Release Event & Blog Tour: When I'm Gone: Abbi Glines
(Rosemary Beach series #11)
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines comes the next new adult novel in the Rosemary Beach series, in which we meet Mase, a Texas heartthrob first introduced in Take a Chance who comes to Rosemary Beach to stir things up.
I had an urge to fix all her problems. Which was stupid. She was doing fine without me. But something about those big eyes…
Mase Colt-Manning has always preferred his humble life as a Texas rancher to his birthright as the son of a legendary rock star. In fact, he rarely visits his father’s rarefied world in Rosemary Beach, especially if it means bunking at his vile half-sister Nan’s house—until one visit leads to a chance encounter with a young, gorgeous house maid who awakens him with her off-key but spirited imitation of a country music star…
Reese Ellis finally has her freedom. After escaping a lifetime of abuse from her parents and classmates for an undiagnosed learning disorder, she seizes the opportunity to be a house maid to some of the richest families in Rosemary Beach. But her job is in jeopardy when she causes an accident at the home of her most important client, Nan Dillon. When a hot, half-naked stranger with a cowboy’s swagger comes to her rescue, she’s intrigued—then afraid once he shows his own interest. Reese has never met a trustworthy man in her life. Will Mase be any different?
Atria Books | Paperback | On-Sale: 04/07/15 | 272 pages
Paperback ISBN: 9781476776095, $15.00 | eBook ISBN: 9781476776101, $7.99 | Audio ISBN: 9781442376670, $17.99
When Mase Colt-Manning came to Rosemary Beach to visit his sister Harlow, he got more than he bargained for when he met Reese Ellis, the girl that cleans his sisters' houses. Before the first day was through his protective instincts had kicked in and during his visit he found himself wanting to help and watch out for her. They were an unlikely pairing--a successful rancher and son of a rock star, and a girl all alone with a lot of baggage. But even after he returned to Texas, neither wanted to sever the connection.Reese has had a hard life and personal struggles that have made it even more difficult. Mase is the first person to believe in her, encourage her, or give her hope. But despite her hardships, she is resilient, smart, brave, sweet, and caring.
Even though he took an interest in her quickly and basically butted into her life, I did not really consider it insta-love. I loved seeing their connection build despite distance through actual conversations. The care in which Mase treated her made my heart melt. Mase has again proven himself to be such a caring, protective man. He could be bossy and possessive, but it was because he truly cared and wanted what was best for her. I loved seeing his attention crossover to Reese when he used to just hover over his little sister, Harlow and take care of his mother.
But with Reese he needs to proceed with caution and not push too far or fast. She's got demons, fears and feels broken. She is inexperienced at relationships and is not used to trusting people. She is insecure and has been put down so much that she believes it. It will take time, patience, and understanding to bring her around.
Can Mase convince this broken girl that he has true good intentions and that she is worthy of love?
There are problems--distance, time, past and trust issues, and people with ulterior motives. My heart hurt for both of them at times. But I also smiled at every triumph and sweet, tender moment. Mase could be one swoonworthy cowboy. He was just a good guy with honest intentions and a big heart. I absolutely loved him!
I liked that this was more relationship focused and not just based on sex scenes. It was built on friendship, respect, and trust. Sure they had chemistry, but Mase was understanding and moved at her pace. I loved that he took an active interest in her life and encouraged her to have goals and reach for what she wanted.
A lot of the Rosemary Beach gang is back--Jimmy, Harlow, Grant, Rush, Blair, Thad, Tripp, Bethy, and yes...Nan! She's back and b***hier than ever! And Colt's "cousin" Major is back too. I seriously want to put Nan and Major together. That would be some major drama since they seem to thrive on it. I love seeing all of the interactions between the characters and how they look out for each other.
Fans of this series, will like this one. This was a comfy read for me with old friends and a sweet, love story. Both of these characters were very likable and had such heart. Of course there were some past issues, problems and drama, but not too much over the top angst. This series just usually pulls me in and I finished it in one sitting. I really enjoyed this one and am ready for more with these characters.
Don't fear, even though there are two books for this couple, it does not end in a big relationship cliffhanger. Sure there is more story to go and there was an interesting development, but you won't be trying to throw your kindle. I can't wait for When You're Back to see where their story goes.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I keep saying this every time there is a new couple in Rosemary Beach, but I think I have a new favorite Rosemary Beach man. Mason Colt Manning had all the right words, the right actions, and is darn near perfect.
Reese has escaped to Rosemary Beach to start over. Cleaning houses keeps her rent and expenses paid, and gives her a way to be independent without a high school diploma.
Mase never expected to find a woman in Nan’s house while he stayed there, but was immediately drawn to the woman who wakes him up while vacuuming and singing horribly.
Reese has so many personal hurdles to work through over the course of the book. An undiagnosed learning disability, a horrific childhood, and of course, Nan. She continually demonstrated a strength and independence that belied her circumstances and though she didn’t have ties to Rosemary Beach, a quickly developed friendship with Jimmy meant she had in immediate in with the rest of the group we as readers have come to love.
Nan rears her ugly (spoiled) head once again, and though I thought maybe she was turning over a new leaf in One More Chance, I’ll say it again. At some point, something has got to get through that thick head of hers. And I have a feeling when someone breaks through her prickly exterior, it will be epic.
Though this is only the first of Reese and Mase’s books, I could not have loved the story more. The end wasn’t so much a cliffhanger as a resolution to one part of their story and a door opening to the next part of their journey. I know this isn’t their HEA, but it sure felt like one.
This is also the 11th Rosemary Beach series. While new readers might feel the need to start at the beginning of see how each couple started out before reading Mase’s story, but with the focus being so completely on Mase and Reese, new readers could pick up this book and go back to previous books later.
Mase and Reese are not finished. When I’m Back will continue their story, with new challenges and new conflicts. I love the way the end transitions and creates new questions to keep readers chomping at the bit for the next part of their story.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Abbi Glines is the New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Field Party, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, and Existence series. A devoted book lover, Abbi lives with her family in Alabama. She maintains a Twitter addiction at @AbbiGlines and can also be found at Facebook.com/AbbiGlinesAuthor and AbbiGlines.com.
Visit the Rosemary Beach Club to enter to win either a grand prize of Abbi’s Favorite Things + the entire Rosemary Beach Series from Atria Books or one of the runner up prizes of one of four signed copies of ONE MORE CHANCE.
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