REVIEW: The Courage To Love (+$25 Amazon GC Giveaway!)

Title: The Courage to Love

Author: Christina Tetreault

Series: Love on the North Shore

Pages:  201

Date Published: March 1st, 2014

Publisher: Christina Tetreault

Format: Kindle

Genre: Romance

Source:Goddess Fish Blog Tours
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Synopsis:

When Hollywood sweetheart, Mia Troy, checks into the Victorian Rose, the only things on her mind are rest and relaxation before she begins work on her new movie in Boston. That is until she meets Sean O’Brien, the co-owner of the bed and breakfast. From the moment she checks in, Mia is drawn to Sean, a reserved man who sees past her celebrity status.

Eighteen years ago Sean became the man of the house when his father walked out on the family. Without a second thought, he put his own hopes and dreams on the back burner and took care of his mom and younger sister. Now the co-owner of a successful bed and breakfast, Sean has accepted his position in life—until the day Mia Troy checks in.

Despite his better judgment, Sean can’t ignore his physical attraction to Mia. Soon he gives into his desire, telling himself all she wants is a quick fling to pass the time. As they spend time together, his feelings grow. But can two people from such different worlds ever last?

~My Thoughts~

Actress Mia Troy is tired of all the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. She's jaded from the fame, the paparazzi, and all the hassle that comes with it. She decides that a weekend at a quaint B&B will be just the thing to recharge her nerves and let her relax. She didn't expect that the owner of the B&B would be as attractive as Sean O'Brien and he's just the thing to spend her days with. But Sean's not interested in a NSA fling and he's convinced that's what Mia is after. I mean, when you are a movie star, why would you settle for the B&B owner next door? 

Sean was a bit bitter for someone running a relaxation hut. Throughout the story we get more details about his past and find out why he's so staunchy and hard to get to know, and luckily that melts away as Mia gets closer and closer to his heart. Mia was your typical romance character...she's trying to find herself and her life and ends up finding love on the way. That whole chestnut. 

Much of the book is easy and predictable. This isn't going to redefine the romance genre, or have hordes of fans debating over the hero and decisions made in the book, but it was sweet and nice and was a pretty great diversion for what it was. I believe this is a companion series or a sequel of some sort, as there were sort of vague references that I didn't quite understand which typically means sequel. I definitely wouldn't mind reading more from Christina to pass my idle winter days now that it's freaking FREEZING out. I need some of Sean to keep me warm at night... 

~Try an Excerpt!~

“You know you want to stay,” the male actor said, pulling her against him. Lowering his head, the actor claimed her mouth.

Something primal rose up inside Sean at the sight. Grinding his teeth together, he struggled to stay back when everything inside him urged him forward. In his mind he envisioned pulling Mia away and then knocking her co-star onto the sidewalk. As the kiss continued, Mia wrapped her arms around her co-star’s neck as his hands traveled lower and cupped her ass. Ruled by emotion, Sean took a step forward.

“Cut,” a voice called out.

In front of the camera, Mia dropped her arms and pulled her mouth away. He co-star, though, kept his hands on her body and his eyes locked on her face as if the rest of the world didn’t exist.

“You two nailed that scene. Let’s call it a day,” a man announced, walking closer to the couple.

Mia took a step back and her co-star’s hands fell away. When she spotted Sean, her lips curved into a smile and she started toward him, leaving her co-star to stare after her.

When she reached Sean, she slide her arms around him and kissed him without even a hello first. The familiar scent of her favorite shampoo washed over him and rather than diminish the primal urge to throw her over his shoulder and lock her away, it grew stronger, and he tightened his hold around her waist.

“I’ve missed you,” Mia said as she pulled back.

~Meet Christina!~ 

I started writing at the age of 10 on my grandmother's manual typewriter and never stopped. When I am not driving my 3 daughters (ages 7, 5, and 5) around to their various activities or chasing around our two dogs, I am working on a story or reading a romance novel. I just finished Redeeming The Billionaire book 5 in the Sherbrookes of Newport series, and I have started book 2 in my new series Love On The North Shore. You can visit my website www.christinatetreault.com or follow me on Facebook to learn more about my characters and to track my progress on my current writing projects.

Christina will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn host.
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