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Marine #1
Head Over Heels
Who said, "you can't go home again"?
In Veronica Davis's case, who'd want to—especially when you hail from Fossil, Washington? But now she's back among the kooks and crazies, the small-time losers and the jerks who think she's fair game just because she's in a waitress uniform.
The truth is, Veronica's the boss—at least until she can sell the family saloon and skip town again as fast as her pretty legs can carry her—and nobody knows that better than Cooper Blackstock. From his place behind the bar, the former Special Forces Marine sees everything. And his undercover agenda has made the feisty boss-lady's troubles his own.
And her troubles are considerable, what with a family in turmoil, a pseudo-bartender with dangerous secrets, a murder investigation and death threats. Though the town surprisingly rallies in support, it's still a good thing that Cooper will be there to catch Veronica if she stumbles—if he doesn't start falling himself.
In Veronica Davis's case, who'd want to—especially when you hail from Fossil, Washington? But now she's back among the kooks and crazies, the small-time losers and the jerks who think she's fair game just because she's in a waitress uniform.
The truth is, Veronica's the boss—at least until she can sell the family saloon and skip town again as fast as her pretty legs can carry her—and nobody knows that better than Cooper Blackstock. From his place behind the bar, the former Special Forces Marine sees everything. And his undercover agenda has made the feisty boss-lady's troubles his own.
And her troubles are considerable, what with a family in turmoil, a pseudo-bartender with dangerous secrets, a murder investigation and death threats. Though the town surprisingly rallies in support, it's still a good thing that Cooper will be there to catch Veronica if she stumbles—if he doesn't start falling himself.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
72 people are currently reading
1954 people want to read
About the author
Susan Andersen
104 books1,275 followersI grew up in a household with two brothers, a daddy, and my grandfather. Too many men, in other words. They diluted M'ma's influence by diverting my attention to things like the danger of answering nature's call in the dead of the night. I've got a hint for those of you raised in a less spit-and-scratch world: check before you sit, because chances are that seat is gonna be up. And they don't even have the grace to be embarrassed about it. According to my sweet baby boy, if you're the minority sex in the household, you oughtta be putting it up for them. Sigh.
Having brothers was a mixed bag. When anybody messed with me they were always quick with an offer to beat them up. That was sorta nice, although I personally believe it had more to do with the fact that guys just like to fight than with any towering concern for my welfare. You might think that's cynical but guess who the target was if no one else was around and they were tired of fighting each other? I must've spent half my childhood locked in the bathroom, screaming, "Dad's gonna get you when he gets home." I know, I know, nobody likes a stoolie. But it was either that or have my block knocked off on a regular basis, and trust me, Daddy was the best deterrent going.
A smart woman probably would've gone away to an all-girl school or moved in with some girlfriends at the first opportunity. Me, I got married to my high school sweetie. And the tradition continues. Our only kid (who hasn't been a kid for quite some time now) is the aforementioned sweet baby boy, and except for an Irish setter we had for eleven years a long time ago, even our pets have all been male. I just try to stay afloat whenever I find myself in the deep end of the testosterone pool, and if you don't think that isn't a trial sometimes, I'm here to tell you- it can be hell.
Then again, it can also be heaven. In fact, it mostly is. But listen, don't tell my guys I 'fessed up to that, okay? Trust me, it's difficult enough already, just trying to stay one step ahead of the game.
Having brothers was a mixed bag. When anybody messed with me they were always quick with an offer to beat them up. That was sorta nice, although I personally believe it had more to do with the fact that guys just like to fight than with any towering concern for my welfare. You might think that's cynical but guess who the target was if no one else was around and they were tired of fighting each other? I must've spent half my childhood locked in the bathroom, screaming, "Dad's gonna get you when he gets home." I know, I know, nobody likes a stoolie. But it was either that or have my block knocked off on a regular basis, and trust me, Daddy was the best deterrent going.
A smart woman probably would've gone away to an all-girl school or moved in with some girlfriends at the first opportunity. Me, I got married to my high school sweetie. And the tradition continues. Our only kid (who hasn't been a kid for quite some time now) is the aforementioned sweet baby boy, and except for an Irish setter we had for eleven years a long time ago, even our pets have all been male. I just try to stay afloat whenever I find myself in the deep end of the testosterone pool, and if you don't think that isn't a trial sometimes, I'm here to tell you- it can be hell.
Then again, it can also be heaven. In fact, it mostly is. But listen, don't tell my guys I 'fessed up to that, okay? Trust me, it's difficult enough already, just trying to stay one step ahead of the game.
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November 29, 2016I needed something light and fluffy on my ride and stuck this in the CD player. What I didn’t need was something that would annoy me or make me sad. I figured I was safe with this one. Somewhere deep within my brain were echoes of old reviews telling me how funny, how sexy and how fabulous this author’s books were. Everybody loved them or so my questionable memory reminded me . . .
I think I chose the wrong one or my brain is completely fried (could be) because, of the three discs I finished, the only emotions that I felt were annoyance and boredom. Such is my luck.
I should note that I DNF’d this book after disc 3 so, hey, maybe it gets better. But, hey, I don’t know about you but I ain’t got no time, nor patience left to sit around waiting for that. 3 hours is 2.5 hours of my life too many. And there are too many other books banging around in my car waiting for a listen.
So here’s the gist.
After her silly, flighty, materialistic sister goes and gets herself murdered, Veronica very reluctantly returns to her childhood home to care for her orphaned niece (hubby is the #1 suspect & he’s on the lam). Ronnie couldn’t run fast and far enough from the family bar and loved her career which took her all over the world. As if that weren’t inconvenient enough, her childhood home has a boarder. So basically, she and her niece are living with a strange, hunky, cocky man and he has a signed lease so she can’t give him the boot. He’s also the bartender at the family bar Ronnie has inherited. Thus, there is absolutely no avoiding him.
He’s also keeping secrets (which only manages to annoy me because there really was no reason to keep his true identity a big secret - at least that I could see) and assumes she’s a “dip of woman” just because her dead sister wasn’t the brightest.
Oh, FFS. I don’t have patience for this.
They banter, if you consider mostly calling each other sickening pet names and arguing like children banter. I didn’t find it funny or even cute. It mostly made me cringe. But I admit, I don’t find most things very funny. Here’s a snippet (not direct quotes because I’m pulling from my shoddy memory).
“Gonna take the money and run, Sugarplum?”
“Sure thing, Studmuffin.”
Ugh. That’s so contrived to be cutesy and the story so boring and slow moving I can’t continue and that’s all I have to say. Maybe it gets better but alas I’ll never know because I’m all done, Sugarplum.
I’m a meanie with bad taste. I already know this. There’s no need to tell me.
I think I chose the wrong one or my brain is completely fried (could be) because, of the three discs I finished, the only emotions that I felt were annoyance and boredom. Such is my luck.
I should note that I DNF’d this book after disc 3 so, hey, maybe it gets better. But, hey, I don’t know about you but I ain’t got no time, nor patience left to sit around waiting for that. 3 hours is 2.5 hours of my life too many. And there are too many other books banging around in my car waiting for a listen.
So here’s the gist.
After her silly, flighty, materialistic sister goes and gets herself murdered, Veronica very reluctantly returns to her childhood home to care for her orphaned niece (hubby is the #1 suspect & he’s on the lam). Ronnie couldn’t run fast and far enough from the family bar and loved her career which took her all over the world. As if that weren’t inconvenient enough, her childhood home has a boarder. So basically, she and her niece are living with a strange, hunky, cocky man and he has a signed lease so she can’t give him the boot. He’s also the bartender at the family bar Ronnie has inherited. Thus, there is absolutely no avoiding him.
He’s also keeping secrets (which only manages to annoy me because there really was no reason to keep his true identity a big secret - at least that I could see) and assumes she’s a “dip of woman” just because her dead sister wasn’t the brightest.
Oh, FFS. I don’t have patience for this.
They banter, if you consider mostly calling each other sickening pet names and arguing like children banter. I didn’t find it funny or even cute. It mostly made me cringe. But I admit, I don’t find most things very funny. Here’s a snippet (not direct quotes because I’m pulling from my shoddy memory).
“Gonna take the money and run, Sugarplum?”
“Sure thing, Studmuffin.”
Ugh. That’s so contrived to be cutesy and the story so boring and slow moving I can’t continue and that’s all I have to say. Maybe it gets better but alas I’ll never know because I’m all done, Sugarplum.
I’m a meanie with bad taste. I already know this. There’s no need to tell me.
August 25, 2017
Check out my reviews at touchmyspinebookreviews.com
After Ronnie returns from business trip of the lifetime, she learns that her sister Crystal has been murdered leaving her daughter behind. Lizzy(Ronnie's niece) has to deal with her mother's murder but also that her father was accused of the crime and is on the run. Ronnie is left to take over her family's bar and meets mysterious bartender Coop. They have an intense attraction to wach other but both have barriers because their childhood. This book shows where you can get romance when you least expect it and takes you on a suspenful ride.
I loved this book! 5 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed Ronnie and Coop. I definetley had some fiction hotts going on for Coop even though he was stubborn as he $* This had to be one of the best romance stories I've read. This book gave me the warm and fuzzies! I was in a down mood and battling some difficult life experiences but this book definetley lightened my mood. I could relate to this book completeley about how our childhoods affect our relationships as adults but I felt this had a good spin to it. I would definetley reccomend to anyone who likes things a little "dirty dirty" sometimes and enjoys a good romantic comedy.
After Ronnie returns from business trip of the lifetime, she learns that her sister Crystal has been murdered leaving her daughter behind. Lizzy(Ronnie's niece) has to deal with her mother's murder but also that her father was accused of the crime and is on the run. Ronnie is left to take over her family's bar and meets mysterious bartender Coop. They have an intense attraction to wach other but both have barriers because their childhood. This book shows where you can get romance when you least expect it and takes you on a suspenful ride.
I loved this book! 5 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed Ronnie and Coop. I definetley had some fiction hotts going on for Coop even though he was stubborn as he $* This had to be one of the best romance stories I've read. This book gave me the warm and fuzzies! I was in a down mood and battling some difficult life experiences but this book definetley lightened my mood. I could relate to this book completeley about how our childhoods affect our relationships as adults but I felt this had a good spin to it. I would definetley reccomend to anyone who likes things a little "dirty dirty" sometimes and enjoys a good romantic comedy.
February 8, 2010
Coop and Ronnie are so yummy together. Each stepping out of their comfort zones just for each other, so good.
When Veronica's sister is murdered, she comes back home to take care of her niece. Upon arriving she meets the new bartender at her family bar. Sparks fly, she dismisses them, and tries her hardest to stay the hell away from him. But, when the attraction becomes to much, she takes it on herself to satisfy the need and move on, or can she.
Coop comes back to clear his brother. Not letting anyone in one who he really is, he tries to get more information by being a stranger. Living in the house with Veronica and his niece Lizzy, he has a hard time keeping his idenity under wraps. Trying to keep a distance between him and Veronica, lust and love soon develop for this military man.
This book also has a secondary story with Veronica's best friend Marissa and Kody. It was short, catches bits and pieces throughout the whole book, but it was heart warmingly sweet.
When Veronica's sister is murdered, she comes back home to take care of her niece. Upon arriving she meets the new bartender at her family bar. Sparks fly, she dismisses them, and tries her hardest to stay the hell away from him. But, when the attraction becomes to much, she takes it on herself to satisfy the need and move on, or can she.
Coop comes back to clear his brother. Not letting anyone in one who he really is, he tries to get more information by being a stranger. Living in the house with Veronica and his niece Lizzy, he has a hard time keeping his idenity under wraps. Trying to keep a distance between him and Veronica, lust and love soon develop for this military man.
This book also has a secondary story with Veronica's best friend Marissa and Kody. It was short, catches bits and pieces throughout the whole book, but it was heart warmingly sweet.
January 26, 2015
For me this romance has everything, it is charming and fast paced. The hero is sexy and the heroine is no push over. Each lead has a fully developed backstory that makes an impact on their current actions.
