Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Making Waves
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE: 1963
WEBSITE: http://www.lauramoorebooks.com/
CITY:
STATE: RI
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
http://www.lauramoorebooks.com/Bio.html
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in New York, NY; married.
EDUCATION:M.A. in art history.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago, lecturer; has taught art, art history, French, and English; competitive equestrian; also worked as stable groom and exerciser.
MEMBER:Romance Writers of America.
AWARDS:ARTemis Award, Romance Writers of America, for Night Swimming; Maggie Award in the Single Title category of the Georgia Romance Writers’ Maggies, New England Reader’s Choice Bean Pot Award, Award of Merit in the Mainstream/Single Title category, Virginia Romance Writer’s HOLT Medallion contest, and Winter Rose Award for Excellence in Romantic Fiction, Yellow Rose Romance Writers of America chapter, all 2011, for Remember Me; Golden Quill Contest, Desert Rose RWA, 2012, for Believe in Me.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Laura Moore turned from a career as an art lecturer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago to that of a romance novelist with her first novel, Ride a Dark Horse, from 2001. Since that debut, she has gone on write ten further romance titles, dealing with everything from horses to ocean reefs and from life on a western ranch to life in the Hamptons. Born in New York City, she grew up in western Massachusetts and now makes her home in Providence, Rhode Island.
Ride a Dark Horse and Chance Meeting
Moore’s first two novels, Ride a Dark Horse and Chance Meeting, are set in the world of horses and professional show jumping. The former title takes place in the Virginia horse country and features Cassie Miller, who was on track to become a star equestrian rider until tragedy struck and she became the guardian of her orphaned niece and nephew. To make ends meet, she takes a job as a horse trainer at a prestigious stable and is confronted with not only a recalcitrant horse but also a local vet who once owned the horse and who attracts Cassie’s attention. Reviewing this debut novel at the RT Book Reviews website, Jill M. Smith termed this a “strong and vibrant first book that is sure to gain Ms. Moore quite a following.” Online Crescent Blues contributor Patricia Lucas White also had praise, calling it a “richly satisfying book that teaches much about horse shows, family interactions and the power of love.”
Chance Meeting features another frustrated equestrian, Ty Stannard, who tries to escape the confines of her father’s wealth by riding. She is on her way to becoming a top rider when a fall sidelines her. The years pass, and she remains an independent and wealthy woman. Her idol as a young rider was the champion Steve Sheppard, and he has now fallen on hard times. She wants to help him, but he sees her only as spoiled rich woman. He challenges her not only to become a financial backer for his ranch but to take on the work of stable hand as well. Ty surprisingly accepts the challenge, leading to unexpected love for Steve. “Moore’s hot streak continues as once more she gives readers a book that is filled with multifaceted emotions, deep passion and romance,” noted Smith in the online RT Book Reviews.
Night Swimming and In Your Eyes
As Moore notes on her author website, she turns from “horses to seahorses” with Night Swimming, featuring Dr. Lily Banyon, who for years has studied and tried to preserve coral reefs around the world. Now assigned a reef study in Coral Beach, Florida, she is confronted with her past in the form of her childhood rival, Sean McDermott, mayor of the town. Childhood rivalries soon turn to mutual attraction in this “satisfying tale about how things are not always what they seem,” according to Booklist reviewer Mary K. Chelton. Writing in RT Book Reviews, Smith added further praise, commenting: “A rising star, Laura Moore continues to build an impressive resume of highly readable books.”
In Your Eyes features jaded financier Alex Miller, a character from Ride a Dark Horse. He finally finds his match in the artist Gen Monaghan, and instead of running away, Alex wants to convince Gen that he’s the right man for her. “Moore has really hit her stride as an author who explores emotions and passion with equal flair,” commented RT Book Reviews website contributor Smith of this novel.
"Rosewood Trilogy"
Moore launches her “Rosewood Trilogy” with Remember Me. The series features three sisters—Jordan, Margot, and Jade Radcliffe—who battle to save their family horse-breeding farm, Rosewood. Middle sister Margot is in the spotlight in the first novel. She ran away from home eight years earlier and became a successful model. Returning to Rosewood Farm following the death of her father and stepmother in an accident, she discovers that in order to save the place she must make peace with the farm’s horse trainer, Travis Maher, the cause of her sudden departure those many years ago. Whitney Kate Sullivan, writing in the online RT Book Reviews, called this a “delicious read” as well as a “heartfelt tale.” A more varied assessment was offered by a Publishers Weekly Online writer who commented: “Moore’s novel makes details of horse farming as interesting as the fashion world, but her vivid settings elbow out character development.”
The series continues with Believe in Me, featuring Jordan Radcliffe, surviving a painful divorce and ultimately finding real love in a “definite must read,” according to an online Long and Short Reviews contributor. The third sister, Jade Radcliffe, is determined to stop her wild ways and help out at Rosewood Farm in Trouble Me, in which “Moore fuses a love story with a tale of two people finally growing up and letting go of the past,” according to B. Nakia Garner in RT Book Reviews.
"Silver Creek" Series
Moore sets her “Silver Creek” series on the Silver Creek guest ranch owned by the Knowles family. This working ranch is located on several thousand acres in Northern California and features three siblings who finally find the right mates. Ward Knowles is the lead in Once Tempted. Though he has been wounded emotionally by an ex-fiancée who betrayed him, he manages to open to Tess Casari, recently arrived from New York to work at the ranch. Tess has her own emotional wounds to recover from, and soon the two find healing in each other. Writing in RT Book Reviews, Susan Mobley felt this first installment is “packed with plenty of great, realistic dialogue and features two main characters whose actions and choices are easy to sympathize with.”
Once Tasted focuses on younger brother Reid Knowles, who still pines for the girl next door, Mia Bodell, whose uncle owns a vineyard. The relationship is renewed when Reid fulfills a promise to this uncle to help Mia manage the winery. Online RT Book Reviews contributor Bridget Keown noted that this novel “opens with a lighthearted tale of opposites attracting, but it isn’t long before the depth of her characters and the high stakes of their romance become clear.” Further praise came from a Publishers Weekly reviewer who noted: “Fans of pushy alpha males will enjoy saddling up with this . . . adventurously explicit liaison full of intriguing details about winemaking,” The series concludes with Once Touched, featuring sister Quinn Knowles, who has a habit of rejecting all suitors. Online RT Book Reviews writer Marcia Tealer dubbed this a “cozily romantic tale.”
Making Waves
In Making Waves: A Beach Lane Novel, Moore launches another series of books, this time set in the wealthy Hamptons of Long Island. Dakota Hale is at the center of this first series novel, and she has opened a successful concierge business in the Hamptons. Dakota is the polar opposite of her irresponsible socialite mother and focuses her energies on her business and on surfing. But when wealthy and charming Max Carr hires her, she discovers she is attracted to him despite herself, and the playboy Carr now also finds himself trying to woo this beautiful and intelligent woman.
“This plot-driven story of independent lovers determined to resist drama and societal expectations will resonate with romance readers,” noted a Publishers Weekly reviewer of Making Waves. Smith, writing in RT Book Reviews, similarly termed this a “compelling and emotional story filled with complicated characters who must deal with past baggage if they are ever to build lasting relationships.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, May 1, 2003, Mary K. Chelton, review of Night Swimming, p. 1584.
