Tag Archives: Stefanie London

Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen by Stefanie London-a Review

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Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen by Stefanie London-a Review

 

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Description:
“A swoon-tastic rom-com that readers will love from beginning to end.” —Romance by the Book on The Dachshund Wears Prada

Can you ever really forget the one who got away?

August Merriweather has always been good with animals. In fact, she’s known as Manhattan’s Dog Whisperer. Men, on the other hand? Not so much. She’s been falling for the wrong guys ever since her regrettable crush on Keaton Sax, older brother of her best friend, Leah, and the biggest jerkface this side of the Hudson.

Now an emotionally closed off widower, Keaton has become one of the most formidable men on Wall Street, but August knows his secret. He’s not driven by sales targets and bonus checks—Keaton just wants to give his family the security they never had. So when Leah asks Keaton to wrangle her over-the-top, dramatic husky at a weekend talent competition, Keaton says yes…and begs August to help him win the event for Leah.

Between obstacle courses, Molly’s husky temper tantrums and a cabin with just one bed, August is having a blast. Away from the pressure to have a “perfect life” with the “right guy,” she finds herself relaxing and getting to see the softer side of the man she once loved. Is this just a temporary truce? Or could Keaton finally be the right guy at the right time?

Paws in the City Series:
Book 1: The Dachshund Wears Prada
Book 2: Pets of Park Avenue
Book 3: Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen

 

 

 

Review:

Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen by Stefanie London is the third book in her fun Paws in the City series. Having read and loved “The Dachshund Wears Prada” and “Pets of Park Avenue” I couldn’t wait to see where we would be going with this book.

I know August Merriweather, she’s the only one who had any faith in Isla and Scout (MFC’s in previous books) and the pet talent agency they wanted to start. She’s a great character, an owner of a dog grooming business, full of opinions, and a zest for life, but the one thing she really wants most in life, is to share her life with a partner (and not a business one either!) but after one too many disappointments August has given up, it’s best just to keep running her business…..

Keaton is a widower, and the last thing he promised his late wife was to become a partner in the firm he works for. And now that’s all his life consists of, work/work/work! I found it hard to like Keaton at first, his attitude towards August did need a smack about the head!  But I had to admire both his dedication to his family and to want to make more of himself. His teen years weren’t the best, but through hard work and determination he makes his family proud.

I also liked the fact that the previous main characters of books one and two  (Isla/Theo/Scout and Lane) make appearances throughout the book, it’s great when characters continue to visit.

And don’t forget the dramatic Molly (who’s a husky by the way) for me she was the star of the book. I want a puppy just like her, so full of character, she loves August, but can’t stand Keaton (feeling is mutual) so how can Molly bring these two people together?

A talent competition is the answer, and a tiny room with only one bed ?. Working together to win the competition for Molly’s owner Leah( who is August’s best friend and sister to Keaton)

Can a puppy really bring these two together? Or will Keaton pull away from August and continue to hide his heart behind that icy wall?

There is no need to read the previous books as each book stands on its own, but it does show how the three women are friends through the books. It’s a slow burn romance, but with great moments outside the bedroom it wasn’t really noticed. Hilarious moments with Molly will have you laughing out loud.

A highly entertaining and recommended read from me.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London – a Review

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Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London – a Review

 

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Description:
“One of the year’s most delightful rom-coms.”—New York Times bestselling author Julia London on The Dachshund Wears Prada

The perfect romcom for dog lovers! Pets of Park Avenue is the story of a self-confessed hot mess who learns that life is more fun when things don’t go according to plan.

What do you do when The One is also the one who broke your heart?

Self-proclaimed hot mess Scout Myers is determined to prove she’s finally got her act together. Raised by grandparents who saw her as her wayward mother’s wayward daughter, Scout’s used to being written off. So when the opportunity for a promotion arises at Paws in the City, the talent agency where she works, Scout is desperate to rise to the occasion. With shared custody of her little sister also on the line, Scout can’t afford a single mistake…like suddenly needing a canine stand-in for an important photoshoot. Luckily (or not) she knows the owner of the perfect pup replacement: the estranged husband she walked out on years ago.

On the surface, it appears Lane Halliday’s life has been blissfully drama free without Scout, but she suspects her handsome-as-ever not-quite-ex-husband doth protest too much. Working together even feels like old times—except for all that lingering, unresolved tension. But Scout’s not sure she’s ready to confront the reasons she left Lane, and when their plans to finalize the divorce become very real, Scout starts to wonder whether second chances might be worth a little hot mess.

Paws in the City Series:
Book 1 – The Dachshund Wears Prada
Book 2 – Pets of Park Avenue

 

 

Review:

Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London is the second book in her Paws in the City series. Scout needs to bag the big promotion, her reputation and her baby sister are relying are on her. She wants, no needs to prove to herself and everyone that she’s not a waste of space. She doesn’t want the same label her mother had….. She needs to do something and fast…..

Lane wants nothing to do with his estranged wife! She walked out and took her dramas with her. But his feelings never did really die out for his wife, can he really want to be drawn back into a life with drama, but also fun?  How she approaches Lane, will have you chuckling. She needs a doggy stand-in and she knows who has a look a like, but getting his approval is going to prove difficult!

We find out that after a whirlwind romance and a quick wedding in Vegas, things quickly deteriorate and Scout walked away never looking back. But neither started divorce proceedings, so you have to wonder if they hoped to reunite some day?

If you’ve read book one in the series, you would have already met Scout, but don’t worry if you didn’t, the book is a standalone story, (but after reading this book, you’ll probably go back to read the first one ?)

So how will she get him to agree to work together, when he really doesn’t want all that drama back in his life? Can she show him she’s changed? The more time they spend together, the more they remember the good times, the fun times. But with the divorce finally within reach, can Lane walk away?

It’s not necessary to read book one before reading this one. But there are a few characters from the previous book that make an appearance.It will have you smiling and crying throughout the book, the author knows how to bring out the best in a rom-com. I did love the four legged star Twinkle, she’s such a cute dog, and her antics had me shaking my head. ?

I highly recommend this book if you love second chance romance.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Dachshunda Wears Prada by Stefanie London -a Review

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The Dachshunda Wears Prada by Stefanie London -a Review

 

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Description:
How do you start over when the biggest mistake of your life has more than one million views?

Forget diamonds—the internet is forever. Social media consultant Isla Thompson learned that lesson the hard way when she went viral for all the wrong reasons. A month later, Isla is still having nightmares about the moment she ruined a young starlet’s career and made herself the most unemployable influencer in Manhattan. But she doesn’t have the luxury of hiding until she’s no longer Instagram poison. Not when her fourteen-year-old sister, Dani, needs Isla to keep a roof over their heads. So, she takes the first job she can get: caring for Camilla, a glossy-maned, foul-tempered hellhound.

After a week of ferrying Camilla from playdates to pet psychics, Isla starts to suspect that the dachshund’s bark is worse than her bite—just like her owner, Theo Garrison. Isla has spent her career working to make people likable and here’s Theo—happy to hide behind his reputation as a brutish recluse. But Theo isn’t a brute—he’s sweet and funny, and Isla should not see him as anything but the man who signs her paychecks. Because loving Theo would mean retreating to his world of secluded luxury, and Isla needs to show Dani that no matter the risk, dreams are always worth chasing.

Paws in the City

 

Review:

The Dachshund Wears Prada by Stefanie London is the first book in her new Paws in the City series. I absolutely love this cover. It’s so different from the usual bare chested dudes holding dogs (?) and I love Stefanie Londons writing style, it has me smiling from almost the first sentence. 

Theo is a recluse, and he likes it that way, grumpy, sullen and a total grump. But today he’s goodbye to his beloved grandmother, the only person he cared about after his parents died (so you could see why he’s the way he is) he doesn’t do public speaking very often, and he hates being in the limelight, but his grandmothers reputation and standing has him swallowing his fear and sadness, he’ll do her proud…..

Isla has gone from influencer to pariah overnight! A simple mistake has her scrabbling around for a job, but nobody wants to hire her! Desperate she takes the only job offered to her. Dog walking a pampered pooch! 

Reading as these two stumble through hilarious moments had me laughing at loud. Then sniffling through tears as heartfelt moments are spoken about. So many emotions in this book. Spicy moments that catch you unawares, and if your reading it on the train (then be prepared to blush ?) There are a also few sad moments that will have you reaching for the tissues. 

I loved Camilla, she just stole the book, a grumpy, snappy dog who hated everyone. But with her going to psychics, and slowly becoming an internet star you fall in love with her, and now I want a Dachshund. 

So can the team of grumpy/sunshine ever work? And what will Theo think of Isla turning his grandmother’s dog into a tool that will push Isla back into the heady heights of social influencer? 

End note to this review, the ending was just perfect. Grab a copy of this book, you won’t be disappointed. Feel good read that I highly recommend. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Kissing Games by Stefanie London – a Review

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Kissing Games by Stefanie London – a Review

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Description:
Injured pro baseball player Ryan Bower has plenty of reasons for not sleeping. But thanks to a steamy romance novel that’s ignited the imaginations—and libidos—of pretty much everyone in Kissing Creek, Ryan’s kept awake by the sound of his parents. Having sex. Unforgivably gross. And Ryan is almost certain that the town’s adorably quirky and troublemaking librarian is responsible.

Sloane Rickman adores everything about her little town—with the exception of its very tall and infuriatingly sexy Golden Boy. Ryan Bower may be a ball-playing hottie, but where exactly does he get off telling her what books to recommend to her oddball little book club? Good thing he’s only in town for the fall.

Now Sloane and Ryan are stuck planning the main float for the town’s parade. But somewhere between arguments over paint colors and papier mâché flowers, their fights keep turning into red-hot kisses. And between Ryan’s demanding ball career and Sloane’s life in Kissing Creek, they face the biggest game of their lives…if they’re ready to play for keeps.

 

 

Review: 

Kissing Games by Stefanie London is the second book in the Kissing Creek Series, and I loved it. It’s not necessarily essential to read the first book (they all stand on their own really well) but reading this book will have to trotting off to find the first book (which is a great read also ?) It has hilarious moments where I laughed out loud (a little inappropriate when your at work with headphones on) ? It’s also got a few moments where you just want to shake Ryan and tell him to sort himself out before he loses the best thing he’s ever had! 

Ryan is home recovering from a sports injury, as soon as he’s healed he’s away from his hormonal parents (that had tears rolling down my face) in fact the whole town seems to be in the grip of something got and heavy! But at least it’s taking his mind off of his career, essentially he’s too old for baseball (professional level anyway) but he’s unsure where he’s heading, so he’s a bit of a grump at the moment! 

Sloane is the local librarian at Kissing Creek, she loves it there. She loves the small town feel, and finally feels like she’s found a home she can settle and put down roots. Somehow these two characters are forced together to organise a float for the coming town parade. Ryan can’t think of anything worse! The banter between these two is such a joy to read, they bounce off of one another, and you’ll find yourself chuckling at odd moments. But if Ryan isn’t going to be here for much longer, then there is no point starting anything, is there? 

If you love the small town Romance/ semi sporty feel romance then grab this book and be prepared to laugh through most of it. ?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Snowy Ever After by Samantha Chase/Stefanie London-review

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Wedding Wonderland (Snowy Ever After  Anthology) by Samantha Chase/Stefanie London-Review 

ebook ONLY 99¢ USD Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 16, 2021

What could be better than a holiday wedding?
How about two?

Join bestselling authors Samantha Chase and Stefanie London for a whole lot of love this holiday season with Snowy Ever After!

With some of your favorite Magnolia Sound and Patterson’s Bluff residents, we can guarantee you’ll get all those small town, holiday feels with guaranteed happily ever afters and I Do’s!

WEDDING WONDERLAND by Samantha Chase:

SAVE THE DATE!You are cordially invited to the wedding of Mia Kingsley and Austin Coleman.
Or you will be if a snowstorm doesn’t blanket the town with piles of fresh snow, making the trip to the chapel near impossible.
But the Coleman family is not about to let a measly little storm ruin Mia and Austin’s perfect day. After all, Magnolia Sound is just the place for a perfect wedding wonderland.

DESTINED FOR FOREVER by Stefanie London

Romantic comedy screenwriter, Lily Dunn, watches her life go from happily ever after to crappily ever after when she gets dumped on live television.

Facing her overprotective family at her cousin’s wedding is not ideal. They think she’s not cut out for cutthroat Hollywood. How can she prove she’s moved on? Pretend to have a new man, of course. The only rule is: keep it fake.

But the chemistry with her former high school crush burns hotter than an open fire. Can two bruised and battered hearts find the kind of love that only happens in the movies?

••••••

REVIEW:

NOTE: My review covers WEDDING WONDERLAND by Samantha Chase

WEDDING WONDERLAND by Samantha Chase is a contemporary adult romance story line, a part of the author’s MAGNOLIA SOUND series, found in the SNOWY EVER AFTER anthology. This is author Mia Kingsley and Austin Coleman’s continuing story line. Mia and Austin’s story begins in THE WAY THE STORY GOES (Magnolia Sound #7).

NOTE: Several characters from Samantha Chase’s Magnolia Sound, Meet Me at The Altar, and Enchanted Bridal series cross over into the current story line.

Told from third person perspective WEDDING WONDERLAND focuses on the preparation for a holiday wedding for our story line couple. Unable to settle on a date, a deadline looming for her latest novel, and her mother all but taking control, Mia struggles to make time for what should be a happy event. Frustrated by his beloved’s inability to settle down, Austin suggests a Christmas wedding, a wedding with only a few weeks to plan. With the help of family, friends, and local business owners, Mia and Austin’s wedding in Magnolia Sounds is all set to go until a snow storm puts a stop to everyone’s plans.

WEDDING WONDERLAND is a quick read; a fast paced, enchanting and heart warming story of romance, family, friendships and love-the perfect read for the holiday season.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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Forever Starts Now by Stefanie London – a Review

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Forever Starts Now by Stefanie London – a Review

 

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Description:
What happens when two people who’ve given up on forever find it in each other…?

Single men are as scarce in Forever Falls as a vegetarian at a barbecue. That is, until Ethan Hammersmith moves in. After his fiancée gave him an ultimatum, he left Australia and never looked back. He isn’t in America to find a new girlfriend, though. He’s searching for the father he never knew. But now it’s like he has a flashing sign above his head that says “available.” Thankfully, the manager of the local diner is willing to give him cover—if only she weren’t so distractingly adorable.

Monroe Roberts, town misanthrope and divorcée, knocked “forever” permanently off her wish list ever since the love of her life skipped town with the cliché yoga instructor. And good riddance. She’s got this struggling diner to keep her busy, trying anything to boost sales…until a hot Australian strolls in and changes everything. Monroe’s restaurant is packed full of women who aren’t there to order food, unless Ethan is on the menu. This could sink her business faster than ever. So—light bulb—what if they pretend to be together?

It sounded like the perfect plan. It hilariously was not…

 

Review:

Forever Starts Now begins with Monroe Roberts at work at the Sunshine Diner, handling yet another problem.  It does not help when Frank, the cook and her long-time friend, starts in on her about doing something more with her life.  Something more than managing the diner and in line with what she had aspired to do before her life took an unexpected and heartbreaking turn.  To add to an already frustrating day, Mr. Sullivan, who owns the diner, pops in.  Monroe has known him since she was a kid, but that did not help when she heard what he had to say.  It seems that the lack of business and rising costs was forcing his hand to either sell or close the diner.  Monroe did get him to give her a month to see if she could turn things around.  One month……. 

Ethan Hammersmith had been in America for a while now searching for someone he only found out about as his mother lay dying almost a year ago…..his biological father.  With nothing more than a name and age, Ethan has made it his mission in life to track down this elusive man to see if he can make sense of his life.  Once Ethan found out that the man who raised him was not his birth father, everything he thought he knew and wanted came crashing down.  Now, here he was in another town searching.  Little did he know how much his life was about to change when he stepped into the Sunshine Diner.  Add to that the fact that he is a dead ringer for Chris Hemsworth and his life will, once again, never be the same.

Forever Starts Now is a wonderfully written story.  The characters are engaging and relatable.  Monroe is a devoted daughter, sister and friend.  The betrayal she suffered at the hands of her now ex-husband had a profound effect on her and sent her reeling.  Ethan had always thought something was off between him and his “father”.  Once he found out what that reason was, his life changed in an instant.  The interaction between Monroe and Ethan was well written too.  There were sparks, but even more than that, there was a mutual respect that shone through.  I also really enjoyed the secondary characters as well.  Forever Starts Now is ultimately a story about moving beyond hurt and betrayal and learning to trust yourself and your feelings once again so that you can embrace your future.  If you are a fan of the genre, you’ll certainly enjoy this one.  Well done, Stefanie London!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Kissing Lessons by Stefanie London – a Review

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Kissing Lessons by Stefanie London – a Review

 

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Description:

Welcome to Kissing Creek, where everything has a romance-themed pun for a name and love is lurking around every corner…

 

Audrey Miller doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after, so she is definitely living in the wrong town. But she’s never getting out of Kissing Creek, because playing pseudo-mom for her younger siblings doesn’t leave time for much else. She’ll do anything to make sure they don’t end up stuck like she is, working as a barista in a college town, serving Pink Passion mochas with Chocolate Smooch donuts.

 

Then Ronan Walsh, a new young professor and walking cliché, right down to the elbow patches on his blazer, steps in for a coffee and into her life. She knows his type—intelligent and charming, yet sweet as a cinnamon roll, the sort of man she’s inevitably attracted to but is always out of her league. So why does someone like him have any interest in a worker bee with no future?

 

Her bland-as-oatmeal existence has nothing to offer, but Ronan’s temporary teaching position is only a stepping stone on his way to somewhere else. He isn’t here to put down roots, Audrey’s roots are firmly planted—neither of them is looking for love. And maybe that’s just perfect.

 

But in a small town called Kissing Creek, sometimes love can be impossible to avoid…

 

Review:.

 

I’ve read a few of Stefanie London‘s  books, and they’ve always made me smile. Cute couples, laughs and enough passionate moments to keep me reading. Kissing Lessons is the first book in her new series “The Kissing Creek.”

 

Audrey had to become a mother to her siblings at the young age of 15, her father was still around, but he just fell apart! So she left school and ran the household. She worked hard and forgot about her dreams, she didn’t want the same thing for her siblings, so she pushed and helped them live their dreams. Working two jobs and finding odd jobs around town for extra money, Audrey doesn’t have a lot of spare time, but she goes to night classes at college when she can. 

I loved Audrey, although she’d put her siblings first, she never really resented them (even though they really put on her at sometimes!) And I know grief affects people in different ways, but her father needed a talking too!! 

 

Ronan had moved back to the states from England so he could be closer to his grandmother after she had a stroke. He took a position at the college in Kissing Creek with only a one-year contract. He isn’t looking looking for a relationship or anything long term, because he doesn’t know where he’s going to be in a years time (he definitely doesn’t want to be here forever) he’s also not really family orientated, he loves his sister and his grandmother, but he just doesn’t believe his mother and her lies! 

He really doesn’t want to be in this dilly little town, but all that goes out of the window when he meets Audrey, she intrigues him, she challenges him (and he’s not had that in a long time) and her quirky manner makes him smile. 

 

The first time they meet is funny, she assumes he’s trying to get a professors discount on his coffee and muffin, then chaos and hilarity ensues. He leaves with a smirk on his face, Audrey is left red faced and ready for a rematch! 

Then it’s game on. He needs to find a question that will stump Audrey, she is just a female version of google. 

 

There were family members on both sides of the MC’s I just didn’t like. Ronan’s mother (a self absorbed woman was one) his grandmother although funny, spoke her mind, and was a little abrasive with it! Her father put her dreams down at every opportunity (would throw her dead mother at her and guilt her into backing down!) And Audrey’s siblings just took her for granted! No wonder neither MC wanted to find love! Love was painful, love was losing loved ones, no, not for either of them.  But there is an attraction between them that they just can’t deny, but Ronan wont be trapped here, and Audrey just can’t abandon her family!  The trivia parts were fun, but it became a little too much in places. 

 

So will Ronan stay and become a small town professor? Can Audrey continue her part time education? Or will it be easier just to walk away? 

 

I really enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next book in the series. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Trouble Next Door by Stefanie London – a Review

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Trouble Next Door by Stefanie London – a Review

 

Trouble Next DoorAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
McKenna Prescott is the queen of picking the wrong men. When her latest boyfriend dumps her, she decides to devote her time to “exploring herself” (read: drinking wine and ordering sex toys online) and starting her freelance makeup business. That is, until an embarrassing delivery mix-up puts her sexy, gruff neighbor in her path… Beckett Walsh is married to his job…which is a deal-breaker for the woman he’s supposed to be marrying. Even worse, his would-be father-in-law has pulled support from Beckett’s startup and now Beckett stands to lose everything. But the gorgeous, crazy makeup artist from down the hall has an equally crazy but mutually beneficial idea: if he convinces his sister to hire McKenna for her high-society wedding, McKenna will teach him about what women want so he can get his fiancée back. All he has to do is make sure he doesn’t fall for the wrong girl.

 

Review: 

What a laugh. Trouble Next Door by Stefanie London was a fun read from start to finish. 

McKenna is bright, sparkly, and a personality to match. (Considering the constant put downs from family and ex boyfriends).  But she’s not happy. She’s stuck working in a dead end job until her blog is a success (she wants to teach make up on line),  but after the last boyfriend, McKenna decides enough is enough.  When a drunken evening’s internet ordering lands her order on her neighbor’s door, it gives McKenna an opportunity to redirect her focus. 

Beckett is the total opposite, very serious, very work orientated, but there is a reason; he wants a safe and secure home (we find out why in the book).  The app he has designed will ensure that,  but the backing from his future father-in-law is in jeopardy (his fiancée says he’s married to his job),  When an opportunity to win his future wife back, he grabs it with both hands. McKenna might just be his ticket to a secure future. When he spends time with McKenna, he has to decide what he wants. 

There were a few moments that had me cringing and laughing. The characters were very likeable and well written.  Trouble Next Door was a fun afternoon read. 

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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