the man she thought was her father was really a stepfather. She is angry that her grandparents and her fiancé kept this secret from her. She breaks the engagement and travels to Australia to meet her birth father Sam. When she arrives in Australia she learns he is away for a month, so she waits.
Nate lives in the coach house/studio behind Sam’s house. He and Elizabeth begin a hot passionate relationship. Elizabeth has never had wild sex before and loves it. Nate is hurting from a past tragedy. He loses himself in alcohol to escape the guilt, pain, and memories. He spends the rest of his time surfing and sailing. Elizabeth is hurting because her father does not want to get to know her.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
There is more story here then I normally expect from romance. The characters and their personal problems were deeper. I enjoyed it. Although a few times I was a little tired of Nate’s repetitive pondering about his guilt and loss. He suffered from post-traumatic-stress-syndrome. Elizabeth is patient, calming, and helpful during his pain.
NARRATOR:
The narrator Helen Stern was very good. I liked the way she used an upper class British accent when telling the story from Elizabeth’s point of view (POV) and then an Australian accent when doing Nate’s POV.
DATA:
Unabridged audiobook reading time: 6 hrs and 31 mins. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: about 10. Sex scenes are on the short side. Setting: current day England and Australia. Book copyright: 2010. Genre: contemporary romance.
STORY BRIEF:
Elizabeth’s parents died when she was 7. She was raised by her grandparents. They overly controlled her life including selecting her fiancé. She always tried to please them and did what they asked. She sees her birth certificate and is shocked to learn that the man she thought was her father was really a stepfather. She is angry that her grandparents and her fiancé kept this secret from her. She breaks the engagement and travels to Australia to meet her birth father Sam. When she arrives in Australia she learns he is away for a month, so she waits.
Nate lives in the coach house/studio behind Sam’s house. He and Elizabeth begin a hot passionate relationship. Elizabeth has never had wild sex before and loves it. Nate is hurting from a past tragedy. He loses himself in alcohol to escape the guilt, pain, and memories. He spends the rest of his time surfing and sailing. Elizabeth is hurting because her father does not want to get to know her.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
There is more story here then I normally expect from romance. The characters and their personal problems were deeper. I enjoyed it. Although a few times I was a little tired of Nate’s repetitive pondering about his guilt and loss. He suffered from post-traumatic-stress-syndrome. Elizabeth is patient, calming, and helpful during his pain.
NARRATOR:
The narrator Helen Stern was very good. I liked the way she used an upper class British accent when telling the story from Elizabeth’s point of view (POV) and then an Australian accent when doing Nate’s POV.
DATA:
Unabridged audiobook reading time: 6 hrs and 31 mins. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: about 10. Sex scenes are on the short side. Setting: current day England and Australia. Book copyright: 2010. Genre: contemporary romance.
life-is-too-short
March 10, 2019At this point, I'm just flipping pages so...
DNF, 60% on account of obnoxious characters. I didn't initially hate the writing so I'll check out the second to see how it goes.
DNF, 60% on account of obnoxious characters. I didn't initially hate the writing so I'll check out the second to see how it goes.
January 20, 2013
I read "Her Best Worst Mistake" (the companion novel to this) and LOVED it. Unfortunately, Hot Island Nights just didn't appeal to me at all. I had trouble buying the progression of Elizabeth and Nathan's relationship.
The sex started immediately and seemed to come out of nowhere, and the "feelings" between them also seemed to come out of nowhere. We get some glimpses in to Nathan's mind, and he was not seeming to want anything to do with Elizabeth outside of sex, then suddenly he's confessing all of his fears and life story and crying in front of her? I don't know, it just seemed forced and fast and Mayberry is usually SO much better than this.
I also just didn't like Nathan much as a character. I didn't find him interesting or attractive. I liked Elizabeth in "Her Best Worst Mistake" and she really was a complex and compelling character, but Nathan was just kind of a beefcake with PTSD over a car crash. After completely falling in love with Violet and Martin, I was really really hoping that Elizabeth would find someone just as amazing for her and Nathan just bored me to tears. I also hated the constant use of "Betty" and "Lizzy" as nicknames for Elizabeth.
The sex started immediately and seemed to come out of nowhere, and the "feelings" between them also seemed to come out of nowhere. We get some glimpses in to Nathan's mind, and he was not seeming to want anything to do with Elizabeth outside of sex, then suddenly he's confessing all of his fears and life story and crying in front of her? I don't know, it just seemed forced and fast and Mayberry is usually SO much better than this.
I also just didn't like Nathan much as a character. I didn't find him interesting or attractive. I liked Elizabeth in "Her Best Worst Mistake" and she really was a complex and compelling character, but Nathan was just kind of a beefcake with PTSD over a car crash. After completely falling in love with Violet and Martin, I was really really hoping that Elizabeth would find someone just as amazing for her and Nathan just bored me to tears. I also hated the constant use of "Betty" and "Lizzy" as nicknames for Elizabeth.
May 14, 2012
I really wanted to love this one. Mayberry writes great, fully-developed characters, and this book is no exception. Elizabeth and Nathan are both brilliantly multi-faceted characters. The full image of who the characters are takes the entirety of the book to become clear. Their secrets and inner workings are doled out slowly, making the book near impossible to put down. You want to know what's next, how will Nate/Lizzy react to this new detail, where is the author taking me?
Two things, however, held the book back for me. First, is how Nate's PTSD was handled, especially in light of Elizabeth's story. I thought the PTSD itself was rendered faithfully and sensitively, but I didn't like how the narrative tried to resolve it. It was good at first, with Elizabeth giving him space and not trying to push, but by the end of the book it began to feel like everyone else thought they knew what was best for Nate better than he did. This sort of patronizing attitude seemed particularly ironic when Elizabeth had fled London to get away from a family and fiance who decided they knew what was best for her.
Secondly, there was all the sex. Seriously. 80% of it felt like filler. This might be a function of the Blaze line, since this is not something I've seen in her Superromances, but most of it was unnecessary. If it's not moving the plot ahead, it's just padding.
So it ends up just an average read for me. Not great, not bad, just okay.
Two things, however, held the book back for me. First, is how Nate's PTSD was handled, especially in light of Elizabeth's story. I thought the PTSD itself was rendered faithfully and sensitively, but I didn't like how the narrative tried to resolve it. It was good at first, with Elizabeth giving him space and not trying to push, but by the end of the book it began to feel like everyone else thought they knew what was best for Nate better than he did. This sort of patronizing attitude seemed particularly ironic when Elizabeth had fled London to get away from a family and fiance who decided they knew what was best for her.
Secondly, there was all the sex. Seriously. 80% of it felt like filler. This might be a function of the Blaze line, since this is not something I've seen in her Superromances, but most of it was unnecessary. If it's not moving the plot ahead, it's just padding.
So it ends up just an average read for me. Not great, not bad, just okay.
March 24, 2011
For an HQN Blaze, pretty good!! Believable, tender, HOT, and well written. Mayberry really should be writing full-length romances.
May 3, 2015
3.5 stars
October 1, 2012
I got to 46% before I called it quits. I didn't take to either of these characters. Elizabeth's characterization started off good, but at 46% there was no growth -just tons of sex. Same with Nate. His secrets appeared to be the making of a good character arc, but at 46% I had no clues who this Olivia person was or why he was trying to drown himself with drink. He just had tons of sex with Elizabeth. And the sex was way too soon. Afterwards, there was no tension since there was no will they or won't they and when.
Skip this first book and go to the second. Martin and Violet's story are much better!
Skip this first book and go to the second. Martin and Violet's story are much better!
May 14, 2012
Although I am a stone Sarah Mayberry groupie, I tend to shy away from the Harlequin Blaze line, even with her books. So I hadn't any intentions of reading this one. I finally picked it up so that I could read it before reading her more recent Her Best Worst Mistake, which is a sequel to this one.
While I think the story was well plotted and it felt like a much bigger book than it was, I felt a curious distance from Elizabeth and Nathan which did not let me get as invested in them as I could have.
The set up and plot is actually quite good with Elizabeth feeling he need to break away from a stultifying existence and throwing over her rather lackluster fiance in the process. She ends up in Australia having super-sexy times with the hunky, troubled Nathan. Both of the main protagonists have issues to confront. And again, it is amazing how much story this author manages to pack in the category format.
Since I did read this solely for the prequel benefit of the other book, I was intensely curious about Elizabeth's stuffy fiance Martin. He is the hero of the sequel. I wondered if I'd be able to envision him as hero material since he is described as being sexually boring in this book and given a mischievous nick-name 'Droopy drawers'.
I have to give the author kudos here as well. I can't even begin to count how many books I've read where the non-hero boyfriend of the heroine is given the character trait of 'stuffy' only to be further demonized or emasculated to further contrast with the hero. He either becomes overly pompous, or is made to seem super petty, or in some extreme cases he's made downright evil. But Mayberry neatly side-steps that here. Martin isn't demonized or somehow made lesser to further polish up Nathan. He and Elizabeth manage to maintain a friendship and the character retains some sympathy for the reader. So I was relieved that I wouldn't have to overcome some bad character pre-conditioning when I got to his book.
Still this was a nice, easy read on a Sunday afternoon and whetted my appetite for the sequel.
While I think the story was well plotted and it felt like a much bigger book than it was, I felt a curious distance from Elizabeth and Nathan which did not let me get as invested in them as I could have.
The set up and plot is actually quite good with Elizabeth feeling he need to break away from a stultifying existence and throwing over her rather lackluster fiance in the process. She ends up in Australia having super-sexy times with the hunky, troubled Nathan. Both of the main protagonists have issues to confront. And again, it is amazing how much story this author manages to pack in the category format.
Since I did read this solely for the prequel benefit of the other book, I was intensely curious about Elizabeth's stuffy fiance Martin. He is the hero of the sequel. I wondered if I'd be able to envision him as hero material since he is described as being sexually boring in this book and given a mischievous nick-name 'Droopy drawers'.
I have to give the author kudos here as well. I can't even begin to count how many books I've read where the non-hero boyfriend of the heroine is given the character trait of 'stuffy' only to be further demonized or emasculated to further contrast with the hero. He either becomes overly pompous, or is made to seem super petty, or in some extreme cases he's made downright evil. But Mayberry neatly side-steps that here. Martin isn't demonized or somehow made lesser to further polish up Nathan. He and Elizabeth manage to maintain a friendship and the character retains some sympathy for the reader. So I was relieved that I wouldn't have to overcome some bad character pre-conditioning when I got to his book.
Still this was a nice, easy read on a Sunday afternoon and whetted my appetite for the sequel.
May 20, 2012
I first read the (sort of) sequel, Her Best Worst Mistake, and then decide to backtrack this title to find out Elizabeth and Nathan's story.
I know that Harlequin Blaze is Harlequin's sexiest line which emphasizes on the physical sex. I guess it proves the quality of Sarah Mayberry's writing because I can gloss over the sex scenes and the sort-of insta love between Elizabeth and Nathan, and end up caring for this couple very much.
Since I already read the sequel, there are some parts that I already know. I know that Elizabeth meets Nathan when she is searching for her father in Australia. I know that Nathan is a man with baggage, he has been involved with an accident (though the details are yet known to me), and later on Elizabeth herself suffers an accident, which actually brings her father and her closer. It's great to finally read their story and find out the details.
I like how Elizabeth grows as woman, who knows what she wants, and be what she could be, and fights for what she believes in. It might take a journey all across the world from England to Australia to do so, but sometimes one must gets out from his/her comfort zone in order to find oneself. So, I applaud her for that.
Nathan suffers from post-traumatic stress after an accident that killed . He's a man with a chip on his shoulder and that makes him a complicated character, which I enjoy to read. I like his journey towards healing, even if he does ONE stupid thing near the end. I am glad that Elizabeth refuses to give up on Nathan, when he is too afraid to reach for happiness.
This is definitely one of the better romances from Harlequin. Which is great since I thought I'm done with Harlequin romances. I guess I can give them a second look, if the stories are from Sarah Mayberry :).
PS: I'm glad that Nathan settles with "Lizzy" as short name for Elizabeth because I don't think "Betty" is sexy (sorry!)
PSS: I'm also glad that I read the sequel first because from this book alone, I don't think I want to know about Martin. He's just to flat and dull. I guess Violet sort of gives him life :)
I know that Harlequin Blaze is Harlequin's sexiest line which emphasizes on the physical sex. I guess it proves the quality of Sarah Mayberry's writing because I can gloss over the sex scenes and the sort-of insta love between Elizabeth and Nathan, and end up caring for this couple very much.
Since I already read the sequel, there are some parts that I already know. I know that Elizabeth meets Nathan when she is searching for her father in Australia. I know that Nathan is a man with baggage, he has been involved with an accident (though the details are yet known to me), and later on Elizabeth herself suffers an accident, which actually brings her father and her closer. It's great to finally read their story and find out the details.
I like how Elizabeth grows as woman, who knows what she wants, and be what she could be, and fights for what she believes in. It might take a journey all across the world from England to Australia to do so, but sometimes one must gets out from his/her comfort zone in order to find oneself. So, I applaud her for that.
Nathan suffers from post-traumatic stress after an accident that killed . He's a man with a chip on his shoulder and that makes him a complicated character, which I enjoy to read. I like his journey towards healing, even if he does ONE stupid thing near the end. I am glad that Elizabeth refuses to give up on Nathan, when he is too afraid to reach for happiness.
This is definitely one of the better romances from Harlequin. Which is great since I thought I'm done with Harlequin romances. I guess I can give them a second look, if the stories are from Sarah Mayberry :).
PS: I'm glad that Nathan settles with "Lizzy" as short name for Elizabeth because I don't think "Betty" is sexy (sorry!)
PSS: I'm also glad that I read the sequel first because from this book alone, I don't think I want to know about Martin. He's just to flat and dull. I guess Violet sort of gives him life :)
September 9, 2010
Prim, proper, conservative English rose Elizabeth Mannen receives some news that rocks her perfectly planned life, causing her to break off her engagement to her equally stuffy English fiance (aka Droopy Drawers, so coined by Elizabeth's best friend) and trek half way around the world to an Australian island hot spot in search of answers. She sure as heck wasn't prepared when Nathan Jones answered the door clad only in a low slung towel precariously tucked about his hips. And her English sensibilities were equally affronted when the Aussie charmer insisted on calling her Betsy and Lizzie. I personally like nicknames, so I found it quite amusing.
Nathan Jones isn't quite the carefree Aussie "mate" he appears to be. He's got a whole boatload of his own demons he's trying to work through. A tragic event in his life has caused him to drown his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle (beer, vodka whatever's close at hand), just so he can make it through the day. Mayberry does a really good job making you experience Nathan's grief right along with him.
Elizabeth and her cool, calming influence seems to be just what Nathan needs as he deals with his debilitating loss and slowly helps him find his way back to the land of the living. Hot Island Nights was a beautiful story of healing and understanding and Nathan and Lizzie make a potent couple.
Although this is a Harlequin Blaze, it seemed longer than its 217 pages and read with more depth of story and character than a lot of other similar books. There were lots of hot, steamy sex scenes and chemistry between Nathan and Elizabeth (after all it is a Blaze). Lizzie's previous sexual experiences with Droopy Drawers were lacking and pedestrian to say the least, but Nahtan's just the man to help Lizzie broaden her sexual horizons.
I've said this before about Mayberry whose heroes are Aussie men...there is nothing sexier than a hero with an accent - even if it is only in my head.
Take a trip down under and enjoy some Hot Island Nights.
Nathan Jones isn't quite the carefree Aussie "mate" he appears to be. He's got a whole boatload of his own demons he's trying to work through. A tragic event in his life has caused him to drown his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle (beer, vodka whatever's close at hand), just so he can make it through the day. Mayberry does a really good job making you experience Nathan's grief right along with him.
Elizabeth and her cool, calming influence seems to be just what Nathan needs as he deals with his debilitating loss and slowly helps him find his way back to the land of the living. Hot Island Nights was a beautiful story of healing and understanding and Nathan and Lizzie make a potent couple.
