*I received a free copy of Discovering You from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Discovering You by Brenda Novak Series: Whiskey Creek #10
Published by Harlequin MIRA on 24 May 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 400
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
Can she ever trust another "bad boy"?
India Sommers once had the perfect family—until an ex-boyfriend broke in and shot her husband. Not only did that cost her the man she loved, a respected heart surgeon and the father of her child, but she also feels responsible. Charlie died because of the people she hung out with before she had the strength to change her life.
Just after moving to Whiskey Creek with her little girl, Cassia, to start over, she's learned that her ex-boyfriend's trial ended in a hung jury. He's getting out of jail; he could try to find her again. And that's not all that scares her. She's extremely attracted to her next-door neighbor, but Rod Amos is the handsome "bad boy" type that's given her so much trouble in the past. If she got involved with him, her in-laws would sue for custody of Cassia.
India has to keep her distance from Rod—but the more she gets to know him, the more difficult that becomes.
Discovering You is just as much about self-discovery as it is about discovering other people and getting to know them. Strong characters made the story move forward.
If you’re familiar with Novak’s Whiskey Creek series, you know all about the Amos bad-boy brothers – how they aren’t necessarily as bad as some people make them out to be, because they’re hard-working, loyal and open for love if it ever comes their way. Discovering You is about India, who has just moved to Whiskey Creek, and her frequent encounters with Rod. India has been through a pretty horrible year, and it seems her ordeal is not completely over yet. Between what India thinks she needs, and what her heart wants – there’s a chasm, and Rod might be so much more than meets the eye. However, India has too much to lose if she gets involved with him, especially because her in-laws have her daughter at the moment.
There is both mystery, heartache and romance in Discovering You. We got several glimpses into the Amos household, and there is a lot going on there, especially the dynamics between the brothers on one side, and their father with his bride and step-daughter on the other. There is also more than one budding romance in this story, one that has some strong shades of forbidden – but that really isn’t… And I sure hope the next Whiskey Creek novel will feature the other couple.
India and Rod drew me into their story from the start, and I loved how India was doing her best to be strong, and to do the right thing – both for herself and for her daughter. Moving forward and being so very brave made me love her even more. And I have to say, the tender and romantic moments between India and Rod almost made my kindle melt, that’s how hot they were together!
Written in third person point of view, past tense, Discovering You also included dialogues that made getting to know the characters very easy. There was both humor and hotness and seeing how well India and Rod worked together made me want more.
Yep, this was exactly the kind of guy she would’ve liked once upon a time. She wouldn’t have cared that he could be volatile. She wouldn’t have cared that he probably didn’t have a college education or even a decent job. Physically, he was everything a woman dreamed about.
“I guess friends will be a good place to start.”
“To start?” she echoed.
“I’m going to want to sleep with you eventually,” he said, and when he didn’t so much as crack a smile, she knew it wasn’t a joke.
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
It sounds like a nice one there! A good romance!
It’s a great romance, Melliane 🙂
I really need to pick up the first one in this series. I haven’t tried a Brenda Novak book, but this sounds really good. I like that she has to discover herself as much as there is a seemingly bad boy neighbor tempting her.
You don’t have to read these in order, Sophia Rose… And you’re definitely missing out if you haven’t read any Brenda Novak novels yet… they are well done! And I love the small-town setting in this series 🙂
Of course, the bad boy neighbor is delicious, too 😉
Twitter: bmreviewsohmy
I think I have the first in this series but I haven’t read it…shocking I know….lol. I like Brenda Novak’s romantic suspense but not tried her regular contemporary…maybe one day. 🙂
Oh her romantic suspense is awesome, too, Stormi, I agree!
I came home with one of her books so I will be trying her. I don’t think I have read her though I used to wait for her online auction. There was tons of good stuff!
I have read a lot of Novak’s books, and I really enjoy them. I hope you’ll enjoy the one you brought home with you! (Is it the secret one or the thriller?)
I’ve been wanting to try out Brenda Novak’s books. I’m glad you really enjoyed this one. Do you recommend I start with Whiskey Creek?
You can start with any series you like, Quinn! I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve read by Novak. But with the Whiskey Creek series, you won’t really miss anything if you don’t read them in order.
I’m not reading your review yet since I’m currently reading Discovering You, Lexxie. I’ll come back later today or tomorrow to see what you thought. 😀
Brandee, I hope you’re enjoying Discovering You as much as I did! I look forward to your review! *BIG HUGS*
I am going to read and review this as well! Great review, I can tell that I will like this book. I love romance and mystery together in a book! Thanks 🙂
I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did, Cindy!
Do the brothers have a good relationship? I love good bro banter. lol. I haven’t read any of her books, but I do want to.
Yes, the brothers are extremely loyal towards each other, and that just makes it even better!
Twitter: Mollykatie112
I really do think this sounds good! Kindle melting huh?Do you have to read these in order?
You don’t have to read these in order, Lorna, as each story follows a different couple, and the interactions between different friends still would make sense to you, I’m sure.
And yes… I love melting kindles 😉
I think I have the first Whiskey Creek book or one of this author her first in a series books, I bought it after seeing her on your blog once. She sounds like an author who’s books I would enjoy. I like the sound of how this is about discovering yourself and others. And a bit of mystery and romance sounds like a fun combination. Great review!
I think you’d enjoy Novak’s books, too, Lola 🙂 And I hope you’ll find the time to read the one by her you already own 🙂