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Alpine Valleys #1
Beyond Today
THE PRICE OF FORGIVENESS
When Hannah meets Howard, the elusive best man in her friend's wedding, Hannah is instantly drawn to the damaged alpha because they share a connection that makes her heart race and her head spin. But his past, his family and how he slaked his sexual needs keep him prisoner, and challenges her faith in people. With time, Hannah sees the real him, but when he does the one thing she can’t accept, her own demons whisper: Run away from the only man who has ever made her heart full.
When Hannah meets Howard, the elusive best man in her friend's wedding, Hannah is instantly drawn to the damaged alpha because they share a connection that makes her heart race and her head spin. But his past, his family and how he slaked his sexual needs keep him prisoner, and challenges her faith in people. With time, Hannah sees the real him, but when he does the one thing she can’t accept, her own demons whisper: Run away from the only man who has ever made her heart full.
Unknown Binding
First published November 29, 2017
3 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
L. Simpson
6 books40 followersLaura Simpson writes contemporary romance, with a bent towards humour and a little spice. She is also a member of Romance Writers Australia and is part of the Love Sabre Tribe.
As a girl growing up, Laura was lost in the world of Anne of Green Gables and Little Women. This ignited her love of romance although her first published story was about the bushfires that ravaged the area she grew up in when she was only eleven.
During high school, volleyball dominated her life; (there had to be something positive about being 6’1” at thirteen!). Representing Australia from a young age she travelled though Asia before taking up a scholarship at the University of Iowa. Living in America and being a full time athlete in a college town was an eye-opening experience and lots of fun (from what she can remember).
Returning from the States, her career took a different turn as she started working at the Red Cross and completed her Masters of Law in Human Rights. As one of the few non-lawyers in the class, her essays were far more floral than the rest, something that caused the discerning professors to shake their heads.
Through working and studying, she realised that being a lawyer wasn’t for her and that there are other ways to win hearts and minds. While she has spent the last 14 years as an advocate against poverty and homelessness, the desire to change the world through storytelling has only got stronger.
She now lives in Porepunkah in the Alpine Valley of North East Victoria, Australia with her husband, daughter, two dogs and seven chooks. When she isn’t doing the whole mum–thing, working at a homelessness agency, renovating her farmhouse or trying to do laundry bleary-eyed at midnight, she is writing. With two series on the go, and a mind full of ideas, Laura has a bit going on.
As a girl growing up, Laura was lost in the world of Anne of Green Gables and Little Women. This ignited her love of romance although her first published story was about the bushfires that ravaged the area she grew up in when she was only eleven.
During high school, volleyball dominated her life; (there had to be something positive about being 6’1” at thirteen!). Representing Australia from a young age she travelled though Asia before taking up a scholarship at the University of Iowa. Living in America and being a full time athlete in a college town was an eye-opening experience and lots of fun (from what she can remember).
Returning from the States, her career took a different turn as she started working at the Red Cross and completed her Masters of Law in Human Rights. As one of the few non-lawyers in the class, her essays were far more floral than the rest, something that caused the discerning professors to shake their heads.
Through working and studying, she realised that being a lawyer wasn’t for her and that there are other ways to win hearts and minds. While she has spent the last 14 years as an advocate against poverty and homelessness, the desire to change the world through storytelling has only got stronger.
She now lives in Porepunkah in the Alpine Valley of North East Victoria, Australia with her husband, daughter, two dogs and seven chooks. When she isn’t doing the whole mum–thing, working at a homelessness agency, renovating her farmhouse or trying to do laundry bleary-eyed at midnight, she is writing. With two series on the go, and a mind full of ideas, Laura has a bit going on.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 20, 2018
This is the first book I have read from this author and I do look forward to more, this one at the beginning had me a bit confused with all of the characters, but not for long and then I fell into it and didn’t want to put it down the hero and heroine were bought to life on the pages they are so real and MS Simpson has a fabulous voice for bringing the emotions out in her characters, throw in a nasty family and this is one that I definitely recommend.
Howard is tall gorgeous and rich and he is going to be best man at his best friend Dave’s wedding, but he keeps to himself and keeps a lot of secrets he really is damaged goods so to speak and having relationships is not easy for him, but then he meets his partner for the wedding Hannah and he feels a pull that he has never had before, but will he ever be able to be with someone like Hannah? He has a lot to overcome first.
Hannah has been hurt and burnt by her ex and is no way looking for a man but when she meets the best man Howard at her best friend Molly’s wedding well those thoughts might just be going out the window with the hot sensual pull she feels at their first meeting which is very foot in mouth, this meeting may just bring about a bit of a fling. Can Hannah dig deeper and see the real Howard?
I loved Howard he has been so abused throughout life but could still be so caring to others and Hannah wow what a caring loving heroine and fun, and yes she got to see the real Howard and why he was the way he is and to see them finally come together was just so beautiful, but of course there is often problems with true love and that would be Howards nasty family, but seeing Hannah stand up to them had me cheering her and Howard on. Love and caring bought them together in a very steamy, sensual and moving story to such a fabulous HEA woohoo go Howard and Hannah. Thank you MS Simpson for a great story I do hope that we get to see Annie and the lumberjack’s story.
Howard is tall gorgeous and rich and he is going to be best man at his best friend Dave’s wedding, but he keeps to himself and keeps a lot of secrets he really is damaged goods so to speak and having relationships is not easy for him, but then he meets his partner for the wedding Hannah and he feels a pull that he has never had before, but will he ever be able to be with someone like Hannah? He has a lot to overcome first.
Hannah has been hurt and burnt by her ex and is no way looking for a man but when she meets the best man Howard at her best friend Molly’s wedding well those thoughts might just be going out the window with the hot sensual pull she feels at their first meeting which is very foot in mouth, this meeting may just bring about a bit of a fling. Can Hannah dig deeper and see the real Howard?
I loved Howard he has been so abused throughout life but could still be so caring to others and Hannah wow what a caring loving heroine and fun, and yes she got to see the real Howard and why he was the way he is and to see them finally come together was just so beautiful, but of course there is often problems with true love and that would be Howards nasty family, but seeing Hannah stand up to them had me cheering her and Howard on. Love and caring bought them together in a very steamy, sensual and moving story to such a fabulous HEA woohoo go Howard and Hannah. Thank you MS Simpson for a great story I do hope that we get to see Annie and the lumberjack’s story.
August 31, 2019
Not Perfect BUT...Funny and Romantic
This is my first time reading anything by Australian author Laura Simpson. She has written an unusual storyline in that here is a premise where the male protagonist, Howard, suffered from childhood traumas instead of what you normally see and that is the female protagonist suffered an early trauma, which has led him having psychological problems including sexual dysfunctions and full blown panic attacks where it sounds like he dissociates. The traumas include his father killing his mother and being abused. Now he heads up a family owned holdings company and is very wealthy but has to deal with his aunt and uncle who took him in and raised him.
Hannah has her own issues. She was cheated on and left with nothing. She has spent the last two years rebuilding her life with her two dogs.
Hannah and Howard meet when their friends pick them to be their Maid of Honor and Best Man for their wedding. They meet at pre-wedding events and hit it off. They click and feel comfortable around each other. So Howard tells some of the stuff that has happened to him. Hannah is supportive.
Unfortunately there are so many evil people in the storyline: The Winemaker, David’s sister, Howard’s Aunt/Uncle/Cousins, Hannah’s Ex, I’m sure I forgot someone. There are just too many and this bogged the story down. I found myself skimming about half way through, then picked up again.
I wish the name of the person who began speaking was put in a title. Often I was confused as to which person was speaking.
So, in conclusion I liked the story and will be reading book two. I do think this book would benefit from a little editing. It’s really not twenty-four chapters. It’s a lot longer book. Finally. I did enjoy the Aussie slang however I did need to stop and google words which did interrupt the flow. I recommend putting in a glossary for us non-Aussie readers so we can keep reading Australian authors.
Recommending this book for your reading enjoyment and pleasure. Peace.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first time reading anything by Australian author Laura Simpson. She has written an unusual storyline in that here is a premise where the male protagonist, Howard, suffered from childhood traumas instead of what you normally see and that is the female protagonist suffered an early trauma, which has led him having psychological problems including sexual dysfunctions and full blown panic attacks where it sounds like he dissociates. The traumas include his father killing his mother and being abused. Now he heads up a family owned holdings company and is very wealthy but has to deal with his aunt and uncle who took him in and raised him.
Hannah has her own issues. She was cheated on and left with nothing. She has spent the last two years rebuilding her life with her two dogs.
Hannah and Howard meet when their friends pick them to be their Maid of Honor and Best Man for their wedding. They meet at pre-wedding events and hit it off. They click and feel comfortable around each other. So Howard tells some of the stuff that has happened to him. Hannah is supportive.
Unfortunately there are so many evil people in the storyline: The Winemaker, David’s sister, Howard’s Aunt/Uncle/Cousins, Hannah’s Ex, I’m sure I forgot someone. There are just too many and this bogged the story down. I found myself skimming about half way through, then picked up again.
I wish the name of the person who began speaking was put in a title. Often I was confused as to which person was speaking.
So, in conclusion I liked the story and will be reading book two. I do think this book would benefit from a little editing. It’s really not twenty-four chapters. It’s a lot longer book. Finally. I did enjoy the Aussie slang however I did need to stop and google words which did interrupt the flow. I recommend putting in a glossary for us non-Aussie readers so we can keep reading Australian authors.
Recommending this book for your reading enjoyment and pleasure. Peace.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2019
This is the first Aussi book I’ve read. I know, what rock have I been living under, but true! I found it very interesting to read some expressions that were just slightly different than here in the states and some that took me a moment to decipher which added to the enjoyment of this read! The setting is of places and cities that I’ve only heard, read or dreamed about as part of that fabled land down under – Australia!
I liked the fact that Beyond Today is written in the first person. Novels in first person always make me feel more connected to the characters and the struggles they ‘re experiencing. I enjoyed the growth of Hannah and Howard as they dealt with an unusual problem that threatens to lead them to their destruction. It was also a pleasure getting to know a man who wasn’t entirely a tough and stoic alpha male. Oh yes, he is rough and tumble alright, but there’s more to him than that. Yes, guys have feelings too!! Hannah’s ability to laugh, love and stand up in the face of adversity makes her a heroine to admire. All in all, Beyond Today was a great read and I’m looking forward to more from this author.
I liked the fact that Beyond Today is written in the first person. Novels in first person always make me feel more connected to the characters and the struggles they ‘re experiencing. I enjoyed the growth of Hannah and Howard as they dealt with an unusual problem that threatens to lead them to their destruction. It was also a pleasure getting to know a man who wasn’t entirely a tough and stoic alpha male. Oh yes, he is rough and tumble alright, but there’s more to him than that. Yes, guys have feelings too!! Hannah’s ability to laugh, love and stand up in the face of adversity makes her a heroine to admire. All in all, Beyond Today was a great read and I’m looking forward to more from this author.
August 21, 2019
Beyond Today is a beautiful story of growth and the power of love and redemption. The characters have issues to deal with beyond the strong chemistry that has sparks flying. There are laugh out loud moments plus heart-warming tenderness between the characters. Being set in Australia, I enjoyed what was for me a unique setting and lots of interesting vocabulary that gave the story an authentic flavor. Take a chance on a new author and enjoy!
November 30, 2017
Trigger warning
In a memorable meet-cute, Hannah bumps into Howard with the words ‘I need a f*ck”. Equally mortified and attracted, Hannah’s exuberant personality soon has Howard enthralled.
Howard’s had a traumatic childhood and these issues have followed him into adulthood. He distances himself from people yet desperately wants to let Hannah in to his world, even knowing she will leave him when she learns the truth about him.
Hannah is an all-round good woman. She is a great friend, loves a dance and a drink, is kind to people and animals and loves music. She cooks, she eats. She’s a more-than-a-touch crass, somewhat of a workaholic and has been avoiding relationships since her last boyfriend cheated and stole from her.
It’s Howard’s issues, especially those involving people around him that drive a lot of drama in this book. Hannah and Howard get along very well, and even with some initial hesitation, Hannah places a great deal of trust in her relationship with Howard to help him overcome his difficulties.
For me, Howard was the more interesting character and I would have liked to know more about him. He had a lot more growing to do while Hannah was at a place in time where she had found a certain equilibrium.
My one quibble with this book came early when Howard started thinking about his ‘predilections’. All of a sudden I am thinking we’re about to jump into the throes of another Fifty Shades style novel. This didn’t pan out (thankfully!) but it did hamper my enjoyment until all was revealed. Unfortunately in the romance book world today there are too many books where the secretive, misunderstood hero just has sexual kinks.
All round, an enjoyable book.
In a memorable meet-cute, Hannah bumps into Howard with the words ‘I need a f*ck”. Equally mortified and attracted, Hannah’s exuberant personality soon has Howard enthralled.
Howard’s had a traumatic childhood and these issues have followed him into adulthood. He distances himself from people yet desperately wants to let Hannah in to his world, even knowing she will leave him when she learns the truth about him.
Hannah is an all-round good woman. She is a great friend, loves a dance and a drink, is kind to people and animals and loves music. She cooks, she eats. She’s a more-than-a-touch crass, somewhat of a workaholic and has been avoiding relationships since her last boyfriend cheated and stole from her.
It’s Howard’s issues, especially those involving people around him that drive a lot of drama in this book. Hannah and Howard get along very well, and even with some initial hesitation, Hannah places a great deal of trust in her relationship with Howard to help him overcome his difficulties.
For me, Howard was the more interesting character and I would have liked to know more about him. He had a lot more growing to do while Hannah was at a place in time where she had found a certain equilibrium.
My one quibble with this book came early when Howard started thinking about his ‘predilections’. All of a sudden I am thinking we’re about to jump into the throes of another Fifty Shades style novel. This didn’t pan out (thankfully!) but it did hamper my enjoyment until all was revealed. Unfortunately in the romance book world today there are too many books where the secretive, misunderstood hero just has sexual kinks.
All round, an enjoyable book.
December 29, 2017
I must confess that contemporary romance novels are normally not my genre of choice. However when I made the decision to pick up Beyond Today I was not disappointed. Laura Simpson’s first novel was a cheeky but thoroughly engaging novel. We are taken on a complex journey of a modern love story. Firstly we are introduced to Hannah, a country girl at heart who was easy to relate too. Coming off a devastating broken heart, most of us have been there, she is comfortable in herself and is totally capable of living and enjoying her life on her own, which I admired. That is until she meets a tall dark and handsome man in Howard. The filthy rich construction magnate is HOT. And you find yourself falling in love with him, if only my husband was more like Howard (minus his flaws of course). Although the book moves quickly I found myself not being able to put this down. I love the cheekiness and crass language that enables the reader to transport themselves into the setting of north east Vic in Australia. There is a lot of complex, but relatable themes in this book and shows the reader where there is love there is HOPE. Congratulations to Laura on a fantastic novel. I can’t wait to see what comes next ...... I feel the need to read more about Hannah and Howard as the ending leave you hanging for more. Hurry up and put me out of my misery....
December 10, 2017
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I honestly was blown away by this story. It was so real and thought provoking. You have Hannah who is a woman who has been cheated on and carries around that baggage. She meets Howard the best man in her friends wedding. Howard has some prety dark baggage that he is carrying around as well. Together they have the potential to help and heal each other but their are others that will do anything to tear them apart along with secrets that will be revealed. What a great book and I wish I could have given it a million stars. This is a debut book from Author L. Simpson and she is definitely and author to watch. Excellent writing of some pretty difficult topics. I cannot wait to see what this author will be writing next.
~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I honestly was blown away by this story. It was so real and thought provoking. You have Hannah who is a woman who has been cheated on and carries around that baggage. She meets Howard the best man in her friends wedding. Howard has some prety dark baggage that he is carrying around as well. Together they have the potential to help and heal each other but their are others that will do anything to tear them apart along with secrets that will be revealed. What a great book and I wish I could have given it a million stars. This is a debut book from Author L. Simpson and she is definitely and author to watch. Excellent writing of some pretty difficult topics. I cannot wait to see what this author will be writing next.
February 16, 2019
Loved this romance novel. Set in the alpine valley in north east Victoria, it is a magical setting. The characters were fantastic - Hannah - relatable and real. The balance of story and romance worked perfectly for me. I can’t wait to read the next novel in the series.
October 25, 2019
Beyond Today is the first book in the new Alpine Valleys series. Hannah and Howard are characters that have both been hurt in different ways in the past. While they have great chemistry, Howard's past traumas could ruin any chance of a relationship. This story is well written, heartwrenching, emotional, and wonderful in the promise of support, hope, and love.
The descriptions of the Victorian Alpine region is beautiful and makes you want to visit Australia.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
The descriptions of the Victorian Alpine region is beautiful and makes you want to visit Australia.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
December 6, 2017
I liked the story of Hannah and Howard. Howard’s childhood issues have been haunting him his whole life and meeting Hannah is like a breath of fresh air for him. She is a strong independent woman that surprised me through her acceptance and feisty attitude. He is rich and magazine cover handsome. They fall for each other hard. She is exactly what he needs in dealing with his family and through all that they rise up stronger in love. A great start for the author. Looking forward to more!
October 2, 2019
A fantastic piece.
Howard is a man with interesting ideas and Hannah meets him at a friend’s wedding. Both of these characters have experienced pain differently but still pain. The way they grow together made for a unique read. Can someone who has been abused accept that perhaps things can be good for them? There is a great deal of drama in this story and it was a very good book. I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Howard is a man with interesting ideas and Hannah meets him at a friend’s wedding. Both of these characters have experienced pain differently but still pain. The way they grow together made for a unique read. Can someone who has been abused accept that perhaps things can be good for them? There is a great deal of drama in this story and it was a very good book. I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 4, 2019
Very enjoyable and entertaining story of Hannah and Howard.
Howard’s childhood issues have been haunting him his whole life .Hanna is a strong independent woman with feisty attitude. She has been hurt by her ex and is not looking for any relationship.
They meet at the wedding And fall for each other hard. She is exactly what he needs in dealing with his family.
In the end both are winners,they got happiness
I received a free copy of this book and I’am voluntarily leaving a review.
Howard’s childhood issues have been haunting him his whole life .Hanna is a strong independent woman with feisty attitude. She has been hurt by her ex and is not looking for any relationship.
They meet at the wedding And fall for each other hard. She is exactly what he needs in dealing with his family.
In the end both are winners,they got happiness
I received a free copy of this book and I’am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2019
The book is a good romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2019
Book one in the Alpine Valleys series and the first book by this Author that I have read. This is Hannah and Howard's story, Howard had so much to go through what relatives he had. I liked reading their story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2019
This was everything. This read has depth in not just the storyline but in protagonists, Hannah and Howard.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2018
I was seriously impressed with this story. It shattered all my expectations of what was inside the covers!
I was able to bond with the characters, like them or hate them, which in turn drew me into the story. Main characters, Hannah and Howard are both believable, each carry their own baggage from past events or relationships which we understand and go into bat for each of them. I loved the tension the author created, the little nuances that popped up, that a reader can identify with. And the ending was well done - was standing right behind Hannah, egging her on. All good writing.
Unfortunately, I think cover lets this story down. It gives no idea of the brilliant story contained in the pages! I would never have picked this book based on the cover, even though it's a gorgeous photo. I was expecting a spiritual story, or even a christain based story, not the fantastic read it was.
I would say this author will be one to watch for in the future! I will certainly be looking out for her next book!
I was able to bond with the characters, like them or hate them, which in turn drew me into the story. Main characters, Hannah and Howard are both believable, each carry their own baggage from past events or relationships which we understand and go into bat for each of them. I loved the tension the author created, the little nuances that popped up, that a reader can identify with. And the ending was well done - was standing right behind Hannah, egging her on. All good writing.
Unfortunately, I think cover lets this story down. It gives no idea of the brilliant story contained in the pages! I would never have picked this book based on the cover, even though it's a gorgeous photo. I was expecting a spiritual story, or even a christain based story, not the fantastic read it was.
I would say this author will be one to watch for in the future! I will certainly be looking out for her next book!
October 6, 2019
Howard has issues from his childhood that he can't work past - he witnessed several episodes of severe trauma, combined with family drama, which has caused psychological problems. Hannah's partner in a previous relationship cheated on her, and left her with nothing. Not surprising that she has trust issues. They meet when their good friends get married, and they're asked to be best man and maid of honor. This is a really great story. Howard and Hannah have such huge hurdles to overcome, yet manage to move ahead. There are some great Australian books and authors - this is my second book from this author, and looking forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews