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yogicath's review
4.0
This is book one of the Cider Cove Sweet Southern RomComs series and the main characters are Hillary Mays, a documentary researcher who hopes to be a documentary producer one day, and her neighbour Liam Graff, who works as a general contractor with his own company Blue Ladder Builders, but had really hoped to be an architect. Hillary lives in what is called the Big House, with five friends from her college days, that one of them, Tahlia Tomlinson, inherited it form her aunt. The others are Claudia, Emma, Lizzie, and Ryanne. Hillary comes from a wealthy family who have pushed her into two engagements that didn’t work out, leaving her to focus on her career, even when her parents don’t agree. She has a big chance of an exclusive interview with Caterina Morgan, about a controversial merger with Prime National Bank decades ago. With any luck it can be sold to an interested party and she may finally get her chance to produce the documentary. She looks forward to having a lie in on the weekends, only to be awakened really early one Saturday by Liam cutting the grass next to their house, with a very noisy lawnmower. She looks out her window on the third floor and tries to shout at him, but he just waves and then continues mowing. She stomps down all three floors in her skimpy night attire, to tell him off and is rather rude to him as she is so annoyed!
Now Tahlia has arranged the annual big Spring clean-up and Tahlia has given her the job of getting the roof fixed, as it has been leaking and one of those leaks is right over her bedroom. She isn’t exactly on best terms with Liam after the fiasco with his early morning mowing, so now she will have to play nice to him, as he is one of the only companies that could do the job and already does lots for Tahlia to maintain her house and grounds. She comes into the kitchen to see a couple of the others crowding round Claudia who is on her phone Claudia has signed up for the local Matchmakers app, looking for a date. It has been very popular in Cider Cove and other suburbs of Charleston. Hillary decides to join up as well, looking for a date rather than be fixed up by her mother yet again! She meets Kurt, who works at a vet clinic, on the app and starts texting back and forth with him all the time. He seems to be the ideal match for her and she can’t wait to see where it goes. She is also texting Liam about the roof repairs and he is awaiting an apology from her. Somehow she mixes up who she is texting when she mentions a date needed with her little black dress and Liam replies to her asking what time! She should have just explained the error, but decides to go ahead with the dinner, but disappoints him by not wearing the black dress as promised. Lots of fun continues as Liam takes her somewhere unexpected for the date and they both talk about their wishes for the future and both have big work opportunities come up, which will mean big decisions need to be made. As they get closer together and more involved with each other, their work successes may pull them apart. A lovely HEA as one gives up things to follow the other for their perfect dream job chance. Lots of fun and a great group of friends who no doubt will all have stories to tell in the near future. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Now Tahlia has arranged the annual big Spring clean-up and Tahlia has given her the job of getting the roof fixed, as it has been leaking and one of those leaks is right over her bedroom. She isn’t exactly on best terms with Liam after the fiasco with his early morning mowing, so now she will have to play nice to him, as he is one of the only companies that could do the job and already does lots for Tahlia to maintain her house and grounds. She comes into the kitchen to see a couple of the others crowding round Claudia who is on her phone Claudia has signed up for the local Matchmakers app, looking for a date. It has been very popular in Cider Cove and other suburbs of Charleston. Hillary decides to join up as well, looking for a date rather than be fixed up by her mother yet again! She meets Kurt, who works at a vet clinic, on the app and starts texting back and forth with him all the time. He seems to be the ideal match for her and she can’t wait to see where it goes. She is also texting Liam about the roof repairs and he is awaiting an apology from her. Somehow she mixes up who she is texting when she mentions a date needed with her little black dress and Liam replies to her asking what time! She should have just explained the error, but decides to go ahead with the dinner, but disappoints him by not wearing the black dress as promised. Lots of fun continues as Liam takes her somewhere unexpected for the date and they both talk about their wishes for the future and both have big work opportunities come up, which will mean big decisions need to be made. As they get closer together and more involved with each other, their work successes may pull them apart. A lovely HEA as one gives up things to follow the other for their perfect dream job chance. Lots of fun and a great group of friends who no doubt will all have stories to tell in the near future. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
creepylilbookworm's review
4.0
⚰️ Mini Review ⚰️
First of all this has small chapters which I love. I'm not sure why I seem to read small chapter books faster. Heck if it's 1,000 page book, but has small chapters I can read it fast
First of all this has small chapters which I love. I'm not sure why I seem to read small chapter books faster. Heck if it's 1,000 page book, but has small chapters I can read it fast
turquoiseavenue's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a fun, adorable weekend read! I absolutely enjoyed the lighthearted, Southern-charm of this story.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Deep South, Small-Town-Outside-Charleston Setting
- Rooftops, Peach Orchards and Tabby Cats
- A Hunky Construction Worker with a Strong Work Ethic and Lovable Heart
- A Hopeful, Sassy, Red-Headed Documentary Researcher with 5 Roommates
- Friends, Family and Finding Love
- Neighbors, Enemies-to-Lovers, Grump finds Grump
Main characters, Hillary and Liam, are well developed and have some fantastic, snarky banter throughout 3/4 of this story that kept me wholly invested in them as a couple. I enjoyed the premise of an accidental text leading to a date-turned-relationship and appreciated the amount of attraction and chemistry between these two. The secondary characters, Hillary's roommates and Liam's family, were endearing and I liked the little peek into Claudia's story, making me want to come back for another book in this series!
Overall, this was a clean, cute, happy romance with lots of flirtation, plenty of swoon, low angst, no third-act-breakup (yay!) and lots of warm, gooey Southern goodness. There were a couple of typos, character names jumping around and a few sentences that tripped me up (the author's brain must move faster than mine!) with a part that was redundant in Claudia's case, but none of that bothered me too much for this being an "easy" read.
Rating: G (Clean, no swearing unless you count potato swears *wink*).
Content and Trigger Warnings: Death of a parent (past), broken engagement (past), toxic parental relationship (light)
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Deep South, Small-Town-Outside-Charleston Setting
- Rooftops, Peach Orchards and Tabby Cats
- A Hunky Construction Worker with a Strong Work Ethic and Lovable Heart
- A Hopeful, Sassy, Red-Headed Documentary Researcher with 5 Roommates
- Friends, Family and Finding Love
- Neighbors, Enemies-to-Lovers, Grump finds Grump
Main characters, Hillary and Liam, are well developed and have some fantastic, snarky banter throughout 3/4 of this story that kept me wholly invested in them as a couple. I enjoyed the premise of an accidental text leading to a date-turned-relationship and appreciated the amount of attraction and chemistry between these two. The secondary characters, Hillary's roommates and Liam's family, were endearing and I liked the little peek into Claudia's story, making me want to come back for another book in this series!
Overall, this was a clean, cute, happy romance with lots of flirtation, plenty of swoon, low angst, no third-act-breakup (yay!) and lots of warm, gooey Southern goodness. There were a couple of typos, character names jumping around and a few sentences that tripped me up (the author's brain must move faster than mine!) with a part that was redundant in Claudia's case, but none of that bothered me too much for this being an "easy" read.
Rating: G (Clean, no swearing unless you count potato swears *wink*).
Content and Trigger Warnings: Death of a parent (past), broken engagement (past), toxic parental relationship (light)
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
jigsawgirl's review
4.0
I liked that once Hillary and Liam got past their grumpy beginning they seemed to really enjoy being together.
I liked the whole texting aspect of the story. Liam and Hillary's witty, mildly sarcastic banter added a little something extra.
I loved the way Liam supported Hillary's dream. This was a sweet, fun, humorous and romantic book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I liked the whole texting aspect of the story. Liam and Hillary's witty, mildly sarcastic banter added a little something extra.
I loved the way Liam supported Hillary's dream. This was a sweet, fun, humorous and romantic book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
beastreader's review
5.0
I have read several books by this author. I really enjoy them. This book is the first one in a new series. One that I am going to continue reading.
Hillary and Liam brought the humor and romance. There is no "he falls first" or "she falls first" as they both feel for each other. They just did not want to admit it to each other first until the accidental text. Which I could feel the spark between them, and it just grew as the story progressed. Hillary and Liam make a good couple. Just ask Hillary's roommates in the Big House. This is one time when texting the wrong person ended up being the right person!
Hillary and Liam brought the humor and romance. There is no "he falls first" or "she falls first" as they both feel for each other. They just did not want to admit it to each other first until the accidental text. Which I could feel the spark between them, and it just grew as the story progressed. Hillary and Liam make a good couple. Just ask Hillary's roommates in the Big House. This is one time when texting the wrong person ended up being the right person!
andrea_author's review
After two failed engagements, 30-year-old Hillary finds comfort in her career and friends. Until a roof leak forces her to interact with gorgeous neighbor and contractor Liam. She accidentally sends him a text meant for someone she met on a dating app. Will the text spell disaster or transform Hillary's lonely life? Fans of the Hallmark Channel may enjoy this sweet, low-conflict, small-town rom com.
Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
shelvedthoughts's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is mainly told from Hillary & Liam’s points of view (there are two chapters from Claudia’s points of view)
– Hillary’s parents care most about their status in society and how Hillary can reflect/make their status better
– Liam’s father passed away (past event)
Review:
This story was more like a 4.5 star story for me, mainly because I couldn’t understand why Claudia’s first chapter was where it was in this story or why it was in this particular book when her story is next & it was already mentioned that someone was likely going to retire. It didn’t exactly detract from this story but it also didn’t add to it, just gives us insight to how Claudia’s story would feel like & what her circumstances are. (It did make me more interested in Claudia’s story though!)
As for Hillary & Liam, I loved getting to know them and see them push each other’s buttons. I loved that they started off a bit like enemies with their firm stances on when it was appropriate/a good idea to mow the lawn and that Hillary ended up having to make nice with Liam later on in order to inquire about him possibly helping fix up the Big House for them. I loved when Hillary actually fell for Liam and they had more dates with Hillary truly wanting to get to know Liam instead of being wary of him. I loved seeing Liam’s mom doting on him and her immediate acceptance of Hillary when the two finally met. I also really liked getting to know a bit more about Hillary’s housemates and how they pushed Hillary to give Liam a chance, knowing the man he was when not bugging Hillary.
Summary:
Hillary can’t stand her neighbor. Liam is completely inconsiderate when it comes to waiting until a decent hour to mow his lawn, especially on a day that Hillary can actually sleep in. Not only that, he continuously pushes every single one of her buttons whenever they happen to cross paths. But all of that changes when Hillary makes a mistake and sends Liam a message meant for her prospective date that she met on Cider Cove’s popular dating app… and he accepts her offer of a date within minutes of her having sent it. With having Liam slated to do handyman work on the house Hillary is staying in with her friends, and those same friends encouraging her to take a chance on Liam, Hillary isn’t about to cancel her accidental date set up. When Liam proves to be someone very different from who Hillary expected him to be, she finds herself falling for him. But can she truly be as loved as she feels when she has two failed engagements under her belt?
Liam finds his neighbor’s fiery attitude to be enticing and can’t help poking the bear to see her flare up. Though Hillary seems to want nothing to do with him, Liam can’t get enough of her and is eager for any sort of interaction. Even if it means accepting to work on the house next door that she’s staying in with her as the go-between when he’s already got full days of work ahead of him. He hopes that maybe he can ease Hillary into the idea of dating him & that he isn’t the person she has in her head over their conversations about the work on the house. And when she unexpectedly invites him on a date, he’s so ecstatic that all thoughts of playing it cool fly out the window. This is his chance, and he’s not about to let it get away from him…
eudorawa's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
I greatly enjoyed the banter, the whoops of the wrong person text, and the sweet pairing as these two learned to love each other. I lived how the author handled the past grief and hurts of both characters, the parental relationships and drama, and the tough choices of moving forward in a relationship when one person has a job offer across the country. A good quick read!
chrissydisibio's review against another edition
4.0
Set in Cider Cover (a fictional town near Charleston). Hillary- works at a small research production company. She wants to become an investigative journalist who makes documentaries so she’s desperate to snag an interview with a very hard to get in touch with billionaire named Cat Morgan. She finally gets to do the interview. She loves potatoes and lives with her friends from college. Hillary was a fun character- loved her little comments like “oh mashed potatoes and gravy!” Instead of saying “oh good grief”. Hillary’s roommates include Thalia Thomlinson, who owns the farmhouse they live in, and Claudia, Lizzie and Emma
Liam Graff is their hot but somewhat annoying (to Hillary) neighbor who mows the grass at 7am on a Sat. Among other things. Though he also thinks Hillary is attractive, he finds her somewhat angry and aloof. Liam is a cutie and I love his southern wit and charm- he’s definitely got that cowboy vibe to him. He owns his own building company. I loved his Mom too.
The book is told in alternating perspectives typically between Hillary and Liam, occasionally Claudia which was kind of random. This is a book with two main grumpy characters (one more than the other) and almost an enemies to lovers (though one is initially more interested than the other.) Also opposites attract- he’s more rustic and outdoorsy/handy man and she is more proper/family cares about appearances. She says “sometimes I want to throw him far away from me, only to pull him back in even closer” which was a great way to describe her relationship with Liam through a lot of the book. I loved Liam’s relationship with his Mom- reminds me of what I think mine and my son’s relationship will be in the future. Clean romance book with Southern charm and so much sweet romance. This book is going to be a series of books based on the various roommates so I look forward to reading more and I hope we get more of Hillary and Liam too!
Liam Graff is their hot but somewhat annoying (to Hillary) neighbor who mows the grass at 7am on a Sat. Among other things. Though he also thinks Hillary is attractive, he finds her somewhat angry and aloof. Liam is a cutie and I love his southern wit and charm- he’s definitely got that cowboy vibe to him. He owns his own building company. I loved his Mom too.
The book is told in alternating perspectives typically between Hillary and Liam, occasionally Claudia which was kind of random. This is a book with two main grumpy characters (one more than the other) and almost an enemies to lovers (though one is initially more interested than the other.) Also opposites attract- he’s more rustic and outdoorsy/handy man and she is more proper/family cares about appearances. She says “sometimes I want to throw him far away from me, only to pull him back in even closer” which was a great way to describe her relationship with Liam through a lot of the book. I loved Liam’s relationship with his Mom- reminds me of what I think mine and my son’s relationship will be in the future. Clean romance book with Southern charm and so much sweet romance. This book is going to be a series of books based on the various roommates so I look forward to reading more and I hope we get more of Hillary and Liam too!