Actress Harper Kennedy is in the middle of a messy separation from her cheating husband, fellow actor Brett. When press attention in the wake of the scandal becomes overwhelming, she decides to take her kids, 8-year-old Liam and 4-year-old Lily, off the grid for a vacation in Alaska. A detour to a popular tourist attraction results in them being late to their meeting with Digger McKenzie, owner of the Whistler Lake Lodge and their pilot for the last leg of the journey. Digger isn't happy with the delay so he and Harper don't get off to the best start, but he soon realizes that she isn't the spoiled, entitled princess he thought she'd be. Digger always thought he'd be a bachelor forever, but as he and Harper grow closer, he begins to envision a different future with Harper and her kids playing an integral role. When the press learns where Harper has been hiding and Brett shows up to try and reclaim his family, can Digger and Harper's fledgling relationship withstand the pressure?
This story was a lot of fun, but also surprisingly emotional at times. Harper was in a really tough situation as she worked through the logistics of her impending divorce, and every time she broke down over the idea of missing out on time with her kids, I hurt for her. That said, she was so much stronger and more resilient than she realized, and I admired her ability to consistently put Liam and Lily first.
Overall, I loved this super cute, funny, and sweet story and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Overall, I loved this super cute, funny, and sweet story and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the authors via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
About "No Ordinary Hate"
Life in Hollywood is easy to hate…
According to Hollywood insiders, Harper and Brett Kennedy have the perfect family life—an image that has been carefully cultivated by an army of PR experts at Galaxy Studios. The truth is, their relationship has been on the rocks since Brett cheated when Harper was pregnant with their youngest child. Four years later, he’s still cheating, but this time with the nanny.
When the tabloids find out, a media frenzy ensues, all but making Harper and her kids prisoners in their Pacific Palisades mansion. Needing time out of the spotlight to regroup, Harper rents a cabin in the last place the press or anyone else would ever think to look for her—Gamble, Alaska.
There, she finds peace, solitude, and Digger McKenzie. Will the gruff lodge owner, who goes out of his way to make Harper feel like she doesn’t belong, realize he’s about to miss out on his one chance at happiness? Will Harper’s kids adjust to small-town life and heal from the chaos of their parents’ separation? Will Harper learn how to shoot a bear?
Find out in the deliciously funny and dishy first installment of the Love is a Gamble Mom-Com Series.
Read an Excerpt from "No Ordinary Hate"
Harper
I hurt everywhere—my head, my eyes, my belly button. Reaching under the covers I discover that I went to bed in my jeans and the button is digging into me. Popping it open, I roll over and release a world-class groan.
“Ah, you’re up.” It’s Digger’s voice but there’s no way he’s here in my cabin. “I just put on some coffee.” How is he here in my cabin?
Memories start to filter into my consciousness and the heat of embarrassment washes over me. The question at hand is, how much of what I’m remembering really happened and how much did I dream? I say the only thing that comes to mind. “Hi.”
“Good morning to you.” He walks fully into the room before sitting on the bed next to me. “How do you feel?”
“I’m … um … not great.” Lordy, this is one gorgeous man.
“You and Moira really tied one on last night.”
Okay, so the memory about him picking me up and bringing me home is real. Now to figure out what happened after that. “So, did you … uh … that is to say … sleep here?” He smiles slightly while nodding his head. “In my room?”
“Yup.” Son of a … did he sleep in my bed? I can’t bring myself to ask. He watches me closely before pointing across the room. “Over there in the chair.”
Thank God. “Why exactly?” I’m having a devil of a time meeting his gaze.
“I was getting ready for bed when Moira called, and by the time I carried you here, I was wiped out.”
“I’m so sorry,” I mumble. “I’m not much of a drinker.” I chance a glance at him from under my lashes.
The look on his face is so intense it’s practically melting me from the inside out. “Clearly.” He stands up and walks out of the room while saying, “I’m putting your coffee in a thermos. You can drink it on your way up to the lodge.”
“No, thank you,” I call after him. “I think I’ll go back to sleep for a while.”
He walks back in, shaking his head. “You’ll feel like crap all day if you do that. What you need is some fresh air, followed by a giant breakfast to soak up all the wine.” He reaches his hand out to me.
I don’t want to take it, but I do. As he pulls, I moan. “I never get drunk.”
“Sometimes needs must. I’m guessing Brett was the last person you expected to see up here yesterday.”
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