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Twilight Cove #3
Heartbreak Hotel
A supportive wife and mother, Tracy Potter always played by the rules and maintained a perfect home. But after her husband's sudden death, she learns the devastating truth: all she believed in–from their wealth to their marriage vows-–was a perfect lie. Forced to start over, Tracy puts everything into resurrecting the Heartbreak Hotel, a long-abandoned turn-of-the-century inn overlooking the Pacific Ocean. She's determined to never again believe in anyone but herself–until the night mysterious loner Wade MacAllister checks in. Intrigued by the secret disillusionment in his eyes–one that mirrors her own–Tracy finds that a growing desire challenges her at every turn.
The Heartbreak Hotel is a perfect place for Wade to hide not only from his notoriety as an author, but the shocking events in his past. Drawn to Tracy and her struggle to succeed, he is quickly compelled to risk the anonymity on which his survival depends. By the time Tracy discovers the handsome stranger's true identity, there's more than ever at stake. She is not only forced to risk another broken heart and learn to trust again, but she must fight to make Wade believe in their love.
Along California's sparkling blue coastline and amid its mist-shrouded nights, Heartbreak Hotel unfolds a suspenseful and yet tender story of second chances against all odds, of families lost and regained . . . and of the ways unexpected love can make even the most disillusioned hearts believe.
The Heartbreak Hotel is a perfect place for Wade to hide not only from his notoriety as an author, but the shocking events in his past. Drawn to Tracy and her struggle to succeed, he is quickly compelled to risk the anonymity on which his survival depends. By the time Tracy discovers the handsome stranger's true identity, there's more than ever at stake. She is not only forced to risk another broken heart and learn to trust again, but she must fight to make Wade believe in their love.
Along California's sparkling blue coastline and amid its mist-shrouded nights, Heartbreak Hotel unfolds a suspenseful and yet tender story of second chances against all odds, of families lost and regained . . . and of the ways unexpected love can make even the most disillusioned hearts believe.
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
5 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Jill Marie Landis
76 books250 followersJILL MARIE LANDIS is the bestselling author of nearly thirty novels which have appeared on the NYT bestseller list, USA Today and other national bestseller lists. She has won numerous awards for her heartfelt characters and sweeping emotional historical romances that include SUMMER MOON and MAGNOLIA CREEK and the Irish Angels Series; HEART OF STONE, HEART OF LIES, and HEART OF GLASS. All of her Historical Romances are available in eBook format.
She is currently writing The Tiki Goddess Mysteries series which includes MAI TAI ONE ON, TWO TO MANGO, THREE TO GET LEI'D, TOO HOT FOUR HULA and HAWAII FIVE UH-OH! from Bell Bridge Books.
Toes in the sand and head in the clouds, she is living the dream in Hawaii with her husband, Steve. Jill Marie loves to spend hours at the beach reading or writing and she also loves dancing the hula.
She is currently writing The Tiki Goddess Mysteries series which includes MAI TAI ONE ON, TWO TO MANGO, THREE TO GET LEI'D, TOO HOT FOUR HULA and HAWAII FIVE UH-OH! from Bell Bridge Books.
Toes in the sand and head in the clouds, she is living the dream in Hawaii with her husband, Steve. Jill Marie loves to spend hours at the beach reading or writing and she also loves dancing the hula.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 15, 2024
It was a pretttty mid story, especially about the romance part but if you dont think about the romance that much since i think this is not even a romance book, the story of affairs, the mystery and the thriller crime chase this book offers is sincerely magnificent.
August 17, 2025
Some mom is giving this 5 stars
July 17, 2020
It's a cheesy but sexy romance. But I thought it was well written and there was good character development as the story went on. I liked all the supporting characters and cared about them and what was happening. I would like to go back and read the other books in the trilogy. The paranormal aspect was subtle and did not take over the storyline.
November 7, 2017
I liked this story a lot. I liked the way it was written and the plot was really good too. I also enjoyed the romance the book had, along with it's dark background. Overall, it was an amazing novel and I enjoyed it a lot.
January 19, 2025
Listen. I was unsure of what this would offer just from the cover; this book definitely falls into the don’t judge a book by its cover category! I flew through this book. The story just kept getting more amazing and interesting with each turn of the page. Highly recommend!
