Customer Reviews

Harbor Nights

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Twenty-four years old petit Norah Stevens and her mom have relocated to Misty Harbor, Maine where she gets a job writing a weekly column for the Hancock Review that provides Views from the Other Side. Her mom's Pomeranian Zsa Zsa has moved under the next door neighbor's bush where Norah tries to get the canine diva. Ned Porter sees her and introduces himself. However, Norah fears his size as he seems even bigger than her father who beat her up last year.

As Norah adjusts to living amongst the Redwoods with even the females extended Porter family easily topping six feet, she finds herself attracted to Ned though remains afraid of him. Ned reciprocates, but believes the beautiful runt is wrong for him as he needs females like his outdoor hefty but beautiful sister-in-laws. Still as love connects them, their relationship cannot grow until she overcomes her phobia that giant males equate to abuse.

HARBOR NIGHTS is a fine contemporary romance that focuses on how abuse can potentially devastate a person's psyche and ultimately even relationships with a caring soulmate. The story line is character driven as neither Norah nor Ned is comfortable with the size gap, but their reasons greatly differ. He because he assumes a big outdoor guy needs a big woman; she because of her father's recent physical abuse. Though the resolution seems abrupt as love conquers all (this reviewer believes it would need time to heal the wounded), fans will enjoy the return to Misty Harbor (see BERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS and BLUEBERRY HILL).

Harriet Klausner

I loved this book. I love Marcia Evanick as a writer and the misty harbor series is wonderful. The setting is calming and allows you to fall in love with the lives of Norah and Joanna Stevens. A great read I have shared with all of my friends.

Norah Stevens has moved to Misty Harbor, Maine to help her mother start over after a painful divorce. Between helping her mom get settled and landing a job at the town's only newspaper, Norah hasn't had time for much of a social life - and that's just fine with her. While trying to cajole her Mom's tiny dog out of the neighbor's back yard she finds herself face-to-face with handsome Ned Porter. Well, not exactly face-to-face - at 6' 2" Ned towers over Norah. Friendly and easygoing, Ned isn't used to making women nervous and he finds it unsettling. Why would this petite woman be afraid of him? Despite the fact that Norah seems intimidated by him, Ned finds himself attracted to her and is determined to find out if the feeling is mutual. Can Norah put aside her wariness long enough to give the relationship a chance?

This is a nice, straightforward contemporary romance. There's no huge conflict or big misunderstanding, just two people trying to figure out if they can make a go of it. The characters are nicely developed and come across as believable and likable. Being partial to the rugged, outdoorsy type I was bound to have a huge crush on Ned, but I was surprised to find that I was also intrigued by Norah's character. It's refreshing to find two leads in a romance novel that avoid being stereotypes. Ned and Norah are far from perfect, but they end up being perfect for each other.

The setting is enjoyable - a small town on the coast of Maine - and the supporting characters provide an interesting diversion. There's even a little "bonus" romance for Norah's Mom, Joanna. There are a couple of love scenes that were nicely done and on the pleasantly steamy side.

If this is your first trip to Misty Harbor then you should know that this book is part of a series that are rather loosely connected. I haven't read them in order and don't feel that it's necessary to do so, but if you want to start with the first book it's Catch of the Day (Zebra Contemporary Romance)