Tag Archives: Ribbon Ridge

BREAK FREE (Ribbon Ridge 6) by Darcy Burke-a review

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BREAK FREE (Ribbon Ridge 6) by Darcy Burke-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release Date January 21, 2025

Denver real estate mogul, Liam Archer, has always been a thrill-seeker, and the loss of his identical twin brother has only intensified his reckless behavior. Sky diving, heli-skiing, motorcycle riding…he’s tried everything once. Except falling in love. Liam doesn’t do relationships, but a no-strings fling with Aubrey Tallinger—the smart, gorgeous lawyer handling his brother’s estate—is totally his speed.

At first, hooking up with Liam whenever he’s in Ribbon Ridge is perfect; but Aubrey fears she could fall hard for the sexy daredevil, if he’d only stop refusing to acknowledge the demons he’s trying to outrun. To protect herself from heartbreak, Aubrey ends their affair. But this time, Liam isn’t leaving town and instead of seduction, he wants to be…friends.

The white hot attraction between them still sizzles but Liam knows that winning Aubrey back won’t happen in his bed. He’ll have to convince her that he’s more than the careless, adrenaline junkie she believes him to be. Because when they kiss, Liam feels whole again… and he isn’t ready to give her up without a fight.

••••••

REVIEW: BREAK FREE is the sixth instalment in Darcy Burke’s contemporary, adult RIBBON RIDGE erotic, romance series focusing on the Archer family sextuplets (Evan, Sara, Alex, Tori, Kyle & Liam) of Ribbon Ridge, Oregon; their younger brother Hayden, and foster son Derek. This is real estate mogul and extreme sports enthusiast Liam Archer, and attorney Aubrey Tallinger’s storyline. BREAK FREE can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion, as each timeline follows on the events of the previous book.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Archer family owns several successful breweries and pubs, and most of the siblings currently play a role in the daily business operations at the request of Alex Archer, who took his own life after suffering years of physical and emotional disabilities. The Archer’s are a close knit family but due to the inherent and potential issues with multiple births-and in this case 6 babies at once-the now adult sextuplets are not without some emotional, mental and physical problems including OCD, Asperger’s syndrome, SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), chronic lung disease, addiction, depression and suicide.

NOTE: BREAK FREE was originally released as WHEN WE KISS. Due to the nature of the story line premise there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Liam and Aubrey) BREAK FREE picks up after the events of book five in which the family continues to struggle with the death of one of their own. Approximately fifteen months earlier, Liam and the Archer family buried Liam’s twin brother Alex, and in the ensuing time Liam’s need for the high of the ultimate challenge is beginning to worry the family. Having moved away years before, Liam’s return coincides with the family’s fight to open their newly renovated hotel and restaurant gifted by their brother Alex but someone is taking legal action, and the family has hired attorney Aubrey Tallinger to defend them in court. Aubrey and Liam have a history together, a history that most of the family are completely unaware but in this Liam only wants a friends with benefits relationship, while Aubrey is hoping for something more. As Aubrey prepares to take a stand with Archer Enterprises, Liam continues to struggle with his place in the family, and his place in the life of our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on loss and grief-the inability to accept and understand the how and why of death; and one man’s struggle to move on from the past. Liam’s grief is complicated by the guilt of his twin’s death, a death with which he has yet to come to terms. As the family continues to learn to cope with the loss, Liam is burying his guilt in risky situations .

The relationship between Liam and Aubrey is a friends with benefits relationship but Liam refuses to settle down. Aubrey wants a family, a home, someone to love and call her own but Liam doesn’t do relationships, and pushes our heroine at every turn. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous story line couples return as well as their parents Emily and Rob; Aubrey’s uncle Dave and aunt Cyndi, and Liam’s ex Whitney.

BREAK FREE is another story of grief and loss, guilt and turmoil, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is detailed, heart breaking and emotional; the romance is a back and forth pull of rejection and acceptance; the characters are broken, determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and previous reviews (& new title)
Where The Heart Is (Let Go)
Only In My Dreams (Get Lucky)
Yours To Hold (Sparks Fly)
When Love Happens(Fall Hard)
The Idea of You (Can’t Stop)

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Haven’t started the series? Book one LET GO is currently FREE at Amazon
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So In Love (Ribbon Ridge: Love on the Vine #3) by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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SO IN LOVE (Ribbon Ridge: Love on the Vine #3) by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

 

 

SO IN LOVE
Ribbon Ridge: Love on the Vine #3
by Darcy Burke
Release Date: August 25, 2017
Genre: adult,contemporary, erotic, romance

 

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / itunes

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 25, 2017

After a hot hook-up on New Year’s Eve, Crystal Donovan plans to avoid Jamie Westcott, which could be difficult, given the size of Ribbon Ridge. But she’s only there a few days doing research on the town’s history then it’s back to her glam life in LA. When his family holds the key to unraveling a century-old mystery she has to seek him out—and the sparks are still flying.

Jamie Westcott works his ass off to repay his college loans, which doesn’t leave much time for other commitments. Crystal’s a perfect fling: she’s fun and sexy and, best of all, they have little in common and she lives somewhere else. Only, the more time they spend together the closer they get, despite their intent to keep things casual.

When everyone learns Crystal sold a screenplay exposing the dark secrets of Ribbon Ridge—and Jamie’s family—she becomes the town pariah. Jamie won’t leave and Crystal can’t stay—can love show them another way?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: SO IN LOVE is the third and final installment in Darcy Burke’s contemporary, adult LOVE ON THE VINE erotic, romance series focusing on the Westcott brothers of Ribbon Ridge. This is twenty seven year old, economics graduate and vintner Jamie Westcott, and thirty two year old, PA/ budding screen writer Crystal Donovan’s story line. The LOVE ON THE VINE series is a spin off from Burke’s Ribbon Ridge series. We were first introduced to Jamie and his brothers (Cameron and Luke) in You’re Still the One (Ribbon Ridge #6). You do not have to read the original series to follow the premise of SO IN LOVE but I recommend reading You’re Still the One for some backstory about the brothers and their new winery business.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jamie and Crystal) SO IN LOVE follows the building relationship between vintner Jamie Westcott, and PA Crystal Donovan-a relationship that began with a New Year’s Eve one-night stand, and Crystal’s reluctance to get involved with a man five years her junior. Ribbon Ridge is a small town where everyone is connected through family or friendship, and Crystal’s connections to Ribbon Ridge place our heroine on the committee researching the historical significance of the small town she has yet to call home. While Jamie Westcott intends to pursue Crystal Donovan for something more than a one-night stand, Crystal uncovers some disturbing history that places Jamie’s family in the middle of a controversial era in the settling of Ribbon Ridge. What ensues is the growing love between Crystal and Jamie, and the fall out as more of Jamie’s family history comes to light.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Luke and Kelsey (So Right #2), and Cameron and his wife Brooke (So Good #1), both Jamie and Crystal’s parents and siblings, Crystal’s best friend Alaina Pierce (The Idea of You /Ribbon Ridge #4), as well as a large number of the Archer clan from the original Ribbon Ridge Series.

The relationship between Crystal and Jamie is one of immediate attraction but Crystal struggles with the five-year age difference, as well as the possibility of a long-distance relationship that is rarely successful. Jamie’s personal life is shrouded in rejection and loss; Crystal struggles with memories from the past, and a history she is reluctant to reveal. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and passionate.

SO IN LOVE is a timely, story of controversy that somewhat mirrors the political and volatile unrest in today’s American society. While our heroine uncovers a dark and violent past in Ribbon Ridge’s history, the connections to our story line hero are personal and potentially embarrassing to the people he loves. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the characters are spirited and encouraging; the romance is challenging and intense. SO IN LOVE is a revealing and surprising conclusion to Darcy Burke’s LOVE ON THE VINE series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
So Good
So Right
So In Love

Copy supplied by Netgalley for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

excerpt

 

“Never have I ever been to a party with Prince Harry.” He drank.

She pulled her feet down and sat straight up, leaning forward, in one fluid, whiplash movement. “Shut. Up.”

“Well, not with him, but I met him. Nice bloke.”

“Okay, that is way better than any famous person I’ve met.” Her gaze softened. “Is he as tall and gorgeous as I think?”

Jamie chuckled. “I have no idea. How tall and gorgeous do you think he is?”

“Super gorgeous.” She slid him a glance that clearly said, “duh.” Propping her feet back up, she settled into the couch once more. “And he’s six inches taller than me. And nine months older. In other words, we’d be perfect for each other.” She sent him another look, this one full of self-mockery. “I’ve been planning our wedding since I was ten. Just ask Alaina.”

“Well, it seems you ought to meet him then.”

She bolted upright again. “You could make that happen?”

“Probably not. Sorry. Anyway, I think he has a girlfriend now.”

She slouched back with a dejected sigh. “I know.”

“I’m six-one,” Jamie said, recalling the prince was maybe the same height or just slightly taller. “Not nearly as good looking though.”

Crystal tipped her head to the side and studied him. “You’re no Prince Harry, but you’re cute.”

“I’ll take that. Your turn.”

“Let’s see… Never have I ever made out with a celebrity.” This time she took a drink.

“You going to kiss and tell?” When she shook her head, he prodded for more information. “Just making out?”

She peered at him over the top of her glass. “How naughty do you want to take this game?”

Her sultry look heated his body once more. “If you recall, I was all for the stripping part. In fact, there’s been a disappointing lack of that.”

A smile teased her lips. “I see. Honestly, if it wasn’t so cold out, I’d suggest a dip in the hot tub. I think that’s uncovered at least.”

“Can it be too cold if the water is over a hundred degrees?”

“Good point. But I don’t have a suit.”

“Neither do I. Never have I ever gone skinny dipping.” He sipped his beer. “In a hot tub.” He drank again. “With a hot blonde.” This time he didn’t drink but simply stared at her in open invitation.

“She pulled her feet from the table and rose from the couch. “There are towels in the locker room. Give me a head start.”

 

About the Author

Darcy BurkeDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

Connect:

 

Site: www.darcyburke.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans
Twitter: twitter.com/darcyburke
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/5823441.Darcy_Burke

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So Good (Love on the Vine #1 / Ribbon Ridge #7) by Darcy Burke-Review

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SO GOOD (Ribbon Ridge #7 / Love on the Vine #1) by Darcy Burke-Review, Book tour and Giveaway

 

SO GOOD
Love on the Vine #1 / Ribbon Ridge #7
by Darcy Burke
Genre: adult, contemporary romance
Release Date: September 6, 2016

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 6, 2016

Cameron Westcott has spent eight years recovering from heartbreak by keeping romantic entanglements casual and simple. He’s never minded being called a manwhore, but after two years immersing himself in his new winery, he might be ready for the next chapter. Especially when he meets a sexy wine distributor—only she says she isn’t interested.

Following a bitter divorce, Brooke Ellis relocated to Ribbon Ridge to rebuild her life. Things will never be the same for her, and she’s coming to terms with that reality when she meets charming, persistent Cam. She can’t imagine a happy ever after given his reputation, but he makes her feel so good.

As the sparks between them intensify, they’re both hesitant to commit for very different reasons. Or are they really just sabotaging their own futures? If they can trust each other—and themselves—they may realize that what they share is too good to let slip away.

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  SO GOOD is the first installment in Darcy Burke’s contemporary, adult LOVE ON THE VINE romance series focusing on the Westcott brothers of Ribbon Ridge. This is vintner and winery owner Cameron (Cam) Westcott, and wine distributor Brooke Ellis’s story line. LOVE ON THE VINE is a spin off from Burke’s Ribbon Ridge series. We were first introduced to Cameron and his brothers (Luke and Jamie) in You’re Still the One (Ribbon Ridge #6). You do not have to read the original series to follow the premise of SO GOOD but I recommend reading You’re Still the One for some backstory about the brothers and their new winery business.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cam and Brooke) SO GOOD focuses on the start up of Cam, Jamie, and Luke Westcott, and Hayden Archer’s new winery West Arch Estates, and the building relationship between Ribbon Ridge newcomer and wholesale wine distributor Brooke Ellis and our story line hero. There is a side story developing as Brooke and a number of the Archer significant others begin to research the historical significance of the town of Ribbon Ridge.

Brooke and Cam met under less than auspicious circumstances at the annual International Pinot Noir Celebration near Ribbon Ridge Oregon, although the sparks flew from the outset. Brooke wanted nothing to do with a man she believed to be a player- a reputation as a manwhore had preceded Cameron Westcott’s introduction. When Cam offers Brooke a position within the company to help promote their wines, a line has been drawn about sleeping with the boss, and a line that is crossed several times. What ensues is Cam’s pursuit of the woman that calls to his heart, and Brooke’s continuous need to push Cam away knowing that she can never give him the future that he wants.

The relationship between Cam and Brooke is a push and pull, back and forth, yes and no, frustrating match up as our heroine is afraid about what the future may bring. Both Brooke and Cam have experienced heartbreak in the past but Brooke’s pain is compounded with personal loss. Throughout the story, Cam makes several attempts to woo and seduce out story line heroine only to be rejected time and again, or in a haze of morning-after guilt and punishment. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Cam’s brothers Jamie and Luke, a number of the Archer clan including Cam’s best friend Hayden and his wife Bex, as well as Brooke’s new BFF, and Ribbon Ridge librarian Kelsey McDade. Kelsey and Luke’s story will be told next in SO RIGHT.

SO GOOD is a story with plenty of sexual banter between Cam and Brooke, enveloped by the angst of too much drama, secrets and lies. Brooke refuses to acknowledge the truth whenever Cam questions our heroine about her past, and when the truth is finally revealed Cam is blindsided once again. There is a distinct lack of communication and mystery about Brooke’s past that added to the already tense morning after scenarios. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the characters are passionate and energetic although Brooke’s hot and cold reactions were a little over the top; the romance is a bit of a struggle towards a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

 

“So, tell me how you came to be a player.”
He barked out a laugh. “You nearly made me trip. Not going to beat around the bush with that one, huh?” He looked over at her, smiling.
“Nope. I’m taking a page from your playbook and shooting straight. You don’t deny your reputation?”
“Nope,” he echoed. “I will say that I’ve mellowed a bit recently. I’m too busy with the winery.”
“So if not for the winery, you’d be up to your usual shenanigans.”
“Shenanigans… Yes, I suppose so.” He lifted a shoulder. “Maybe not. I don’t know. What do you mean by ‘shenanigans’?”
She kept her gaze forward. “I hear you had a different girl in every city when you were on the road.”
They turned the corner, and she stopped as they reached the door to her building.
He stopped too and turned toward her. “Not every city. And anyway, I don’t travel anymore.”
“Right. You’re busy. Does that mean you don’t date?”
He moved closer. “Are you asking me out?”
The scent of his cologne stole over her. The green of his eyes at this range was so deep, so captivating, she could easily sway toward him and… She straightened her shoulders. “No.”
“Well, that’s a damn shame.” His words carried a dark, seductive tone of regret. “Guess I’ll have to ask you out—since I wasn’t clear about it before.”
“No. Thank you,” she rushed to add. “I had a nice time tonight, but I’d prefer to keep our relationship strictly professional.”
“Too bad,” he said softly. “I was sort of hoping I could kiss you.”
Standing here with him in the early twilight, feeling the intoxicating burn of his stare, she was sort of hoping that too. But she hadn’t done that in so long… And she wasn’t ready. Okay, her body was totally ready, but her mind was still trying to figure out what the hell to do with Cameron Westcott.
“Cameron—”
“Cam. Everyone calls me Cam.” He inched closer so that she could feel his proximity, and heat raced through her. “At least everyone who likes me.”
“Cam, I—”
“Oh good, you like me.”
She couldn’t help smiling. He was good at that—making her smile. No one had been good at that in a very long time. Not even herself. Especially not herself. “I do. And… Well, ask me again sometime.”
Had she just said that out loud?
“If I can kiss you?” He leaned forward, putting his lips against her ear. “Count on it.”

