Book Review: Only Just Begun by Wendy Vella

Ryker Falls Book 4

An innocent hiding in the shadows Living on the sidelines has always suited Mandy Robbins but all that changes when Ted Hosking challenges her to step into the light. For some reason the dangerously sexy Falls Lodge owner has decided to personally play a part in her metamorphosis. She is determined not to fall for the taciturn man who has “commitment phobic” written on his forehead, but Ted is the only man who has ever seen the real her beneath the quietness. As her past comes calling, she realizes that with Ted it’s not just her heart that’s at risk … it’s her life.

Her big, bad protector Ted Hosking has no problem with hard work or living in the spotlight; it’s what he knows and how he’s built his business. He’s a take-charge kind of guy, so how is it possible he has no clue how to handle Mandy Robbins? She scares him. There’s no getting around that. Gentle, sweet, and shy, she’s Ted’s opposite in every way. There shouldn’t be any surprises in life, not for a man as jaded as he. But when he leaves her bed after their first night together, everything changes. What he feels for her has the power to change the very foundation he’s built his life on, and that shocks him to the core. When danger looms and threatens Mandy, he knows that staying away for her protection is no longer an option. Their love has only just begun and he’ll fight with everything he has for her, no matter the cost.

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My Review:

Mandy knows that her safety lies in never being noticed; being overlooked. But after so many years of living a shadow life, she’s tired of playing it safe. Ted’s always noticed her in the shadows and he’s never taken her self-effacing timidity at face value. Ted knows what it’s like to live in the shadows and what it’s like to come out from behind them. He’s perfectly capable and more than willing to drag Mandy into the light, kicking and screaming if that’s what it takes. Ted’s grumpy attitude reminded me a lot of Doctor House: world-weary with no patience left for time-wasters. Though, Ted managed to do a much better job of maintaining friendships than Gregory House ever did. I loved watching this pair spar with each other. The chemistry crackles through their snappy, sometimes snarky, banter. I was thoroughly entertained by it. Even though they fought like cats and dogs, I can’t say these two were opposites. At the core of their natures, Mandy and Ted were actually quite a lot alike. One of the best bonuses about this story was that we got the chance to see a bunch of our favorite Lake Howling heroes for a bit. It was a lot of fun to have this cross-over. I can’t wait to see what the author brings us next.

I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

Other books in the series:

Somebody to Love (Ryker Falls #1)

From This Moment (Ryker Falls #2)

Love Me Tender (Ryker Falls #3)