Another book I reviewed on Goodreads and amazon! I am sure I left on here too! Wonder why my reviews are not being recorded!

S L O W burn romance. I have been a Carla Neggers fan for years. I am used to the story being rich in detail and expanding on previously introduced characters. We really don't get to the heart of the main story until the second half of the book. The first half is catching us up on the goings on of the enormous cast. I like series books as I enjoy a visit from old friends, but this was dragging on.

I would recommend this title to people that like community stories.

I believe this is book eight in Carla Neggers series. I admit that I haven't read any of them but it appeared that I could read this one without any backstory and that was correct. It was a decent story about forgiveness and second chances, though it moved slowly at times.

I was very disappointed in this book. It was very slow moving, and what mystery there was (the stalker), was nearly irrelevant and boring. The climax of the story came and went so fast and without fan=fare that I wasn't really sure what it had been. There was nothing interesting about the main characters or their romance, and I won't be recommending this story to any of my friends or blog readers. In all fairness, however, this is the first book I have read by this author. I will give her a second chance when the time comes.

OMGoodness! I normally love a good small town romance. Unfortunately, I just couldn't like this one.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: I normally like to start my book reviews with the good I found in the books I read. Unfortunately, I really don't have anything good about my experience regarding this book.

What I didn't like about this book was the first 25% of the book was a recap of who each of the enormous cast of characters. Their background. Who they are married to. Their happiness or problems they may have had. So and so separated for a short time (I learned this tidbit twice). Even after Felicity and Gabe came together in the present we spent an even greater amount of time recapping their past. They used to go to the swimming hole. They used to hang out on the campsite sitting by the fire. They used to be best friends. Now you'd think they would have had a falling out over something significant but what it actually was about was Gabe giving Felicity unwanted advice about her career choice. Yep. That's it. He didn't cheat on her. She didn't use him to make a boyfriend jealous or do something super bad to make him hate her. Also, this was actually only 3 years ago so it makes it hard to believe they have grown up so much at this time.

The conversations between Gabe and Felicity are boring and pretty much just rehashing their past. As a matter of fact all the dialogue in this book is boring. There was a woman thrown into the story to add as potential conflict but that was only half realized and just weird.

One last thing...all the women in this story are purportedly strong and independent women. Yet all the men are the high powered educated millionaires. In one case one man is a multi-billionaire. Gabe just sold his start up company. I still have no idea what he does but he's a millionaire and his official title is (actually unofficial as this is my take on him) is start up company entrepreneurial. So, the women...one is a party planner, one is a caterer, one is children's author, one is an innkeeper, one is an ex-librarian, and one is the current librarian. None of these are shabby careers by any means but I find it grating the men in this book are all high powered ultra-rich CEOs. Why aren't any of the women architects or owners of the security firms?

In a Nutshell: I really thought this book was tedious. I couldn't wait for it to end. I'm sad this was my take on it because I really wanted to like it. I just couldn't.

Gabe and Felicity have known each other most of their lives, they grew up together in a
small New England town of
Knights Bridge.
Both left and took their own directions in their chosen professions, etc.

Gabe returns to town for an event organised by his brother and the rest of the book revolves
around Felicity and Gabe reacquainting themselves and growing closer. There are plenty of trips down memory lane from both characters, some funny and some sad
and heartbreaking.

This book is part of a series and even though it can be read as a standalone I had an issue
with the amount of info dumping done in this book. Each couple from previous books is
mentioned as well as how they met.

The relationship between Gabe and Felicity was initially frosty and awkward, they hadn't
spoken for several years and before that they had been the best of friends. Slowly from there
it moves on and steadily wanders along until the closing chapter. This book is a slow burn romance, and I do mean slow burn.

I did enjoy the characters uniqueness and their ideologies and personalities. Several of the
secondary characters were very intriguing to
me and I wanted to know more about them.
I relished the feel of a small town, which is one of my favourite kinds of places to read about.
Felicity was a driven person who readily admitted her failures even though they were at
times embarrassing to her. She grew and developed realistically within this book.
As quirky as it was I really liked the fact that the author added a recipe used in the story at
the back of the book.

The previous releases do not have to be read to enjoy this read, but for some it may help to
expand their enjoyment.

3 1/2 STARS!

Going home again! With a return to the Swift River Valley series, we're given Felicity & Gabe's story. Former best friends on the outs for a few years are reunited in their hometown filled with childhood memories together. They set out to overcome their issues, reconnect with the place they grew up and learn how to transition it all into a relationship together. The story line had good bones, but there was a lot of filler in there that was just distracting. Too many characters mentioned that didn't play a part in this particular story. Overall, an okay read.

Felicity MacGregor has finally returned home to Knights Bridge, Massachusetts and bought the house of her dreams. Being there brings back a lot of memories of growing up in the area and spending time there with her best friend Gabe. She hasn't talked to him since they had a falling out three years ago, but that doesn't stop the memories from flooding back.

Gabriel Flanagan is passing through town for some family events and uses the opportunity to see Felicity again. She's still holding three years ago against him, but in his eyes, he's happy to see that she's doing something she loves now. Can they pick of the pieces of their friendship and admit they always had more feeling than that towards each other anyway?

A sweet romance that is a perfect palette cleanser if you're looking for something simple and fun. I loved the two main characters, Felicity and Gabe, and found that I couldn't get enough of their playful back and forth banter. The romance is this book wasn't too showy, so I feel like it's perfect for those trying to get into reading "chick-lit" but aren't into the hardcore steamy romances that we all know cover the bookshelves in most bookstores. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me really want to make brownies! A thoroughly enjoyable read. This was a 5 star recommendation for me!

I have received a much appreciated digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Returning to the Swift River Valley is like visiting old friends. I enjoyed the romance between Gabe and Felicity and the inner struggle of both to decide what they really wanted out of life and where they wanted to spend their time. A lot of people that grow up in a small town have that same inner struggle of should I stay with the familiar or should I leave and try my luck elsewhere. I gave this novel a 3 and not a 4 star because I found the timeline and the dialogue off at times. At certain times, I was not sure who was speaking and how many days if any had passed. There was also a storyline that seemed forced to just add some tension to the plot and to create work for a secondary character to do. Also, if you have read all the books in the series, then the backstory of all the other couples is distracting and not needed and takes time away from the main couple. All in all, I would recommend to a customer that wanted a sweet contemporary small town romance.

I love these small town romances! I haven't read the others in this series, but I didn't need to. Each story is a standalone, just revolving around the same town/families and recurring characters - which I love!!

As I was reading this story, I could picture the town, the inhabitants and Felicity's feelings over Gabe coming back, albeit briefly. And just feeling for Felicity as she's trying to keep her event planning going while not being affected (or showing it) by Gabe's unplanned returned. And I was cheering for her in every situation where she wasn't letting Gabe get the best of her.

I will definitely go back and read this series, at least from the beginning. I normally hate reading a series in the middle but I was fine reading this one. But I still need to go back and read books 1-7.

Do you like a good slow burn? Ex-friends to lovers? Ex-lovers getting a second chance? This book is all those things in one, with the added benefit of a small town. This is such a well written story. You are drawn to both characters, really ALL of the characters. I have never read a book by this author before so I would never know if this was a book in a series or not, but honestly that didn’t matter. You will enjoy the book no matter.
Gabe always knew he wanted to leave town and never really return and yet here he is a speaker at an event that is being planned by none other then Felicity, said girl. I love the history they have and the stories we hear about them.
Them finally in the same room, makes it even better. I love their new memories and watching them try to navigate feelings and not sure how the other one feels. It is a really slow burn of a story and I would not want it any other way. The build up to them together is so so so famtastic.

Let me start by saying I don't generally enjoy novels about couples with a second chance at love. That being said, I tried this one because I love Carla Neggers books. I enjoyed both the story and the characters. It was nice to be back in Knights Bridge for another installment of the series. Felicity and Gabe rediscovered their attraction to each other in this small town romance great for fans of Susan Mallery. Their story is delightful

I reviewed this book editorially for RT Book Reviews and it can be found in the April digital edition

Overall I really liked this second chance romance. I call it that because Greg and Felicity got a second chance at friendship and figuring out their feelings.

Greg was a hard working guy. Him and his brother were brought up by loving parents who were a little flaky so they vowed to not be that way. When Greg could he struck out on his own. He is successful and driven but also kind and caring. He is back in Swift River Valley for a weekend conference that he is talking at. He is also contemplating his life and what is next for him. He just sold his startup company and is at a crossroads. Never did staying in Swift River Valley truly cross his mind. So when he does go home for this talk, he sees so many changes. So many people from other areas come and mover there and be successful and happy. They are thriving. He also has a chance to see Felicity again. Felicity his best friend through childhood who drifted away from him when he was blunt with her. That is his flaw he is honest and blunt.

Felicity is now a successful party planner and in charge of the weekend Greg is speaking at. She didn’t think she would ever see him back in Swift River Valley and she still held some anger at him for his words to her when she last saw him. I think that anger is more because he was right and she didn’t like it. She felt like he was criticizing her and not being there for her. But it was those words that kickstarted her life into the career she is oding and loves. So when he shows at her doorstep to stay, she isn’t exactly happy. They don’t get off to a great start. She is very defensive towards him. It doesn’t endear me to her right away. I mean she doesn’t exactly be kind to him but she isn’t completely rude either. She is reluctant to him. She has these preconceived notions based on his lifestyle now that I loved watching him shatter.

Watching them rediscover who the other is was fun. Especially as we saw Greg remember his past and begin to rediscover his town and its people. He also saw how generous and good at her job Felicity is. He got her to open up to him but also let her guard down and begin to let go of her anger.

While they are getting to know one another again and become friends but also see they have feelings, someone in Greg’s life shows up and creeps them out. I am not quite sure why this was in the story and to me wasn’t really needed but it did add a interesting aspect and did also get Greg to get more introspective. So did his grandfather who was a hoot. I loved how he was very blunt with Greg and didn’t let him hide or run. He gave him words of wisdom and things to think about.

The romance aspect wasn’t an instant love but one where Greg and Felicity first had to let go of the hurt and anger in the past and rediscover their friendship. Their feelings were always there just needed to stop being denied. It was Greg who did this first even if it did confuse him. He was at a crossroads and trying to figure out where he would land. It was his time with felcity and the people of Swift River Valley who helped him gain perspective. But mainly his love for Felicity did. She helped him see he could have all that he wanted and that she was a part of him he didn’t want to let go. He loved and respected her and she him as well it just took her a little longer to let him in and come to terms with things.

A sweet and intimate romance where we see the characters rediscover themselves and their friendship before letting their love shine through. A story that was tender and entertaining and the characters have you fall in love with them and their town.

This book was as sweet as the blueberry cobbler and brownies that Felicity made for Gabe. What’s not to love about a little town in New England with that down-home feel? The cast of characters were inviting and helped move the story along very well. I also loved seeing how all the families interconnected with one another.

Felicity and Gabe were made for each other. You knew from their interactions that when they finally let themselves fall in love it would be fireworks. The River House was a wonderful read to get me back in the mood for warmer weather and summer fun.

I unfortunately had to pass on this book. I read around forty percent then decided to leave it since I wasn't really enjoying the story.

I've read quite a few of Carla Neggars books and it was nice to be back in Knights Bridge. I found that the town and many of the secondary characters create a feeling of home. Felicity is someone I can identify with. She's a hard worker who has made many attempts to figure out what her dreams in life are. However, Gabe isn't my favorite hero. He's arrogant and a bit of a narcissist. There were some parts of the story that were absolutely perfect - playing in the river.

Overall, the writing is good, the story flows, and the characters are well developed - even if I didn't relate to them or even like them. I believe that Knights Bridge will keep drawing me back to a town that feels like family.

Not being able to hack it as a financial analyst, Felicity McGregor has never been happier than in her new career as a party-planner, especially in her hometown of Knights Bridge. However, when she learns that her childhood friend Gabe Flanagan is returning home, she knows her life might never be the same. Will Gabe be able to win Felicity's heart, or will they lose their second chance at happy ever after?

Luckily, these stories can be read as a stand-alone because this is the first book I've read by Ms. Neggers and I've got to say that it was a read I absolutely loved. Right from the beginning, this story captured my attention, as the heroine is popular and good at her job, which is proven by how many people want her services as a party-planner. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time that had me totally hooked, as they have a complicated past.

As for the dialogue, I loved the main characters back stories and how the hero and heroine begin to repair their friendship. No way is the hero going to allow Felicity to avoid him, especially since he has the perfect way to make sure she can't. Moreover, the heroine is hard-working, kind and I liked how she had fun with the hero. I also liked how Felicity handled everything she goes through with a woman determined to drive her insane. What does the woman want? Is she out to get Gabe in a bad way? Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is the close friendships she shares with a few of the secondary characters and how they're all determined to look out for her and give her sound advice. While the hero, he's done very well for himself and I liked that he's taking some downtime to decide what his next business venture will be. I also liked how determined the hero was to reconnect with the heroine. Will the things these two do together around town remind the pair how good their past relationship was and make them think that it could be that way again if they're willing to try?

Overall, Ms. Neggers has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense and the ending had me loving what the hero does to show the heroine how much he cares, especially when combined with the question he has for her. I would recommend The River House by Carla Neggers, if you enjoy small town romances, second chance romances, or books by authors Susan Mallery, Brenda Novak, Emily March and Sheila Roberts.

Knights Bridge Massachusetts is not just a nice place to visit, it also seems like a really nice place to live – except for those New England winters.

In this story, for both Felicity MacGregor and Gabe Flanagan, it is also home in the Robert Frost sense, the one about “home is the place that when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”

Felicity went back about three years before the story begins, opened up her own events planning business, and has been finally getting her life on track after a decade of doing what she was expected to do instead of what she wanted to do. Where she failed, repeatedly and over and over again, as the financial analyst her family expected her to be, she’s independent and successful in the career she found by accident.

Gabe Flanagan, on the other hand, has been a successful entrepreneur from the day he dropped out of college, or so it seems. He’s just sold his latest venture for “gazillions” of dollars, as Felicity put it, and he’s at loose ends.

Just in time to come home to Knights Bridge to speak at his brother’s one-day boot camp for budding entrepreneurs.

And to see if he can finally mend fences with the woman who used to be his best friend, Felicity.

They grew up together. They’ve been friends since nursery school. And once, just before they went their separate ways for college – they were lovers. They remained besties even through their first jobs, his ups and down with various start-ups and all her downs as she struggled through one financial analyst job after another.

Their breakup came when Gabe’s very tough love shoved at Felicity’s need for comfort and a place to land. She was broke again, having been fired from yet another position, and couch-surfing at Gabe’s apartment. He was in the midst of what turned out to be his first big success. And in his very blunt and possibly tactless fashion, he told Felicity the bald truth that she had been avoiding for a decade – that whatever she was meant to be and do, it was clear that being a financial analyst made her utterly miserable to the point of failure, and that she needed to get her act together – at something else.

He was right. His delivery sucked, but he was right. And she was gone.

Now she’s living in Knights Bridge, the proud owner of the house that Gabe and his brother built on the site of their grandfather’s old campgrounds. The site where Felicity and Gabe’s friendship morphed into something more, for that one night. The place where Gabe was Felicity’s first lover.

They say you never forget your first. Felicity certainly can’t forget Gabe – he’s wrapped into all her memories of her childhood and adolescence in Knights Bridge. But when he comes back to town, the question is whether she ever got over him – and whether she ever wants to.

Escape Rating B: It feels like The River House is more of a women’s fiction story than a romance. While the relationship between Felicity and Gabe is front and center throughout the book, most of that story is about them rebuilding their solid and life-sustaining friendship. There is sexual tension under the surface, but for most of the story it feels like the focus is on whether they can be besties again, rather than either of them actively looking for more.

Not that more doesn’t eventually find them.

Because they were besties for over two decades, they have a lot of backstory together. And Gabe’s return to Knights Bridge brings up all the events since he left. That means there’s a lot of the past that gets uncovered and turned over. While longtime readers of the series may find the backstory repetitive, for those of us who have read few (one in my case) or none of the previous entries will probably see the backstory as a way of catching up to the cast of characters – which is fairly large and very interconnected.

I really liked the people of Knights Bridge and felt a great deal of empathy for both Felicity and Gabe. Like Gabe, I have also been accused, and rightly so, of being much too blunt. Like Felicity, my dad didn’t figure out what he wanted to do when he grew up until he was also about 30, and fell into the job that became his career with a similar lack of planning. I understood where they both were coming from.

This was the kind of story I happened to be looking for when I picked it up, and I fell right into it.

As much as I enjoyed the setting and the characters, there was one person in the mix whose involvement pushed the book down to a B, and that’s the intrusion of Nadia. She starts by trying to inveigle her way into the entrepreneur boot camp and never lets up until the very end. She comes off as “crazy stalker ex”, but she is not Gabe’s ex. Instead, she’s a former colleague and the ex of the douchebag who bought Gabe’s company for those gazillions of dollars and then left her without a job as well as a husband – not that he was any great loss.

But Nadia becomes a constant, niggling annoyance throughout the entire story. Her lies, her constant interference and her continued unwanted intrusions and overall shadowy presence cast a pall over a whole lot of the events. It feels as if she is being built up to be a villain – and then her plot line kind of fizzles. I’m not sure what she brought to the table and I wish she weren’t there at all. She’s a Chekhov’s gun that misfires with a whimper.

However, I really enjoyed the rest of the story and will happily look for an excuse to go back to Knights Bridge at some point, especially if I get to jonesing for something in the author’s romantic suspense series, Sharpe & Donovan.

I DNFed at 20% There was too much back story, the hero was being an ass, and the story just didn't grab me.