No Matter How Far You Run, The Past Will Find You
Leslie Tentler is back with another story of romance and suspense…this time in a small Southern beach town called Rarity Cove. What happens when a woman on the run has her dangerous secrets finally catch up with her? Find out in Before the Storm by Leslie Tentler…
About BEFORE THE STORM
Six years earlier, Trina Grissom disappeared, on the run for her life. Now living under an assumed identity—as Samantha Marsh—she still struggles with the dark secret she harbors and the fear she might one day be found. When she moves to the coastal town of Rarity Cove, South Carolina, to open a café, a handsome widower begins to chip away at the walls she’s built to protect herself.
Mark St. Clair lost his wife two years ago in a tragic accident. Head of the grand St. Clair resort, he distracts himself from his lingering grief by running the family business and caring for his troubled young daughter…until a beautiful restaurateur sets up shop in town. Before meeting Samantha, Mark was convinced he could never be drawn to another woman. But as his attraction to Samantha grows, the mystery surrounding her deepens.
As the two begin a hesitant courtship, double perils emerge. Someone from Samantha’s lurid past comes calling, threatening to expose her. And a powerful hurricane is forming in the Atlantic with the small beach town in its path. Trapped in the storm by the brutal man who wants vengeance on Samantha, she and Mark must fight for their lives.
On Sale in Digital and Print: October 20, 2015
Add BEFORE THE STORM to your TBR pile on Goodreads!
My Review:
At seventeen years old, orphaned Trina Grissom has had enough of her cruel grandmother’s abuse and runs away. While Trina may have escaped her grandmother, she has no means of support, and finds herself on the street, hungry and alone. When Devin Leary takes her in, feeds her, and lets her sleep on his couch, she thinks she’s found a hero. However, it isn’t long before she’s sleeping in his bed, dancing at his strip club, and enduring his beatings when she doesn’t follow his orders. After four years of this life, Trina has saved enough from her tips to plan her escape. Devin catches her in the act of leaving, and in the ensuing struggle, Trina believes she has killed him. She flees to New York, where she creates a new identity, and spends years studying cooking. The reborn Samantha Marsh moves to South Carolina, and opens up a cafe in the town of Rarity Cove.
Mark St. Clair is the majority owner and operator of Rarity Cove’s posh hotel. His life was shattered two years ago, when his beloved wife was killed in a car accident, and his young daughter, who was in the car at the time, stopped speaking. In order to keep going, Mark has just focused on his daughter, Emily, and running the hotel. He has no interest in finding another woman, and is determined to avoid his mother’s matchmaking schemes. Fate (and delicious cupcakes) leads Emily to Samantha and her cafe, and Emily takes a strong liking to her. Despite his determination, Mark finds himself feeling the first stirrings of interest in a woman since his wife died.
Neither Mark nor Samantha wants a relationship – she because of her past, and he, because of his guilt. Eventually Mark asks her out, but Samantha is adamant that she is not a good fit for him. Their attraction is powerful, and they do begin to date, which leads to an affair, and soon, to love.
Leslie Tentler has created a hero and heroine who are very atypical. Mark was born to wealth and privilege, yet he was a faithful and loving husband, and is dedicated to his daughter. He doesn’t judge Samantha for her past, though he rightfully shows concern for how it affects Emily. Samantha, somehow, has retained her humanity, and not become hard and jaded. She tried very hard not to become involved, but once she did, she showered both Mark and Emily with love.
As a hurricane bears down on Rarity Cove, Samantha’s past comes rushing back with the same fury. An exciting climax, complete with villains, heart pounding suspense, and a surprise hero make BEFORE THE STORM a very satisfying read. If you enjoy contemporary romantic suspense, second chances, or just a warm love story, I recommend this book for you
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CELEBRATE THE RELEASE WITH A GIVEAWAY!
Grand Prize: $25 Amazon or B&N gift card
Two runners-up will receive their choice of an ebook from Leslie’s backlist
Author Bio:
Leslie Tentler is also the author of FALLEN as well as the Chasing Evil Trilogy (MIDNIGHT CALLER, MIDNIGHT FEAR and EDGE OF MIDNIGHT). She was a finalist for Best First Novel at ThrillerFest 2012, and is a two-time finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Maggie Award of Excellence.
Leslie is a member of Romance Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Novelists, Inc. A native of East Tennessee, she currently resides in Atlanta. Connect with Leslie: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
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