I love rereading this book I still laugh each time. I still root for the couple. A lovely read that I am happy to keep a place for on my keeper shelf.
I love rereading this book I still laugh each time. I still root for the couple. A lovely read that I am happy to keep a place for on my keeper shelf.
November 24, 2014
เรื่องนี้อ่านเรื่อยๆ เนื้อเรื่องไม่ได้มีอะไรมาก แต่เราอ่านแล้วชอบมากเลย
March 26, 2024
3.5 stars
I've been doing this series out of order but this is book #1. Had I started with this book, I would have continued and read the rest as I'm doing now. Book #2 was the weak link the series.
This could also be classified as a "suspense romance".
As per the other books, there's instant chemistry b/w the 2 leads which heats up as the story progresses. Good characters & story.
Even though I figured out the killer from that character's introduction, the story continued at a brisk pace w/enough action to keep me interested.
And of course, cute kids added into the mix w/a supporting characters romantic subplot.
I've been doing this series out of order but this is book #1. Had I started with this book, I would have continued and read the rest as I'm doing now. Book #2 was the weak link the series.
This could also be classified as a "suspense romance".
As per the other books, there's instant chemistry b/w the 2 leads which heats up as the story progresses. Good characters & story.
Even though I figured out the killer from that character's introduction, the story continued at a brisk pace w/enough action to keep me interested.
And of course, cute kids added into the mix w/a supporting characters romantic subplot.
May 27, 2017
I don't usually read romance, but I needed something to take to work. I was very surprised, the book kept my interest and had a surprising twist. Should have been in the romantic suspense genre.
November 8, 2012
book provided by NightOwl
Veronica just received the most horrible news that she could ever receive. Her sister was murdered. She now has to leave her job to take care of her niece. She also found out that she owns the bar that is across the street. She was shocked to find out that the bartender rents the attic rooms upstairs. She never thought that she would want to stay in her home town. She also never thought that she would never fall in love. She finally realized that her home town is not so awful at all.
Cooper is a Marine who is posing as a bartender. He is in town to help clear his brother’s name from being accused in murdering someone. He figured that being a bartender is the best bet because everyone talks to bartenders. And being in a small town, Coop figures it’s the best place for him to be. He just never thought that he would be able to fall in love. He fell head over heels for a woman who is his complete opposite. He decided that being in love was worth the risk and if he cleared his brother’s name, he got two for the price of one.
As our characters met, it was known that they were instantly attracted to each other. Veronica did not want to get attached because she was not staying in town for long. Coop did not want to get attached because he has been hurt before and did not want to be hurt again. The further along the book went, the more they both decided to give caution to the wind and not fight their attraction for each other anymore.
While Coop and Veronica were falling in love. There was a murder to solve. Veronica’s sister’s murder to be exact. They both wanted to know what happened to her. There were3 surprised left and right throughout the book. Things happened that neither character thought of. At the end of the book, our characters were completely in love and the murder was solved.
I fell in love with the characters from the very beginning. It was so easy to fall for the male lead and put yourself in the female’s life. Their lives have something occurring that everyone can relate to. I like that there were a few surprises and that is was just not a romance book. I liked that it had a mystery aspect to it. It kept the book interesting and made me want to continue reading to find out what happens in the end.
I highly recommend this book. It is a wonderful read and the suspense and mystery just add to the wonderfully written book. I cannot wait to read more books by this author.
Veronica just received the most horrible news that she could ever receive. Her sister was murdered. She now has to leave her job to take care of her niece. She also found out that she owns the bar that is across the street. She was shocked to find out that the bartender rents the attic rooms upstairs. She never thought that she would want to stay in her home town. She also never thought that she would never fall in love. She finally realized that her home town is not so awful at all.
Cooper is a Marine who is posing as a bartender. He is in town to help clear his brother’s name from being accused in murdering someone. He figured that being a bartender is the best bet because everyone talks to bartenders. And being in a small town, Coop figures it’s the best place for him to be. He just never thought that he would be able to fall in love. He fell head over heels for a woman who is his complete opposite. He decided that being in love was worth the risk and if he cleared his brother’s name, he got two for the price of one.
As our characters met, it was known that they were instantly attracted to each other. Veronica did not want to get attached because she was not staying in town for long. Coop did not want to get attached because he has been hurt before and did not want to be hurt again. The further along the book went, the more they both decided to give caution to the wind and not fight their attraction for each other anymore.
While Coop and Veronica were falling in love. There was a murder to solve. Veronica’s sister’s murder to be exact. They both wanted to know what happened to her. There were3 surprised left and right throughout the book. Things happened that neither character thought of. At the end of the book, our characters were completely in love and the murder was solved.
I fell in love with the characters from the very beginning. It was so easy to fall for the male lead and put yourself in the female’s life. Their lives have something occurring that everyone can relate to. I like that there were a few surprises and that is was just not a romance book. I liked that it had a mystery aspect to it. It kept the book interesting and made me want to continue reading to find out what happens in the end.
I highly recommend this book. It is a wonderful read and the suspense and mystery just add to the wonderfully written book. I cannot wait to read more books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2010
2.5 stars. Overall the story didn’t grab me. I also had trouble with the heroine Ronnie.
I didn’t like her enough. She got mad at Coop too easily and too frequently. I didn’t care for the fight that separated them, described below. I enjoyed Coop, even though he was a little over-alpha. Because of the ways their parents treated them, both Ronnie and Coop had issues with trust and acceptance, which was the undercurrent for their conflicts. I’d recommend borrowing this rather than buying it.
STORY BRIEF:
Crystal is murdered. Circumstantial evidence points to Eddie, her husband. Eddie goes on the run. Ronnie is Crystal’s sister. Ronnie comes to town to take care of the six-year-old daughter Lizzie. The “Tonk” bar was owned by Crystal, and Ronnie oversees it until she can sell it to put the proceeds in trust for Lizzie. Coop is Eddie’s half brother. He believes Eddie is innocent. He comes to town and takes a job as bartender in the Tonk bar. No one knows that he is related to Eddie or that he is a famous author. By keeping his identity secret, he hopes to uncover information to prove his brother’s innocence.
CAUTION SPOILER:
Coop and Ronnie fall in love and are together for about a month before she learns that Coop is related to Eddie. She is mad that he didn’t tell her sooner, and she breaks up with him. She plans to take Lizzie and move to Seattle within a couple of days. I think she over reacted. His reasons weren’t that out of line. Sure he might have told her a little sooner, but this was not something to break up over.
DATA:
Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: six. Setting: current day small town Fossil, Washington. Copyright: 2002. Genre: contemporary romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
As of 6/20/08, I have read 3 Susan Andersen books, as follows.
4.5 stars. Be My Baby. Copyright 1999. My review posted 6/20/08.
4 stars. Baby, I’m Yours. Copyright 1998. My review posted 1/10/08.
2.5 stars. Head Over Heels. Copyright 2002. My review posted 6/20/08.
I didn’t like her enough. She got mad at Coop too easily and too frequently. I didn’t care for the fight that separated them, described below. I enjoyed Coop, even though he was a little over-alpha. Because of the ways their parents treated them, both Ronnie and Coop had issues with trust and acceptance, which was the undercurrent for their conflicts. I’d recommend borrowing this rather than buying it.
STORY BRIEF:
Crystal is murdered. Circumstantial evidence points to Eddie, her husband. Eddie goes on the run. Ronnie is Crystal’s sister. Ronnie comes to town to take care of the six-year-old daughter Lizzie. The “Tonk” bar was owned by Crystal, and Ronnie oversees it until she can sell it to put the proceeds in trust for Lizzie. Coop is Eddie’s half brother. He believes Eddie is innocent. He comes to town and takes a job as bartender in the Tonk bar. No one knows that he is related to Eddie or that he is a famous author. By keeping his identity secret, he hopes to uncover information to prove his brother’s innocence.
CAUTION SPOILER:
Coop and Ronnie fall in love and are together for about a month before she learns that Coop is related to Eddie. She is mad that he didn’t tell her sooner, and she breaks up with him. She plans to take Lizzie and move to Seattle within a couple of days. I think she over reacted. His reasons weren’t that out of line. Sure he might have told her a little sooner, but this was not something to break up over.
DATA:
Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: six. Setting: current day small town Fossil, Washington. Copyright: 2002. Genre: contemporary romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
As of 6/20/08, I have read 3 Susan Andersen books, as follows.
4.5 stars. Be My Baby. Copyright 1999. My review posted 6/20/08.
4 stars. Baby, I’m Yours. Copyright 1998. My review posted 1/10/08.
2.5 stars. Head Over Heels. Copyright 2002. My review posted 6/20/08.
March 17, 2014
I was a little skeptical of this book. I love Susan Andersen and I thought the syopsis sounded promising, but after the first chapter, I was wary. Veronica Davis is someone who ran away from her life and her sister, only to return after her sister's death to take care of her niece. With her niece's father on the run--accused of murder--she is determined to tie up loose ends and get out of dodge ... again. But part of those loose ends include her family bar, bad memories, and the new bar manager Coop. He's flirty, bold, and downright hostile towards her and he has a secret. Soon they're both fighting for answers to catch her sister's killer and protect her niece.
The initial hostile chemistry between Veronica and Coop intially caused me to doubt the spark between them, but chapter after chapter, the realness of their characters and utterly credible and captivating storyline kept me hooked. My relationship with these characters was nurtured instead of a "wham, bam, thank you mam," kind of immediate character love, but by the end, I really cared about not only them, but even the side characters who also grabbed little fistfuls of my heart. Sometimes I think writers can go a little overboard with child characters and this was not the case. Veronica's niece was realistic and charming and not loving her little character was impossible.
Overall, the book was great and even the suspense and drama was top notch and dead-on! I would totally recommend this read, just give the first couple of chapters patience!
The initial hostile chemistry between Veronica and Coop intially caused me to doubt the spark between them, but chapter after chapter, the realness of their characters and utterly credible and captivating storyline kept me hooked. My relationship with these characters was nurtured instead of a "wham, bam, thank you mam," kind of immediate character love, but by the end, I really cared about not only them, but even the side characters who also grabbed little fistfuls of my heart. Sometimes I think writers can go a little overboard with child characters and this was not the case. Veronica's niece was realistic and charming and not loving her little character was impossible.
Overall, the book was great and even the suspense and drama was top notch and dead-on! I would totally recommend this read, just give the first couple of chapters patience!
November 27, 2012
Good book. I liked both Veronica and Cooper. Veronica has come back after her sister's murder to take care of her niece and take her back to Seattle with her. First she has to sell the bar and house. When she arrives, she meets Cooper who is working as the bartender. There is an immediate attraction between them, but there are other issues that are keeping them apart. Veronica left Fossil, swearing never to return and put up with the misery of working in the bar. But she has to fill in when a waitress quits and deal with the less than pleasant memories it brings back. She also gives in to her attraction to Cooper, knowing that nothing can come of it. She refuses to follow in her mother's footsteps and fall for a man with no apparent ambition. Cooper is working at the bar while he tries to figure out who really killed Veronica's sister. The man accused is Cooper's half brother and he knows that Eddie couldn't have done it. He hasn't told anyone who he is and wants to keep it that way. He doesn't expect the intense attraction to Veronica, or the way she makes him feel. He's had to rethink his attitude toward her. Even when they confess their love to each other, their baggage from the past continues to create problems for them. The solving of the mystery works well and makes Cooper and Veronica realize that love overcomes those other issues.
February 19, 2011
Veronica Davis returns back to Fossil, Washington to raise her niece whose mother has been murdered. Veronica had never wanted to return and the last place she certainly wanted to be is the Tonk tavern she now fully owns. When she meets Cooper Blackstock, the bartender, she immediatly bristles from the dominating man who insists on calling her princess.
Cooper is prepared to dislike Veronica on the spot, knowing how her sister was he has no reason to give her the benefit of the doubt. Cooper is secretly there for his own reasons, finding out who murdered Veronica's sister so he can get his brother out of trouble and free to raise his daughter. At every turn Veronica surprises him, now Cooper is back peddling to figure out how he is goign to get the woman he knows in his heart is the one.
Loved it, funny funny funny,
Cooper is prepared to dislike Veronica on the spot, knowing how her sister was he has no reason to give her the benefit of the doubt. Cooper is secretly there for his own reasons, finding out who murdered Veronica's sister so he can get his brother out of trouble and free to raise his daughter. At every turn Veronica surprises him, now Cooper is back peddling to figure out how he is goign to get the woman he knows in his heart is the one.
Loved it, funny funny funny,
July 24, 2017
Took me forever to get through. So far, Andersen's batting average with me is not very good, because although I started Bending the Rules, it just did not interest me and I ended up returning it to the library unread. I did really love the sequel to that though, Cutting Loose, which I gave 4.5 stars. I'll be checking out more books by her and I'm hoping to find more like Cutting Loose in her repertoire and less like this one . . .
July 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, I have actually read the 3rd and 4th already so its nice to see the beginning. I loved Coop he was sweet and him and Ronnie had the greatest I hate you no I love you banter. There were times it got a little hard to get through, not really sure what to point out but sometimes I really annoyed with Coop actually. I also enjoyed that Rissa and Kody got a HEA. The story gave a great break from Coop and Ronnie and made you love them all more cause you missed them while you read about Rissa and Kody. This was a great read, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good test of the wills love story.
April 24, 2012
Veronica (Ronnie) Davis returned to her home town when her sister, Crystal, was murdered. Ronnie was going to stay in town long enough to sale the family home and bar and put the proceeds in a trust account for her six year old niece, Lizzie. Then she was taking Lizzie Seattle with her. She did not plan to meet Cop the ex-marine who was tending bar and renting the attic at her house. Cop was in town to prove his half brother, Eddie, was not guilty of murdering his wife – Crystal. This book has some interesting characters and you will be guessing as to who killed Crystal until the end of the book
May 7, 2012
I think this book is a good example of how my taste had changed over the years. Head Over Heels is one of the first romances I remember reading after high school (when, honestly, I only read for the sex scenes and don't remember what I read). I thought this book was great and read it several times. When I found it at a UBS, I was pretty excited.
The novel held up okay. Not great, but okay. I still think the writing is fun, but I don't like it when the hero and heroine look at a character and think "I don't like her/him because her sister was a conniving bitch/my dad was a jerk to my mom."
I recognize people think like this in real life and I find it in poor taste then too.
The novel held up okay. Not great, but okay. I still think the writing is fun, but I don't like it when the hero and heroine look at a character and think "I don't like her/him because her sister was a conniving bitch/my dad was a jerk to my mom."
I recognize people think like this in real life and I find it in poor taste then too.
November 15, 2014
I LOVE IT!! If I could have given it 10 stars, I would have. Ronnie and Cooper have both left Fossil, WA for good reasons. Now, they are both back because Ronnie's sister has been murdered and Coop's brother is the prime suspect. Oh, by the way, Coop doesn't tell Ronnie that he is Eddie's brother. Ronnie and Coop each have good reasons for staying away from each other. Yeah, like that is gonna happen. Both Ronnie and Coop have some baggage, but the book does not beat you over the head with it. This is a great romance with a good mystery and a little humor.
September 26, 2011
Cooper and Veronica
Book was just ok. Some good scenes between H/h (if you know what I mean) but the overall plot was kind of dull. I found it incredibly annoying that Coop wouldn't just tell Veronica what he did for a living instead of making her take him how he was. That is just ridiculous. Nobody wants to hook up with a deadbeat and it had nothing to do with his mom never thinking he was good enough. That was just bunk.
Book was just ok. Some good scenes between H/h (if you know what I mean) but the overall plot was kind of dull. I found it incredibly annoying that Coop wouldn't just tell Veronica what he did for a living instead of making her take him how he was. That is just ridiculous. Nobody wants to hook up with a deadbeat and it had nothing to do with his mom never thinking he was good enough. That was just bunk.
September 25, 2009
Modern
January 6, 2012
This was such a great book! Drama, suspense, romance, and humor. Definitely a must read.
October 15, 2022
Wenn zwei starke Charaktere aufeinandertreffen ist Lesespaß garantiert!
Das Cover
Auch wenn das Cover nicht zum Inhalt passt, oder die Protagonistin symbolisiert, gefällt es mir richtig gut, denn es ist farbenfroh und frech. Das Covermodel verströmt pure Lebensfreude und gerade deshalb stach mir das Cover so in die Augen.
Der Schreibstil
Susan Andersens Schreibstil ist sexy, witzig und bildlich. Ich habe mich oft dabei erwischt, wie ich einfach so vor mich her gegrinst habe, während ich das Buch gelesen habe. Die Wortwechsel zwischen den Charakteren sind nicht nur erfrischend, sondern strotzen nur so vor gegenseitiger Anziehungskraft. Das Buch ist aufgrund des Schreibstils schnell gelesen und daher perfekt für ein paar romantische Lesestunden ohne allzu viel Tiefgang.
Die Charaktere
Veronica ist eine hartarbeitende und ambitionierte Frau, die nicht nur sehr klug, sondern auch ungemein liebevoll ist. Sie hatte es in ihrer Kindheit nie leicht, aber trotzdem hat sie alles daran gesetzt um ihren Heimatort verlassen zu können und ein erfolgreiches Leben zu führen. Als sie in ihre Heimatstadt zurückkehren muss, aufgrund der Ermordung ihrer Schwester, stürmen sehr viele schmerzhafte Erinnerungen auf sie ein. Nichtsdestotrotz lässt sie sich ihre Gefühle nicht anmerken und tut alles um die perfekte Ersatzmutter für Lizzy zu sein.
Lizzy ist die Tochter von Veronicas Schwester und ein wahrer Engel. Sie ist sehr schüchtern und zurückgezogen, aber mit Hilfe von Veronica taut sie immer mehr auf und wird ein aufgewecktes Kind. Lizzy bringt immer einen Sonnenschein zwischen die Seiten, wenn sie im Buch vorkommt.
