The Victorian (Lavender Shores Book 9)

I always cheer when there is a new book in the Lavender Shores collection, although I know there will be no sleep the night it arrives.Of course, Ms. Abel does not disappoint this time either. Seth Marino and Charley Perez have been two elusive characters on the sidelines of the other stories. Without knowing why, readers have understood there was a long-standing unease between them bordering on disgust and hate. Ms. Abel lets the anger build without immediately defining the causes. Since they are older adults, they are so believable each with a unique personality which naturally happens to grate on the other. Perhaps if each man was not as sexually curious or open, they would not have found themselves in a blacked-out three way until it was too late. Adding to their discomfort and hatred, planning for the Lavender Shores Food and Wine Festival begins with Seth charged as master Sommelier to pair wines with the restaurants’ food offerings. Not something that impresses Charley, as once again Seth is placed in his world with an expertise Charley does not trust or agree with.From this point the two men begin a process of pushing the other to rabid distraction until little fissures begin and two personalities gently emerge showing that they are more alike than not. A gentleness and humor surprises them both.For me THE VICTORIAN is without a doubt the most defining book of Lavender Shores. Two unusual men with life experiences are an unexpected combination and yet so perfect together. The reader is also treated to views and conversations with some of the other favorite characters to keep the town and its flavor alive.THE VICTORIAN offers everything the reader could expect, from unexpected passion, ghosts better left in the past, to confessions so very similar. OK, OK, I confess Seth and Charley have truly gotten to me!!!

Seth and Charley are my second favorite couple in LS, Gilbert and Waldon will always be #1 in my heart, and I couldn't get enough of their story. This book actually felt like a true enemies to lovers book and for that alone it gets five stars. I also have a deep love for romance books that realistically portray mental illness in one of the MC's, most gloss over it this one didn't, a big thank you to Rosalind Able for that. This book made me cry and not many can do that for me. Usually, when I leave a review I'll lay out what I loved about it and something I wasn't a huge fan of, but this book I can't really pick anything out that I wasn't a huge fan of. Although I liked Seth, Charley was the character that did it for me in this book, although some of my favorite moments in some of the other books was Charley coming into the Green Violin and complaining about the vegetables so I'm not surprised. The two MCs couldn't be better matched. I can't wait to get my grubby hands on the next one.

I stumbled into the series by accident. It got better and better as I went through it. And then this gem landed in my Kindle. I didn’t think I would love a couple more than Lamont and Tyler and Micah and Conor. This couple came out of nowhere and it became so much more than two people finding each other. It was an exploration of love with all its contemporary hardships and obstacles. It was the story of two imperfect people doing the best they can with their issues and finding that burdens are best dealt with when shared with someone. It was two people living with regrets and learning to accommodate the other’s to share the burden. It was real love, pure and simple. Connected with them and their struggles so much more deeply than with the other couples. It was everything. Bravo!

Seth and Charley were enemies that shared an attraction neither wanted to acknowledge. They hated each other, until a mutual friend (hookup) decided to get them together in a three-way. Keeping their identity a secret Silas not knowing how they felt about each other sets up the threesome and they're all in and loving the secret aspect until a mishap happens and blindfolds come off. Charley feels betrayed and angry and on top of that he can't get the slutty but handsome bartender Seth Marino out of his head. Little did he know that Seth was having the same issues. Soon the Sparks fly along with a little angst and soon without spoiling the book a happily ever after happens. A must read.

Sometimes you just know two characters belong together before even they know they do. Such is the case with Seth and Charlie. We've all seen Seth and Charley as we have made our way through Lavender Shores: Seth over behind the bar at Blue Moon and Charley behind the counter at his tavern. You could feel the animosity between them but somehow I knew these two belonged together. This does not disappoint. I like the fact that these are older characters and have their own pain and anxiety and issues they have to resolve. It is hard to find a favorite in this series but this comes mighty close!

Finally these two get their crap together. But boy do the sparks fly in between. Good gracious. It was hard to see the real reason for Charley being the way he was. I totally get it, being that way myself. Its hard. And everything just eats at you. I'm glad he finally got help. I'm not sure if book 10 is coming now or not but if not, this ended in a good way

A perfect enemies to lovers story, but so much more. This book delves into the depths of anger, anxiety and depression but pushes its characters through this in such an incredible, honest even brutal way but by god, it's written in such a manner that you accept the blows whilst fully engaging you in Charley and Seth's burgeoning romance. There is incredible light at the end of the tunnel for our two MCs. This series goes from strength to strength and delivers on its trope-theme with a flourish. I'm already looking forward to the next book 5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was an ok novel. I sort of got tired of the two main characters hating each other and the things that they did and said about each other. I thought that it was kind of disappointing when you compare it to most of the other books in the series.

This book is so much more than just another enemies to lovers story. The 20 years of anger and hurt between the protagonists seems insurmountable. I thought I wouldn’t be able to warm to Charley because of his anger and aggression. Then we are introduced to a kinder, better person underneath. But when he finally breaks down and we discover his long term issue with depression I just wanted to wrap him in my arms and hug him. This book doesn’t shy away from some difficult subjects but ultimately you’ll fall in love with these men as they fall in love with each other

I haven't read all the lavender shore books, but every one i have read, i have loved, this one included.It was a true enemies to lovers book. The hate between Seth and Charley felt so tangible. You only understand where it comes from as the past is revealed in pieces, but the chemistry and the love and understanding that develops between these two men when they let their guard down and learn each other was beautiful to read.It punched me right in the feels and i loved it.I really recommend it

I love this trope, but a lot of books finish off the tension really quickly, or the reason for the tension is so weak it makes me DNF.Not this one though! DAMN! the characters are SO perfectly developed and the tension is strong, strong, strong. The intensity with which they dislike each other and fight their accidental chemistry is brilliant. The unravelling of their reasons as well as their HEA is SO satisfying!This is my first 5 star read for this year, and it's all because this is one of the few times (after Captive Prince) that I've found an enemies to lovers that actually delivers. So, so worth it.

This got me! It hit me in every way both breaking my heart and giving me all the tender moments and laughs as well. Rosalind Abel has written at truly heartbreakingly amazing book here that I will not forget for a long time to come.Charley and Seth have had a hate/hate relationship for years. After a terrible mistake one night and with now been thrown together for the Lavender Shores Food and Wine Festival - civility is called for. Histories come to light, battles are fought and overcome, with healing and love the light at the end.Come back to Lavender Shores and see all your favourites again. This is one that you most definitely do not want to miss - Seth finally gets his man.

I’ve always wondered about Seth’s story since the beginning. To read about Seth & Charley’s love/hate relationship and see how it unfolds is exquisite and I oved their story so so much. They don’t want to admit their feelings, but soon realize they have some hard truths to face, no matter what. The whole series is excellent and this instalment does not disappoint. 5 LS Food & Wine Celebration Cookbooks from me.