Karen Cassanello
Brandon left years ago, and hasn't done a very good job of staying in touch with his family. Until the deaths of his parents. He doesn't know Amy, who lives and works on the station. They ignore the attraction between them - he's not staying long - but work together to solve the mystery of his parents' deaths when it becomes clear that it was not an accident. I love how the author weaves the mystery and suspense with a sizzling romance and strong family relationships, into a book that I couldn't put down. I was sorry to see it end, but am looking forward to the next book - Darcy's story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shannon Williams
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Really Great Start to this New Series Claire Boston starts her new Aussie Heroes: Retribution Bay series with a bang with “Return to Retribution Bay.” Having never read any of her previous work (such as the popular Blackbridge series), I was excited to read a new-to-me author, and I was definitely not disappointed. In Book 1, we are treated to a story that expertly weaves together drama, intrigue, suspense, and some pretty intense and steamy chemistry between the hero and heroine. And the bonus is the cast of relatable, beautifully flawed, and loveable characters that Boston has created for the series – most of whom are related to the hero. Sergeant Brandon Stokes, a gorgeous, protective army officer has a whole lot weighing on his heart when he returns home to his family’s sheep ranch after more than a decade when tragedy strikes. Beautiful, feisty Amy Hammond is the guest liaison at the ranch who is fiercely loyal to the Stokes clan, but isn’t so sure about the quiet, brooding soldier now sleeping in the room next to hers – especially when they discover an “it’s a small world” connection that doesn’t necessarily make her feel better about her growing attraction for him. Their budding relationship is tested by targeted attacks against the ranch and family and the subsequent investigation into the dangerous events, but they can’t deny the connection they have between them. And when they act on it…whoa! Boston sure can write a sexy scene. Even the one detailing their first kiss is hot! Brandon’s siblings, as well as long-time family friend, Matt, and Brandon’s army buddy, Sam, only add to the amazingly emotional and suspenseful story, and I shed more than a tear or two as I watched the whole story unfold. CANNOT wait for the second book in the series, and now that I’ve gotten a taste of Boston’s talent, I’m rushing out for her earlier work as well!
Trish
This is the first book in the Aussie Heroes: Retribution Bay series. I loved this book. It's a nice mix of romance and suspense. There is the main part of the story which is the romance between Brandon and Amy and Brandon's return to the station than there is the longer story arc about the company that is trying to buy the station. Amy and Brandon both have issues in their pasts they are dealing with. Amy's not sure about Brendan at first, he's a military man and her experience with those type of men is anything but positive. Brendan feels like a stranger in his family home and isn't sure that his siblings need him, he's been gone years without contact. The book has a nice ending but the mystery of who is behind all the trouble will continue through the series. It's a small cliffhanger but not bad. I hate cliffhangers and this book’s ending didn't bother me at all. It's very well written and I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this b
