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Cook Brothers #1

Work in Progress

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He’s not just flipping a house — he wants to flip her heart.

Jamie Cook is a work-in-progress. He’s always wanted what his parents have: a good marriage, lots of kids, and financial security. He thought he’d have the first two with his ex-girlfriend while the third would come once he got his house-flipping business off the ground. When his ex doesn’t subscribe to his five-year plan, he makes Cook Brothers Construction his sole focus.

Then he moves next door to April Williams, a sassy single mom he can’t stop riling up. Throw in her matchmaking mother-in-law, who’s set her sights on Jamie being April’s knight in a leather tool belt, and a house threatening Jamie’s sanity, and it should be a recipe for disaster, but Jamie wants this three-month project to last forever. That’s if he can stop being the neighbor from hell and prove to April he’s not just flipping a house — he wants to flip her heart.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2019

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2689 people want to read

About the author

B.J. Harvey

58 books1,817 followers
BJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Bliss Series. She also regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer and a funny romance thinker upper.

An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly but loving every minute of it. She’s a wife, a mom to two beautiful girls, and hails from what she considers as the best country in the world—New Zealand. Currently living in Perth, Australia.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjharveyauthor
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Sign up for her mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/MfpyP

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
Profile Image for  Nayeli ♡.
175 reviews147 followers
February 27, 2021
3.5 'Lovely' Stars⭐


❝I'm falling in love with you, and that should scare me, but I feel so safe with you. It's like letting myself go and knowing you'll catch me.❞


Note: This is the first book in the Cook Brothers series, but it can be read as a standalone.



I'm going to be honest. At first, I was having a hard time connecting with the story, but suddenly I was halfway through the book without even noticing! 🤭

This was exactly what I needed because I hadn't like the last books I had read. And I hate going into a reading slump.

So yeah, Work In Progress was a sweet, romantic and cheesy story with great characters that stole my heart😍



The characters and what I liked:

Jamie (H): He was a gentleman all the time, and such a sweetheart and light-hearted man, I'm not kidding! I loved him so much❤️
Jamie definitely was someone who always was working hard for everything that he wanted in life, especially getting April to fall in love with him, how cute?


❝I'm going to make April Williams fall in love with me, and I'm going to prove that I can provide a life for us. And I can't wait to get there.❞


April (h): She was a single mom living with her ex-mother-in-law because her ex-husband (also the father of her son) was an idiot who cheated on her with an eighteen-year-old receptionist.🙄
April was seriously awesome! I loved her character so much because, although her life wasn't perfect and sometimes it was really difficult, she knew how to take care of everything. She was kind, funny, and such a great mom who was always watching out for her six-year-old son, Axel.


❝Operation Make Jamie Speechless is now in play, and I'm not going to stop until I leave that damn man speechless.❞


These two were amazing as a couple!✨


"You're making work for this aren't you?"
"What can I say? I like it when a guy puts in a bit of effort to get what he wants."



Although it was a little bit cheesy, I didn't mind at all. I loved every single moment of them, and that connection when they first met. *chef's kiss*



Now Axel😍 omg that little kid was everything! I can't even explain how much I love little kids in this kind of book, I'm such a sucker for that haha.

His eyes go wide as he covers his mouth. "Sorry, sir."
Yes, definitely a stickler for manners.
I can't help but chuckle. "You're fine. Say, what's your name? Because I don't think it's the pizza burglar?"
"Axel Rhodes Williams. My address is twenty-three Maple Street. My phone is..."


That's when Jamie and Axel met! There were so many moments between them that I fell in love with🤧



What I didn't like:

Just the fact that there was a little bit of instalove between the MCs, but I kinda understand it since the book only has 212 pages. And I also felt like there wasn't a plot twist throughout the story, I wanted more drama.😂


❝Dreams should be shared with the people in your life who mean the most to you, but you've also got to be willing for them to help you get there.❞


I recommend this book if you want to read something quick, romantic and very cheesy. Overall, it was a really great story with a little bit of comedy and a lovely HEA✨
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,429 reviews235 followers
May 19, 2019
Life as a single mum has not been easy for April. After things went massively bad with her ex-husband she has been raising her gorgeous son Axel with the help of her mother-in-law. April works shifts at the local hospital as a nurse and things have been crazy busy for her. There is no time to focus on the things she wants, every minute she has spared is dedicated to Axel.

When she is trying to get some peace after a long day at work and disturbed by noise, at the recently sold house next door, it’s the last straw. She marches over there to give the offender a piece of her mind. Some people need a bit of rest when they get home from work and April needs to vent her frustrations to whoever is making such a ruckus.

When Jamie first lays eyes on this gorgeous, feisty woman he is instantly attracted to her. That is his first reaction and although he feels remorse for disturbing her peace and quiet, he can’t help enjoying riling her up. He had no idea when he bought this house to flip that it would come with the bonus of a beautiful neighbour.

April is completely flustered and taken back by Jamie. Her initial thoughts about him when they first met are erased by the way he treats her and her son Axel over the coming weeks. Turns out he is actually a really sweet guy. Okay, and he is also absolutely-freaking-gorgeous. In fact, sitting on her porch and watching him work is like her own live fantasy show. Talk about lady boner alert!

Jamie cannot stop thinking about April. She is everything he has been wanting in a woman and he is determined to show her that he is a guy she can trust with not just her heart but Axel’s too. There are so many sweet moments in this story between Jamie and Axel that had me laughing out loud one moment and almost tearing up the next. I loved that kid :)

This was a fantastic beginning to this new series from BJ Harvey and it had all my book kryptonite all bundled up in a delicious package that I savoured every morsel of.
Profile Image for Dilushani Jayalath.
1,016 reviews196 followers
November 11, 2019
Actual Ratings = 3.8 stars

Now that was a really cute story. Although I would't have minded more information regarding the house flipping too (Occupational hazard I guess, lol). I felt as if we didn't get enough information to know about the house.

The romance was teeth hindering candy sweet cuteness. There was no angst although I would n't have minded some maybe from an annoying ex or something (sometimes I surprise my own self by the amount of angst I expect in books. Feel almost like a black hat for wanting that) but like I mentioned before the sweetness was too much to ignore. There was enough sweetness without making it too cheesy or corny and had enough hotness to keep the mind whirling all the time. With also the added bonus of a sweet 6 year old the story wrapped up beautifully in the end with the cutest HEA ever.
Profile Image for Melissa  ❤️ bookaddict_fanatic .
1,106 reviews105 followers
May 14, 2019
Work in Progress is the first book in the Cook County series that will have you laughing out loud with each encounter between Jamie, the hot houseflipping neighbor and April, the sassy single nurse. This book seduced me with the witty banter, sassy comebacks, fiesty attitude and explosive sexual chemistry that had we wondering when my pages would catch fire. Add in a rambunctious little boy who had my heart from the moment he snuck in. If you love a great family rom com then you definitely need to read this story because it's the first in a long line of Cook brother's that will leave you begging for more!
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
June 3, 2019
Top Favorite

“𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹; 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗜’𝗺 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜’𝗺 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝘀. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.”

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 is the first book in B.J. Harvey’s brand-new 𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘺 series, and it will be one of the most satisfying romances you'll read this year! With enough explosive and passionate chemistry to set your cheeks aflame, and extremely funny banter to lighten up ANY mood, Jamie and April’s happily ever after is one you won't forget. When you have a hot, deliciously ALPHA, but tender hero, a sassy and bold heroine, and an ADORABLE six-year-old boy that steals the show with each turn of the page…I'd say you have one hell of a story on your hands. This book will give you ALL the feels, ALL the tingles, and ALL the beautiful satisfaction! You know what makes me so damn giddy? The fact that this is only the beginning! Jaxon Cook is up next and I can already tell that he will definitely give us a run for our money.

G⃣R⃣A⃣B⃣ I⃣T⃣ H⃣E⃣R⃣E⃣
Amazon → https://amzn.to/2EOks27
B&N → http://bit.ly/2TGJ8hJ
Apple → https://apple.co/2uCis7r
Kobo → http://bit.ly/2Fxl1Ns

ARC Tag
Profile Image for Lisa (Two Bookish Brits).
879 reviews165 followers
May 21, 2019
I have a huge amount of love for those Cool brothers, oh my god!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

I knew from the moment I read the info about this book that I was going to love it and I wasn’t wrong. This book was so freaking good and I’m in absolute awe of how perfect it was.

When I read romance’s I fully expect a big disaster, a break up and crying, lots and lots of crying and sadness but not this one and it was quite refreshing. It was different, a good different and I absolutely loved it.

Jamie and April are amazing people. They’re both experiencing the same kind of heart break. Their other half leaving them when times get tough. Their first meet was an absolute hoot, so much fun and from then on it’s just been a barrel of laughs and swoons. Seriously, these two are adorable and super freaking hot!

Oh and let’s not forget Axel, cute adorable Axel that you just wanna squish him with hugs, oh my gosh.

BJ Harvey wrote a cracking story with these two. She brought her characters to life and made you fall in love with each and every character that was in this little beauty. Even after finishing it about 2 hours ago I just can’t stop thinking about them and how much more I want from them. I also can’t wait to read more of the other brothers. I have a feeling these brothers are gonna take over my heart.

Piece of Work is a fun, sexy romance. One that’ll capture you attention from start to finish. This book is definitely one of my favourites of 2019!
Profile Image for Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile.
2,232 reviews509 followers
October 29, 2019
Spoilers ahead,2.5*


Single mom and her neighbor
This was a pretty low angst/no drama read. The h was a divorced single mom with an adorable little boy. She hadn't been with a man since her divorce from her cheating husband
H and his long term girlfriend broke up. He wasn't a manwhore
His brothers and family members were great secondary characters
Axel was my favorite character
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,351 reviews618 followers
May 22, 2019
What incredible fun this story turned out to be!! If the blurb doesn’t scream fun and #oneclick for you, let my words assure you that it was! #trust

Single parent romances, in my experience, tend to lean more towards tugging at your heart than making laugh out loud, but Work in Progress didn’t lean towards anything. It was the perfect blend of everything. From beginning to end I had a huge smile on my face. Both April and Jamie were well thought out and developed. Honestly, I can’t find a single thing I did not enjoy. And the cast of characters …. You guys, seriously, THIS SERIES IS GONNA ROCK!

I’ve read quite a few books by BJ Harvey now and I feel safe saying the woman doesn’t disappoint. I looked back on some of the previous works I’ve read by her and they have all been positive. This journey and this series of brothers is no different so far. I’ll say it again … this was fun people so get to reading!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews113 followers
Want to read
August 19, 2020
Work in Progress is on sale for $0.99 (regular price $3.99) on Amazon today (7/27/2019)💞
Profile Image for Hazel.
697 reviews58 followers
June 10, 2022
I really like series that follow a family and I don’t think this one will be any different. I loved Axel and his little cheeky character. I liked the strength shown by April and that she didn’t seem to compromise on what she wanted or who she was. All the Cook brothers and their friends seem to be great guys with good personalities and a strong sense of family which I liked. I thought Jamie was great knowing what he wanted and working hard to get it. I loved the way he included Axel from the beginning and developed his own relationship with him separate from the one with his mum. A good read and I will definitely continue the series.
Profile Image for Anna.
1,090 reviews7 followers
August 24, 2019
4,5 stars!
Cute, safe, steamy story.
Safe book!!
Single mother, hot neighbor and a lot of sexy banter!
Love MC!! Hero was a book boyfriend! Heroine is sassy sexy spunky woman!
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,233 reviews57 followers
May 10, 2019
Work in Progress is the delightful start to this Cook County series. This tale of Jamie Cook and the woman who would turn his world upside down and around simply made me happy! BJ Harvey once again gives us characters who can't help but be wonderful while finding a rightful place in our hearts. As Jamie treads lightly with his neighbor April while rehabbing a home right next to hers, it is just a matter of time before these two find themselves falling for the other while on a journey filled with the very best in humor, affection and joy.

What I love most about this book is that Jamie and his irresistible family may kid each other a ton but they always have each other's backs. These are not super alpha men. On the contrary, they are wildly sexy when necessary yet have big hearts and know the right thing to say when one is having some trouble. With Jamie having his share of issues with the very determined, very feisty April, those crazy brothers of his provide the right amount of advice and understanding. And that right there is what makes them even more attractive.

April is a great character and I adored her for her independence and wisdom in knowing that Jamie could very well be the man for her even when she fought her feelings early on. Her son Axel is the ultimate scene stealer and it's no wonder he became an honorary Cook long before his Mom fell for Jamie. Harvey's wicked humor shines through that little boy's words and he not only kept me entertained but every person he came into contact with in this book had a hard time resisting his charm.

And OMG...Jamie's parents. Those two have the whole 'embarrassing our adult children with our info about our naughty trysts' act down pat. They are frisky and fun and add the perfect touch to an already fabulous time.

BJ Harvey continues to create divine storylines that not only warm the soul but add that swoon factor that is beyond addictive. Watching as Jamie and April go outside their comfort zones in order to feel love again is exactly the kind of romance I can't get enough of. It's sweet and touching with just the right amount of passion. There is no extraneous nonsense to bog the story down. Just the story of a man and a woman who find they can't live without each other and find the love they deserve. You can't get much better than that!

5 solid stars!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,080 reviews92 followers
May 15, 2019
* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *

~ 5 Spunky Stars ~

What a fun, entertaining and sexy read!! Work In Progress is a great start to BJ Harvey’s newest series…..Cook County Series.

This series is a spin off from Ms. Harvey’s Game Series. Each of these books will be about the Cook Brothers. We first met the Cook Brothers in the Game series because they are Abi’s brothers (Game Saver) No the Game series doesn’t have to be read first to enjoy this newest book. There are some characters we see from previous books, but it isn’t something that will confuse the reader or feel like they are missing something.

Each book in this series is a standalone novel. Work In Progress, like I said , is the first in this series. It is told in Dual POV. I thought this book was filled with humor and love. I absolutely loved the banter between Jamie and April. But Axel, the mischievous 6 year old, really stole the show for me. I fell completely in love with that little boy. Once you read this book you will see why.

In this book we follow Jamie and April’s story. Jamie is the oldest of the Cook siblings and has decided to take his life in a new direction. He wants to buy and flip houses. Little did he know the purchase of his first house project would change his life for good. April is a single mom who works as a nurse. Little did she know that when she goes next door to tell the neighbor to turn down his music, it changes her life for good.

I loved both Jamie and April’s characters. They were a perfect match for each other. The banter between these two definitely had me laughing out loud. But as I said Axel Rhodes stole my heart :) You are going to want to meet this cast of characters.

I loved getting to know all of the Cook Siblings. I can’t wait to read each of their stories.

BJ Harvey is and will always be one of my All Time Favorite authors. I will read anything she writes. He stories always captivate me and are truly entertaining reads. Her’s are books I know will be read over and over again. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading her books yet, start by picking up Work In Progress, and then sit back and enjoy the journey that her books take you on.

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Profile Image for Meegz Reads.
1,522 reviews127 followers
May 31, 2019
*4 Stars*

ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.

Where can I find my own Jamie? This guy. What an adorable, sexy, wonderful male lead. I loved his sense of family, work ethic to do something he loves and had set his mind to, and the way he respected and treated, not only April, but Axel and Betty as well.