Publishers Weekly, April 14, 2014, review of Once Tasted, p. 40; March 13, 2017, review of Making Waves: A Beach Lane Novel, p. 64.
ONLINE
Cocktails & Books, http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/ (December 6, 2015), review of Once Touched.
Crescent Blues, http://www.crescentblues.com/ (October 22, 2017), Patricia Lucas White, review of Ride a Dark Horse.
Dear Author, http://dearauthor.com/ (April 25, 2012), review of Trouble Me.
Harlequin Junkie, http://harlequinjunkie.com/ (June 4, 2013), review of Once Tempted.
Hot Sauce Reviews, https://mrsgiggles.com/ (October 6, 2001), review of Chance Meeting.
Laura Moore Website, http://www.lauramoorebooks.com (October 3, 2017).
Long and Short Reviews, https://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/ (March 8, 2011), review of Believe in Me.
RT Book Reviews, https://www.rtbookreviews.com/ (October 22, 2017), Jill M. Smith, review of Ride a Dark Horse, Night Swimming, In Your Eyes, Chance Meeting, and Making Waves; Marcia Tealer, review of Once Touched; Bridget Keown, review of Once Tasted; Susan Mobley, review of Once Tempted; B. Nakia Garner, review of Trouble Me and Believe in Me; Whitney Kate Sullivan, review of Remember Me.
Publishers Weekly Website, https://www.publishersweekly.com/ (January 25, 2010), review of Remember Me.
QUOTE:
horses to seahorses
Who Is Laura Moore?
BIOGRAPHY
I was born in New York City and grew up there and in Western Massachusetts. I received my undergraduate degree and my M.A. in art history. Over the years I've worked as a lecturer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago and have taught art, art history, French, and English. A lifelong horse lover, I’ve ridden competitively and worked as a stable groom and exerciser.
I began writing my first romance while pursuing my master's degree. My first novel, Ride a Dark Horse, filled most of a spiral bound notebook. I was running out of pages when my wonderful husband presented me with a laptop for my birthday. It didn't take long for me to realize I far preferred writing love stories to cranking out term papers!
Both Ride a Dark Horse and Chance Meeting, my second novel, are set in a world I've always loved, that of horses and professional show jumping. Writing about the amazing bond between horses and the humans who work with them, care for them, and love them is immensely satisfying. Being able to share that world with my readers is equally special.
From horses to seahorses. One of my favorite heroes as a child was Jacques Cousteau. For years I dreamed of being the female version of this incredible scientist/naturalist/explorer. I took up scuba diving and when I wasn't riding horses I was swimming and eventually became an avid open water swimmer. One of my proudest accomplishments was competing in the Chesapeake Bay Swim, a four-mile swim that follows the span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Although I never fulfilled my fantasy of becoming a female Jacques Cousteau, I decided to write a romance in which I could pay my respects to the wonders of the ocean. My heroine in Night Swimming is Dr. Lily Banyon, a scientist committed to preserving the beauty of the oceans' reefs. After years of marine exploration, Lily finds herself assigned to a reef study in Coral Beach, Florida, her old hometown. There she is forced to confront her childhood nemesis, Sean McDermott, who just happens to be the town's mayor.
In Your Eyes tells the story of Alex Miller. Readers may remember him from Ride a Dark Horse. I found myself trying to imagine what kind of woman would be able to melt the icy layer protecting Alex’s heart. It took me a while, but I finally found someone special enough for him. I hope you'll like Gen Monaghan as much as I do. A gifted artist, she’s a woman who's happy to walk a different path. Jaded Alex Miller finds her irresistible. Now he just has to convince Gen that he's the man for her.
As the only girl in my family I’ve always been interested in sisters--how they fight, compete, and support each other. That was the kernel of the idea for the Rosewood Trilogy. The series is about three sisters, Jordan, Margot, and Jade Radcliffe, and how they come together to save the horse breeding farm and magnificent Virginia estate that’s been in their family for generations.
Margot’s story is the first book. It’s entitled Remember Me. Margot is the middle sister, and when we meet her she’s an unhappy and impetuous teen, flooded with hormones and the craziness of her first serious crush. Unfortunately, the person she’s fallen for isn’t just some callow youth but her father’s horse trainer: Travis Maher. At a family party, Margot suffers in short order devastating rejections from the two most important men in her life: Travis and her father. Hurt and convinced there’s no place for her at Rosewood, she runs away. Eight years later Margot, a successful model, returns to Rosewood, a place she never expected to see again. Once there, she discovers that in order to save her family’s horse breeding farm she’ll need the help of Travis Maher, the one man she’s never been able to forget.
Believe in Me, is Jordan Radcliffe’s story. The book begins with Jordan struggling to save her marriage after discovering that her husband, Richard, was unfaithful while she was pregnant with their third child. Determined to be productive, while effectively hiding the heartache she still suffers, Jordan revitalizes the career as an interior designer that she’d set aside. At the house of her first potential client, she meets Owen Gage, an architect and designer, who specializes in restoring historical homes. When Owen, who himself is wary of any romantic involvement, offers her an interior decorating job that she badly wants, she accepts the commission even though it will entail working alongside him every day. Very soon Jordan is forced to recognize that Owen may be the one man who can heal her broken heart—if she has the courage to open it to love again.
In Trouble Me, Jade Radcliffe is now a young woman who’s pretty much gotten her act together. A recent college grad, she’s determined to shake the wild reputation she earned as a teen and take her place alongside her sisters training horses at Rosewood Farm and teaching at the local elementary school. Jade plans to be a model citizen, a real paragon. The only hitch in her plan is that on her way home a terrible lightning storm forces her to spend the night in a hotel near Norfolk, Virginia. And when she meets a handsome stranger in a bar she learns that the summer lightning storm raging outside is nothing compared to the electricity that sizzles when they touch. Though Jade thinks she’s just indulging in a final one night stand before assuming an ultra respectable persona, it turns out that her handsome stranger is not such a stranger after all...
Come west with me and enjoy my new Silver Creek series! There’ll be handsome cowboys, strong, passionate women, fast Quarter horses, ornery cattle and even some sheep and goats!
Owned by the Knowles family, Silver Creek is a working guest ranch, located on three thousand acres in Northern California. Once Tempted, Book One in the series, tells the story of Ward Knowles, the eldest son. At age thirty, Ward is handsome, accomplished, and ambitious, a man as comfortable in a business meeting as he is in the saddle working one of the cutting horses, herding cattle, or leading the ranch’s guests on a trail ride. But there’s one thing from which Ward shies away: love. Betrayed by his ex-fiancée, Ward has yet to meet a woman who can heal the wounds to his heart. Until the day Tess Casari drives up to his family’s ranch.
To escape the painful memories of a failed marriage, Tess Casari leaves her life in New York City and the world she knows and sets out for California. A city girl, Tess would prefer to make a new life for herself in a place like L.A. or San Francisco, but Fate decrees otherwise, and Tess finds herself working at Silver Creek Ranch. The ranch is a sprawling operation and is home to more four-legged animals than she’s ever seen. But it’s a certain two-legged creature, a proud cowboy named Ward Knowles--who just happens to be her new employer--that is the most worrisome thing about her new life...worrisome in the most delicious and distracting way. Once Tempted is available now.
Once Tasted, Book Two in the series, is the story of Reid Knowles, Ward’s younger brother. Everybody loves Reid. He’s a handsome, blue-eyed cowboy who can charm just about any woman. Any woman but Mia Bodell. Mia and her uncle Thomas own the vineyard next to Silver Creek Ranch. Mia’s youthful infatuation for Reid was killed years ago. For his part, Reid would just as soon steer clear of Mia. Unfortunately, he’s made a promise to Mia’s uncle to help Mia manage the winery...all too soon the sparks begin to fly between Mia and Reid.
Once Touched, Book Three of the Silver Creek series, is Quinn Knowles’s story. Were Quinn to be handed a frog with the promise that her kiss could transform the amphibian into a prince, she’d open her fingers and let it hop away unbussed to the nearest lily pad. She’d much rather the frog remain a frog. What would she possibly want with a human male--prince or commoner--hanging around? It’s going to take a pretty amazing man to make Quinn rethink her position.
Right now, I’m working on a new trilogy, the Beach Lane Series. The series is set in the Hamptons, New York’s seaside paradise. Making Waves, the first book, will be available April 25, 2017!
As the overly responsible daughter of an irresponsible socialite, Dakota Hale practically raised herself. Now she’s turned her talent for placating the whims of the rich and spoiled into a lucrative concierge business in the swanky Hamptons. Meticulous and determined, Dakota has her life mapped out with one goal uppermost in mind: never, ever be like her mother. Surfing the waves of the Atlantic keeps Dakota steady when the drama on land gets too outrageous. But when sexy mogul Max Carr hires her, it rocks her balance in a big way. When Max makes it clear that he’s interested in more than just her organizational skills, Dakota is flattered – and attracted - but she refuses to allow an avowed playboy to interfere with her life plans.
Max works hard, but he’s never had to put any effort into winning over a woman—until now. With her stunning beauty and keen intelligence, Dakota is worth the effort. But it’s plain she has no interest in a casual fling, and that’s all Max with his grief-stricken heart can offer.
An emotionally charged night changes everything, with consequences neither Dakota nor Max anticipated. Now they must navigate the rough waters of society gossip and devastating secrets that threaten their fragile relationship. If they can trust in the strength of their growing feelings, they’ll find the dreams they’ve been chasing are close enough to embrace . . . together.
I’m currently working on Summer Fling, Book Two in the Beach Lane series. It’s a story about overcoming the pain of loss and learning to trust one’s heart. I’ll be sharing more about my characters Lauren Payne and Tom Hunter in the months to come!
Until then, happy reading!
~Laura
BOOK AWARDS
ONCE TOUCHED
Once Touched was voted #1 in the Contemporary Romance category by Golden Quill readers.
The Silver Creek Series was mentioned in the USA Today Happy Ever After blog post: "This Week in Sports & Romance: Brotherly love on the horse track and in the books." Click here to read.
ONCE TASTED
Laura's Once Tasted was featured by Cat's Books: Romance in their blog "Wine & Roses: Romances Featuring Wineries." Laura's was one of ten books recommended.
Laura's Once Tasted was recommended by Kristan Higgans in a USA Today article about 'second chance at love' novels.
Once Tasted received a 4-Star review from RT Book Reviews.
ONCE TEMPTED
Once Tempted was selected as a finalist in the 2014 Contemporary Single Title category of the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence contest.
Laura's cover for Once Tempted placed First in the Single Title/Mainstream category of the JABBIC contest sponsored by Houston Bay Area RWA.
TROUBLE ME
Laura's heroine, Jade Radcliffe from Trouble Me, was among the featured heroines in Eloisa James's Reading Romance column, "Here Comes Trouble" at Barnes and Noble.com.
Trouble Me was a Featured Alternate for Rhapsody Book Club, Doubleday Book Club, and BOMC2 (online club) in their May catalogs.
BELIEVE IN ME
Believe in Me placed second in the Single Title category of the Laurel Wreath Contest sponsored by Volusia County Romance Writers.
Believe in Me won first place in the Single Title category of the 2012 Golden Quill Contest sponsored by Desert Rose RWA.
Believe in Me was a finalist in the Single Title category of the 2012 Golden Quill Contest. Winners will be announced in June 2012.
Believe in Me was a finalist in the Single Title category of the National Reader's Choice Awards.
Believe in Me was a finalist in the Contemporary category of the 2012 Write Touch contest sponsored by Wisconsin Romance Writers of America.
Believe in Me was a finalist in the Contemporary category of the 2012 Write Touch contest sponsored by Wisconsin Romance Writers of America.
Believe in Me finaled in the Single Title category in the Colorado Writers Award of Excellence contest.
Believe in Me was a finalist in the 2012 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence contest sponsored by Southern Magic Romance Writers of America.
REMEMBER ME
Remember Me won the Maggie Award in the Single Title category of the Georgia Romance Writers' Maggies contest.
Remember Me was the first place winner in the Volusia County Romance Writers Laurel Wreath contest.
Remember Me finaled in the Single Title category of the Georgia Romance Writers' 2011 Maggies Award.
Remember Me earned an Award of Merit in the Mainstream/Single Title category of the 2011 Virginia Romance Writer's HOLT Medallion contest.
Remember Me tied for first place in the Single Title Contemporary category of WisRWA's 2011 Write Touch Reader's Award contest.
Remember Me was the overall winner for the 2011 Winter Rose Award for Excellence in Romantic Fiction, which is sponsored by the Yellow Rose RWA chapter.
Remember Me was a finalist in the 2011 Golden Quill Contest's Single Title/Mainstream category. The Golden Quill Contest is sponsored by the Phoenix Desert Rose RWA Chapter.
Remember Me won the 2011 New England Reader's Choice Bean Pot Award in the Mainstream romantic elements category.
Remember Me was a finalist in the Single Title category of the Book Buyer's Best Contest sponsored by the Orange County Chapter of RWA.
Remember Me was a finalist in the Single Title Contemporary category of WisRWA's Write Touch Reader's Award contest.
Remember Me finaled in the 'Mainstream with Romantic Elements' category of the 2011 New England Reader's Choice Bean Pot Award.
Remember Me was nominated by TRR reviewers for Best in Contemporary Romance for 2010 at The Romance Reviews.
IN YOUR EYES
In Your Eyes won in the Single Title/Mainstream category of the Holt Medallion contest sponsored by Virginia Romance Writers.
In Your Eyes, was a finalist in several contests. These include the 2005 Holt Medallion Contest sponsored by Virginia Romance Writers, the 2005 Romance Writers Ink More Than Magic Contest, the 2005 WisRWA Write Touch Contest and the Desert Rose RWA 2005 Golden Quill Contest.
NIGHT SWIMMING
Night Swimming placed first in the 2004 Laurel Contest sponsored by Volusia County Romance Writers.
Laura's cover for Night Swimming won first place in the ARTemis Award in the Single Title Contemporary category at the National RWA conference in Dallas, Texas. Art work was by Jim Griffin of Ballantine.
In the All About Romance annual Cover Contest, Laura's Night Swimming placed first in the Contemporary category.
Night Swimming was a finalist in the Virginia Romance Writers Holt Medallion Contest, Long Contemporary category.
CHANCE MEETING
For all of you with friends and family in Germany, Chance Meeting was published in German translation as Ein Versprechen Im Wind.
RIDE A DARK HORSE
Ride a Dark Horse, is available under the title Melodie des Fruhlings.
QUOTE:
This plot-driven story of independent lovers
determined to resist drama and societal expectations will resonate with romance readers,
Making Waves: Beach Lane, Book 1
Publishers Weekly.
264.11 (Mar. 13, 2017): p64.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Making Waves: Beach Lane, Book 1
Laura Moore. Ballantine, $16 trade paper (400p) ISBN 978-0-425-28482-7
Moore's charming contemporary, which launches the Beach Lane series, follows two unlikely lovers along the road
from ambition and lust to romance and marriage amid a whirl of wealth and luxury. Dakota Hale makes up for her
awful mother's chaotic, privileged life by being the excessively responsible and dependable owner of Premier Service, a
concierge service for wealthy New Yorkers with Long Island beach houses. Dakota has everything under control--until
she's swept into an affair with her newest client, handsome businessman Max Carr. They split up after a couple of
months, but when Dakota discovers she's pregnant, the odd couple reconnect and decide to marry. Their unexpected
decision is greeted with malicious gossip and family and business awkwardness, and they also have to sort out their
own feelings. The posh setting is vivid and the pace is deliberate. This plot-driven story of independent lovers
determined to resist drama and societal expectations will resonate with romance readers, especially those who are also
fans of reality television. Agent'. Emily Sylvan Kim, Prospect Agency. (May)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Making Waves: Beach Lane, Book 1." Publishers Weekly, 13 Mar. 2017, p. 64+. General OneFile,
go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA485971647&it=r&asid=cb7d32632184c77ab0777ca4768be109.
Accessed 22 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A485971647
10/22/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1508700647947 2/3
QUOTE:
satisfying tale about how things are not always what they seem.
Moore, Laura. Night Swimming
Mary K. Chelton
Booklist.
99.17 (May 1, 2003): p1584.
COPYRIGHT 2003 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Full Text:
May 2003. 432p. Ballantine/Ivy, paper, $6.99 (0-8041-2004-8).
When marine biologist Dr. Lily Banyon returns to her hometown of Coral Beach, Florida, to finish an aborted study of
the town's offshore reef to see if proposed development will be harmful, she has to confront an unresolved past that
includes an overly critical mother; a perception of once having been an awkward, first-class nerd; and a secret love for
the town's mayor, Sean McDermott. What she does not anticipate is having one of her staff bribed into undermining the
study by Sean's rival, the developer, forcing her to dive under extremely dangerous conditions. Or that she will
reconcile with her mother, or that she and Sean will finally realize that they love, rather than hate, each other. Their
grandmothers play a matchmaking role in all this, adding some whimsy to the plot. Although the reader is way ahead of
her characters, Moore does provide a fairly satisfying tale about how things are not always what they seem.
Chelton, Mary K.
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
Chelton, Mary K. "Moore, Laura. Night Swimming." Booklist, 1 May 2003, p. 1584. General OneFile,
go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA101942127&it=r&asid=58aa67530e510bef169dd04e8c8e1a73.
Accessed 22 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A101942127
10/22/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1508700647947 3/3
QUOTE:
Fans of pushy alpha males will enjoy saddling up with this and
adventurously explicit liaison full of intriguing details about winemaking.
Once Tasted
Publishers Weekly.
261.15 (Apr. 14, 2014): p40.
COPYRIGHT 2014 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Once Tasted
Laura Moore. Ballantine, $7.99 mass market (368p) ISBN 978-0-345-53700-3
Moore's second Knowles novel (following Once Tempted) contains all the obligatory elements: a hero built like a
Greek god, a heroine who thinks of herself as ugly (though she's actually stunning), and circumstances that force them
to spend time together. Mia Bodell and Reid Knowles have been secretly pining for one another since high school, but
mutual lack of communication and mistaken assumptions pulled them apart for a decade. Now all grown up, Mia is
managing her Uncle Thomas's vineyard in Acacia, Calif., and cowboy Reid, her neighbor and new business partner, is
unavoidably in her path. The two of them shoot sparks, but it's clear that Reid hasn't quite left his womanizing ways
behind when he talks Mia into sex after she rejects him. Fans of pushy alpha males will enjoy saddling up with this and
adventurously explicit liaison full of intriguing details about winemaking. (June)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Once Tasted." Publishers Weekly, 14 Apr. 2014, p. 40. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA365458180&it=r&asid=0a9780693c23414b6d5e596da37a46c5.
Accessed 22 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A365458180
QUOTE:
compelling and emotional story filled with complicated characters who must deal with past baggage if they are ever to build lasting relationships.
MAKING WAVES
Image of Making Waves: A Beach Lane Novel
Author(s): Laura Moore
Longtime fans of Moore will recognize several of the secondary characters in this new book as the protagonists from her terrific earlier novel In Your Eyes. As she does so very well, Moore develops a compelling and emotional story filled with complicated characters who must deal with past baggage if they are ever to build lasting relationships. Following along as these two damaged individuals struggle with the fallout from unexpected attraction makes for an outstanding reading experience.
Even though her last name is Hale, Dakota has always been the unwelcome family member. As far as the Hales are concerned, Dakota is an embarrassment and to be ignored when possible. These days she has built her own successful concierge business catering to the Hamptons’ wealthy elite. Max Carr is a self-made mogul who has bought the Hale family estate from Dakota’s uncle. Dakota’s mother and aunt are beside themselves over this, but when a mutual friend suggests that Dakota help Max renovate the estate, she agrees, partially because she knows it will drive her relatives nuts. A night of unexpected passion changes everything, and now Dakota and Max must decide if what they have is worth fighting for. (BALLANTINE, Apr., 400 pp., $16.00)
Reviewed by:
Jill M. Smith
QUOTE:
cozily romantic tale
ONCE TOUCHED
Image of Once Touched: A Silver Creek Novel
Author(s): Laura Moore
Quinn is so cute it hurts! You knew Ethan was a goner, grumbles and all, when he came into contact with saver Quinn. Once the two give in to their attraction, this becomes the cozily romantic tale it is meant to be. It is nice to see these two finally give in. I just wish it did not take more than half the book for the two to become more than friendly, and I am not just talking between the sheets. Quinn spends too much time worrying about why she didn’t connect with other men than connecting with delectable Ethan.
Quinn Knowles is allergic to weddings. She can never close the deal on relationships, but there is something about Ethan Saunders. Ethan has survived the unthinkable during his months as a photojournalist in Afghanistan and wants to work away the pain at his childhood happy place, the Silver Creek Ranch. On the surface, Ethan may come across as dark and brooding, but he sees Quinn as the woman she is. (BALLANTINE, Dec., 352 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed by:
Marcia Tealer
QUOTE:
pens with a lighthearted tale of opposites attracting, but it isn’t long before the depth of her characters and the high stakes of their romance become clear.
ONCE TASTED
Image of Once Tasted (Silver Creek)
Author(s): Laura Moore
Moore’s second Silver Creek novel opens with a lighthearted tale of opposites attracting, but it isn’t long before the depth of her characters and the high stakes of their romance become clear. Her feisty heroine has endured much, but has a spirit that can’t be kept down. Over the course of this story, her devil-may-care hero finds hidden depths that transform him into something far more than a pretty face. With tension, heart and small-town details on every page, this is a genuinely engaging read that will have fans hungry for more.
As the middle son of a California ranching family who’s blessed with good looks and charm, Reid Knowles’ return to his small hometown has everyone buzzing. But when Reid is asked to help run the winery next door, he runs into far more than a business challenge. Winery owner Mia Bodell may have loved Reid in high school, but a life of family drama and loss have forced her to grow up fast. She resolves to keep up her defenses around Reid, but one sizzling kiss is enough to prove this relationship is far more than strictly business. (BALLANTINE, Jun., 368 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed by:
Bridget Keown
QUOTE:
packed with plenty of great, realistic dialogue and features two main characters whose actions and choices are easy to sympathize with.
ONCE TEMPTED
Image of Once Tempted: A Silver Creek Novel
Author(s): Laura Moore
Moore’s first in her new Silver Creek series is packed with plenty of great, realistic dialogue and features two main characters whose actions and choices are easy to sympathize with. The glimpses of the hero’s two siblings will leave readers eager for their stories.
The death of her estranged husband and the hatred of his parents have put Tess Casari off men and marriage for good. Leaving New York for a new life in California, Tess takes a job at the Silver Creek Ranch. This puts her in the company of Ward Knowles, son of the ranch owners. Ward’s mother is delighted, seeing an opportunity to help Ward move on after his heart was broken when his fiancée jilted him. As Tess and Ward’s attraction develops, love grows, but Tess’ past and Ward’s ex-fiancée may spell doom for any future they hope to have. (BALLANTINE, Apr., 400 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed by:
Susan Mobley
QUOTE:
Moore fuses a love story with a tale of two people finally growing up and letting go of the past.
TROUBLE ME
Image of Trouble Me: A Rosewood Novel (The Rosewood Trilogy)
Author(s): Laura Moore
Moore fuses a love story with a tale of two people finally growing up and letting go of the past. The story is not rushed and the characters, who will be familiar to readers of Moore’s other novels, are well rounded. There are no slow moments in this novel and despite the hefty page count, readers will be able to breeze through this story and maybe learn a thing or two about love and forgiveness along the way.
On the way home to start her new life running an equestrian club for children and working as a substitute teacher, Jade Radcliffe spends an amazing night with a stranger in a hotel. The stranger turns out to be Rob Cooper, the father of one of her students and a man she has a history with. Getting used to an adult relationship is foreign to Jade; add to that a private investigator digging through her mother’s past and high school classmates who can’t let old rivalries die. (BALLANTINE, Apr., 432 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed by:
B. Nakia Garner
BELIEVE IN ME
Image of Believe in Me: A Rosewood Novel (The Rosewood Trilogy)
Author(s): Laura Moore
The hero and heroine do not consummate their relationship until halfway through book two in Moore’s Rose-wood trilogy, which allows readers to experience the characters growing into a relationship, as opposed to jumping in headfirst. The author does an excellent job of developing both the major and minor characters. The sensual scenes are steamy without going overboard with the raunchy details. Additionally, the expert information about the horse training and breeding business creates an interesting backdrop.
After going through a painful divorce, in which her husband blatantly cheated on her, Jordan Radcliffe must put the pieces of her life back together. With the support of her sisters, brother-in-law and three children, she decides to pursue a career in interior decorating. Her quest brings her face to face with architect Owen Gage, a womanizer who doesn’t believe in long-term commitments. He also has a thing against children. Once the two start working together to renovate an old house, they both do everything in their power to resist the growing attraction between them. But it could be a losing battle … (BALLANTINE, Feb., 432 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed by:
B. Nakia Garner
QUOTE:
delicious read. Moore's heartfelt tale
REMEMBER ME
Image of Remember Me: A Rosewood Novel (The Rosewood Trilogy)
Author(s): Laura Moore
Brava! What a delicious read. Moore's heartfelt tale will resound with fans of Diana Palmer and Judith McNaught.
The characters are vivid, the settings stunning and the emotional conflict between Margot and Travis will stay with the reader long after the last page. This reviewer cannot wait for the next installation in the Rosewood Trilogy.
When the wealthy Radcliffes die in a plane accident, they leave behind three daughters and Rosewood, a world-renowned breeding stable. Their two adult daughters, Jordan, with her perfect political family, and estranged Margot, a world-famous fashion model, gather up their teenage sister, Jade, and retreat to the estate, only to learn that their parents have left them riddled with debt! Will Margot and Jade be able to restore the farm to what it once was? And what is Margot to do about Travis, the only man in the county who can bring Rosewood up to snuff -- and the one man she never really got over? (BALLANTINE, Jan., 391 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed by:
Whitney Kate Sullivan
QUOTE:
Moore has really hit her stride as an author who explores emotions and passion with equal flair.
IN YOUR EYES
Author(s): Laura Moore
Alex and Gen come from two
different worlds and perspectives, and these differences make for warm and inspired romance. Moore has really hit her stride as an author who explores emotions and passion with equal flair.
Fate sometimes has an unexpected way of getting your attention. Finance whiz Alex Miller never dreamed that a fascinatingly mysterious Central Park roller-blader would turn out to be the artist his aunt had selected to create a painting for the new children's hospital.
Since she is losing her current studio space, artist Genevieve Monaghan is delighted to accept Grace Miller's offer to work from her home in the Hamptons while Gen creates the commissioned work. Gen and her wolfhound, Murphy, move in and discover there is one drawback: the dangerously sexy Alex. At first Gen is irritated when she learns he ran a background check on her and her family; now the problem is that Gen is finding him all too attractive. PR expert Sydney Raines has made it clear she considers Alex her property, but Alex has a different idea.
(Jul., 406 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed by:
Jill M. Smith
QUOTE:
Moores hot streak continues as once more she gives readers a book that is filled with multifaceted emotions, deep passion and romance.
CHANCE MEETING
Author(s): Laura Moore
Because of her fathers enormous wealth, 14-year-old Ty Stannard lives a fairly isolated life. Her one friend, Lizzie Ozbourne, shares her love of horses and show jumping. Ty and Lizzie are participating in a junior national show when they meet Tys idol, Steve Sheppard, a young man rapidly rising in the show horse world. The brief meeting is mostly a disaster as Tys bodyguard assumes the worst. However, Steves kindness to a star struck teenager is something Ty never forgets.
More than a decade later, Ty has the chance to repay that act of kindness when a drug scandal and the death of his prize horse place Steve on the verge of ruin. His small horse farm, Southwind, is located on a choice piece of land. Ty knows that her ruthless father will snap up the property as soon as Steve defaults on his loan. Determined to stop her father and rescue Steves career, Ty offers to become his partner.
Steve has no interest in gaining another partner. It was his first partners reckless drug use that killed Steves beloved horse and destroyed their business. However, with the foreclosure deadline days away, Steve has little choice.
Laura Moores hot streak continues as once more she gives readers a book that is filled with multifaceted emotions, deep passion and romance. She is a star on the rise! (Oct., 432 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed by:
Jill M. Smith
QUOTE:
A rising star, Laura Moore continues to build an impressive resume of highly readable books.
NIGHT SWIMMING
Image of Night Swimming
Author(s): Laura Moore
Returning to Coral Beach, FL, is the last thing marine biologist Lily Banyon wants to do. Growing up, Lily could never please her mother. Then there's Lily's nemesis, Sean McDermott. Since Lily and Sean's grandmothers and mothers are best friends, there was no way they could avoid each other. Lily, for one, always felt ugly and awkward around Sean. Today she's a woman with deep emotional wounds who still carries a grudge.
