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kmkasiner's review against another edition
3.0
I don't believe in "guilty" reading but I have to say this series is what you would call a guilty pleasure read for me. It's like Jodi Picoult and Debbie Macomber wrote a book series together. Each one has a an Issue that the main character is dealing with (often Ripped From The Headlines), along with the romance. But they're fast-paced, super easy to read, and I like following the side characters throughout the story.
That said, I didn't like this one as much as When Snow Falls. The main "whodunnit" plot is meh, and the Hero is also fairly uninspiring. I think I prefer Dylan's family and the "wrong side of the tracks" group to the "former popular kids" group. (Except for Baxter, whose subplot really redeemed this installment for me.)
That said, I didn't like this one as much as When Snow Falls. The main "whodunnit" plot is meh, and the Hero is also fairly uninspiring. I think I prefer Dylan's family and the "wrong side of the tracks" group to the "former popular kids" group. (Except for Baxter, whose subplot really redeemed this installment for me.)
jasmyn9's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I'm calling it done with this series after this book. While I actually really liked the story and most of the characters, I'm finding the small town politics and personalities a little overdone. The ending of this book also really pissed me off - justice was not service, and the punishment was a bunch of crap. Also, I looked ahead a little and I don't think Baxter gets a book which is really sad.
mrsbsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. This book covers some really hard and gritty issues.
First things first, poor bloody Baxter! I really really hope he gets his happy ever after. He really does have good friends and I loved that Noah was still there for him as his friend.
I really felt for Addy. The poor woman has suffered so much, and to be targeted again when she went back just made it so much harder. She is a strong woman, especially with how well she handled things. Especially with how badly she was treated, her forgiving nature really won me over even more.
Noah too showed a strong loyal side. He not only had to deal with his best friend but with his feelings for Addy and the eventual revelations from Addy, Baxters parents and his own. Loved the fact that he VERY quickly believed Addy instead of everyone else and stood up to them on her behalf and fought for the justice he believed was right.
I was however slightly disappointed in the ending. Yes justice was served, but I felt that something was missing, not that I can pin-point it. Otherwise it was another great addition to the series.
First things first, poor bloody Baxter! I really really hope he gets his happy ever after. He really does have good friends and I loved that Noah was still there for him as his friend.
I really felt for Addy. The poor woman has suffered so much, and to be targeted again when she went back just made it so much harder. She is a strong woman, especially with how well she handled things. Especially with how badly she was treated, her forgiving nature really won me over even more.
Noah too showed a strong loyal side. He not only had to deal with his best friend but with his feelings for Addy and the eventual revelations from Addy, Baxters parents and his own. Loved the fact that he VERY quickly believed Addy instead of everyone else and stood up to them on her behalf and fought for the justice he believed was right.
I was however slightly disappointed in the ending. Yes justice was served, but I felt that something was missing, not that I can pin-point it. Otherwise it was another great addition to the series.
laksita's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25
This book was so fucking awful DO NOT READ!!!
The way this author wrote about a rape victim was so fucking horrendous. And homosexuality. I just… I have no words.
The way this author wrote about a rape victim was so fucking horrendous. And homosexuality. I just… I have no words.
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
5.0
This is a wonderful romance that deals with some really tough issues. When she was a sophomore in high school Addy attended a graduation party that ended horrifically for her. Addy left Whiskey Creek after graduation, never intending to come back. But her grandmother needs her help, so here she is, wanting nothing so much as to avoid the boys who raped her. Two days after arriving in town she is kidnapped and dumped into the very mine where the attack occurred. She's rescued by Noah, her high school crush, and brother to one of her attackers. Noah would like to get to know her better, but she wants nothing to do with him.
I really liked Addy. She had the courage to come back to Whiskey Creek to help her grandmother in spite of the horrible memories. She admits to herself that she would have loved to have gone to the police at the time, but because she feels responsible for the death of one of the boys she let it go. Being kidnapped and having her life and that of her grandmother threatened just reinforces that decision. She doesn't expect to be rescued by Noah, her high school crush and brother to the dead attacker. The last thing she wants is to get involved with him, but she discovers that her crush is still alive and kicking. She tries very hard to keep him at a distance, but he isn't cooperating. She feels that getting close to him is impossible with her secrets between them. And she can't tell him the truth without destroying his memories of his twin and tearing his family apart. I really wasn't sure how their relationship was going to work out. Addy was so conflicted because she really came to love Noah. She started out not expecting anything from him because of his reputation as a player, that he'd give up on her quickly. His kindness and care for her starts to break down her barriers, but she still can't tell him the truth. She feels she has to deny the love she feels for him in order to protect him and others. When the truth finally comes out I loved the courage she showed in facing everyone with what really happened.
Noah is a man with a reputation as a womanizer. He certainly has enjoyed the ladies, but lately he's started to feel like there should be more to his life. Seeing some of his friends find love and settle down makes him wonder if there could be someone out there for him. When he rescues Addy he discovers that there is something about her that really draws him. He has vague memories of her from high school, and he would really like to get to know her better. He is surprised when she doesn't want anything to do with him and wonders if he unknowingly hurt her all those years ago. He isn't going to give up on her though, and keeps trying. I really did like his perseverance. He's never been able to commit to anyone before and he finally realizes that it was because he'd never found someone who reached his heart. I also liked the way that he listened to his feeling that there was more going on with her abduction than she was admitting to anyone and was determined to protect her. When the truth came out he was stunned by what he learned and had to decide just who he was going to believe.
There was also a continuation of the story involving Noah's best friend Baxter. This too was dealt with in a very realistic manner. This is something that has been building for awhile and when it all came to a head both of them were left reeling. I really liked the way that Noah stood up for his friend. I look forward to seeing more of Baxter in the future.
I have to say that once again Police Chief Stacy has really pissed me off. His narrow focus on one person as a suspect in Addy's kidnapping was so wrong, especially with Addy's insistence that he had the wrong man. His actions later in the book are even worse. I really hope that one of these days soon he gets what is coming to him. I loved the way it was Dylan Amos, one of the people the chief hates the most, who finds a crucial piece of evidence.
I really liked Addy. She had the courage to come back to Whiskey Creek to help her grandmother in spite of the horrible memories. She admits to herself that she would have loved to have gone to the police at the time, but because she feels responsible for the death of one of the boys she let it go. Being kidnapped and having her life and that of her grandmother threatened just reinforces that decision. She doesn't expect to be rescued by Noah, her high school crush and brother to the dead attacker. The last thing she wants is to get involved with him, but she discovers that her crush is still alive and kicking. She tries very hard to keep him at a distance, but he isn't cooperating. She feels that getting close to him is impossible with her secrets between them. And she can't tell him the truth without destroying his memories of his twin and tearing his family apart. I really wasn't sure how their relationship was going to work out. Addy was so conflicted because she really came to love Noah. She started out not expecting anything from him because of his reputation as a player, that he'd give up on her quickly. His kindness and care for her starts to break down her barriers, but she still can't tell him the truth. She feels she has to deny the love she feels for him in order to protect him and others. When the truth finally comes out I loved the courage she showed in facing everyone with what really happened.
Noah is a man with a reputation as a womanizer. He certainly has enjoyed the ladies, but lately he's started to feel like there should be more to his life. Seeing some of his friends find love and settle down makes him wonder if there could be someone out there for him. When he rescues Addy he discovers that there is something about her that really draws him. He has vague memories of her from high school, and he would really like to get to know her better. He is surprised when she doesn't want anything to do with him and wonders if he unknowingly hurt her all those years ago. He isn't going to give up on her though, and keeps trying. I really did like his perseverance. He's never been able to commit to anyone before and he finally realizes that it was because he'd never found someone who reached his heart. I also liked the way that he listened to his feeling that there was more going on with her abduction than she was admitting to anyone and was determined to protect her. When the truth came out he was stunned by what he learned and had to decide just who he was going to believe.
There was also a continuation of the story involving Noah's best friend Baxter. This too was dealt with in a very realistic manner. This is something that has been building for awhile and when it all came to a head both of them were left reeling. I really liked the way that Noah stood up for his friend. I look forward to seeing more of Baxter in the future.
I have to say that once again Police Chief Stacy has really pissed me off. His narrow focus on one person as a suspect in Addy's kidnapping was so wrong, especially with Addy's insistence that he had the wrong man. His actions later in the book are even worse. I really hope that one of these days soon he gets what is coming to him. I loved the way it was Dylan Amos, one of the people the chief hates the most, who finds a crucial piece of evidence.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
Home To Whiskey Creek
Book 4
By Brenda Novak
Genre: contemporary romance
Wow! Novak has been steadily bringing emotions and tough issues to Whiskey Creek since the second book, When Snow Falls. Again with her newest novel we are hit with difficult issues and left wondering what would we do if we were in that situation. I really love this series and would highly recommend this to any of Jodi Picoult, Robyn Carr, Susan Wiggs or Barbara Delinsky fans.
Addie returns home to care for her ailing grandmother who raised her while her mother chased men. Addie has not returned since she graduated from high school as she has has a secret that could tear the town apart. Being back has put her in danger as there are some who are afraid she willl spill her secrets. Noah, the mayor's son and her old crush knows someone is keeping Addie from feeling safe in Whiskey Creek and he will do anything to keep her safe. Noah is also trying to figure whether his old friend Baxter is in love with him and how he will let him down without ruining their friendship.
I love that Novak takes the genre of contemporary romance and is not afraid to bring real issues to her characters. While you have the excitement of boy and girl meeting and the journey of them falling in love you also have the real problems you sometimes don't see this genre. Homosexuality and gang rape are two issues that the characters are faced with. Instead of putting a damper on the romance for me it brings out the contemporary issues and makes the romance more realistic.
I highly recommend this series from start to present book...I cannot wait for the next one.
Book 4
By Brenda Novak
Genre: contemporary romance
Wow! Novak has been steadily bringing emotions and tough issues to Whiskey Creek since the second book, When Snow Falls. Again with her newest novel we are hit with difficult issues and left wondering what would we do if we were in that situation. I really love this series and would highly recommend this to any of Jodi Picoult, Robyn Carr, Susan Wiggs or Barbara Delinsky fans.
Addie returns home to care for her ailing grandmother who raised her while her mother chased men. Addie has not returned since she graduated from high school as she has has a secret that could tear the town apart. Being back has put her in danger as there are some who are afraid she willl spill her secrets. Noah, the mayor's son and her old crush knows someone is keeping Addie from feeling safe in Whiskey Creek and he will do anything to keep her safe. Noah is also trying to figure whether his old friend Baxter is in love with him and how he will let him down without ruining their friendship.
I love that Novak takes the genre of contemporary romance and is not afraid to bring real issues to her characters. While you have the excitement of boy and girl meeting and the journey of them falling in love you also have the real problems you sometimes don't see this genre. Homosexuality and gang rape are two issues that the characters are faced with. Instead of putting a damper on the romance for me it brings out the contemporary issues and makes the romance more realistic.
I highly recommend this series from start to present book...I cannot wait for the next one.
lilmorty82's review against another edition
4.0
My enjoyment of this book in the series was tampered by the protagonist's gang rape survival story. I found the unfolding love story unrealistic. The story of Bax's coming out was very good.
aspygirlsmom_1995's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lbrychic's review against another edition
5.0
Review originally posted on my blog: http://lbrychic.blogspot.com
Received as Advance Copy in exchange for an honest review. Also purchased e-book when it became available.
I've always been a fan of Brenda Novak. I read that she got the idea of this particular storyline from a newsbroadcast. While I do love book series that are based in small town settings, I certainly would not want this to happen to anyone.
I was hoping that the incident from 15 years ago would have ended up being slightly different from what Addy remembered. I loved Noah and Addy's getting to know each other.
Can't wait for the next book in the series!! Hopefully we will see Baxter get his own HEA (secondary romance) in one of the books to come.
If you love the small town settings, track down her Dundee, Idaho SuperRomances. I recently read them all again earlier this year.
Received as Advance Copy in exchange for an honest review. Also purchased e-book when it became available.
I've always been a fan of Brenda Novak. I read that she got the idea of this particular storyline from a newsbroadcast. While I do love book series that are based in small town settings, I certainly would not want this to happen to anyone.
I was hoping that the incident from 15 years ago would have ended up being slightly different from what Addy remembered. I loved Noah and Addy's getting to know each other.
Can't wait for the next book in the series!! Hopefully we will see Baxter get his own HEA (secondary romance) in one of the books to come.
If you love the small town settings, track down her Dundee, Idaho SuperRomances. I recently read them all again earlier this year.
seehorse2326's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Home to whiskey creek
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (I was between 3.5 and 4)
I really enjoyed this book, I have read quite a few good Brenda Novak books and this was no exception. There was a good amount of drama and intrigue while still maintaining the small-town feel. I do think there could've been more romance involved but I understood the lack of that element and the 'mystery' really drew me in. I also really enjoyed Adelaide's character development from the beginning to the end.
It was a good small-town romance, quirky vibe that are just such good quick reads.
*do check trigger warnings before reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (I was between 3.5 and 4)
I really enjoyed this book, I have read quite a few good Brenda Novak books and this was no exception. There was a good amount of drama and intrigue while still maintaining the small-town feel. I do think there could've been more romance involved but I understood the lack of that element and the 'mystery' really drew me in. I also really enjoyed Adelaide's character development from the beginning to the end.
It was a good small-town romance, quirky vibe that are just such good quick reads.
*do check trigger warnings before reading.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual content