The Start of Something Good (Stay, #1)

by Jennifer Probst

An enriching story of family ties, broken hearts, and second chances from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

When Ethan Bishop returns to the Hudson Valley, his body and spirit are a little worse for wear. As a former Special Forces paratrooper, he saw his fair share of conflict, and he came home with wounds, inside and out. At his sisters’ B & B and farm, he can keep all his pain at a safe distance. But quiet time isn’t easy when a fiery woman explodes into his life…

It’s business—not pleasure—that brings Manhattan PR agent Mia Thrush reluctantly to the farm. Tightly wound and quick tempered, Mia clashes immediately with the brooding Ethan. Everything about him is irritating—from his lean muscles and piercing blue eyes to his scent of sweat and musk.

But as the summer unfolds and temperatures rise, Ethan and Mia discover how much they have in common: their guarded histories, an uncontrollable desire, and a passion for the future that could heal two broken hearts. But will their pasts threaten their fragile chance at a brand-new future?

• ISBN10: 1503901858
• ISBN13: 9781503901858
• Publish Date: 5 June 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Montlake Romance
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 316
• Language: English

Reviews

[kristy]

I received this book from the publisher for a review through Netgalley. Ethan, injured on the job returns to his hometown to reevaluate and recover. Mia, who runs her own PR company, needs to "babysit" the daughter of one of her clients so his chances at winning an important election are not ruined. Sparks fly between Ethan and Mia as opposites initially repel, but end up attracting in the end. I thought that this was a cute, sweet opposites attract romance. Initially I didn't think I would like the character of Mia, she came off of shallow, but as the novel continued on she grew on me. I enjoyed all of the secondary characters, especially the animal characters, and am looking forward to getting to hopefully read future books in the series about Ethan's sisters. This author did a great job building these characters and their lives, the environment and the people that surround them and is able to make the reader care about them all.

[Romance Schmomance]

BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | INSTAGRAM

Yes! A new series to fall in love with! It has been quite some time since I have dove into a Jennifer Probst book especially since her Marriage to a Billionaire series, which I absolutely love. The Start of Something Good is such a sweet read that all romance lovers will simply adore.

I don't mind the whole enemies-to-lovers trope especially when you have the two most stubborn characters ever. But seriously these two were just off to a rough start from when they first met. As entertaining as the banter was, you'll just be waiting for their heated debates to turn into something more.

Mia was a character that I appreciated so much. Having her own PR company and knowing first hand how someone's life can be turned upside down in the public eye. I loved the fact that she didn't take on just any client, they had to have the same ideals as her. And her dedication to her job is something to admire especially when she ends up accompanying her clients daughter to the countryside. Not sure I know many who would do that!

Ethan has demons of his own and after returning home long term after many years. He has no desire to socialize with his town anytime soon and rather stick to renovating his bungalow and being a bit of a recluse. With Mia's and her clients daughter, Chloe, heading there, it looks like avoiding people isn't something in store for Ethan.

I truly adored Ethan and Mia, their banter was so heated and extremely entertaining. It just built everything up until they both finally give in.

I loved seeing Ethans's relationship with the horses he took care of. He didn't gain nickname the "horse whisperer" for no reason. Those scenes were probably some of my favorites since for a guy with so many demons, he found solace with his horses.

I appreciated that even though Mia was a city girl, true and true. It didn't come off like she couldn't deal with change, Probst didn't paint her as this damsel in distress and not able to fend for herself in a new environment.

I thought the characters and plot were great, I just wish we got a bit more of an epilogue. But hopefully that means we'll see more of Ethan and Mia in the books to come.

The one thing that didn't quite fit in my opinion was Chloe's age. She was 19 years old, but her maturity level wasn't there for that age. I think it would have been fitting if she was 16 years old.

Overall, absolutely enjoyed this gem of a story and look forward to reading the rest in this series. And it has motivated me to do a re-read of some of her previous books that I love so much!