Now the mayor, Sean is none too thrilled to hear that the marine biologist being sent over to finish the coral reef ecology report is Lily. Sean quickly discovers that she is quite a potent package and that the teenage attraction he felt toward her has exploded into lust.
The antagonism and lack of trust between Lily and Sean runs almost too deep, as they warily push toward a passionate relationship. A rising star, Laura Moore continues to build an impressive resume of highly readable books. (May, 432 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed by:
Jill M. Smith
QUOTE:
strong and vibrant first book that is sure to gain Ms. Moore quite a following.
RIDE A DARK HORSE
Author(s): Laura Moore
2001 – Best Contemporary Romance nominee
Due to a bad decision by a divorce court judge, veterinarian and horse owner Caleb Wells lost ownership of his prize horse Orion. Calebs ex-wife Pamela is allowing Caleb to slowly buy Orion back, but in the meantime, is making his life miserable.
Caleb and his partner Hank Sawyer dream of Orion winning the Grand Prix, but have been unable to find a rider/ trainer. Then Hank interviews Cassie Miller, a gifted rider. Hank senses that Cassie is the right person for the job and she really wants to work with Orion. Her promising career was sidetracked due to a family tragedy. Now as the mother and guardian of her orphaned niece and nephew, Cassie is building a new life for them all.
Both Cassie and Caleb agree that Orion has potential to become a champion if only Pamela doesnt sabotage their dreams.
It is always a thrill to discover a marvelous new talent in romantic fiction, and Laura Moore has immediately made her presence known. A strong and vibrant first book that is sure to gain Ms. Moore quite a following. (Mar., 436 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed by:
Jill M. Smith
QUOTE:
definite must read,
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Believe In Me by Laura Moore
Believe In Me by Laura Moore
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (409 pgs)
Heat Level: hot
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Fern
EVEN THE MOST TIGHTLY LOCKED HEART HAS A KEY.
After learning of her husband’s affair, Jordan Radcliffe is crushed, but she knows she must stay strong for her three young children. So she moves back to Rosewood, the idyllic horse farm where she grew up. Wishing only to recover and reassess her life, Jordan feels an undeniable attraction to architect Owen Gage—and does her best to ignore it. Her heart is too fragile to love again.
Yet when Owen, who himself is wary of any romantic involvement, offers her a job she badly needs, Jordan has no choice but to accept, even though it means she’ll be working alongside him every day. And that closeness could intensify the connection between them—a desire as unnerving as it is powerful.
When I was given the opportunity to read the second book in Laura Moore’s Rosewood series, Believe In Me, I jumped at the opportunity. The first book, Remember Me, took me on a heartfelt journey I couldn’t forget, propelling the book to the top of my favorite novels list. In this installment, we are given Jordan Radcliffe’s story. In Remember Me, we learned Jordan’s husband had strayed from their marriage. In this book we learn that not only did he cheat, but he also continued to do so after they sought help to save their relationship.
Much like Remember Me, Believe In Me has a beginning that leaves little doubt that you are about to take an emotional rollercoaster ride. Jordan is devastated when she learns her husband has been unfaithful. Even more harmful is an event that is witnessed by her entire family. Left with no other choice, she takes her children to Rosewood to heal following her divorce. It’s not an easy transition. She has to stand on her own two feet while caring for her children, come to terms with her ex-husband’s new marriage to the woman he had an affair with, and face the trust issues she has developed due to her experience.
Help arrives in the form of the handsome architect Owen Gage, a gorgeous and successful man who is interviewing for a designing job that Jordan wants. When Owen offers Jordan a job, she has no choice but to accept. Unfortunately, her attraction to the man is undeniable. When he proposes a no strings attached affair, she’s not sure if the offer is one she should refuse. After all, she’s been alone for a while now. Embracing her sexual identity just might a step in the right direction. After Owen and Jordan fall into bed together, they never expect that their mutual passions could lead to something they never expected. Can a scorned woman find faith in a man who tempts her to give love another chance? Can a lifelong bachelor become not only a husband but a father figure to Jordan’s children? The answers aren’t entirely what you might expect, which makes Believe In Me as memorable a book as its predecessor.
Laura Moore has a writing style that I love. Her characters are memorable, flawed, and easy to relate to. I enjoyed revisiting the hero, heroine, and family from the previous novel. Rosewood has become more than an imaginary farm; it has become a very real place in my mind. The backdrop is as enthralling as the stories, making returning all the sweeter. I highly recommend this series to diehard romance fans, as there is plenty of emotion, tension, and obstacles for the hero and heroine to overcome in order to truly embrace each other.
A definite must read, don’t miss Believe In Me.
QUOTE:
Moore's novel makes details of horse farming as interesting as the fashion world, but her vivid settings elbow out character development
Remember Me
Laura Moore, Author Ballantine Books $7.99 (407p) ISBN 978-0-345-48276-1
MORE BY AND ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
Moore's first book of a projected trilogy tells the story of 18-year-old Margot Radcliffe, who runs away from her family's estate after a disastrous attempt to seduce stable-hand Travis. With astonishing ease, she finds success with an international modeling career, but it all turns to ashes when her father and stepmother are killed in a plane crash eight years later, leaving Margot to deal with a debt-riddled horse farm and a 16-year-old stepsister, Jade. Rejuvenating the farm hinges on Margot convincing Travis to work for her, but modeling pays the bills, and Travis' jealousy of Margot's career threatens their partnership-both professionally and emotionally. Taking place primarily in the horse country of Virginia, with excursions to New York and Milan, Moore's novel makes details of horse farming as interesting as the fashion world, but her vivid settings elbow out character development; when the lovers do get together, there's plenty of sizzle, but they get much more face-time with the horses than each other.
Chance Meeting by Laura Moore
Posted October 6, 2001 by Mrs Giggles in 1 Oogie, Book Reviews, Genre: Contemporary / 0 Comments
See all articles tagged as Laura Moore.
Chance Meeting by Laura Moore
Chance Meeting by Laura Moore
Pocket, $6.99, ISBN 0-671-04293-9
Contemporary Romance, 2001
Do you love stories of poor little rich girls? You know, those sad girls riding horses and falling for that much older, handsome groom figure in their lives? Those sad heroines who are constantly in love with their daddies that they spend their lives flitting from daddy figures?
Laura Moore’s “I’m in love with him since I was, like, 13!” romance, Chance Meeting, will be right up your alley. Me, the moment I read the first chapter where our 13 or 14-year old flat-chested heroine Ty “Short for Tiresomely Girly” Stannard acting all hot over 23-year old equestrian stud Steve Sheppard and then getting all jealous when she and her stereotype buxom, adventurous girlfriend caught him with another girl… “How Britney Spears!” I shriek in horror and rush to the decontamination room for two hours of hot shower.
Years pass, Tiresome gets breasts and fills up, but she is all for Steve. When she grows up, she hears that Steve is almost ruined thanks to some “I almost screwed this hot skank and my horse broke its leg – I am now so guilt-ridden!” poignant mama-drama. Tiresome understands. She shoves her pointy chest at Steve and offers to do anything – anything! – for her hero. Steve, however, mistakes her for some selfish debutante, and so he turns her away even as he lusts for her. He will not be pitied! Newsflash: he’s pathetic already. He challenges Tiresome to stay at his place and manage his ranch. Why, that sly old fox, exploiting a dumb groupie’s low IQ like that. I like him.