Cooper ist ein selbstbewusster Ex-Marine, der zuerst recht von seinen Vorurteilen Veronica gegenüber voreingenommen ist. Zu Beginn war Cooper mir sehr unsympathisch, weil er nur aufgrund von Gerüchten Veronica als billige Schmarotzerin abtut und sie auch dementsprechend respektlos behandelt. Aber in Laufe der Handlung wurde er mir immer sympathischer.
Marissa ist Veronicas beste Freundin und auch sie erhält ihre eigene Nebenstory. Für mich persönlich war Marissas Liebesgeschichte ein wahrer Highlight, der mich sogar viel mehr begeistern konnte als die Haupthandlung. Für mich war Marissas Geschichte gefühlvoller und authentischer.
Die Handlung
Zuerst einmal: Achtung! Die Inhaltsangabe entspricht überhaupt nicht der tatsächlichen Handlung der Geschichte. Weder erhält Veronica Drohbriefe, noch spielt sich Cooper als ihr Bodyguard auf.
Veronica kehrt zurück in die Stadt um die letzten Angelegenheiten rund um Crystals Tod zu klären. Crystal war Veronicas Schwester, die laut der Polizei von ihrem eigenen Ex-Mann umgebracht worden ist. Jedoch ist dieser seit einiger Zeit auf der Flucht und dadurch konnte der Mordfall nicht aufgeklärt werden. Cooper ist der neue Barkeeper von Crystals Kneipe, der jedoch aufgrund von eigenen persönlichen Gründen in der Stadt ist und seine wahre Identität geheim hält. Er ist nämlich der Halbbruder vom vermeintlichen Mörder Crystals und er setzt alles daran die Unschuld seines Halbbruders zu beweisen.
Da mir die Handlung recht gut gefallen hat, auch wenn es einen gewaltigen Unterschied zum originalen Klappentext gibt, kann ich hier keinen Stern Abzug geben.
Ich hätte mir aber ein wenig mehr Charaktertiefe gewünscht, wie auch, dass der Handlungsstrang rund um Crystals Ermordung spannender und mitreißender hätte sein können. Das Drama, welches die Autorin im Verlauf der Handlung eingebaut hat, fand ich persönlich total lächerlich und nicht zu den charakterlichen Entwicklungen der Protagonisten passend.
Das Fazit
Ich kann dieses Buch jedem empfehlen, der eine romantische Geschichte für zwischendurch sucht, aber man darf hier wirklich keinen Tiefgang erwarten. Dieses Buch hilft einem dabei abzuschalten und gute Laune zu tanken, aber es wird definitiv nicht im Gedächtnis der Leser bleiben.
Das Cover
Auch wenn das Cover nicht zum Inhalt passt, oder die Protagonistin symbolisiert, gefällt es mir richtig gut, denn es ist farbenfroh und frech. Das Covermodel verströmt pure Lebensfreude und gerade deshalb stach mir das Cover so in die Augen.
Der Schreibstil
Susan Andersens Schreibstil ist sexy, witzig und bildlich. Ich habe mich oft dabei erwischt, wie ich einfach so vor mich her gegrinst habe, während ich das Buch gelesen habe. Die Wortwechsel zwischen den Charakteren sind nicht nur erfrischend, sondern strotzen nur so vor gegenseitiger Anziehungskraft. Das Buch ist aufgrund des Schreibstils schnell gelesen und daher perfekt für ein paar romantische Lesestunden ohne allzu viel Tiefgang.
Die Charaktere
Veronica ist eine hartarbeitende und ambitionierte Frau, die nicht nur sehr klug, sondern auch ungemein liebevoll ist. Sie hatte es in ihrer Kindheit nie leicht, aber trotzdem hat sie alles daran gesetzt um ihren Heimatort verlassen zu können und ein erfolgreiches Leben zu führen. Als sie in ihre Heimatstadt zurückkehren muss, aufgrund der Ermordung ihrer Schwester, stürmen sehr viele schmerzhafte Erinnerungen auf sie ein. Nichtsdestotrotz lässt sie sich ihre Gefühle nicht anmerken und tut alles um die perfekte Ersatzmutter für Lizzy zu sein.
Lizzy ist die Tochter von Veronicas Schwester und ein wahrer Engel. Sie ist sehr schüchtern und zurückgezogen, aber mit Hilfe von Veronica taut sie immer mehr auf und wird ein aufgewecktes Kind. Lizzy bringt immer einen Sonnenschein zwischen die Seiten, wenn sie im Buch vorkommt.
Cooper ist ein selbstbewusster Ex-Marine, der zuerst recht von seinen Vorurteilen Veronica gegenüber voreingenommen ist. Zu Beginn war Cooper mir sehr unsympathisch, weil er nur aufgrund von Gerüchten Veronica als billige Schmarotzerin abtut und sie auch dementsprechend respektlos behandelt. Aber in Laufe der Handlung wurde er mir immer sympathischer.
Marissa ist Veronicas beste Freundin und auch sie erhält ihre eigene Nebenstory. Für mich persönlich war Marissas Liebesgeschichte ein wahrer Highlight, der mich sogar viel mehr begeistern konnte als die Haupthandlung. Für mich war Marissas Geschichte gefühlvoller und authentischer.
Die Handlung
Zuerst einmal: Achtung! Die Inhaltsangabe entspricht überhaupt nicht der tatsächlichen Handlung der Geschichte. Weder erhält Veronica Drohbriefe, noch spielt sich Cooper als ihr Bodyguard auf.
Veronica kehrt zurück in die Stadt um die letzten Angelegenheiten rund um Crystals Tod zu klären. Crystal war Veronicas Schwester, die laut der Polizei von ihrem eigenen Ex-Mann umgebracht worden ist. Jedoch ist dieser seit einiger Zeit auf der Flucht und dadurch konnte der Mordfall nicht aufgeklärt werden. Cooper ist der neue Barkeeper von Crystals Kneipe, der jedoch aufgrund von eigenen persönlichen Gründen in der Stadt ist und seine wahre Identität geheim hält. Er ist nämlich der Halbbruder vom vermeintlichen Mörder Crystals und er setzt alles daran die Unschuld seines Halbbruders zu beweisen.
Da mir die Handlung recht gut gefallen hat, auch wenn es einen gewaltigen Unterschied zum originalen Klappentext gibt, kann ich hier keinen Stern Abzug geben.
Ich hätte mir aber ein wenig mehr Charaktertiefe gewünscht, wie auch, dass der Handlungsstrang rund um Crystals Ermordung spannender und mitreißender hätte sein können. Das Drama, welches die Autorin im Verlauf der Handlung eingebaut hat, fand ich persönlich total lächerlich und nicht zu den charakterlichen Entwicklungen der Protagonisten passend.
Das Fazit
Ich kann dieses Buch jedem empfehlen, der eine romantische Geschichte für zwischendurch sucht, aber man darf hier wirklich keinen Tiefgang erwarten. Dieses Buch hilft einem dabei abzuschalten und gute Laune zu tanken, aber es wird definitiv nicht im Gedächtnis der Leser bleiben.
May 2, 2021
Schließe nicht von Einem auf Andere
Veronica hat gerade vom Mord an ihre Schwester erfahren. Gerade ist gut. Wo diese schon vor einem Monat beerdigt wurde, erwürgt von, wenn man den Gerüchten glauben kann, dem lieben Eddy, fürsorglichen Vater ihrer Tochter Lizzy. Ja, und Ronnie ist nun die einzige Verwandte der Kleinen und erfährt erst jetzt davon. Augenblicklich reist sie in die Kleinstadt Fossil, dem Ort, den sie geschworen hat, nie wieder zu betreten. Doch für Lizzy würde sie fast alles tun. Um der Kleinen eine finanzielle Grundlage mitzugeben, möchte sie die Bar ihrer verstorbenen Schwester, die vorher Ronnies Eltern gehörte, die ihre Mutter zerstörte und der sie die schlimmste Zeit ihres Lebens verdankte, diese Bar, auf Vordermann bringen und verkaufen. Dazu muß sie nur mit dem neuen Geschäftsführer Cooper die Papiere durchgehen.
Doch dieser hat andere Pläne. Eigentlich ist er Eddies Bruder, Halbbruder mütterlicherseits. Einer Frau, die kein gutes Haar an Coop gelassen hat, doch Eddie ist anders, er vergöttert Coop regelrecht. Und so beschließt dieser die Unschuld seines kleinen Bruders zu beweisen. Durch einen glücklichen Zufall bekam er die Stelle als Barkeeper und Geschäftsführer, zusätzlich einige Zimmer im Haus der Verstorbenen, gegenüber der Bar. So kann er inkognito nach Spuren des richtigen Täters suchen. Das Aufeinandertreffen der beiden läßt die Luft gleich doppelt vibrieren. Einerseits sind beide vom Gegenüber fasziniert, doch als herauskommt, wer Ronnie wirklich ist, steckt Coop sie in die gleiche Schublade wie ihre Schwester, die alles andere als ein Sonnenschein war und läßt sie in der Bar schuften. Die Wut füllt die restliche Luft statisch auf. Die Spannung steigt noch einmal, da beide sich auch das Haus teilen. Mit Lizzy, ihrer beiden Nichte, wird der Hausstand komplett.
Zwischen einer anbahnenden Romanze, der sich beide immer wieder wiedersetzen, Vorurteilen aus ihren früheren Erfahrungen, dem Mord der im Hintergrund stets präsent ist und der Liebe und Zuneigung Lizzy gegenüber, gelingt es Susan Andersen, in ihrem ersten Teil ihrer Marines Serie, wie immer eine wunderschöne Geschichte zu erschaffen. Die Protagonisten haben mit ihren Erfahrungen, Vorurteilen und Gefühlen zu kämpfen, ähnlich wie in der zweiten Romanze, der auch einiger Platz im Buch zur Verfügung steht. Ob es gelingt die Geister der Vergangenheit zu besiegen, Eddies Unschuld, wenn er denn unschuldig ist, zu beweisen und alles zu einem positiven Ende zu führen? Oder scheitern sie an den Regeln, die ihr Überleben für sie notwendig machten. Wie in einigen Kommentaren sind das Bild am Cover und der Titel irreführend. Da er für mich jedoch nur auf eine romantische Story hindeutet, empfand ich es nicht als störend. Es ist kein Reißer, es ist kein Krimi, es ist ein gefühlvoller Roman um die Liebe zweier Menschen, die, um sich selbst zu schützen Regeln erschufen, die ihnen nun im Weg stehen. Um der Liebe eine Chance zu geben, müssen diese, die Grundsätze ihres Handelns, über Bord geworfen werden. Von mir gibt's lesenswert!
Veronica hat gerade vom Mord an ihre Schwester erfahren. Gerade ist gut. Wo diese schon vor einem Monat beerdigt wurde, erwürgt von, wenn man den Gerüchten glauben kann, dem lieben Eddy, fürsorglichen Vater ihrer Tochter Lizzy. Ja, und Ronnie ist nun die einzige Verwandte der Kleinen und erfährt erst jetzt davon. Augenblicklich reist sie in die Kleinstadt Fossil, dem Ort, den sie geschworen hat, nie wieder zu betreten. Doch für Lizzy würde sie fast alles tun. Um der Kleinen eine finanzielle Grundlage mitzugeben, möchte sie die Bar ihrer verstorbenen Schwester, die vorher Ronnies Eltern gehörte, die ihre Mutter zerstörte und der sie die schlimmste Zeit ihres Lebens verdankte, diese Bar, auf Vordermann bringen und verkaufen. Dazu muß sie nur mit dem neuen Geschäftsführer Cooper die Papiere durchgehen.
Doch dieser hat andere Pläne. Eigentlich ist er Eddies Bruder, Halbbruder mütterlicherseits. Einer Frau, die kein gutes Haar an Coop gelassen hat, doch Eddie ist anders, er vergöttert Coop regelrecht. Und so beschließt dieser die Unschuld seines kleinen Bruders zu beweisen. Durch einen glücklichen Zufall bekam er die Stelle als Barkeeper und Geschäftsführer, zusätzlich einige Zimmer im Haus der Verstorbenen, gegenüber der Bar. So kann er inkognito nach Spuren des richtigen Täters suchen. Das Aufeinandertreffen der beiden läßt die Luft gleich doppelt vibrieren. Einerseits sind beide vom Gegenüber fasziniert, doch als herauskommt, wer Ronnie wirklich ist, steckt Coop sie in die gleiche Schublade wie ihre Schwester, die alles andere als ein Sonnenschein war und läßt sie in der Bar schuften. Die Wut füllt die restliche Luft statisch auf. Die Spannung steigt noch einmal, da beide sich auch das Haus teilen. Mit Lizzy, ihrer beiden Nichte, wird der Hausstand komplett.
Zwischen einer anbahnenden Romanze, der sich beide immer wieder wiedersetzen, Vorurteilen aus ihren früheren Erfahrungen, dem Mord der im Hintergrund stets präsent ist und der Liebe und Zuneigung Lizzy gegenüber, gelingt es Susan Andersen, in ihrem ersten Teil ihrer Marines Serie, wie immer eine wunderschöne Geschichte zu erschaffen. Die Protagonisten haben mit ihren Erfahrungen, Vorurteilen und Gefühlen zu kämpfen, ähnlich wie in der zweiten Romanze, der auch einiger Platz im Buch zur Verfügung steht. Ob es gelingt die Geister der Vergangenheit zu besiegen, Eddies Unschuld, wenn er denn unschuldig ist, zu beweisen und alles zu einem positiven Ende zu führen? Oder scheitern sie an den Regeln, die ihr Überleben für sie notwendig machten. Wie in einigen Kommentaren sind das Bild am Cover und der Titel irreführend. Da er für mich jedoch nur auf eine romantische Story hindeutet, empfand ich es nicht als störend. Es ist kein Reißer, es ist kein Krimi, es ist ein gefühlvoller Roman um die Liebe zweier Menschen, die, um sich selbst zu schützen Regeln erschufen, die ihnen nun im Weg stehen. Um der Liebe eine Chance zu geben, müssen diese, die Grundsätze ihres Handelns, über Bord geworfen werden. Von mir gibt's lesenswert!
June 20, 2019
Four and a half stars.
Head Over Heels is the first in Susan Andersen's Marine series. Veronica Davis heads back to Fossil, Washington, to care for her niece, Lizzy. Her sister has been murdered, and her brother-in-law stands accused. Whether or not she believes the charges, her sweet niece needs love and stability, even if it means she has to endure working in the family saloon again.
Cooper Blackstock is the bartender, and has kept silent about the fact that he's Lizzy's uncle. He's certain his brother is innocent, and until he's cleared of those charges, he plans to make full use of his semi-anonymity to search out the real killer.
Ms Andersen's novel has held up well--although the first chapters did have me clenching my teeth at the deck stacked against Ronnie. Overall Head Over Heels is an entertaining read with a bit of a secondary romance for Ronnie's bestie, and a bit of mystery that is neatly wrapped up by the end.
Head Over Heels is the first in Susan Andersen's Marine series. Veronica Davis heads back to Fossil, Washington, to care for her niece, Lizzy. Her sister has been murdered, and her brother-in-law stands accused. Whether or not she believes the charges, her sweet niece needs love and stability, even if it means she has to endure working in the family saloon again.
Cooper Blackstock is the bartender, and has kept silent about the fact that he's Lizzy's uncle. He's certain his brother is innocent, and until he's cleared of those charges, he plans to make full use of his semi-anonymity to search out the real killer.
Ms Andersen's novel has held up well--although the first chapters did have me clenching my teeth at the deck stacked against Ronnie. Overall Head Over Heels is an entertaining read with a bit of a secondary romance for Ronnie's bestie, and a bit of mystery that is neatly wrapped up by the end.
December 9, 2025
Veronica Davis' grew up in a bar owned by her father in Fossil, Washington. She got out as soon as she could, moved and got her college degree. She was happily living her life renovating a castle in Scotland when she is tracked down by a friend to let her know he sister has been murdered and her accused husband is on the run. She has now inherited a young niece and a bar. She comes home to sell the bar and collect the niece but things don't go as planned.
Turns out the hot bartender Cooper Blackstock, is really the half brother of her sister's husband and there to try to find the real killer to exonerate his half brother. He keeps all this under wraps from everyone even Veronica. This leads to a fun rom com, mystery with lots of steam, humor and some suspense. Very cute light romantic suspense, easy read.
Turns out the hot bartender Cooper Blackstock, is really the half brother of her sister's husband and there to try to find the real killer to exonerate his half brother. He keeps all this under wraps from everyone even Veronica. This leads to a fun rom com, mystery with lots of steam, humor and some suspense. Very cute light romantic suspense, easy read.
January 2, 2021
I enjoyed this book as had some hot romance elements with a mix of mystery here and there. I liked the characters and the world layout. It caught you up in the story and kept you there. One of those kind of books that just allowed for you to escape for a little bit and enjoy it. I would recommended this book as did already to someone else in my family that I knew would enjoy it.
September 28, 2021
Loved it! Did not think I would as I was somewhat bored at first but as it went on, WOW! Can you talk about plot twist? I moved from thinking about Coop, to Eddie to Troy to Darlene and Neil. Talk about keep me on my toes! I hope Marissa and Kody have a story next but I’m sure it’s Zach or Eddie’s!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2023
So So Book
The novel was slow moving, and the mystery element was never fully developed. The repetitive themes between the protagonists ( lack of trust and ambition) also made reading difficult.
The novel was slow moving, and the mystery element was never fully developed. The repetitive themes between the protagonists ( lack of trust and ambition) also made reading difficult.
May 25, 2025
This book is 23 years old and it shows 😂 The language, stereotypes, and traditional character roles did not age well. I found myself rolling my eyes way too often while reading. The only thing that brought it from 1 to 2 stars for me was that I definitely didn’t guess the murderer.
October 1, 2018
Flawed, dated and a sprinkling of slut shaming.
April 3, 2020
The main characters were good, there was a good storyline but the end was so anticlimactic. I was expecting a bit more drama and intensity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews