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By the Bay #3
Decidedly with Love
From the author of sexy romantic comedies comes the story of a meddling grandmother searching for lifelong love. For her hockey player grandson…
Fake girlfriend Rule #1: never fall for your fake boyfriend.
Oops.
I run Aphrodite’s Boutique, a store that specializes in all things love-related. A store that I adore with all my heart, and which is at risk of being shut down and replaced with a condo development.
To save it, all I have to do is pretend to be Travis Hamilton’s girlfriend.
Sounds simple enough. Right?
Except he and I have a history together...but he doesn’t seem to remember me.
****
My feisty, well-meaning grandmother raised me after my parents died, but now she’s determined to help me find The One. But when most women I meet tend to be puck bunnies or women only interested in my hockey-player salary—and let’s not forget the nutcase of an ex-girlfriend—why bother?
Only a fake girlfriend will deter my grandmother’s matchmaking scheme.
Too bad the one woman who can help me is the sexy redhead who wants to assist me as much as she wants her eyeballs dunked in hot sauce and barbecued.
To convince her, I promise to help her with her own dilemma. But sometimes fire and ice really do mix. Now I have to decide if love is in the air—and if together Emma and I make something hotter. Something stronger. Something real.
Fake girlfriend Rule #1: never fall for your fake boyfriend.
Oops.
I run Aphrodite’s Boutique, a store that specializes in all things love-related. A store that I adore with all my heart, and which is at risk of being shut down and replaced with a condo development.
To save it, all I have to do is pretend to be Travis Hamilton’s girlfriend.
Sounds simple enough. Right?
Except he and I have a history together...but he doesn’t seem to remember me.
****
My feisty, well-meaning grandmother raised me after my parents died, but now she’s determined to help me find The One. But when most women I meet tend to be puck bunnies or women only interested in my hockey-player salary—and let’s not forget the nutcase of an ex-girlfriend—why bother?
Only a fake girlfriend will deter my grandmother’s matchmaking scheme.
Too bad the one woman who can help me is the sexy redhead who wants to assist me as much as she wants her eyeballs dunked in hot sauce and barbecued.
To convince her, I promise to help her with her own dilemma. But sometimes fire and ice really do mix. Now I have to decide if love is in the air—and if together Emma and I make something hotter. Something stronger. Something real.
ebook
First published January 15, 2018
About the author
Stina Lindenblatt
36 books786 followersBorn in Brighton England, USA Today bestselling author Stina Lindenblatt has lived in a number of countries, including England, the US, Finland, and Canada. This would explain her mixed up accent. She has a kinesiology degree and a MSc in sports biological sciences. In addition to writing fiction, she loves photography, and currently lives in Calgary, Canada, with her husband and three kids.
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To receive an email when Stina releases a new book or has pre-orders available, sign up for her newsletter over at https://stinalindenblattauthor.com/ne...!
Stina can be found on her website: https://stinalindenblattauthor.com
SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER
https://stinalindenblattauthor.com/newsletter
VISIT ME ON INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/stinalindenblatt
VISIT ME ON FACEBOOK
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VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
https://www.amazon.com/Stina-Lindenblatt/e/B00GB0FIEQ
Join me in my Facebook group Stina’s Sweethearts for hot guys, fun times, and exclusive giveaways. Just click on the image below to visit me there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 13, 2019
Sometimes I drive myself mental with how crazy I make myself over the smallest of things. So I finished all the ARCs I had to immediately review and had a few due in a few weeks and had to decide what to read next. But nothing was grabbing me so I decided to read the next ARC due. Until I realised it was part of a series and I had only read part of it. And I fixated on the books I hadn't read. Despite having a kindle full of books and a KU subscription I found myself having to pay $5 for a book because my brain wouldn't let me read anything else. Gah.
Luckily for me this was a really easy to read book. The whole story just felt cozy. There was no major dramas and all the characters were really likable. I just enjoyed everything about it.
Travis and Emma were both really sweet. They each had their own reasons for being closed off from getting into a real relationship. And for both of them they were genuine, understandable reasons that I couldn't fault them for. But luckily for us Nanna Fanny made Travis open his eyes and see what was right under his nose.
So even though I started this book a little annoyed with myself I am really glad I sucked it up and read this book. And now I am going to dive straight into the next book in the series.
Luckily for me this was a really easy to read book. The whole story just felt cozy. There was no major dramas and all the characters were really likable. I just enjoyed everything about it.
Travis and Emma were both really sweet. They each had their own reasons for being closed off from getting into a real relationship. And for both of them they were genuine, understandable reasons that I couldn't fault them for. But luckily for us Nanna Fanny made Travis open his eyes and see what was right under his nose.
So even though I started this book a little annoyed with myself I am really glad I sucked it up and read this book. And now I am going to dive straight into the next book in the series.
June 18, 2020
3.5 Decidedly With Good Intentions Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
This was an easy breezy read and part of a series with a bit of RomCom intent. I had read the first one, missed the second and then found the third available.
In this entry we have the good grandson wanting to please his grandmother...and a woman who has always thought this man was judging her due to her background.
Both of them end up playing the part of boyfriend/girlfriend so the grandmother would stop shoving women in the man's path to marry.
What starts out as a deceptive practice ends up with both of them shocked to find out they have real feelings for each other.
A couple of necessary hiccups... and then all ends well... Ta Da
Decidedly off Limits (By The Bay, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Decidedly With Baby (By The Bay, #2)
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
This was an easy breezy read and part of a series with a bit of RomCom intent. I had read the first one, missed the second and then found the third available.
In this entry we have the good grandson wanting to please his grandmother...and a woman who has always thought this man was judging her due to her background.
Both of them end up playing the part of boyfriend/girlfriend so the grandmother would stop shoving women in the man's path to marry.
What starts out as a deceptive practice ends up with both of them shocked to find out they have real feelings for each other.
