Drawing Me In: (Due South Book 7)

Thoroughly enjoyed this NZ romance between Harley and Bree. Lots of surprises and as usual the NZ South Island creates a fantastic setting for the story and characters.

This was another moving, eye-opening and fun romance in the Due South series. I was really curious as to how the story with Harley Komeke would play out. He came across as an arrogant player (although dedicated brother) in Playing For Fun (Ford's story.) I wasn't worried, though, when left to the consistent hands of Tracey Alvarez. It didn't take much for me to love Harley's brooding artist persona. I won't say much of the story line, because there are some surprising twists that are best discovered as you read along. Let's just say there were some "What?!" and some "That's crazy!" moments and I enjoyed every minute. After a couple of big reveals and Harley's realization of love, some fun begins trying to convince Bree of his determined life long commitment. I truly enjoyed how the story played out. I was thoroughly surprised, excited and entertained. My only reason for not giving this book 5 stars is my connection to Bree. As much of a fan of Harley's I was, I was not won over by Bree. This is definitely a personal flaw of my own, because I never really like the uptight, overly organized character traits of which Bree is described. She has her "let loose" moments and I do appreciate her love and commitment to her family, as well as Harley. Although, Harley has to work hard to win her over. Overall, this was another win for Tracey Alvarez. Going in, you know you are going to get a developed and well thought out story that is interconnected to previous books in the series by the relationships with the friends on Oban. Also, Drawing Me In has one of the sweetest and most heartwarming epilogues. If you enjoyed the previous book, this one is a must, especially to get to know Harley. He's now one of my favorite book heroes. I was gifted an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Thanks for Tracey Alvarez, every few months I take a virtual trip to the Southern hemisphere, without the hassle of booking flights, packing suitcases and enduring a twenty-four-hour flight to the other end of the world. Drawing Me In has marked my seventh trip to Stewart Island, New Zealand, and every time it feels a little like coming home to a circle of good friends—even though, unfortunately they don’t exist. I’ll admit Harley and Bree’s story intrigued me from the blurb, since Harley has only briefly appeared in the previous book and I was curious to get to know him a little better. I’m not exactly a fan of playboys, so I wasn’t completely sure I’d warm up to him. As it turned out, I loved discovering the real side of the broken boy hiding behind a playboy mask. I was pleasantly surprised to discover he wasn’t who I had expected, and I loved watching him grow throughout the book, turning into a better version of himself on his quest to his happy ending. He has really done a 180 from page one to the epilogue, and when I reached the last page I was left with a silly smile on my face and a longing for a few more pages. As much as I (surprisingly) liked Harley, I’m sorry to say I never truly connected with Bree, the heroine. I tried to put myself in her shoes, see the story through her eyes, but at times I only wanted to shake her and ask her to stop acting the way she did. I couldn’t really understand why she kept letting Harley into her bed while she repeated to herself he’d break her heart, and she didn’t want to fall in love or be attracted to him. It was no wonder the poor Harley was a little confused himself. Although I understood she wanted to appear like a strong, independent woman who didn’t need anyone’s help or support (be it financial or just moral support), her determination and strong will annoyed me at times, especially when it was Harley who got hurt by her stubbornness. Eventually, I sort of warmed up to her a little by the end of the book, when she stopped being such a pain in Harley’s… neck. LOL As it is customary in this series, all the characters from the previous books are back, seeing as the small community of residents is the core of this series—and it’s one of the reasons why I love this series so much. The sexy moments between Harley and Bree are downright steamy, and prudish me has a feeling this series is getting steamier with each book (or maybe I’m just getting more prudish?), and if I have to be completely honest, some of them didn’t feel right, seeing as Bree kept convincing herself she should stay away from him and the next minute she was all over him. There were moments when I wanted to jump into the book and yell at her to make up her mind already. Just like all previous books, Drawing Me In works as a standalone and you don’t need to read the previous books to fully enjoy the story. However, I’m pretty sure that if this is your first book in the series, you’ll want to go back and read all the others once you’ve reached the last page(psst: book one is a perma-free download, so go ahead and discover the world of Due South from the very beginning!). If you’re a fan of the Due South series, this book won’t disappoint you. All the ingredients that made the previous books special can be found in book 7, too. ***I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. I was not asked to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for my review***

Continues to AMAZE!!!! Tracey Alvarez just keeps on churning out these lovely awesome stories. She really had me at IN TOO DEEP. i feel like i was coming back home whenever I read this series. I've read from the very first book. I so love these characters on stewart island, so glad to finally get Harley & Bree's story. did not peg these two to get together but nice to get ford's twin's story. Harley & Bree have history. They grew up together. This book delves into their past. I really did not picture them together. They have art in common. He's a successful artist & is well known & lives in New York City. He has a reputation of being a player!! Bree runs an Art Gallery on Stewart Island. Their paths cross once more after a death in his family. It's here we learn of secrets kept & its consequences in their both lives. It was all so very emotional. We find out of choices he & she made all those years ago. We were treated to new characters from both Harley & Bree's pasts. As always there is a HEA!!!! That's why I love Tracey Alvarez's stories. There's always drama. but in the end, it all works out! I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is my very honest, true opinion whether positive or negative without being compensated for it. Kudos Tracey Alvarez in continuing To bring us Stewart Island's residences' stories! i will forever read them in years to come!!!!

This is Book 7 of the “Due South” Series, and author Tracey Alvarez continues to impress with another story of love between the wonderful group of “mates”, or friends, that mostly grew up together on the island of Oban, part of New Zealand. This book features Harley, who is a painter who has been living in New York, although he grew up on Oban with his twin brother Ford. The female lead is Bree, who also grew up on the island, and runs the local art shop/gallery which is owned by her mother. Each book can easily be read as a stand alone, but since by now most of the group of friends have been paired off, it's so much more fun if you've read the series. You get glimpses of how each of the prior couples are doing currently. In fact, in this book, one prior couple add a wee little addition to their family. (I won't tell you which couple.) Bree and Harley both grew up on the island, and have known each other for a long time. They have a history, but do they have a future? Harley (along with his brother) came from troubled family circumstances, which has caused a lot of pain to fester in Harley. He is committed to “no commitments” - he never wants a serious relationship, let alone ever be a husband or a father. He doesn't want to make all the same mistakes his father did. Bree also came from a dysfunctional family, and has a tendency to be a little stand-offish. She has secrets in her life she is hiding that none of her friends know about her. Yet in spite of themselves, these two independent, damaged people manage to find their future in each other, as well as their past. It isn't easy. They're both afraid of letting themselves go, of giving in to those feelings only to have them flung back in their faces. This isn't just a sweet/hot love story of the latest pairing of two individuals on this little island. This is a deep emotional look into their hearts and souls. One thing I particularly liked about Bree and Harley's story is the inter-weaving of the culture of the Maori people. The Maori are the original native islanders in Oban, or what would be comparable in the U.S. To the Native Americans. They have their own ways of doing things and their own language, which is interwoven in the family story that is such an important part of this book. (NOTE: At the end of the book is a Maori Glossary of terms that are referenced in the book, and it's a good idea to keep these pages handy. They can really enhance your reading experience in this book. Although in many cases, you can sort of figure them out yourself.) More so than any of the characters in this group of friends, Bree and Harley have each been to hell and back. It is beautiful and heartwarming to see how they come though it and find their heaven in each other. Somehow you just know they are going to make it together. Wonderfully written – you won't want to miss this one! I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author for an honest review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This the Due South series book 7 and it's about Harley Komeke and Bree Findlow. Harley, a painter and twin to Ford, is back in Oban to see if he can find his muse. Bree runs the local gallery. Bree and Harley have a secret past and whenever they're within a certain distance from each other, they're always drawn together...in the bedroom. Sometimes there are consequences to those actions! Awesome story! It's written so well and in such detail so that you're never lost. I couldn't put it down. The story line and characters are very well developed. This might be my favorite in the series. I never read the blurb before reading this book. I knew without a doubt that I would read any book written by this author. I was NOT disappointed. "Think Magic Mike, but with authentic power tools, work boots and tool belts. Ben, West and Ford were stripped to their shorts..." Yes! There were a few of those ultra sexy men wearing tool belts, a few strong-willed beautiful women, secrets and many eye-opening moments. There's also a HUGE plot twist that was a CRAZY surprise. It was the last thing I ever expected! BRAVO Tracey Alvarez for writing another fabulous Due South book. I can't wait for the next one! Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed is my own.

“Drawing me in” is the seventh book from Due South series. In this book we get to meet two artists - Harley and Bree. Supposedly they are different from one another in every possible way, but they have more in common than it seems. Beside unbearable attraction to each other they both struggles with their past, unhealed childhood wounds, trust issues, complicated relations with parents and so much more. But finally they will have to face all that problems and they will have to do it fast. As for the book itself, from very first page it is obvious that this book contains really high-quality writing. It is well written, it has perfect mix of humor, romance and drama, and is highly addictive. The only thing left to say is - thank you Tracey Alvarez, again you gave me not only the reason to zoom out and relax, but also the reason to laugh, to cry, to learn something new and to come back to Oban, even if only in my imagination. Your books never disappoints me. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

"I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own." Don't begin reading this book until you've got lots of time because you'll find it difficult to put down! This is the 7th book in the Due South series - Harley and Bree's reunion story. "Drawing Me In" is the perfect title, as Tracey Alvarez draws the reader in to the lives of the residents of Oban, New Zealand, so that you feel that you really know them and they seem real. There were a few surprises and plot twists, and Ms Alvarez does a great job of integrating the Maori culture throughout the book. Harley and Bree have loads of chemistry and I found myself laughing and crying and feeling the angst right along with them. The integration of all of the secondary characters right from the beginning gives you a sense of familiarity with Oban and its residents if you've read some of the other books in the series and if not, will make you want to read their stories too.

You know when you are hunting for a new author and hope they have a series in the works...well I struck gold when I stumbled across Tracey Alvarez. I have loved each book in this series and like most, you have favourites...but I also knew that this book would be worth the wait. Tracey has managed to take the series in a different direction in Drawing Me In, a bit more complicated...a wee bit darker but has still maintained the warmth of the series. The storyline is a hard one and I wasn't sure where it would end up. Tracey has handled it well and with sensitivity. I'm not a fan of huge back stories and flashbacks but when a couple has history, as Bree & Harley do these are vital for the storyline. Tracey starts the story feet first running and the flashback scenes are brief but full of the necessary info so the story flows well, yay. Tracey has an amazing talent of turning a character (Bree) that you meet earlier in the series and initially think you can't possibly like and cracks her open to reveal a woman you definitely find yourself liking and even similarities to your own self. The artistic imagery was fantastic and made me wish I could paint and as always the inclusion of Maori traditions was seamless and natural. I truly enjoyed reading this book, I read the entire story in two sittings. Tracey has the ability to take you away to another place with her story telling. The warmth and happiness of her characters flows out of the story and touches the reader. Yes, I was gifted with an ARC copy of the book in exchange for my honest review but I had already pre-ordered the book prior to this so was prepared to pay for my own copy.

Another Due South book--yay! This time our hero is Harley Komeke, Ford's (Playing For Fun) can't-hold-me-down artist twin--back from NYC for their birth mother's funeral; hanging around for a while in the hopes his muse will show up long enough for him to create the pieces he needs for his next big city show. Only she's playing hard to get...and so is Bree Findlow, the woman he all but ran from back at art school. Or is she? Bree's been keeping a major, ten-year-old secret from Harley, and it's one that's going to change things forever. And speaking of life changes, there just might be yet another one in store for these two... I have to admit, it was hard to read Harley and Bree's story at times. They've both made some pretty significant mistakes, and they've both done things that have hurt the other. Harley's insistence that he can't do commitment, can't be someone's father got to be frustrating--even while the reasons behind the belief are heartbreaking. Bree's leaving him at about 3/4 of the way in? Devastating. Ms. Alvarez sure knows how to put her characters through the wringer, and us right along with them! Fortunately, she pulls us all through to the other side with skill and a feel-good HEA. I loved everything that Harley does to show Bree that he's changed in all the ways that matter, and I put the book down with a happy sigh and a big smile on my face. It was also fun to see the rest of the series characters continuing to be H in their EAs (especially Piper and West! Big things are happening for them :)) Drawing Me In would work okay as a standalone, though as some aspects of it deal quite a bit with Harley and Ford's past, it's probably a good idea (but not an absolute necessity) to read Ford's book first. Favorite line: Mundane tasks like work and earning a living were so much more fun after multiple orgasms. True that, Bree! ;) Rating: 4 stars / A- I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Harley and Bree, oh I wanted to yell and shake them so many times! Their path has been far from smooth, and this book was filled with ups and downs for them. They have struggles with their families, their history, and themselves. So much of their journey is caused by an internal struggle, be it a need for Bree to guard her heart from being broken by Harley once again, or Harley's struggles with finding his muse and steadfast belief that he should not ever be a family man and father. I absolutely love this series and truly hope the island has an unlimited number of single men and women to keep the series going. One of my favorite things is that each book you read allows you to catch up with the couples you've already read about. As sad as I am about the book for each pair coming to an end, it's nice to have the opportunity to see what they're up to and how they're doing while learning about the next couple. While the book can be read as a stand-alone, if you're anything like me you'll be anxious to read the next one as soon as you can!! Each book I read in this series makes me just want to pack my bags and move to an island in New Zealand to find my own Harley. (Or West or Ben or Kip or Del or Ford... really any of them would work!) I absolutely love how Tracey Alvarez includes different parts of New Zealand culture and the Maori references and glossary for this book were such a great element, I found myself googling things to find out even more! I just could not put this book down and while I did not want it to end, it was the perfect length. Tracey Alvarez is a fantastic writer and really brings you into the world on Stewart Island!! I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this copy in no way influenced my opinions on the book. My late night reading was a result of the book just being so good I couldn't put it down!

Drawing Me In is book seven in the Due South series by Tracey Alvarez. This book was generouly provided to me in exchange for an honest review by the author. "Passion won’t hold them together when past fears threaten to tear them apart." This quote was taken from the blurb of the book and is a perfect summary of this story. In the last book we met Ford Komeke and learned of the troubled start he and his twin brother had in life, leaving both boys with serious committment issues for fear they would turn out just as their biological parents had. Now, we are getting to know his brother, Harley. Harley Komeke loved art. He loved to paint and draw and in art college, his talent showed the promise all artists dream of. He grew up on Stewart Island in the small community of Oban. He and Bree had known each other since they were children. Bree always did have a crush on him and while they were in art school, they started a relationship. Well, it was a relationship as such that Harley freely stated from the beginning that he would never marry and never wanted children. He was not the forever after kind of guy. When he was discovered, he left school for New York, leaving behind a broken hearted Bree, and something more. Bree had known that Harley wasn't capable of anything more than he was giving her back in art school. But she was a nineteen year old girl with stars in her eyes when it came to him. She couldn't help but to dream of a future together. In the ten years since he left, she has always managed to leave the island when Harley came home for a visit. But now he is here long term. Ever since he and Ford's mother died, he hasn't been able to paint. So he came home to try to rediscover his muse. When Bree's sister shows up in Oban with her nine year old son, the son that Bree gave birth to and her sister and her husband adopted, all Harley has to do is look at the boy to realize that Bree has kept something from him all these years. "If a deal sounds too good to be true, then it likely is. You were always too good to be true, Harley." Bree and Harley begin a push, pull sort of relationship. Harley, still struggling with his painter's block, fights his feelings for Bree every inch of the way. As he gets to know the son he never knew he had, though, he gets to know himself in the process. That he is not the monster he was afraid lived inside of him through heredity. Bree, though, is dealing with fears of her own. She has to keep herself from allowing Harley back in to her heart. She can't let him break her heart all over again. Staying away from him was easier said then done, though. She is drawn to him like a moth to a flame. "You know you can't resist him for much longer. Komeke's your Kryptonite." As these two struggle with their feelings for one another, surprising revelations are made regarding Harley and Ford's past. I was shocked and never saw that coming at all! I thought it was so cute the way Ford and Holly have so quickly settled in to domestic bliss and the way it irritated Harley. Ford has changed so much. And as always, I loved getting updates on all our other couples. We get a lot of Piper and West in this one. Piper is pregnant and just about to pop. I loved the way her baby plays in to Harley's growth and personal revelations. It was adorable. I love when a book ends with a wonderful epilogue and this one was amazing. It left me with all the warm and fuzzies I could handle.

This is the 7th book of the Due South series and the series just gets better and better. Although it can be read as a standalone, I think it would be great if you read it in series as it will allow you to know the other characters better. Nevertheless, Tracey writes it in such a way that even if you read this on its own, you'll still be able to enjoy the story. Bree and Harley is the most difficult couple thus far. Their past, the secret that Bree has hidden from Harley all these years, their own family issues - all these makes this a very emotional read with lots of ups and downs. I really love how Tracey is able to bring out the story and the depths of the characters. And of course, I love reading about the characters who had appeared in the previous books. ** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I love to read books based in other countries. And Tracy’s never fail to deliver what I want in a book. Romance, adventure, real feeling, suspense and something learned about where the book is set. I did receive this book for free in exchange for a completely honest review. I was not paid for this review and in no way, was I required to give a positive review. The story begins with Bree ogling Harley through the window of her show, lusting after what she couldn’t have. She and Harley had, what Bree thought was a relationship, 10 years prior but the Harley left her for the New York art scene. Now he’s back and helping his twin, Ford, and his other friends build a salon. Now Bree stands in her shop window, remembering a night of passion a few weeks ago, that never should have happened. Bree is trying to guard her heart and Harley believes he could never have a relationship because of his past. Bree tries to stay away from Harley but they are both drawn to each other. They know that they can’t be together but can’t seem to stay apart. Harley knows that he can never have a family because he’s just like his father who left them without looking back. But when he made a discovery that Bree had a child from their relationship 10 years ago, he struggles with the knowledge that he indeed does have a child and what role he’ll play in his child’s life. Bree, in the meanwhile, has been keeping another secret from Harley. Will this one cause them to part forever or be the one that brings them together? This book is a part of a series but you do not have to read each book to enjoy the next. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!!

Tracey Alvarez is one of my favorite romance authors. I've read all of her books and truly believe if I had to choose a favorite out of them I would be in trouble. And Drawing me in is no exception. I love how her characters are friends in all the due south books yet they're stand alone as well. She keeps you engaged throughout the book. Her love scenes are always very steamy and coming back for more, and the family and friendships are so strong it keeps you coming back for the next book! I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own." This is the 1st book I received free. The others I purchased

Bree Findlow, affectionately kown as Queen Bee to her friends, has always been the voice of reason, organized to a fault, and the picture of a put together woman who has her life together. Little does she know that her life is going to unravel, one thread at a time. Playboy Harley Komeke has returned to Oban to try and recapture his muse. He’s trading the fast paced New York lifestyle for the laidback backwater town he grew up in. Another prodigal son returns to find much more than he what he was looking for. During their impressionable college years, Bree and Harley became more than friends but it ended when Harley took a once in a lifetime opportunity to go to New York. Harley broke Bree’s heart but won the love of the art world. Ten years later, he returns to Oban to reclaim his muse and finds Bree instead. The passion between them hasn’t died but burns hotter with each encounter. Harley, haunted by his past, can’t let anyone close. Bree, once abandoned by Harley, is scared to trust that he’s changed. Along the way, other long buried secrets come to light and they both must face their past before they can hope to embrace a future together. Book seven of Due South hit so many emotional points for me, but I can’t elaborate without giving all the plot twists away. After reading, Playing for Fun, there was just enough of a tease about Harley and Bree to peak my interest in Drawing Me In. Though in truth, I LOVE this series and I would have read this one regardless. Tracey writes in such a way that her characters are real and easily relatable. Bree is a bit OCD and I can totally relate to her alphabetized pantry. Each book is like a home coming. I love the tight knit community of Oban. It’s the kind of ideal neighborhood we all wish we lived in. Close friends who support you and are there for you, with sage advice and a much needed kick in the nono, when one is needed. This book with absolutely drew me in. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

