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Virgin River #3
Whispering Rock
A decorated U.S. Marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty, but has found hope and healing in Virgin River. When he agrees to become the town's first cop, he does so knowing it's time he settled down. Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found—a woman who can tie up his heart forever.
He finds that woman in Brie Sheridan, a Sacramento prosecutor who understands his drive to protect and serve. Virgin River becomes a safe haven for Brie after nearly losing her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she's got some fears she can't escape—but now she has someone who will show her just what it means to trust again. Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she's so selflessly given him—her heart, and with it, a new beginning.
He finds that woman in Brie Sheridan, a Sacramento prosecutor who understands his drive to protect and serve. Virgin River becomes a safe haven for Brie after nearly losing her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she's got some fears she can't escape—but now she has someone who will show her just what it means to trust again. Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she's so selflessly given him—her heart, and with it, a new beginning.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 26, 2007
About the author
Robyn Carr
206 books11.6k followers Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series and Sullivan's Crossing series. Robyn's new women's fiction novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, will be released in January 2024. The new hit Sullivan's Crossing TV series (season 1) inspired by Robyn's book series was released in the USA in the fall of 2023! Plus, season 5 of the worldwide fan-favorite Virgin River TV Series is now streaming on Netflix (July 2023) with two holiday episodes coming November 30, 2023. Both TV series have been renewed for another season!
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,612 reviews
January 3, 2020
3.25 stars. 🌟🌟🌟
This is the third book in this series and I think that I am about ready to take a little breather from this small town community.
While I am still really enjoying all of the characters, this story wasn't particularly easy or pleasant reading with more than one rape event involved. Tends to kill the romance for me even when tastefully handled like it is here.
I am also needing a break from the numerous childbirth scenes. YES, I get that a woman just has to visit Virgin River to instantly become fertile and that Mel is a midwife but is it really a necessary inclusion to all these stories.
Now that I have got that out let me just say how much that I adored Brie and Mike as a couple. I especially loved all the fun and teasing banter that they had going on between them. Tender and sweet.
***Since it is close to Christmas I want to mention that the next book in this series was my first read by this author (also my favorite to date) - "A Virgin River Christmas". It is a simply wonderful "Holiday" read, have read it twice now and it can also be read as a standalone.
This is the third book in this series and I think that I am about ready to take a little breather from this small town community.
While I am still really enjoying all of the characters, this story wasn't particularly easy or pleasant reading with more than one rape event involved. Tends to kill the romance for me even when tastefully handled like it is here.
I am also needing a break from the numerous childbirth scenes. YES, I get that a woman just has to visit Virgin River to instantly become fertile and that Mel is a midwife but is it really a necessary inclusion to all these stories.
Now that I have got that out let me just say how much that I adored Brie and Mike as a couple. I especially loved all the fun and teasing banter that they had going on between them. Tender and sweet.
***Since it is close to Christmas I want to mention that the next book in this series was my first read by this author (also my favorite to date) - "A Virgin River Christmas". It is a simply wonderful "Holiday" read, have read it twice now and it can also be read as a standalone.
September 23, 2022
This is a Women's Fiction, and this is the third book in the Virgin River series. I have read and reviewed the first and second book in this series before picking this book up. This book series is not the cute and little Women's Fiction, but this series is a steamy and hard hitting Women's Fiction. The characters are really developed, and I love them so much. The town in this book is a small town that I have fallen in love with. This book covers rape and some other things that can cause some readers triggers. This book is the romance of Mike. I love that there are moments in this book that I am laughing so hard, but there are also moments in this book that make me want to kill someone. I enjoyed reading this book, and I did not want to put it down. I read this book via Kindle Unlimited/Library and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.
March 18, 2024
I love the Virgin River series and every book I read just gets better and better. Mel and Jack are unfailingly committed to each other, their town and its people and this alone could bring me back again and again. Don’t let this statement fool you however- they are only one of many dynamic storylines in this work. As always the characters are endearing but through Robyn Carr’s expert writing style become so much more complex and relatable. Their trials and tribulations test their character and make them so much more tangible. This town and its people show up for each other and while neither is perfect Virgin River is still a place that you’d want to grow up and get old in; I certainly would. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and find out what Mel, Jack and the whole town will be faced with next.
November 28, 2013
I feel like I have a lot of complaints about this series, and I don't mean to. I enjoy the books, but I do have a lot of minor quibbles. However, if I ever need a sweet, wholesome, family and community oriented romance, this is the series that I think of. To get a break from really angsty or annoying characters/storylines, I know I can read a Virgin River book. This is only my third read of the series but I have a feeling none of the books really break outside of this little box that I've stored them in.
This book started off a bit low for me because the heroine was raped and is recovering for most of the book. There is also a secondary story (one of many, many secondary plotlines here) about a teenage rapist date raping Virgin River teenagers. I just don't like to read about rape in my romances. *shrug* It hits a personal hot button for me, and I don't like for my hero and heroine to have to deal with that particular psychological fallback.
Another issue I had was how many of the other characters play vital roles in this book. Mel and Jack in particular. They are shaping up to be the wise man and woman of the village, I suppose and that's okay, but I wonder how many babies are going to be born in this town by the time the series is over. Does every single book in the series have birth or two or four in it?
This was funny:
"I've been in labor all day, but th contractions are getting serious now and I'm going to call Mell to touch base."
"Are you fucking kidding me?"
"We're gonna do it, Paul. I know you won't let me down."
"I bet I will," he said."
Things I loved: I loved Mike. I love how he speaks Spanish to his woman, and how she hides the fact that she's pretty fluent in the language. It was romantic that he said these little endearments to her, and it both made me giggle and sigh a little each time Brie mentally translated his words in order for him to continue spilling his guts thinking she had no idea what he was saying. I love how Mike is so ridiculously careful with Brie, for months and months and months, building a friendship based on complete and utter trust and affection without adding sex into the mix. He cares for her, simple as that.
I love that the author made me believe that even if Brie never got to the point that she could be sexual with him, he would have been her friend for the rest of their lives. Talk about devotion.
This book started off a bit low for me because the heroine was raped and is recovering for most of the book. There is also a secondary story (one of many, many secondary plotlines here) about a teenage rapist date raping Virgin River teenagers. I just don't like to read about rape in my romances. *shrug* It hits a personal hot button for me, and I don't like for my hero and heroine to have to deal with that particular psychological fallback.
Another issue I had was how many of the other characters play vital roles in this book. Mel and Jack in particular. They are shaping up to be the wise man and woman of the village, I suppose and that's okay, but I wonder how many babies are going to be born in this town by the time the series is over. Does every single book in the series have birth or two or four in it?
This was funny:
"I've been in labor all day, but th contractions are getting serious now and I'm going to call Mell to touch base."
"Are you fucking kidding me?"
"We're gonna do it, Paul. I know you won't let me down."
"I bet I will," he said."
Things I loved: I loved Mike. I love how he speaks Spanish to his woman, and how she hides the fact that she's pretty fluent in the language. It was romantic that he said these little endearments to her, and it both made me giggle and sigh a little each time Brie mentally translated his words in order for him to continue spilling his guts thinking she had no idea what he was saying. I love how Mike is so ridiculously careful with Brie, for months and months and months, building a friendship based on complete and utter trust and affection without adding sex into the mix. He cares for her, simple as that.
I love that the author made me believe that even if Brie never got to the point that she could be sexual with him, he would have been her friend for the rest of their lives. Talk about devotion.
April 29, 2017
Not a stand alone. If you haven't read the previous books in the series, you'll be as bored as I was with all the previous characters intruding into the story of the supposed MCs (supposed is the word, for the MCs are not MCs at all). How could such a book claim to have MCs? Both Mike and Brie are squeezed out, if not drown, by previous and future characters. When Carr is not revisiting she is introducing. And that, perhaps, wouldn't be as boring and tedious as it was, had Robyn Carr elevated her bland characters above the insipid and the dull. There's absolutely no character that stands out. They're all equally dull. All the men are sickeningly respectful, protective, apologetic (they haven't done anything to apologise for!), have no dreams, no plans, no history of their own. They never feel anything other than stage props for the heroine. They are all retired in their mid-30s, free to be their heroine's slave. These men simply spout assurances that they will always, in all eternity, feed the needs of the heroine without having any of their own. Ever. They are muscular, sexy man-whores who turn Vestal Virgins as soon as the heroine appears on their radar. They fall in love with their heroine immediately, eternally, devotedly and blindly. As for the heroines of this series, I think they would die if they took a wrong turn into believability. They are as cardboard as the heroes. They exist not in a romance, where a character needs to carry some feeling of passion and love, but solely as wooden statues to be worshipped. The heroine of this book is indistinguishable from all the other ones, she is a goddess of cardboard (and don't let the rape premise fool you into believing she has depths and complexity, the rape is used as a mere ploy -another reason why I hated this book), her sole purpose is to receive adoration and never give, or offer, anything. Passion must be unconditionally offered to her on a silver platter. SHE can do no wrong. SHE is always right. SHE is there to be protected, made safe, given babies and orgasms and friendship and affection, and attention and blah, blah, blah... This super-succubus is always portrayed as the VULNERABLE one who brings the man-whore's protectiveness out (with a vengeance. Mike not only signs a monogamy pact with his penis, he also forgets the hundreds of women he slept with before THE ONE appeared in his crosshairs -while the heroine had significant relationships in the past. Naturally, she's allowed a history but the man-whore-cum-vestal-virgin is not allowed even to remember a good sh*g).
This kind of romance writing ends up in the embarrassing position of killing off romance. Carr's book is utterly devoid of passion and is missing a love story that could captivate (or even merely allow you to read along with some interest). For that reason, I marvel at how highly this and other similarly awfully written books score on GR. It seems romance has been replaced by the imperative to trot out endlessly tedious homilies about 'relationships'.
This kind of romance writing ends up in the embarrassing position of killing off romance. Carr's book is utterly devoid of passion and is missing a love story that could captivate (or even merely allow you to read along with some interest). For that reason, I marvel at how highly this and other similarly awfully written books score on GR. It seems romance has been replaced by the imperative to trot out endlessly tedious homilies about 'relationships'.
January 24, 2022
4 Estrellitas. Me ha gustado mucho ésta continuación de la serie, aunque no me ha llegado tanto el romance como los anteriores, y no porque careciera de ello, al revés, es precioso. Lo único que creo es que la autora no se ha centrado tanto en ellos como debería y ha dado más importancia a los secundarios.
Volvemos a Virgin River, el auténtico pueblo protagonista donde se desarrollan todos los romances. En éste tercer libro tenemos como protagonistas a Mike Valenzuela, el amigo policía de Jack y Predicador, y a Brie Sheridan, la hermana menor de Jack.
A Mike lo conocimos como un mujeriego en anteriores libros, tal como lo era Jack antes de conocer a Mel. Por supuesto, Mike estuvo en el ejército sirviendo a las órdenes de Jack (a Robyn Carr le encantan los soldaditos), una vez retirado, Mike se convirtió en policía de Los Ángeles.
Cuando empieza "La roca de los susurros" Mike ya se ha recuperado del tiroteo donde le hirieron en el libro anterior, el problema es que no puede volver al servicio activo por sus lexiones, pero le dicen que en Virgin River sus servicios pueden ser requeridos como policía local, por lo que acepta.
Por otro lado, tenemos a Brie, la hermana menor de Jack. En anteriores novelas era una mujer establecida y felizmente casada, con una carrera exitosa como ayudante del fiscal. Pero de repente, su marido la dejó por su mejor amiga. Por si fuera poco, acaba de perder un caso contra un violador de mujeres, y lo peor de todo es que ése violador se cuela un día en su casa y la agrede a propósito para que ella vuelva a ver como lo absuelven.
Sí. Éste libro tratará un tema muy duro como es la violación. Brie es brutalmente atacada. Pero tiene el apoyo incondicional de toda su familia, y también de Mike, que en ningún momento ha dudado en prestar su apoyo, pues si algo sabe Mike, es que está enamorado de Brie desde hace mucho tiempo, pero él nunca ha estado a la altura de ella y además era inalcanzable. Pero si en algo puede ayudar Mike para que Brie vuelva a ser la que era, lo intentará, cueste lo que cueste.
Con ésta premisa comienza "La roca de los susurros", y sí, es tan bueno y bonito como sus predecesores. Pero en éste caso no tendremos sólo a Mike y Brie como protagonistas, aunque ellos lleven el peso de la historia, habrá una serie de historias secudarias que complementan la principal. Serán historias que tengan como protagonistas a Mel y Jack, Predicador y Paige, y al joven Tom y su hermana mayor y embarazada, Vanessa, cuyo marido es marine en Irak y también amigo de todos los soldaditos protagonistas.
Poco a poco Mike acabará ganándose la confianza y el amor de Brie, con ternura y paciencia, Brie acabará perdiendo el miedo. Pero para Mike será muy duro recordar la violación de Brie, además, Mel le pone sobre aviso. Últimamente están llegando a su consulta chicas jóvenes a las que han agredido sexualmente, pero ellas no se acuerdan de nada ¿habrá un violador adolescente en el pacífico pueblo de Virgin River?
En el fondo ha sido una novela muy intensa, y me ha gustado saber de tantos protagonistas, y que sus historias continúan más allá del sí quiero. Pero repito que me hubiese gustado más desarrollo con Mike y Brie, creo que merecían algo más. Aún así no digo que esté mal que la autora haya desarrollado más historias, al revés, lo veo necesario para ambientar la vida en el pueblo y ver que todo sigue y nuestros protagonistas también.
Me quedo con muchas ganas de continuar la serie, cosa que creo, no tardaré en hacer. Me llama mucho una futura historia de Vanessa y Paul, y aunque aún son jóvenes, de Ricky y Lizzie, o de Tom y Brenda.
Volvemos a Virgin River, el auténtico pueblo protagonista donde se desarrollan todos los romances. En éste tercer libro tenemos como protagonistas a Mike Valenzuela, el amigo policía de Jack y Predicador, y a Brie Sheridan, la hermana menor de Jack.
A Mike lo conocimos como un mujeriego en anteriores libros, tal como lo era Jack antes de conocer a Mel. Por supuesto, Mike estuvo en el ejército sirviendo a las órdenes de Jack (a Robyn Carr le encantan los soldaditos), una vez retirado, Mike se convirtió en policía de Los Ángeles.
Cuando empieza "La roca de los susurros" Mike ya se ha recuperado del tiroteo donde le hirieron en el libro anterior, el problema es que no puede volver al servicio activo por sus lexiones, pero le dicen que en Virgin River sus servicios pueden ser requeridos como policía local, por lo que acepta.
Por otro lado, tenemos a Brie, la hermana menor de Jack. En anteriores novelas era una mujer establecida y felizmente casada, con una carrera exitosa como ayudante del fiscal. Pero de repente, su marido la dejó por su mejor amiga. Por si fuera poco, acaba de perder un caso contra un violador de mujeres, y lo peor de todo es que ése violador se cuela un día en su casa y la agrede a propósito para que ella vuelva a ver como lo absuelven.
Sí. Éste libro tratará un tema muy duro como es la violación. Brie es brutalmente atacada. Pero tiene el apoyo incondicional de toda su familia, y también de Mike, que en ningún momento ha dudado en prestar su apoyo, pues si algo sabe Mike, es que está enamorado de Brie desde hace mucho tiempo, pero él nunca ha estado a la altura de ella y además era inalcanzable. Pero si en algo puede ayudar Mike para que Brie vuelva a ser la que era, lo intentará, cueste lo que cueste.
Con ésta premisa comienza "La roca de los susurros", y sí, es tan bueno y bonito como sus predecesores. Pero en éste caso no tendremos sólo a Mike y Brie como protagonistas, aunque ellos lleven el peso de la historia, habrá una serie de historias secudarias que complementan la principal. Serán historias que tengan como protagonistas a Mel y Jack, Predicador y Paige, y al joven Tom y su hermana mayor y embarazada, Vanessa, cuyo marido es marine en Irak y también amigo de todos los soldaditos protagonistas.
Poco a poco Mike acabará ganándose la confianza y el amor de Brie, con ternura y paciencia, Brie acabará perdiendo el miedo. Pero para Mike será muy duro recordar la violación de Brie, además, Mel le pone sobre aviso. Últimamente están llegando a su consulta chicas jóvenes a las que han agredido sexualmente, pero ellas no se acuerdan de nada ¿habrá un violador adolescente en el pacífico pueblo de Virgin River?
En el fondo ha sido una novela muy intensa, y me ha gustado saber de tantos protagonistas, y que sus historias continúan más allá del sí quiero. Pero repito que me hubiese gustado más desarrollo con Mike y Brie, creo que merecían algo más. Aún así no digo que esté mal que la autora haya desarrollado más historias, al revés, lo veo necesario para ambientar la vida en el pueblo y ver que todo sigue y nuestros protagonistas también.
Me quedo con muchas ganas de continuar la serie, cosa que creo, no tardaré en hacer. Me llama mucho una futura historia de Vanessa y Paul, y aunque aún son jóvenes, de Ricky y Lizzie, o de Tom y Brenda.
November 14, 2011
I hate it when I buy a book and then discover I already have it. Such was the case with Robyn Carr's WHISPERING ROCK. I owned it — and then spent $23+ to buy it for my iPod. Oh, well. I should check Goodreads more often to see what I already own. But I digress...
WHISPERING ROCK was a delight and helped me make it through a difficult weekend when I need escape more than anything else. As I told my mother, the VIRGIN RIVER SERIES is “comfort romance” at its best, featuring a town of heroic men and women who are thoughtful, resourceful and care about others more than themselves.
This is the third book in the series and tells the story of Brie, a tough assistant district attorney, who has just been the victim of a brutal rape, and Mike (Miguel), a friend of Brie's older brother Jack and retired cop who is himself a survivor of violent crime — and deeply attracted to Brie.
As with all the Virgin River books, readers are brought up to date on the other characters' lives. Carr has a gift for involving us in multiple story lines involving primary, secondary and even tertiary characters without losing the readers' interest. This gives Virgin River the feeling of being a real town (though I have to say its residents are a lot nicer than the residents of my town).
While Jack and Mel and Paige and Preacher — characters from the first two books — deal with their own challenges, Mike slowly helps Brie back from the brink, offering her an understanding that no one else can. Having been shot and almost killed, he knows what it's like to survive trauma. Because one of the bullets struck his groin, robbing him of his ability to get an erection, he also understands what it is to be robbed of one's sexuality, something that's very real for Brie in the wake of this terrible rape.
As a rape survivor, I guess I'm drawn to stories about healing from sexual assault because it resonates. Mike was a true hero for Brie, putting her needs before his own on every single page. And although a few times — the initial sex scene between them, for example — I felt Brie's healing was a little too miraculous, lacking the darker edges of reality, I realize there's only so much an author or a reader wants to dwell on that in a novel with a happy ending.
Overall, I felt Carr did an amazing job of crafting a trauma victim's sense of reality, showing the way post-traumatic stress takes over a person's life. (I dealt with that for five long horrible years.) In one scene, Brie faces her first night in a house alone, and I felt every moment of it with her. I have lived that night many, many times — holding the gun, staying awake almost all night long, heart racing, stomach sick, every noise making me jump. Even the thoughts Brie had were familiar to me. Carr really did her research here — or perhaps has had experiences of her own.
Fortunately for Brie, there is Mike, who provides her with the healing that many rape victims never receive. The result is a poignant, beautiful romance that left me smiling.
For those who love babies in romance, the Virgin River series delivers... no pun intended. I happen to love babies and have a real interest in midwifery and home birth, so I love it.
It's the third book in the series, and I've enjoyed them all so far. Listening to it on audiobook as opposed to reading it forced me to slow down and appreciate Carr's use of language more. She has a very smooth, silky style that seems very simple but which, in truth, requires some serious skill.
When it comes to steam, I was satisfied. I'm more interested in story than sex. I'd rather feel connected to the characters than watch them do gymnastics on the bed. There is romantic, touching sex in this story, and I think most readers of contemporary romance will enjoy it.
WHISPERING ROCK was a delight and helped me make it through a difficult weekend when I need escape more than anything else. As I told my mother, the VIRGIN RIVER SERIES is “comfort romance” at its best, featuring a town of heroic men and women who are thoughtful, resourceful and care about others more than themselves.
This is the third book in the series and tells the story of Brie, a tough assistant district attorney, who has just been the victim of a brutal rape, and Mike (Miguel), a friend of Brie's older brother Jack and retired cop who is himself a survivor of violent crime — and deeply attracted to Brie.
As with all the Virgin River books, readers are brought up to date on the other characters' lives. Carr has a gift for involving us in multiple story lines involving primary, secondary and even tertiary characters without losing the readers' interest. This gives Virgin River the feeling of being a real town (though I have to say its residents are a lot nicer than the residents of my town).
While Jack and Mel and Paige and Preacher — characters from the first two books — deal with their own challenges, Mike slowly helps Brie back from the brink, offering her an understanding that no one else can. Having been shot and almost killed, he knows what it's like to survive trauma. Because one of the bullets struck his groin, robbing him of his ability to get an erection, he also understands what it is to be robbed of one's sexuality, something that's very real for Brie in the wake of this terrible rape.
As a rape survivor, I guess I'm drawn to stories about healing from sexual assault because it resonates. Mike was a true hero for Brie, putting her needs before his own on every single page. And although a few times — the initial sex scene between them, for example — I felt Brie's healing was a little too miraculous, lacking the darker edges of reality, I realize there's only so much an author or a reader wants to dwell on that in a novel with a happy ending.
Overall, I felt Carr did an amazing job of crafting a trauma victim's sense of reality, showing the way post-traumatic stress takes over a person's life. (I dealt with that for five long horrible years.) In one scene, Brie faces her first night in a house alone, and I felt every moment of it with her. I have lived that night many, many times — holding the gun, staying awake almost all night long, heart racing, stomach sick, every noise making me jump. Even the thoughts Brie had were familiar to me. Carr really did her research here — or perhaps has had experiences of her own.
Fortunately for Brie, there is Mike, who provides her with the healing that many rape victims never receive. The result is a poignant, beautiful romance that left me smiling.
For those who love babies in romance, the Virgin River series delivers... no pun intended. I happen to love babies and have a real interest in midwifery and home birth, so I love it.
It's the third book in the series, and I've enjoyed them all so far. Listening to it on audiobook as opposed to reading it forced me to slow down and appreciate Carr's use of language more. She has a very smooth, silky style that seems very simple but which, in truth, requires some serious skill.
When it comes to steam, I was satisfied. I'm more interested in story than sex. I'd rather feel connected to the characters than watch them do gymnastics on the bed. There is romantic, touching sex in this story, and I think most readers of contemporary romance will enjoy it.
May 5, 2008
3.5 stars, actually.
My least favorite of the 3 Virgin River books. Not that I didn't like it - I did - I just didn't like it as much as the others.
I did love Brie and Mike together. They were a good fit for each other. Though I have to admit Mike got a little too...soft...in my opinion. But I think for the most part Carr did their relationship well. I was a bit disappointed at how they seemed to get pushed aside a bit near the end. All she had was a short paragraph about how they returned from Sacramento after the trial (gave the verdict) and said they returned with wedding bands. Then they're practically not heard from till the end. I wanted a little more than that.
But I think what turned me off just a bit on this book was how predictable it got to be...what with the babies, pregnancies, illnesses, deaths...I was just never very surprised at anything that happened.
It was still nice to read though, to keep up with the Virgin River crew. I will definitely be looking forward to the continuation of this series.
My least favorite of the 3 Virgin River books. Not that I didn't like it - I did - I just didn't like it as much as the others.
I did love Brie and Mike together. They were a good fit for each other. Though I have to admit Mike got a little too...soft...in my opinion. But I think for the most part Carr did their relationship well. I was a bit disappointed at how they seemed to get pushed aside a bit near the end. All she had was a short paragraph about how they returned from Sacramento after the trial (gave the verdict) and said they returned with wedding bands. Then they're practically not heard from till the end. I wanted a little more than that.
But I think what turned me off just a bit on this book was how predictable it got to be...what with the babies, pregnancies, illnesses, deaths...I was just never very surprised at anything that happened.
It was still nice to read though, to keep up with the Virgin River crew. I will definitely be looking forward to the continuation of this series.
October 9, 2014
5+ stars – Contemporary Romance
The third book in the deeply fulfilling Virgin River series, with its touching depiction of community life in the quaint little country town of roughly 600 people among the majestic Redwoods of Northern California, continues with the theme of healing, love in unexpected places, and the true meaning of friendship and family. Just like the previous books, Whispering Rock has sexy, strong, loyal, devoted heroes, smart, feisty, and spirited heroines, terrific writing, humor, and tears. What I love most about this series is the multiple characters and storylines that are all weaved together so perfectly and finding out what real life challenges and events happen to the characters we love after the HEA, things like marital stress, pregnancy, births, tragedy, moving, holidays, military service, and deaths.
Mike and Brie’s courting and eventual romance is both touching and sweet, and I love that we get such a deep glimpse into Mel and Jack’s growing relationship as they endure the challenges of marriage and kids. There were some very funny moments involving Mel’s fertility advice for Preacher and Paige to address their trouble with getting pregnant (let’s just say Preacher loves ovulation day!). I also liked the budding teen romance between Tom and Brenda and hope to read more about them in future books. The scene where Vanni makes her husband's best friend and ex-marine Paul watch a birthing video with her to convince him to help deliver her baby had me in tears from laughter!
Whispering Rock is another moving, bittersweet, heartrending installment in the beautifully poignant Virgin River series. Big 5 stars!
The third book in the deeply fulfilling Virgin River series, with its touching depiction of community life in the quaint little country town of roughly 600 people among the majestic Redwoods of Northern California, continues with the theme of healing, love in unexpected places, and the true meaning of friendship and family. Just like the previous books, Whispering Rock has sexy, strong, loyal, devoted heroes, smart, feisty, and spirited heroines, terrific writing, humor, and tears. What I love most about this series is the multiple characters and storylines that are all weaved together so perfectly and finding out what real life challenges and events happen to the characters we love after the HEA, things like marital stress, pregnancy, births, tragedy, moving, holidays, military service, and deaths.
Mike and Brie’s courting and eventual romance is both touching and sweet, and I love that we get such a deep glimpse into Mel and Jack’s growing relationship as they endure the challenges of marriage and kids. There were some very funny moments involving Mel’s fertility advice for Preacher and Paige to address their trouble with getting pregnant (let’s just say Preacher loves ovulation day!). I also liked the budding teen romance between Tom and Brenda and hope to read more about them in future books. The scene where Vanni makes her husband's best friend and ex-marine Paul watch a birthing video with her to convince him to help deliver her baby had me in tears from laughter!
Whispering Rock is another moving, bittersweet, heartrending installment in the beautifully poignant Virgin River series. Big 5 stars!
August 23, 2019
This is not the type of book I usually read. I have read the first 3 books in this series now and it has been a great escape, perfect for summer. I will continue with this series, I have enjoyed spending time with the characters. I wish there really was a town like Virgin River because I would move!
I recommend this series to those who like romance.
I recommend this series to those who like romance.
March 26, 2020
Me gusta sumergirme en la historia de este pueblo, que es el verdadero protagonista de cada una de las novelas.
Virgin River es un pueblo pequeño, perdido entre valles y montañas, donde la gente se conoce y se ayudan unos a otros como buenos vecinos, pero, además, es un lugar en el que parece haberse concentrado un grupo de ex-marines que van allí para buscar refugio para sus heridas y su pasado, y acaban encontrando el amor. Más que la ambientación escénica, que nos viene esbozada con unos cuantos trazos, ya que la acción se suele concentrar en el bar de Jack o en la clínica de Mel, lo importante son los habitantes del lugar, gentes que se nos vuelven más y más familiares con cada lectura.
Como en las novelas anteriores, nos encontramos con una trama fragmentada. No se trata de una historia completa, aunque sí cerrada. Me explico. La autora coge una trama principal, en este caso la historia de Mike y Brie, pero la va mezclando con el desarrollo de otras historias que, o bien anticipan las futuras, o bien nos vuelven a la vida de parejas anteriores y nos permite ver su evolución. En esta ocasión, somos testigos del nuevo embarazo de Mel, de la historia de Tom y Brenda, y de la futura historia de Paul y Vanni. Debo decir que la autora consigue hacer de esto un arte, puesto que la historia de Mike y Brie no queda deslucida, ni se nos antoja precipitada, porque, de alguna manera, la pluma de la autora hace que el tiempo pase y que nos demos cuenta de ello.
Mike había aparecido en la entrega anterior. Ex-marine y ex-policía, se queda en Virgin River para curar heridas y para buscarse a sí mismo. Ya se nos había adelantado lo que sentía por Brie, la hermana de Jack, que en aquel encuentro acababa de divorciarse y de perder un juicio importante. En esta ocasión, Mike ayudará a Brie a superar un doloroso trauma por causa de una agresión. Él sabrá cómo llegar al fondo de su alma, sabrá tener paciencia, ser tierno y delicado, y, sobre todo, comprensivo.
Brie siempre ha sido una mujer fuerte, y aunque el dolor y el miedo luchan por tomar posesión de ella, no se dejará abatir tan fácilmente, e irá superando todas las pruebas poco a poco y de la mano de Mike, quien representa para ella un refugio seguro.
Como digo, aunque son los protagonistas principales de esta historia, en realidad, el verdadero protagonista es el pueblo entero, sus gentes, la vida diaria que viven los habitantes de Virgin River. Reconozco que, al principio, me costaba que me sacara de la trama principal, pero, cuando te acostumbras, termina por gustarte saber de todos un poco. Es como si estuvieses viendo una serie, y el pueblo parece más vivo y real.
La pluma de la autora me gusta por su fluidez, por esa capacidad de dar vida a un lugar como si el tiempo fuese avanzando en realidad, por sus diálogos chispeantes, y por crear personajes entrañables que poco a poco te van conquistando, manteniendo siempre la personalidad de cada uno, historia tras historia, con coherencia.
Virgin River es un pueblo pequeño, perdido entre valles y montañas, donde la gente se conoce y se ayudan unos a otros como buenos vecinos, pero, además, es un lugar en el que parece haberse concentrado un grupo de ex-marines que van allí para buscar refugio para sus heridas y su pasado, y acaban encontrando el amor. Más que la ambientación escénica, que nos viene esbozada con unos cuantos trazos, ya que la acción se suele concentrar en el bar de Jack o en la clínica de Mel, lo importante son los habitantes del lugar, gentes que se nos vuelven más y más familiares con cada lectura.
Como en las novelas anteriores, nos encontramos con una trama fragmentada. No se trata de una historia completa, aunque sí cerrada. Me explico. La autora coge una trama principal, en este caso la historia de Mike y Brie, pero la va mezclando con el desarrollo de otras historias que, o bien anticipan las futuras, o bien nos vuelven a la vida de parejas anteriores y nos permite ver su evolución. En esta ocasión, somos testigos del nuevo embarazo de Mel, de la historia de Tom y Brenda, y de la futura historia de Paul y Vanni. Debo decir que la autora consigue hacer de esto un arte, puesto que la historia de Mike y Brie no queda deslucida, ni se nos antoja precipitada, porque, de alguna manera, la pluma de la autora hace que el tiempo pase y que nos demos cuenta de ello.
Mike había aparecido en la entrega anterior. Ex-marine y ex-policía, se queda en Virgin River para curar heridas y para buscarse a sí mismo. Ya se nos había adelantado lo que sentía por Brie, la hermana de Jack, que en aquel encuentro acababa de divorciarse y de perder un juicio importante. En esta ocasión, Mike ayudará a Brie a superar un doloroso trauma por causa de una agresión. Él sabrá cómo llegar al fondo de su alma, sabrá tener paciencia, ser tierno y delicado, y, sobre todo, comprensivo.
Brie siempre ha sido una mujer fuerte, y aunque el dolor y el miedo luchan por tomar posesión de ella, no se dejará abatir tan fácilmente, e irá superando todas las pruebas poco a poco y de la mano de Mike, quien representa para ella un refugio seguro.
Como digo, aunque son los protagonistas principales de esta historia, en realidad, el verdadero protagonista es el pueblo entero, sus gentes, la vida diaria que viven los habitantes de Virgin River. Reconozco que, al principio, me costaba que me sacara de la trama principal, pero, cuando te acostumbras, termina por gustarte saber de todos un poco. Es como si estuvieses viendo una serie, y el pueblo parece más vivo y real.
La pluma de la autora me gusta por su fluidez, por esa capacidad de dar vida a un lugar como si el tiempo fuese avanzando en realidad, por sus diálogos chispeantes, y por crear personajes entrañables que poco a poco te van conquistando, manteniendo siempre la personalidad de cada uno, historia tras historia, con coherencia.
August 1, 2017
Los libros de Robin Carr me gustan mucho. pero la historia de Mike y Brie no me acabo de convencer...
Saber mas sobre las parejas anteriores me ha encantado. Y Tommy también. Pero la pareja Paul y Vanni me encanta. Muchas ganas de leer su libro, aunque no se si existe xD
La historia policial ha estado muy interesante. Ver a esa persona detenida ha hecho que aplauda.
le pongo 6 ⭐
Saber mas sobre las parejas anteriores me ha encantado. Y Tommy también. Pero la pareja Paul y Vanni me encanta. Muchas ganas de leer su libro, aunque no se si existe xD
La historia policial ha estado muy interesante. Ver a esa persona detenida ha hecho que aplauda.
le pongo 6 ⭐
August 1, 2013
I am finally finished with this book! Phew! Only 5 years after I started reading it! It had been so long that I just reread everything I'd read before, because all I could remember was that the book really underwhelmed me, in comparison to the first two Virgin River books, which I loved.
And well, it was still underwhelming, after all this time. I didn't dislike the "main" romance of the story, with Mike and Brie, although it joined the club of magical perfect romances in town. There really MUST be something in the water there, because everyone gets magically pregnant, the husbands are hot, horny, and completely whipped (and not in a sexy way), and bad things only happen to people BEFORE they meet their true love and settle in town. OMG! Virgin River is Shangri-La! (at least for women. I'm not sure that men would feel the same way. My husband certainly snorted a lot when I read him choice excerpts.)
My biggest gripe with the book is that it was just overstuffed. I mean, I quit reading it the first time for that reason, and that was still early in the book, before at least 3 more plot lines, complete with new people, were introduced.
I generally like ensemble stories, and story arcs that keep me in touch with previous characters. But this book was so busy it made it really difficult to keep track of anyone, or maintain any emotion on their behalf. Mike and Brie had been through a lot, and I'm happy that they could find (miraculous constant sex and) love with each other finally, but I didn't care about them as much as I should have, given their story, because I was too distracted by everything else. Let's see what various plot elements I can remember: one couple unexpectedly pregnant again (and as someone who has struggled with infertility for a long time, I found it really offensive and painful to read how the woman in question had a temper tantrum about getting pregnant again, despite having thought she was infertile before the first baby, and loving her kid, and not having taken the most simple steps, of which she was clearly aware, to avoid pregnancy. Seriously offensive. It was also ridiculously unrealistic to have a husband who not only put up with her tantrums and sulking, but also found it cute/ funny.), another couple trying to get pregnant, a house being built, a Marine reunion/ hunting trip, a mammogram drive that results in someone's breast cancer being found in time for a melodramatic death, a date rape plague, and the various interchangeable teenage girls who were victims of it, a fellow Marine's family moving into the area while he was in Afghanistan, and his best friend taking care of his wife, and the wife's little brother's teen romance, and how that tied into all the other drama, as well as Brie's recovery and the legal issues involved with dealing with her trauma, and...need I go on?
It's a shame. I don't dislike most of the characters, and would like to know what happened to them. But I simply don't think I can handle any more of the subservient Stepford husbands ("My wife is always right about everything", as a character's serious thought, was my and my husband's favorite laugh-out-loud unrealistic line.) knocking up their wives and accompanying them through pregnancy and labor, while having constant perfect sex. I like wish fulfillment as much as anyone, but at some point it gets so over the top it's not satisfying anymore.
I was kind of intrigued by Paul and Vannessa's story, but by the end of the book I felt like a) it had half-written already and b) how Vanessa was behaving already was driving me nuts. I can't put myself through it.
So I think I'll content myself with reading the story synopses of the rest of this (super long) series, seeing what happens to the characters, and moving on with literary life. It's pretty bad when I think about going back to paranormal YA romance for more realistic relationships.
*********************************************************************
June 2008--I read the first two and liked them. I was excited to read this story. I like the two "main" characters, Mike and Bree. and then I hit a few chapters into the book and Carr started introducing yet another new character or two, and I just about screamed and threw the book. the second book in the series was overstuffed enough, and all those characters are back, plus MORE?? no thanks. not right now, anyway. I haven't thrown the book; I'm just gently laying it aside for now. Maybe I'll come back to this later.
And well, it was still underwhelming, after all this time. I didn't dislike the "main" romance of the story, with Mike and Brie, although it joined the club of magical perfect romances in town. There really MUST be something in the water there, because everyone gets magically pregnant, the husbands are hot, horny, and completely whipped (and not in a sexy way), and bad things only happen to people BEFORE they meet their true love and settle in town. OMG! Virgin River is Shangri-La! (at least for women. I'm not sure that men would feel the same way. My husband certainly snorted a lot when I read him choice excerpts.)
My biggest gripe with the book is that it was just overstuffed. I mean, I quit reading it the first time for that reason, and that was still early in the book, before at least 3 more plot lines, complete with new people, were introduced.
I generally like ensemble stories, and story arcs that keep me in touch with previous characters. But this book was so busy it made it really difficult to keep track of anyone, or maintain any emotion on their behalf. Mike and Brie had been through a lot, and I'm happy that they could find (miraculous constant sex and) love with each other finally, but I didn't care about them as much as I should have, given their story, because I was too distracted by everything else. Let's see what various plot elements I can remember: one couple unexpectedly pregnant again (and as someone who has struggled with infertility for a long time, I found it really offensive and painful to read how the woman in question had a temper tantrum about getting pregnant again, despite having thought she was infertile before the first baby, and loving her kid, and not having taken the most simple steps, of which she was clearly aware, to avoid pregnancy. Seriously offensive. It was also ridiculously unrealistic to have a husband who not only put up with her tantrums and sulking, but also found it cute/ funny.), another couple trying to get pregnant, a house being built, a Marine reunion/ hunting trip, a mammogram drive that results in someone's breast cancer being found in time for a melodramatic death, a date rape plague, and the various interchangeable teenage girls who were victims of it, a fellow Marine's family moving into the area while he was in Afghanistan, and his best friend taking care of his wife, and the wife's little brother's teen romance, and how that tied into all the other drama, as well as Brie's recovery and the legal issues involved with dealing with her trauma, and...need I go on?
It's a shame. I don't dislike most of the characters, and would like to know what happened to them. But I simply don't think I can handle any more of the subservient Stepford husbands ("My wife is always right about everything", as a character's serious thought, was my and my husband's favorite laugh-out-loud unrealistic line.) knocking up their wives and accompanying them through pregnancy and labor, while having constant perfect sex. I like wish fulfillment as much as anyone, but at some point it gets so over the top it's not satisfying anymore.
I was kind of intrigued by Paul and Vannessa's story, but by the end of the book I felt like a) it had half-written already and b) how Vanessa was behaving already was driving me nuts. I can't put myself through it.
So I think I'll content myself with reading the story synopses of the rest of this (super long) series, seeing what happens to the characters, and moving on with literary life. It's pretty bad when I think about going back to paranormal YA romance for more realistic relationships.
*********************************************************************
June 2008--I read the first two and liked them. I was excited to read this story. I like the two "main" characters, Mike and Bree. and then I hit a few chapters into the book and Carr started introducing yet another new character or two, and I just about screamed and threw the book. the second book in the series was overstuffed enough, and all those characters are back, plus MORE?? no thanks. not right now, anyway. I haven't thrown the book; I'm just gently laying it aside for now. Maybe I'll come back to this later.
December 8, 2018
I read this years ago and loved it.
It was the right book for the time I guess.
This time, not so much.
I'll leave the rating because it reflects what I felt back then but this time round it wasn't working for me as much.
The thing is, I loved that there were a few stories going on. Robyn Carr would jump between the stories and back when I first read it that worked. This time it was driving me to distraction.
It was the right book for the time I guess.
This time, not so much.
I'll leave the rating because it reflects what I felt back then but this time round it wasn't working for me as much.
The thing is, I loved that there were a few stories going on. Robyn Carr would jump between the stories and back when I first read it that worked. This time it was driving me to distraction.
August 31, 2019
Can’t get enough of this series❤️❤️
March 3, 2020
5 Whispering Rock Stars
I am in LOVE with this series!! I can’t tell you how much I love it.
The small town the people. I can’t get enough.
I love that we get everyone. Book 1 was Jack and Mel but we still get Jack and Mel, its just more focused on the current couple yes but we never feel like we are missing our favorites. Giggling Preacher was a peach in this book .. lmao I love it
This book we get Mike and Bree. And a holy boat load of heavy issues. Sad but it happens all the time. Rape ... and the after math. This book didn't have rape in it for the shock value it was just a part of the storyline.
I love how this book shows women raped and what she goes through but also teenagers who have to deal with the same issue and the aftermath they have to go through. But its more than that.
It’s speaking up when you know something isn’t right and dealing with the fall out of those choices. This book really plucks at your heart strings, and yep bawl face over here soaked a few Kleenex’s I can’t help it just hit me in all the feels.
I am jumping right in to book 4 I can’t help myself. I am addicted to Virgin River.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
I am in LOVE with this series!! I can’t tell you how much I love it.
The small town the people. I can’t get enough.
I love that we get everyone. Book 1 was Jack and Mel but we still get Jack and Mel, its just more focused on the current couple yes but we never feel like we are missing our favorites. Giggling Preacher was a peach in this book .. lmao I love it
This book we get Mike and Bree. And a holy boat load of heavy issues. Sad but it happens all the time. Rape ... and the after math. This book didn't have rape in it for the shock value it was just a part of the storyline.
I love how this book shows women raped and what she goes through but also teenagers who have to deal with the same issue and the aftermath they have to go through. But its more than that.
It’s speaking up when you know something isn’t right and dealing with the fall out of those choices. This book really plucks at your heart strings, and yep bawl face over here soaked a few Kleenex’s I can’t help it just hit me in all the feels.
I am jumping right in to book 4 I can’t help myself. I am addicted to Virgin River.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
December 17, 2019
I'm tapping out on this series for now, 2.5*
In this one manwhore Mike who'd been.shot gets with Jack's sister Brie who was raped. The relationship build up was actually well done, they went slowly from friends to lovers the problem is that so many other things happen in this book I lost focus on everything
*Rape is heavily featured in this one
In this one manwhore Mike who'd been.shot gets with Jack's sister Brie who was raped. The relationship build up was actually well done, they went slowly from friends to lovers the problem is that so many other things happen in this book I lost focus on everything
*Rape is heavily featured in this one
July 24, 2021
Pues acabado el tercer libro de la serie, la verdad es que sus personajes y el pueblo me tienen enganchada. Tambien porque es una lectura muy ágil sin complicaciones, no esperéis una obra maestra, simplemente una lectura entretenida, bonita y humana. Estoy pasando un verano muy entretenido con esta autora.
Virgin River parece ser un refugio para todas las personas que han sufrido algún trauma, sobre todos ex marines y acaban allí por uno u otro motivo, el resultado es que terminan sanando sus heridas. Va ser verdad que tiene unas aguas muy curativas.
En esta entrega, los principales protagonistas serán Mike Valenzuela (amigo de Jack) y Brie Sheridan (hermana de Jack). El primero acaba refugiándose en Virgin porque sus ex compañeros marines tienen allí su vida y se siente a gusto recuperándose del ataque de un delincuente que sufrió y le dejó bastantes secuelas físicas. Por otra parte Brie acaba tambien en Virgin River porque se siente más segura entre su hermano y Mike después de la violación sufrida a manos de un violador al que había tratado de meter anteriormente en la cárcel sin éxito.
Entre Mike y Brie se está forjando algo bastante consistente que trae a Jack un poco de cabeza....
Más en mi blog: https://lecturasdemarichu.blogspot.co...
Virgin River parece ser un refugio para todas las personas que han sufrido algún trauma, sobre todos ex marines y acaban allí por uno u otro motivo, el resultado es que terminan sanando sus heridas. Va ser verdad que tiene unas aguas muy curativas.
En esta entrega, los principales protagonistas serán Mike Valenzuela (amigo de Jack) y Brie Sheridan (hermana de Jack). El primero acaba refugiándose en Virgin porque sus ex compañeros marines tienen allí su vida y se siente a gusto recuperándose del ataque de un delincuente que sufrió y le dejó bastantes secuelas físicas. Por otra parte Brie acaba tambien en Virgin River porque se siente más segura entre su hermano y Mike después de la violación sufrida a manos de un violador al que había tratado de meter anteriormente en la cárcel sin éxito.
Entre Mike y Brie se está forjando algo bastante consistente que trae a Jack un poco de cabeza....
Más en mi blog: https://lecturasdemarichu.blogspot.co...
February 8, 2021
With her Virgin River series, Robyn Carr is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Whispering Rock, the third in the series, was another great book. As with the second novel in the series, this book does not really have a primary focus on the characters who are portrayed as the main ones in the synopsis, but is instead about several characters with ties to the community of Virgin River. I found the story of Mike and Brie to be very satisfactory, and I loved seeing more of Jack and Mel from the first book, as well as Preacher and Page from the second book. This book also has quite a bit about Paul, another marine who served under Jack, and it appears that he will probably find his HEA in a later book. This book also has a teen romance.
Mike Valenzuela and Brie Sheridan are the couple who get their HEA in this book. Mike, a former LAPD officer, who has retired after being shot in the line of duty, is in Virgin River recovering from his wounds. Brie, an assistant district attorney and sister of Jack Sheridan, is raped and beaten by a man who was acquitted when she tried him as a serial rapist. Mike has deep feelings for Brie, and is determined to do whatever he can to help her heal.
I liked the way that Mike and Brie accepted their feelings for one another and realized immediately how important each was to the other. I was a little disappointed in some of Mel's reactions during this book, but she had redeemed herself for me by the end. I love reading about the characters in this community that Robyn Carr has created, and I will be anxiously awaiting the next book. It is great to read about characters who are part of such a caring and loving community.
Mike Valenzuela and Brie Sheridan are the couple who get their HEA in this book. Mike, a former LAPD officer, who has retired after being shot in the line of duty, is in Virgin River recovering from his wounds. Brie, an assistant district attorney and sister of Jack Sheridan, is raped and beaten by a man who was acquitted when she tried him as a serial rapist. Mike has deep feelings for Brie, and is determined to do whatever he can to help her heal.
I liked the way that Mike and Brie accepted their feelings for one another and realized immediately how important each was to the other. I was a little disappointed in some of Mel's reactions during this book, but she had redeemed herself for me by the end. I love reading about the characters in this community that Robyn Carr has created, and I will be anxiously awaiting the next book. It is great to read about characters who are part of such a caring and loving community.
May 1, 2020
I enjoyed the first book in this series, the second - not so much. I would have ditched this series after number two, except for Mike and Brie. They captured my heart and imagination, so I'll read number three and then call it quits, maybe. The jury is still out about continuing the series. Hail, hail the gangs all here. We get input from all the previous MC's and a whole bus load of foreshadowing for future books. That just squeezes the current MC's, Mike and Brie, who have a compelling story that got short shift in their book.
Mile Valenzuela is the consummate player. A real love em and leave em kind of guy. A Mexican lorthio who is 37 and twice divorced. Definitely not the kind of guy you would want to date your little sister. But, when he was shot in the line of duty as a member of the LAPD things drastically change, physically and mentally.
Brie is a successful prosecutor in Sacramento, CA. During the trial of a serial rapist her husband left her and she lost the case. She is not in a good place and when Mel and her brother, Jack, got married she indulged in a little flirtation with Jack's friend Mike. Not long after, Brie is attacked and raped by the scum that beat the serial rapist charge. To say she is hurting, well, can you say understatement. Mike reaches out and he is a real help in helping Brie recover and they fall in love.
Mile Valenzuela is the consummate player. A real love em and leave em kind of guy. A Mexican lorthio who is 37 and twice divorced. Definitely not the kind of guy you would want to date your little sister. But, when he was shot in the line of duty as a member of the LAPD things drastically change, physically and mentally.
Brie is a successful prosecutor in Sacramento, CA. During the trial of a serial rapist her husband left her and she lost the case. She is not in a good place and when Mel and her brother, Jack, got married she indulged in a little flirtation with Jack's friend Mike. Not long after, Brie is attacked and raped by the scum that beat the serial rapist charge. To say she is hurting, well, can you say understatement. Mike reaches out and he is a real help in helping Brie recover and they fall in love.
June 28, 2020
There's something about a visit to Virgin River. I've liked every visit I've had. And this installment is no different.
This one had a good romance, but it also had an excellent subplot involving drugs and date rape. I really liked the character of Mike and how he just let Brie move at her own pace. It was nicely paced book and I liked the addition of new characters - older and younger.
Tommy and Brenda were especially endearing.
This one had a good romance, but it also had an excellent subplot involving drugs and date rape. I really liked the character of Mike and how he just let Brie move at her own pace. It was nicely paced book and I liked the addition of new characters - older and younger.
Tommy and Brenda were especially endearing.
August 29, 2015
4.5 stars
Another great installment in Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series. There was a lot going on in this one, as usual, but it didn’t have the almost awkward introductions as the last one. Things flowed fairly smoothly and the storylines were more connected.
I know a lot of readers who have made it further into the series than this third book (and even some who haven’t) have issues with Mel (a recurring main character from the first book) and the focus on women’s health and childbirth.
With women clearly the target audience, I don’t think these things are out of place, and I can even on some level appreciate the author using the stories as a reminder to the women reading her books of the importance of routine screening. I’m sure there are lots of us who find ourselves too busy and distracted to actually do the things that need to be done; and if I have to be reminded (which I do), I appreciate it far more when it comes in the form of an entertaining and enjoyable romance rather than a sterile ad with a stranger in a white coat on the TV.
That said, while I didn’t feel preached to when reading, the author does go into more detail than some readers would be comfortable with. And yes, there are always lots of babies being born in Virgin River. These people are more fertile than the earth they farm!
In this book, ex-Marine and ex-cop Mike Valenzuela has recovered from his trauma, and is now helping Jack’s sister Brie recover from hers – a continuation of the storyline from Shelter Mountain regarding Brie’s failed prosecution of a serial rapist (now I understand why that thread was included!).
Carr tackles very sensitive issues – the death of a spouse, domestic violence, rape – with a very sure and deft hand, and I always find myself completely drawn into her storytelling, keeping the books close and snatching a few pages whenever time allows (and even when it doesn’t).
My love affair with this series is still going strong, and I’m hoping it stays the distance!
Another great installment in Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series. There was a lot going on in this one, as usual, but it didn’t have the almost awkward introductions as the last one. Things flowed fairly smoothly and the storylines were more connected.
I know a lot of readers who have made it further into the series than this third book (and even some who haven’t) have issues with Mel (a recurring main character from the first book) and the focus on women’s health and childbirth.
With women clearly the target audience, I don’t think these things are out of place, and I can even on some level appreciate the author using the stories as a reminder to the women reading her books of the importance of routine screening. I’m sure there are lots of us who find ourselves too busy and distracted to actually do the things that need to be done; and if I have to be reminded (which I do), I appreciate it far more when it comes in the form of an entertaining and enjoyable romance rather than a sterile ad with a stranger in a white coat on the TV.
That said, while I didn’t feel preached to when reading, the author does go into more detail than some readers would be comfortable with. And yes, there are always lots of babies being born in Virgin River. These people are more fertile than the earth they farm!
In this book, ex-Marine and ex-cop Mike Valenzuela has recovered from his trauma, and is now helping Jack’s sister Brie recover from hers – a continuation of the storyline from Shelter Mountain regarding Brie’s failed prosecution of a serial rapist (now I understand why that thread was included!).
Carr tackles very sensitive issues – the death of a spouse, domestic violence, rape – with a very sure and deft hand, and I always find myself completely drawn into her storytelling, keeping the books close and snatching a few pages whenever time allows (and even when it doesn’t).
My love affair with this series is still going strong, and I’m hoping it stays the distance!
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January 27, 2012
3.5 Stars
Okay, I enjoyed the first two a bit better than this one. This was a good story, but it got a bit cheesy in places. I also thought, it was Mike and Brie's story, but we got a whole lot of Jack and Mel. I like those two, but I've heard the details of their story. To the authors credit, I am reading these back to back, so may contribute to my issues.
I seriously liked the way the author addresses social issues. Rape and date rape all in one book - and, she weaves the story so you follow very easily and seamlessly. I also like the method she uses for bringing the secondary characters into play, to the point they are almost as pivotal to the story as the primaries.
Very nice read overall. I'm going to read the next one in the series and will evaluate whether I want a break then.
I can see this series, this author, and this particular story, appealing to any reader. A young reader - not too heavy for them, a male reader could enjoy aspects well, and the romance seeking female reader. Nothing not to love with these books.
Happy Reading!
Okay, I enjoyed the first two a bit better than this one. This was a good story, but it got a bit cheesy in places. I also thought, it was Mike and Brie's story, but we got a whole lot of Jack and Mel. I like those two, but I've heard the details of their story. To the authors credit, I am reading these back to back, so may contribute to my issues.
I seriously liked the way the author addresses social issues. Rape and date rape all in one book - and, she weaves the story so you follow very easily and seamlessly. I also like the method she uses for bringing the secondary characters into play, to the point they are almost as pivotal to the story as the primaries.
Very nice read overall. I'm going to read the next one in the series and will evaluate whether I want a break then.
I can see this series, this author, and this particular story, appealing to any reader. A young reader - not too heavy for them, a male reader could enjoy aspects well, and the romance seeking female reader. Nothing not to love with these books.
Happy Reading!
September 30, 2022
Brie Sheraton, Jack's sister, has come to the safety and familiarity of Virgin River to heal from a brutal attack by a crazed, revenge-seeking criminal.
Mike Valenzuela is a decorated marine reservist and is now an LAPD officer who was badly injured in the line of duty. He heads to Virgin River to recuperate. He is twice divorced and a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy...with sex on the brain. But now...he wants the love of a good woman, commitment, and the proverbial happily ever after that his Marine buddies have.
While in Virgin River he runs into Brie, Jack's sister, who he has met before. Mike is ready to do whatever it takes to help Brie heal and move forward.
I highly recommend this book. It has a terrific story line and well developed character.
Mike Valenzuela is a decorated marine reservist and is now an LAPD officer who was badly injured in the line of duty. He heads to Virgin River to recuperate. He is twice divorced and a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy...with sex on the brain. But now...he wants the love of a good woman, commitment, and the proverbial happily ever after that his Marine buddies have.
While in Virgin River he runs into Brie, Jack's sister, who he has met before. Mike is ready to do whatever it takes to help Brie heal and move forward.
I highly recommend this book. It has a terrific story line and well developed character.
December 19, 2020
Loved this book! Could be my favorite one so far. I love how Robyn keeps all the characters in the spotlight even from past books. It really just feels like a continuation of book one with just more characters added in and it’s not rushed or short, you really get to know them all and feel like you’re part of the Virgin River gang. But like previous books in the series there loss, heartbreak, coming of age, rape, tough decisions, babies and of course lots of love. This books main focus in Mike (former LAPD) and Brie (ADA, jacks sisters) and their friends to lovers story that isn’t really easy. Can’t wait to read book four!
February 29, 2020
Awesome as always!
February 17, 2021
Whispering Rock
3.5 stars
Book 3 in the Virgin River serie
This is my least favorite so far.
Curious to read more about Paul.
A little birdie tolt me to hang on till book 5.
Warning for abuse/rape/drugs
3.5 stars
Book 3 in the Virgin River serie
This is my least favorite so far.
Curious to read more about Paul.
A little birdie tolt me to hang on till book 5.
Warning for abuse/rape/drugs
December 28, 2016
Oh man. This one got me in the feels. The third book in the “Virgin River” series focuses on Mike Valenzuela and Brie Sheridan. There was a minor flirtation between the two in the last book with Mike still thinking about Brie. However, after a horrible incident happens to Brie, our heroine is left feeling shattered with Mike standing by to show her that he’s her guy. This love story gave me all the feels people.
Trigger warning that rape is brought up throughout this entire book.
For once the A plot (Mike and Brie) actually worked well together in one of the B plots (incidents involving teenage girls and wild parties) due to Mike being the bridge in both stories. Of course we have Jack sucking like the wind per usual in this book. At least he got cursed out by his wife and sister in this one though. Seriously though, you would think he learn.
Brie after trying to get past what happens to her has a whole host of things to work through. Not only is Brie still processing her ex-husband betraying her in the last book by leaving her for her ex-best friend (seriously though, the hair pulling people, the hair pulling would have been epic) she is dealing with being the victim of a violent crime. Brie is a tough prosecutor who realizes that maybe this is not a path she wants to be on anymore. Especially when she sees that her brother and sisters are off enjoying their families and she’s single and lonely.
Mike was actually more of the focus in this book and I was surprised. Most of the time romance books have the heroine being the main draw. But this felt like Mike’s story to me. We definitely understand his feelings for Brie and I loved how slow he was to start a relationship with her and making sure that everything was on her terms throughout. Can I also say that even though I really enjoyed book #2, I really only liked the love scenes in this book up until now. I was left rolling my eyes about the best sex ever (Jack and Mel) and Preacher and Paige were not really raunchy or anything, most of it was just sweet. Mike and Brie had a lot of fire. I think it was because he spoke to her in Spanish a lot and we got to read what he was saying to her and she to him. Accents in books do it for me all the time.
We of course get another look at Virgin River residents that many readers should know by now. We have some new characters introduced to us (Tommy Booth, his dad, and also Paul Haggerty). I maybe rolled my eyes a few times about Paul’s plot. I could have done without that one. Like I said, I liked the first few books in the series, but after a while I wondered why anyone got near the place because everyone’s spouse (if they were a man) ended up dying it felt like.
Jack is still acting like Jack and we have party to a lot of couple fights with Jack and Mel. I maybe got tired of these two by this book. Okay, there is no maybe about it, I was 100 percent sick of the two of them by this book. I was also a little put out by Preacher explaining his and Paige’s plans to get pregnant to everyone who came to the bar. I just didn’t find the whole thing funny at all. It was a bit much to me.
The writing is typical Carr, though I have to say that she definitely once again gets very descriptive with describing sex scenes, as well as brutal aftermaths of rape as well.
The flow was once again up and down a bit in this book. I think if we had just stuck with Brie and Mike the book would have been perfect. There was a lot going on in that story. I did think it was odd though that Mike was all up in Brie’s family, but they never met his at all in this book. We just heard a lot about them.
The ending was pretty sweet when it came to Brie and Mike so that made me happy. Of course I realize after the fact that the next book is Paul’s story and that’s a character I read about in later books so I already know how that one ends.
Trigger warning that rape is brought up throughout this entire book.
For once the A plot (Mike and Brie) actually worked well together in one of the B plots (incidents involving teenage girls and wild parties) due to Mike being the bridge in both stories. Of course we have Jack sucking like the wind per usual in this book. At least he got cursed out by his wife and sister in this one though. Seriously though, you would think he learn.
Brie after trying to get past what happens to her has a whole host of things to work through. Not only is Brie still processing her ex-husband betraying her in the last book by leaving her for her ex-best friend (seriously though, the hair pulling people, the hair pulling would have been epic) she is dealing with being the victim of a violent crime. Brie is a tough prosecutor who realizes that maybe this is not a path she wants to be on anymore. Especially when she sees that her brother and sisters are off enjoying their families and she’s single and lonely.
Mike was actually more of the focus in this book and I was surprised. Most of the time romance books have the heroine being the main draw. But this felt like Mike’s story to me. We definitely understand his feelings for Brie and I loved how slow he was to start a relationship with her and making sure that everything was on her terms throughout. Can I also say that even though I really enjoyed book #2, I really only liked the love scenes in this book up until now. I was left rolling my eyes about the best sex ever (Jack and Mel) and Preacher and Paige were not really raunchy or anything, most of it was just sweet. Mike and Brie had a lot of fire. I think it was because he spoke to her in Spanish a lot and we got to read what he was saying to her and she to him. Accents in books do it for me all the time.
We of course get another look at Virgin River residents that many readers should know by now. We have some new characters introduced to us (Tommy Booth, his dad, and also Paul Haggerty). I maybe rolled my eyes a few times about Paul’s plot. I could have done without that one. Like I said, I liked the first few books in the series, but after a while I wondered why anyone got near the place because everyone’s spouse (if they were a man) ended up dying it felt like.
Jack is still acting like Jack and we have party to a lot of couple fights with Jack and Mel. I maybe got tired of these two by this book. Okay, there is no maybe about it, I was 100 percent sick of the two of them by this book. I was also a little put out by Preacher explaining his and Paige’s plans to get pregnant to everyone who came to the bar. I just didn’t find the whole thing funny at all. It was a bit much to me.
The writing is typical Carr, though I have to say that she definitely once again gets very descriptive with describing sex scenes, as well as brutal aftermaths of rape as well.
The flow was once again up and down a bit in this book. I think if we had just stuck with Brie and Mike the book would have been perfect. There was a lot going on in that story. I did think it was odd though that Mike was all up in Brie’s family, but they never met his at all in this book. We just heard a lot about them.
The ending was pretty sweet when it came to Brie and Mike so that made me happy. Of course I realize after the fact that the next book is Paul’s story and that’s a character I read about in later books so I already know how that one ends.
July 18, 2009
As I started this book I said that this was going to be my last Virgin River novel. Don't get me wrong, Robyn Carr can write but I get tired of the romance being put on the back burner while the entire town gets center stage. As I finished this book, however, I knew there was no way I could stop here. There's something so addictive, so hypnotic, about Carr's writing and the character dynamics she's set up, that - even if the "main" romance isn't your thing - you're compelled to keep reading.
Quite honestly, I wasn't wowed by Brie & Mike's relationship. I think they make a nice couple and I bought their HEA, but Carr just showed way too little of them for me to get deeply involved. There was much more of Mike's POV, so Brie's personal journey was shorted, and even Mike's POV parts were mostly in his dealing with the town. Which is a shame, because there was so much potential story in there, and instead of building it up and showing it to the reader, RC decided to tell us about it instead and get back ASAP to the drama of Virgin River. I have to say, this book really didn't make me like Mel any more than I did in Virgin River, and I know that A Virgin River Christmas is probably going to be more of the same. But - damn it - I must know what happens next in that town! B
Quite honestly, I wasn't wowed by Brie & Mike's relationship. I think they make a nice couple and I bought their HEA, but Carr just showed way too little of them for me to get deeply involved. There was much more of Mike's POV, so Brie's personal journey was shorted, and even Mike's POV parts were mostly in his dealing with the town. Which is a shame, because there was so much potential story in there, and instead of building it up and showing it to the reader, RC decided to tell us about it instead and get back ASAP to the drama of Virgin River. I have to say, this book really didn't make me like Mel any more than I did in Virgin River, and I know that A Virgin River Christmas is probably going to be more of the same. But - damn it - I must know what happens next in that town! B
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