Far From Bliss (Nights in Bliss, Colorado #12) by Lexi Blake writing as Sophie Oak
ABOUT THE BOOK
Shattered by the past
Michael Novak was a US Marshal with his whole life figured out. Right up until the woman he called partner betrayed him. He’s been hiding in Bliss, CO, trying to pull himself out of the darkness. The only bright light is Lucy Carson. Something about Trio’s favorite waitress calls to him, but he can’t trust his instincts anymore.
Yearning for the future
Lucy has loved Tyler since they were kids, but he never seemed to feel the same way. She worried she would never want a man the way she does Ty, and then Michael grumbled his way into her world. Beyond the broody exterior she sees a burning fire in his eyes, and she is drawn to that flame.
The time is finally right
Ty knows Lucy is the one for him, but Lucy wrote him off romantically long ago. If he could get her to see him in a different light, he knows she would realize that they’re perfect for each other. His obstacle is the town’s reclusive former lawman, Michael. But this is Bliss. A rival can turn into a partner for the right woman. And Lucy is definitely the right woman.
Ty approaches Michael with a plan to get Lucy between them. A bargain is made, and Lucy is their target. But Lucy is already in much more dangerous crosshairs. Murder has come to Bliss, and Lucy is at the center of the investigation.
MY REVIEW
Holy cow! I loved this book with all of the angst, laughter, suspense, and sexy romance. But what I loved most was the contrast of the three protagonists and how they work out each other’s quirks and fears one day at a time. And most importantly, where in the world can I find a relationship like they have? LOL
There are a couple of things you learn to do as a citizen of Bliss. Don’t fuck with the beekeeper who supplies Stella’s creamed honey. Aliens like to probe you so eat your beets. And stay calm when someone pulls a gun because someone always pulls a gun.
Michael is a US Marshal who is bitter, angry and punishing himself for not seeing the signs of his ex’s betrayal. He’s living in a crude cabin in the mountains and his brooding manner keeps most people away except the beautiful waitress Lucy and the extremely positive and friendly EMT Tyler who is in love with her. He never thought he would be attracted to anyone again let alone two people, but their kindness and acceptance are making him want to stay on in Bliss.
Lucy has sacrificed so much in her life including her happiness to keep her siblings safe and happy. And let’s face it, her instincts about men are crap. She has been in love with her friend, Tyler, for many years, but his rejection of her in high school seemed to seal their fate. So it was a total shock when he suddenly confesses his love for her after noticing her interest in the hot sexy Michael.
Tyler longs for Lucy. He regrets all the time they’ve wasted after he stupidly turned her down years ago in high school, but now that he’s ready to confess his feelings for her, she doesn’t buy it because the man has spent years sowing his wild oats with every female within the vicinity. He knows Lucy loves him, but she’s also lusting after Michael, so Tyler has a plan. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.
Between Michael’s big long grump and commanding presence, Lucy and her quiet kindness, and Tyler’s sunny sweet demeanor, you get a lovable sexy trio that works very well together. Michael is definitely the protector of the group who gets Lucy and Tyler to open up to each other after decades of repressed love for each other. Lucy is the voice of reason and forgiveness when Michael’s grief and mistrust rear its ugly head, and Tyler is the positive force who brings laughter when needed. This is not all about the love story, but there is an interesting mystery murder included as well which is solved by the local mystery writers in town.
Bliss is an interesting place with its unusual amount of murders and its curious number of thruples in town. Not to mention its quirky and close-knit family of characters. Again, I have come late to the series, but I plan to go back and start from the beginning.
I recommend highly this delightful romance full of grief, laughter, steam, and suspense all wrapped up in a strange little town of people who protect their own.
Thank you to Ms. Blake for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.
Follow Lexi on her website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.