This is the latest book of the Due South series and is book seven – this book can be read as a stand alone but if you have not read the first five I strongly suggest you read them first....all are amazing. Waiting for this book I was unsure if I would like it, or more specifically, if I would like Harley. We have come across Bree in all of the previous Due South books and although she is a little reserved she is a gorgeous, funny, feisty, loyal person who you instinctively feel very protective of. On the flip side we have come across Harley a couple of times, these have not been particularly flattering and he was on an uphill battle to win me over. This was always going to be a very emotional book, with a complex history and many twist and turns, hurts and betrayals – intentional, unintentional and imagined. Their history is far more complex than you could ever imagine and some of the twists cause a sharp intake of breath as the repercussions of these are realised, the demons they unleash could easily have devastating effects. Harley begins the book as the cocky, successful artist we have met before, very hot and sexy but ultimately cold and unemotional. Thankfully we soon see this cocky shield occasionally slip as his family and Bree begin to chip their way through the ice encasing his heart. Once Harley is shocked in to feeling, he is bombarded by emotions again and again, betrayal, joy, fear, hope, doubt and of course love. A minefield for any guy, but especially for someone as emotionally remote as Harley, a true jigsaw for him to work through. Harley finally realises they can get through anything together, but is he too late? Can he convince Bree that he actually believes they can get over any hurdle together, or has he let her down one time too many? He has a mountain to climb, but by the end of the book he certainly had me convinced and I was completely swept off my feet by the very gorgeous and loving Harley Komeke. I am looking forward to the next in the series.....I sense Dr Joe may finally have met the woman to bring him to his knees and predict many fireworks as he battles this tooth and nail! I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own. Harley Komeke is the other Komeke twin, a famous artist who lives in the UK he reluctantly returned to New Zealand for the funeral of his birth mother a few months ago but now he's back in Oban, living with Piper and West, trying to find his muse. Bree Findlow runs the local art gallery. She and Harley went to art school together and had a thing until fame, and America, lured Harley away. Now she is desperately trying to buy the gallery from her mother who has calmly announced she is selling it in order to buy herself a gallery. Bree's mother has spent her life sponging off men while preaching to her daughters about the importance of independence. Bree's mother's advice is to borrow the money to buy the gallery from Harley - what else are rich men for? Just like his twin brother Ford, Harley was emotionally scarred by their childhood. While Ford can't sleep without a light on Harley desperately seeks physical contact, especially with his twin, when things go sideways. With a deadbeat Dad who couldn't hack two small babies and a drug-addict mother who alternately neglected and abused her little boys, Harley thinks his genes mean he should never have children so he is horrified to find out that Bree got pregnant and gave their son to her sister and her husband to bring up as their own. Of course Harley has barely been back in Oban five minutes when Bree's sister and her son come to visit and the proverbial cat is out the bag! But neither of them can deny their physical attraction, even if Bree desperately tries to avoid repeating the same mistake over and over again by falling for a man who has already loved and left her twice before. Harley is relentless in his pursuit of Bree, even offering to help her save the gallery by exhibiting a new picture there - IF she poses for his latest picture. This is another cracking book in a great series. Although it is rather implausible that such a small island should hold so many young people, all of whom have recently married/ got together and the number of single fathers appears disproportionately high that doesn't detract from the joyfulness of the series. Although this is the seventh book in the series it is easy to jump right in, you'll find out everything you need to know. By turns this book is funny, poignant, shocking and aw-shucks romantic. What I like about Tracey Alvarez's books is that they aren't just a straightforward romance, there are always additional twists and turns, new plot revelations and dramas. Oh, and the insights into small town life and New Zealand customs (don't forget the half-naked frolics in the woods, all in the name of Art of course). Yet another winner - the series shows no sign of slowing down, although Tracey might be running out of eligible people on such a small island!

This book is listed as Book 7 in the Due South series and is a stand-alone novel. Bree and Harley’s story - From the moment Bree and Harley see each other again the attraction still pulsates between them which they both do their best to ignore. When secrets are revealed they have to deal with the consequences and emotions in different ways. The author handles the conflicts and hurdles to overcome in ways that felt right for the characters. I also enjoyed all of the details which brought the secondary characters to life, bringing back friends from other books in the series. I particularly like how she incorporates a little Maori culture into the story too. The author has a knack for writing humorous one-liners which had me laughing out loud on many occasions. It's a wonderful sweet story full of emotion. Another winner in my opinion and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. ***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. These are my thoughts on the story***

Another winner from Tracey Alvarez. Seriously, this woman can do no wrong in my eyes! I adore this beautiful little New Zealand island community that Tracey has created. All the characters are so well written, multi-layered, and complex, with their own unique personalities. The last two books in this series have introduced the Maori culture and traditions, and I've been fascinated learning about them. It adds a level of authenticity that is refreshing. Harley is Ford's illusive world-famous artist twin, who has been living in New York for the last ten years. He comes home to bury his birth mother and decides to hang around for a while. Part of the attraction is Bree. She was the only girl to ever claim a piece of his heart, and he has never forgotten her. Bree has been in love with Harley since Art College, but it broke her heart when he moved to NY to further his career. Though she encouraged him to go, her whole world shattered when she discovered she was pregnant with his child. She didn't tell him as he was always vehement about never having kids. Instead, her sister and her husband have raised Carter as their own. Fate intervenes, bringing all parties together, and the big secret comes out, along with a new one. This book really was an emotional rollercoaster read, and I have to applaud Tracey for the depth she brought to the plot and the characters. We are dealing with a difficult topic here, but Tracey handles it realistically and sensitively. Man, did I experience all the feels reading this one! I could really empathize with both mains, and I understood their viewpoints, even though they were on opposite spectrums. What I really loved about this story was the gradual development of both characters. It wasn't rushed and it felt so credible as a result. If it hadn't been written so well Harley's transformation would have been very unbelievable. The romance was of the on-and-off kind but there was no denying the scorching hot chemistry between Harley and Bree. They both fought an admirable fight, but finally withdrew from their shells and let each other in. It was sweet and steamy in equal measure. I really really really really enjoy the family and friendship theme in this series - they are a close knit community who are always ready and willing to step up to the plate for one another. That closeness oozes out of the pages. Listen, I could waffle on forever, but I won't. Just go buy the book, or start the series already. Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book for beta review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Superb writing and wonderful support characters in a delightful setting provided the backdrop for Harley and Bree in this, their second chance at a happily ever after, love story. I always look forward to returning to this small coastal New Zealand town where love doesn’t always come easily but if and when it does the story is magnificent and definitely worth reading. Harley and Bree grew up in the same small town with many of the characters that show up in previous books in this series. They have close strong friendships that have developed over the years. When Harley and Bree went to college a physical relationship developed between them even though Bree knew going into it that Harley never wanted to marry or have children. She took the risk that she might be the one that could change his mind. Nope…off to New York he went when his big art opportunity arrived leaving her behind with a broken heart and a situation to deal with. Ten years later Harley returns home for a burial, to regroup and to try to find his artistic muse. Bree is there along with his family and all of his old friends. Bree’s mother breezes into town dropping a bombshell and shortly thereafter her sister arrives with her nine year old son surprising not only Bree but others on the island, too. This is not just a love story. There is complexity and layers that are revealed as the story is told. It deals with: * the concept of family and what family is and can be. * the fact that hurts from childhood linger and can fester if not dealt with. * the idea that some friends and family may be able to bridge some of those hurts. * the truth that friendships can be deep or superficial - and some friends can be as close as or closer than family. * the fact that love doesn’t always arrive as a thunderclap along with lightning but that it can grow and develop and over time and be earned – especially if it once was tossed aside. I love this author and her writing and look forward to reading the next book in this series. I want to thank her for the free copy of this book to read and review in exchange for my honest review.

It's that time of the year again! Time for my imaginary New Zealand vacation, courtesy of Tracey Alvarez. Drawing Me In features Harley and Bree, a couple that I wasn't very familiar with (I'm not sure if I just don't remember them being mentioned in the previous books or if they weren't a big part of the community at that time). Anyway, throughout the course of this series,I have really enjoyed seeing all the couples' relationships progress. However, I must admit that I liked the fact that I didn't know much about Harley and Bree. It felt like a fresh start but with the comfort of being surrounded by all the other characters I know and love. When I started reading, I wasn't too sure I would like Harley and Bree. Harley on the one hand has issues with commitment and makes it very clear that all he wants from Bree or any other woman is no strings attached sex. He does not want a relationship and is not willing to settle down. Bree initially struck me as a little stuck up so I was a bit hesitant about her. It wasn't long though before they both won me over and I became totally invested in their relationship. Tracey Alvarez really knows how to write these love stories because if we're being completely honest here, I can't believe this is book #7 and I still haven't gotten tired of the Due South series. Another amazing 5 star book for this collection. *I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Lovef this book! I have not missed one book in this series, although they all stand alone. I finished this one in one sitting since I couldn't put it down. Of course its got the hot factor, but the emotion of the characters, along with real life situations, make this one of my favorites of the series. Characters with pasr history and of course, a few secrets, draw you in and keep it interesting. I like the Maori cultural aspect also. I read the series before I received an ARC of this book. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was nit required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.