Lela is a nurturer and sometimes it felt like she was putting herself second to get father and her niece , look don’t get me wrong she has a heart of gold and is loyal and dedicated to those she loves and I can’t fault her for that but to fill the needs of others you need to fill your own right !?
Anyhoo , Lela has been planning to live her life as soon as Sophie turns 18 but then she ups and runs off with her boyfriend and that leaves a massive spanner in the works Lela because now she’ll have to put her plans on hold so she can hunt Sophie and lover boy down in Malta !
Ok so maybe it’s not all bad because in her search for Sophie Lela had to work with Hamish who in torn works for her dad so I get her reservations but there’s an u deniable pull between them I mean you have to be blind not to pick up on it !
The past often affects the present and future especially where emotions are involved and both Hamish and Lela have baggage but they work through it and their story is a beautiful one to watch unfold ….
I think another reason I loved this book is because of Malta , my mom ( who has passed ) loved Malta so to a degree or felt like she was with me 🥰
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi2024-02-14 09:31:422024-02-14 13:05:06Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Heidi Sturgess
Cute story. I really enjoyed this book. Our two main characters meet up in another country with a common goal of finding the FMC’s niece and quickly realize they are attracted to one another. I look forward to reading more by this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trista Martinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrista Martin2024-01-10 18:19:432024-01-13 19:48:17Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Trista Martin
Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines is a great combination of romance and women’s fiction!!!
Lela is the epitome of a loyal daughter, not to say she isn’t obstinate and determined, but she has dedicated her life to her father and her niece. She had plans to make her own path when Sophie turned 18. However, Sophie has disappeared with her boyfriend which sends all of Lela’s plans completely off track. Now, she races to Malta to find her and bring some sort of peace to her family. She wasn’t expecting Hamish McGregor, who is working for her father, and aiding in the search. Their first meeting isn’t necessarily cordial. Lela doesn’t trust Hamish or anyone that works for her overbearing father. Yet, she can’t deny the attraction and pull she feels towards him, and he can’t deny his attraction to her. As the two work trying to find Lela, they soon find themselves falling in love.
Both Lela and Hamish are complicated and complex characters. Both have suffered tragic losses in their lives which has impacted their present lives, especially in their ability to have a relationship. Lela is fighting her father’s controlling behavior, and Hamish is afraid he will lose another woman to violence because of his job. The two did a tremendous amount of growth throughout the book. They are two different people by the last page even though not too much time passes within the storyline.
Their romance is a slow burn at first, but then, things take off quite quickly when they decide to give in to their feelings. There are some obstacles to their happily ever after, but thankfully without too much angst. While the disappearance of Sophie is the reason both of them are in Malta, that plotline does somewhat become secondary. The book was well-written and was very descriptive. At times, I found myself in the setting with the characters. It made me want to visit Malta.
I found the book quite enjoyable, and I not only liked but respected both of the characters for their determination and strength. While the book was mostly centered around their romance, it was also about family, loss, forgiveness, and second chances.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christie Mitchumhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristie Mitchum2024-01-01 09:19:382024-01-13 16:36:29Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Christie Mitchum
I liked the book. I’m glad the mystery behind Sophie’s disappearance wasn’t something terrible. The chemistry between Lela and Hamish was spot on. I also could relate to Lela. Feeling like you got to be the peace maker in the family all the time and putting your life on hold to do so. It’s a good read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amber Howardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmber Howard2023-12-26 23:55:452024-01-13 14:01:54Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Amber Howard
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199587219-lela-s-choice” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Lela’s Choice” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1697154062l/199587219._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199587219-lela-s-choice”>Lela’s Choice</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22577889.Jennifer_Raines”>Jennifer Raines</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6083795478″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Lela and Hamish have both had tragedy in their lives and this has made them want to stay away from being involved. They first met when Lela hopped on a plane from Austrailia to Malta in search of her niece. She suspects her father has played a role in her niece’s sudden departure, but she can’t be sure. She is also unsure whether or not she can trust Hamish as her father has employed him. In the end she reluctantly decides to work with him. Working in such close proximity they start to become close and start revealing things that they had meant to keep to themselves while slowly giving in to their mutual attraction. This was a good book and the author definitely knows how to keep the readers turning the pages. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2023-12-26 23:45:312024-01-13 14:01:43Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
If you are looking for a book that will suspense, thrills, and romance while leaving you smiling and wanting to keep turning the pages, then this book is for you!
Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines follows the stories of Lela as she travels to Malta to look for her missing niece and boyfriend, and Hamish, the lawyer hired by Lela’s father to help her find them. But along they way, they may find more than they bargained for.
I loved the fact that the characters seemed real, flawed, and nuanced but still kept the lighthearted feel of a romance while still dealing with hard topics like loss, familial drama, devastaing loss and the barriers trust issues create. The book felt real and left you feeling like love can flourish in the times that you least expect it. You just have to find a way to trust yourself as well as others. This is my second book by this author, and I can’t wait to pick up another.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Enisha Reaveshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEnisha Reaves2023-12-26 20:49:292024-01-13 14:01:11Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – review by Enisha Reaves
Lela’s niece flees to Malta with her boyfriend leaving Lela wondering what she could have done better as an Aunt. Lela has always done what her father wanted her too. But, the search for her niece leads her down a path where she must decide whether to continue to be at her father’s beck and call or to make her own path in life. Lela has a choice, a hard choice to make. Enjoyed this book very much.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paula Sayershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaula Sayers2023-12-26 20:24:152024-01-13 14:00:26Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Paula R Sayers
This is a wonderfully sweet romance book about being your own person. It also looks at staying your own person when you have to make choices. How important should family and tradition be? Is it worth giving up ourselves or our wants and desires. This book examines what happens when the main character decides to finally choose herself. This turns her life upside down, but maybe in the most unexpected way. Lela is the main character and she is really interesting and well developed. She is approached by a man who swears that he works for her father. She doesn’t trust her father which means she also doesn’t trust the man. But they agree to work together to find her niece who has run off. Hamish is a lawyer who is working to help find Lela’s niece. He is working for Lela’s father so he can ensure that his wishes are met. He is such an interesting character and adds a lot of depth to the story. It doesn’t take long for Hamish and Lela to realize they are attracted to each other. This attraction leads them to begin to open up. But they both have reasons for not becoming involved. One dangerous situation later and the two of them abandon their inhibitions. This is such a fantastic story and I love that the author fully describes all of the settings. I am a sucker for a good book that takes place in Australia. This delivers on this with a great plot and chemistry that sizzles off the page.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-12-26 11:26:442024-01-13 13:48:30Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Christine Baranek
This was my first book from Jennifer Raines and it did not disappoint. This is a standalone contemporary romance.
This book starts with Lela having to go hunt down her niece when she decides to run away from Australia to Malta. She is forced to work alongside Hamish, who is hired by Lela’s grandfather to find his granddaughter. Thus their adventure begins.
This book was a page turner and I definitely recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Samantha Cleaverhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSamantha Cleaver2023-12-24 13:18:152024-01-13 13:42:58Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Samantha Cleaver
I enjoyed this romance adventure. The author does an amazing job with this story. It is a complex tale full of twists and turns, family drama, angst, forced proximity. It is also a story of finding love when you least expect it and learning how to drop your guard and trust someone.
Lela is on the search for her niece. Her niece left Australia and headed to Malta and Lela wants to find her and find out why she left. Even though she has an idea it was to do with her overbearing father.
Hamish McGregor is a lawyer who specialises in child-protection. When he is hired by Lela’s father to find the missing girl he realises that he needs to work with Lela if they are going to succeed and find the missing girl. What Hamish doesnt expect is that Lela is a stubborn woman who is determined to do things herself and the fact that she sees him as the enemy.
Can they work together to find the missing girl? Can they fight their feelings and attraction for long? And what is the risk if they give into their feelings? Both of our characters have scars in their past that makes taking a risk on love hard for them both but maybe they can take that chance together.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2023-12-23 09:08:032024-01-04 12:54:32Lela’s Choice By Jennifer Reines- Review By Kerry Carr
A sweet romance about making difficult choices and being your own person. Sometimes we choose family or traditions over ourselves. There comes a time when you have to choose you. Lela finds this out when her life turns upside down.
Lela was on a plane as soon as she could get to the airport when she found out her niece had run away with her boyfriend to Malta. When she is met at the airport by a man claiming to work for her father. Lela doesn’t trust him anymore than she trusts her father. But, she does agree to work together to find her niece.
Hamish McGregor is a respected lawyer that is currently consulting with his home government as well as many international partners to change laws and make treaties regarding parents or taking children across international lines. Hamish is there to provide assistance in finding Lela’s niece, and in compliance with Lela’s father’s wishes, return the niece home.
As Lela and Hamish start working together they soon realize that their first impressions of each other were not exactly correct. The lies that Lela’s father told to get Hamish to take this case are also revealed. Both Hamish and Lela have reasons not to be involved with anyone. As their attraction grows, Lela and Hamish find each other telling the other things they have not told anyone else. They grow to trust and respect each other.
Hamish, still caught in his past, won’t allow himself to love Lela. He keeps pushing her away. When Lela walks away, Hamish is devastated. When Lela is caught in a dangerous situation, Hamish realizes that he has been a fool. The rest, as they say, is history.
The story is original and well done. I enjoy the way this author adds the cultural flavor of her locations and her home, Australia. It adds a richness and depth to every story. Put this one on your TBR pile, especially if you love that Aussie flavor.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-12-22 00:00:402024-01-04 12:50:35Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by M Policicchio
Lela’s Choice is a standalone romance that follows Lela as she travels from Australia to Malta to look for her missing niece. She’s keen to work independently from her father, but her father has arranged for Hamish to help in her hunt.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I enjoyed it a lot! The author approaches interesting and complicated issues and situations in her books, adding depth to the romance. In Lela’s Choice, we have the challenges of locating a missing person in an unfamiliar country, as well as Lela’s relationship with her father and how that impacts on her connection with Hamish.
The setting in Malta is well-researched and described, so it’s like travelling there by book! It’s fun exploring Malta along with Lela and Hamish.
I’d recommend this to fans of romance with a bit of mystery thrown in, who like books set in interesting destinations. It gets five stars from me!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2023-12-20 09:33:092024-01-04 12:22:26Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
This was a great book. Lela is trying really hard to find her niece. She took off with her boyfriend. Her father is also looking for them. He hired a “henchman” to find them. As these two race to find them an attraction builds, Hamish is a little distant to officially start something. Can they put their past behind them to have a relationship, and do they find her niece in time?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amelia Stansellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmelia Stansell2023-12-17 18:03:232024-01-04 11:37:18Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Amelia Stansell
Another great read from Raine. This book really drew you in quickly, keeping you entertained to the end. Lela and Hamish each have their own plans, not expecting the other. Will they make adjustments that will give them a HEA or stick to their current ways? I recommend reading to find out.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sarah Kinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSarah King2023-12-16 02:14:012024-01-04 11:10:18Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Sarah King
“Lela’s Choice” by Jennifer Raines is a gripping tale of family, love, and the lengths one woman will go to protect her loved ones. The story follows Lela Vella, a dutiful daughter and aunt who’s determined to wean her father and orphaned niece off their dependence on her. However, her plans are turned upside down when her niece and her boyfriend flee Sydney for Malta, under suspicious circumstances.
The story is filled with suspense, romance, and a deep exploration of familial relationships. Jennifer Raines does an excellent job of creating well-rounded characters with complex emotions and motivations. Lela is a relatable and strong-willed protagonist, and Hamish’s internal struggle adds depth to his character. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, yet a little spicy (in my opinion).
Raines also excels in creating a vivid and atmospheric setting. The descriptions of Malta and its culture add an extra layer of richness to the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged until the very end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-12-15 20:11:042024-01-04 11:01:52Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jennifer Crain
Lela’s Choice is Contemporary Romance that once you start reading its hard to put down until you’ve finished. This story is packed with drama, secrets ,lies,, family, loyalty and so much more .There characters are developed, relatable and complex. Lela has put her life on hold for others and she is now going to step aside. But with her niece on the run and an over bearing fathers plans change a bit. Then there’s Harnish who has been hired by the father to help find his granddaughter . Lela and Harnish both have pasts but can they work together to find the missing niece? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next im looking forward to reading more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-12-15 03:38:072023-12-15 08:29:08Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines is a compelling and angst filled contemporary romance. If you are looking for a compelling read that will keep you hooked from beginning to end look no further. Lela is searching for her missing niece. She travels from Australia to Malta to start her search. Hamish McGregor has been hired by the girl’s grandfather to find her. When they get off on the wrong foot Lela believes Hamish is one of her Father’s Henchmen and believes he is her enemy. But they must work together if they will find her. 4 out of 5 stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Victoria McQuigghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVictoria McQuigg2023-12-11 14:45:532023-12-15 07:12:38Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines-Review by Victoria McQuigg
This book started off strong and maintained the strength throughout out. Emotional and hot are the first two words that come to mind when I think of this book.
I’m currently on a stronger than the average women main characters kick and Lela is definitely one of those women. She dealt with tragedy at a young age more than once in a short period of time started the foundation add in a difficult father it helps build it up.
Hamish dealt with a horrible tragedy a few years back, and built a wall around his heart. That is until he meets Lela at the airport in Malta.
I haven’t traveled much in my life so I love it when I get to go to locations I might not even consider and accentuate these gems.
I love the depth Ms. Raines provides in her characters and the way she builds the story around them. Looking forward to reading future books by her.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2023-12-10 22:16:462023-12-15 07:22:08Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Robin Rankin
Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines is a story about a woman who has put her life aside to care for her niece and father. When Lela decides that she must ease her family off their dependence on her, she finds out that her niece has run off to Malta with her boyfriend. As she rushes to find her niece she meets child protection lawyer Hamish McGregor. They get off on the wrong foot because Lela thinks that Hamish is one of her father’s henchmen and her enemy. This was a very good story. Reading about Lela’s struggles with her family and her interactions with Hamish was very engaging. Hamish’s determination not to get close to another woman was heartbreaking but completely understanding. The detail in the plot was wonderful. The characters are relatable and I had fun getting to know them. This is a complex story with a lot of heart and passion.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00La Toya Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLa Toya Lewis2023-12-09 14:27:472023-12-15 06:40:37Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by La Toya Lewis
I loved this contemporary romance novel, set in the Land Down Under! There is a lot of angst with a bit of mystery and some romance as well. This is a heartwarming story involving a teenager and her overly protective father, as well as a runaway. It’s sure to keep you engaged and I am already looking forward to another story by Jennifer Raines.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-12-08 16:00:592023-12-15 06:37:28Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Julie Johnson
Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines. I loved this contemporary romance. Its the story of Lela who has always taken care of other people but she has decided its her time and she is going to focus on herself. The only problem is her niece and her boyfriend have run off and if Lela doesn’t find them before her father does it will be bad. Hamish is a widowed International child protection attorney and he has been asked by Lela’s dad to find his granddaughter. Lela see Hamish as the enemy at first but as they work together she begins to see the good side of him. Hamish is very skittish because his wife was killed by a ex client’s husband and he doesn’t want to put Lela in that position. Will they decide to take a chance on love even if it means putting each other at risk? Will the find Lela’s niece in time or will it be too late? Read this amazing contemporary romance to find out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2023-12-08 10:05:492023-12-13 13:24:04Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Tausha Treadway
4.7/5 stars This author writes some great books! This one is no exception either. There’s good character development and good world building. It’s engaging and captivating.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daryian Lucashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaryian Lucas2023-12-07 23:02:132023-12-13 13:17:22Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Daryian Lucas
Malta is one of my absolute favourite places on earth, so as soon as I read this book ventured to the Isle I knew I had to read it. I really enjoyed this book right from the start. The story was quite complex but was well developed by the author. So much seems to go on and it really drew me in. I loved the characters in the book. It wasn’t just the main characters that made an impact, they all added to the story and made it even better. This is a great story overall and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-12-06 15:12:592023-12-13 13:05:52Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Kerry Baker
4.5 stars Jennifer has written a bit of a tangled web in this story. She has cleverly woven complex threads with multiple layers that gives us an intriguing and compelling tale. Lela’s Choice is an enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which had me hooked. It takes us on a chase around the world and with a bit of everything to keep the pages turning. There is secrets, lies, passion, compassion, loyalty, angst, fear, second chances, and finding love where you least expect it.
I really liked the characters, Lela and Hamish. They are complex and well developed. Lela has put her life on hold for others and it’s time for her to step aside. Only it doesn’t seem like that is on the cards with her overbearing father and a niece on the run. Hamish is wary and does not plan on letting anyone close as it will only be used against him, and he has already suffered enough but what he didn’t expect was a woman that will stop at nothing to get back the ones she loves, and that woman needs his help. Jennifer Raines is an Australian author who writes heart-warming contemporary romances. Her stories are unique, and her original storylines are refreshing. Contemporary romance lovers will fall in love with this book. I look forward to seeing what else Jennifer has in store for us.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-12-06 02:02:372023-12-13 13:01:16Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jenni Bishop
Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines is another wonderful contemporary romance that had me invested right from the beginning. With drama, angst, family, chemistry, forced proximity, intrigue, investigation, emotion, and taking a chance on love. Lela is determined to find her missing niece, travelling from Australia to Malta to begin her investigation. Hamish McGregor has been hired by the missing girl’s grandfather to find his granddaughter. Lela sees Hamish as the enemy- but they are forced to work together if they have any hope of finding the girl. And so the adventure begins… Another great read from this talented author. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from Ms. Raines… Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-12-06 00:25:252023-12-13 12:58:35Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Angela Hayes
An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Lela Vella is desperate to find her missing niece and her boyfriend who have runaway to Malta, before her father does. Meanwhile Hamish McGregor, a widowed Australian international child-protection lawyer has been asked by Giovanni Vella to search for his granddaughter. Hamish is shocked when Lela sees him as one of her father’s ‘henchmen’ and the enemy. He thought he was putting the needs of a child first, like always. However, reluctantly the pair work together to search for them, navigating many false leads along the way. As the couple work together an unexpected attraction develops, but Hamish is reluctant as his pregnant wife was murdered in a revenge attack by a client’s husband. Hamish had vowed to never put another woman at risk, but Lela wants to show him that living life is all about taking risks. I loved the characters, and the chemistry between Lela and Hamish really came across in the story. The settings were brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, and I felt like I had travelled along with Lela from Sydney to Malta.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2023-12-05 13:40:172023-12-13 12:02:06Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jennifer Gordon
I loved this book. Hamish and Lela are hunting for Sophie and Peter in Malta. While they are doing this, they fall in love themselves. The chemistry between these two is perfect. It felt like it started as a slow burn because Papa was in the middle, as he always is. I loved watching these two work out their relationship as they went along. It was a satisfying resolve to the problem for everyone. This is such a wonderful series. The story was well-done and well-developed. The characters were thought out and defined with very unique personalities. Another that I wholeheartedly recommend. I couldn’t put this one down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-12-05 10:50:482023-12-13 11:57:32Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Shelly Kittell
Lela Vella has been a dutiful daughter and aunt for the past decade. But her plan to wean her father and orphaned niece off their dependence on her is scuttled when her niece and boyfriend flee Sydney for Malta. Lela suspects her autocratic father of provoking the flight. Lela’s desperate to reach the teenager before her father’s ultimatums blow another generation apart.
Widowed, Australian international child-protection lawyer, Hamish McGregor accepts Giovanni Vella’s request to remain in Malta after a conference to search for Vella’s missing granddaughter. Hamish’s formidable reputation is built on putting the needs of the child first. He doubled down on his work after the revenge murder of his pregnant wife by a client’s husband, vowing never to get close enough to another woman for her to be a target.
Lela doesn’t expect her father’s henchman to beat her to Malta. Hamish doesn’t expect the girl’s doting aunt to see him as an enemy.
Reluctant partners, they navigate false leads and unexpected attraction. Can Lela balance her family’s demands with her love for Hamish? Can Hamish accept living life is all about taking risks?
Australian Jennifer Raines writes contemporary romances set mainly, but not exclusively, in Australia – think Malta, Finland, New Zealand or ?. A dreamer and an optimist, her stories are a delicious cocktail of mutual respect, passion and loyalty because she still believes in happily-ever-afters.
Jennifer fell in love with romance as a teenager. Starting with historical romance. Everything in the school library and then a personal treasured collection of Georgette Heyer, hard copies and paperbacks. Historical romance remains comfort food, like vegemite toast, for those times when she feels low, but Georgette Heyer was an early star, under the blankets after lights out using a torch.
Jennifer is a member of Romance Writers of Australia. Three times a finalist in the Emerald competition, including in 2017, 2018 (Taylor’s Law) and 2022 (Quinn by Design – July 2024). She’s a member of Romance Writers of New Zealand, winning the Pacific Hearts competition twice, including in 2019 with Grace Under Fire, the sequel to Taylor’s Law. She’s also a member of Romance Writers of America and has been a finalist in chapter competitions in 2019, 2020 (Winner Orange Rose contemporary romance category – Planting Hope) and 2021 (Taylor’s Law). Jennifer values competitions for the constructive, honest, not always comfortable feedback they provide.
Jennifer loves those days when words flow and the joy of writing makes the hard slog worthwhile. She’s always made up stories about strangers in the street, in a café or strolling through an airport terminal; finding inspiration in snippets of conversations, news items and the sheer puzzle of human interactions.
Jennifer lives in inner-city Sydney, Australia, with the requisite number of partners (1) and animals (2). Her desk overlooks a park which nourishes her soul when she raises her head from her keyboard. She gets some of her best ideas during long yin yoga poses or walking – anywhere. While Jennifer adores historical romance, she chose to write contemporary because she thought (wrongly) it needed less research while she was holding down a full-time job.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_8748.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-12-05 00:02:002023-12-20 14:24:19Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines
Lela Vella has been a dutiful daughter and aunt for the past decade. But her plan to wean her father and orphaned niece off their dependence on her is scuttled when her niece and boyfriend flee Sydney for Malta. Lela suspects her autocratic father of provoking the flight. Lela’s desperate to reach the teenager before her father’s ultimatums blow another generation apart.
Widowed, Australian international child-protection lawyer, Hamish McGregor accepts Giovanni Vella’s request to remain in Malta after a conference to search for Vella’s missing granddaughter. Hamish’s formidable reputation is built on putting the needs of the child first. He doubled down on his work after the revenge murder of his pregnant wife by a client’s husband, vowing never to get close enough to another woman for her to be a target.
Lela doesn’t expect her father’s henchman to beat her to Malta. Hamish doesn’t expect the girl’s doting aunt to see him as an enemy.
Reluctant partners, they navigate false leads and unexpected attraction. Can Lela balance her family’s demands with her love for Hamish? Can Hamish accept living life is all about taking risks?
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