January 29, 2018
2.5 stars
good story. good characters.
you get drawn in by the middle and are engrossed til the end.
good story. good characters.
you get drawn in by the middle and are engrossed til the end.
December 6, 2019
I liked this book … think I read it before.
December 27, 2020
I loved this series.
February 4, 2023
This book had a lot of different things going for it. Betrayal, mystery, paranormal activity, romance.
All in all more than just a romance.
All in all more than just a romance.
August 16, 2024
the last half was pretty good, the rest was mid.
September 7, 2024
Loved it. The details, drama, suspense. Amazing book
June 6, 2025
So many twists and turns in this one!
March 13, 2021
I loved this book. There were a few scary moments. Outcome is happy. I loved the history of the hotel. Good book!
July 11, 2009
When her husband died unexpectedly, Tracy learns that while he was a successful contractor, he was broke. Having no idea what happened to his money, she sells all she can and takes it to renovate their young son's legacy, The Heartbreak Hotel. One night, a stranger on a Harley shows up at the isolated hotel on the Pacific coast and talks her into renting him a room for the night even though they aren't officially open. Reluctantly, she does.
Little does Tracy know that the stranger, Wade, is an acclaimed writer, and he's on the run from a recent notorious past. She is unaware too that he doesn't plan to check out the next morning; he plans to commit suicide that night. Something though keeps him from doing it, and he sits up all night doing what he does best---writing. The next day he convinces her to let him stay for a week.
During this time, Tracy and Wade both begin to examine their past as they knew it. They also begin discovering things about their past they did NOT know, yet these things are life-altering. Watching Tracy as she finishes the renovations, plans her grand opening, and cares for her family, both her son and stepdaughter, Wade admires her gentleness and goodness. She admires his quietness and kindness. At the end of the week, Wade leaves, but their paths cross again---when Wade's past cames crashing in.
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This is a love story. Actually it's two love stories. What I like best about the story is the goodness of the main characters and how they came to like and respect one another. It's a book I'd re-read.
Little does Tracy know that the stranger, Wade, is an acclaimed writer, and he's on the run from a recent notorious past. She is unaware too that he doesn't plan to check out the next morning; he plans to commit suicide that night. Something though keeps him from doing it, and he sits up all night doing what he does best---writing. The next day he convinces her to let him stay for a week.
During this time, Tracy and Wade both begin to examine their past as they knew it. They also begin discovering things about their past they did NOT know, yet these things are life-altering. Watching Tracy as she finishes the renovations, plans her grand opening, and cares for her family, both her son and stepdaughter, Wade admires her gentleness and goodness. She admires his quietness and kindness. At the end of the week, Wade leaves, but their paths cross again---when Wade's past cames crashing in.
-----------
This is a love story. Actually it's two love stories. What I like best about the story is the goodness of the main characters and how they came to like and respect one another. It's a book I'd re-read.
February 18, 2008
This book was ... mostly very predictable. Woman's husband dies. Woman finds out husband was cheating on her all along. Woman is trying to raise kids. Woman meets new man, they fall in love, something happens to make you think maybe it won't work, but then it does.
There were a few unpredictable things - in particular, the man's past in the first part of the book is made out to be very ... bad. And there are a few times when you think she will find out he is horrible, or you are worried for her life. But then, then you find out it was not at all what you thought (good trick on the part of the author) and ... it throws you for a loop.
There's also an interesting twist with the cheating husband, which I won't ruin.
I do wonder - the gimmick with the new guy throws me off... Again, I don't want to spoil the twists that make the book somewhat readable and interesting, but I really don't think that people would react the way they did to what happened. Suing? Coming after him to kill him? It seems a little... crazy to me. But I guess that's what people do when famous people are involved - they all get a little crazy.
Anyway, if you like romantic stories with a little bit of mystery and suspence, you might consider picking up this book. Not the most exciting book I've ever read, but then again I've read (or started to read and put down) worse.
There were a few unpredictable things - in particular, the man's past in the first part of the book is made out to be very ... bad. And there are a few times when you think she will find out he is horrible, or you are worried for her life. But then, then you find out it was not at all what you thought (good trick on the part of the author) and ... it throws you for a loop.
There's also an interesting twist with the cheating husband, which I won't ruin.
I do wonder - the gimmick with the new guy throws me off... Again, I don't want to spoil the twists that make the book somewhat readable and interesting, but I really don't think that people would react the way they did to what happened. Suing? Coming after him to kill him? It seems a little... crazy to me. But I guess that's what people do when famous people are involved - they all get a little crazy.
Anyway, if you like romantic stories with a little bit of mystery and suspence, you might consider picking up this book. Not the most exciting book I've ever read, but then again I've read (or started to read and put down) worse.
August 3, 2015
This book could not decide if it was a mystery, a romance, a fantasy(the writer's dreams) or anything else. The writer (in the story) has dreams that have a connection to the past of the Heartbreak Hotel, but that line fizzles out quickly. The main subject is a new widow who has a young son, takes on the care of a half-sibling that she knew about, finds out her dead husband had a affair with her good friend, had another child, now that woman is dying and wants the heroine to take care of her daughter, too. At the same time, she is renovating a house (really like to know how when she and her son were left almost destitute, but with the exception of the hotel that's haunted (which only pops up now and again, too). Add to that the fact that the writer wrote a thriller that got some innocents killed, he stops at the hotel to kill himself, has some fantasy dreams, leaves the woman because a deranged guy is after him....and so it goes. TOO Much stuff going on!! Now get a happily ever after with all that...and yet, of course, that's the way it ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2012
Not the best book i've ever read, but a decent. Tracy Potter is opening up a hotel after the death of her cheating husband and tries to make ends meet because of all the debts he incurred to finance the medical payments for his mistress. (Tracy doesn't find this out until the end) One night Wade McCallister, who's running from his own demons and sordid past, books a room. No surprise they end up falling in love and eventually living happily ever after (after the requisite near-death encounter, of course).
There are a lot of unplausible aspects of the book, starting with Wade's hidden past as a famous novelist whose successful murder thriller inspires a copy cat killer. Then he dreams about an old sea captain who used to live at the hotel and ended up killing himself after getting his heart broken. Come to find out the sea captain and his story was actually true. Dreaming about actual historical events stretches the plot a little too much for me. Otherwise I liked it. I give it a C+.
There are a lot of unplausible aspects of the book, starting with Wade's hidden past as a famous novelist whose successful murder thriller inspires a copy cat killer. Then he dreams about an old sea captain who used to live at the hotel and ended up killing himself after getting his heart broken. Come to find out the sea captain and his story was actually true. Dreaming about actual historical events stretches the plot a little too much for me. Otherwise I liked it. I give it a C+.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2013
Heartbreak hotel is a about a widow staring over after what she thought was her life turns out to be a huge lie. Her life is in shambles but instead she pulls herself up and goes on the beast she can. As she's being a strong survivor her path crosses that of a man who's life is falling apart and he's planning on ending it. opposite reactions. Then again his problem were a lot more heart wrenching I think.
Maybe they jelled a little too neatly, but my cynical heart decided to love it instead of scoff.
Just like Tracey who should have seen her problems coming a mile away, I should have seen the crazy guy coming too, but honestly I was shocked by that sudden bit of violence. The book changed gears in a hurry and then cycled back down just as abruptly.
I also really enjoyed the moral dilemma even though I knew how it would turn out, I thought it added a wonderful layer to Tracey's story and her moral fiber.
Maybe they jelled a little too neatly, but my cynical heart decided to love it instead of scoff.
Just like Tracey who should have seen her problems coming a mile away, I should have seen the crazy guy coming too, but honestly I was shocked by that sudden bit of violence. The book changed gears in a hurry and then cycled back down just as abruptly.
I also really enjoyed the moral dilemma even though I knew how it would turn out, I thought it added a wonderful layer to Tracey's story and her moral fiber.
December 28, 2011
Another enjoyable book by Mary Alice Monroe. Set in South Carolina's costal region, it is the story of the Morrisons: Bud, Carolina and Lizzy. The Morrisons are shrimpers. Bud goes out daily with his helper, Pee Dee and trys to find shrimp to support the family, Carolina is a former teacher, deck hand on Bud's boat and now a housewife. Lizzy supports her son by working at the local diner.
One day, Bud's helper on the boat, Pee Dee, does not show up, so Bud decides to go out alone. Disaster occurs when Bud's hand becomes caught in the wench and he can not get it out. He must rely on his family to figure out he is missing and find him. In between the reader learns about his relationship with his wife, his feelings for his daughter and his family.
Can his family realize he is in danger and save him before it is too late?
One day, Bud's helper on the boat, Pee Dee, does not show up, so Bud decides to go out alone. Disaster occurs when Bud's hand becomes caught in the wench and he can not get it out. He must rely on his family to figure out he is missing and find him. In between the reader learns about his relationship with his wife, his feelings for his daughter and his family.
Can his family realize he is in danger and save him before it is too late?
September 26, 2012
First, we met a tall mysterious man on his motorcycle, overlooking the view by a cliff. He was contemplating how to get rid of his dark,horrible secrets, forever. Which lead him to the "Heartbreak Hotel". The current home and future livelihood of Tracy Potty, a widow, and her young son. Is this mysterious man dangerous to Tracy and her son? Can love overcome a dark past? "Heartbreak Hotel" was a good read. I liked all the twists and turns of the story. The book was a little "corny" at times. Sometimes there were some agonizing and suspenseful moments. It's a great beach read especially that the hotel overlooked the Pacific Coast. I give it 3.5 stars***. I'm glad I read it! :D
July 31, 2012
Some parts of this book were way too cheesy romance novel for me. I was also not impressed by the "historical" parts of the book and the portions that showed the story Wade was writing inspired by the "ghosts" of Heartbreak Hotel's past. I was more so just interested in the relationship between the two main characters, as well as her relationship with her children. I was going to give this 4 stars and look past the cheesy love scenes until the murderer/stalker scenario came into play at the end. I was literally aghast at how random this was! Still, the book did entertain me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. A lot of twists that kept it interesting.
The Wade/Edward conflicts, Tracy's former life, Ezra/Violette story, Heartbreak Hotel background and all of the other character conflicts could have made it very confusing, but Jill Marie Landis kept the novel moving forward and brought all of these issues to a very satisfying ending. Besides, I am a sucker for renovation stories and happy endings.
The Wade/Edward conflicts, Tracy's former life, Ezra/Violette story, Heartbreak Hotel background and all of the other character conflicts could have made it very confusing, but Jill Marie Landis kept the novel moving forward and brought all of these issues to a very satisfying ending. Besides, I am a sucker for renovation stories and happy endings.
September 9, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this one... I think it is the first book I've read written by Jill Marie Landis, but it will NOT be the last...
Interesting story line... there was enough going on with all the characters to keep you turning the pages...
Since this is part of a trilogy, I will keep looking for the other two books... and go ahead and add them to my wishlist too.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/7...
Interesting story line... there was enough going on with all the characters to keep you turning the pages...
Since this is part of a trilogy, I will keep looking for the other two books... and go ahead and add them to my wishlist too.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/7...
April 25, 2008
A widow at 33, Tracy Potter's only option to make a living is to renovate a run-down California coastal hotel. Her first customer is a mysterious loner she doesn't know whether to trust or fear.
A unique blend of romance and suspense, with a touch of gothic feel. Lots of emotional layers envelop the plot. Highly recommend.
A unique blend of romance and suspense, with a touch of gothic feel. Lots of emotional layers envelop the plot. Highly recommend.
August 23, 2009
last book of this trilogy, lived up to the other 2 books, with appearances by favorite characters from those books. shocking twist to this book. very worthy read, but I highly suggest you read Lover's Lane and Heat Wave first.
May 11, 2007
The title says "Twilight Cove Trilogy" but could find no mention of this being a trilogy on the book itself.
I found this story to be a light and fun read that carried me through to the end.
I found this story to be a light and fun read that carried me through to the end.
July 25, 2008
First book read by this author. Easy style to read, relaxing good read.
October 11, 2010
Really enjoyed the characterization here even if the suspense part was pretty light. The twist at the end was very nicely done as well.
July 21, 2011
I enjoyed this book but found the end to be somewhat lacking
July 23, 2011
Predictable, sweet & sappy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews