Once Tasted By: Laura Moore

Once Tasted
Author:  Laura Moore
Publisher:  Ballantine Books

• Genre: Romance
• Series:  Silver Creek #2
• Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
• Rating: 4.5
• Review:

"Once Tasted" by Laura Moore...About the book....

"Three siblings, an extraordinary family, a lasting heritage—in the irresistible Silver Creek Ranch trilogy, they’ll fight for the land and the people they love.

Everything has come easily to Reid Knowles, the middle son of a California ranching family. But his charmed life is suddenly complicated when his good friend and neighbor asks him to help run the winery next door. His neighbor’s niece, Mia Bodell, is in charge—and she has made it clear that she’d rather be roped to a steer than to Reid Knowles. Never one to back down from a challenge, Reid vows to win her trust.

Her life marked by loss, Mia knows that nothing comes easily—love included. In high school, her heart was crushed by Reid, and even though years have passed, the hurt lingers. Mia is achingly aware that the teen heartthrob has matured into a devastatingly handsome playboy, and the budding winemaker refuses to let down her guard. But one taste of unbridled passion changes things. From Reid’s first intoxicating kiss to his unexpectedly tender seduction, Mia is swept into a passionate affair that could tear her heart to pieces . . . or give her everything she has ever wanted."


What I liked from this novel.....

This was the second  series of Silver Creek#2  ..."Once Tasted" was about Mia Bodell and Reid Knowles that seemed to be in a love/hate relationship.   I found this read very heart touching, full of heat, and I was even caught laughing at some of the humor (especially about that 'black eye') as I turned  the pages.  I loved this good story line that had romance, suspense and oh yes, the wonderful characters.  Not only were the main characters well developed , colorful and believable but the secondary characters were very richly developed as they seemed to come alive as you are reading.  I love how this author is able to produce such good descriptions of  her characters and to that vineyard....I could taste the wine. 

Not wanting to give away spoilers, I will say that I did liked how this author was able to get these two together delivering to the reader so well  a written script that presents us with a story of twist and turns, some drama and family issues.  This is where I say you must pick up "Once Tasted" to see for yourself. 

What I also liked from the read....

I loved how this author was able to show the reader how one person can destroy your life and livelihood only if you let them.  


What I didn't like about the novel....at first....

What bothered me somewhat about this novel was the way the heroine saw herself  with a fragile ego and didn't see her own worth and beauty, with self-esteem problems with wounded heart and trust issues...my, my .....however was that about to change?

And I didn't  like the Uncle Thomas ad Aunt Ellen's son Jay.  I won't say anymore ....you will just have to read for yourself ....why?  But in the end...

 Overall Impression of "Once Tasted"

Overall, "Once Tasted" was a very good read  with a good mixture of cowboy, wine and romance.    I also enjoyed the first series 'Once Tempted'  and I do look forward to the next series  about Quinn's story by this author.