Close To Home is a great romance. As the story begins, Johnny and Tessa have been married a few years. However, their marriage was more of a necessity than a true marriage. Tessa was escaping an oppressive family life in a hippie-like commune/cult, where she lived under harsh, unrealistic conditions. Johnny married Tessa, then called “Terri”, to help her escape from the cult and her family. Later, as an ATF agent, Johnny went undercover for two years to flesh out a gang trafficking in guns. During this time, Terri changed her name to Tessa, moved away from Johnny and filed divorce papers, because she truly felt he would be better off without her dragging him down. Finished with his undercover assignment, Johnny returns to what he thought was his wife and home, only to discover Teri had changed her name, filed for divorce and moved away from him. However, Johnny’s not about to give up on his life with Terri, so follows her to Sanctuary Island to convince her he does love her and wants to spend a lifetime with her. Both agree to give things a month while they try to work things out and attend couples sessions at the nearby equine center. This story follows the couple through this sometimes long month.

This is a great story. However, I wondered, as I read, about the setting. First off, I am not sure about the fact that Terri left Johnny and filed for divorce was never mentioned to Johnny before his undercover assignment ended. I realize the agency probably did not want to jeopardize the assignment and upset Johnny, but I also wonder how the agency justified this. They had to have known that Johnny would not react well upon learning his life had been blown apart during the undercover assignment, and would not be in a “good place”. Not sure they would have done this because they would have perhaps “lost” a good agent. Though the assignment was important, they would have wondered what they would do if Johnny “fell apart” upon learning the news or whether he deserved/needed to know the truth while on the assignment. Face it, they may have “lost” a good agent with this action. In addition, an agent has some rights, and could have made things difficult because they did not tell him this rather important fact about his life. Employees in agencies do not relinquish all rights when they agree to work at the agency. Also, they sent him to Sanctuary Island for rehab/reacclimation related to the undercover assignment. Though the author never really put a name on that rehab/reacclimation program when Johnny and his agency POC were discussing it, when Johnny arrives on Sanctuary Island and finds his wife living there and the state of his marriage, they suddenly go into a couples therapy program for a month. No contact with the agency, who is footing the bill, about this change. Johnny appeared to have just changed things himself. Not sure the ATF would have just up and changed things so easily. In addition, not sure the agency would have paid for couples therapy. Yes, this would have helped Johnny reacclimate after the assignment, but these programs are expensive, and there were probably other facets of Johnny’s life that also needed help—and I am not sure this couples therapy would have helped those areas. In addition, when Johnny asked his POC for help discovering someone he deemed suspicious on Sanctuary Island, the POC outright refused to help him, which really did not make sense. If Johnny was a good agent (and we should assume he was after the successful undercover assignment and the fact that they sent him to a program at Sanctuary Island), why just refuse to listen to his concerns and not help him. Isn’t his instinct worth something, after what he had just gone through? This scenario seemed a bit far-fetched and contrived to me. Also, I realize this is the story is for the next book, but the author left the reader hanging about this person Johnny had suspicion about, with no real resolution. I also found the situation between Johnny and Tessa a bit far-fetched. Things just sort of fell into place too easily. I am not sure that would have happened so smoothly after all that had occurred. Finally, the sudden entrance of Tessa’s father came right out of left field. No build-up. No prior hints. It made me wonder what the author was thinking.

The story is basically a good one. I think the author could have made it more realistic if she had not made great leaps of faith without any back story, resolution or realism. Perhaps it would have been better to introduce the characters for the next book in the series in a subtler manner, not making them such a large part of this story, while letting this be Johnny and Tessa’s story, without hints of things to come later in the series. These supporting characters also seemed to be far-fetched at times, possibly because of their often-vague, unanswered/unexplained introduction and actions in the story (hinting at things to come). I realize their story is for the next book in the series, but I am not sure the author should have left so many open questions about them, after hinting around and around, with little or no resolution. The two main characters, Johnny and Tessa, are well developed, though there were times I wondered about how realistic they and their situation and actions were. I think the book has merits, though, in my opinion, there are a lot of areas where things could have been tighter. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

Well, this is different! Here we have a man working undercover and while he is undercover his wife leaves him.

It's not as bad as it sounds, well almost not. Don't let that stop you from picking this up. Immediately it is easy to think that the wife is in the wrong but there is so much going on here!

"It was Terri's choice to leave, and maybe it was time to stop torturing himself with wanting what he couldn't let himself have".

Interesting right?! Definitely!

This is a bit of a mystery to both the reader and to Johnny. While he is pushing down everything that he was taught in his career he has to change, if just a little bit, in order to get his wife (HIS WIFE!) to trust him.

The plot is different but something I was able to really get into. It was also light enough that I did not want to put it down but had enough depth that I was totally into everything that was happening. The characters are simply amazing. Patty is probably one of my favorites but I put the book down wanting to know more about all of the residents of this small town.

There are some tough issues in here which surprised me but in no way takes away from the story line but added to it. Very well done!

In short: It takes a while to get into all the what's and why's behind everything but it is worth it.

Fav word: Flibbertigibbet!

Nicely written and plotted second chance romance. I knew, just knew, that Tessa and Johnny would figure things out but Everett kept the pressure on. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC- you can read this as a standalone but you'll want to read others in the Sanctuary Island series because you'll find the characters so well done.

I have read and reviewed "Close To Home" by Lily Everett for ReaderToReader.com, where it will remain on site indefinitely. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Vickie Denney at: Vickie@ReaderToReader.com. The link is listed below.
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"Close To Home" by Lily Everett

Every woman dreams of marrying the perfect guy, but what happens when the marriage is only one of convenience? Tessa Alexander has dealt with this plight for eight years. Born and raised in a commune with overly strict parents, when Tessa becomes ill her father refuses to get her treatment. She runs away to a world she's never been a part of; terrified but in need of medical attention.

Freezing and scared, barely eighteen-year-old Tessa finds shelter in a barn where she is discovered the next morning by the owner, Johnny Alexander. Johnny takes her in making sure she receives medication and protection. An honorable man, he insists they wed so he can protect her. Though he is four years older and physically drawn to her, he will not give into his desires.

An agent for the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Johnny is often away on assignment, leaving Tessa safe at home. After a harrowing two-year undercover sting, Johnny cannot wait to get back to his wife, but upon his arrival, he discovers a "Dear John" letter.

Tessa has started a new life, believing Johnny deserves better, though she is helplessly in love with him. Johnny tracks her down to Sanctuary Island, a small community where everyone watches out for each other. Determined to win her back, he notices how the once frightened girl has blossomed. Even though Tessa's heart belongs to Johnny, she will not leave her new home, especially if he cannot return her devotion.

Johnny, hardened from past circumstances as well as his job, does not want to lose Tessa, so he remains in town, hoping things will change. When she gets abducted, he goes crazy with the need to find and save her, but can he also learn to love her they way a husband should?

Book #5 in the Sanctuary Island series, "Close to Home" is heartwarming and suspenseful with touches of romance.

CLOSE TO HOME – Lily Everett
A Sanctuary Island Novel, Book 5
St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN: 978-1-250-07405-8
February, 2017
Contemporary Romance

Sanctuary Island, Chesapeake Bay

Johnny Alexander spent eighteen months undercover with a gun running gang. He returns to his home office where he is hailed as a hero. His boss hands him a letter from his wife. It contains divorce papers. While Johnny is required to go through therapy to make sure he is mentally recovered for everyday life, he is not ready to give up on his marriage and decides to follow Terri to where she is now living on Sanctuary Island. He found Terri as a terrified seventeen-year-old girl hiding in the barn on his family’s farm. Although he and Terri have been married eight years, six of those he was in the army and his recent assignment with the ATF has lasted nearly two years, so he hasn’t been around a lot. On top of that, it is an unconsummated marriage—a marriage of convenience so he could protect his wife. He finds her working in a bakery called Patty Cakes, where she works with the owner Patty. He discovers Terri, now preferring to be called Tessa, is a different woman, a more assertive woman who wants to be responsible for herself and control her own life.

Tessa Alexander didn’t think Johnny would come to Sanctuary Island. Matter of fact, she thought he would be happy to be relieved of the burden of an obligatory wife. She loves him, but knows he doesn’t love her.

The motivation behind these two characters is not always clear so presents a small puzzle as to why they remained in a marriage so long without sexual contact. The reader has to be sensitive to nuances shown in the actions, thoughts, and statements of these two. There is also the element of Johnny’s required appointment for psyche therapy after his long and dangerous undercover action. This turns into marriage counseling in equine therapy on Sanctuary Island, which is also famed for its wild horses. While this is the fifth book in this series, only the location is a repeat, so readers will have no trouble understanding the story line. Patty, owner of Patty Cakes, is a charming, sassy and witty mentor secondary character readers will enjoy meeting. The relationship between the characters Quinn with Marcus also offers another interesting side-story. Thwarted romance, secrets, a hint of mystery and danger, interesting characters, and a great location; what more does a reader need?

Robin Lee

Everett does it again. Sanctuary Island is always a treat to visit and it does not get old. Tessa and Johnny's story is fresh and I cannot wait for the follow up. It is rare that a setting gets fresher with each installment. Great job by Everett!

This is my first book by Lily Everett but it wont be my last this.This was a really great story i really enjoyed it.Its a very sweet story and you cant help falling in love with Tessa and Johnny.Would recommend cant wait to read the rest of the series.

The problem with this story is me. It's not the kind of read I like.

When I read the blurb I thought it was original and interesting, but once I began to read I found the story a bit weak, predictable and repetitive. I'm not a fan of MC´s who are unable to sit down and have a good conversation that would end all their problems.

I know there are a lot of people who will love this story. It's a pity I´m not one of them.
My loss...

***

El problema de esta historia soy yo. No es el tipo de lectura que me gusta.
Cuando leí la descripción me pareció original e interesante, pero una vez metidos en faena me parece una historia un poco floja, predecible y repetitiva. No soy fan de protagonistas que son incapaces de sentarse y tener una buena conversación que acabaría con todos sus problemas.

Sé que hay un montón de gente a la que le gustará esta historia. Es una pena que no e encuentre entre ellas.
Yo me lo pierdo…

Although at times the main players seem too good to be real, they remain true to their character throughout the book. There are a few story lines going on (which lead into a sequel book) but this book has a definitive ending with the primary characters, and I appreciate that. Some twists and turns will keep you guessing throughout.

I was asked to read this book via the publisher. I had never heard of the author prior to the two books I received but I am totally a fan now.
At first I was so mad at Tessa, the lead female character. Who leaves their husband while he is away protecting others? But as the story-line built and I started to understand but still had a soft spot for her husband Johnny. The supporting characters on Sanctuary Island were witty, compassionate, and steady, just what Tessa and Johnny needed.

Johnny's life has always been about protecting someone. It is the one thing he feels that he failed at in the past but will never do again. When Johnny and Tessa married it was a marriage of convenience but his feelings went deeper as their relationship went on. But never acting on his feelings made Tessa feel as if she didn't matter. While on assignment all he could think about was Tessa. Now that he is finally free he needs to prove to her that she means the world to him. But is it too late?

Well written story with an HEA, but there is also suspense, passion, angst, laughter, and tears. I look forward to reading more from Lily Everett.

Sanctuary Island is a refuge of beauty for me, and for the flawed and wounded characters in Lily Everett's latest offering 'Close to Home'. Tessa and Johnny's story is one of growth and redemption, of forgiveness and love. Added to this is a healthy dose of suspense, which only sharpens the satisfaction with the story. I can't recommend a trip to Sanctuary Island highly enough!

He was always her hero and she loved him with all her heart, but the marriage between Johnny and Tessa wasn’t based on their mutual love. Johnny needed to protect her from her past. Tessa had dreams of being Johnny’s wife in every sense of the word, but that was never to be. After he had been undercover and gone for almost two years, Tessa knew it was time to set both of them free. No longer a scared and timid little mouse, Tessa has blossomed, grown into her self-confidence and taken life by the horns on her own terms. Far from where they made their home and as much as she missed him, she knew she had done the right thing.

Johnny wasn’t expecting a Dear John letter after two years undercover with the scum of the earth all that kept him going was the thought of coming home to Tessa. The only thing he could do was hunt her down, talk to her face to face and stand tall as her verdict is announced. Had he realized he truly loved her a little too late? Should he have told her? Can he win back her heart? Should he even try? What if she no longer needs him to protect her?

Lily Everett’s CLOSE TO HOME is a wonderful romantic tale complete with the meddling old lady who knows far more than she even lets on. Tessa has remade herself, become a person capable of standing on their own two feet and she feels the pride of accomplishment deep in her soul. She would gladly take Johnny back on HER terms, but she is terrified that spelling them out would send him packing. Johnny has a hero complex, but his feelings for Tessa go far beyond being her caped crusader, he would do anything to get her back, but will she believe him?

Sweet love, growing pains and a chance to fix the wrongs of the past, all bundled up neatly in Lily Everett’s own words that almost sing about love on each page! A second chance romance that proves that marriage takes love, commitment and nurturing to survive life’s little flies in the ointment.

I received an ARC edition from St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Sanctuary Island - Book 5
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (February 7, 2017)
Publication Date: February 7, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 304 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

What started as a way out of a lifestyle & a way to get medical care for Tessa became a lot more complicated & intense. Tessa fell in love with her "in name only" husband. Thinking that he would never care for her in the same way, Tessa takes off when Johnny is undercover & leaves him divorce papers. On Sanctuary Island, Tessa finds a new passion in baking & a new life. Can she live without him?

Johnny never expected what was waiting for him when he came off his undercover op. His wife has left him & filed for divorce. All Johnny could think of while he was gone was getting home to Tessa. He didn't think she felt the same way he did so he hadn't made a move. He didn't want her to give in because she felt gratitude. What's he going to do without her?

Lily Everett has developed a wonderful series about a small island, a simpler way of life & the couples helped by the environment. Each book can be read as a stand alone but you will want to read them all. The characters are well developed & realistic. The storyline brings home the adage that communication is the key to a successful marriage. Both Tessa & Johnny felt they were the only one of them in love but neither talked about it. They were each sure of their viewpoint. The plot line detailed the journey of a couple married for convenience that found their way into a marriage of love.

I liked the journey that Johnny and Tessa took to find their way back to each other. It took them both facing different things in their life to realize what they both wanted. Johnny, while deep undercover, uses his wife's memory to help him cling to his sanctity and to help him return home. But what happens we he comes home and things are a lot different than he anticipated? Tessa, his wife, isn't the same woman he left.

Having read and enjoyed many of the books from the Sanctuary Island series, I was eager to read a new installment. And like the others, this book was filled with characters that you couldn't help but get involved with. In this case we meet Johnny who has just ended a 2 year undercover mission who wants nothing more than to see his wife. However, in the 2 years that he has been gone, Tessa has left him to start a new life. While you might think that what Tessa did was wrong, her reasons for leaving actually made sense. Tessa agrees to give Johnny four weeks to change her mind about the divorce while she continues her new life on Sanctuary Island. This was an usual but endearing second chance romance. There was also an intriguing secondary story line that is setting the foundation for the next book in the series. Can't wait to see what else Lily Everett has in store for readers.

Another winner by Everett but for two thirds of the story it was his inability to be different and then bam he was happy and different. It was a good read but I feel we missed a section. Looking forward to the next story.

Close to Home by Lily Everett is a stunning piece. This contemporary romance appeals to the physical and emotional side of readers. The story instantly sweeps readers off their feet. A sexy undercover FBI agent comes back home. Only to find that his wife moved a year ago, created a new life, and sent divorce papers. Talk about a blow to man's heart and ego. Johnny won't accept it. So, he does what any man who loves his wife does. Goes chasing after her. Make her love him again. But his wife has greatly changed. Tessa has redefined herself. She won't let others dictate her lifestyle. She has worked on being independent. She doesn't want her husband to love her because she needs his help. Little does she know how much he loves her...and it has nothing to do with just protecting her from the world...

Close to Home shows the reality of life. Marriage isn't always a fairy tale. Communication issues were apparent in this fictional piece as they really are in real life. Husbands not understanding women's ways...their bafflement makes me laugh. Especially Johnny admitting he had no idea what his wife wanted back then and even now...I enjoyed reading this tale from both characters' point of view. It wasn't told by their view, yet Lily Everett mastered it in a way that I got to see, hear, and understand from both Johnny's and Tessa's sides. Overall, this romance was engaging, exciting, and super sweet. The romance is beautiful. I highly recommend it to all.