Review: Pretend It's Love by Stefanie London

Title: Pretend It's Love
Author: Stefanie London
Published: September 28th 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

Bar manager Paul Chapman is sick of his family’s traditional ideals. Marriage, babies, and a white picket fence? Not his gig. But now that his ‘golden child’ big brother is tying the knot, Paul’s screwed. His ex will be there...and she’s having his cousin’s baby. Unless he wants to show up to the wedding alone and face his family’s scrutiny, he needs a girl on his arm. Now.

Cocktail specialist Libby Harris has spent her life earning the nickname Little Miss Perfect, all to win the love of her wealthy, controlling father. But she deviated from his plan, and now her business is on shaky ground. If it fails, she might as well kiss his respect—and her dream—good-bye. Her only hope? Convince the hottest bar in town to take on her product.

Luckily for her, the owner’s brother is sexy as sin and in need of a perfect girlfriend...

My Thoughts:

After discovering Stefanie London from the first Behind the Bar novel, The Rules According to Gracie, I can't stop myself from standing by with grabby hands for the next book. When I found out about the second book in the series AND that it was going to feature a fake relationship (that trope is like chocolate to me), I knew I needed it straight away!

I was charmed by both Libby and Paul from the very start. They have their own goals--hers is to get her product off the ground and his is to get his family to stop bugging him about getting married. Although they claim their fake relationship is all for show, their chemistry charges in to tell them otherwise. While I adored the romance (because it was a HECK of a hot romance), I think what I loved most was the unwavering support they had for each other. They both had their strengths and weaknesses, and each of them knew how to bring out the best in the other. Which is what made the romance more than just a fling for show.

Pretend It's Love was a delightfully endearing love story! I seriously couldn't stop loving Libby and Paul. The growth in the characters was believable, and their interactions super sweet. Paul's insistence on the nickname he gave Libby (Tiger) was both funny and lovely. Can I have more Stefanie London books NOW, please and thank you very much?

My Rating:

Review: A Kiss in Kite Harbor by Stefanie London

A Kiss in Kite Harbor by Stefanie London is currently available exclusively on the Small Town Summer Anthology.

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~*~

Title: A Kiss in Kite Harbor

Author: Stefanie London

Published: July 14th 2015

Source: Copy given by author for honest review

Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

Twelve years ago they shared a life-changing kiss…


Now she’s coming back for more…


When successful plus size model, Shelby Jenkins, is forced to return to her hometown of Kite Harbor, Maine, she must face her past demons. But asking for help doesn’t come naturally and it’s doubly hard when she needs it from the boy who broke her heart. Now he’s all grown up and is more tempting than a double fudge sundae with a cherry on top.

Nate Ritter loves being a teacher in the small town where he grew up. When the woman who stole his teenage heart returns, he’ll do anything to prove he’s no longer the insecure boy who betrayed her.  As long as he makes sure he doesn’t fall for Shelby since she has a big, exciting life waiting for her back in the city.

Can his shot at redemption be enough to convince her to stay?

My Thoughts:

What a sweet story! I love a good book that involves second chances and small towns. Years ago, Nate made a mistake when it came to Shelby, and now that she's back in town he has a chance to make it up to her. Their feelings haven't gone away, not by a long shot, and they bloom as they spend some time together. But Shelby is returning to New York in a matter of days. She knows they can't be together if she's far away, yet she doesn't want to be back in the place that holds unpleasant memories. Will love be able to find a way?

A Kiss in Kite Harbor is a beautiful and touching story. I loved how our heroine is strong and determined. She doesn't let other people tell her what she can and can't do. It's admirable. And Nate is a sweetheart--genuine and caring. The two of them together was lovely. Stefanie London has a knack for amazing characters and stories. Definitely get your hands on this charming book!

My Rating:

Review: The Rules According to Gracie by Stefanie London

Title: The Rules According to Gracie
Author: Stefanie London
Published: January 19th 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

Rule number one: don't fall for the wrong guy. 

Gracie Green has a shopping list for men. Career, financials, family...and a long list of rules to determine a guy's suitability. She's already disappointed her socialite mother once—now Gracie needs to find Mr. Perfect. Too bad she keeps getting distracted by her super-sexy, six-feet-of-tattooed-hotness friend, Des, who is so many shades of Mr. Wrong… 

Bar owner Des Chapman has vowed never again to get involved with society girls. Yet he's irresistibly drawn to Gracie—those lush curves, those lips, and her ridiculous ability to date the wrong guys. As Gracie's discouragement grows, Des realizes it's time to show her what she really needs in a man—and it has nothing to do with a briefcase and generous bank account. He'll teach Gracie the Rules According To Des…even if it means breaking his rule in the process.

My Thoughts:

Such a lovely story about a girl who keeps looking for a certain kind of man, only to discover that maybe her list of qualifications may be the wrong one to go by. This is a cute take on the "girl with a list" love story.

Gracie keeps looking in the wrong places for the man she needs. Her friend, the very-opposite-of-her-list Des, usually doesn't want to be with a girl like Gracie. But the attraction is evident for both of them, culminating in a moment of seeing how it would be stepping to the other side. Despite their determination to keep looking for the opposite, thinking that they're wrong for each other, they are still drawn together. The only question is, can they overcome their expectations in life for something that they may want even more?

The Rules According to Gracie is an adorable and sensual read. I loved every minute of their friendship-to-something-a-little-bit more. I kept cheering Gracie and Des on, hoping they'll go into the right direction in their lives instead of expectations. Stefanie London is an author to check out, for sure!

My Rating: