Review: Blaze of Winter - Elisabeth Barrett

Winter heats up in this hot new Star Harbor romance, as another sexy Grayson brother, a wickedly handsome writer, plots his happily ever after with a sweet stranger.

Frustrated with her job in Boston, social worker Avery Newbridge welcomes the opportunity to reassess her life when family asks her to help manage the Star Harbor Inn. Trying to figure out her future is overwhelming enough, but she doesn’t count on distraction in the form of one Theo Grayson, the gorgeous, green-eyed author who she knows is trouble from the moment he saunters into the inn.

Not only does he have a talent for writing swashbuckling adventures, but Theo also has a soft spot for big-hearted damsels in distress, especially a woman who’s great at helping everyone—except herself. Avery’s demons challenge him, but for desire this hot, he isn’t backing down. With every kiss and heated whisper Theo promises her his heart . . . if only Avery is willing to open up and accept it.

Star Harbor Series:
Deep Autumn Heat
Blaze of Winter
Long Simmering Spring (Release date to be confirmed)
Slow Summer Burn (Release date to be confirmed)

Visit Elisabeth Barrett's website for more information.

Review:
Blaze of Winter is the second instalment to Elisabeth Barrett's Star Harbor series and was just as enjoyable as Deep Autumn Heat. This series is perfect for anyone who is looking for a light hearted, sweet and sexy contemporary romance - especially if you like a small town setting that allows you to get to know a whole cast of characters as the series progresses.

This is the story of Theo Grayson, a famous author of swashbuckling adventure novels who has recently lost his muse. Struggling to get started on his latest book Theo has decided to spend a few months in his home town, catching up with his brothers and deciding what he really wants from his life. It doesn't take long before Theo finds himself being distracted by another newcomer to Star Harbor though. Social worker Avery has taken a break from her job to reassess her future, she has been staying with her aunt and helping run the local inn while she decides whether she is cut out to work with recovering addicts. Her life is complicated enough right now and the last thing she needs is a guy distracting her - no matter how handsome he is. Theo isn't one to take no for an answer though and as he sets about breaking down her walls it is going to take more self control than Avery possesses to resist him.

I really enjoyed Deep Autumn Heat and thought that Elisabeth Barrett would find it hard to top hero Seb but his twin Theo managed to steal my heart and I loved Blaze of Winter even more. Theo is a real bad boy turned good, he was the mastermind behind most of the childhood pranks his brothers played but has now turned his intelligence to his writing and the research he carries out. I loved the way he was instantly so protective of Avery, he sees straight away that she always puts everyone else's needs before her own and he decides it's about time someone puts her first for a change. For someone who spends a lot of time writing Theo is still incredibly fit and I have to say he can pull his caveman act on me any day of the week! Avery has a hard time accepting help from anyone, she likes to be in control and prefers to be looking after everyone else. She desperately needed someone to care for her but it took her a while to admit that to herself. There was no way she could have resisted Theo for long though - he was just too damn sexy for his own good! The chemistry between the two of them is fabulous and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him break down her defences.

It was great to catch up with the characters from the previous book, I loved Seb and Lexie so I enjoyed seeing how their relationship is doing but it was also good to see some of the side characters we'd already met. I can't wait to carry on reading this series, I have a feeling that each of the Grayson brothers is going to be better than the last but I'm particularly excited for Val's book - there is just a quiet intensity about him and I think his story will be explosive. Elisabeth Barrett has definitely earned a place on my must buy shelf and I will be keeping an eye out for all her future books. Contemporary romance fans won't want to miss this series, if you're a fan of Jill Shalvis's Lucky Harbor series then this is definitely a new series to watch out for.

Source: Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
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Review: Deep Autumn Heat - Elisabeth Barrett

In this sexy new Star Harbor romance series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers, a celebrity chef turns up the heat for a local café owner—and things start to sizzle.

Lexie Meyers decides there’s nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson’s perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He’s hot, he’s hungry, and he’s sizing her up like she’s the best thing on the menu. But she’s been burned in the past and flings just aren’t her thing. Too bad Sebastian can’t resist a challenge.

Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty “get lost” attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it’s now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn’t sure whether she’s lost her mind . . . or just her heart.

Star Harbor Series:
Deep Autumn Heat
Blaze of Winter
Long Simmering Spring (Release date to be confirmed)
Slow Summer Burn (Release date to be confirmed)

Visit Elisabeth Barrett's website for more information.

Review:
Deep Autumn Heat is Elisabeth Barrett's debut novel and the first book in her Star Harbor series staring the sexy Grayson brothers. If you like a not quite reformed bad boy then you're going to love sexy celebrity chef Sebastian but I have a feeling his brothers are going to be just as hot to handle and I can't wait for more of Val, Cole and Theo. I do love a series that is set around a family of characters that you can get to know and love more and more with every book and this left me very excited to pick up Blaze of Winter when it is published in September.

Seb hasn't lived in Star Harbor for years but he returns at the same time every year to spend time with his brothers as they remember their father on the anniversary of his death. Their time together is usually spent fishing and catching up but Seb takes one look at Lexie and finds himself distracted. He should be focusing on his family and spending any spare time he has working on opening his new restaurant or planning the next series of his cookery show but all he can think of is the spitfire who runs the local restaurant and her delicious coconut cake. Seb didn't make a great first impression on Lexie though - she immediately pegged him as an arrogant ass and put him back in his place. He isn't used to having anyone stand up to him and as a celebrity he is usually fighting off the women so when Lexie seems immune to his charm it immediately makes him want her more. Lexie can't deny that she is attracted to Seb but the last relationship she had ended with a restraining order and her moving half way across the country to escape her ex so she is understandably wary of getting involved with anyone again.

I loved the banter between Lexie and Seb, she stands up to him and challenges him in ways that nobody else has done in years and he can't resist her. She is more reserved but when someone as attractive as Seb turns all his attentions on her he makes it very hard for her to resist. They have great chemistry but don't rush into a full on relationship too quickly and it is Lexie who is most determined to keep him at arms length. We are also introduced to a great selection of side characters, obviously Seb's brothers are going to have main roles in future books but I hope we also see more of the other town members and would love to see Lexie's right hand man Buster get his own happy ending.

I think this will be perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series, it has the same small town feel to it with likeable characters and fun family dynamics. I can't wait to read the next instalment and will certainly be keeping an eye out for more from Elisabeth Barrett in the future. Deep Autumn Heat is highly recommended for light hearted contemporary romance fans.

Source: Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
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