April was a fun and spunky female lead, and a strong one at that given her past. I also really loved Axel. That kid. He sure gets his spunky attitude from his Mum.

This was a really fun and easy to read book, with no angst and no overdone drama. The characters were all really likeable and I wanted them to get their happy ever after. I definitely look forward to seeing more of these guys in the rest of the series, and am keen to get to know all the brothers in their upcoming books.

A really sweet and cute read. Would recommend.

Review also on my blog - Work in Progress by BJ Harvey

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Profile Image for Brandece.
696 reviews6 followers
August 7, 2021
Okay so the only reason this book got two stars from me is because of Axel. Without that adorable 6 year old it would have gotten a one star. While I really liked the premise of this book, and I loved the idea of starting a series with a big family this book is not at all what I was hoping for. I'll start with what I liked; I thought that April was represented well as well as single mom, I loved Axel. He was such an adorable kid. I did like that the future books will center around the other brothers. I liked that this was really low angst, and quick. I enjoy steam/ sexiness in a book, but it needs to fit in with with the story. This book was literally all sex and very little story. The only thing I liked about Jamie was his relationship with Axel. There were several times when he said something along the lines of " you're good for a girl." Or "girls don't/can't do that" and I wanted to scream each time. As far as the other books in this series I would read/ listen to at least the next one to see what it's about and if it's got more of a story.
Profile Image for Jenn Amy.
906 reviews82 followers
November 4, 2020
I cannot believe I have never read this author before. Work in Progress is classic rom-com. Between the funny banter, witty lines and sexy, steamy scenes I couldn’t get enough. I love the entire Cook family and I cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series. Jamie has a heart of gold. Once he sets his sites on April his determination knows no bounds. He is charming, sexy and the full package. He is hard working and has been waiting for a woman like April so he can have the kind of relationship he has grown up watching his parents have. I loved his confidence, and every time he calls April ‘my lovely’ gah you cannot help but swoon! April is the woman next door. She is a strong single mom to 6-year old Axel. She has raised an adorable boy who is polite and minds his manners. Like any 6 year old he is innocent and tells it like it is. He totally stole the show for me. This story is jammed packed with so much heat and humor it will be sure to leave a huge smile on your face. Can’t wait for Work Violation next.
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,953 reviews57 followers
May 16, 2019
The first book in the Cook County series had me from the start. The blurb, the title and the cover do everything to draw you into opening the pages to this story and getting lost amongst the words. Jamie is a man on a mission out to prove something and April is the single mum who is not about to be pushed aside and forgotten again. Jamie will win your heart with his personality, his charm, his endearment for April and the way he cares for her six year old son. Work In Progress is a story that is witty, entertaining, packed full of passion and love. Jamie and April will have you laughing at their banter and have you melting with the heat of the chemistry that these two radiate. Not only is Jamie out to prove he can renovate and flip houses, his ultimate plan is to restore his neighbours faith in trusting her heart. An enchanting romance that will fill you with delight, happiness and love.
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,366 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2019
I Absolutely love single parent romances. And then to add in that its a new series of brothers, awesome.
This is both of that and i have to say the first book in the series was definitely a good read for me.
Jamie was an ordinary guy who was trying to find his passion, so he decided to start flipping houses. So with the help of his brothers and friends he finally found something that he is passionate about. Now if he can only convince the sassy, sexy single mom next door to see more than the first encounter person she met.
April is a single mom, lives with her son and her ex-mother in law and she's a nurse. So her sleeping time was precious to her. So a hot single guy moving in next door and making a ruckus at all hours was not going to work for her. Well until she kind of got a look at Jaimie. Now she gives him sass just cause she likes fighting with him. But can she trust Jaimie with her heart and not just hers but also with her son's!

Definitely a good start to a new series. I loved the laughter, the sass, the cuteness that was Axel and the meddling Betty. Not to mention the rest of the Cook family. I can't wait for the next read in this series!
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,211 reviews15 followers
May 12, 2019
Work In Progress is a really fun, light hearted, easy to read rom-com featuring a single Mum, and her gorgeous house flipping neighbour. Bit of a slow burn romance, with lots of banter and chemistry between these 2 neighbours to keep the reader entertained.

Jamie, the house flipper, doesn't make the best first impression on his new neighbour April. He has his work cut out for him winning over the single Mum who has completely captured his attention. He also finds himself occupied at times with Axel, April's hilarious son. This little guy has a large personality and is such a cutie, I enjoyed reading every single scene that Axel featured in.

I really enjoy reading rom-coms where one of the main characters comes from a large family, in this instance it is Jamie that has 4 siblings (3 brothers, 1 sister). The brothers will get their own books in this series - Cohen, and the twins Jaxon and Bryant. I can already see these guys are going to be fun to read, can't wait to see what happens next for them.

Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews360 followers
May 27, 2019
Erin~

The first installment of Harvey’s new Cook Brothers Series was a light and sweet read. I was really excited when I found out she was going to be making a series for Abi’s brothers. Work in Progress was a fantastic introduction to the series and the brothers.
Harvey delivers endearing characters and an engaging storyline. Jamie Cook was incredibly charming. I was smitten. April Williams was feisty and cute. I enjoyed their story. We got to see a sweet romance blossom and grow. There wasn’t a bunch of added drama so we were able to focus on the build of the relationship. Add in an adorable six-year-old and I couldn’t get enough.
We get to spend time with some of our old friends and get to learn more about some new ones. I can’t wait to see what Harvey brings us next. She sets up a few possible love connections and I’m eager to see how they play out.
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,842 reviews79 followers
May 31, 2019
Work in Progress is definitely the kind of home improvement I can get behind. I'm a klutz, an accident waiting to happen so it's in my best interest to keep power tools, nails, and hammers (oh my!) far, far away from me.

This DIY flipper and his new neighbor have chemistry oozing from them. Add in a smile inducing, rambunctious six year old to the mix, it's kryptonite to any romantic. With sass and spunk, our heroine had me at hello- even if it took forever to "learn" her name. Work in Progress had me smiling, snickering, and wishing I had started reading BJ Harvey a long time ago!

No time like the present to catch up!
Profile Image for Laura.
249 reviews8 followers
May 31, 2019
I loved everything about this little beauty, including the sexy ass god on the cover!
Jamie is such an amazingly sweet guy. He falls for Sassy April and her adorable little boy from the first moment he meets them. April’s no nonsense attitude and sarcasm had me laughing out loud throughout.
What I liked most was that it was actually a realistic novel. The characters were normal! No millionaires, no sexy boss types..... my kinda book!
Profile Image for Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms.
2,795 reviews343 followers
May 26, 2019
Work in Progress is a beautifully written feel-good romance! The characters were all well done, and I would definitely hang out with them. I loved Jamie and April, but I think April's son, Axel, was my favorite! He was a fleshed out character and not only there as a prop.
Profile Image for The Bosnian.
1,352 reviews330 followers
May 10, 2019
↪ R E V I E W ↩

Not my first read by this author but official review I guess! I have read BJ Harvery books a while ago and for a long time so, I am familiar with the writing.

Okay, from the start this was epic, by start i mean the BLURB. After-all it's really what grasped me, I LOVE LOVE Single-parent romance especially Mom's. This was one of the best ones. When Jamie's "plans" derale he decides to make it his life mission to up-bring Cook Brothers Construction, his current main focus. The meeting of Jamie and April is EPIC, haha love a heroine that is strong and sassy! What goes from a meeting during an unfortunate time, to udder LOVE! LOVE FOR THE ENTIRE STORY AND BOOK! It's so much fun to read, words flowing nicely, transitions smoothly and the action, laughter, oh so sexy construction worker...then you pair a sassy woman who has the cutest six year old...LOVE!

The endearment word "Lovely" never sounded so sexy and romantic at the same time then coming from Jamies lips! *swoon* Also the way he is with April's son (oh, be still my heart!) Just a perfect way of a hero to be around a six year old, will melt your heart for sure! Now the Mommy is what needs a little work, after all they both have been through some bad previous relationships and in life. So they both kind of have to learn from each other and in general how to maneuver around together again. Their easy going banters and the chemistry between them is bewitching. She loves to push his buttons and he loves his buttons pushed by April. It's a sweet, slow burning KAA-BOOM!

The whole story from beginning to end will have you on your toes. The characters are wonderful, every single one including the ex-mother-in-law (yep!) but what's beautiful is just the way that Jamie and April are with one another, you can relate and reading ti imagine yourself as April! Their sexy time is SIZZLING and I mean it SO HOT SIZZLING!! Sadly, there might be a deadline. Also the ending is a killer, so don't say I didn't warn you!
But BJ Harvey does it again, another masterpiece!! I know you'll love it as much as I did!!

TOP 2019 MUST READ LIST ☑
RATING: ★★★★★ PLUS!!
RECOMMENDED? ☑ HIGHLY!
↪ H A P P Y - R E A D I N G ↩

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Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,786 reviews207 followers
May 29, 2019


When a very tired, very grumpy April walks into her new neighbor's home to tell him off for disturbing her sleep, instead of finding what she had thought - a drunk jerk, she finds a hot guy who's gushing blood from a wound in his hand. Her nursing instincts kick in and she's offering him first aid even as she's telling him off for playing music so loud so late at night. But when that same drunk hot guy tries to kiss her, it infuriates her even more, and she storms off.



Jamie's thoroughly intrigued by the sassy, feisty woman who waltzed into the house he's flipping, offered him first aid, then told him off after he tried to drunkenly kiss her. And he's thoroughly set on apologizing to her AND getting her to go out with him. But it's when he meets her adorable, precocious son, Axel, that he knows for certain he has to have them both in his life. Will the woman with walls as high as the sky ever let him in? Let him charm her the way her body wants her to?



I absolutely adored Work in Progress! There's sassy, witty banter, chemistry in spades, a whole gang of awesome brothers (and a sister and a brother-in-law), a former mother-in-law, two awesome parents, and the sweetest, most adorable little boy. What more could a great romance need? I will be awaiting anxiously more of these brothers - they're a hot handful!



ARC via Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review.

Full review ---> Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Avigail.
1,164 reviews57 followers
March 4, 2022
It's been a long time since I gave a romance 5-stars. Work in Progress is my first book by B.J. Harvey, and I am confident it will not be the last.
B.J. Harvey has a way of writing characters that you fall in love with them from the first sentence. April & Jamie's love story and meet-cute are innovative. As Jamie treads lightly with his neighbor April while rehabbing a home right next to hers, it is just a matter of time before these two find themselves falling for the other while on a journey filled with the best in humor, affection, and joy.
Jamie is not a super alpha man. On the contrary, he is wildly sexy when necessary yet has a big heart and knows the right thing to say when one is having some trouble. With Jamie having his share of issues with the determined, very feisty April, those crazy brothers provide the right amount of advice and understanding. And that right there is what makes them even more attractive.
April is the woman next door. She is a strong single mom to 6-year old Axel. She has raised an adorable boy who is polite and minds his manners. Like any six-year-old, he is innocent and tells it like it is. He stole the show for me. This story has so much heart and humor that it will be sure to leave a huge smile on your face. I can't wait for Work Violation next.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
5,959 reviews213 followers
May 24, 2019
5 star Review Work In Progress(Cook County #1) by B.J. Harvey
Book one in a brand new series and I for one cannot wait to see where BJ Harvey takes us, if Work in Progress is any indication. This is a great example at RomCom at it’s finest.
There is nothing that I did not enjoy about this book. From the first to the last page I was all in with Jamie Cook, April Williams and in fact the whole Cook family.
For April life as a single mum has had it’s challenges, throw in a mother who is a determined matchmaker and life certainly can be complicated. Jamie, ticked all the boxes for me with his humour, kindness and caring nature.
When Jamie moves next door, to work on a house he is planning to flip things certainly heat up. The banter between Jamie and April had me laughing hard at times and I fell in love with her son Axel.
Work in Progress is a laugh out loud romantic comedy but it is all about family, love and support and is a genuine feel good book and I could not wipe the smile off my face whilst reading. This book is a little gen, one click it, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Single parent romances have become a favourite of mine over the last 12 months and this one is high on my list of favourites. I really loved the growth of the relationship between Jamie and April, add in family members who absolutely cracked me up at times and I was totally invested.
Profile Image for Isalum.
462 reviews
September 14, 2020
Una historia muy bonita y dulce. Con el tema central de la reforma de una casa, que tan de moda está, es la ambientación para esta novela con dos protagonistas que parecen muy diferentes pero que se complementan a la perfección.
April es una enfermera que además es madre soltera que vive con su suegra. Su pasado también es interesante pero no lo voy a desvelar para no quitar gracia a la historia. Axel su hijo, es el tercer protagonista y un encanto de niño.
Jamie ha dejado su antiguo trabajo y está metido de lleno en su primer proyecto para reformar una casa entera. Esa primera noche es difícil ya que está un poco sumido en la autocompasión. Lo que no se imaginaba es que la primera noche se iba a enfrentar a una vecina bastante molesta con la música tan alta, que es enfermera y quien le aconseja le curen un corte bastante feo que se ha hecho él mismo.
Jamie recupera la cordura al día siguiente y desde entonces su objetivo será resarcirse frente a su vecina. Una lástima que cuando parecía avanzar en una relación cordial, un accidente en la obra destroza algo muy querido para April, Axel y Betty.
Una bonita novela, sin grandes sobresaltos y previsible, pero que te permite pasar un rato de ocio y despreocupación.
Profile Image for Chanah Dickson (The Book Whisperer).
269 reviews10 followers
May 24, 2019
What a super hot single parent read, the chemistry between the two characters had me waiting for my kindle to burst into flames it was smoking and when we did get to the hot parts the temperature soared off the scale!

Every single character featured in this story made this a perfect read from start to finish, from Jamie’s wild and crazy brothers to April’s hilarious son Axel and his much loved gran Betty they all gave us moments of laughter that had me falling deeper for this book with every page I turned! The banter between them all was brilliantly written and the flirting between April and Jamie was so sweet I actually swooned.

BJ Harvey is a fairly new to me author and I have to say I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to consume her words that seem effortlessly entwined to make for such a heartfelt tale of love, loyalty and family.

The fact this is the first in a new series makes my heart happy dance for what’s to come in future books because I can’t help but want more from The Cook family.
Profile Image for Brandi.
1,158 reviews146 followers
April 7, 2020
Have you ever had one of those neighbors that was loud and obnoxious and didn't seem to know that he was being loud and obnoxious?
No?
Well, lucky you. April can't say the same--at least not when she first meets Jamie Cook. Because he's just that: loud, obnoxious, and drunk.

And so begins the natural back-and-forth banter that spurs this book along. Jamie and April are so much fun and sweet. The push-and-pull, the toe-to-toe, the chemistry.... It's all there and it makes for one heck of a book.

The kind of book you start and don't put down.

BJ Harvey put together a family and a world that I wish I lived in. The Cook brothers with their quick wit, banter, and hotness. April and Axel and Betty with their love and open hearts.
I just want to crawl into this world and be a friendly neighbor, a love interest, a best friend.
Minus that Cubs thing. I can't get down with that, but I can enjoy a game at Wrigley--assuming one of the Cook brothers wanna take me.
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