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Northstar Beginnings: First Instinct / Mountain Angel
Find out why readers say “picking up a Northstar book feels like coming home” with this two-book series-starting box set:
First Instinct
Life-long friends Beth Carlyle and Nick Hammond haven’t ever pushed the limits of their relationship. But when her boyfriend turns violent and Nick jumps in to protect her, everything changes.
In the chaos following that horrible night, Nick becomes Beth’s anchor as she pulls the pieces of herself together. She never imagined he’d be anything more than her best friend, but with her trust shattered, there’s only one place she feels safe—in his arms. Boundaries crumble and new desires ignite. With her heart a tangled mess, how can she know what’s real?
Nick is willing to do whatever it takes to help Beth recover, no matter the cost to himself, but in the face of undeserved consequences, he may be the one who needs saving. Protecting the man she loves means bringing her nightmare into the light. Will she find the courage to reveal the truth before Nick pays the ultimate price?
Mountain Angel
A strong-willed woman, a heart-weary deputy, and a cozy mountain cabin. What could possibly go wrong… or right?
Fiercely independent, Aelissm Davis prefers to manage her own affairs. But when an obsessive friend refuses to take no for an answer, it’s time to call in reinforcements. Unfortunately, her meddling uncle’s solution—send his best deputy “on vacation” to protect her—could be an even bigger complication.
For three years, Pat O’Neil has buried himself in his work to get past a violent relationship, and it hasn’t done him any good. This assignment to protect his boss’s niece could be just what he needs. Aelissm is an irresistible breath of fresh mountain air, but as his heart learns how to breathe again, her past entwines with his and trouble comes knocking. Will she let him do his job or will her stubbornness put them both in danger?
A NOTE ON THE CONTENT: The Northstar books are contemporary romances and contain some profanity and sensual scenes that may not be suitable for sensitive readers.
First Instinct
Life-long friends Beth Carlyle and Nick Hammond haven’t ever pushed the limits of their relationship. But when her boyfriend turns violent and Nick jumps in to protect her, everything changes.
In the chaos following that horrible night, Nick becomes Beth’s anchor as she pulls the pieces of herself together. She never imagined he’d be anything more than her best friend, but with her trust shattered, there’s only one place she feels safe—in his arms. Boundaries crumble and new desires ignite. With her heart a tangled mess, how can she know what’s real?
Nick is willing to do whatever it takes to help Beth recover, no matter the cost to himself, but in the face of undeserved consequences, he may be the one who needs saving. Protecting the man she loves means bringing her nightmare into the light. Will she find the courage to reveal the truth before Nick pays the ultimate price?
Mountain Angel
A strong-willed woman, a heart-weary deputy, and a cozy mountain cabin. What could possibly go wrong… or right?
Fiercely independent, Aelissm Davis prefers to manage her own affairs. But when an obsessive friend refuses to take no for an answer, it’s time to call in reinforcements. Unfortunately, her meddling uncle’s solution—send his best deputy “on vacation” to protect her—could be an even bigger complication.
For three years, Pat O’Neil has buried himself in his work to get past a violent relationship, and it hasn’t done him any good. This assignment to protect his boss’s niece could be just what he needs. Aelissm is an irresistible breath of fresh mountain air, but as his heart learns how to breathe again, her past entwines with his and trouble comes knocking. Will she let him do his job or will her stubbornness put them both in danger?
A NOTE ON THE CONTENT: The Northstar books are contemporary romances and contain some profanity and sensual scenes that may not be suitable for sensitive readers.
686 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2012
2030 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Suzie O'Connell
43 books133 followersSuzie O'Connell grew up in a small town on the Kitsap Peninsula in Western Washington, but has called the mountains and valleys of Western Montana home for well over a decade. She has been writing stories since she was old enough to know how (the first she can recall was penciled in the second grade, about the mouse who went to the sea) and completed her first novel, Summer Angel, before she graduated from high school. After high school, tired of the endless rain, she attended college at the University of Montana-Western and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Writing. She is currently working on a Masters of Education and teaches high school English.
Suzie considers herself to be a rather quirky individual with ecclectic tastes in music, movies and books. She listens to just about anything, including pop, rock, country and techno and her favorite movies range from Grumpy Old Men to Lord of the Rings to Moulin Rouge to Pirates of the Caribbean. When it comes to reading, she prefers fantasy, science fiction, romance and literary fiction.
She firmly believes it's healthy to laugh at yourself, that best friends are worth far more than their weight in gold, and that home truly is where the heart is.
When she isn't writing, teaching or studying, Suzie enjoys playing in the mountains with her husband Mark, their daughter Maddie and their energetic golden retriever Reilly. She is also a hobby photographer, specializing in landscapes.
Suzie considers herself to be a rather quirky individual with ecclectic tastes in music, movies and books. She listens to just about anything, including pop, rock, country and techno and her favorite movies range from Grumpy Old Men to Lord of the Rings to Moulin Rouge to Pirates of the Caribbean. When it comes to reading, she prefers fantasy, science fiction, romance and literary fiction.
She firmly believes it's healthy to laugh at yourself, that best friends are worth far more than their weight in gold, and that home truly is where the heart is.
When she isn't writing, teaching or studying, Suzie enjoys playing in the mountains with her husband Mark, their daughter Maddie and their energetic golden retriever Reilly. She is also a hobby photographer, specializing in landscapes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 11, 2021
First Instinct: read 2/8/21-2/9/21
Not sure yet how to rate this one. For now, I'll go with 2.5 stars.
It had some good moments, but if I had known at the beginning that these were college students, I'd never have read it. Just not an age group I'm interested in reading about generally speaking. Be warned: there's a rape at the beginning. In this edition, the author notes where it is, so readers can skip it. There are times when it is so sad and poignant and other times when you want to shake the Beth (and Nick on occasion). I know this was traumatic for her, but so many times I wanted to tell her to do other than she was doing. She came across as selfish more than traumatized. And, seriously, not one single adult, except maybe the dean, ever considered rape? The book also dragged; it seemed to take forever, and there was a lot of repetition.
Not sure if I'll read the other book included.
Not sure yet how to rate this one. For now, I'll go with 2.5 stars.
It had some good moments, but if I had known at the beginning that these were college students, I'd never have read it. Just not an age group I'm interested in reading about generally speaking. Be warned: there's a rape at the beginning. In this edition, the author notes where it is, so readers can skip it. There are times when it is so sad and poignant and other times when you want to shake the Beth (and Nick on occasion). I know this was traumatic for her, but so many times I wanted to tell her to do other than she was doing. She came across as selfish more than traumatized. And, seriously, not one single adult, except maybe the dean, ever considered rape? The book also dragged; it seemed to take forever, and there was a lot of repetition.
Not sure if I'll read the other book included.
June 10, 2021
Not my cup of tea. Poorly written with a plot that would be familiar to anyone who watches Hallmark Christmas movies. There were two books in this novel. Both about various members of the same families. Sadly, one was as bad as the other.
July 21, 2021
Nodrthstar beggings book 1 and 2
Nick and Beth have been friends all their lives having lived on adjoining ranches.They are in their last year of college. Nick is dating a girl he thinks may be the women he wants to marry. Beth is dating Trey, also from a nearby rance. They have been friends but Nick no longer wants to spend time with his because of his changed attitude. When they double date Trey is rude to Beth and pushes her away. She goes back to the dorm and plans to meet Nick later to work on an assignment. Trey comes to her room and rapes her. Nick rescues her and the rest of the book is about both of them dealing with the aftereffects. I enjoyed their story. It was very though provoking. I thing the subject was handled wellby the author. I had one problem with Beth not going to her parents and family for support since they were supposed to be a close family. I was happy to see them get their happily after.
The second book is about Aelissm and Pat. I liked their story better. Aelissm is being stalked by Adam who used to be a friend. Their association is complicated. Pat works as an investigator for her Uncle Bill. He is dealing with issues relating to his crazy ex fiance. Bill sends him to protect Aelissm and try to locate Adam and resolve this situation. Aelissm has a good friend June and her adopted son Luke who are very much a part of this story. This story ended much differently than what I expected. I enjoyed reading about Pat and Aelissm and their journey to their happy ever after.
I had one problem with both stories that caused me to give less than a five star rating. I seemed like every time they went outside there was a long description of the surrounding countryside. I know descriptions are necessary and we all like to have a feel for the area but these went on so long I started skipping through. It was very distracting for me.
Nick and Beth have been friends all their lives having lived on adjoining ranches.They are in their last year of college. Nick is dating a girl he thinks may be the women he wants to marry. Beth is dating Trey, also from a nearby rance. They have been friends but Nick no longer wants to spend time with his because of his changed attitude. When they double date Trey is rude to Beth and pushes her away. She goes back to the dorm and plans to meet Nick later to work on an assignment. Trey comes to her room and rapes her. Nick rescues her and the rest of the book is about both of them dealing with the aftereffects. I enjoyed their story. It was very though provoking. I thing the subject was handled wellby the author. I had one problem with Beth not going to her parents and family for support since they were supposed to be a close family. I was happy to see them get their happily after.
The second book is about Aelissm and Pat. I liked their story better. Aelissm is being stalked by Adam who used to be a friend. Their association is complicated. Pat works as an investigator for her Uncle Bill. He is dealing with issues relating to his crazy ex fiance. Bill sends him to protect Aelissm and try to locate Adam and resolve this situation. Aelissm has a good friend June and her adopted son Luke who are very much a part of this story. This story ended much differently than what I expected. I enjoyed reading about Pat and Aelissm and their journey to their happy ever after.
I had one problem with both stories that caused me to give less than a five star rating. I seemed like every time they went outside there was a long description of the surrounding countryside. I know descriptions are necessary and we all like to have a feel for the area but these went on so long I started skipping through. It was very distracting for me.
April 4, 2023
The blurb of this books is perfect and I couldn’t add anything else without giving away too much of the story. I just finished the book some time ago and I’m still trying to let it sink in. A necessary step because after closing the book I can’t really tell you if I liked or disliked the it!
There were definitely good aspects and excellent parts in this book. Needless to say that the date rape and all it’s repercussions for the victim and her next of kin were very thoroughly put into perspective. Hats off!
The main character were very young, in their very early 20ies. Fitting, because they were still students and maybe this kind of crime happens more in the student community and its surrounding. However, especially the male main character’s reactions reflected most of the time a maturity that just didn’t sit well with his persona. The female lead character seemed somehow more natural. This discrepancy created something like a “bump” when reading.
The author tried to keep the book “clean” around all the issues regarding the rape, despite the description of the incident, which I considered essential for the plot line. In any case, there was no sensation hunting going on, which I absolutely appreciated. However, somehow the atmosphere of the book didn’t rivet me. It’s not something I could put my finger on, it’s just a feeling - something like lacking chemistry. I’m sure this is on me, especially because I can’t say with certainty what the reason for this feeling is...
Consequently, definitely a worthy and good book.... but with a small reservation. Sorry!
There were definitely good aspects and excellent parts in this book. Needless to say that the date rape and all it’s repercussions for the victim and her next of kin were very thoroughly put into perspective. Hats off!
The main character were very young, in their very early 20ies. Fitting, because they were still students and maybe this kind of crime happens more in the student community and its surrounding. However, especially the male main character’s reactions reflected most of the time a maturity that just didn’t sit well with his persona. The female lead character seemed somehow more natural. This discrepancy created something like a “bump” when reading.
The author tried to keep the book “clean” around all the issues regarding the rape, despite the description of the incident, which I considered essential for the plot line. In any case, there was no sensation hunting going on, which I absolutely appreciated. However, somehow the atmosphere of the book didn’t rivet me. It’s not something I could put my finger on, it’s just a feeling - something like lacking chemistry. I’m sure this is on me, especially because I can’t say with certainty what the reason for this feeling is...
Consequently, definitely a worthy and good book.... but with a small reservation. Sorry!
November 11, 2020
2 Stories. Enjoy 🤓
First Instinct is a heartfelt story of not only surviving but rising from the ashes better than before. Date rape nearly destroyed Beth and her life long best friend Nick who saved her. Abuse of any kind is unacceptable! Telling lies to get out of something or to gain something is also repugnant. I was surprised when the author breaks from the story to pre-warn that some may find it difficult, and let's you know where to pickup the story again if one wishes to avoid the incident. Ms. O'Connell did an amazing job with the story. Any age group can find the Happy Ever After in the story as Beth and Nick did. But, the age group it will speak out to is the 18 - 25 . Enjoy 🤓
The second story is, Mountain Angel. Alyssum and Patrick's story. Beth and Alyssum went to college together and this picks up several years later. June who also went to college with them is part of the story as well. Alyssum is going through some trauma and to help her, her Uncle sends Pat to help and hopefully recover from some trauma of his own. Love, close knit family and friends, and beautiful Montana back country help these two gain their happy ever after. No cheating or cliffhanger and although intimacy is between the happy couple, it's PG and sweet. Enjoy 🤓
First Instinct is a heartfelt story of not only surviving but rising from the ashes better than before. Date rape nearly destroyed Beth and her life long best friend Nick who saved her. Abuse of any kind is unacceptable! Telling lies to get out of something or to gain something is also repugnant. I was surprised when the author breaks from the story to pre-warn that some may find it difficult, and let's you know where to pickup the story again if one wishes to avoid the incident. Ms. O'Connell did an amazing job with the story. Any age group can find the Happy Ever After in the story as Beth and Nick did. But, the age group it will speak out to is the 18 - 25 . Enjoy 🤓
The second story is, Mountain Angel. Alyssum and Patrick's story. Beth and Alyssum went to college together and this picks up several years later. June who also went to college with them is part of the story as well. Alyssum is going through some trauma and to help her, her Uncle sends Pat to help and hopefully recover from some trauma of his own. Love, close knit family and friends, and beautiful Montana back country help these two gain their happy ever after. No cheating or cliffhanger and although intimacy is between the happy couple, it's PG and sweet. Enjoy 🤓
January 20, 2022
There are 10 books in this Northstar series. I obtained 2 or 3 free but I was so caught up in the series that I bought those books I didn't already have. It is rare that I buy an e-book which is more than £2 but for this series I paid between £3.99 and £4.66 per book. That alone said how much I enjoyed the series. If Northstar was a real place, I'd already be living there. The series is best read in order as what happens at the beginning, and in book 3, affects the characters in the later books. The description of the area the colours and scenery was wonderful. Not too much, but enough that you could picture it in your mind. My husband is now reading the series, and like me, he is paying for those books he's not managed to pick up for free. For someone who is particular about what he reads I take that as a win for the author.
November 7, 2020
Liked both books but the first one was a bit lacking in the romance aspect, while I understand the heavy topics that shadowed the romance between the characters, it also felt very platonic at times even though they had moved from the stage of friends to lovers.
The second book was good but not anything special. It was good to have the opposite perspective of abuse, that Pat was abused and affected by it. Abuse is something that affects everyone no matter gender, these books highlighted that so that was great!
The second book was good but not anything special. It was good to have the opposite perspective of abuse, that Pat was abused and affected by it. Abuse is something that affects everyone no matter gender, these books highlighted that so that was great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2020
Northstar really draws you in
I liked the style of this storytelling. The main characters are young but mature in college, and then in the second book, they are several years into their careers. The two books can each stand alone as they concentrated on different individuals from Northstar. These characters are not perfect, but honorable. They overcome large problems as they grow and develop as a couple.
I liked the style of this storytelling. The main characters are young but mature in college, and then in the second book, they are several years into their careers. The two books can each stand alone as they concentrated on different individuals from Northstar. These characters are not perfect, but honorable. They overcome large problems as they grow and develop as a couple.
October 27, 2021
Could not get past Chapter 6 of the first book. I rarely write negative reviews, but a subject like date rape deserves sensitive handling. The absolute cluelessness of literally every character up to this point is unrealistic, unbelievable, and unfortunate. Missing were ANY of the resources that are --or should be-- available to a young woman in this situation. Given the book description, this story seems poised to get worse.
September 27, 2020
Northstar Beginnings includes First Instinct and Mountain Angel, the first two books in the Northstar series. These two stories are about strong women facing difficult life situations and the friends and families that support them. These are two great stories leading into an amazing series. I definitely recommend that you read the whole series.
October 31, 2020
Pretty interesting characters with major psychological issues in regard to previous male/female mates. It’s more about counseling each other to get their lives back to normal than anything else. Yes, at the end it all comes to a head and the predictable match is made. I had to skim through parts just to get the story to move forward.
May 31, 2022
Feeling safe and at home
North star is a place that each of these characters felt inner peace no matter what the problem or circumstance. The trauma of the 1st book, had me shuck to the core, but the friendship of these two prior the incident and after cemented their did bond. The 2nd book, two hurt hearts, find one another to mend. Fictional love is awesome.
North star is a place that each of these characters felt inner peace no matter what the problem or circumstance. The trauma of the 1st book, had me shuck to the core, but the friendship of these two prior the incident and after cemented their did bond. The 2nd book, two hurt hearts, find one another to mend. Fictional love is awesome.
October 14, 2022
Just didn’t like Beth.
To me she was more selfish than traumatised.
And don’t know about the intelligence of the adults or even theirs friends in this book, nobody thought about rape. Nobody....
And who needs enemies when you have Beth as a friend.
She could end it all........she only has to say what happened.........
No, why would you.......just being a best friend 🤮
To me she was more selfish than traumatised.
And don’t know about the intelligence of the adults or even theirs friends in this book, nobody thought about rape. Nobody....
And who needs enemies when you have Beth as a friend.
She could end it all........she only has to say what happened.........
No, why would you.......just being a best friend 🤮
November 11, 2020
Brilliant
Both these books were perfect . The characters and their stories were so involved
It made them really interesting. You so wanted everything to work out well for them all.
Definately recommend it
Both these books were perfect . The characters and their stories were so involved
It made them really interesting. You so wanted everything to work out well for them all.
Definately recommend it
November 24, 2020
Touching stories
O'Connell has the ability to take life's adversarial situations and make sure that they are transformed by love. She goes real life challenges and sensitive problems and allows one to see healing and find true love O'Connell is a true artist.
O'Connell has the ability to take life's adversarial situations and make sure that they are transformed by love. She goes real life challenges and sensitive problems and allows one to see healing and find true love O'Connell is a true artist.
December 25, 2020
Beautifully written
I've never read anything that better described two of the most frightening and life changing experiences a woman can have.
These two books were written with compassion and understanding above the norm.
I've never read anything that better described two of the most frightening and life changing experiences a woman can have.
These two books were written with compassion and understanding above the norm.
April 24, 2021
Amazing Story
The people are so well written you feel as if they are family and the surrounding country side is delightfully painted in words so well you feel like you're there.The story is a well written mix of suspense and romance! A truly gifted writer. Please read and enjoy!
The people are so well written you feel as if they are family and the surrounding country side is delightfully painted in words so well you feel like you're there.The story is a well written mix of suspense and romance! A truly gifted writer. Please read and enjoy!
November 10, 2021
Beautiful scenery and deep characterization.
I enjoyed the story because the characters kept evolving and deep psychological reasons for their actions were well developed. The description of the scenery brings you right into North star to feel the cold and breathe the fresh air.
I enjoyed the story because the characters kept evolving and deep psychological reasons for their actions were well developed. The description of the scenery brings you right into North star to feel the cold and breathe the fresh air.
February 1, 2022
Annoying.
Very slow moving and with such a delicate subject matter, it was still hard to muster up any compassion for the characters.
I couldn't even get halfway through it, I was so frustrated by the passivity of the characters.
Very slow moving and with such a delicate subject matter, it was still hard to muster up any compassion for the characters.
I couldn't even get halfway through it, I was so frustrated by the passivity of the characters.
September 23, 2022
North star miracles
Two great tragic stories that in the end the outcomes surpass the hurt and pain that started each stories ado out. Will have to find #3 now, I have really enjoyed reading these.
Two great tragic stories that in the end the outcomes surpass the hurt and pain that started each stories ado out. Will have to find #3 now, I have really enjoyed reading these.
July 3, 2024
I didnt enjoy these two books very much. The first book was painful, though it does have a good ending. The second one was better, but it has foul language and sex in it which I don't care for. The people who had wronged the main characters, I didn't understand at all. There was a major flaw in the man not being able to find the main character's address, when he could have gone to the college where she taught to find her.
October 6, 2020
Please see individual stories for review.
October 17, 2020
Northstar Beginnings
I thought both of the stories were very, very good. The woman who got date raped was great. And so was the other story. Kathleen Ryan
I thought both of the stories were very, very good. The woman who got date raped was great. And so was the other story. Kathleen Ryan
October 22, 2020
Excellent read
This was so good I couldn't put it down! Really enjoyed the description of characters and scenery. Can't wait to pick up another book by this author!
This was so good I couldn't put it down! Really enjoyed the description of characters and scenery. Can't wait to pick up another book by this author!
October 30, 2020
Excellent characters
Love the way the characters grow as the story unfolds, I'm excited to read more of the Northstar series. Than you for a break from 2020
Love the way the characters grow as the story unfolds, I'm excited to read more of the Northstar series. Than you for a break from 2020
October 30, 2020
I know she went through something very traumatic but she left her best friend and protector twisting in the wind. The man almost went to prison. So not cool.
November 3, 2020
Bad language
There was several instances of bad language including taking the Lord's name in vain. Several explicit scenes were not needed and other innuendos were unfortunate.
There was several instances of bad language including taking the Lord's name in vain. Several explicit scenes were not needed and other innuendos were unfortunate.
November 5, 2020
Amazing read
Once I started I couldn't put it down. I laughed and cried during both these amazing books. A must read on anyone's collection.
Once I started I couldn't put it down. I laughed and cried during both these amazing books. A must read on anyone's collection.
November 6, 2020
Great reading
Good, strong stories. Really love the characters. Very well written. I enjoyed every bit of the entire books. I would definitely recommend it.
Good, strong stories. Really love the characters. Very well written. I enjoyed every bit of the entire books. I would definitely recommend it.
November 13, 2020
Great read...I enjoyed this book
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Suzie O'Connell is a great author. It was a book that was hard to put down.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Suzie O'Connell is a great author. It was a book that was hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews