When I moved back to my hometown of Foxe Hill, I knew a few things for certain:First, I needed to overcome the world’s worst case of writer’s block. My first documentary film might have won some big awards, but that doesn’t cement a career. Second, this move must remain temporary. After ten years away, I don’t plan on staying. Third, and most importantly, I cannot, under any circumstances, fall … circumstances, fall back in love with my brother’s best friend, Keaton Marks.
Easier said than done in Foxe Hill.
When I’m around Keaton, I feel less like an award-winning filmmaker and more like the teenager I was when I first fell for him. He’s still the gorgeous, quiet, and way out-of-my-league man, now complete with biceps and a beard—have mercy on my soul—and I’m still his best friend’s little sister.
Keaton wouldn’t notice me even if I wanted him to, so it’s just business as usual when I keep running into him—completely innocent up until the day he pulls me into the most earth-shattering, world-changing, is-this-really-happening kiss.
With my film career on the line, I can’t afford any distractions. But the way he’s looking at me now, with his eyes wandering as far as I’d always hoped they would? It’s the biggest distraction I can think of.
Welcome home, Violet.
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One Bad Element Outweighs Many Good
I enjoy romance of many stripes, but sometimes I do question why I keep reading contemporary romances. Perhaps it is because I have found a few books and authors that I enjoy. So many contemporary romances oddly combine uncomfortable parts. Like this book, for example. I liked the small-town feel of it. The characters are likable, decent people. There’s no heavy angst or drama. There’s a charming, slow-burn feel to the brother’s-best-friend romance. Both characters have room to grow, and each learn something about themselves as they look at their world through the eyes of the other.
It all sounds good, right? And it is, mostly. But the one thing I can never get past, and frankly, ruins a book for me, is the casual use of profanity. I truly wish that authors would put that a book has swearing or other crude language (at any level) in the description/blurb. That way, people like me could quickly bypass the book. And, no, saying that a book is meant for 18+ audiences doesn’t cut it; when I see that, I think it means that it will have steamy sex scenes, not profanity. I have no issue with those!
For me, all the other delightful elements can carry me along quite well for a while… until I run across those profane or crude words. They simply jar me right out of the story as I believe that the swearing is neither warranted nor necessary in a small-town contemporary romance (or any fiction, really). So, while I liked many elements of this book, I found the swearing and crudeness pulled me right out of my suspended disbelief, ruining the effect of the book. If you don’t mind swearing in your fiction or contemporary romance, this probably won’t affect you as much as it did me.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
The blurb for this book had me wanting to read the story. Starting out I had a hard time getting into the story but about 40% in it really picked up for me and I didn’t want to put it down.
I loved Keaton & Violet, there was some angst and their chemistry was great. There were so many little funny moments during their banter too!
If you like a witty brothers best friend then you will enjoy this story. I will definitely be reading more from Julie in the future
This is the first storyline in the series and focuses on Violet and Keaton. These characters are engaging and well developed they have known each for years and have had feelings that neither one would admit to. The flow of the storyline flowed smoothly from beginning to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Match Cut was a light, small town romance that gives you the welcoming cozy vibes.
I read this In one sitting! One thing I love about small town romances is the familiarity of the characters and revisiting their pasts.
Keaton and Violet have known & crushed on one another for 10 years. When Violet returns all those feelings rush back and leave these two questioning their friendship and fearing Violets brother, Asher’s reaction. All the while Violet struggles with her writers block.
The brothers best friend aspect I felt was a little exaggerated. It seemed like a big deal but turned out not to be. Keaton and Violet had some sexual tension, I was dying for them to get together. The only thing that really bothered me was how drawn out the slow burn was. What I loved though was that the plot line was simple, there was no added in/ unnecessary drama for word counts sake.
Keaton was a true gentleman and sweetheart, I adored his character. I also loved how confident and genuine Violet was.
It was my first Julie Olivia book but it won’t be my last!!
4/5 stars
*arc provided for an honest review*