 

 

About The Author

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

Connect:

 

Site: www.darcyburke.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans
Twitter: twitter.com/darcyburke
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/5823441.Darcy_Burke

 

 

 

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The Idea of You (Ribbon Ridge #4) by Darcy Burke-a review

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THE IDEA OF YOU (Ribbon Ridge #4) by Darcy Burke-a review

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM

About the book: Release Date November 17, 2015

Evan Archer has always preferred peace and solitude to the loud antics of his large, hard-to-navigate family. But when Archer Enterprises needs a new creative director, Evan jumps at the chance to claim the job he’s always wanted. Moving home is easier than he expected, but Evan isn’t prepared for the stunning A-list celebrity hiding out in his family’s garage apartment.

Following a major tabloid scandal, movie star Alaina Pierce escapes to Ribbon Ridge. She’s immediately drawn to the quiet, picturesque town and the incredibly sexy—if a little quirky—Evan. He may be built like a Greek god, but he’s honest and straightforward… so different from the Hollywood types she normally dates.

Their attraction is undeniable, but Alaina can’t elude the paparazzi forever, and Evan has no interest in being in the limelight. When the secret she’s been keeping is exposed, the idea of Evan—of real love and a family like the Archers—could vanish in an instant.

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE IDEA OF YOU is the fourth full length installment in Darcy Burke’s contemporary adult Ribbon Ridge romance series focusing on the Archer family sextuplets (Evan, Sara, Alex, Tori, Kyle & Liam) of Ribbon Ridge and their younger brother Hayden. The Archer family owns several successful breweries and pubs, and most of the siblings currently play a role in the daily business operations at the request of Alex Archer, who took his own life after suffering years of physical and emotional disabilities. The Archer’s are a close knit family but due to the inherent and potential issues with multiple births-and in this case 6 babies at once-the now adult sextuplets are not without some emotional, mental and physical problems including OCD, Asperger’s syndrome, SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), chronic lung disease, addiction and depression. This is IT specialist Evan Archer, and actress Alaina Pierce’s storyline. The series should be read in order as each timeline follows on the events of the previous book.

Told from alternating third person points of view THE IDEA OF YOU follows academy award winning actress Alaina Pierce as she escapes the Hollywood paparazzi and a major scandal, for the peace and solitude of Ribbon Ridge. Alaina, on the advice of friend and producer Sean Hennessey (When Love Happens #3) heads to the quiet town of Ribbon Ridge to take stock of her personal life and what it is she wants for the future. Alaina’s arrival at the Archer homestead finds our heroine falling for the shy, quiet and withdrawn Evan Archer-a man whose emotional and mental fragility takes the guise of Asperger’s syndrome. Asperger syndrome (AS) is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one of a distinct group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties, and restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm). What ensues is a building relationship between Alaina – a woman who thrives on the stage and in the spotlight; and Evan –a man who becomes overwhelmed in social and crowded situations. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and hot.

Addressing Asperger’s Syndrome, Darcy Burke touches upon Evan’s sensory overload-the noise, the crowds, his inability to read social cues, as well as his issues with touch. THE IDEA OF YOU looks at the struggles of one couple as they navigate the potential minefield of a personal and sexual relationship. It is never easy entering into a new relationship, but for someone like Evan, the experience can set off a whole new level of difficulties and negative behavior.

THE IDEA OF YOU is an interesting and entertaining storyline about family; the characters are real; the romance is seductive; the happily ever after, although not unexpected, felt a little rushed.

Reading Order and reviews
Where The Heart Is
Only In My Dreams
Yours To Hold
When Love Happens
The Idea of You

Copy supplied by Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

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