Blog Stop & Review: The Best I Never Had by Loni Flowers

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THE BEST I NEVER HAD

DeVine Winery #1

Loni Flowers

Releasing May 5th, 2015

New job, new town, new people— new life.

That’s what Olivia Langston needed. At twenty eight, she was given a rare opportunity at an internship in the rolling valleys of Crystal Falls in California wine country, far away from her small town roots in North Carolina. It was an unexpected journey she desperately needed after her ex-husband crushed her.

At DeVine Winery, she expected a fresh start in a new environment to help let go of her past. Instead, she found Daniel Black and a hell of a lot of sexual tension she wasn’t prepared for. He was gorgeous, modestly wealthy, irresistible, and just happened to be part owner of DeVine, one of the largest vineyards in the country.

If only she knew that before she kissed him her first night in town.

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We stood at the base of a Ferris wheel, third in line as we waited for our turn. I was about to have heart attack. At least I’ll look good when I die. A couple got off the wheel as another got on, putting us second in line. My heart raced remembering the last time I rode one while in college. I had a panic attack once the wheel had finally made it to the top.

“Why did we get all dressed up to come to a carnival? Are you sure we have to do this?” I questioned in panic.

“This is just a pit stop. I want you to see the view from the top.” He kissed the skin at the bend in my neck, sending the two teenage girls behind us in to a swooning fit.

“I can see the view from here just fine.” I huffed.

He chuckled as the couple in front of us boarded the next bucket on the wheel. “Trust me, Olivia. You’ll be fine,” he assured me.

I did trust him, but it didn’t stop my hands from shaking. And I felt dumb getting so worked up over a children’s ride. The next bucket came down, the ride operator lifted the metal bar across the riders’ laps, and they hopped out, exiting to the left. The operator motioned us forward, but I could hardly move. Daniel put his arm around my back, encouraging me forward. Once I was seated, he slipped my shoes from my feet and placed them next to me on the seat before whispering something to the ride operator. After he took his seat, the operator lowered the lap bar and walked towards the control panel. My anxiety kicked into gear. The bucket jolted forward and I gripped the bar, squeezing it as if my life depended on it. I gasped and squeezed my eyes shut.

“I don’t even know why there’s a bar here. Anyone could slip out underneath it. This can’t be safe at all.”

“Olivia, open your eyes.”

I shook my head lightly, scared that any movement would make us fall out and drop to our death. “Just tell me when it’s over,” I whispered.

His palm brushed over my bare shoulders in an attempt to soothe me when the bottom of our bucket shifted forward, causing the back to tip backwards. “Oh my God, stop moving. We’re going to fall. Please don’t move anymore.” I was on the verge of tears and frozen like stone. His palm pressed against my cheek and pulled my face in his direction.

“Open your eyes, baby. Just focus on me.”

I did as he asked, cracking my lids open and searching for the blue of his eyes. “I’m sorry. I want to enjoy this, I really do. But…”

“Have you always been afraid of heights?”

“Yes. It’s one of the reasons I drove to California.”

“I see.” He gazed out at our surroundings. “We are about to go around again until the operators get everyone off except us. He’s going to let us stay at the top for a while unless you want to get off now.”

“He’s going to let you do that?”

“Money talks just about anywhere. Can you handle thirty more minutes with me up there?”

“I’ll do my best. Talk to me. Keep me occupied. Just don’t move too much. Please.” I squeezed my eyes tight and leaned into his shoulder as we made another full rotation. It wasn’t so bad if we were steadily moving, but the stopping and starting and the swaying of the bucket was ripping my nerves apart. Despite the romantic situation Daniel had created, I was too scared to accept the moment for what it was.

“We’ve stopped, and we’ll be here for a while. Can you open your eyes now?”

I cracked them open, lifting my head slightly to peek out in front of me. There was nothing except the ocean and the great open sky coated in an array of bright oranges and pinks as the sun prepared to slip into the ocean for the night. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves and relax my tense body.

“It really is beautiful up here.” I marveled at the scenery. I peered in the opposite direction and could see the entire amusement park and the wooden boardwalk that stretched along the beach.

“Normally, I would agree.” Daniel slipped his fingers up the side of my neck, encouraging me to face him. “But I swear, nothing is more beautiful than you.”

“You’ll have to forgive me if I disagree.”

“You can disagree all you like; it won’t sway my opinion.”

A man with his crystal blue eyes caught the attention of Olivia Langston when she visited The Blue Room, a bar recommended to her in Crystal Falls. The town she would call home for the next six month. At the ripe old age of twenty-eight, she is ready to re-build her life after her marriage broke down. The internship she's beginning imminently is a stepping stone to a new life. Olivia isn't looking for a new relationship, but fate steps in help change all that!

Daniel Black meets the woman of his dreams in the bar he part-owns, only to watch her drive off after they've exchanged a passionate kiss. All he knows is her name “Olivia” and that he's never likely to see her again. So Daniel is completely taken aback when his mother introduces Olivia as the new intern at DeVine Winery of which he also part-owns. With a new sense of purpose, all he has to do is pursued and charm Olivia into his life and heart.

The relationship between the protagonists is palpable. Both are attracted to each other but only Daniel is willing to act upon those feelings, whilst Olivia tries to shun his advances. There are secrets and past hurts that need to be aired and interference from someone from the past... it is possible for them to find a happy ever after? As time progresses sensitive topics come to the fore and they handled compassionately by the author. Added to the mix are some interesting supporting characters, including a handsome fraternal twin called Garrett (I'm looking forward to learning more about him) and you have an entertaining, fun and sexy read set in the beautiful wine growing region of California.

The Best I Never Had is a cosy story that leaves you with a contented feeling when you've finished reading. The plot is predictable at times and foresaw some of the events as they unfolded, although I was completely taken by surprise by an unexpected twist! Not that I see this as a negative – far from it. I believe there are books to suits moods and occasions and this one is perfect for reading on the beach, curled up warm on a cold winters night or simply relaxing in your favourite place.

4 Stars

***arc generously received in exchange for an honest review***

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Residing in Eastern North Carolina with her husband, 2 girls, and couch-potato dogs, Loni works a full-time professional job during the day and writes in her free time. She never thought it was possible to have a satisfying writing career, but with the love and support of her family, she's made it part of her life.

Loni searches for the tiniest speck of romance in any story and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after’s. She thrives off the sexual tension, and gets a kick out of taking her characters on a roller-coaster ride of drama-filled emotions. A romance that can soothe the soul is her number one priority.

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Release Day: A Beautiful Taste by Lilliana Anderson

The Beautiful Series are standalone romances, each with their own HEA. They can be read in order or on their own.

New Adult romance, for 18+ only due to sexual content and adult themes

It's never easy to go back. That's something chef, Bradley Rae is sweating bullets about as the date of his kayaking team’s reunion draws near. When his old school friend and teammate, Elliot Roberts, convinces him to go, he thinks he'll be fine going back there. After all, chances are, she won't be there at all. It’s been almost ten years. Maybe she she’s moved away. Maybe he won’t see her at all...

Dakota Morgan is a girl with many regrets, and Bradley Rae is on top of that list. You see, she did something - she didn't wait five minutes, and that tiny amount of impatience changed the course of her life forever.

When her father sets up a fundraising reunion for their family owned kayaking club, her heart beats out of control when she sees Brad's name on that list. Part of her wants to refuse to go so she doesn't have to face him. But a larger part of her needs to see him, even if it's just a window into what might have been...

When Brad and Dakota meet again, will sparks fly, or will the past remain firmly in the past? And what about secrets? Can they survive the reality of what that one split decision, made all those years ago, has done? Or will they let it all go again?

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Dakota Morgan is both head-strong and naïve as a thirteen year old girl. She has a crush on Brad Rae, an older boy who's enrolled in the Summer kayaking programme run by her parents. She knows he's interested in her too, but left feeling humiliated when he confronts her for being three years younger than himself. Over time, her love for Brad only get stronger and just when they reach a point they can finally act on their mutual attraction, everything they hoped and dreamed for is destroyed.

Thanks to his Aunt Sara, Brad's future prospects don't look quite as hopeless as they could have been. He may have dropped out of school, but he's working in a restaurant to train as a chef. He works during the evenings, so spends his days hanging out with other kids on the Summer programme he's attending. Brad can't believe that the girl that has caught his eye is three years younger than himself. Even worse when he's asked by her father to keep an eye on her so other hormonal teenagers in the group don't hit on her. He wants to move on, but the feelings for Dakota just wont go away, so he settles with a friendship. Just when there relationship is moving forward, and incident beyond his control changes everything.

This is such a heartwarming story and was immediately drawn to the protagonists and into the plot where we hope that love conquers all. You will root for Brad and Dakota to find a way back to each other and, will them to overcome both the physical and mental pain stemming from that fateful night seven years ago. Whilst it is easy to understand the anguish and resulting consequences Dakota has faced and is now living with. We are reminded that Brad also has to come to terms with what happened in order to move on. The author has done a wonderful job of dealing with a sensitive incident in a compassionate way, translated via the actions of the main characters. Dakota is living each day the best she can, but is suffocated by her overprotective parents. Brad is protective, caring and compassionate way beyond his young age. He's willing to do whatever it takes to finally be with the woman he loves.

I'm familiar with and like the author's writing style but unfamiliar with The Beautiful Series. I read “A Beautiful Taste” as standalone novel, but plan to catch-up with the rest of the series as soon as I can.

4½ Stars

***arc generously received from the author in exchange for an honest review***

Dakota

“Cody?” I turn to the sound of a male voice, and when I turn, it takes me a moment to recognise him.

“Elliot?” I confirm, as I take in his cropped hair, his broad shoulders, and his massive height. I’m smiling because while I know it’s him – he still has those iridescent blue eyes - but, I can hardly believe it at the same time. He’s about twice the size I remember him, although it’s all muscle. He looks amazing.

He smiles and gives me a friendly hug. “It’s been a long time. This is my wife, Paige.”

The obviously pregnant woman at his side gives me a beautiful smile and holds her hand out to shake mine. She’s a little taller than I am at five foot, eight, and she has beautiful brown curly hair and interesting amber coloured eyes which gives her an otherworldly quality. They’re a stunning couple and I feel as though I’m staring, but I can’t stop.

“It’s lovely to meet you. Elliot’s been telling me all about his time here. Sounds like you all had a lot of fun,” Paige says when she withdraws her hand from mine.

“We did,” I confirm then have a brief conversation with them to catch up on the last seven years of Elliot’s life. “Sounds like you’ve been really busy. Have you kept in contact with anyone else from your squad?” I try to slip the question in there naturally.

He smiles knowingly. “I still talk to Brad. He should be here soon. He just had a few things to do at work before he could come.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean…” He pats me on the shoulder.

“He wants to see you too.”

The blush creeps up my cheeks before I can stop it.

“Elliot!” Paige reprimands. “You’ve gone and embarrassed the girl.”

I shake my head. “It’s fine, really. And he’s right. I am asking about Brad. I don’t know how much you know, but it’s been a long time and things didn’t exactly end well. I’ve been worried he might still be angry and wouldn’t want to speak to me.”

“It was a long time ago,” Elliot says, kindly. Then another male voice speaks up from behind me.

“It feels like yesterday being back here though.”

I freeze at the sound of his voice and stay that way as he greets Elliot and Paige before turning to me. He smiles. I can’t breathe. He still looks the same but the lip and brow rings are both gone. There’s a small scar in his right eyebrow where the ring was torn out.

That scar is my fault I think, as my eyes graze over it, noticing all of the tattoos covering his forearms. One side is new. He didn’t have both sides done before. The realisation of missing out on so much of his life hits me in the chest and twists like a knife. I wish things were different, I really do…

“Dakota,” he says, and my name rolls off his lips like a fine piece of music. I long for him to call me Cody like he did back then.

“It’s so good to see you. How have you been?” I ask breathlessly. My heart beats in my ears, and I feel incredibly warm and a little shaky.

He drops his gaze to the floor for a moment and slides his hands into his pockets. “I don’t want to do small talk with you, Dakota.”

I’m a little taken aback. “You don’t?”

He shakes his head. “No. Will you walk with me?”

I have to force myself to swallow as a fear grips my heart. If I tell him now, he’ll go away forever. I just got him back. I want to keep him for a moment…just a moment. Then I’ll let him go.

“But…but there’s dinner… and… and…”

He holds out his hand. “I don’t want to wait any longer than I already have.”

Apprehensively, I slide my hand in his, knowing that mine will feel warm and clammy to him. How is he acting so calm?

As his hand closes around mine, I close my eyes, taking a brief moment to acknowledge that it feels like home. It feels right. It feels the same.

He escorts me out to the balcony then down the stairs that lead to the pontoon. He releases my hand at the bottom and slips his hands back in his pockets again. Before I was feeling warm–now I’m suddenly cold.

“I guess you brought me out here for some sort of an explanation,” I state, as we walk along in silence for a few moments.

“Well, it is the great mystery of my life. It’s supposed to be the guy who ditches and runs, not the girl.”

It’s his attempt at a joke, but neither one of us laughs. I think we’re both caught in the same memory. The last time we were together before he asked me to wait for him and I didn’t…

“Are you OK?” he asked, lying beside me, as he held a warm compress between my thighs.

I nodded and lightly ran my hand down the side of his face, my finger touching the ring in his brow and ending at the ring in his lip. He was so beautiful. He was everything I had wanted or even hoped for. He turned slightly and kissed my fingertips.

“I’m perfect,” I whispered.

He smiled, leaning down to lightly kiss my lips. “Yes. You are.”

“I love you,” I told him.

“I love you,” he whispered in return, taking my mouth in his…

“I don’t know what to tell you,” I say, trying to blink away the tears that sting my eyes when I remember what we lost.

“How about you just tell me what happened?”

I take a deep breath, thinking back to that day, and wanting to tell him–even if I just tell him that I didn’t leave him. I was forced away…

I look at him, my mouth opens to speak but all I manage is “I…I…”

“You what?” he presses, and I clamp my mouth shut before shaking my head.

“Cody,” Stacey interrupts, holding out my phone. “It's Riley. He's saying he needs you to go home.” I wince because Brad doesn't know about Riley. She glances over at Brad. “Oh, uh…hi, Brad, I didn't know you were here.”

He looks from me to her, and there's a ticking in the side of his jaw. “Actually, I was just 
leaving.”

Australian born and bred, Lilliana Anderson has always loved to read and write considering it the best form of escapism that the world has to offer. Besides writing Angelien's biographical trilogy, she also writes contemporary romance and drama all based around Aussie characters.

When she isn't writing she is a wife, and a mother to four children. She has worked in a variety of industries and studied humanities before transferring to commerce/law at university.

She currently lives a fairly quiet life in suburban Melbourne.

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