Is this bookworm ready to write her own love story? In a funk after a recent break up, Lauren Logan wants to bury her nose in a book and forget about the world, but her friends have other plans. Dragged against her will, Lauren finds an empty corner at the bar to read, but when a friendly bartender with a gorgeous smile and the greenest eyes she’s ever seen approaches her, she realizes life … approaches her, she realizes life outside of a book could be just as exciting.
Gavin Mills lives in the shadows of his twin brother’s success by choice. He refuses to become another zombie in a suit, preferring to follow his own dreams of owning the local bar. But with one problem after the next, Gavin’s dreams of hosting a St. Patrick’s Day bash feels hopeless, until the adorable bookworm offers to help make his dreams a reality.
Late nights at the bar and undeniable chemistry make it impossible for them to ignore their growing feelings. But when an unfortunate turn of events makes Lauren question Gavin’s motives, will they find it in themselves to take a chance on each other?
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Finally, Gavin’s Story!
We finally get the other half of Ashton Mills. His twin brother, Gavin. We met him in other stories, and I couldn’t wait to hear his story. He has a heart of gold and is a super sexy bartender. He sees Lauren sitting in the corner of his bar and she captures his attention. Lauren is perfect in her nerdy, crafty, book reader sort of way. She doesn’t think she’s good enough for someone like Gavin and her insecurities make her much more adorable. Grab this quick, fun, flirty and easy-going story based in the timeframe of St. Patrick’s Day.
Lauren is a bookworm who loves to escape in books. Gavin is a bartender who lives in his successful brother’s shadow. When Lauren’s friends persuade her to go out with them, her life takes an exciting and unexpected turn when she meets Gavin! Will they have their own happily ever after? A beautiful and uplifting love story with lovely characters!
This was a fun read. I enjoyed getting to know Lauren. She was such a quiet girl that was always reading a book. Even when out with friends she was able to find some time to read. Gavin was a sweetheart and full of surprises. I loved the chemistry between the two as the found all the things that they had in common. Their relationship was full of ups and downs, but never boring. It also had a bit of comedy in it as well. I recommend this book to those that love romance that happens between unlikely couples.
Behind the Stick #6 – I love every book in this series since all are full of love, the importance of friendship and the caring of family. Lauren lost her parents at the age of five and uses books to protect herself from more loss. Gavin borrows from his successful twin brother and buys a bar that ends up costing more to repair than he estimated, and not wanting to involve his brother’s wallet again, he is struggling. L’s friends force her to go out after she lost another boyfriend to her love of reading and end up talking the night away with Gavin while he tends bar. Their relationship evolves slowly and they help each other learn to trust and grow while they work together to save the bar and the family.
There still are the other characters that we have grown to love with each addition to the series and they are there for Gavin and Lauren. The storylines are well thought out and the dialog is always real, along with the characters. The author does not use stupid formulas, just common sense and mature characters that making reading any of her books interesting, entertaining and enjoyable. While any of these stories can be read alone, don’t go that route. Start with the first book, there’s so much richness and depth that each book adds. I’m sorry the series is over, but I know there is something else good planned. I contacted the author to review her. 5*
After the Night #1 – This is my first read by this author and I had fun reading it. Don’t care too much about this age group (twenties), but Sandra did a delightful job telling this story about two “ugly ducklings” that haven’t turned into swans yet, or two nerds actually that are perfect for each other. After having a cute meet at the company’s Halloween party, she tries to find out who he is as he tries to tell her it was him. The supporting cast add to the fun of the story. There’s even a mystery to boot. Well written, funny and full of goofs, clumsy actions and misunderstanding. Needs minor editing. 4*
Across the Street #2 – Perfect addition to After the Night. Another well written, sweet romance between Cassie’s best friend Steven and wallflower Ginny. They both need each other and have three weeks to make things work. Adding to the interesting characters are three sweet furballs of love that enhance this lovely, clean story even more. The storylines keeps the reader lost in the pages as love and confidence grow steady for this couple. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Under the Tree #3 – The fun and romance continue with this entertaining, clean romance. Ooops, she’s pregnant and he’s immature. The characters are fun, interesting and do a realistic job in trying to make things work. Good storylines that keep the reader glued to the pages until the end. The supporting characters add their touches to the story. Well written with just a touch of minor editing needed. I contacted the author to review her books. 4*
Going Down #4 – Having read the first three books, I still enjoyed reading this addition. This book is just as entertaining and delightful as the previous stories. I barely remember Ash from a previous story, but he’s a good guy, lots of fun and takes care of business. Even though what Lily May suffered through in the first chapter, the story never let LM down; she was just as funny, sweet and determined to the last page. The other characters do a great job in their roles. The storylines, like in the other books, are interesting with plenty of humor to keep the reader involved with the characters and their antics. It’s never a dull moment with anything in this series and the pace is continuous so the stories are a fast read since it’s difficult to stop reading. As a Southerner, I laughed at a lot of the vernacular comin outta Lily May’s mouth. “Bless your heart” is not something to say as LM used it; it’s actually a polite way to insult someone. I just wish authors would stick to what they know. I’d rather have the site be Auckland instead of Seattle, and read real Kiwi speak instead of Southern (or American) done wrong. I contacted the author to review her books and I’m happy I found this delightful series. 4*
Between Friends #5 – Of all the books in this series so far, this is my favorite. It’s nonstop Rae and Tommy rule the relationships so far as the best. Not only were they the best loving laughter and love. Well written, the storylines blend in with other characters from the series, but couple with a deep friendship to strengthen their love, but the support characters were good, too. Rae’s mom was my favorite, outside of Tommy and Rae. They were just perfect together with and without Mom. The dude sat through countless chick flicks voluntarily by himself. Even I consider that punishment for me, although there were a couple of those movies I liked. George was a good touch to the story; everyone needs a grumpy, furry sofa cover. This is just a feel good romance between two people that started with a deep friendship without knowing the depth was their love for each romantically too. I contacted the author to review her books and this has been an enjoyable series. 5*
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the stories in the Romance For All Seasons series. I am so glad that in Behind the Stick we finally get Gavin’s story! This just may be my favorite story. I loved how Lauren would sit in a corner with her book. It was amazing when Gavin started reading to her! The spark between Gavin and Lauren grew slowly and believably. Ms. Marie fills her books with charming characters, warmth and love. Do not miss Behind the Stick!
Each book in this series gets better and better!!
This group of friends are some of my favorites to visit. I kinda fell for Gavin in Between Friends (I even actually wanted to see Rae end up with him!!) and I was so excited to start his story. And wow! I’m glad that he didn’t end up with Rae!! Lauren is the perfect match for him.
Gavin is sweet and driven to make his bar a success. Lauren is one of the nicest characters I’ve ever read and is a hardcore friend. These two were adorable together and I felt their connection from the very first meeting. I couldn’t put their story down!! I can’t wait to see who catches the love bug next!!
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*