Although this is a Harlequin Blaze, it seemed longer than its 217 pages and read with more depth of story and character than a lot of other similar books. There were lots of hot, steamy sex scenes and chemistry between Nathan and Elizabeth (after all it is a Blaze). Lizzie's previous sexual experiences with Droopy Drawers were lacking and pedestrian to say the least, but Nahtan's just the man to help Lizzie broaden her sexual horizons.
I've said this before about Mayberry whose heroes are Aussie men...there is nothing sexier than a hero with an accent - even if it is only in my head.
Take a trip down under and enjoy some Hot Island Nights.
May 25, 2011
TBR Challenge 2011- This book ahs been on my TBR list since fall 2010.
If you read the back cover of this book you'd probably dismiss it as quick, hot romp, and you'd be partly right. It's a quick read, and it's steamy at times, but it isn't a "romp." Sarah Mayberry knows how to use her 200 pages to write well-drawn characters and emotional stories with real depth. Nate is an Australian man suffering from PTSD due to an accident. Elizabeth is a somewhat repressed English woman who has recently learned a startling bit of information about her past. These two end up together for what both thinks is a one-nighter, or at best a short affair. But as each one copes with the past, they find they also have to cope with the present, and hopefully the future. And that means both getting beyond the present pain. Mayberry makes you care about the characters and believe their stories. Nate is the most complex character of the book. He comes to life in this book and brings the rest of the story with him.
This is the third book I've read by Sarah Mayberry, and I plan to work my way through her backlist.
If you read the back cover of this book you'd probably dismiss it as quick, hot romp, and you'd be partly right. It's a quick read, and it's steamy at times, but it isn't a "romp." Sarah Mayberry knows how to use her 200 pages to write well-drawn characters and emotional stories with real depth. Nate is an Australian man suffering from PTSD due to an accident. Elizabeth is a somewhat repressed English woman who has recently learned a startling bit of information about her past. These two end up together for what both thinks is a one-nighter, or at best a short affair. But as each one copes with the past, they find they also have to cope with the present, and hopefully the future. And that means both getting beyond the present pain. Mayberry makes you care about the characters and believe their stories. Nate is the most complex character of the book. He comes to life in this book and brings the rest of the story with him.
This is the third book I've read by Sarah Mayberry, and I plan to work my way through her backlist.
May 28, 2012
MAJOR trigger warning for anxiety issues. It's very well handled (its treatment is the main reason I'm giving this five stars), but it was so real that I had to put the book down several times.
But yeah. It was handled very very well. Both Nate and Elizabeth's emotions were spot on.
I also really liked Elizabeth's grandparental issues because I could relate a lot to them. It's hard to stand on your own when you know people really do want what's best for you.
And this is one of those times when a relationship that happens over a short period of time is entirely believable. I actually think I might have believed it LESS if it had happened over a longer period of time.
But yeah. It was handled very very well. Both Nate and Elizabeth's emotions were spot on.
I also really liked Elizabeth's grandparental issues because I could relate a lot to them. It's hard to stand on your own when you know people really do want what's best for you.
And this is one of those times when a relationship that happens over a short period of time is entirely believable. I actually think I might have believed it LESS if it had happened over a longer period of time.
September 10, 2015
I loved this storyline of wealthy aristocratic Englishwoman who finds out her father was someone else than who she had always been led to believe. She decides to break off with her stodgy fiance and go to Australia and find her real father. While there, she meets a handsome beach bum surfer type who she has a fling with. And it's quite a whirlwind fling! But, it turns out there's a lot more to him than she thought. He's dealing with the memory of his dead sister and there are many complications. She's also dealing with her father who's having nothing to do with her. So much passion and emotion in this book, it was great and a huge surprise! Well worth the read!
4.5/5
4.5/5
March 9, 2015
I love Sarah Mayberry's books and recently did a reread of this book - probably back in December - and I still loved it. It's about an uptight, type A heroine who lives her life trying to please the grandparents who raised her until she broke when she sound out her whole life had been a lie.
She found out she had a father she'd never known and set out to find him whereupon she meets a real live and let life, let's have a party type hero.
I happily recommend this one.
She found out she had a father she'd never known and set out to find him whereupon she meets a real live and let life, let's have a party type hero.
I happily recommend this one.
August 11, 2012
3/5; 3 stars; B
I always enjoy Sarah Mayberry's romance novels. She usually does a good job of showing people struggling to overcome some damaging aspects of their childhood or history. In this book, both main characters had to deal with some past trauma in order to find their HEA.
I always enjoy Sarah Mayberry's romance novels. She usually does a good job of showing people struggling to overcome some damaging aspects of their childhood or history. In this book, both main characters had to deal with some past trauma in order to find their HEA.
June 2, 2025
A M A Z I N G, I loved it.
I read it because I originally wanted to read (still want) Violet's book and wanted to have the full context and I'm SO GLAD I did it because this book is freaking delicious.
I feel like this one is so underrated, I see so much love for Her Best Worst Mistake but not for this one
I read it because I originally wanted to read (still want) Violet's book and wanted to have the full context and I'm SO GLAD I did it because this book is freaking delicious.
I feel like this one is so underrated, I see so much love for Her Best Worst Mistake but not for this one
April 2, 2020
This is better than expected. I only read it because i wanted to read book 2 of this series, and at the start the author did say it would be better to start with book 1.
Not too much angst although the Hero was suffering from some trauma due to an accident where a loved one died.
It definitely felt more like lust at first sight than anything, but their relatuinship developed quite well from there.
Not too much angst although the Hero was suffering from some trauma due to an accident where a loved one died.
It definitely felt more like lust at first sight than anything, but their relatuinship developed quite well from there.
September 11, 2013
I really, really like Sarah Mayberry's writing style. Both of these books work so well together, and I loved Nate's last line about wanting to hear Violet and Martin's story. I believe my perception and opinion on certain things would've been different if I'd read these in the 'correct' order, but I'm glad I read Her Best Worst Mistake first. My favourite part of this was seeing Elizabeth's character grow from someone who was used to meekly taking orders and doing as she was asked, to someone who stood up for herself and was tired of tiptoeing around everyone. And reading this second helped to show just what a long way she'd come.
I was more into the set-up of this book, and it didn't take me long to get swept into Nate/Elizabeth's story.
My main complaint was that this all went a bit too fast. I was worried beforehand about the romance not being entirely believable, which turned out not to be an issue so I was glad, but I had trouble wrapping my head around the fact that apparently only 3 or 4 weeks had passed by the time I got to the end.
It just seems a shame this couldn't have been a little longer; a few additional chapters in the way of relationship development would have worked even better.
I was more into the set-up of this book, and it didn't take me long to get swept into Nate/Elizabeth's story.
My main complaint was that this all went a bit too fast. I was worried beforehand about the romance not being entirely believable, which turned out not to be an issue so I was glad, but I had trouble wrapping my head around the fact that apparently only 3 or 4 weeks had passed by the time I got to the end.
It just seems a shame this couldn't have been a little longer; a few additional chapters in the way of relationship development would have worked even better.
March 3, 2016
Honestly, I only read this book because the sequel sounded really interesting and I want to read it but I abhor reading out of order. While I enjoyed this book it isn't one I will go back and read again.
This book centers around Elizabeth who is a very proper young lady who is also quite a people pleaser and has let her grandparents push her life in the direction they want it to go. When she discovers some shocking news she decides to make a stand and breaks up with her fiancé and leaves behind her Grandparents to head for Australia where she meets Nathan. Nathan is hiding out and trying to wash away his pain with alcohol. I found "Lizzy's" reaction to Nathan pretty humorous and I thought the author did a great job with Nathan's PTSD. It was nice to see a hero that didn't have it all together and was actually really vulnerable in certain ways. My biggest problem was that I didn't buy the "feelings" between the two. The sex started immediately and it just seemed that the feelings they developed for each other came out of nowhere. Lizzy's decision to help Nathan through his PTSD was admirable but it would have been so much better if they had a better backstory and a history to fall back on while dealing with such a difficult time.
Being a blaze there was plenty of steamy sex scenes and some humor thrown in there. It was also great to see a book were the author didn't demonize the ex-fiancé. Sometimes things just don't work out and it drives me crazy when the author feels the need to make the ex a villain. In fact I'm very much looking forward to reading the next book about "droopy drawers" the ex-fiancé.
This book centers around Elizabeth who is a very proper young lady who is also quite a people pleaser and has let her grandparents push her life in the direction they want it to go. When she discovers some shocking news she decides to make a stand and breaks up with her fiancé and leaves behind her Grandparents to head for Australia where she meets Nathan. Nathan is hiding out and trying to wash away his pain with alcohol. I found "Lizzy's" reaction to Nathan pretty humorous and I thought the author did a great job with Nathan's PTSD. It was nice to see a hero that didn't have it all together and was actually really vulnerable in certain ways. My biggest problem was that I didn't buy the "feelings" between the two. The sex started immediately and it just seemed that the feelings they developed for each other came out of nowhere. Lizzy's decision to help Nathan through his PTSD was admirable but it would have been so much better if they had a better backstory and a history to fall back on while dealing with such a difficult time.
Being a blaze there was plenty of steamy sex scenes and some humor thrown in there. It was also great to see a book were the author didn't demonize the ex-fiancé. Sometimes things just don't work out and it drives me crazy when the author feels the need to make the ex a villain. In fact I'm very much looking forward to reading the next book about "droopy drawers" the ex-fiancé.
November 20, 2015
This is the story of Elizabeth, a refined lady of society who flees her upcoming wedding and the trappings of her privileged life to seek out a father she's never known. Arriving in Australia on his doorstep, she instead find her father's boarder Nathan, a sexy beach bum running from his own problems. Neither are looking for a relationship, but the physical attraction between them sizzles and leads them into something neither expected - love.
This story had everything I look for in a contemporary romance. Elizabeth's character transformation was delightful to behold, going from a staid polite woman to one who is sexually aware and carefree, able to express her emotions in her actions and her words. Nathan starts out as a damaged man, using alcohol and sex as a shield against feeling any stronger emotions. As Elizabeth comes out of her shell, Nathan realizes that unless he changes and faces his past, he'll lose the one woman he wants to be in his future. The sexual chemistry between them is taught and exciting, making the love scenes sizzle. The setting adds alot to the story, the laid back beach scenes, casual clothing and sunshine making the reader feel Elizabeth's relaxation into this new life. Alternating points of view are critical to understanding the motives for their actions. The story is well written, fast paced and fun, yet has emotional scenes of heartache and tenderness. This is a perfect beach read or for a lazy Sunday afternoon. 5 steamy stars!
This story had everything I look for in a contemporary romance. Elizabeth's character transformation was delightful to behold, going from a staid polite woman to one who is sexually aware and carefree, able to express her emotions in her actions and her words. Nathan starts out as a damaged man, using alcohol and sex as a shield against feeling any stronger emotions. As Elizabeth comes out of her shell, Nathan realizes that unless he changes and faces his past, he'll lose the one woman he wants to be in his future. The sexual chemistry between them is taught and exciting, making the love scenes sizzle. The setting adds alot to the story, the laid back beach scenes, casual clothing and sunshine making the reader feel Elizabeth's relaxation into this new life. Alternating points of view are critical to understanding the motives for their actions. The story is well written, fast paced and fun, yet has emotional scenes of heartache and tenderness. This is a perfect beach read or for a lazy Sunday afternoon. 5 steamy stars!
May 31, 2015
Overall this was a cute Harlequin. However, it had some very silly and unrealistic aspects...
For example:
"Look me in the eye and tell me that when I asked you to do me from behind like a dog you didn't once think of what my grandfather might think..." "Hahaha what the...????? And who in this day and age views doggy-style as taboo and kinky sex?!?! And who says "...like a dog" - ew!
Also, the heroine falls in love with the hero after only a few days! After a week she moves in with him, and after a few weeks she contemplates switching her job and moving continents to be with him! Everything moves unrealistically fast! From the way the book is written, it is obvious that the characters know nothing about each other - yet the insta-love is there and the heroine keeps boasting how well she knows him! How could she know him after only a couple of weeks?!
For example:
"Look me in the eye and tell me that when I asked you to do me from behind like a dog you didn't once think of what my grandfather might think..." "Hahaha what the...????? And who in this day and age views doggy-style as taboo and kinky sex?!?! And who says "...like a dog" - ew!
Also, the heroine falls in love with the hero after only a few days! After a week she moves in with him, and after a few weeks she contemplates switching her job and moving continents to be with him! Everything moves unrealistically fast! From the way the book is written, it is obvious that the characters know nothing about each other - yet the insta-love is there and the heroine keeps boasting how well she knows him! How could she know him after only a couple of weeks?!
April 4, 2011
I adore Sarah Mayberry's Blazes.
Her characterisation is brilliant, with added depths that make her category romances feel like 'bigger' books.
This one features a psychologically wounded hero who is so real he leaps off the page and she's masterfully matched him with a prim and proper Englishwoman.
An excellent read.
Her characterisation is brilliant, with added depths that make her category romances feel like 'bigger' books.
This one features a psychologically wounded hero who is so real he leaps off the page and she's masterfully matched him with a prim and proper Englishwoman.
An excellent read.
August 30, 2012
Loved loved loved! I admit that I started reading this book only to get to know Martin & Violet, but I ended up loving it as much as Her Best Worst Mistake. I think Ms. Mayberry did a fantastic job & I am now a big fan of hers.
January 5, 2017
I really need to stop reading these trashy books... Anyways, I wasn't the biggest fan of this couple, but I did appreciate how Nathan's ptsd wasn't miraculously cured just by beginning a relationship with Elizabeth. Her checking out books from the library and doing research online once she found out about his accident was so realistic and nice to see in a genre that often eschews reality.
July 25, 2020
This was a great romance with more depth to the plot and characters than you would expect. Nate is suffering from PTSD and Elizabeth is just the person to be there for him.
I read book 2 first and now it makes a lot more sense. I need to go back and re-read. I loved both books!
I read book 2 first and now it makes a lot more sense. I need to go back and re-read. I loved both books!
May 10, 2017
I think that this must've been my first time reading a Harlequin Blaze title, because there's just so much sex in it! Honestly, I'm usually not prudish about it, but there's a fair bit of it every few pages - all very eloquently described - and thankfully, they're all good!
Also, there's a lot of dealing with trauma, and in particular, handling PTSD. Elizabeth may have been a tad too perfect in how she handled Nate's trauma, or maybe she's just smart enough and astute enough to understand and adapt to his needs. I loved that she found her backbone and ride out whatever challenges life presented instead of just backing away.
Nate, was wonderfully flawed. He was fantastically well-developed, in comparison to a near-perfect Elizabeth (probably a Mary Sue? Not sure), with all of his hang-ups - all in the name of wallowing in his troubles rather than having to face them.
In the past, I wouldn't have liked there to be so much sex between the characters before their found their love for one another and their HEA, but this was incredibly well-written, well-researched, and a very satisfying read in all.
Also, there's a lot of dealing with trauma, and in particular, handling PTSD. Elizabeth may have been a tad too perfect in how she handled Nate's trauma, or maybe she's just smart enough and astute enough to understand and adapt to his needs. I loved that she found her backbone and ride out whatever challenges life presented instead of just backing away.
Nate, was wonderfully flawed. He was fantastically well-developed, in comparison to a near-perfect Elizabeth (probably a Mary Sue? Not sure), with all of his hang-ups - all in the name of wallowing in his troubles rather than having to face them.
In the past, I wouldn't have liked there to be so much sex between the characters before their found their love for one another and their HEA, but this was incredibly well-written, well-researched, and a very satisfying read in all.
July 6, 2019
Started out strong-ish but a definite misfire by the end. The heroine is repressed and controlled in a way that feels kind of ridiculous for a thirty-year-old. Her breakup with her fiance is because she wanted to have sex in a position other than missionary. She goes to Australia in search of her long-lost father, who totally ignores her () and falls for the hero, who is basically a giant pile of issues, including PTSD (caused by accidentally killing his baby sister in a car crash) and alcoholism. She commits to him despite this and his many efforts to push her away. By the end I was just annoyed with it.
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