The Victorian (Lavender Shores #9) by Rosalind Abel

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Blurb

Sexy bartender Seth Marino is the epitome of the allure and sophistication for which the town of Lavender Shores is known. For twenty years, Seth has found contentment and happiness as co-owner of the Blue Blossom Bed-and-Breakfast. Seth’s kind heart, good looks, and humor charm both locals and tourists—except the one person who despises him.  
 
Charley Perez began building the life of his dreams a few years before Seth moved to town. Just as his hard work was about to pay off, Charley saw his hopes for building a restaurant worthy of his abuela’s recipes slip through his fingers when Seth arrived. Sure, maybe Charley has a temper, perhaps he should smile more, but does the whole world have to lay out the red carpet for the slutty bartender while never giving Charley a break?

When Lavender Shores welcomes a star-studded food-and-wine celebration, Seth and Charley are forced to work together, leading to an explosion of anger and passion. Both men find the heat and fire of hatred morphing into an irresistible attraction. But even as Seth sees a different side of Charley, the hurt and anger of the past simmer below the surface, threatening the future. And a lifetime of struggle isn’t easy for Charley, who must find the courage to show his true self in seeking help and reaching for his dreams. 

(Contains Lavender Shores maps and family trees.)

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

I've love all of Rosalind Abel's books, but The Victorian is amazing!

It's essentially an enemies to lovers story, but it is so much more. It's complex, and tackles some important issues. 

It's a compelling story of someone who's so broken that he can't allow himself to be happy. It's a reminder to start imagining what you want and to find your happiness, your true love.

It's a wonderful story of two men who despised one another, yet never really knew each other. Sometimes we only see what we want to see, instead of seeing what's really happening. Their story perfectly captures this.

It's a tender, real, and raw look at a man suffering with mental health issues, and the shame that comes with it. The enlightenment that follows is well written and well developed.

The Victorian is another riveting and superb romance in the Lavender Shores series by Rosalind Abel. It's emotional and will push some of your buttons, as issues such as anger, anxiety and depression, are approached with understanding and tact. I love this book and cannot praise it enough!

Alcove by Rosalind Abel

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Blurb:

Jasper Getty is living his dream as the owner of the charming bookshop, Lavender Pages. For seven years, he’s enjoyed the safety and freedom to be himself, selling books by day and curling up and getting lost in novels by night. But a dark page from the past comes back to haunt Jasper as his ex begins stalking him.
Russell Wallace hit reset on his life in Nashville and became a bodyguard after decades of living according to family expectations. But even years later, he doesn’t believe he deserves happiness. When Russell is asked to travel to the beautiful seaside town of Lavender Shores to protect a friend’s brother, he expects nothing more than a job and a paycheck.
But Lavender Shores reveals a world Russell never imagined, and his immediate attraction to the adorably geeky Jasper complicates an already difficult job. Jolted by the memory of a shared moment and paths that crossed years ago intensifies the sparks into a bonfire of passion and hope. 
When danger comes pounding at the door, Jasper is in danger of losing his life… and his heart.

(Contains Lavender Shores maps and family trees.)

REVIEW
My Rating - 5 Stars!

Jasper needs a bodyguard to protect him from an ex. His brother hires Rusell. Jasper is not happy about this. Thinking having Russell around will be sufacating, he is surprised to find himself actually more at ease in his presence.

This isn't the first time they have met. They have a history. A short, brief, sexual history seven years ago. Now they are avoiding the sexual tension between them. Avoiding it though, starts to seem pointless. After all, they have a sexual history and heavy sexual tension between them.

Jasper and Russell are two very different kind of men. They have a large age difference, but that never seems to matter. Jasper is a book worm who finds solice in his books. Russell is a former cop who hasn't read since school.

One of my favorite parts of this story, is the way Jasper describes books. As a book lover myself, this part was just so touching and resonated with me to my core.

The Alcove is a fantastic addition to this series. The entire series is just fantastic. I absolutely adore the town of Lavendar Shores. They people who live there are all such unique people. Of course, one of my absolute favorite secondary characters, Robert, continues to make he laugh. He is truly an amusing and brilliant character!  

If you haven't read any of the Lavender Shores series, do so now!