When I'm Gone
Rosemary Beach #11
Atria Books
7 April 2015
ARC provided by publisher to facilitate this review.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines comes the next new adult novel in the Rosemary Beach series, in which we meet Mase, a Texas heartthrob first introduced in Take a Chance who comes to Rosemary Beach to stir things up.
I had an urge to fix all her problems. Which was stupid. She was doing fine without me. But something about those big eyes…
Mase Colt-Manning has always preferred his humble life as a Texas rancher to his birthright as the son of a legendary rock star. In fact, he rarely visits his father’s rarefied world in Rosemary Beach, especially if it means bunking at his vile half-sister Nan’s house—until one visit leads to a chance encounter with a young, gorgeous house maid who awakens him with her off-key but spirited imitation of a country music star…
Reese Ellis finally has her freedom. After escaping a lifetime of abuse from her parents and classmates for an undiagnosed learning disorder, she seizes the opportunity to be a house maid to some of the richest families in Rosemary Beach. But her job is in jeopardy when she causes an accident at the home of her most important client, Nan Dillon. When a hot, half-naked stranger with a cowboy’s swagger comes to her rescue, she’s intrigued—then afraid once he shows his own interest. Reese has never met a trustworthy man in her life. Will Mase be any different?
BREAKING NEWS: Abbi Glines is a witch. A word witch. A certified practitioner of literary voodoo. There’s no other logical explanation for the power this woman wields over me. From the minute I get a new Abbi Glines book in my hands life as I know it ceases. The world around me disappears as I get lost in her fictional world.
When I’m Gone is the 11th book in the Rosemary Beach series, which means that Abbi has done this to me no less than eleven times. Each time I open one of her books, I make a solemn vow that I will savor the book, and not devour it all in one shot, and each time I break that vow quicker than a nun eating Girl Scout cookies during Lent.
In all seriousness, though, it’s a rare talent that can keep a series of this length fresh and engaging, and leave readers wanting even more from this world. Abbi does this and more with every installment of the Rosemary Beach series. Her ability to write fierce, loyal, and protective heroes is without compare. Each time I think I’ve found my favorite Rosemary Beach guy, Abbi writes us a new book, and makes me fall in love all over again. From his previous appearances, I knew I was going to like Mase a lot, but I wasn’t prepared for how much I really LOVED him. A true Southern gentleman, he’s sweet, sexy, and pretty much everything you’d want in a romantic lead.
Abbi also writes kickass heroines. A lot of the Rosemary Beach girls have had troubled pasts, but they’re such admirable characters, refusing to let life beat them down and determined to be strong, independent women. Reese is a perfect example of this. Her story had me heartbroken from page one, but as I read more, I was so proud of her. She’s such a sweetheart, and I will even admit to a little bit of jealousy over the fact that she landed Mase!
The pacing of this story was spot on, and from page one, the reader is engaged in this story. We’re treated to cameos from all of the Rosemary Beach gang, which I always love, and I even secretly love the appearances from the QUEEN of book bitches, Nan. I just love to hate her, and am anxious for a book in which she gets attacked by fire ants. We see more from Major in this book as well, which gives me hope that we’ll learn his story.
When I’m Gone is another home run for Abbi Glines. To me, this was a story of selfless love, based in a beautiful friendship. Mase and Reese together are perfection, and following along in their journey made me giddy with happiness. Of course, Abbi being Abbi, she left us DYING for more at the end. I cannot WAIT to get my greedy little hands on When You’re Back, which releases on June 30.
P.S. – Dear Abbi and Atria Books, please consider this my formal request to dip into the m/m pool and give us a Jimmy book as well! I love him to pieces!!
Visit the Rosemary Beach Club to enter to win either a grand prize of Abbi’s Favorite Things + the entire Rosemary Beach Series from Atria Books or one of the runner up prizes of one of four signed copies of ONE MORE CHANCE.
Meet Abbi Glines
Abbi Glines is the New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Field Party, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, and Existence series. A devoted book lover, Abbi lives with her family in Alabama. She maintains a Twitter addiction at @AbbiGlines and can also be found at Facebook.com/AbbiGlinesAuthor and AbbiGlines.com.
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