Tiresome agrees. She’ll do anything to prove herself! She will slave! She will comfort Steve! She will make her daddy happy! See, people? See? She’s a worthy human being now. She is a woman! She has a man, her horse, and her daddy figure. She is happy, full, content.
Tiresome can go chop some firewood with her teeth.
From 13 to… er, forever girly, our heroine Tiresome’s long, poignant, heartbreaking soul-searching odyssey from flat-chested Daddy’s Girl to buxom Daddy’s Horse-Dung Shoveling Girl. I feel tears coming on now, awww, my eyes. How beautiful, how beautiful.
On to the decontamination chamber once more.
QUOTE:
richly satisfying book that teaches much about horse shows, family interactions and the power of love
Go to Homepage Laura Moore: Ride a Dark Horse
Crescent Blues Book Views
Image: Four moon gifPocket Star (Paperback), ISBN: 0-671-04292-0
A debut novel, Ride a Dark Horse jumps into the show ring and takes home a blue ribbon in the Grand Prix of reading excitement and pleasure. If you love romance, dedication, little kids (orphaned twins), show horses, family loyalty, bitchy ex-wives who love exerting their power and dear friends that gather in times of need, then look no farther. This book offers all that and more, including a truly great heroine and a hero equally great: Cassie Miller and Caleb Wells.
Book: Laura Moore, Ride a Dark Horse Prior to the accident that orphaned the twins, making her their guardian and eventually their adoptive mother, Cassie's growing roll of equestrian honors marked her as a rider of note and excellent potential. But her unforeseen role as single parent meant Cassie couldn't continue on that track. In order to support the twins, she takes a job as horse trainer. In the stable where she works, Cassie meets Orion (the titular dark horse, who seeks a lifelong rider/partner) and Caleb (the local veterinarian, who holds a major interest in Orion). Caleb develops a major interest in Cassie -- one he fights and denies for all he's worth. Caleb's ex-wife sees things differently and intends to do everything in her considerable power to keep Caleb and Cassie apart… and to keep Cassie from riding Orion in the major shows.
A richly satisfying book that teaches much about horse shows, family interactions and the power of love, Ride a Dark Horse goes on my keeper shelf. I do not want to lose touch with its wonderful characters, both major and minor, since I cherish hopes for a book starring Cassie's brother and his special someone. Cassie's brother worked hard to provide a sound financial future for the twins and Cassie, and he deserves his own love story.
Patricia Lucas White
REVIEW: ONCE TOUCHED BY LAURA MOORE
POSTED DECEMBER 6, 2015 BY ELIZABETH IN ELIZABETH B, REVIEWS / 0 COMMENTS
Review: Once Touched by Laura MooreOnce Touched by Laura Moore
Series: Silver Creek, #3
Published by Ballantine Books on November 24th 2015
ISBN: 0345537025
Pages: 320
Buy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Goodreads
For fans of Linda Lael Miller and Diana Palmer comes Laura Moore’s breathtaking final installment in her Silver Creek contemporary romance series.
The youngest of the three Knowles siblings, Quinn has in her blood the love of the land and its beautiful creatures. Raising enough money to build an animal sanctuary is a dream Quinn lives every day—while fending off her family’s well-intentioned matchmaking schemes. Though harboring secret fears about intimacy, Quinn soon realizes she cannot fight her growing attraction to a man who has suddenly entered her life.
Scarred by his months in Afghanistan and the violence he witnessed there through his camera lens, photojournalist Ethan Saunders throws himself into hard ranching work as a prescription for healing. But falling for Quinn has given him the one thing he thought he’d lost forever: hope. Ethan discovers that Quinn, like the innocent animals she rescues, is shy, and afraid of entrusting her heart to a man. Passion soon awakens Ethan’s strength, and his tender seduction may be just what Quinn needs to believe in herself—and in his love.
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from Galley Sites, NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.
Laura Moore and the Silver Creek series are new to me and I am so glad that I found them. Once Touched is a great, sweet read!
The focus of Once Touched is Quinn, the youngest of three siblings. The story opens with her feeling a little out of sorts as she is surrounded by love and thinks she is the target of new match making attempts. She ends up working with Ethan, an injured family friend, and an unexpected romance blossoms.
I enjoyed watching Quinn and Ethan together. Their relationship was a gradual build up as she had to work through his walls to even form a friendship. One of the things I appreciated most about these two characters was how they paid attention to each other. A great example was the night their relationship moved from friends to lovers; Ethan was the only person to notice that Quinn wasn’t her normal self and sought her out to determine what was wrong.
Once Touched dealt with several issues, one of which was survivor’s guilt. Ethan’s issues around surviving an IED attack and Quinn forcing him to deal with it are what ultimately cause the conflict between them. Ms. Moore handled everything with grace and made Ethan and Quinn characters that you wanted to see succeed.
This is the third book in the Silver Creek Series, but it reads very well as a stand-alone. The characters from the other books are active in the story line, but not having read their stories doesn’t hinder understanding this story.
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REVIEW: Once Tempted by Laura Moore
Posted June 4th, 2013 by Sara @HarlequinJunkie in Blog, Contemporary Romance, HJ Recommends, Review / 1 comment
Laura Moore’s new Silver Creek series starts off on the right foot. Once Tempted is a sweet and tender romance that will pull you in and won’t let go. A cast of lively characters with witty dialogue will leave you eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
OTTess Castelli’s estranged husband has recently passed away and she feels the need to get away for a while. Her friend Anna comes up with a plan to help Tess find just the right destination. With a map and a blind fold, Tess points her finger and it lands on Acacia, California. Tess then decides to pack up and head for Acacia.
Once she reaches Acacia, Tess starts looking for a job. She is pointed in the direction of the Silver Creek ranch. When she arrives at the ranch, her car is on it’s last leg. It is spitting and sputtering and blowing out black smoke. To Tess’ chagrin a man walks up to the car and puts his hand in the window and shuts the car off. The infuriating man turns out to be the ranch owners son Ward. To say the least, Tess and Ward are off to a rocky start.
Luckily for Tess, Wards mother Adell Knowles, is looking for an assistant and she hires Tess on. At first Tess has a hard time with ranch life. She has always lived in the city and has never really been around animals. Ward is only too happy to show Tess what living on a ranch can be like. There are sparks between the two from the beginning, but they are both afraid of trying a relationship again.
They both agree on a friends-with-benefits type of relationship and at first it seems like all is going well for the couple. But as time goes on, it is apparent that the two have feelings for one another. Just when things start to look sunny for the couple, Ward’s ex-fiancée steps into the picture and decides that she wants Ward back. Will Ward and Tess’ love for one another be strong enough to combat a woman on a mission to win back her ex-lover?
Ward is a sexy, seductive, brooding cowboy. He is just what Tess needs in her life. He is compassionate and insightful. His love for Tess is apparent in all that he does for her. He and Tess have sexual chemistry that sizzles and sparkles.
Tess is a firecracker waiting to go off. She is brave beyond compare. I don’t know many people who would drive cross-country all alone to start over. Tess deserves the love of a good man and Ward certainly fit’s the bill.
If your looking for a deeply satisfying love story that is hard to put down, look no further than Once Tempted. Laura Moore writes an unforgettable tale that will keep you entertained throughout. You will be left with a smile on your face!
Book Info
Harlequin JunkiePublisher: Ballantine Books Release date: March 26, 2013 | Series: Silver Creek
Sweeping passions, family drama, and searing scandal play out at the magnificent Silver Creek Ranch as the heirs to a powerful dynasty seize their legacy of love.
Oldest son Ward Knowles feels the sprawling California ranch in his blood. And now that the family business has expanded to include a popular resort, he’s working harder than ever. Silver Creek is his legacy and his life, which is fine for the ruggedly sexy ladies’ man and committed bachelor. Love and trust don’t come easily for Ward since he lost his heart to a gold digger—until he meets a shy, unpretentious beauty whose sweet grace is about to turn his jaded heart into a hungry one.
Tess Casari has found sanctuary at Silver Creek, working as an assistant to Ward’s mother, Adele. Grateful for her busy new life running the ranch’s spa and resort, Tess can escape the heartbreak, humiliation, and secret shame of her failed marriage. The last thing she needs is temptation—especially from a man who reminds her so much of the husband who shattered her faith in love. But passion and destiny are about to change the rules for two people who have stopped believing in the healing power of love.
April 25, 2012
REVIEW: Trouble Me by Laura Moore
DabneyC- REVIEWSContemporary31 Comments
Dear Ms. Moore,
The first two pages of your novel Trouble Me made me uneasy. Your heroine, Jade Radcliffe, is driving to her family farm, Rosewood. As she drives, she thinks about all the people there she’s looking forward to seeing. There are her two sisters and their two husbands, her six nieces and nephews, and an elderly gentleman who’s worked for the family for years. Immediately, I felt as though I’d been dropped into someone’s family reunion without any idea who all the people milling about were. Trouble Me is the third in the Rosewood series. The first two books, which I’ve not read, tell the stories of the Jade’s sisters. By page three, I’d forgotten which perfect sister was married to which perfect guy; perhaps I might have enjoyed this book more had I read its predecessors, but I doubt it.
By page three of your book, Jade has decided to stop driving—it’s begun pouring rain—and spend the night in a motel. She does so, in part, to show her sisters, Margot and Jordan, “how much she’d matured.” Even though she’s only twenty-two, she’s “leagues removed from the Jade of yesteryear.” The old Bad Jade was
the one who sometimes felt the need to step right up to edge and do something crazy with a wild, fiery lick of danger. But though she’d had her share of parties and experiences, it hadn’t prevented her from getting straight A’s even with a super-charged course load, being the top scorer on her riding team, and writing a very popular advice column for the school paper.
Hmmmm, I thought, Bad Jade, doesn’t seem very bad to me. In fact, she seems like an over achiever. I began to hope she wasn’t going to be one of those practically perfect in every way heroines. Then, on page 17, after Jade has checked into a hotel, showered and put on “her white jeans, a Jean Paul Gautier chiffon tank… and a pair of high-heeled sandals” to head down to the bar where she just wants to have a drink and relax, she is described by Rob, the hero of the book.
Magnetic was the first word that came to his mind; within seconds she’d drawn every male eye in the bar to her. Trouble was the second. A woman who looked like this, slim yet curvy in all the right places, with sun-streaked hair that fell past her shoulders in thick waves, and with a walk that was bold yet carried sensual promise in each step, could only cause mayhem….
In the wrong place, this woman could start a riot.
The dynamite package only got more explosive as she neared and Rob took in the lushness of her lips and the high slash of her cheekbones. Passion and drama.
By the end of the third chapter, where Jade is proved to be not only super smart, a great rider, fabulous with kids (she’s just started teaching second grade), a vixen in bed, and able to eat all the junk food she wants without ever gaining a pound, I was ready to put the book down. Flawless folk don’t do it for me—and New Jade is flawless.
Trouble Me by Laura MooreThe only reason I kept reading was to see what came of what happened in Chapter Two. In that chapter, Jade walks into the above mentioned bar and, unsurprisingly is instantly hit on by a steady stream of losers. Rob tells one of the most overeager to get lost and gets Jade to dance with him instead. After standing in each other’s arms for about two minutes, Rob asks Jade—Bad Jade is back!–if she has a room. She says yes and off they run to have a night of no-holds, barred, staying up all night, smokin’ sex. Their encounter is supposed to be a one night stand—Jade won’t even give Rob her name. They part; sure they’ll never see each other again.
But, of course, such isolation is not to be. Not only does Rob live in the same town as Jade’s family—Warburg, Virginia—he and Jade have A PAST. Rob is twenty-nine and, like all the men in his family, has worked for the Warburg Police force his entire adult life. He busted teenage Bad Jade twice—she thought of him as RoboCop–and, the second time, while he was booking her, his saintly and beloved wife died suddenly, at home and alone, of a burst appendix. Ever since then, he’s blamed Bad Jade for the fact that he wasn’t at home to save his wife. Jade and Rob hadn’t seen each other since that night and, despite how unique looking Jade is, Rob didn’t recognize her nor she him the night they got down and dirty.
Rob is completely freaked out when he realizes that not only is Bad Jade back in town; she’s his daughter Hayley’s new second grade teacher. So, he goes to parent/teacher night at the school, and both he and Jade are SHOCKED to see that the other is that wild one nighter neither can forget. Rob of course, does the only thing any sane man would do in a classroom on parent/teacher night. He glares at Jade throughout the evening and then, when all the other parents have left, comes up, bitches her out for being a slut and thus inappropriate to be a second grade teacher, grabs her, kisses her passionately (she, of course responds), sticks his fingers in her panties, and asks if she has a condom. Jade who interprets his question to imply he really does think she’s a slut, shoves him off her, kicks him out of her classroom, and then sobs because—I think—she’s devastated he has such a low opinion of her. At this point, I made a notation in the margin of my book: This book is peopled by aliens.
Dutifully, I kept reading. I learned lots about horses—the Radcliffes own many, ride often, and discuss them at great length. I marveled at how completely unrealistic Jade’s teaching experience was portrayed. I paged through the very odd sub-plot in which Jade hires a private investigator to find out who her dead mother was cheating on her dead father with. (The resolution of that plot is so bizarre, it was almost impressive.) I yawned as all the other Radcliffes and their perfect families floated in and out of the story, full of love and trifling bon mots. I wasn’t the least bit startled to see Rob realize teenage Bad Jade was just misunderstood and New Jade is a goddess. I considered flipping to the end to see how it would all turn out, but realized there was no need—there was bound to be a wedding, a baby on the way, lots of kids decked out in cute outfits, and probably a horse or two. Sadly, I was sure there wouldn’t be a mother ship taking the perfect Radcliffe family and their spouses back to Alienland.
Frankly, if I were the peerless Radcliffe family, I’d want to get the hell out of Warburg. It is not my kind of town. At one point, Jade almost loses her teaching job because, horrors of horrors, she once wrote a sex/relationship advice column for her college paper. This heinous crime is taken very seriously by much of the town, the principal, the School Board, and several of her students’ parents; Jade is forced to take a leave of absence. It’s only after several people actually read the column and decide it’s a good thing to
have young people be informed about sex and sexuality through the intelligent writing of their peers
rather than
turning to the distorted world of reality TV and the Internet for their information
that the town embraces Jade.
This book was a slowly paced, unbelievable read. I suspect many might find it charming. I found it tiresome and unenjoyably superficial.
If this book were a painting, it would have been painted by Thomas Kinkade—it’s a story full of glorious joy, charming children, doting siblings, and oodles of truer than true love. It reads like this piece looks:
the imagined Rosewood farm
I give the book a C-.
Dabney