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Coyote Canyon #2
The Talk of Coyote Canyon
She’s not here to make friends. She’s here to make trouble.
With her piercings, tattoos and spiky blond hair, Ellen Truesdale doesn’t quite fit in with the other folks in Coyote Canyon—and that’s just fine with her. She’s only here to put her father out of business, as payback for abandoning her when she was young.
Or is she more interested in finally proving that she was worth keeping?
Either way, she’s struggling to keep her rival well-drilling company afloat. And being a single woman in a male-dominated field has started to take a toll. So when Hendrix Durrant steps in to help, Ellen has no choice but to let him—even though he happens to be her father’s business partner and therefore her enemy. But the closer she works with him, the more she sees what she’s been missing…in life and love. And once she lets go of her anger long enough to learn the truth about her past, she might just find the family she’s always wanted.
Coyote Canyon
Book 1: Talulah's Back in Town
Book 2: The Talk of Coyote Canyon
Book 3 : The Messy Lives of Jane Tanner
With her piercings, tattoos and spiky blond hair, Ellen Truesdale doesn’t quite fit in with the other folks in Coyote Canyon—and that’s just fine with her. She’s only here to put her father out of business, as payback for abandoning her when she was young.
Or is she more interested in finally proving that she was worth keeping?
Either way, she’s struggling to keep her rival well-drilling company afloat. And being a single woman in a male-dominated field has started to take a toll. So when Hendrix Durrant steps in to help, Ellen has no choice but to let him—even though he happens to be her father’s business partner and therefore her enemy. But the closer she works with him, the more she sees what she’s been missing…in life and love. And once she lets go of her anger long enough to learn the truth about her past, she might just find the family she’s always wanted.
Coyote Canyon
Book 1: Talulah's Back in Town
Book 2: The Talk of Coyote Canyon
Book 3 : The Messy Lives of Jane Tanner
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 28, 2023
370 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
239 books6,997 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
April 12, 2024
the setup…
Ellen Truesdale is a well driller, a very much male-dominated field but she’s got eyes for only one competitor, Fetterman Well Services…owned by her father. She’s returned to Coyote Canyon after having left at age ten with her mother when Scott Fetterman divorced both her and her mother, beginning a new family. His new wife forbade him to have anything to do with her and now her nephew Hendrix Durant is the beneficiary of Scott’s time and attention. It should be Ellen and she’s determined to beat him professionally and cold-shoulder Hendrix. That, however, becomes rather hard to do when Hendrix gives her a helping hand when she needed one most.
the heart of the story…
Given how Ellen’s father completely abandoned her, I understood her passion around proving her worth. I kept hoping to find a backbone where he was concerned but that proved elusive. There’s a lot to like and admire about Ellen and Hendrix had the sense to recognize it. Their developing relationship grew gradually, quietly and surreptitiously given the repercussions. The side story involving the online dating suitor just added another interesting element.
the narration…
McFadden’s style is perfect for this type of storytelling. She managed to provide character distinctions for a wide array of personalities that fit them nicely. Loved everything about her performance.
the bottom line…
This is true small town dynamics where everyone may look out for each other but there can be a downside. Ellen’s stepmother created a narrative about her that people generally accepted until she showed up otherwise. I liked the romance, both Ellen and Hendrix, and his bravery. The portrayal of the aftermath of a divorce and subsequent blended family was honest and realistic. I wasn’t crazy about the ending but perhaps we will see more in the next book? Otherwise, I was hooked from beginning to end. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Ellen Truesdale is a well driller, a very much male-dominated field but she’s got eyes for only one competitor, Fetterman Well Services…owned by her father. She’s returned to Coyote Canyon after having left at age ten with her mother when Scott Fetterman divorced both her and her mother, beginning a new family. His new wife forbade him to have anything to do with her and now her nephew Hendrix Durant is the beneficiary of Scott’s time and attention. It should be Ellen and she’s determined to beat him professionally and cold-shoulder Hendrix. That, however, becomes rather hard to do when Hendrix gives her a helping hand when she needed one most.
the heart of the story…
Given how Ellen’s father completely abandoned her, I understood her passion around proving her worth. I kept hoping to find a backbone where he was concerned but that proved elusive. There’s a lot to like and admire about Ellen and Hendrix had the sense to recognize it. Their developing relationship grew gradually, quietly and surreptitiously given the repercussions. The side story involving the online dating suitor just added another interesting element.
the narration…
McFadden’s style is perfect for this type of storytelling. She managed to provide character distinctions for a wide array of personalities that fit them nicely. Loved everything about her performance.
the bottom line…
This is true small town dynamics where everyone may look out for each other but there can be a downside. Ellen’s stepmother created a narrative about her that people generally accepted until she showed up otherwise. I liked the romance, both Ellen and Hendrix, and his bravery. The portrayal of the aftermath of a divorce and subsequent blended family was honest and realistic. I wasn’t crazy about the ending but perhaps we will see more in the next book? Otherwise, I was hooked from beginning to end. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
July 25, 2024
The Talk of Coyote Canyon by Brenda Novak is the second book in the contemporary romance Coyote Canyon series. The Coyote Canyon series is one romance series that changes the main characters within each new book with the setting being the tie between them. With the main characters changing each of these book can be enjoyed as a standalone but there are glimpses of previous characters for those that have followed the series from the beginning.
Readers actually met Ellen Truesdale in the first book of the Coyote Canyon series and got to see a bit of her spunky, strong willed nature. Now Ellen is getting her own story as she finds herself fighting to survive in a male dominated career and fighting to keep her well-drilling company afloat. Ellen wants nothing to do with her father who is her business rival or any of his employees but when Hendrix Durrant, one of those employees, steps in to help Ellen can’t help but to see him in a new light away from the rivalry between her and her father.
Brenda Novak is one of those authors that has yet to disappoint me no matter how much of her extensive catalog of titles I read so of course I had to dive right into the Coyote Canyon series. While I enjoyed the first book of this series the second quickly became my favorite with Ellen’s no nonsense, take charge, strong character. The fun then came when we got to see a softer side of the tattooed tough girl. It also helped that I immediately also enjoyed Hendrix and began rooting for them right away. Looking forward to read the third book of the series after the great start with books one and two!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Readers actually met Ellen Truesdale in the first book of the Coyote Canyon series and got to see a bit of her spunky, strong willed nature. Now Ellen is getting her own story as she finds herself fighting to survive in a male dominated career and fighting to keep her well-drilling company afloat. Ellen wants nothing to do with her father who is her business rival or any of his employees but when Hendrix Durrant, one of those employees, steps in to help Ellen can’t help but to see him in a new light away from the rivalry between her and her father.
Brenda Novak is one of those authors that has yet to disappoint me no matter how much of her extensive catalog of titles I read so of course I had to dive right into the Coyote Canyon series. While I enjoyed the first book of this series the second quickly became my favorite with Ellen’s no nonsense, take charge, strong character. The fun then came when we got to see a softer side of the tattooed tough girl. It also helped that I immediately also enjoyed Hendrix and began rooting for them right away. Looking forward to read the third book of the series after the great start with books one and two!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 12, 2023
I wanted more from that ending…. Too little too late.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book offers interesting twists because of the relationship portion the main character has with her estranged father and stepmother. In fact, this is almost like a forbidden romance of sorts, once you Figure out who her crush and love interest will be.
Because of her relationship with her estranged father, the story can actually make you feel sad and definitely explains a lot of her shortness and anger issues. Novak did a great job developing the female character with her tough exterior but mushy interior.
The story has a lot of complexity because of the relationships and inner connection with the main characters. There’s a lot of tiptoeing going around and the story also includes a little bit of mystery for a multi-dimensional read.
The Talk of Coyote Canyon is definitely a slow-burn romance and it takes a while to break down walls. The main male character’s love interest is wonderfully depicted, and I really enjoyed his sweet and kind character.
One thing that did disappoint me, however, was the ending. I felt a great opportunity was missed to bring this to a five-star review with an in-depth closure for these characters. The ending left me wanting so much more, especially the bombshell in the last paragraph.
The Talk of Coyote Canyon is a great collection of romance, relationship development, and family dynamics. It is a wonderful read with a slowly blossoming romance that will get you fired up along with them.
~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-talk-of-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book offers interesting twists because of the relationship portion the main character has with her estranged father and stepmother. In fact, this is almost like a forbidden romance of sorts, once you Figure out who her crush and love interest will be.
Because of her relationship with her estranged father, the story can actually make you feel sad and definitely explains a lot of her shortness and anger issues. Novak did a great job developing the female character with her tough exterior but mushy interior.
The story has a lot of complexity because of the relationships and inner connection with the main characters. There’s a lot of tiptoeing going around and the story also includes a little bit of mystery for a multi-dimensional read.
The Talk of Coyote Canyon is definitely a slow-burn romance and it takes a while to break down walls. The main male character’s love interest is wonderfully depicted, and I really enjoyed his sweet and kind character.
One thing that did disappoint me, however, was the ending. I felt a great opportunity was missed to bring this to a five-star review with an in-depth closure for these characters. The ending left me wanting so much more, especially the bombshell in the last paragraph.
The Talk of Coyote Canyon is a great collection of romance, relationship development, and family dynamics. It is a wonderful read with a slowly blossoming romance that will get you fired up along with them.
~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-talk-of-...
December 1, 2023
Ellen’s father, Stuart, left her and her mother when she was young and didn’t make any effort to see Ellen after, and the abandonment still stings. Ellen inherited her grandparents’ house and property in Coyote Canyon, so she moved there to set up her own well-drilling business in direct competition with her father’s business. Ellen’s set on taking his business down one client at a time to pay him back for carelessly tossing her aside. However, when Hendrix, Stuart’s business partner and stand-in-son, stirs things up with her only employee, Ellen’s left high and dry on an important job. Hendrix steps in to help, feeling guilty and then ends up striking up a reluctant friendship.
Hendrix didn’t find Ellen attractive when she first moved to town, with her short spiky hair and tattoos, isn’t what he’d normally been into. Also, with all the family/business turmoil, he’s only viewed her as an adversary, but as they work together, Hendrix starts to see her in a different light. He also starts to question the events of the past, how his aunt, Stuart’s wife, treated Ellen as a little girl and realizes how unfair they’ve all been to her. His opinions start to cause waves.
Ellen and Hendrix’s romance was a challenge because of the family/business aspect, and because Ellen had excellent reasons to be guarded, but most of the conflict was external. Hearing Ellen’s past and how she was treated, by Stuart, his new wife and even her mother I was outraged in her behalf! I was so happy she had Talulah and then Hendrix to take up for her!
Complicated family relationships, sabotage, and an online dating experience gone awry factor into the story; there’s so much more going on than just a romance, and I loved every minute! The story was captivating, and I didn’t want to put it down!
The Talk of Coyote Canyon can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Talulah’s Back in Town first as some of the events come into play here. I highly recommend both romances! Brenda Novak’s stories are compelling and addictive! You think you’re just going to read a few chapters and end up finishing the book in one sitting!
A copy was kindly provided by MIRA in exchange for an honest review.
Hendrix didn’t find Ellen attractive when she first moved to town, with her short spiky hair and tattoos, isn’t what he’d normally been into. Also, with all the family/business turmoil, he’s only viewed her as an adversary, but as they work together, Hendrix starts to see her in a different light. He also starts to question the events of the past, how his aunt, Stuart’s wife, treated Ellen as a little girl and realizes how unfair they’ve all been to her. His opinions start to cause waves.
