A forced marriage is a doomed one, or not?

Synopsis

Forced to wed the warrior

Falling for the man…

Noblewoman Amée Évreaux had pledged her life to God, until her father promised her in marriage to thundering Norseman, Jorund Jötunnson. After escaping her overbearing father, Amée vows never to fall under another man’s thumb, but her resistance to being Jorund’s wife turns to desire as she gets to know her intriguing new husband. For beneath his fierce exterior she’s glimpsed an unexpectedly pure heart. If only she can penetrate the fortress that surrounds it…

My review

Amée Évreux is ready to pledge her life to God. But when suddenly the huge Norseman Jorund Jötinnson appears at the convent, claiming that her father has promised her in marriage to him, Amée recluctantly agrees to the marriage, after reading her father’s letter and to protect the other nuns in the convent.
Amée has fought hard to escape her overbearing father, and she surely isn’t planning on being a compliant wife to that brute that Jorund appears to be.
But spending more time with Jorund shows Amée that her husband is not only a fierce warrior, but is also a passionate man who would do everything for those he cares about. Could Amée be part of his close circle of loved one? Or will his walls be insurmountable for her too?

It’s not so long that I have discovered the romance with Viking involved. And surely my imagination went all the way seeing the Viking like these examples of huge perfection. Ladies, just admit, you all imagine them the same way!
I have read several books involving knights and all different kind of known historical figures, but VIKINGS… that was a nice novelty!

Amée is ready to take her vows, and just happy that she escaped her father. It’s rather obvious from the start that she is just escaping from her father and not having that calling to pledge her life to God.
Why her father is such a horrible character will be slowly revealed, and more proof of being a hideous character will be showed. And that made me understand Amée’s reasoning better. Also because it’s because of her father that her mother did what she did, making Amée feel even more alone on the world…

From the moment Jorund literally barges inside the convent, it’s clear that Amée is a strong character, despite her own beliefs. Initially she fights back (not as the best of fighters, but extra points for trying!) but when her sisters are at risk, she “scarifies” herself so that the rest is safe.

Initially Jorund is a scaring figure. It’s not for nothing he is described as a giant, and compared to tiny Amée, the difference of posture couldn’t be bigger.
but behind his huge appearance, every reader can sense that there is more to him than just being a brutal Norseman.
I kind of found it sweet how he promises to be faithful to his wife, while it would be so easy for him to just do what he wants.

This story has the expected outcome (no surprise there) but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t bother with it.
Because both characters have demons that plague them, ghosts from the past and present still hunting them.
And they both have to not only face their demons, but also they have to find the courage and strength to be honest about it towards each other.
Amée is also learning to stand up for herself, not being that mousy girl she initially was. I found it empowering to see how she found the strength to not only face Jorund, but also her father.
And seeing how Jorund’s walls are slowly being crushed and we see the Norseman’s true character was everything Amée and we needed!

I found it an entertaining story to read, with strong yet lovable Vikings, tiny but strong women fighting for their own happiness. And an unexpected love that shows us that even the unexpected can be something wonderful!

An apparently random meeting is not what it seems

Synopsis

Is her whole life built on a lie?

Rose has always been close to her father. Her mother died soon after she was born, so it’s been just the two of them for as long as she can remember.

But a chance encounter days before she’s due to get married leaves Rose questioning everything she has ever known.

The man she trusts most in the world has been keeping a secret from her.

And the truth will leave her with an impossible choice…

My review

Just before getting married to Ryan, Rose is having a pampering weekend with her best friend. And even if her friend has a family emergency, Rose is being persuaded to have the much earned pampering.
During her ‘me – time’ she meets Cassie, and they spend the day and evening together.
But Rose has no idea that meeting Cassie is not so random as it appears, and that revelations will be made that will turn her whole world upside and her trust in those close to her may or may not be justified…

I have never read something from this author before, but reading the blurb, it surely intrigued me. And you never know what new authors you may fall in love with when reading something different than what you are used to!

When Rose and Cassie meet, I understood why they bundled their forces. Spending a day at a spa in company is better than spending it alone, and it makes it easier to dodge not so nice other customers.
However, when they agree to swap their life stories, I found it a bit strange, as you just do not share the most important events of your life with a random stranger.
But of course, the author is doing this with a purpose, making us understand the characters better. And seeing how both Rose and Cassie have lived their lives until now, getting them at this specific spot, was a nice way to do. Even if there are many flashbacks, having them actually being able to ‘hear’ them was a new way for me to relive the past of our main characters.

The more is revealed from the past, the quicker I realized what the devastating realization would be. so when Rose got to know the truth, it didn’t come as a total surprise to me.
But I was left a bit flabbergasted when there were even more revelations, concerning people Rose trusts unconditionally.
I felt how her heart broke when she realized that she has been lied to by more people than she could imagine.

This story for me was proof that there are always two sides to a story. And if you know only one side, it’s easy to judge someone’s behaviour. But also in real life, seeing another point of view can make you understand the other person so much better and you can even comprehend the made choice.
One decision made in the past doesn’t mean that in the present you are that same person. Because everyone of us mature in time and thanks with the right people by your side, you can find the courage to make amends.
But the author shows us also that taking those first small steps towards forgiveness is just the start and that the road can be long because it’s not that because you are ready for the next phase, that the counterparty is there yet.

I found this a beautiful story about regrets, making amends, forgiveness and family. The evolution of the characters made in most cases make me feel proud, even if there was a big disappointment in the case of one character (you’ll know what I mean when you are at that part in the story!).
But here again, with the right, loving people by your side, you will be able to overcome the great pain that has been caused to you!

Who knew…

Synopsis

His childhood nemesis…is the woman he can’t resist!

Chaperoning Charity Brookes while she’s on a singing tour should be easy for Griffith Philpot—he’s spent his whole life sparring with her over her flighty ways! But as he discovers that she’s much more than the impetuous girl he thought he knew, a passion ignites between them… Sharing a steamy kiss leaves him torn – he’s supposed to be responsible for guarding her virtue!

My review

Charity Brookes has the voice of an angel, and she is really looking forward to start her singing tour. But her joy dissolves a bit when Griffith Philpot is chaperoning her during the trip. They know each other their whole lives, but never got really along… so she surely isn’t looking forward to spend time with Griff! Because how headstrong and determined Charity is to do as she pleases, Griff is the one who tries to keep her in control.
However when things escalate and a steamy kiss is shared, the unleashed passion will lead to more than both initially bargained for.

May I just start by saying how much I enjoyed reading the story of each Brookes’ sisters story??? Each sister couldn’t be more different than the other one, but all three of them are so easy to like and it was a real joy reading each story!

Charity might be the most stubborn/ determined sister of them all. Or even the most passionate one.
She is at the verge of her singing career, and she is making a name for herself. Her passion for singing is something I admired and I understand her determination of getting only better at it. but beside her passion for singing, she wants to find the kind of love her sisters have found.
Her flirting with men was something I found funny to read, because I saw how it was all a game for her, without crossing the boundaries. And even if her hopes were set on one specific gentleman, it was easy to see that her heart wasn’t in it.

And then I’m not yet talking about the friction between Charity and Griff! Oooh those were HILARIOUS moments!
Griff seems a very stiff man, things have to go his way and he does not want that Charity takes a wrong turn.
But behind his seemingly superior behaviour, he is just a gentle soul, even if unable to express his real feelings. And instead of making the contact with Charity easier, it’s clashing over clashing over clashing, making the readers have a wonderful time!

And even when the unexpected happens (not so unexpected for the readers!), I loved how Griff manages to be the perfect gentleman, shielding Charity for more gossiping and bad reputation.

Not only was this a hilarious and also lovely story to read, I found it also an adorable one. Because it is kind of typical behaviour that our main characters show. They are constantly disagreeing over everything, but the truth about their feelings couldn’t be more different compared to how they act.
If only sometimes people dare to express their real feelings, a lot of hurt could have been avoided!

I found this story fitting perfectly for Charity, because she deserves in a way of having a love story that is out of the ordinary.
The author managed again to write a story grasping the uniqueness of this sister and her chaperon. I had the best of times and couldn’t wish for a better ending to complete the saga of the Brookes’ sisters!

An unexpected guest with a past brings unexpected consequences

Synopsis

Cornish charm and a Tennessee twist – the perfect pair?
Nessa Vivian is determined to keep her parents’ business afloat, but Pear Tree Farm near the backwater Cornish village of Polgarth didn’t do well as farm, and it’s not faring much better as a camp site. Maybe it’s due to Nessa’s habit of taking in troubled runaways, like ex-soldier Crispin, for next to nothing. Or perhaps her highly-strung sister Lowena is right – caravans named after Beatles’ songs and homegrown pears are not enough to turn the farm into a tourist haven.
Then another troubled runaway turns up, posing the greatest threat yet. Ex-musician Ward Spencer from Tennessee is certainly intriguing, but could his plans to put nearby Tregereth House on the map mean Pear Tree Farm is finished – or does his arrival signal a second lease of life, and not just for Nessa’s business?

My review

Nessa Vivian may not be the most successful camp site owner. Even if she is struggling to keep Pear Tree Farm afloat, she finds it difficult to refuse a place to stay to those in need. Like ex – soldier Crispin, he is welcome to stay and instead of money, he works around the place to earn his stay. This frustrates Nessa’s sister Lowena, because the Farm is a money pit.
When another guest arrives, this will change Nessa’s future plans. Because not only is Ward Spencer running away from the music scene in Tennessee, but he has plans concerning Tregereth House. Will his plans put an end to Pear Tree Farm, or will his arrival have positive influences, and not only for the Farm but also for Nessa personally?

I truly love reading books from this author, and I thought it would be impossible for her to write a story that not only exceeded my high expectations, but made me completely fall in love with almost all its characters!

Nessa is so kind, caring and lovely… even if it’s in het disadvantage, she offers help to those who need it. The way she cares for Crispin, that’s the kind of behaviour all of us should have…
She does not look for a way to get every penny out of her customers, but she wants them to be happy when their stay at the Pear Tree Farm.
On the other hand, being a kind character is lovely, but you still have to have an earning, otherwise the Farm is doomed…

And in this sense, I understood Lowena’s frustrations… It’s beautiful how Nessa cares, but the caring cannot be at your own costs…

The relation between the two sisters is also very recognizable. Obviously they love each other, there isn’t a thing they wouldn’t do for each other, but they often also clash.

When Ward enters the scene, you would be very oblivious to think he wouldn’t become the main character.
Even if initially it’s not clear what made him escape from Tennessee, it’s obvious that whatever happened, scarred him.
And before the reality of his past is revealed, the true character of Ward submerges. This showed me that no matter what happens to someone, it can change that person, but the things that are important, like love, kindness, selfishness, are still there.

Yes, this is a romance, but I felt it as a different kind of story. Of course, I found it lovely to see how the relation between Nessa and Ward is shifting towards an important one. But what truly warmed my heart, was the love between all the characters. Every character have to face a dramatic event, but with just all the other ones around them, giving the support, love and help, they see a way out.

Life almost never goes as expected, but even the unexpected can bring so much joy and love. And there is always the opportunity for redemption, turning the bad into an important lesson to accept and enjoy the good.

There is only one chance at true love, right?

Synopsis

When her dreams of young love were cruelly shattered, Nerissa Morgan found it hard to move on. Now, at forty-three, everyone around her is enjoying life while she’s just going through the motions. With her boss retiring and rumours of a new doctor coming in to take over the practice she manages, change is coming, whether she’s ready for it or not.

Following the death of his beloved wife, Tom Nelson buried himself in work at his busy inner-London GP practice. When his teenage children find themselves in trouble at school, he realises he’s completely lost touch with them. Desperate to reconnect before it’s too late, he whisks his family away to the pretty seaside village of Mermaids Point determined to make a fresh start.

But all is not as idyllic as it seems. With his predecessor reluctant to let go of the reins and the children as distant as ever, the last thing Tom needs is an undeniable attraction to the woman he unexpectedly finds himself sharing a roof with…

Warm, escapist, feel-good and altogether brilliant story-telling from bestselling author Sarah Bennett. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley and Milly Johnson.

My review

At the age of forty-three, Nerissa Morgan only wants to have the security of a job and a place to live, especially now that her boss is retiring from his doctor’s practice. Love is surely not something she is looking for, because she already found the love of her life, even if unfortunately she also lost him.
Doctor Tom Nelson is determined to make a new start at Mermaids Point with his two teenage children. The death of his beloved wife is still too hurtful, however he realizes he need to reconnect with the teenagers that still need him.
At Mermaids Point, not only does he now have a predecessor finding it hard to let go of his patients, but he also must face the growing attraction he starts feel for the live – in housekeeper/ receptionist, also known as Nerissa Morgan.

You know that feeling of happiness when you open a new book from an author you love? And even before you have read one single word, you just know you’ll just love it?
Well, for me it’s exactly like this when I read a book from Sarah Bennett! And I don’t even have a tiny bit of fear that it won’t fulfil my high expectations!

Mermaids Point is not an unfamiliar place for the readers, as this is the second, WONDERFUL, part of the series.
Even if it warmed my heart to see how Laurie and Jake are still completely in love with each other, my heart just melted reading the tale of Nerissa and Tom.
But be warned, their tales are also heart – breaking ones…

Both of them have faced great grief, one not so very long ago and one more in the past. But no matter when it happened, this story shows us there is no timeline or limit for someone’s grief.
And what broke my heart the most was reading how those two small teenagers are still learning to overcome the loss of their mother, that, like Tom says himself, was the glue of the family.

From the first look between Nerissa and Tom, sparks fly around. However, the grief they are still feeling, is still holding them back, and not only that. As Nerissa is also working for Tom, it would complicate things even further.
And let’s not forget that there are also his children to take in account.

How much I wanted that Nerissa and Tom would give in to their feelings, that was also the beauty of this book. They both know what’s at stake and both are not ready to take it next level.
But it was so lovely to see how slowly they are both being able to put the grief behind them. Of course that doesn’t mean that they will forgot or easily dismiss the person they lost, but they realize that remaining alone is not the solution when you have another perfect match.

The author managed again to write a heart – warming story, this time about people having suffered a lot, but with the much deserved respect dare to get out into the unknown again. You never know where a fresh start will take you and who you will meet. And in an amazing community residing in Mermaids Point, there may be that special person making your heart beat again a little faster after a long time, maybe even with the little magical help of the mythical mermaids…

When you have found your happily ever after, you want everyone to find it too!

Synopsis

Beatrice Halliday has been working hard at the Princess and The Pea Inn, loved up with landlord Atholl and enjoying planning events for the locals. But at Christmas there’s a kick – as she realises she’s expecting.

Despite being fearful of the future, Beatrice is graced with a distraction: the prospects of helping a romance flourish when a married couple spend their first child-free holiday at the Inn – and it becomes clear they need some help rediscovering each other. In true Beatrice fashion, she cant help meddling.

Featuring the story of a first love, a new family, a marriage in crisis, and an octogenarian love affair, you’ll fall head over heels for this heart-warming rom-com.

My review

Six months ago, Beatrice Halliday didn’t expect to fall in love with not only the Scottish Highlands village Port Willow, but also with Atholl Fergusson.
Not only has her broken heart been healed, she is determined to make other people as happy and as in love just as she is.
So her latest victims are Ruth and Mark Firth, the competition winners that can use some reignited spark, and Nina, who flew over from the States, determined to show her worth.
However, next to all her efforts as a matchmaker, Beatrice will quickly realize that there is even a bigger surprise in store for her, which will turn her life upside down.

I loved returning to Port Willow and see how Beatrice and Atholl were doing. And it was just heart –warming to see the love between this couple is palpable and even made me a little bit jealous!
Despite everything that happened in Beatrice’s past, she is living proof that a great loss can be overcome. And the things she does to make sure that people around her have that same happiness, made me like her even more than I already did!

Seeing Beatrice and Atholl was the sweetest thing ever! And when an unexpected surprise turns Beatrice’s whole world upside down, my heart broke…
I understood her actions, but I felt so sad for her, because she isn’t capable to enjoy it. And seeing Atholl trying to cope with an unusual Beatrice…

When Nina enters the story, I was furious with the way she was being treated in the States. The reason she is being sent to Scotland, I cannot understand how a company would work like that.
And even if Nina is wearing fancy clothes and behaves very snobby, it’s obvious that that is not the real Nina.
Slowly, we get to see how Nina herself realizes somehow she has lost herself in the cruel and hard world where she works.
Seeing her clash with Mutt (real name is Murray, no worries!) was really hilarious, because we readers could see more into it!

I found this a wonderful story to read, even if in fact it were three stories, where each couple/individual is in another stage of life, with its own issues.
Beatrice and Atholl are enjoying the passion and love from a rather new love, but facing something unexpected.
Nina is obviously lost, because she thought it was clear what she was capable of and now she has to fight to show her true worth. And in Scotland not only does she find herself again, but also something more.
The Firths are in a much further stage in their marriage, but being together for a long time doesn’t mean it’s all working out perfectly.

And having this combination, turned this beautiful book into a wonderful one. Love don’t come easy, for no one. It’s a journey you make together.

But for having that blissful feeling, you don’t only need to find that other person to love, but you have to learn to find yourself and love yourself.
And even if something opens old wounds again, the past shouldn’t hold that grip on you, and the right person will be able to understand your fears and kiss them all away!
but also, when you think the love is all over, a moment away can open your eyes again and reignite some of that passion again!

The author managed to write an amazing sequel, keeping the wonderful bits of the first parts, having delightful new additions, making my poor heart warm over all over again, and making me wish I could have my own romantic adventure at The princess and the Pea Inn!

And today I am also showing you this wonderful cover!

Synopsis

Autumn is stuck in a rut and desperate to escape the fears that bind her to the life she’s grown to hate. Back home and living with her parents after university with a degree that seems to count for nothing, she knows something has to change. After a chance meeting with a stranger at the beach, she makes the spontaneous decision to move to Dublin and chase her dreams. However, what Autumn doesn’t realise is that she has just made the decision that will lead to her death. But does a short life have to mean an unsuccessful life? Will she be able to make it count? 

Red Roses is a compelling and uplifting story that shows the true beauty of life, love and friendship.

About the author

Katie Ward always knew she wanted to write for a living. However, she was told by her careers advisor that “it might be more appropriate for you to work in a shop”. When Katie didn’t get the grades she needed to get into college, she negotiated a three month trial. After successfully completing the course she secured a place at her first choice university to study Journalism. 

After realising she wanted to be an author, Katie moved to Dublin where she worked her way up from receptionist to Executive Assistant at Merrill Lynch. Katie continued to write in her spare time, submitting her short story into the “Do the Write Thing” competition being run by Irish TV show ‘Seoige and O’Shea’. This story was originally written when Katie was 14 after she was inspired by an article in her favourite teen magazine. Katie was the only non-Irish author selected to have her story published in an anthology of the same name which reached 19 in the Irish Best sellers List. Katie was also shortlisted for a competition judged by MAN Booker Prize winning author Roddy Doyle which was run by Metro Eireann newspaper. 

Katie currently lives in Devon with her cat (aka ‘Her Royal Fluffiness’) where she sings in a community choir and has recently taken up Archery. Katie’s favourite author has been Roald Dahl since she was a child as she loves the dark edge he brings to his books. On the flip side though, Katie loves Disney, magic, unicorns and a good rom com film at the cinema with her friends.

THE COVER

Better a good neighbour than a distant friend…

Synopsis

When April moves into Hummingbird House, she is intrigued by her mysterious landlord, Dai. 

With a bruised heart and a distinct lack of furniture, she spends the summer getting to know the other occupants. As she smartens up her home and makes peace with her recent past, she befriends Paul, a solitary ex-chef, and Betty, an elderly lady who lives in the basement flat. 

But Hummingbird House holds many secrets, and the relationships of the tenants are not as straightforward as they seem. April learns some shocking truths one eventful night, and realises that victims and villains can look the same. 

The Landlord of Hummingbird House is a contemporary novel exploring unlikely friendships, unexpected love interests, and family relationships. Here, everyone is in need of a second chance – and appearances can be deceptive.

My review

April has recently moved into Hummingbird House. All she wants now is some peace and quiet after she got her heart broken.
While she is changing the place into her home, with the necessary redecorations, she quickly realizes that the other tenants are a close bunch and want her also in. Not only does she befriend ex – chef Paul, but also Betty, an elderly lady, is becoming quickly more than just a neighbour.
Even if the most tenants are a nice bunch, April is intrigued by Dai, as he is not that open and is behaving strangely.
Slowly April learns that not all the tenants are in a happy mental place. And when one night all the secrets are out, not everything is as easy as it seems, because there are always two sides on a story…

I don’t know what I initially expected from this story, but eventually it was not what I thought it would be.
And I don’t mean that I got disappointed, because I truly didn’t!

Having recently moved myself, I understood how hard it was for April for making her new place feel like actual home. but where I had all the necessary furniture at hand, she barely had anything.
And not knowing immediately what occurred to her, made it difficult to comprehend he and her actions completely.
However, slowly we get to know her better and when it’s clear where she came from, I could only admire her as she is trying to pick up the pieces again.

But this is not only April’s story. Because Dai surely intrigues her. He behaves very oddly, and isn’t that welcoming towards April.
And that is in complete contrast of what the other neighbours tell April. It’s obvious that they are all keeping something secret, and it’s obvious that it’s something devastating.

When reading a story where a young woman moves to another place, and meets new people, it would be an easy and natural assumption that the whole plot will involve some romantic business.
But the author took a whole different direction with this book.
In this tale we get to learn the hurt people had to endure and how difficult it can be to move on from a heart-breaking moment.
Every tenant have lived a moment of pain and each one has another way of coping with it. It’s easy as a reader to feel the pain and despair of the characters.

This isn’t a book that will make you laugh at loud, but its honesty and realism gave me a sense of contentment.

The author wrote a warm story, about random strangers, living in the same building, but connect. This connection is not overly romanticised, but very realistic, making it easier to believe and recognize.
This lovely story shows us how one action, like moving to a new place, can give us the support, friendship and love we need even if we don’t realize how much we need it.

People can be lovely, but also nasty

Synopsis

KIERA
Newly returned from backpacking around Europe, Kiera Merrick has landed a dream job – working for actress Stella Wynter, helping set up a memory room at Penmarra, her beautiful riverside home just outside Kingswater.

JAKE
Jake Paterson is currently staying with Stella after filming the final series of his popular TV drama. He is trying to work out how to get his co-star and long-term girlfriend Rachel Tyler back after she walked out on him. But Jake soon finds himself drawn to Kiera, developing feelings for her that have no place in his life. He realises painful choices will eventually have to be made. And someone is going to get hurt.

TOM
Stella’s godson, hapless Tom Armytage is also staying at Penmarra along with girlfriend Chantal. He dreams of becoming a successful property developer and hopes Chantal’s dynamic presence will boost his ambitions. To impress her he boasts that he is heir to all of Stella’s wealth.

CHANTAL
Chantal Porter is a woman used to getting her own way. Tom is her ideal partner; weak and easily manipulated. Listening to him talk about his inheritance, she likes the idea of being Penmarra’s next mistress. But Stella and Jake’s close relationship gives her cause for concern. Who is he? And could he be a threat to her future ambitions?

As Jake comes to a difficult decision and sets off for London to sort things out with Rachel, a heart broken Kiera is left to watch helplessly as Chantal puts in place a plan to secure Tom’s inheritance. One that will change Stella’s life for ever.

Set on the south coast of Cornwall, A Kingswater Summer is a story of love, deception, and family secrets…

My review

Kiera has returned to Kingswater for the wedding of her best friend Ava. Her backtracking around Europe has ended quicker than anticipated, but nobody would stop Kiera to be there on the happiest day of her best friend.
Her trip has shown her that she has to figure out what direction her life will take. Even if she doesn’t know what she wants, working for actress Stella Wynter, setting up a memory room, is a start of learning what her passions really are.
Stella has the company of Jake Paterson, who has to try to win back his girlfriend and co – star of a popular TV Drama, Rachel Tyler. Her walking out on him wasn’t what he expected, especially when he has an engagement ring ready.
However, the more time he spends on Kingswater, the more he finds himself drawn to Kiera even if they started off on the wrong foot.
But Rachel and his attraction towards Kiera isn’t his only problem… because even if not related, he wants to protect Stella from vultures, wanting to use Stella for their own schemes. And her godson Tom, with the influence of his girlfriend Chantal are surely not to be underestimated… 

Having read several books from this author, I knew that when I started with her latest story, it wouldn’t be a walk in the park…

It’s not only a romance, but there are so many twists, nasty characters (some predictable but also a few surprising ones) that our main characters are pulled into a real drama with thriller-esque bits. 

Kiera is the kind of character that you cannot not like. Her love for her family and friends and even the way she easily befriends Stella was something that made me smile.
The easiest way to describe Kiera is ‘pure’. She has a good sense of right and wrong, and she is a good judge of character, even if initially she clashes with Jake (and even several times 😊).
She enjoys working for Stella, but she enjoys spending time with Stella even more. And when Stella is not that well, she is honestly concerned. 

Jake is this typical oblivious man… and this is said with all the love I have for the man! His first meeting with Kiera, it’s obvious who is in fault, but he doesn’t see it and believes that Kiera is just being a snob. This bit made me laugh, because somehow, it was typically Jake.
But his love for Stella, and even for Rachel (even it’s obvious we are cheering for him getting together with Kiera!) was very sweet.
Even if Stella is not his mother, the feelings this pair have for each other are of such level. And I found it so sweet  how he looks after someone he cares so much about.

And Stella, even if she is a famous actress with even an Oscar, she is just so approachable and normal! And learning the how and why she took Jake in as a little boy, shows her kind and great heart!
And Erik… can I dognap him? Pretty please??? I need him in my life!!!  

But like I said, their story isn’t a walk in park…. How much I despised Tom, and just hoped that somehow he would grow a pair… I have never seen a character being so spineless and being just a waste of air… And Chantal, it’s obvious she is using Tom for her own hideous schemes and there isn’t a thing she wouldn’t do to get rich… even if that means using Tom’s connection with Stella. 

This story shows just how horrible people can be… but also how wonderful they can be. For every nasty bit Tom and Chantal are doing, there are the lovely moments with Kiera and Jake… And not only because of their shifting feelings, but it’s just the way they are that makes it so easy to like them.
Of course, some things they do were frustrating me, because in my mind they were the wrong thing to do, even if it was done with the best intentions (No Jake, I haven’t forgiven your behaviour in the restaurant yet!).

There were secrets and betrayals that left me totally flabbergasted, even if I shouldn’t have been surprised!
But the way our lovely characters handled them, was showing again how great they all are! 

This story was just impossible to put away, I wanted to see the love, but I also wanted to see justice prevail.
After each chapter I tried to put it aside, finding it being an impossible task!
I fell in love with the main characters, loved their story and even the nastier bits couldn’t diminish the heart – warming feelings I had!
Again a great accomplishment written by this author!

Of course having your best friend pretending to be your boyfriend is a perfect idea!

Synopsis

Faking it has never been so much fun…

In her ultra-competitive family, April Beckett is used to taking last place. For years, she’s put up with jabs about her modest job and her pathetic love life. Especially after she tried to impress her older sisters with a fake boyfriend in college and failed miserably. But now she has a smoking-hot date for her brother’s wedding, guaranteed to wow them.

Until he bails. Cue total desperation.

Without April’s friendship, Brody Blackwood wouldn’t have survived his last breakup. So, if she needs a plus-one for a family wedding, he’s all in. Even if it means pretending to be her boyfriend. And committing to six days of activities at a wooded resort in Wisconsin. But how hard could a relaxing getaway with your best friend be?

Too bad there’s a grueling 10K race and a cutthroat trivia night to endure. Not to mention a massive secret to protect. But will the biggest secret of all turn out to be that this fake relationship feels more real than April or Brody ever imagined?

My review

April Beckett is looking forward to her brother’s wedding. Especially as now she can proof that her boyfriend Chris really exists and is not another fake boyfriend like she pretended to have in college.
But when Chris bails, it’s the proverbial straw, and April breaks off the relationship. However, as she doesn’t want to show up alone at the wedding as the Beckett family is very competitive in just everything, she needs help from her best friend Brody.
Brody couldn’t be more grateful for April’s friendship, especially after his last breakup. So ‘sacrificing’ a week and posing as her boyfriend is the least he could do.
Brody gets to know the real meaning of a competitive family, and learns how April had to endure years of jabs and has been making fun of for too long.
So it’s obvious that he becomes just the perfect boyfriend for April! Because it’s all pretend, right? 

Why is it that I like romances of the type ‘best friends to more’? I just love reading such stories, not only to see the developing feelings, but also seeing the fear in the main characters’ because risking their friendship if things wouldn’t work out, would be terrible!
And this story even added more dilemma’s and heart-warming moments, giving me the total package! 

April is one of the easiest characters to love. It’s obvious she has a lot of love to give, but she also has a low self – esteem. Being in a competitive family, and not excelling in sports like your sisters, doesn’t help at all!
And having just every one questioning when you’ll get a real job, a real boyfriend, well, I understood why she asked Brody to cover for her.
Because even Chris is not the boyfriend she dreamed of, but she has ben settling for less, for just having someone to love and have someone that gives you some affection.
But let make things VERY VERY clear: April is just perfect the way she is. Her love for movies, her care for her friends, and even those insecurities, what’s not to like? If possible, I wanted to have her as a friend! 

Brody is not an unknown character, as I have enjoyed reading the first book of this series. (Yes, you can read this one as a standalone, but why would you when you have another lovely book to read!)
The way he got his heart broken, was just terrible, because he just deserves better! He also deserves someone who loves him for just who he is, weirdness included! 

I loved reading how protective these best friends were towards each other. And seeing how Brody started to see April in a whole different light, and protects her even from some nasty remarks from her sisters, made my heart melt. 

Now, of course, not everything will run smoothly in this story, and it’s not really a spoiler when I say that the deceit will be discovered.
Of course there will be appearances that will make things turn for the worse, and I was nearly screaming for both April and Brody to just do the right thing and follow their hearts! 

I loved reading every bit of this story, it was just lovely, heart – warming, swoon – worthy and sometimes even hilarious! I fell completely in love with these characters, as they are so normal and recognizable and absolutely loveable and adorable!
another sweet success from the imagination of this author that is slowly stealing bigger chunks of my bookheart!