Retreat

By Jay Crownover

Retreat - Jay Crownover
  • Release Date: 2016-12-28
  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 187 Ratings

Description

Every once in a while, you need to get away from it all.

I was a woman on the edge, shaken and shattered after a breakup that felt like it tore my entire world apart.

My best friend, sick of watching me drown in misery and melancholy, harassed me until I agreed to go with her on a week-long wilderness retreat.

 She promised days spent bonding and getting in touch with our inner badasses. It was supposed to be all about the two of us roughing it and making do with the bare minimum. She assured me we were going to be pushed to our limits in ways that were unimaginable. Neither one of us could have ever guessed just how right she was.

Nowhere in the glossy brochure did it say anything about the fact I was going to have to battle the insufferable but deliciously rugged and sexy trail guide instead of the elements. The brochure also forgot to mention the part that warned when you left civilization behind, there was no place to pack your inhibitions and fears.

I was told that I would be facing a week where the only thing I should expect was the unexpected. However, no one mentioned that I was going to have to fight for my life…and my heart as soon as I ventured into the unknown.

I was a pro at hiding from my feelings but when it came time to face a real threat, one that could change everything, I learned I was more of a no surrender, no retreat kind of girl.

Retreat is a standalone novel, the first in the Getaway series which centers on the hardheaded and brokenhearted Warner brothers and the women that dare to love them.

These boys are very good at putting the wild in wilderness.

Reviews

  • Jay Crownover’s BEST series yet!

    5
    By RentasticR
    It’s not a secret how much I love all things Jay Crownover—she just knows the way to my heart a little too much. She nails every single one of my bad boy fantasies—ones who are big, troubled and broody with a soft heart and a broken, yet beautiful soul. And it never mattered where the story took me—may it be the city, the wrong side of the tracks, and now, the country. Hell, she could set it in the wilderness or the middle of nowhere for all I care and I’m pretty sure I’d still dig it. I just love this author's grit, rawness and honesty, and the unbridled passion she never fails to inject into her books. Every work of hers is just a unique, moving and blissful journey and experience in and of itself. And Cy and Leo’s tale is no different at all. RETREAT is actually the perfect start to set such a brilliantly thrilling and unexpected tone in a new series—one where the born and raised city girl clashes with pure country (not quite) cowboy. Cyrus Warner is blunt as hell and grumpy as f**k. This not-so-cowboy gave off such a mysterious vibe in the beginning since he really kept to himself and didn’t talk much, but there was no mistaking how much of an alpha he was. All throughout the book, you’ll just witness the transformation in him—how much love and passion he has burrowed beneath all those scowls and intense looks. I obsessed over everything about him—his gruffness, his intuitiveness, his primal instinct to protect, his utter love and loyalty to his family, his pure sexiness, his filthy mouth, and most of all, his precious heart. Seriously, with the way this story went, Cy’s protective streak is enough to bring you to your knees and melt you into a heap of swoony feels. Just be ready to surrender your heart to this man—cowboy or not. There are a lot of reasons why Cy nicknamed Leora Connor Sunshine the moment they first interacted. But my favorite reason of all might be the one where he saw her as this bright beacon of hope and strength, despite everything she’s been through and was still coming to terms with when she turned up at the ranch with her best friend. Leo is one of the bravest, toughest women I’ve read in all of Jay Crownover’s books. She was gravely deceived by her ex-boyfriend, resulting to her building up walls that were so unbreakable, nobody could try and penetrate them. Her trust and confidence was infinitely crushed to bits and pieces; she became so thirsty for love and approval. But despite everything warring within her, Leo still used that time in the ranch to try and embrace her fears and move forward, no matter how hard it was. And the moment she decided to let Cy and the other Warners in, I just loved her even more. Reading RETREAT and basking in all its goodness certainly made me want to get lost in the countryside and hunt down these sexy cowboys. It absolutely made my heart race and my blood pump hard for so many reasons. Cy and Leo together all throughout was just off the charts, blazing hot. But the twists and turns—holy hell—they were unlike anything I’ve read from this author before. The storyline completely blindsided me and left me in utter awe of how remarkable and heart-stopping it was all laid out for the reader. And with the way this ended, you’d die to have Emrys and Sutton’s book in your hands stat. Truly, the Getaway Series just might be my new Crownover favorite! And this one? It’s by far the BEST. JAY CROWNOVER BOOK. EVER!
  • Great read.....

    5
    By Pg416
    This was not the usual by Jay, but it was just as great of a read. As always her writing knows no bounds, great characters, great storyline and I can’t wait to read the other Warner brothers love stories. Great job Jay!!!!
  • Amazing book

    5
    By Holding28
    This is by far one of Jay's best books. I have read and loved all of her series. But this one I related to most and can't wait for the next books with the Warner brothers.
  • Loved it!

    5
    By shellyburger73
    Loved it!! Had me sitting on the edge of my seat there for a bit and then had me squirming in my seat as well! Definitely recommend!
  • Retreat

    5
    By AnnF13
    Jay writes a great story, whether it’s about the mean streets of The Point, the tattled hotties of The Saints of Denver or her original and still my favorite Marked Men series. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Jay writing about cowboys in....what did you say, Wyoming? I just couldn’t quite imagine it. My tattooed, dog loving Jay came through with a majestic western adventure. This series is the stories of the Warner brothers, Cyrus, Sutton and Lane, cowboys (not traditional ones) on a ranch in Wyoming where they also do wilderness experiences. Cyrus, the oldest brother, never wanted to be a cowboy, but a cowboy/rancher is who he is. Leo is running away, like she always does when the going gets tough or she’s afraid. This time it’s from a failed relationship. She has gone away with her friend Emrys for an outdoor girls week to try to get over her loss and reunite with her friend. When Leo and Cy meet, it gets hot and sassy! This story has it all- heat, laughter, suspense, and good secondary characters... and did I mention HEAT? My only Q for Jay is... where do you come up with these names? Emrys? Can’t wait for Sutton’s story!
  • Love this book!

    4
    By Dots17
    I absolutely LOVED this book. Jay knows how to draw you in from the very beginning with her characters, and they don't let you go - even at the end of the book. I was a little annoyed with Leo in the beginning but I was proud of her that she overcame and ended up as a strong heroine. The same could probably be said for Cyrus to a certain extent too. One of my favorite things about Jay's books is how easy it is to connect with her characters in some way. I see a little of myself in Leo, and a little of myself in Emrys. Jay creates this vivid world that's a story, but isn't so far gone that it couldn't be real too. LOVED Retreat and I cannot wait for Em's book!
  • Surprising...kept me guessing

    5
    By Hyacinth611
    I’m a huge fan of Jay Crownovers books. I live in Denver and I love the connection to Home. Retreat, is a book that kept me guessing and wanting more. It has an element of spice and romance.
  • A surprise book I couldn’t put down!

    5
    By Kkdavy723
    Jay Crownover does it again!!! I was surprised when I saw this book pop up out of nowhere because I didn't expect another Jay book until February! This book is a very different story line than her tattoo boys or her antiheroes. But I absolutely loved every single word!!! I could not put it down! I personally love me a good cowboy romance,but if that's not normally your thing there is still plenty to love here. If you are a lover of Jay's work you will love this, because you know she is just plain amazing!!! Cy is not your typical cowboy, which worked for Jay's detour into this story. I truly loved every minute of this story and am dying to see what happens between Em and Sutton. This book is packed full of adventure, love, steamy scenes and a few shoot outs! You will not be disappointed!!!
  • Jay Crownover can do no wrong

    4
    By Katiekoz
    Jay Crownover can do no wrong. She really can write anything and I'll read it cause I know it will be entertaining and keep me interested. Retreat was definitely different from her other books, but it was still a great read. I will say that I do like her other two series better, but this was still a funny and intriguing book to read. There were some twists and turns that kept the story interesting and, as always, well written characters that are easy to like. I really enjoyed reading from Leo's POV. She's quite funny and I absolutely loved her relationship with Cy. It wasn't a normal and predictable relationship, so it keeps you wondering how everything is going to work out in the end. Cy was also a hoot and very mysterious at times. I did miss having chapters from his perspective, especially since I'm used to having both in all of Jay's books. I think it would have added a bit to the book, but I get why she wanted it only from Leo's POV. I can't wait for Shelter, especially with how this ends; it makes me very curious as to how everything is going to go down.
  • Mea

    5
    By Tanvir101
    Jay Crownover is an author whose books I click to buy without even reading the blurb! So wonderful thank you!!
  • Best book I've read this year

    5
    By mak115
    I live all of Jay's books. All of them but hands down this is the best book she's written so far. Every single thing that Leo went through I felt deep in my heart. The writing in this book is phenomenal. I'm so looking forward to the next one in this series. Buy this ebook you will not be sorry. Wow!!!
  • Not quite a cowboy but that's ok.

    5
    By Your TX mom
    No matter the location of the story, Jay, you've done it again. I was all in after the first chapter. I needed to see where the story was going and oh what a great ride it is. Looking forward to the next book in series. Don't want to say who's story it will be and give away any of the plot.
  • Great Story!

    5
    By Nanigrl
    What a wonderful story Jay! Unexpected plot line with interesting characters. I'm glad you didn't drag Leo's self deprecation throughout the book. Cannot wait for Sutton's and Emrys's story with hopes for a HEA since they both need it desperately.
  • action packed, insta-romance

    4
    By Boundless Book Reviews
    Retreat, is an action packed, insta-romance.  Leo, is a bit jaded. Doesn’t want anyone close to her. After, finding out a previous relationship was a lie. Her friend Em decided, it was time to take a vacation. In the rugged mountains of Wyoming. Whats supposed to be a simple vacation, quickly turns into way more than simple.  Leo meets Cy, the not so cowboy, cowboy. He comes off as grumpy but really he does have a heart. They have the insta attraction towards each other, that leads to a lot of steaminess in the sheets.  “All I could do was face my fear. This entire trip had been me, being forced to do just that” I’ve never read any of Jay’s books. I really didn’t know what to expect. I’ am aware that it’s not her normal type of story. But it did work. There was action, romance, character growth. It was all there. But the only thing was, I didn’t connect with the characters. I didn’t feel exactly what they were feeling. It was highly enjoyable though, glad I got a chance to read it.  Overall, I give Retreat Four Boundless Stars.
  • Really good!

    5
    By NerdyBookwormgirl
    Loved it! But hurry up with Emrys and Sutton's story please!
  • A different kind...

    4
    By Hardcore Book Lover
    This is definitely different than the books I normally read, as well as different than the type of books this author writes. It took me a bit to get into it but I gave it the chance because I loved all Jay's other books! I ended up liking this story and am waiting for the next one to see how the story continues!!
  • Jay Crownover's best book yet!

    5
    By LouLaRue
    I went into this book a little leery, not quite sure this book was going to be very good even though I love all of Jay's other books this seemed maybe a little to out of her wheelhouse to be able to be pulled off but I was so wrong. I was completely blown away by this story. It was by far her best work and my favorite book to date! You felt every part of this story and I didn't want it to end. The only thing I wish was different about it was having dual POV's. I would've loved to know what Cy was thinking but the writing was so phenomenal that it was ok without it but I feel it would've made it better if we had his feelings to it too. I can't wait for the next book! If the rest are like this, this is definitely a series I don't ever want to end! This story has everything you could ever want in a book. Jay had you feeling like you were right there with them every step of the way. The light moments to the suspenseful heart stopping moments you felt like you were right there in the backcountry experiencing all the life changing moments with them. I can't recommend this book enough!
  • What a fantastic storyteller!

    5
    By Highwater1994
    Let me start by saying that this woman is a great storyteller! Jay Crownover is absolutely one of my favorite authors. After reading her newest book "Retreat," I'm even more of a fan. This story is a different flavor than her other works but is no less satisfying. Retreat grabbed me from the start and didn't let go! She sets the groundwork for her characters right away; you know who you're dealing with and you know it's not going to be easy. One of the things I loved was that the story didn't go exactly how I thought it would. Thank you for creating mystery! Watching her leading lady, Leo, heal and develop into the person she wants to be is powerful. Watching Cy, her leading man, take a chance on love and be the hero I wanted him to be was so satisfying. If this notquiteacowboy isn't a hero, then I don't know who is! I, quite simply, loved this book! I was lucky enough to win an ARC copy and I'm so happy I could leave a truthfully great review. I'm never disappointed when I read Jay's books. I'm always ready to jump to the next one...only this time I have to wait for the next one to be written. I'm SO looking forward to the next one!
  • Great Story

    5
    By Swsties
    I loved this book, it is not Jay's typical genre but it is still a typical Jay book with great deep characters you get to know and love quickly plenty of steam and heart and a wonderful plot. If for some reason a not quite cowboy romance turns you off, don't let it. You will be missing something special.