REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: NIC by J.M STEWART

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NIC
Rossi Brothers #2

By: JM Stewart

Releasing November 14, 2016
Crimson Romance

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In Nic (Rossi Brothers #2) by J.M Stewart, Anna Thompson has been on the run from her ex-husband for a while now, and she's getting tired of running. Settling in a place like Angel Bay would be perfect for her and her daughter, but in order to do that she's in desperate need of a job and somewhere to live. Approaching Nic Rossi and practically begging him to hire her as a waitress in his restaurant is her first step. Never did she expect him to be so kind and offer her the sort of hospitality he does. Can she learn to trust a man again and find the kind of happiness she's only ever dreamed of?

Nic Rossi has avoided relationships ever since his wife left him, and instead, has concentrated on being a good father to his daughter. However, the moment Anna walks into his restaurant and asks him for a job, he can't help but want to give her a chance since it seems she hasn't had the easiest of times lately. When he learns the truth about her past, Nic will do anything he can to protect her. But when her ex-husband finally threatens her, it's going to take a miracle to convince her not to run again.

What a powerful and emotional read Ms. Stewart has penned with this second book of her Rossi Brothers series, which delivers a story about a couple healing each other from the hurts of a past relationship; a heroine's hope for a fresh start once she overcomes her past; and a hero determined to convince her that he's nothing like her ex. The way this story opened with Anna confronting Nic and enquiring about a job set the fast-pace of the story for me, because I wanted to know whether he'd give her a chance or not. Anna's been through a lot and needs a break, and Nic's kindness is refreshing for her. Something she desperately needs, if she's ever to trust a man again. 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, and what happens to one of the main characters towards the end. The heroine has survived so much, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She needs to feel safe again and the only way she's going to be able to do that is to face her past. Can she confide in Nic about everything she's been through? It's not something she can talk to anyone about easily, out of fear for her and her daughter's safety. Knowing what her husband would do if he ever discovered her whereabouts. She's been there, done that and not willing to suffer the pain he'd cause her again if he did find her. It's what made her a good mom. The way she was willing to do whatever it took to protect her daughter.  

Nic was a fantastic hero, but it took a while for me to warm up to the heroine. I could understand why it seemed she was jumping at every shadow because of the hurt her ex caused her. Yet, at the same time, she needed to realize that she could trust people. Needed to realize that to claim her life back she needed people on her side; people like Nic and his family. Then again, I could understand her hesitancy with how dangerous her husband was. Indeed, she had some important decisions to make. Was she going to stay and fight her battle when the going got tough, or would she run again? However, as the story progresses she begins to show how strong she is with the decisions she does make. Decisions in how far she'll go to protect everyone she's coming to care for, even if it may be the wrong choice and causes her hurt.

While Nic, he's kind, caring, and would do anything to help someone. He's not looking for a relationship, and yet, there's something about Anna he can't resist. Besides, he's good for her in making her realize that there are good men in the world. Men like him that would never do the things her ex did to any woman. I also liked that he helped Anna whenever she really needed it. She couldn't continue to be haunted by what her husband did to her. Moreover, I liked the growing bond between Nic and the heroine's daughter. 

Overall, this was a really good book that provided plenty of emotion and a strong romance that illustrated how a man should care for the woman he's coming to love. The way this story ended was intense due to what happens to one of the main characters, but I thought what happened to the heroine's ex was a little anti-climatic. Really, I was expecting a final confrontation between the heroine and her ex. However, in saying that, I did enjoy how things ended up for Nic and Anna. He wasn't about to let her go, not when she meant so much to him. I would recommend Nic by JM Stewart, if you enjoy the sexy protector trope or a hero that does everything in his power to show the heroine that she can trust him. 

OVERALL RATING:  

 

 

BLURB:
Single father Nic Rossi’s only desire is to raise his little girl with the same love and security his grandparents gave him and his siblings. That is, until Anna Thompson and her frightened daughter walk into his family restaurant, looking for employment, and turn his carefully ordered world upside down.

On the run from her abusive ex, Anna wants one thing: a quiet place like Angel Bay to raise her daughter. But she needs a job to pay for that dream, even if her new boss is a man whose sheer size makes her tremble. Yet Nic’s capacity for kindness leaves her feeling safe for the first time in years, and the gentle giant slowly awakens her long-dormant passion.

Then her ex-husband turns up like a bad penny, threatening not only Anna’s safe haven but Nic’s daughter in the bargain, forcing them to choose between love and family.

 

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She blew out her held breath, pushed her plate away, and offered him a smile. “Thanks for the meal. I will repay you. I need to get her to bed. What time would you like me to be here tomorrow?”

She scooted out of the booth, but his hand caught her arm before she could turn to pick up Lacey. Blood whooshed in her ears, and breathing became impossible as panic clawed its way through her chest. Tony’s face lodged itself in her mind. Eyes narrowed and staring her down.  The way he looked right before his fist came down on her … 

He’s not Tony. He’s not Tony. She repeated the long-held mantra over and over and drew slow, deep breaths in an effort to put a lid back on the panic. Still the room around her spun as the past closed in on her.

“The meal’s on me, remember? You can pay me back by letting me help you.”

Nic’s voice jerked her back to the present. She lifted her head to find him watching her, gentle concern in his searching eyes. Was he really this nice? Or was this just a ruse, the way it had been for Tony? She didn’t know, but she had no desire to find out. She didn’t need his help. She just needed a job. 

She glared at Nic. “What is it with you? Do you have a thing for taking in strays or something, Mr. Rossi?”

“My name is Nic, and yes, actually I do. My nonna used to roll her eyes every time I brought home a stray cat or dog.” Amusement laced his tone, his eyes crinkling at the corners. 

God, did nothing faze the man?

His expression sobered. “Let me help. Because I can.”

She blew out a defeated breath. “Why do you even care?”

“Why do I scare you so much?”

Touché. 

Nic released her arm and folded his hands on the table instead. “You want the God’s honest truth? That’s why I give a damn. Because I terrify the both of you, and I hate it. Every time I look at your daughter, I see my own.” 

She wrapped her arms around herself. The man left her feeling open and exposed. He offered her something she didn’t know if she could ever repay: human decency. “I can’t ask you to do that for me.”

“Then do it for her.” He nodded in Lacey’s direction.
 

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J.M. Stewart is a coffee and chocolate addict who lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two sons and two very spoiled dogs. She’s a hopeless romantic who believes everybody should have their happily ever after and has been devouring romance novels for as long as she can remember. Writing them has become her obsession.

Author Links:  Website /Twitter /Facebook / Goodreads