A couple of necessary hiccups... and then all ends well... Ta Da
Decidedly off Limits (By The Bay, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Decidedly With Baby (By The Bay, #2)A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 5, 2018
There is something about a book that has a grandmother involved in it that males me a big sap! I so enjoyed this one! Full review to come!
November 9, 2020
⭐4.25 decidedly amazing stars 😊
January 15, 2018
Read full review HERE
I’m really enjoying this series…
THE POSITIVE:
♥The characters. Emma and Travis were great characters, but I also really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Travis grandmother and her 2 feisty friends.
♥ The writing. This has been a hit and miss for me, I liked it on the first book, Decidedly Off Limits, but found it a bit too much on Decidedly With Baby. Here I liked it again. The style is still the same, and it’s fun and light. The only problem is that it doesn’t allow for a big distinction on the character’s voices.
♥ The plot. I love fake relationships turned real, so yeah, I really liked the plot.
THE NEGATIVE:
♦ I found that the relationship developed a bit too fast. It went from fake to forever very very fast.
♦ The plot of the 2 characters knowing each other in their teens was inconsequential, and didn’t bring anything to the story.
I’m really enjoying this series…
THE POSITIVE:
♥The characters. Emma and Travis were great characters, but I also really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Travis grandmother and her 2 feisty friends.
♥ The writing. This has been a hit and miss for me, I liked it on the first book, Decidedly Off Limits, but found it a bit too much on Decidedly With Baby. Here I liked it again. The style is still the same, and it’s fun and light. The only problem is that it doesn’t allow for a big distinction on the character’s voices.
♥ The plot. I love fake relationships turned real, so yeah, I really liked the plot.
THE NEGATIVE:
♦ I found that the relationship developed a bit too fast. It went from fake to forever very very fast.
♦ The plot of the 2 characters knowing each other in their teens was inconsequential, and didn’t bring anything to the story.
November 7, 2019
I've been in a bit of a reading slump the last few days. Even authors I know I enjoy weren't appealing. I lost interest halfway through every book I've been reading. And I gave up with trying to keep track of all of the ones I've started. So when you're in that sort of mood it's even more awesome to find a book that has you laughing and sighing on every page.
The grandma trio were absolutely awesome and I'd be definitely interested in reading a series if they were the stars of the show. The set up between Travis and Emma, their agreements, their chemistry.
The one thing I didn't really understand was why the big deal about her writing an advice column when it really didn't play a big part in the plot. Yeah there were funny q and a scenes, but her job doesn't factor into the conflict at all. It's not even her sole source of income and had it come into jeopardy, which it didn't, losing it wouldn't affect her life really. It's a hobby she does for fun.
Also considering her background I think it should have been explained how she got from abandoned, abused foster kid to successful small business owner. Even if it was only a short paragraph to explain it. She wouldn't have graduated with collateral, contacts capable of cosigning or a nest egg so yeah how did she get the store?
It was a great story, I just left with a few can you explain this one for me questions I really would have preferred answered.
The grandma trio were absolutely awesome and I'd be definitely interested in reading a series if they were the stars of the show. The set up between Travis and Emma, their agreements, their chemistry.
The one thing I didn't really understand was why the big deal about her writing an advice column when it really didn't play a big part in the plot. Yeah there were funny q and a scenes, but her job doesn't factor into the conflict at all. It's not even her sole source of income and had it come into jeopardy, which it didn't, losing it wouldn't affect her life really. It's a hobby she does for fun.
Also considering her background I think it should have been explained how she got from abandoned, abused foster kid to successful small business owner. Even if it was only a short paragraph to explain it. She wouldn't have graduated with collateral, contacts capable of cosigning or a nest egg so yeah how did she get the store?
It was a great story, I just left with a few can you explain this one for me questions I really would have preferred answered.
September 12, 2020
(audiobook) This one is my favorite of the series so far. It was far more funnier than the previous two books, and there were a lot of good ideas–Emma writing a love column in a local newspaper and owning a love shop, the hockey players’ striptease at the end… It was quite sexy too! And I thought there was an interesting reflection about what family is, and what it is to lose it.
There were also darker undertones here, with Emma’s past as a foster kid and what it implies of abuse and neglect. The side characters gave an extra bit of laughter, especially the grannies gang. All in all, there was a good balance between angst and fun.
This one was also extra sexy. I found Emma’s and Travis’s chemistry off the charts, and though their intimate scenes were quite short, they were full of unrestrained passion. I love the loss of control in bed.
Again, the narration was good. This series is one hit after another, and I can’t wait to listen to the next book!
Quickie
- Series: By the bay #3 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #fake relationship #striptease
- Triggers: mention of domestic abuse
- Main couple: Emma Lovejoy & Travis Hamilton
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + love shop + love column + Magic Mike = one sexy romcom
- – a bit too sugary at the end, my teeth hurt
There were also darker undertones here, with Emma’s past as a foster kid and what it implies of abuse and neglect. The side characters gave an extra bit of laughter, especially the grannies gang. All in all, there was a good balance between angst and fun.
This one was also extra sexy. I found Emma’s and Travis’s chemistry off the charts, and though their intimate scenes were quite short, they were full of unrestrained passion. I love the loss of control in bed.
Again, the narration was good. This series is one hit after another, and I can’t wait to listen to the next book!
Quickie
- Series: By the bay #3 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #fake relationship #striptease
- Triggers: mention of domestic abuse
- Main couple: Emma Lovejoy & Travis Hamilton
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + love shop + love column + Magic Mike = one sexy romcom
- – a bit too sugary at the end, my teeth hurt
January 30, 2018
Decidedly With Love is part of the By The Bay series particularly book number three. I have read all of the books leading up to this one before by Stina Lindenblatt and found myself enjoying them. So I downloaded this one next and thought what the heck! Let's start something new!
This book follows Emma a foster kid who never knew unconditional love and Travis a son of loving parents who tragically died leaving him scared of commitment. Together they tackle a fake relationship and all the complications that come from lies that turn into truths. I found it pretty enjoyable. I liked Emma. I loved how passionate she was about her store and hearing about all the cute things she had in it. The thought Travis's grandma and her friends were hilarious and she was definitely a grandma we will all want to be when we get older. I liked Travis enough, at times I found him a little too self absorbed and not all that considerate of all Emma had been through.
Although the book was good it was just good. Nothing about it had me over excited. It was just mediocre. I read it pretty quick, but won't be rereading it any time soon and I'm not sure how much of it will stick with me as I go on to new books. If you're looking for a wicked book hangover you probably won't find it here, but if you want something easy, light, and pretty good overall this one might just be for you. Plus who can resist crazy old ladies and a strip show?
This book follows Emma a foster kid who never knew unconditional love and Travis a son of loving parents who tragically died leaving him scared of commitment. Together they tackle a fake relationship and all the complications that come from lies that turn into truths. I found it pretty enjoyable. I liked Emma. I loved how passionate she was about her store and hearing about all the cute things she had in it. The thought Travis's grandma and her friends were hilarious and she was definitely a grandma we will all want to be when we get older. I liked Travis enough, at times I found him a little too self absorbed and not all that considerate of all Emma had been through.
Although the book was good it was just good. Nothing about it had me over excited. It was just mediocre. I read it pretty quick, but won't be rereading it any time soon and I'm not sure how much of it will stick with me as I go on to new books. If you're looking for a wicked book hangover you probably won't find it here, but if you want something easy, light, and pretty good overall this one might just be for you. Plus who can resist crazy old ladies and a strip show?
January 10, 2018
How can you not love a book with a hero that loves his Grandma??? That's what you'll get when you read Travis and Emma's story. What starts out as a fake relationship is quickly hijacked by Grandma and gets out of control quickly. Emma only agreed to this charade to take care of her own problem now she finds herself not wanting to disappoint Fanny and worrying that her heart might be in danger as well.
This book is very well written and you will absolutely fall in love with these characters. It's filled with humor, touching moments, and off the charts chemistry between Travis and Emma. This is definitely a book I recommend.
This book is very well written and you will absolutely fall in love with these characters. It's filled with humor, touching moments, and off the charts chemistry between Travis and Emma. This is definitely a book I recommend.
September 25, 2019
Y'all im always down for a fake girlfriend romance and this one didn't let me down. Emma owns and runs the Boutique that Travis is always buying gifts from when he propositions her and she can save her beloved boutique it sounds simple enough ... but y'all know how that goes right? The fact that they have a past and he doesn't remember rubbed me the wrong way at first. I love that his grandmother plays such a huge roll in his life. The fact that these two have such tragic past is so sad but I think in ways it makes them grow closer. Super sweet story that I enjoyed reading.
October 18, 2019
The only way I can think to describe this book is cozy. It was an easy read, it was a fun read, and it was sweet. Travis and Emma were both realistic in their wants and needs, and they both were easy to understand, which isn't always the case with a contemporary romance. It was easy to like them, and easy to root for them.
It was sweet and comforting, and sometimes you just need a book like that in the rotation.
It was sweet and comforting, and sometimes you just need a book like that in the rotation.
January 14, 2019
Decidedly with Love is a cute love story about two people who have been damaged by love. We met Emma our heroine who longs for love and her happy-ever after but because of her past she's reluctant to open up to love and Travis our Mr. Hot shot who lost the people he loved the most. This was a cute and fast read for me with little to no drama. My favorite part of the book was Fanny and her girls!
January 15, 2018
This is a good and sweet book with great emotion and humor thrown in. I love this series and look forward to the next book.
September 28, 2019
Note: An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Cover -Swoon worthy, almost drooled over it.
The writing -Was bringing all of my emotions out, literally played them like guitar strings. My poor heart aches now...sigh.
The personalities of both the characters - So relatable, funny, and totally in sync with the story line and their end game. My heart literally cried at the end, wishing for more...
The summary -Frickin hilarious but a feel good one. Totally why I picked up, after the cover image hehe, guilty guys, guilty.
The romance and the overcoming of problems - The romance was so damn scorching and again drool worthy sigh, made me wish for a guy like Travis and to be the heroine like Emma. Sigh, my daydreams are officially clouded by these two. The problems overcoming them was done so realistic and heartwarming as they both overcame their personal demons and faced obstacles thrown their way together gracefully and successfully, cheering them on the whole time, haha.
So totally a high recommend. Really, I recommend it with all my heart, you will not be disappointed.
PS: That scene for the fundraiser, the guys. 😂😂😂. Oh I couldn’t stop laughing and wishing I was there. Dirty dancing soundtrack was definitely worth listening to with that scene.
So guys, again a high recommend. Don’t forget to add it!
Until the next page,
J.B
Cover -Swoon worthy, almost drooled over it.
The writing -Was bringing all of my emotions out, literally played them like guitar strings. My poor heart aches now...sigh.
The personalities of both the characters - So relatable, funny, and totally in sync with the story line and their end game. My heart literally cried at the end, wishing for more...
The summary -Frickin hilarious but a feel good one. Totally why I picked up, after the cover image hehe, guilty guys, guilty.
The romance and the overcoming of problems - The romance was so damn scorching and again drool worthy sigh, made me wish for a guy like Travis and to be the heroine like Emma. Sigh, my daydreams are officially clouded by these two. The problems overcoming them was done so realistic and heartwarming as they both overcame their personal demons and faced obstacles thrown their way together gracefully and successfully, cheering them on the whole time, haha.
So totally a high recommend. Really, I recommend it with all my heart, you will not be disappointed.
PS: That scene for the fundraiser, the guys. 😂😂😂. Oh I couldn’t stop laughing and wishing I was there. Dirty dancing soundtrack was definitely worth listening to with that scene.
So guys, again a high recommend. Don’t forget to add it!
Until the next page,
J.B
November 18, 2017
4.5 stars
Can't get enough of this author or this series. I read mostly MM these days, but Stina's tongue-in-cheek, wacky, laugh-out-loud rom-coms are a breath of fresh air and they really do it for me. Loved this!
Can't get enough of this author or this series. I read mostly MM these days, but Stina's tongue-in-cheek, wacky, laugh-out-loud rom-coms are a breath of fresh air and they really do it for me. Loved this!
November 14, 2017
I enjoyed this heartwarming story. It has all the element I love in a story, a hot hockey player, a spunky heroine, sizzling chemistry and fun secondary characters.
January 19, 2018
Received in exchange for a honest review.
It’s finally here. We get Travis’s story. And it didn’t disappoint. We learn why he has an aversion to relationships and who he is. I devoured every morsel of it.
Travis is the guy who is a player on the outside but such a sweetheart on the inside. His love for his grandma is so wonderful to see. he has been through a lot in his life and after it all he is afraid to let anyone in out of fear they will leave and his heart will be broken.. But he doesn’t want his grandma to be unhappy because she saved him and loves him no matter what. So he employs Emma into helping with that by being his fake girlfriend. I fell for him instantly because he is a good guy who is there for his friends, team and grandma
Emma is adorable. She has been dealt some tough blows in her childhood but overcame them and now just wants someone to love her. She is kind and sweet but also an optimist. When Travis first comes in her shop to get his grandma and her troublemaking 80 year old buddies (these three ladies are so cute and a hoot) Emma doesn’t exactly give a happy welcome to him. She knows him but not in a good light. It was when she was a teen and her insecurities got the best of her. Even now she remembers and tries to hold onto that anger. It’s hard though because she gets to know him and when she learns the truth she understand more about Travis.
These two start out as acquaintances. Travis for Emma is a way to get money for a cause she believes in and also keep her store where it is. Emma is his way to make his grandma happy. A grandma you fall for from the get go. That is one adorable feisty and funny lady with no filter. Her two friends are a hoot as well. Slowly as Travis and Emma spend time together, they become friends. Only their chemistry and attraction is making it hard for them to just pretend. Travis though is more stubborn and he is still trying to distance himself from his feelings. Emma though is too kind hearted and wanting love in her life that she just can’t keep it up.
When Travis does something silly and realizes it was a mistake, he does something drastic but really romantic to get Emma back. It is so swoonworthy and that ending melt your heart romantic.
The book is so fun and light hearted at times with some very serious and sad pasts. We see love and family take a part in the falling in love of Emma and Travis. We see friendships blossom and come to support as well. We even see Wes find someone he is interested in. the gang from previous books are here in full force helping to show these two love and relationships but also lend a hand when needed. Emma and Travis will just have you devour their story and be entranced with them as they fall in love and get a HEA even when Travis fights it. We also get some really cute and precious ladies in Travis’s grandma and her friends who are fun, entertaining and have no filter it is a hoot. Told in the view of both Travis and Emma we see how their feelings develop and what they are thinking as they fall in love. We get to feel how love scares Travis and how Emma craves someone in her life. How they open up and find their way to each other and become what the other needs in their lives.
It’s finally here. We get Travis’s story. And it didn’t disappoint. We learn why he has an aversion to relationships and who he is. I devoured every morsel of it.
Travis is the guy who is a player on the outside but such a sweetheart on the inside. His love for his grandma is so wonderful to see. he has been through a lot in his life and after it all he is afraid to let anyone in out of fear they will leave and his heart will be broken.. But he doesn’t want his grandma to be unhappy because she saved him and loves him no matter what. So he employs Emma into helping with that by being his fake girlfriend. I fell for him instantly because he is a good guy who is there for his friends, team and grandma
Emma is adorable. She has been dealt some tough blows in her childhood but overcame them and now just wants someone to love her. She is kind and sweet but also an optimist. When Travis first comes in her shop to get his grandma and her troublemaking 80 year old buddies (these three ladies are so cute and a hoot) Emma doesn’t exactly give a happy welcome to him. She knows him but not in a good light. It was when she was a teen and her insecurities got the best of her. Even now she remembers and tries to hold onto that anger. It’s hard though because she gets to know him and when she learns the truth she understand more about Travis.
These two start out as acquaintances. Travis for Emma is a way to get money for a cause she believes in and also keep her store where it is. Emma is his way to make his grandma happy. A grandma you fall for from the get go. That is one adorable feisty and funny lady with no filter. Her two friends are a hoot as well. Slowly as Travis and Emma spend time together, they become friends. Only their chemistry and attraction is making it hard for them to just pretend. Travis though is more stubborn and he is still trying to distance himself from his feelings. Emma though is too kind hearted and wanting love in her life that she just can’t keep it up.
When Travis does something silly and realizes it was a mistake, he does something drastic but really romantic to get Emma back. It is so swoonworthy and that ending melt your heart romantic.
The book is so fun and light hearted at times with some very serious and sad pasts. We see love and family take a part in the falling in love of Emma and Travis. We see friendships blossom and come to support as well. We even see Wes find someone he is interested in. the gang from previous books are here in full force helping to show these two love and relationships but also lend a hand when needed. Emma and Travis will just have you devour their story and be entranced with them as they fall in love and get a HEA even when Travis fights it. We also get some really cute and precious ladies in Travis’s grandma and her friends who are fun, entertaining and have no filter it is a hoot. Told in the view of both Travis and Emma we see how their feelings develop and what they are thinking as they fall in love. We get to feel how love scares Travis and how Emma craves someone in her life. How they open up and find their way to each other and become what the other needs in their lives.
January 18, 2018
This is the third book in the By the Bay series and can be read as a standalone. The characters from the first two books make appearances as they are friends with Travis. You don’t have to read the first two books for this story, it just is fun to know the other couple’s histories.
Emma Lovejoy is a fun heroine with a tragic past. She was abandoned as a child and grew up in the foster care system. She owns her own love store, Aphrodite’s Boutique, and peddles everything from erotic scented candles and massage oils to adult sex toys and movies. She is beautiful, sweet, sexy and funny and she believes in love and wants to have someone love her. Her clients love her and that includes three grandmothers who frequent her store. Emma has a fountain that is similar to the Trevi Fountain in Rome to include Aphrodite. She also has a side job writing a love column for a local paper. Dear Dr. Lovejoy. Very few people know that Emma is the author and no she isn’t a doctor. The antics in the store are hilarious and the grandmothers are characters. One of them belongs to Travis, the hero.
Travis is a professional hockey player for the San Francisco Rock and he loves his life, to include his single status. He lost his parents when he was still in high school and his grandmother was there to help pick up the pieces. They are very close, and she is after him to settle down and have a child. She wants a great grandchild before she dies, she is 80 but doesn’t act like it. Travis wants his grandmother to quit trying to fix him up with women, so he comes up with a plan to find a fake girlfriend. He chooses Emma for reasons I won’t go into because you need to read the book to find out the rest of the story.
This is a sweet, funny, and sexy feel good love story. The characters had amazing chemistry and I loved their journey to get to their HEA. There were parts that I felt bad for the characters. The story flowed well and there were a few stomach plummets. I was totally engaged and involved with the story and characters. I really loved the characters and the secondary characters added a lot of comic relief! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it. It’s definitely worth the read!
ARC kindly provided for an honest review.
Emma Lovejoy is a fun heroine with a tragic past. She was abandoned as a child and grew up in the foster care system. She owns her own love store, Aphrodite’s Boutique, and peddles everything from erotic scented candles and massage oils to adult sex toys and movies. She is beautiful, sweet, sexy and funny and she believes in love and wants to have someone love her. Her clients love her and that includes three grandmothers who frequent her store. Emma has a fountain that is similar to the Trevi Fountain in Rome to include Aphrodite. She also has a side job writing a love column for a local paper. Dear Dr. Lovejoy. Very few people know that Emma is the author and no she isn’t a doctor. The antics in the store are hilarious and the grandmothers are characters. One of them belongs to Travis, the hero.
Travis is a professional hockey player for the San Francisco Rock and he loves his life, to include his single status. He lost his parents when he was still in high school and his grandmother was there to help pick up the pieces. They are very close, and she is after him to settle down and have a child. She wants a great grandchild before she dies, she is 80 but doesn’t act like it. Travis wants his grandmother to quit trying to fix him up with women, so he comes up with a plan to find a fake girlfriend. He chooses Emma for reasons I won’t go into because you need to read the book to find out the rest of the story.
This is a sweet, funny, and sexy feel good love story. The characters had amazing chemistry and I loved their journey to get to their HEA. There were parts that I felt bad for the characters. The story flowed well and there were a few stomach plummets. I was totally engaged and involved with the story and characters. I really loved the characters and the secondary characters added a lot of comic relief! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it. It’s definitely worth the read!
ARC kindly provided for an honest review.
June 15, 2019
.Puntuación: .4,75 ♥
.Palabras clave: .Tienda del amor, Hockey, buen chico, buscando a Mr. Correcto, Romance Falso.
.Mi opinión:.
Emma tiene una tienda dedicada al amor, donde ella vende todo lo que puedas imaginar sobre dicho tema, ¡incluso tiene una fuente con Afrodita! Muchas de las clientas echan sus monedas para pedir un deseo, eso es lo que hace Fanny, una amable viejecilla que tiene el deseo de tener bisnietos.
En ese momento Travis, su nieto, aparece en la tienda y el color de Emma desaparece de su cara, ellos se conocen, pero parece que él no se acuerda de ella.
Como Travis está cansado de que su abuela lo intente emparejar con las nietas de sus amigas, él y sus amigos tienen una idea, encontrar a alguien para hacerse pasar por su novia falsa y hacer que su abuela lo deje tranquilo. Eso sí, tiene que ser alguien que nunca y por ningún concepto se pueda enamorar de él, así que Emma es la candidata perfecta. (Famosas últimas palabras, ¿verdad?)
Travis aprovechará un pequeño problema de Emma y su tienda para convencerla.
Así que ellos dos se embarcarán en una relación falsa, llena de besos y un gran HEA.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
.¿Qué es lo que me ha gustado? . El tipo de historia está muy bien. El saber que los personajes tienen pasado juntos, que ese pasado es más cercano de lo que ellos piensan, en cuanto a lo que les ocurre, cómo Travis se da cuenta de las cosas y cómo hace cosas por ella sin pensárselo dos veces... ¿quién no querría eso?
.¿Qué es lo que NO me ha gustado? . Quizá el rencor que tiene Emma en cuanto a Travis por lo que ocurrió en su pasado y las "consecuencias" que trajo a su vida. Quizá demasiado exagerado, pero sino fuera así, no habría historia. -
.¿Volvería a leerlo? . Definitivamente, sí.
January 12, 2018
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Matchmaking grandmother Fanny for the win in Decidedly With Love by Stina Lindenblatt! The third book in her By the Bay series, we encounter a fake relationship between a playboy hockey player and a boutique owner who come to an understanding of lust and love.
Stina keeps delivering entertaining romances with these hockey players looking for their ‘one’. Each book, there’s always a rule to follow but also to break… and oh my, do the characters break them!
Emma Lovejoy, owner of Aphrodite’s Boutique can care less for the playboy hockey stud and his magnetic ways, however when Travis Hamilton propositions her with a stunning deal that will help them both out, it’s hard to refuse. What starts out as a ‘fake’ relationship, suddenly morphs into an attraction that leaves her heart in shambles if she takes a misstep. Not to mention a grandmother and her friends who make it harder and harder to ignore to the growing attraction she begins to feel towards Travis.
A romance filled with undoubtedly amounts of humor, teasing, well touch and decidedly lust moments. Minimal angst, but just enough to keep the story fluid and the chemistry sizzling. I loved how strong the connection between Travis and his grandmother was. Stina did an excellent job capitalizing that aspect and not to mention adding in the loads of humour with Fanny’s friends and their plotting schemes.
4 stars in the charming, heartfelt story with grin worthy moments in Decidedly With Love!
Matchmaking grandmother Fanny for the win in Decidedly With Love by Stina Lindenblatt! The third book in her By the Bay series, we encounter a fake relationship between a playboy hockey player and a boutique owner who come to an understanding of lust and love.
Stina keeps delivering entertaining romances with these hockey players looking for their ‘one’. Each book, there’s always a rule to follow but also to break… and oh my, do the characters break them!
Emma Lovejoy, owner of Aphrodite’s Boutique can care less for the playboy hockey stud and his magnetic ways, however when Travis Hamilton propositions her with a stunning deal that will help them both out, it’s hard to refuse. What starts out as a ‘fake’ relationship, suddenly morphs into an attraction that leaves her heart in shambles if she takes a misstep. Not to mention a grandmother and her friends who make it harder and harder to ignore to the growing attraction she begins to feel towards Travis.
A romance filled with undoubtedly amounts of humor, teasing, well touch and decidedly lust moments. Minimal angst, but just enough to keep the story fluid and the chemistry sizzling. I loved how strong the connection between Travis and his grandmother was. Stina did an excellent job capitalizing that aspect and not to mention adding in the loads of humour with Fanny’s friends and their plotting schemes.
4 stars in the charming, heartfelt story with grin worthy moments in Decidedly With Love!
January 12, 2018
A hot hockey player. A woman that owns a sex shop that focuses on women. A matchmaking grandmother and her 2 best friends. Throw in a little strip dance for charity, and you have all the makings for a crazy good time, right?
This story started with a guy that just wants his grandmother to stop trying to set him up. He cooks up a crazy scheme with a couple of his friends and it goes from there. Of course, nothing good can come from a scheme this off the wall.
Emma and Travis are both playful, fun characters. I enjoyed reading all about their crazy path to love. Travis thinks he is happy with his life just the way it is. Emma knows that she wants more, but doesn't know how to get it. But they both have issues stemming from their childhoods that keep them from being in a relationship.
Let's not forget Travis's grandmother and her friends. They are hilarious! I could not get enough of them. I think I laughed throughout most of the story, from their antics.
This was a fun read, with just enough serious thrown in to keep it interesting. Definitely worth the read. Although there are visits from characters from previous books in the series and mentions of previous events, this story can be read as a standalone.
This story started with a guy that just wants his grandmother to stop trying to set him up. He cooks up a crazy scheme with a couple of his friends and it goes from there. Of course, nothing good can come from a scheme this off the wall.
Emma and Travis are both playful, fun characters. I enjoyed reading all about their crazy path to love. Travis thinks he is happy with his life just the way it is. Emma knows that she wants more, but doesn't know how to get it. But they both have issues stemming from their childhoods that keep them from being in a relationship.
Let's not forget Travis's grandmother and her friends. They are hilarious! I could not get enough of them. I think I laughed throughout most of the story, from their antics.
This was a fun read, with just enough serious thrown in to keep it interesting. Definitely worth the read. Although there are visits from characters from previous books in the series and mentions of previous events, this story can be read as a standalone.
December 1, 2019
Phenomenal😍
This was Travis & Emma's story💗..
Travis is a NHL player while Emma has a ‘romance’ store & writes a weekly journal on love problems.
Travis's Granny- Fanny is almost 80 & is trying to set him up with girls so he'll find love.
When they met due to Fanny & her 2 minions visiting Emma's store, Travis can't seem to remember her.
They have history, going back to high school. She's angry as he left her before & he's confused (imagine it! It's fun😉).
So when the guys gave him idea about a fake Gf (so that Fanny will be happy), with no other girls, he goes to Emma with the proposal.
Due to some situations she has to accept his offer.
But as the deal starts, the kisses turn heated, & as she gets to know his sweet side, she falls for him.
They spend time on murals, with friends & on fundraising event with hockey players stripping (that was fun!)
All the while, she knew falling for him was dangerous & he didn't realise his feelings.
When he came close to losing her (to a guy) he realised the ache in his chest. The sweet gesture he did to prove his love & make her trust him was just... No words for it😍
P.s. the epilogue was beautiful with him proposing💗
P.p.s Fanny would've been so happy😏
This was Travis & Emma's story💗..
Travis is a NHL player while Emma has a ‘romance’ store & writes a weekly journal on love problems.
Travis's Granny- Fanny is almost 80 & is trying to set him up with girls so he'll find love.
When they met due to Fanny & her 2 minions visiting Emma's store, Travis can't seem to remember her.
They have history, going back to high school. She's angry as he left her before & he's confused (imagine it! It's fun😉).
So when the guys gave him idea about a fake Gf (so that Fanny will be happy), with no other girls, he goes to Emma with the proposal.
Due to some situations she has to accept his offer.
But as the deal starts, the kisses turn heated, & as she gets to know his sweet side, she falls for him.
They spend time on murals, with friends & on fundraising event with hockey players stripping (that was fun!)
All the while, she knew falling for him was dangerous & he didn't realise his feelings.
When he came close to losing her (to a guy) he realised the ache in his chest. The sweet gesture he did to prove his love & make her trust him was just... No words for it😍
P.s. the epilogue was beautiful with him proposing💗
P.p.s Fanny would've been so happy😏
September 25, 2020
Decidedly with Love
by Stina Lindenblatt
Narrated by Tim Paige, Isabelle Ruther
series By the Bay #3
There is nothing better than a man who wants to please his grandmother. To keep her happy, Travis needs to bring home a girlfriend. When he meets Emma, their is some friction, but she needs some help, and if she will pretend to be his girlfriend, the rewards will fix her problems. Life is never that easy though. Will they be able to pull the wool over Granny's eyes? Will feelings get in the way? Who will come out unscathed? Stina Lindenblatt writes another laugh out loud romcom that has a story impossible not to fall in love with. Travis is quite the character. Determined not to be the man who ever settles down, this man certainly can romance with the best of them. Emma finally finds the will to let her guard down. I love watching her blossom. And Granny, what a woman! She steals the show with her shenanigans. It's a fun listen and great addition to the By the Bay series.
Narrated by Tim Paige and Isabelle Ruther, we are treated to a wonderful performance. Perfect comedic timing, these two make a fantastic team. Each voice matches the personality of the character and their voices compliment each other so well, it makes the story flow with ease. Another enjoyable audio!
by Stina Lindenblatt
Narrated by Tim Paige, Isabelle Ruther
series By the Bay #3
There is nothing better than a man who wants to please his grandmother. To keep her happy, Travis needs to bring home a girlfriend. When he meets Emma, their is some friction, but she needs some help, and if she will pretend to be his girlfriend, the rewards will fix her problems. Life is never that easy though. Will they be able to pull the wool over Granny's eyes? Will feelings get in the way? Who will come out unscathed? Stina Lindenblatt writes another laugh out loud romcom that has a story impossible not to fall in love with. Travis is quite the character. Determined not to be the man who ever settles down, this man certainly can romance with the best of them. Emma finally finds the will to let her guard down. I love watching her blossom. And Granny, what a woman! She steals the show with her shenanigans. It's a fun listen and great addition to the By the Bay series.
Narrated by Tim Paige and Isabelle Ruther, we are treated to a wonderful performance. Perfect comedic timing, these two make a fantastic team. Each voice matches the personality of the character and their voices compliment each other so well, it makes the story flow with ease. Another enjoyable audio!
January 15, 2018
In this third installment in the By The Bay series from Stina Lindenblatt, Emma Lovejoy, owner of the Aphrodite Boutique aka the love store and playboy Travis Hamilton, hockey star, engage in a fake relationship to placate Travis’s matchmaking grandmother. Turns out its a win-win for Emma and Travis in multiple ways.
This is a familiar trope, so there aren’t many surprises here and the story rests on the likability of the characters. Travis has a fairly serious transformation as he starts out with a no girlfriends ever mantra. He’s got just the right amount of sexiness and vulnerability. Emma is a business woman peddling love who’s looking for it herself, and when they get together it’s quite heartwarming. They’ve got great chemistry and their journey to their HEA is full of humor and some surprises along the way.
Decidedly with Love can be read as a standalone title although there are appearances from characters in the first two books in the series. This is one of my favorite Stina Lindenblatt’s series. I love the sweetness and it’s a nice escape from the drama of real life.
An ARC was provided for review.
This is a familiar trope, so there aren’t many surprises here and the story rests on the likability of the characters. Travis has a fairly serious transformation as he starts out with a no girlfriends ever mantra. He’s got just the right amount of sexiness and vulnerability. Emma is a business woman peddling love who’s looking for it herself, and when they get together it’s quite heartwarming. They’ve got great chemistry and their journey to their HEA is full of humor and some surprises along the way.
Decidedly with Love can be read as a standalone title although there are appearances from characters in the first two books in the series. This is one of my favorite Stina Lindenblatt’s series. I love the sweetness and it’s a nice escape from the drama of real life.
An ARC was provided for review.
January 16, 2018
If you haven't read a book in the By the Bay series - this book will make you a fan!
Travis Hamilton has a great life going - he's got a job he loves, all the commitment free flings he could ask for and oh yeah - a grandmother who keeps pushing him to find the one and bring her some great grandbabies. While Travis isn't into a relationship - he is into making his grandmother happy - so he decides he's got the perfect plan - find a fake girlfriend with no risk of her developing REAL feelings for him and convince grandma he's found someone. How's that saying go -- the best laid plans....
Emma's looking for love - but only the real, deep kind - she doesn't want any more imitations or heartbreak. At first she's not sure about Travis' proposed "fake-mance" but eventually for her own reasons gives in. But as things progress Emma's finding herself getting deeper in with not only Travis but his grandmother.
With great chemistry, wonderfully fun characters, and quite a bit of heart, Decidedly with Love delivers a story that will deliver everything you could ask for. Humor, sparks, steam and just about everything in between.
Travis Hamilton has a great life going - he's got a job he loves, all the commitment free flings he could ask for and oh yeah - a grandmother who keeps pushing him to find the one and bring her some great grandbabies. While Travis isn't into a relationship - he is into making his grandmother happy - so he decides he's got the perfect plan - find a fake girlfriend with no risk of her developing REAL feelings for him and convince grandma he's found someone. How's that saying go -- the best laid plans....
Emma's looking for love - but only the real, deep kind - she doesn't want any more imitations or heartbreak. At first she's not sure about Travis' proposed "fake-mance" but eventually for her own reasons gives in. But as things progress Emma's finding herself getting deeper in with not only Travis but his grandmother.
With great chemistry, wonderfully fun characters, and quite a bit of heart, Decidedly with Love delivers a story that will deliver everything you could ask for. Humor, sparks, steam and just about everything in between.
September 27, 2019
The Hockey Romance Writing Gods are alive and well and this book ‘Decidedly With Love’ by Stina Lindenblatt is a second chance/sports romance lovers dream come true.
Travis is a charming, even if a little jaded, well-intentioned, sexy as sin, professional hockey player. You feel his energy on every single page of this book.
Emma is a slightly damaged product of the foster care system and has difficulty opening up to people. She runs a “romance” shop and is wary of men.
The two strike a deal. She’ll be his fake girlfriend so that his gran will stop her matchmaking schemes and he will secure her lease, paint a mural for the youth center near and dear to her heart and convince his teammates to put on Magic Mike performance all to raise money.
Neither are prepared for the earth shattering physical and emotional connection they share. Their road to happily ever after is a given and reading it was an absolute pleasure. All the stars for this wonderful book. I look forward to reading more by this incredible author.
Travis is a charming, even if a little jaded, well-intentioned, sexy as sin, professional hockey player. You feel his energy on every single page of this book.
Emma is a slightly damaged product of the foster care system and has difficulty opening up to people. She runs a “romance” shop and is wary of men.
The two strike a deal. She’ll be his fake girlfriend so that his gran will stop her matchmaking schemes and he will secure her lease, paint a mural for the youth center near and dear to her heart and convince his teammates to put on Magic Mike performance all to raise money.
Neither are prepared for the earth shattering physical and emotional connection they share. Their road to happily ever after is a given and reading it was an absolute pleasure. All the stars for this wonderful book. I look forward to reading more by this incredible author.
January 14, 2018
I really loved this sweet and sexy romance. Travis will do anything to make his grandmother happy. Even break the heart of sweet, caring, romance shop owner, Emma Lovejoy. Emma doesn't want to play along with Travis' scheme for her own reasons. When she thinks that she might lose her beloved store, she agrees to be his fake girlfriend for a few weeks. But when Travis finally realizes that Emma is the best thing to ever happened to him it might just be too late. This had everything I crave in my romance reads. It had a sexy alpha, a strong heroine, quirky secondary characters, a heartwarming & fun storyline, and lots of steam! The twists and turns this story took had me totally engaged from start to finish. I loved the Dr Lovejoy column, it added an entertaining element to the story. I also enjoyed catching up with the couples from the past books in this series. I definitely recommend this charming, heartwarming, and sexy story.
September 19, 2019
Decidedly with Love is book 3 in the standalone By The Bay series; involving a fake relationship to keep a grandmother happy.
Running a Love store is hard work, especially when you don’t have anyone to love. When Emma is told she has to vacate her premises Travis comes to the rescue and starts to help her; but he is holding back a secret that could change everything. When a plan to create a fake relationship to keep Travis’s grandmother happy transpires they are left walking a fine line between real and fake.
I loved Travis and Emma, their characters had chemistry and they both were everything each other needed.
I personally really enjoyed this story, while I haven’t read all of the books in series I am going to go back and catch up ASAP. I can’t wait for the next instalment from Lindenblatt.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 4/5 Characters: 4/5 Heat: 4/5 Writing Style: 4/5 Overall: 4/5
Running a Love store is hard work, especially when you don’t have anyone to love. When Emma is told she has to vacate her premises Travis comes to the rescue and starts to help her; but he is holding back a secret that could change everything. When a plan to create a fake relationship to keep Travis’s grandmother happy transpires they are left walking a fine line between real and fake.
I loved Travis and Emma, their characters had chemistry and they both were everything each other needed.
I personally really enjoyed this story, while I haven’t read all of the books in series I am going to go back and catch up ASAP. I can’t wait for the next instalment from Lindenblatt.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 4/5 Characters: 4/5 Heat: 4/5 Writing Style: 4/5 Overall: 4/5
December 29, 2021
The love doctor finally finds her man
This is such a fun series, although they can be read as stand-alones. This book is Travis and Emma’s story. We met Travis in the previous book, when he painted Holly and Josh’s baby nursery mural. He’s a hockey player and has sworn off ever settling down (which it seems is apparently a requirement for his team 😂). Emma was tossed around foster homes after being abandoned at a very young age. She desperately wants to be lovable, but hasn’t found anyone who sticks around. She owns a romance boutique and secretly writes a romance advice column. Travis convinces her to be his secret girlfriend, and as one would expect, things don’t stay fake for long. It is nice to see the characters from prior books, and I look forward to reading the stories that follow about the other characters. It’s an easy, steamy, low angst or unnecessary drama series, and thoroughly enjoyable.
This is such a fun series, although they can be read as stand-alones. This book is Travis and Emma’s story. We met Travis in the previous book, when he painted Holly and Josh’s baby nursery mural. He’s a hockey player and has sworn off ever settling down (which it seems is apparently a requirement for his team 😂). Emma was tossed around foster homes after being abandoned at a very young age. She desperately wants to be lovable, but hasn’t found anyone who sticks around. She owns a romance boutique and secretly writes a romance advice column. Travis convinces her to be his secret girlfriend, and as one would expect, things don’t stay fake for long. It is nice to see the characters from prior books, and I look forward to reading the stories that follow about the other characters. It’s an easy, steamy, low angst or unnecessary drama series, and thoroughly enjoyable.
September 19, 2019
Decidedly With Love is a adorably hilarious story! Travis and Emma both have some issues when it comes to romance, but Granny Fanny won't let those issues rest. She's more than willing to intervene.
Emma is how I'd describe a lot of women at her age. She's ready to settle down, she's ready for the one, but she can't seem to find him. She is hilarious and I loved every bit of her. Travis thinks love isn't for him and has some commitment issues. Yet a fake girlfriend with benefits sound right up his alley. Travis is sweet and you can see the huge heart he has. Fanny is my favorite character. She's all up in her grandson's business and gives zero fecks about it. She is a hilarious troublemaker and you can't help but adore her.
Cute, steamy, sweet, with a dash of feelings makes Deciedly With Love a new favorite!
Emma is how I'd describe a lot of women at her age. She's ready to settle down, she's ready for the one, but she can't seem to find him. She is hilarious and I loved every bit of her. Travis thinks love isn't for him and has some commitment issues. Yet a fake girlfriend with benefits sound right up his alley. Travis is sweet and you can see the huge heart he has. Fanny is my favorite character. She's all up in her grandson's business and gives zero fecks about it. She is a hilarious troublemaker and you can't help but adore her.
Cute, steamy, sweet, with a dash of feelings makes Deciedly With Love a new favorite!
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