Ellen and Hendrix’s romance was a challenge because of the family/business aspect, and because Ellen had excellent reasons to be guarded, but most of the conflict was external. Hearing Ellen’s past and how she was treated, by Stuart, his new wife and even her mother I was outraged in her behalf! I was so happy she had Talulah and then Hendrix to take up for her!
Complicated family relationships, sabotage, and an online dating experience gone awry factor into the story; there’s so much more going on than just a romance, and I loved every minute! The story was captivating, and I didn’t want to put it down!
The Talk of Coyote Canyon can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Talulah’s Back in Town first as some of the events come into play here. I highly recommend both romances! Brenda Novak’s stories are compelling and addictive! You think you’re just going to read a few chapters and end up finishing the book in one sitting!
A copy was kindly provided by MIRA in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
Another fantastic book from the small town romance queen. Brenda has a way with amazing characters and towns that come to life. This one is a top favorite.
This copy was provided by Netgalley for an honest review. Thank you!
This copy was provided by Netgalley for an honest review. Thank you!
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July 25, 2024I should have known. Brenda Novak loves her toxic parents.
DNF due to absolutely horrible deadbeat weak dad and his even worse second wife that abandoned a ten year old little girl. What a horrible, horrible character!!!!
DNF due to absolutely horrible deadbeat weak dad and his even worse second wife that abandoned a ten year old little girl. What a horrible, horrible character!!!!
December 2, 2023
The Talk of Coyote Canyon is the second book in the Coyote Canyon series and I think I liked it more than the first. In this book we meet Ellen Truesdale, a young woman who moved to the area to start her business. She is a spunky, independent, tattoo covered women out to put her father out of business. He abandoned her and her mother when she was ten and never had anything to do with her. Meanwhile he remarried and his wife's nephew is his partner in the drilling business. When Ellen underbids him, he is furious and confronts her telling her that he will put her out of business. They have mutual friends, so run into each other now and then and he begins to realize she is a good person. When she is being attacked by a man who she met online, Hendrix just happens to be waiting to talk to her and saves her from her attacker. They forge a friendship from there moving forward. Will that friendship become more than that?
This was another wonderful small town romance from Brenda Novak. I enjoyed seeing Tallulah, from the first book in the series, be friends with Ellen. The characters that gave Tallulah a hard time in the first book were back causing trouble again. As Hendrix got closer to Ellen, it began to cause rifts with some of his relationships, and I loved the way he dealt with it. There was more to the story than just a romance. There were issues of paternity, child abandonment, abusive men, revenge, jealousy, friendship, parental abdication of responsibility, and more. I really liked Luke's cousin, who is special needs, and loves Hendrix with all his heart, as well as donuts. There was witty banter, and a couple of quick, closed door scenes. I liked that in the end we read about acceptance, forgiveness and reconciliation as well as a happy ever after. I definitely recommend this book and series.
This was another wonderful small town romance from Brenda Novak. I enjoyed seeing Tallulah, from the first book in the series, be friends with Ellen. The characters that gave Tallulah a hard time in the first book were back causing trouble again. As Hendrix got closer to Ellen, it began to cause rifts with some of his relationships, and I loved the way he dealt with it. There was more to the story than just a romance. There were issues of paternity, child abandonment, abusive men, revenge, jealousy, friendship, parental abdication of responsibility, and more. I really liked Luke's cousin, who is special needs, and loves Hendrix with all his heart, as well as donuts. There was witty banter, and a couple of quick, closed door scenes. I liked that in the end we read about acceptance, forgiveness and reconciliation as well as a happy ever after. I definitely recommend this book and series.
March 11, 2024
THE TALK OF COYOTE CANYON
Well, this is book 2 in the series and I like this one as much as the first. I assume we are going to go all around town and find different people to concentrate on. What a great idea, this one is tied to Taluha who came home in the first book, now we have Ellen who was introduced then and is the main character now.
I can't wait for the next book.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Well, this is book 2 in the series and I like this one as much as the first. I assume we are going to go all around town and find different people to concentrate on. What a great idea, this one is tied to Taluha who came home in the first book, now we have Ellen who was introduced then and is the main character now.
I can't wait for the next book.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
September 16, 2023
Another great book by Brenda Novak!
July 22, 2024
3.4 stars
A really well-written book, professionally so. BN's pen described the small town atmosphere really well and depicted the threads of the plot in a very wholesome and poignant manner. If you are a fan of Contemporary Romances (rather clean ones), then look no further, because BN knows what she is doing. However, at times, she went into too much small details. It did help in fleshing out the story, but it also lengthened it unnecessarily.
This is only the second book I have read by BN (the first one being This Heart of Mine) but my impression is that her heroines always unfairly get the short end of the stick, as compared to the males surrounding them. The writing was again topnotch in describing the plights and trials of the heroine of this book. I completely empathised with Ellen. If I had been in her shoes, I would have had a bigger chip on my shoulder than her after all she had to contend with while growing up: a feckless and unreliable mother, an apathetic and weak father, a selfish and petty stepmother... I don't care what the revelations at the end were, her father and his new wife were in the wrong. Cutting off and blaming a ten year old kid because the new lady is insecure? Pathetic excuse of adult human beings 🤬!!
I found the romance between Ellen and Hendrix very sweet. It had the potential to be very dramatic but it was not because that's not the romance style of BN. I didn't mind it for this book (though if it had been uber angsty, the book would have been gold), because the tenderness and adult way in which they fell in love was sensibly well written and enough to content me. However, I would have liked to read more about them in the Epilogue instead of having a scene of the stepmother trying to mend fences (too late imho!).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2024
It was an interesting story. Seemed a little slow for me.
September 25, 2023
Brenda Novak has brought another winning combination of love, hate, suspense, revenge and family intrigue to Coyote Canyon. There’s tension in town, local gossip is rampant and it’s all directed at Ellen as she builds her drilling business in the same town as her estranged father and his wife. There’s obvious unfinished history in the family and, it’s literally complicated by Hendrix, who is right in the middle of everything. I loved how the story sorted itself out. Great read!
January 17, 2024
I'm surprised by all of the great reviews. This book left me so unsatisfied. So many immature grown ass adults in this town. And not a single one received any real consequences for their behavior. A 10 year old girl was treated horribly!! And as an adult it wasn't any better. And then boom a DNA test comes back and it's like oh ok, we will be nice to you now. Just horrible the way it ended.
November 28, 2023
This book deserves more than five stars because it is so many different genres neatly packaged into one unputdownable book. It includes romance, mystery, a few thrills, suspense and romance. I know…romance is twice because it is the prevalent genre for the book. Ellen Truesdale is a rebel with a heart for finding trouble and avoiding relationships. Wounded deeply as a child by her absentee father and his new wife, she has chosen to get her revenge by establishing her own well-digging business to rival his, in the same small town that Stuart Fetterman is located. In her quest for justice for past wrongs, Ellen ends up finding more trouble than she bargained for, with a disloyal employee, vandalism of a new well that she put in and an online date that didn’t turn out well for her. In other words, Ellen is bringing a lot of unhappiness all along her way in Coyote Canyon. I really enjoyed getting to know Ellen and was sad when the book ended. She is a quirky character who is multi-dimensional, vulnerable and determined, strong and dependent all rolled up into one small delightful package. When Hendrix Durant, a man she has sworn to hate forever, turns up to help her in her difficulties, she is wary and learns how to appreciate his honestly and his abilities. The love story is original and compelling as the two of them are not exactly a match made in heaven. I appreciated the complicated plot, the relatable characters and the way the story gave me all of the high and low feels of an emotion-filled book. But what I liked best were the lessons that the book taught about acceptance, forgiveness and trust as well as disappointment and rolling with the punches even when they are coming too fast to keep up. The book has lots of action and plenty of wit in the dialogue, so it is a winner in every category possible!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
February 13, 2024
Whew, I sympathized with this h, her dad just dropping her for his new family. She had a hell of a chip on her shoulder and it was well earned.
Loved the hero, hated the aunt/stepmother. And what was with that ending? It was so abrupt, it reminded me of the closing of old hp's... drama's over folks book's done!
Loved the hero, hated the aunt/stepmother. And what was with that ending? It was so abrupt, it reminded me of the closing of old hp's... drama's over folks book's done!
August 18, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I have read many books by Brenda Novak I think this one is the best one she's written so far this year. I really liked Leo. He was so adorable in the book. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2025
Book fair
December 19, 2023
Sometimes you think something about someone or a situation before you really know. Once you learn the facts, you can really know what you think.
July 5, 2024
I thought the premise and setting were different and fun. It could have been a 3.5 star book, but the ending was so rushed and unsatisfying that I was left frustrated and confused.
February 17, 2024
I really loved getting to immerse myself in Ellen’s story. There was so much depth to the story, brought about by the different characters and the layers of life woven into it. This one may end up being my favorite of the trilogy.
I purchased this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I purchased this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
August 21, 2023
Second in the Coyote Canyon series is Small town romance with amazing characters and a fun read. Impressed by Leo, he was adorable and realistically protrayed. Ellen and Hendrix are an interesting and unique couple. Anticipating visiting Coyote Canyon again in the next book of the series.
Thank you to the author - Brenda Novak, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the author - Brenda Novak, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
December 2, 2023
I thought this was another good book in this series.
There’s a lot going on in this book. I did think it started a bit slow but slowly picked up steam. It’s an enjoyable book!
There’s a lot going on in this book. I did think it started a bit slow but slowly picked up steam. It’s an enjoyable book!
September 8, 2023
I always recommend Brenda Novak and this series is no exception. A good story with great characters.
March 24, 2024
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
***
Ellen and Hendrix’s romance was a challenge because of the family/business aspect, and because Ellen’s father, Stuart, left her and her mother when she was young and didn’t make any effort to see Ellen after, and the abandonment still stings. Ellen inherited her grandparents’ house and property in Coyote Canyon, so she moved there to set up her own well-drilling business in direct competition with her father’s business. Ellen’s set on taking his business down one client at a time to pay him back for carelessly tossing her aside. However, when Hendrix, Stuart’s business partner and stand-in-son, stirs things up with her only employee, Ellen’s left high and dry on an important job. Hendrix steps in to help, feeling guilty and then ends up striking up a reluctant friendship.
Hendrix didn’t find Ellen attractive when she first moved to town, with her short spiky hair and tattoos, isn’t what he’d normally been into. Also, with all the family/business turmoil, he’s only viewed her as an adversary, but as they work together, Hendrix starts to see her in a different light. He also starts to question the events of the past, how his aunt, Stuart’s wife, treated Ellen as a little girl and realizes how unfair they’ve all been to her. His opinions start to cause waves.
**
Ellen had excellent reasons to be guarded, but most of the conflict was external. Hearing Ellen’s past and how she was treated, by Stuart, his new wife and even her mother I was outraged in her behalf! I was so happy she had Talulah and then Hendrix to take up for her!
Complicated family relationships, sabotage, and an online dating experience gone awry factor into the story; there’s so much more going on than just a romance, and I loved every minute! The story was captivating, and I didn’t want to put it down!
The Talk of Coyote Canyon can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Talulah’s Back in Town first as some of the events come into play here. I highly recommend both romances! Brenda Novak’s stories are compelling and addictive! You think you’re just going to read a few chapters and end up finishing the book in one sitting!
**
Epilogue
Six months later... Ellen was at her desk when Lynn came into the office. It was rare that they were alone together. For the most part, Ellen was careful to avoid Hendrix’s aunt. It wasn’t so much that she was holding a grudge over the past as it was a lack of emotional trust. She didn’t want there to be any problems between them. But Lynn had been making an effort to improve their relationship as time went by. Ellen had to give her that. She guessed it was partly for the success of the business, since Fetterman had bought her company sixty days ago and they all worked together now. But it was also probably because Hendrix and Leo remained so staunchly loyal to her. Lynn didn’t want her son and nephew to move on without her. Ironically, although Stuart wasn’t her father, Ellen was growing to love and respect him more than ever. She thought he should stand up to his wife more often than he did, but if that was the worst thing she could say about him, she figured that wasn’t so bad. He was kind, consistent and easygoing. He was also fair when it came to the business. She got along great with him and Hendrix, and she worked with them most often, so she had no regrets about selling out and joining their company. She had more money than ever before, she and Hendrix were living together at her place and selling his, since she didn’t have a mortgage, and she no longer had the stress of worrying about whether she was getting enough jobs to cover the payment on her drill. One day in the next two or three years, she’d have enough saved to be able to quit drilling altogether and open her own used furnishings store. Lynn walked over to her. “Hello.” Ellen’s truck was in the drive. Lynn had to have known she was at the office, so...why had she not waited until Ellen was gone to do whatever she needed to do? Although Ellen came to the meetings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, she went into the field directly after and didn’t return until Lynn had left, around four. Then she did her paperwork and put it on Lynn’s desk so Lynn could handle the ordering and billing and if Lynn had questions, she’d attach a sticky note to whatever it was and return it to Ellen’s desk. That process had been working well for them; Ellen saw no need to change it. But she smiled, as though she wasn’t instantly anxious at the prospect of being alone with the woman who’d been so unkind to her. “Hi,” she said before going back to figuring out the amount and type of supplies she’d need to bid on a job one of their clients had referred to them. “How’s your day going?” Lynn aske“Not so bad. I got Leo into that ceramics class.” “At Shirley’s?” “Yeah.” Ellen had put an advertisement she’d found posted on the bulletin board at Talulah’s diner on Lynn’s desk. She’d known as soon as she saw it how much Leo would enjoy doing something like that. “I’m glad. He’s going to love it.” “I think so, too.” She walked over and filled a cup with water from the cooler. “How’s your mother?” Ellen pulled her gaze away from her work once more. “She’s...fine.” “Still working for your old boss?” “Yeah. I actually think they might be dating. Can you believe that?” Lynn chuckled. “That’s lucky, since you think so highly of him.” It meant she didn’t have to worry so much about Jan. She was grateful for that. And even though their relationship had been strained since the DNA test which had revealed her affair with their onetime neighbor, they’d been talking fairly regularly again. Her mother was the way she was. There didn’t seem to be any point in holding something she’d done thirty years ago against her, especially when Ellen was happier than she’d ever been. “Ross is a really good man.” Lynn took a drink of water. “What are you and Hendrix doing tonight?” “No plans. We don’t go out very often midweek.” “Would you like to come over for my polenta and chicken salad?” Ellen had no idea what to say. Typically, she let Hendrix visit his aunt and uncle and do dinner and other things with his family on his own. He’d tried to invite her occasionally, but she’d always managed to come up with an excuse, and she’d never received an invitation directly from Lynn. “That’s the salad you sent home with Hendrix a few weeks ago, isn’t it?” she asked, stalling while she tried to think. “It is. I sent the leftovers, and he said you loved them.” “I did,” she said. “That salad’s delicious.” “So...you’ll come? At six?” Ellen hesitated. She was trying to think of a polite way out, but she was afraid Lynn would be able to see through any excuse she offered. “Um, yeah, of course—as long as Hendrix doesn’t have something planned that I don’t know about.” “I already talked to him. He said he was open to it if you were.” “Oh.” Ellen blinked several times before curving her lips into yet another smile. “Okay, then. Is there...is there anything you’d like me to bring?” “No, I’ve got it,” she replied. Ellen stood and began gathering her stuff. “Let me know if you change your mind.” “You’re leaving?” Lynn said. “There’s a few things I have to go do.” All she had to do was finish her paperwork, but she was going to do that at home. “I’ll see you tonight, then.” “See you soon.” She crossed the room and was just about to open the door when Lynn said, “Ellen?” Making sure her smile was still in place, Ellen turned. “Yes?” “I was wrong about you,” she said. “I’m sorry—for everything.”
***
Ellen and Hendrix’s romance was a challenge because of the family/business aspect, and because Ellen’s father, Stuart, left her and her mother when she was young and didn’t make any effort to see Ellen after, and the abandonment still stings. Ellen inherited her grandparents’ house and property in Coyote Canyon, so she moved there to set up her own well-drilling business in direct competition with her father’s business. Ellen’s set on taking his business down one client at a time to pay him back for carelessly tossing her aside. However, when Hendrix, Stuart’s business partner and stand-in-son, stirs things up with her only employee, Ellen’s left high and dry on an important job. Hendrix steps in to help, feeling guilty and then ends up striking up a reluctant friendship.
Hendrix didn’t find Ellen attractive when she first moved to town, with her short spiky hair and tattoos, isn’t what he’d normally been into. Also, with all the family/business turmoil, he’s only viewed her as an adversary, but as they work together, Hendrix starts to see her in a different light. He also starts to question the events of the past, how his aunt, Stuart’s wife, treated Ellen as a little girl and realizes how unfair they’ve all been to her. His opinions start to cause waves.
**
Ellen had excellent reasons to be guarded, but most of the conflict was external. Hearing Ellen’s past and how she was treated, by Stuart, his new wife and even her mother I was outraged in her behalf! I was so happy she had Talulah and then Hendrix to take up for her!
Complicated family relationships, sabotage, and an online dating experience gone awry factor into the story; there’s so much more going on than just a romance, and I loved every minute! The story was captivating, and I didn’t want to put it down!
The Talk of Coyote Canyon can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Talulah’s Back in Town first as some of the events come into play here. I highly recommend both romances! Brenda Novak’s stories are compelling and addictive! You think you’re just going to read a few chapters and end up finishing the book in one sitting!
**
Epilogue
Six months later... Ellen was at her desk when Lynn came into the office. It was rare that they were alone together. For the most part, Ellen was careful to avoid Hendrix’s aunt. It wasn’t so much that she was holding a grudge over the past as it was a lack of emotional trust. She didn’t want there to be any problems between them. But Lynn had been making an effort to improve their relationship as time went by. Ellen had to give her that. She guessed it was partly for the success of the business, since Fetterman had bought her company sixty days ago and they all worked together now. But it was also probably because Hendrix and Leo remained so staunchly loyal to her. Lynn didn’t want her son and nephew to move on without her. Ironically, although Stuart wasn’t her father, Ellen was growing to love and respect him more than ever. She thought he should stand up to his wife more often than he did, but if that was the worst thing she could say about him, she figured that wasn’t so bad. He was kind, consistent and easygoing. He was also fair when it came to the business. She got along great with him and Hendrix, and she worked with them most often, so she had no regrets about selling out and joining their company. She had more money than ever before, she and Hendrix were living together at her place and selling his, since she didn’t have a mortgage, and she no longer had the stress of worrying about whether she was getting enough jobs to cover the payment on her drill. One day in the next two or three years, she’d have enough saved to be able to quit drilling altogether and open her own used furnishings store. Lynn walked over to her. “Hello.” Ellen’s truck was in the drive. Lynn had to have known she was at the office, so...why had she not waited until Ellen was gone to do whatever she needed to do? Although Ellen came to the meetings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, she went into the field directly after and didn’t return until Lynn had left, around four. Then she did her paperwork and put it on Lynn’s desk so Lynn could handle the ordering and billing and if Lynn had questions, she’d attach a sticky note to whatever it was and return it to Ellen’s desk. That process had been working well for them; Ellen saw no need to change it. But she smiled, as though she wasn’t instantly anxious at the prospect of being alone with the woman who’d been so unkind to her. “Hi,” she said before going back to figuring out the amount and type of supplies she’d need to bid on a job one of their clients had referred to them. “How’s your day going?” Lynn aske“Not so bad. I got Leo into that ceramics class.” “At Shirley’s?” “Yeah.” Ellen had put an advertisement she’d found posted on the bulletin board at Talulah’s diner on Lynn’s desk. She’d known as soon as she saw it how much Leo would enjoy doing something like that. “I’m glad. He’s going to love it.” “I think so, too.” She walked over and filled a cup with water from the cooler. “How’s your mother?” Ellen pulled her gaze away from her work once more. “She’s...fine.” “Still working for your old boss?” “Yeah. I actually think they might be dating. Can you believe that?” Lynn chuckled. “That’s lucky, since you think so highly of him.” It meant she didn’t have to worry so much about Jan. She was grateful for that. And even though their relationship had been strained since the DNA test which had revealed her affair with their onetime neighbor, they’d been talking fairly regularly again. Her mother was the way she was. There didn’t seem to be any point in holding something she’d done thirty years ago against her, especially when Ellen was happier than she’d ever been. “Ross is a really good man.” Lynn took a drink of water. “What are you and Hendrix doing tonight?” “No plans. We don’t go out very often midweek.” “Would you like to come over for my polenta and chicken salad?” Ellen had no idea what to say. Typically, she let Hendrix visit his aunt and uncle and do dinner and other things with his family on his own. He’d tried to invite her occasionally, but she’d always managed to come up with an excuse, and she’d never received an invitation directly from Lynn. “That’s the salad you sent home with Hendrix a few weeks ago, isn’t it?” she asked, stalling while she tried to think. “It is. I sent the leftovers, and he said you loved them.” “I did,” she said. “That salad’s delicious.” “So...you’ll come? At six?” Ellen hesitated. She was trying to think of a polite way out, but she was afraid Lynn would be able to see through any excuse she offered. “Um, yeah, of course—as long as Hendrix doesn’t have something planned that I don’t know about.” “I already talked to him. He said he was open to it if you were.” “Oh.” Ellen blinked several times before curving her lips into yet another smile. “Okay, then. Is there...is there anything you’d like me to bring?” “No, I’ve got it,” she replied. Ellen stood and began gathering her stuff. “Let me know if you change your mind.” “You’re leaving?” Lynn said. “There’s a few things I have to go do.” All she had to do was finish her paperwork, but she was going to do that at home. “I’ll see you tonight, then.” “See you soon.” She crossed the room and was just about to open the door when Lynn said, “Ellen?” Making sure her smile was still in place, Ellen turned. “Yes?” “I was wrong about you,” she said. “I’m sorry—for everything.”
November 23, 2023
DISCLAIMER: I was given an advanced reader's copy for my honest review and posting on social media for my honest review. I am also a friend of the author and have read all of her books. Yet she trusts me to be honest and unbiased.
The Talk of Coyote Canyon is the second book in The Coyote Canyon series.
We are whisked away to Coyote Canyon, a small town in Montana. Much like all small towns, everyone seems to know everyone and everything, or at least they think they do. We are reunited with the characters in the first book. Some I could have done without, but every good storyline needs an antagonist!
This story centers around Ellen Truesdale. She's new in town and doesn't fit in. Is that because she has tattoos, piercings, short dyed spiked hair, or because of preconceived opinions because of rumors spread by her jealous stepmother? Or because she is a woman bold enough to start a business that is male-dominated, a well-drilling company? A business that makes her the rival to her father and his business partner, Hendrix Durrant! And she is driven to put them out of business. To prove once and for all that it was a mistake to abandon her as a child.
There are many levels of trust, abandonment, lies, hate, love, self worth, and pride that need to be peeled back before she can truly be happy. Did she trust the wrong people? Did she hate the wrong people? Did she believe lies to be truth? And did they (her father, stepmother, Hendrix, her mother)? Will she be able to have a romance? Would she be loved by anyone?
All of those are valid questions that you will have The Talk of Coyote Canyon to get the answers!
The true value of a great book and author is when you reach the final page and that final period you want more. This is NOT lost of The Talk of Coyote Canyon! Thank goodness we have a third book in this series coming soon (The Messy Lives of Jane Tanner).
Well done my friend, well done!
The Talk of Coyote Canyon is the second book in The Coyote Canyon series.
We are whisked away to Coyote Canyon, a small town in Montana. Much like all small towns, everyone seems to know everyone and everything, or at least they think they do. We are reunited with the characters in the first book. Some I could have done without, but every good storyline needs an antagonist!
This story centers around Ellen Truesdale. She's new in town and doesn't fit in. Is that because she has tattoos, piercings, short dyed spiked hair, or because of preconceived opinions because of rumors spread by her jealous stepmother? Or because she is a woman bold enough to start a business that is male-dominated, a well-drilling company? A business that makes her the rival to her father and his business partner, Hendrix Durrant! And she is driven to put them out of business. To prove once and for all that it was a mistake to abandon her as a child.
There are many levels of trust, abandonment, lies, hate, love, self worth, and pride that need to be peeled back before she can truly be happy. Did she trust the wrong people? Did she hate the wrong people? Did she believe lies to be truth? And did they (her father, stepmother, Hendrix, her mother)? Will she be able to have a romance? Would she be loved by anyone?
All of those are valid questions that you will have The Talk of Coyote Canyon to get the answers!
The true value of a great book and author is when you reach the final page and that final period you want more. This is NOT lost of The Talk of Coyote Canyon! Thank goodness we have a third book in this series coming soon (The Messy Lives of Jane Tanner).
Well done my friend, well done!
March 14, 2024
Loved it
I don't know how someone can be mean to a child that already feels badly about herself. I'm not sure I could have forgave Lynn and Stuart. I'm glad she finally was able to be happy.
I don't know how someone can be mean to a child that already feels badly about herself. I'm not sure I could have forgave Lynn and Stuart. I'm glad she finally was able to be happy.
January 28, 2024
wow
Brenda knows how to throw a curve and really wow with surprise , loved this book and can’t wait for next
Brenda knows how to throw a curve and really wow with surprise , loved this book and can’t wait for next
December 3, 2023
Down Syndrome Kid Steals Show. First, about the title of this review - as an Autistic, I *despise* so-called "person first" language, because it doesn't actually put the person first. It claims that a person whose so-called "disability" is integral to their very personhood and way they live instead could simply discard it as easily as changing their hair color, among other easily changed things a person is described as "with". Bullshit. Such an ability permeates the person thoroughly, and directly influences how the person perceives - and thus processes and expresses their thoughts and feelings about - literally everything around them.
Thus, the Down Syndrome character himself- and the brilliant and very human way Novak shows him - is actually one of the better features of this particular tale, one that I've seen no other reviewer discuss thus far, even though this character is a major motivator for our hero of this book. Of note, other than mentioning the Down Syndrome near the time the character is first introduced, it is rarely if ever mentioned again - to the point that I actually had to go back and search the book to verify the actual description initially used for the character as I began to write this review. And this is *exactly* what one would expect in a small town where everyone knows everyone - by the time of our story here, everyone in town is already well aware of this kid and his condition, so why bother repeating it?
As to the romance itself, other than the fact that both of our leads are well drillers - presumably a rarity for a female in particular, and not exactly a profession many in suburbia and/ or the Eastern US are familiar with - ... eh, fairly standard slow burn enemies to lovers type tale, with a lot of complications due to varying family and small town dynamics. As usually happens, particularly within the enemies to lovers space. (And no, this is no Romeo and Juliet. Romeo and Juliet was teen angst gone murderous, with a remarkably high body count for such a short overall tale. Here, our leads are not exactly "old and wisened", but they're also well away from teen angst... even if they've never actually resolved some very big issues from earlier in their lives (yet).
And yes, the ending here was a bit abrupt. Did Novak realize she was at her target word/ page count and simply rush the ending, rather than fill it out a bit more completely as the story seemed to demand here? Who knows. But it absolutely felt rushed and even a bit lackadaisical. Certainly, Novak has proven with other books - including the first book in this series! - that she is capable of much better.
One final note, specifically for the "clean" / "sweet" romance crowd - yet again, likely not one for y'all. Novak isn't shy with on screen sex when it serves the purposes of the story, though this isn't one of those "damn near erotica" level books either. So for everyone, know that the spice level here is roughly along the lines of a chipotle. Fairly mild, overall - yet still far too spicy for some.
Overall, this book was one of those that had a couple of stand-out features that were done truly particularly well (Down Syndrome character + well drilling profession) and otherwise was more of a routine (yet solid, to be clear) small town enemies to lovers romance, maybe with some extra dynamics to add a touch more drama/ fill some extra pages. I'm very much looking forward ot the next book in this series.
Very much recommended.
Thus, the Down Syndrome character himself- and the brilliant and very human way Novak shows him - is actually one of the better features of this particular tale, one that I've seen no other reviewer discuss thus far, even though this character is a major motivator for our hero of this book. Of note, other than mentioning the Down Syndrome near the time the character is first introduced, it is rarely if ever mentioned again - to the point that I actually had to go back and search the book to verify the actual description initially used for the character as I began to write this review. And this is *exactly* what one would expect in a small town where everyone knows everyone - by the time of our story here, everyone in town is already well aware of this kid and his condition, so why bother repeating it?
As to the romance itself, other than the fact that both of our leads are well drillers - presumably a rarity for a female in particular, and not exactly a profession many in suburbia and/ or the Eastern US are familiar with - ... eh, fairly standard slow burn enemies to lovers type tale, with a lot of complications due to varying family and small town dynamics. As usually happens, particularly within the enemies to lovers space. (And no, this is no Romeo and Juliet. Romeo and Juliet was teen angst gone murderous, with a remarkably high body count for such a short overall tale. Here, our leads are not exactly "old and wisened", but they're also well away from teen angst... even if they've never actually resolved some very big issues from earlier in their lives (yet).
And yes, the ending here was a bit abrupt. Did Novak realize she was at her target word/ page count and simply rush the ending, rather than fill it out a bit more completely as the story seemed to demand here? Who knows. But it absolutely felt rushed and even a bit lackadaisical. Certainly, Novak has proven with other books - including the first book in this series! - that she is capable of much better.
One final note, specifically for the "clean" / "sweet" romance crowd - yet again, likely not one for y'all. Novak isn't shy with on screen sex when it serves the purposes of the story, though this isn't one of those "damn near erotica" level books either. So for everyone, know that the spice level here is roughly along the lines of a chipotle. Fairly mild, overall - yet still far too spicy for some.
Overall, this book was one of those that had a couple of stand-out features that were done truly particularly well (Down Syndrome character + well drilling profession) and otherwise was more of a routine (yet solid, to be clear) small town enemies to lovers romance, maybe with some extra dynamics to add a touch more drama/ fill some extra pages. I'm very much looking forward ot the next book in this series.
Very much recommended.
November 29, 2023
All through this book, I wanted to take Ellen into my arms and hug her. With the way she was treated as a child, and even now, I am surprised she wasn’t more bitter. Sure there is bitterness there, but she is more pragmatic than anything else. She has learned that nobody is going to help her with anything so she buckles down and does it herself, no matter how grim things look.
Hendrix and Ellen are an unlikely pair. He’s not very likable in the beginning and that has everything to do with how he was raised by his aunt, Ellen’s step-mom. I don’t think you can even call her a step-mom though since she had no hand in raising Ellen. When her parents divorced and her dad remarried, he cut Ellen out of his life because of his wife. Lynn was jealous of a little girl and couldn’t stand not being the only woman in her husband’s life. And he let her! I cannot express how despicable I find these people. Lynn and Stuart (Ellen’s dad) are wonderful parents to Lynn’s son as well as her nephew Hendrix whom she had guardianship of, so it’s all the more blatant how terribly Ellen is/was treated. I’m going to come back around to all of that later.
While he had a rocky start, I ended up adoring Hendrix. He is a smart enough man with enough empathy to realize how wrong Ellen’s upbringing had been once he got to know her and could see things from her point of view. He feels a loyalty toward his aunt who took him in when his mother died, and her husband who treated him like his own son, so he never looked at the situation with clear eyes until he was forced to. I felt Ellen’s hatred of Hendrix wasn’t fair in many ways, but I understood the feelings. He got what she was denied with her father’s love. It’s all so heartbreaking. But she’s so admirable, even while she’s fighting a vendetta against that side of her family.
The relationship may seem unlikely, but Ellen and Hendrix are wonderful with each other. I enjoyed the push/pull they had and how they couldn’t stay away from each other, even knowing the stakes. I couldn’t get enough of these two together, especially once they stopped fighting.
Back to Ellen’s dad and his wife. I don’t want to give anything away but I will say I’m not sure I’m happy with how things were resolved. I can’t imagine being in Ellen’s situation, or Hendrix’s for that matter. I don’t know that I would have made the same decision they did in the end.
One last thing. There is someone in town who featured in both stories so far in this series that I think everyone is drastically underestimating. I’m hoping things don’t end in tragedy when it comes to this person and their motivations. At the same time, I’m finding the character as well as the reactions of those around her to be fascinating.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can find an excerpt of this book on my blog, All In Good Time.
Hendrix and Ellen are an unlikely pair. He’s not very likable in the beginning and that has everything to do with how he was raised by his aunt, Ellen’s step-mom. I don’t think you can even call her a step-mom though since she had no hand in raising Ellen. When her parents divorced and her dad remarried, he cut Ellen out of his life because of his wife. Lynn was jealous of a little girl and couldn’t stand not being the only woman in her husband’s life. And he let her! I cannot express how despicable I find these people. Lynn and Stuart (Ellen’s dad) are wonderful parents to Lynn’s son as well as her nephew Hendrix whom she had guardianship of, so it’s all the more blatant how terribly Ellen is/was treated. I’m going to come back around to all of that later.
While he had a rocky start, I ended up adoring Hendrix. He is a smart enough man with enough empathy to realize how wrong Ellen’s upbringing had been once he got to know her and could see things from her point of view. He feels a loyalty toward his aunt who took him in when his mother died, and her husband who treated him like his own son, so he never looked at the situation with clear eyes until he was forced to. I felt Ellen’s hatred of Hendrix wasn’t fair in many ways, but I understood the feelings. He got what she was denied with her father’s love. It’s all so heartbreaking. But she’s so admirable, even while she’s fighting a vendetta against that side of her family.
The relationship may seem unlikely, but Ellen and Hendrix are wonderful with each other. I enjoyed the push/pull they had and how they couldn’t stay away from each other, even knowing the stakes. I couldn’t get enough of these two together, especially once they stopped fighting.
Back to Ellen’s dad and his wife. I don’t want to give anything away but I will say I’m not sure I’m happy with how things were resolved. I can’t imagine being in Ellen’s situation, or Hendrix’s for that matter. I don’t know that I would have made the same decision they did in the end.
One last thing. There is someone in town who featured in both stories so far in this series that I think everyone is drastically underestimating. I’m hoping things don’t end in tragedy when it comes to this person and their motivations. At the same time, I’m finding the character as well as the reactions of those around her to be fascinating.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can find an excerpt of this book on my blog, All In Good Time.
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