I like Ms Thompson's books. Her writing has always entertained me while I get lost in the plot and the characters' stories. Whenever I see a freebie or a new book, I buy or download without hesitation and have never been wrong.
Her ability to create a scenario where you know it's not possible in reality and make it work is already a clever ingenuity that left you all warm and sappy.
We all know, for instance, without adding a spoiler that being in the witness protection program, you sign away your life. It's the end of the old and in with the new... literally. Yet, her ability to maneuver the circumstances for everyone to be on board is a worthy note... and the reason I only give four stars. With all of that said, I loved the story. It has a mixture of secrecy and lies blending into the fibres of the plotline that made this an enjoyable read.

Traded: Brody and Kara are the reason I love a good romance. The characters are plausible, the pain and fears are real and finding your feet in a new town a challenge to overcome. Not everyone can do this and nothing can really prepare you for a life different from your own, with no ties to your past.

Meeting the Dogs was Kara's saving grace when she entered this private town of Cliffside Bay. She had no prospects other than her own skills and wit to fend for her. She never back down from a challenge and was not afraid to ask for help. Nor lazy. Even though her growing-up years were not perfect, her character and personality made her a loveable person. Everyone was attracted to her, including me.

Starting over is always difficult, but combine that with secrets and lies it can make life hard.
Once the town gets to know her, they helped.

The supporting character's roles were well defined, as each appeared within the plotline. Each developing the story with so much ease that I could see them in front of me as the story played out.
Being at the right place at the right time definitively counted in the two lovers' favour. A slow brewing romance that has you turning the pages as each had to find their way while their feelings were growing. Flora's story really touched me and I think her story deserves a book of her own.
The growing love between Janet and doc was a nice intervention to change Brody's mind and gave him a new perspective in love and life.

Kara's help came in the form of Brody Mullen. A famous football player with the world at his feet, but a lot of hurt. He, too, had his own fears to overcome, but proved to be a man of integrity in more ways than one.
The interaction between himself, his mother and Flora is the heart of his caring nature and what has drawn me to him.
This is truly a wonderful story. It's witty, fast-paced, written well and has a great plotline.
Thank you for the freebie back in February. I can't wait to begin with the next book in the Cliffside Bay series. ( )

This is the first in a series that I received from Amazon as one of three in the Cliffside Bay bundle. There are over 10 books in this series, which allows the author to introduce many of the characters here and then focus on a specific couple in each additional novel. Even though I have the next two books, I will be taking a break in between reads.

This was a solid three-star novel. I felt like I was reading a soap opera, and there were no surprises in the relationship of the main characters, Brody and Kara. In fact, every relationship was predictable. That's not to say you won't like it, and sometimes a comfortable read is just what you need. Kara is perfect in looks and behavior. Brody is a selfish yet generous Super Bowl quarterback, and soon changes his ways in order to win Kara's heart. There are sparks between the two from the moment they meet, yet Kara feels she can't develop the relationship due to her situation.

In addition to the relationship angle, the novel focuses on Kara's situation, which is introduced in the first chapter. Since she has turned state's evidence against her mobster father in Philadelphia, she must go into the Witness Protection Program. She moves to a small coastal town an hour away from San Francisco and gets a job working for Brody's family as a nurse, which is her profession.

If you're looking for a clean romance in a small town, you'll want to give this series a try. ( )

Traded: Brody and Kara (Cliffside Bay, #1) by Tess Thompson  
He's living the dream. She's caught in a nightmare. Can a relationship plagued by secrets survive the revelations life has heading their way? Brody is an athlete with his eye on the prize. Kara is a woman with a ton of baggage, she's trying to leave behind. Traded started as an intriguing read that gradually pulled me in. In Cliffside Bay nothing is ever as it seems, but that's the best part. ( )