Quick and spicy, this wedding-themed romance is focused as much on the small town drama as it is on the love story. It’s a slightly different vibe than Landish’s usual, still heavy on the spice, but a little easier and more laidback than expected. Our couple has instant chemistry before the heroine realizes who she’s flirting with, which causes plenty of sexual tension and some friction. The story moves very quickly in terms of relationship development, with the whole book taking course over the hero’s trip home for his brother’s wedding. It had HFN vs. HEA vibes for me (I was actually surprised when they said those three little words and cringed at the lack of BC convo), but I thought that the chemistry between the characters was obvious and engaging. I would’ve liked significantly more time with them on the page together – and a whole lot less town nonsense – but this is sure to be a win for those who like that small town, community feel. It ended up somewhere between three and fours stars for me – an easy, forgettable read that held my interest while reading, but failed to leave a lasting impression.
The story follows Wyatt, a guy who returns home for his brother’s wedding. He comes from an affluent family in town, and his family’s reputation has always preceded him in life – which is the main reason he decided to move away. Upon arriving in town, Wyatt meets a brash, sexy woman, and the attraction is immediate. Things seem to be going well until Hazel realizes who Wyatt is, which quickly puts a damper on the sparks that had been flying between them. As the two prepare for their roles in the wedding, they keep running into each other. And it soon becomes obvious that Hazel won’t be able to resist Wyatt’s charms. But he’s only in town temporarily, so they both need to remind themselves that anything that happens is likely only a fling.
I always know that I’m in for a light, playful, and super steamy read when I open one of Landish’s books, and that is definitely the case here as well. It’s short and sexy, with a low angst feel and plenty of heat. The banter and chemistry is the major win, and Wyatt is also very easy to like. I loved that he was willing to explore his feelings for Hazel, and it was clear that he also fell first. There are some definite instalove vibes going on, which was almost necessary given the short timeline of the book. I personally would’ve swapped out a bunch of the town stuff in favor of more time with Hazel and Wyatt, because I really liked them together and I was not emotionally invested in any of the small town craziness. But some readers may enjoy that aspect more, and the book is short enough that it never felt like it was dragging. Overall, it’s not one of my favorites from the author, but it did make for a spicy, lighthearted read.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fNPa0X
Audio Note:
The audio is great! Teddy Hamilton is one of my favorite narrators, so I loved hearing his voice for this one. And CJ Bloom always does a great job too, so the combination worked for me. It’s dual narration with a runtime that’s short enough to binge in a single day, though I wouldn’t recommend listening at the office. Not only is there plenty of heat, but the townsfolk also have a lot of… personality… so there were a whole lot of inappropriate moments. The low angst, easygoing feel is ideal for the audio format though, so it makes for a great listen. I’ve got no complaints about the audio, and it probably made it easier for me to get invested in the romance. I ended up switching back and forth from text and audio, which was super easy to do.
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3Ehn1sM
Blurb:
Opposites don’t just attract—they ignite—in a flirty against-all-odds romance by Wall Street Journalbestselling author Lauren Landish.
Wyatt Ford hightailed it out of Cold Springs to get away from his influential family and the unwanted privilege that came with it. Returning for his brother’s wedding dredges up every reason he left. One unexpected bright spot: a curvy knockout who slings burgers, hustles pool…and hates the last name Ford.
Hazel Sullivan is fiercely independent and happy to be maid of honor for her best friend’s wedding, but she isn’t looking for romance. Especially not with a man whose family is dividing her town into a battleground with their development plans. Fighting the family is easy. Fighting Wyatt? Not so much. Why does the enemy have to be so drop-dead gorgeous?
The sparks that fly between Hazel and Wyatt might start out as combat, but one kiss and it’s total surrender. How is a happy ever after even possible for two people with so little in common? Except, of course, for an overwhelming attraction and that growing temptation to say “I do” themselves.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fNPa0X
About the Author:
Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post and #1 Amazon best-selling author Lauren Landish welcomes you into a world of rock-hard abs and chiseled smiles. Her sexy, contemporary romances—including her wildly successful Irresistible Bachelor Series—have garnered a legion of praise from her readers. When Lauren isn’t plotting ways to introduce readers to their next sexy-as-hell book boyfriend, she’s deep in her writing cave and furiously tapping away on her keyboard, writing scenes that would make even a hardened sailor blush.
For all the updates and news on her upcoming books (not to mention a whole lotta hunks), visit her website at www.LaurenLandish.com or follow her on Twitter (@LaurenLandish) and Facebook (@Lauren.Landish).
Join Lauren’s Mailing list: http://www.subscribepage.com/w1h8x6
Follow Jeeves on social media!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Jeeves Reads Romance 