I’m sad to see this series come to a close, but this was a fitting conclusion! It wrapped everything up in a nice little bow, and the love story at the heart of it was both sexy and sentimental. Like everyone else, I’ve been waiting for Beau’s story for a long time, and this was (mostly) what I wanted for him. It was easy to see the sparks between Beau and Bailey, and the chemistry continued to crackle the whole way through. It’s what I would consider a hot slow burn, with a ton of sexual tension before they truly crossed the line. Probably too much focus on the sexual side of things, honestly. I couldn’t quite bring myself to rate it 5 stars because I felt like it only scratched the surface of Beau’s backstory while being oversaturated with sexually-charged moments. I wasn’t as emotionally connected to them as a couple as I would’ve liked, but the story is excellent otherwise. Silver is such a great writer, so this was still head and shoulders above a lot of the books out there, and I’m eagerly awaiting the start of a brand new series.
The story follows Beau (35), a former solider whose last experience overseas has left him with emotional and physical scars. Grappling with PTSD and feeling a little lost, Beau is spending more time at the local bar than he ever has before. That’s where he connects with Bailey (22), the bartender. Though Beau has been familiar with Bailey for years, it’s the first time he’s ever spent any real time with her. Everyone in town knows that Bailey’s family is trouble, and they treat her like she is too – even though she’s never done anything to deserve it. Hoping to change the town’s opinion of Bailey and make his family worry about him less, Beau suggests an unusual arrangement. Bailey will become his fake fiancée, and it should bring them both a little peace. But spending time with the woman Bailey has become is an unexpected breath of fresh air. As the two navigate their ever-changing relationship, they form a new future for themselves.
I LOVED the first two books in this series, and this story reminded me why. Both Beau and Bailey have gone through a lot, so watching them slowly heal together was pretty great. I loved that Beau gave Bailey strength when she needed it, but she does the same for him as well. She lifts him out of a dark place, and I really loved where their relationship ended up. They also had some fantastic chemistry, which jumped off the page right away. I liked the way Bailey was so brash and confident in some aspects but insecure in others. I was okay with the age gap for the most part, I just wish it hadn’t been such a constant topic of conversation, like Bailey’s inexperience. A stronger focus on Beau’s story would’ve been appreciated, especially since we’ve been waiting for so long. It feels like I still know barely anything about his history, just the man he is with Bailey. I loved that they were in such a bubble for so much of the book, but maybe a few less conversations about sex and a few more about life were needed, lol. Beyond that, I really enjoyed this overall. There were just enough appearances by the other characters to make it a well-rounded conclusion to the series, and now I cannot wait for the next one.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YsdTtH
Audio Note:
It was excellent! Jason Clarke is one of my personal favorites, so I have nothing but good things to say about his performance. His voice also fit Beau’s mood and personality so well, and he brings the heat in the spicy scenes – which were plentiful. Definitely not a book to listen to at the office. Though it’s technically a slow burn, it sure didn’t feel that way. This is my first experience with Angelina Rocca, and I liked her voice for the most part. Maybe not my absolute favorite, but pretty good for sure. The runtime (about 11 hours) was too much for me to get through in a single day, but not overwhelming. The whole series is outstanding on audio, and this was no exception. Absolutely recommended in the format.
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3s9DM5R
Blurb:
Beau Eaton is the town prince, a handsome military hero with a tortured past.
I’m the outcast bartender, a shy girl from the wrong side of the tracks.
He’s thirty-five and all man, and I’m twenty-two and all . . . virgin.
He’s also my fiancé. Correction: my fake fiancé.
We start out as a bet. He doesn’t believe that anyone holds my last name against me. So he offers me his to prove a point.
It’s win-win. He gets a break from his concerned family’s prying, and I get a chance to shed my family’s reputation while I save up to ditch this small town.
He says all I have to do is wear his ring, follow his lead, and pretend I can’t keep my hands off of him in public.
But it’s what happens between us in private that blurs all those carefully drawn lines.
It’s what transpires behind closed doors that doesn’t feel like pretending at all.
This engagement was supposed to be for show. This agreement? It has an end date.
He once told me he’d never fall in love.
And yet here I am, head over heels for my fake fiancé.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YsdTtH
Start the series today!
This series has been so good, and the first two books EASILY made my Top 20 of 2022 list. I really don’t know which book I liked more – they were both fantastic. Easily read as standalones, but the series is better together.
Blurb:
The rules were simple. Keep my hands off his daughter and stay out of trouble.
But now I’m stuck with her. There’s only one bed. And well, rules are made to be broken.
I’m the face of professional bull riding—the golden boy. Or at least I was, until it all blew up in my face. Now my agent says I have to clean up my image, so I’m stuck with his ball-busting daughter for the rest of the season as my “full-time supervision.”
But I don’t need a goddamn babysitter, especially one with skin-tight jeans, a sexy smirk, and a mouth she can’t stop running.
A mouth I can’t stop thinking about.
Because Summer isn’t just another conquest. She sees the man behind the mask, and she doesn’t run—she pulls me closer, even when she shouldn’t.
She says this means nothing.
I say this means everything.
She says there are boundaries we shouldn’t cross. That my reputation can’t take any more hits—and neither can her damaged heart.
I say I’m going to steal it anyway.
Read the review here
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3onzLoK
About the Author:
Elsie Silver is a Canadian author of sassy, sexy, small town romance who loves a good book boyfriend and the strong heroines who bring them to their knees. She lives just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband, son, and three dogs and has been voraciously reading romance books since before she was probably supposed to.
She loves cooking and trying new foods, traveling, and spending time with her boys–especially outdoors. Elsie has also become a big fan of her quiet five am mornings, which is when most of her writing happens. It’s during this time that she can sip a cup of hot coffee and dream up a fictional world full of romantic stories to share with her readers.
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