Johannesburg… City of Gold. City of Love? Adam Cooper can’t do relationships, and has two failed engagements to prove it. His work as a lawyer, a shark in the courtroom, brings out a side of him that women don’t like or understand.With his last breakup, he was left so disillusioned he not only swore off relationships but even took an extended break from the work he loves. And then Holly Monroe, …
And then Holly Monroe, arrives in Johannesburg.
She has been on her own since she was fifteen. With a past she’s trying to forget and a future she’s afraid to hope for, Adam and his big, loving family are exactly what she cannot allow herself to trust. She is determined to maintain her defences and rely only on herself. It’s safer that way.
The more Adam gets to know Holly, the more he wants to break his no relationship rule. But his killer instinct that’s been honed for cross-examining witnesses in the courtroom rears its head in their romance. He can’t shake the feeling she’s keeping secrets from him. And Adam knows that secrets in a relationship lead only to one verdict.
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What a wonderful debut. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
What a great new author for me to have been introduced to. I absolutely loved this story line and all the characters involved in it. This story truly brings all the feels out and left me full
Holly & Adam. A unique and interesting story line. An awesome book. Well worth the read!!
I cannot believe this is a debut author. Seriously I’m in shock.
This was the kind of book I expected from someone with more than a few books under their belt.
It is full of drama and secrets, plus love the fact it talks about the struggles SA is currently going through with load shredding.
Cannot wait to read more from this author as many of the characters hinted at back stories, and as I fell in love with every one in the tight nit bunch, I can’t wait to learn them all.
Bravo Bailee Hantam, you’re going to go far!!!
Great debut book! Really enjoyed Adam and Holly’s story. Looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Overall, I really liked this book. The storyline was compelling, the characters likable, the chemistry obvious and there is a strong feeling of realism to it all that I thought really helped you connect with the book and its characters.
Wonderfully engaging story
I loved this easy-going story of Adam and Holly’s romance. The emotions are deep and heartfelt, and the characters really come alive. The ending was wonderfully rewarding, and the HEA was sealed with a delightful epilogue.
Really enjoyed reading this emotional story. You will love this story. I highly recommend
Love it! Great storyline and love the characters. Romance and drama is involved. Definitely recommend.
The emotional push and pull from Adam and Holly takes you on a read that will keep you wanting more from these two. Each have a past that is heartbreaking and doesn’t leave them much for trusting peopl, and when one hides the truth from the other will they be left broken once again or will they find away to overcome it all? Amazing read that will bring tears to your eyes and make you laugh and all the feels as you read. Can’t wait to read the next
Small town romance, big heart
I love small town and family romance series, and author Bailie Hantam did a great job with her debut book that starts off her 30 Something series.
The Cooper Brothers have always had each other’s backs and are close to their mother, especially since their father bailed when they were younger leaving Judy and the boys to juggle jobs and responsibilities that shouldn’t have yet been theirs to shoulder. Not only that, he’d left behind secrets that could potentially split the family in two.
Ms Hantam’s introduction of the characters, for not only this book but also for the others that will follow, was well done, and the family and friend dynamics were described so well, it almost felt as if I was there meeting them all in person. Just like the kitchen is the heart of a home, so Mrs Cooper and her house turned B&B, is the heart of the family and this series. Her family and friends are loyal, outgoing and ever-welcoming of the new face who is just looking for a fresh start in life for herself and possibly her brother.
As for the storyline between Adam, a lawyer, and Holly, his mother’s new border, it is a witty, passionate and fun tale about second opportunities for love. I absolutely enjoyed everything about it, and I’m about to dive straight into the next book.
4.5 Stars for this small town romance and the family and friends that I am looking forward to reading more about!
“You should read this book!” So I thought I’d give it a go and I read it in one sitting! I loved it! I liked the fast pace and the secret back stories of the characters that you just have to find out so you keep reading and next thing you know, you’re finished the book.
Adam is delightful, a little moody but the perfect match for Holly, who has not the nicest past but is doing her best to put it behind her. But will her secrets be her undoing? You have to read to find out so “you should read this book!”
I really hope we get to read about the other characters stories soon! 4 brothers all with issues of their own? Sounds like an awesome series to me!
Talk about an emotional book!! Definitely a great title for this book!!
Holly moves to a new city so she can straighten out her life as she seeks custody of her brother! Adam is at his mother’s when Holly shows up to move into his mother’s flat!
Heat and emotions will consume both Adam and Holly, but will the lies be the end of their connection or will it make them stronger?