The First Spark

Sparkwood: Scenes From A Small Town #1

by M.L. Broome

I have a very big problem … in the form of one very petite woman.

Don’t get me wrong. I adore women, and if you ask any female in Sparkwood, you’ll learn the feeling is mutual.

With one tiny exception.

Oriana Thorne is a literal thorn in my side—a plucky, infuriatingly gorgeous, pain in the rear who rents the store next to mine.

We’ve disliked each other from the beginning, or at least since she marched into my shop and started issuing demands. Needless to say, I didn’t roll out the welcome mat after that meet-hate.

I'd love to avoid the woman until the end of my days, but as fate would have it, I need her help.

Without her approval, my plan to open a speakeasy beneath our shops is dead in the water.

Considering Oriana is as fond of me as I am of her, winning her assistance will be no easy feat.

So, when a faulty lock forces the two of us to spend the night together, it’s anyone’s guess if we’ll survive until morning.

But that’s a chance I’m willing to take. What’s the worst that can happen?

It’s not like I’m going to fall in love with the woman …

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Forced Proximity, Chick Lit

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2024

About the author

M.L. Broome is a bohemian spirit with a New York edge. Her small-town contemporary romances feature smart and sexy heroines over the age of thirty-five, and sizzle with angsty, slow-burn goodness.

Raised on a steady diet of stories, she grew up believing all men should be like Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre—enigmatic yet unflappable in their devotion. Hence, her own brand of book boyfriend was born.

When M.L. isn’t holding one-sided arguments with her characters (she likens it to herding cats), she loves losing herself to nature on her North Carolina farm, one her rescue fur babies by her side.

Her favorite things? Dressing up and kicking back with a glass of wine and a stunning view, soaking up all the experiences that make the soul and senses tingle.

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Reviews

[Kate Lyn Broom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars for a fun premise and interesting side characters, but this was a mess. These characters spent more time talking about other women than talking about each other, which made their catching feelings for each other read as so unrealistic. On top of that, Ash and Oriana were almost insufferably immature for characters who are supposed to be 38 years old. If they’d been 19, maybe I could understand some of their choices and dialogue.

The plot? There was none, and the book wasn’t particularly smutty. Just pages and pages of filler and circuitous, repetitive arguments. Nothing really justified the existence of this book, which I believe is a prequel.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Absolutely not. Can we not make any attempts to normalize for mediocre MMCs to attempt a speech that was perfected with Fitzwilliam Darcy? Because man whore Asher telling Ori that he hates that he likes her and he doesn't want to think about her constantly does the opposite of what was intended. I know there's a sequel and this ends on a HFN, but to be completely honest with you, this couple would never last in real life. Asher flirts non-stop with pretty much any woman he comes into contact with and Ori is jealous of every interaction with a woman he has. They don't communicate at all. I don't think they actually would even like each other.

Asher is 38 and Ori is 39. Their relationship and the interactions that they have with each other would be far more believable if they were 20 years younger and not business owners. This wasn't a good relationship. There was no chemistry. It was toxic. And the sequel has OW drama? No thanks.

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Spark is a prequel novella to introduce a new series called Spark Ridge by M.L. Broome & @mlbroomeromance is a new to me author. There is a full length book coming to them called Catching Sparks! Ash(er) owns his own tattoo shop & Ori(ana) owns a bookstore & coffee shop next door. It was a meet hate at first meeting. 6 months later Ash wants to open a speakeasy in the basement but needs her permission since according to the lease they both signed, it is shared space. Oops? 😂 They end up locked in the basement overnight & they work out their issues. They have sex that night. They agree to go on a date. I enjoyed this quick read about Aah & Ori & would love to read the next book!

[Nikole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute AF novella.
I cannot wait for their full story 'Catching Sparks' to come out.
The novella had some wording errors like sentences that didn't make sense because of how it was worded. But it didn't happen often and wasn't overwhelming in how it didn't flow right.
We all are human and mistakes are bound to be made.


I love Ash and Ori. First impressions aren't always right. They hated each other until one night when they got stuck together. Now I think Ash had something to do with that. When Ori heard the door close, she freaked out and he was so calm about it all. He didn't even think twice about the fact they were locked in all night - he just said ok, laughed, then went on about his night like it didn't matter.

I really hope their full length book will keep up with the same energy. since we already got the story of them getting together there wont be anything like that, I assume it will start off with them in a relationship and go from there.

The writing was good (not including the little wording mistakes). I loved the characters and their relationship. It felt real and they had a good connection.

[Kiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The First Spark, Book 1 of the Sparkwood: Scenes From A Small Town mini-series, was about 39-year-old Oriana "Ori" Thorne, the own of One More Page, which was a bookstore/coffee shop, and 38-year-old Asher "Ash" Hammond, a tattoo artist and the owner of the Black Lotus tattoo parlor (and co-owner of the family micro-farm).

Side Note: Book 1, The First Spark, and Book 2, Chasing Sparks, were a duet, both about Ori and Ash. Book 3, Igniting Sparks, was about a different main couple.

Six months after a not-so-cute meet-cute between Ori and Ash (after which he began calling her the Frost Witch and Ice Queen, plus multiple other, unsavory names), the two had not spoken since. However, Ash wanted to open a Gatsby-era speakeasy in the joint basement of their connected businesses, but to do so, he needed Ori's consent and signature agreeing to share the basement in that way. Ash didn't want to speak with her and begged the building owner (a woman with whom he'd been intimate in the past but was now married to the local chief of police. He wasn't above trying to use that connection to get his way, though.) to find a way around it. However, she refused, so he had no other recourse but to have a face-to-face conversation with Ori. But the night he chose to confront her didn't go as planned. He had forgotten he'd scheduled a booty call with another woman (who happened to be friendly with Ori). Things went from bad to worse when an incident caused his attention to focus on Ori rather than his date, who called him on whatever the connection was between him and his arch-nemesis. He cut his evening short, only to get locked in the shared basement with Ori. During the time they were stuck, he managed to learn what had created the animosity between them...and then they slept together. When morning came, Ash gave Ori the "official blow-off", which told her it probably would never happen again.

Side Note: During the time they were locked in the basement, Ori managed to figure out that Asher had, at some point in his past, had a bad love affair. What she didn't learn, but he mentioned during an inner monologue, was that he had proposed to a woman he'd been with for six months ten years earlier, only to be told by her that marriage between them was a no-go because...she was already married, a fact she had kept from him during their entire relationship. Because of that "first love lost", Asher had done a 180 and only indulged in one-night stands with various women over the course of the intermittent 10 years. Now...Ori had become one of those women. It was sickening how often the author made it clear to the reader that the MMC "didn't do love", "would never fall in love", etc. How many ways and times does it take for the reader to finally understand...HE DOESN'T DO RELATIONSHIPS?!

The fall-out from the one-night stand hit Asher hard in that he tried to relegate Ori to the same category as all of his other women...a one-off and nothing more. But he couldn't seem to get her off his mind, no matter how hard he tried. When he realized that Ori was avoiding him the same way he had been her, he didn't like the feeling of "being on the other side" of the brush-off situation. He was usually the one who walked away without a backward glance. Two days later, Ash signed the new lease agreement giving him the right to open his speakeasy. He said that Ori had already added her signature. After he signed the new lease, the building owner asked how he'd managed to get Ori's agreement so fast. He mentioned being locked in the basement. When the woman asked him if it had been done by gravity, causing the door to latch, or something he had designed on purpose. He readily admitted he had done it on purpose. Kiki asked if they'd had fun, to which he responded, "she signed the new lease, didn't she?" A$$hole. He wasn't too thrilled at the thought of Ori being intimate with another man when he saw her at the bar with one, and he decided to throw the server in her face, allowing both Ori and her to believe he was going to take her to his bed for the night.

The story had more than its fair share of angst, drama, and emotional rollercoaster twists and turns. The conflict was not fun, but it stayed between the two main characters, and although there were plenty of other women to deal with throughout the story, they weren't the ones causing the problems...for the most part, at least. It seems as though the author may have saved THAT aspect for Book 2 since this one ended in a bit of a cliffhanger and had no HEA or HFN. The push/pull between the two main characters quickly became nauseating, especially because they verbally threw other men/women at each other, constantly talking about who had how many and the "don't tell me, I don't want to know how many" diatribe. That's not romantic, that's a touch disgusting.

The book really started to become annoying the more the MMC (and every other character who knew him) commented on how many women he'd been with...and his prowess with each one of them. It became sickening by the time the reader got to chapter 9...and there were eleven more to follow of the same trash falling onto the pages. It did not get better either because all the way to the ending, the focus was on his other women (and her supposed other men).

The two main characters, while being fully developed, were a bit immature for their ages. Rather than talking things out, they egged each other on with barbed statements, hidden innuendoes, and the idea that another man/woman would fill their respective beds at any given moment.

I couldn't give this more than a two-and-a-half-star rating, rounded up to three. There was just too much focus on the MMC's sex life, which seemed to incorporate nearly all of the other women in town. How is that romantic?! I mean, seriously, what woman in her right mind wants to be in a relationship with a man who has slept with half (or more than) the women in town? Who wants to go on a date, or be seen with him in public, only for one or more of his past conquests to show up and hit on him or, worse, brag to her about their time together? Not this reader. Hopefully the second half of this duet will be better...but I'm not holding out much hope.

[Mandy Pittman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was a little prequel novella. I feel the next book is going to piss me off because even tho I liked this book. This kind of “chemistry/jealousy trope” is toxic (to me) and I have a hard fine getting through it.

[VoraciousReader · Rating 1 out of 5]

I disliked both MCs. Ash was a smug, cocky a$$hole and Ori was a spineless doormat who kept panting after him no matter how badly he treated her.

[Imogen Dior · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars!
I enjoyed The First Spark by M.L. Broome, i enjoyed the plot and two main characters in this book. Asher was described as a sexy but endearing soul who was a great guy and talented artist. I enjoyed the fact that he was bit prickly but still seemed like the kind of guy who cared about the important things- family, his business etc. Oriana was also a good character who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. She had an amazing business and was successful and very intelligent, she also seemed like a strong woman who knew what she deserved and was willing to fight for it. I think there was some things the communication could have fixed easily and there seemed to be allusions to things that happened that we should’ve known about but didn’t so it was a bit confusing at times. Overall it was a good read and interesting.

[Kat Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short but seriously sweet and sexy novella is a perfect tease to launch the Spark Ridge series. You get a little insight into the sleepy mountain hamlet in New York and a brief introduction to a few of the characters. Asher, the pierced tattooed biker/slash farmer that also owns the tattoo shop next to Oriana's book store. The novella explores how their wrong first impressions and slight obsessions lead to an explosive night together. I look forward to reading the book and seeing where their relationship goes.

[Angie Large · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow right when it's getting really good it ended and left me wanting more! I loved that it didn't take long for Ash and Ori to act on their chemistry but I'm sure their romance won't be without some bumps in the road. I just need more of these characters! I can't wait for their story to continue in the Spark series because I need to know more about them, this town, the supporting characters and of course the speakeasy! Thank you to Voracious readers and M.L Broome for my eCopy of this book.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very short prequel to a new series - literally it is only a few chapters. But it was intriguing so I cannot wait for the series to begin. Ash and Ori are neighboring small business owners who started off on the wrong foot. But when stuck together overnight, the sparks fly. Now that they are into each other, can a commit-phobic playboy change his ways?

[Mimi Guzman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible

Could you possibly hate every character in a book… yes, yes you can. HE was awful. They way the book talked about him, how he has slept with every woman in town, how he’s the P$$y whisperer ugh! Gross! And she was pretty annoying and dumb. I completely disliked them both.

[Ashleigh Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 Stars out of 5 (standard rounding rules apply)

This was a cute novella introducing us to a whole new set of characters. It was a pretty cute novella. Since this is the introduction to Spark Ridge, and the characters who reside there, it would make sense that questions are unanswered and leaving us wanting more. However, the MMC, Asher, and the FMC Oriana are two strong people with very distinct personalities.

Asher, Ash, is viewed as rough and tumble when people first seem him. He is bigger than most and covered with tattoos - and owns a tattoo parlor. Yet, underneath the surface he is actually a softhearted soul. While he comes off as gruff, maybe even prickly once you take the chance to know him it's clear he cares about people, not just family and those within his business but everyone and the town as a whole. But like every great MMC he is an Alpha and has no issue speaking his mind whether it causes hurt or not.

Our FMC Oriana, Ori, is a slip of a thing which leads most people to view her a small and incapable... meek even. That is far from the case with Ori. She is a strong, intelligent business woman who will stand up for herself and stand her ground. She owns the new local bookstore and cafe, and may look like a librarian but she is truly a Pitbull inside when needed to be.

Then there is a misunderstanding. One that brings these two unexpected business neighbors to have an issue with each other. And let's just say listening and communicating with each other doesn't seem to be their strongest suit. The misperceptions lead to come interesting situations. Then Ash needs to talk to Ori, and get her on board with something he wishes to do and sparks fly...

When it comes to the spiciness in the book, there is some. As it is a novella, there is only so much within. For me, it is two chili-peppers out of five chili-peppers. (Please keep in mind it may be more or less for you, as this is a personal opinion.) However, I believe their full-length novel will have even more within its pages when released.

Since Ash and Ori are going to be getting a full-length novel, and this is just the prequel I am truly hoping that it sticks with the same energy. Hopefully the characters don't change too much not that they have 'gotten together'. I am also hopeful that there is also some better communication between the two, even if they are just fumbling through it.

As a prequel novella goes, this was done relatively well. For me, personally, there was a lot of misunderstandings and communication that could have been completely avoided if the two grown adults stopped and listen; but that is a personal opinion and I didn't let it interfere with my opinions on whether it was 'good' or not. There were a couple small wording issues that caused some confusion, but as you read on it gets cleared up and they were far and few between.

Ash and Ori had a great connection and I can't wait to see how their relationship flourishes. All the characters were fleshed out really well, including what we know about some of the supporting characters. This is a novella I would definitely recommend for a quick read, and as an introduction to this series.

I was gifted this book in the hopes of receiving my honest and open thoughts, opinions, and review of it.

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in a sitting. Loved every moment of it. Appreciate the ending, that indicates more drama is to come, but we can take a breather for now. Satisfying and perfect.

As usual with M.L. Broome’s male leads, I wanted to smack Ash upside the head. On the flip side, I also wanted to give the man a big hug. If this story were exclusively from Oriana’s perspective, I would have truly believed he was a total ass, because that’s what she sees for most of this volume. Thankfully, Ash’s point of view is also provided and his terror of commitment comes across brilliantly. Hence the hug.

This story is a beautiful example of how often we allow our fears to hold us back from a good thing. Yes, in the past we’ve been burned, and that hurts, but we have to have the courage to give new opportunities a chance instead of allowing those past hardships control over our present. Broome brings this out well in this first volume of the series and I was truly proud of both Ash and Oriana for daring to give their relationship a chance, despite everything.

I simply adore how this author always manages to create flawed and believable characters who are also endearing as they muddle their way through life. Figuring out what we want and sticking to it, despite what life throws at us is hard, and it’s nice to see both characters struggle with such realities instead of having the FMC struggle and the MMC be flawless and supportive, which honestly raises the bar so high that no living male could ever achieve such perfection. Yes, these stories are supposed to be fantasies, but I love how this author always manages to make them real enough that male flaws, along with the intention of doing better, allow for a far greater beauty and a much more profound story .

If you enjoy antagonists to lovers with a side of male angst and a spunky FMC holding her ground and staying true to herself while he figures out his issues, you’ll definitely enjoy this.

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mine recommended Ori and Ash's story, and she lent it to me. The blurb looked very interesting, because let's face it, I am a sucker for men who say they are not capable of love. The book lived up to my expectations.

As far as I read, this book is something like a prequel to their main story. We get to know Oriana and Ashton, how they met, how they hated each other (or only seemed so), and how they were on a journey to finally get together. There was some drama surrounding them, but I still loved it.

Ash was known around town as a ladies man, but in the meantime, a really good person. That was until he met Ori, and misunderstanding happened between them. That misunderstanding made them avoid each other for 6 months. Until he needed her signature for a development next to his tattoo studio and forced them to be locked together to fix their hate. Sadly, we only got a taste of what could be between them, but that doesn't make me less determined to read their main story.

The other thing was that there was plenty of smut to make my heart swoon. They were perfect for each other in bed, and the passion was definitely getting out of control. He is bossy between the sheets, but she is in no way inferior to him, and I loved her for it.

I can't wait to read the main story, and I am definitely buying those two books in paperback.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Spark by M.L. Broome is a delightful and steamy novella that sets the stage for the upcoming Spark Ridge series. This quick read introduces readers to the charming small-town vibes of Spark Ridge, New York, while sparking intense chemistry between two intriguing characters.

Asher, a pierced and tattooed biker-slash-farmer who owns the local tattoo shop, meets his match in Oriana, the witty owner of the bookstore and coffee shop next door. Their relationship begins with a fiery “meet-hate” encounter, but when Asher needs Oriana’s permission to turn their shared basement space into a speakeasy, things take an unexpected turn. A night locked together in the basement forces them to confront their misunderstandings, revealing their sizzling attraction and leading to an unforgettable evening.

With its mix of humor, heat, and heart, this novella is the perfect introduction to the world of Spark Ridge. The writing captures the charm of a cozy mountain town while delivering a love story brimming with passion and promise. Asher and Oriana’s journey from animosity to romance is a joy to read, leaving you eager to see how their relationship develops in the forthcoming Catching Sparks. A must-read for romance fans looking for a quick and satisfying escape!

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

ML Broome's The First Spark definitely offers some heat in for these coming winter months! Establishing the setting and vibe for her new Sparkwood series, this book is a great kickoff.

Ori and Ash have fiery personalities. Both business owners and responsible for their companies, both opinionated, and both stubborn--they of course are set up from the start of their relationship to be enemies. An unknown misunderstanding leads to heated words and some pretty strong hate vibes between the two. When they are trapped together for the night though, the walls start coming down and they see each other in different lights.

Set in the clashing worlds of high-end tattoos and cozy book shops, Sparkwood sounds like a place I want to visit. This book has some great tension between Ori and Ash. With great supporting characters who like to stir the pot, both Ori and Ash have a chance to grow and change. As an early book in the series, it is clear their story isn't completely resolved though.

I'm looking forward to the next books in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one had me FRUSTRATED! I really began to hate Ash for a while there. He seemed like such a d!ck!! Get over it, we’ve all been heartbroken - no reason to be an a$$hole! No problem if he wants to screw around, but don’t string Ori along! Especially when she was clear from the beginning that she would not be another ONS for him. He was selfish and a douche.

Ori also annoyed me at times. She should have cut him off and out of her life. She was too much of a pushover.

BUT … the story had my attention and I loved the characters individually (obviously their relationship was a sore point for me). I had to see how Ash was going to redeem himself and why everyone was loving this book.

THANKFULLY the 2nd book fully redeemed the characters. Ori was still a bit much of a pushover for my liking, but she had her strong moments. Ash took awhile, but he finally, FINALLY, pulled his head out of his a$$ and manned up.

Book 2 ended up being a 5 ⭐️ read for me and I’ll be reading the rest of the series. Looking forward to getting to know Braden better 😍

[Alex E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the writing style and the FMC but I disliked two things:
1. the reformed playboy trope. We get it, he has sampled every woman in the town plus the tourists coming over for years... I really cant stand these type of men. and why? because his ex betrayed him. We get a lot of pathetic women salivating, drooling and making a pass to him. God, are we really so pathetic?
2. the fact that she signed the agreement after they slept together and when the OW tries to stir drama and make him admit that this was his intention all along he doesn't deny it to the extent I would have liked. His response and explanation fell so flat.

I mean he really tells her she is it for him and he has only eyes for her and she has magic between her legs (bla bla bla) but whatever comes from the mouth of someone that has slept with hundreds of women is really not interesting.

It ends with a HFN but with a hint that something will happen in the next book? I dont know if I will read it.

[Katie Mettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge M.L. Broome fan, I've been waiting patiently for a new book and she did not disappoint with The First Spark! Ash and Ori have a serious enemy-to-lovers vibe going from the very beginning, but oh, what a journey it was. What a fantastic couple to introduce us to in Sparkwood, a small mountain town that has all the small town pros and cons, including a bookstore next to a tattoo shop. WHAT could go wrong there?! I can't wait to read the rest of Ori and Ash's story as I'm always ready for the next book the moment I turn the last page. It was also so refreshing to read a romance where the couple is older so it isn't filled with the often silly misunderstanding trope that you get with romance novels with younger leads. At 38 and 39, the main characters have maturity on their side when it comes to solving problems and understanding nuances. A well-done romance!

[Roxana Lozano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asher is the fuck boy/play boy of the town and every girl wants him. Oriana is the new girl in town and wants nothing to do with him because of an altercation between Ash former employee and Oriana. But Ash needs to play nice with his new business neighbor if he wants to open his club in the basement of their business. Oriana is a smart and sassy girl that will not let anyone miss treat her. But one night he brings Ash to his knees and she gets her best night ever. But Ash doesn’t want anything serious and wants to keep playing the game. Ori knows he is a one night type of guy and she is ok with it. But Ash gets jealous when she is out w a guy friend getting dinner and when he thinks she out on dates. He also gets jealous when he sees other guys interested in her. He doesn’t want anything serious but doesn’t want her to move on.

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book it was good.

Only one thing i didn't like was the miscommunication, but that did eventually get sorted. im not a huge fan of miscommunication trope kinda erks me.

I loved the banter and wit of both characters in this book.
there chemistry was fire 🔥
im excited to read the 2nd book to this.

Oriana was frustrating but cute. I loved her sassiness and confidence.
Ash, who's a man whore but a gentalmen is a likeable character once u get past his whorish ways lol hes a great guy with a solid dream. But also has commitment issues due to a past ex sadly.
I do hope for good things in the next book with these two cos they certainly fit well together.

[Jada Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only reason I didn’t DNF this is because I didn’t want to fall behind on my reading goal for the year. The MMC is a grown, unhealed f***boy who throws fits whenever he doesn’t get his way. The FMC continues to flirt with and pursue him despite all these perceived slights he’s committed against her. They have surface level feelings, and I would definitely place a bet that they would break up in the future. This is your stereotypical toxic couple. Furthermore, if either of them “sputtered” into their drinks one more time, I fear I may have thrown my kindle. Don’t know how to take a sip and hold a conversation, just out here spitting all over the place. This book was not for me.

[Kayla Gallien · Rating 5 out of 5]

received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

There are so many things I truly loved about this book!

I loved the character growth. The pain/feelings came from a real place and I loved seeing him overcome those obstacles.

The FMC is a spitfire and I absolutely adore and relate to her! I love that she doesn’t take shit and isn’t totally above being a little petty 😂

I love the little details in the intimacy scenes, they made it so much more intense! 🥵🥵🥵🥵

I’ve only recently discovered M.L. Broome’s works but I’m addicted already!

[Cassidy Reyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great romance centering around a bookstore/café owner and a tattoo artist with a reputation. Neither is looking for love, in fact, they’re both perfectly content as they are, but can’t resist each other when they’re thrown together.
It’s a well-written story with an entertaining plot, great depth of character, and vivid descriptions. The bedroom scenes are p***ymeltingly hot and will make you reach for a glass of ice water. but there are also plenty of giggles to be had.
The ending leaves you wanting more, and I already look forward to the next book in the series.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a captivating stories. It was a page turner and the suspense was mind blowing with excitement. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. The chemistry between these characters was warm and romance. The physical attraction was intense and spicy hot. Sparks had ignited between these characters and romance of emotions.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun fast read.
I only had one problem.

“Damn, but it’s cold.”
“Fuck, but I missed you.”
There were more but I think I made my point. One word the a comma and then the but. Every single time it took me out of the story. The but doesn’t need to be there. The flow of the text just felt choppy.

Also, the word intimate was used often. To the point it was too much. At some points it wasn’t even in the correct sense. One particular instance the word should have been insinuate. But whatever.

Overall not bad. Don’t know if I would read more though. The ending was good. Closed ending.

[Ashlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute book. It is a super fast read. I felt like it could have been a little longer, and I am glad it gets a book two. You get this man who is done with love and wants nothing to do with it since what he thought was the love of his life did him dirty. Then along comes this fiery book owner, and as much as he tries, he falls for her. I just kind of felt like the ending just leaves you like, that’s all folks. It builds this beautiful love story, and then it’s done. However, book two picks right up where book one leaves off from.

[Ariana · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was…

I genuinely hate the miscommunication trope but this just felt forced… also Ori being so insecure was a real turn off and Ash was just oblivious, but not in the cute way. None of this was written in the cute way. You know, when your characters have a genuine misconception of the other and then they figure it out in a mature way.. this just feels like they’re in they’re early 20’s going through the dating scene for the first time. Not nearly 40 and business owners. Idk. It was meh.

[Jennifer Warriner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this quick intro to the series. I found it a bit difficult to switch between which character was "thinking" because there was no break in the text. I liked how quickly I felt about either main character changed depending on how they were acting towards each other. I am definitely going to read the next book when it comes out!

I received a copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.