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Cherry Falls #11
323 Tender Way
Duke Miller has a past he has been trying to outrun for ten years. His secret has forced him to keep his distance and never let anyone too close. When Duke unexpectedly becomes a barista for a day at the local coffee shop, he meets a woman who makes him question if keeping it all bottled up is worth the hurt. Maybe trusting the right person with his burden is all he needs to let go.
Madison Stephans always had a plan: work hard and live her dream, never let anything stand in her way, including her own two left feet or her notorious motor mouth. If she could just focus, keep her eye on the prize, she’ll make it happen, she swears. But what comes into focus is a tall, tattooed man offering to put it all on the line. Madison never wanted to get distracted, but some diversions are worth the risk they take.
Madison Stephans always had a plan: work hard and live her dream, never let anything stand in her way, including her own two left feet or her notorious motor mouth. If she could just focus, keep her eye on the prize, she’ll make it happen, she swears. But what comes into focus is a tall, tattooed man offering to put it all on the line. Madison never wanted to get distracted, but some diversions are worth the risk they take.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2021
84 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Aria Cole
201 books1,371 followersAria Cole is the pen name of a USA Today bestselling author who published her first book in 2012 and began writing contemporary romance long before that.
Her books always feature possessive alpha men and the sassy, curvy, nerdy heroines who love them, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily-ever-afters sweet enough to make your teeth ache.
Follow Aria on Amazon for new release updates, or stalk her on social to see which daring book boyfriend she's writing next!
Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/ccGnRX
Instagram - http://bit.ly/2OzIWSA
Facebook - http://bit.ly/2d3UsDr
Twitter - http://bit.ly/2cppyRq
Her books always feature possessive alpha men and the sassy, curvy, nerdy heroines who love them, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily-ever-afters sweet enough to make your teeth ache.
Follow Aria on Amazon for new release updates, or stalk her on social to see which daring book boyfriend she's writing next!
Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/ccGnRX
Instagram - http://bit.ly/2OzIWSA
Facebook - http://bit.ly/2d3UsDr
Twitter - http://bit.ly/2cppyRq
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
March 22, 2021
‘He’s got the soul of an artist, but the exterior of a convict. Must be hard to walk through life like that. You look like a badass, but underneath it all, you just want people to see the real you.’
323 Tender Way by Mila Crawford and Aria Cole was such a sweet, fun, saucy and easy to read romance. We whizzed through this standalone in one sitting and it was just the perfect Sunday afternoon read on the sofa. This is the second book we have read by this author duo, and they really do write flawlessly together as one. We really have no idea where one begins and the other ends. 323 Tender Way packs a lot into a short amount of time with witty banter, sombre emotional moments, and flirty fun. Both Duke and Madison are lovable characters in their own respective ways. Both having overcome personal struggles which have led to their personal paths crossing across the counter in a busy coffee shop.
‘Madison was less afraid of my demons than I was.’
Tattooed reformed bad boy, Duke Miller has spent a decade fixing everything that went wrong in his life and now works as a tattoo artist. We loved his story and how he came to be where he is when he meets Madison. He’s a beautiful soul who carries a lot of guilt and self-blame. Madison is a firecracker of energy and talks a mile a minute. She was the energy to Duke’s laidback nature. One needing the other to ground them and centre their energy. The romance was a bit insta, yet it didn’t feel unbelievable nor rushed, as whilst this was a novella size read for us, it felt quite complete. We must give props to these Authors as there was one scene that literally ignited the pages. It involves a tattoo parlour, a sparrow tattoo and a first time in a tattoo chair. Holy smoking pages, it came out of nowhere and we know exactly how Madison felt, the tattoo endorphins are REAL! This book is one of the better novella sized romances we have read in a while. A wonderful story to slip into when you just want to shut the world out and experience a low angst romance with a brooding hero and a quirky heroine.
‘I was recovered. She was worth it. I Was worth it.’
Life and love were both equal doses of pleasure and pain.’
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March 23, 2021
‘He’s got the soul of an artist, but the exterior of a convict. Must be hard to walk through life like that. You look like a badass, but underneath it all, you just want people to see the real you.’
323 Tender Way by Mila Crawford and Aria Cole was such a sweet, fun, saucy and easy to read romance. We whizzed through this standalone in one sitting and it was just the perfect Sunday afternoon read on the sofa. This is the second book we have read by this author duo, and they really do write flawlessly together as one. We really have no idea where one begins and the other ends. 323 Tender Way packs a lot into a short amount of time with witty banter, sombre emotional moments, and flirty fun. Both Duke and Madison are lovable characters in their own respective ways. Both having overcome personal struggles which have led to their personal paths crossing across the counter in a busy coffee shop.
‘Madison was less afraid of my demons than I was.’
Tattooed reformed bad boy, Duke Miller has spent a decade fixing everything that went wrong in his life and now works as a tattoo artist. We loved his story and how he came to be where he is when he meets Madison. He’s a beautiful soul who carries a lot of guilt and self-blame. Madison is a firecracker of energy and talks a mile a minute. She was the energy to Duke’s laidback nature. One needing the other to ground them and centre their energy. The romance was a bit insta, yet it didn’t feel unbelievable nor rushed, as whilst this was a novella size read for us, it felt quite complete. We must give props to these Authors as there was one scene that literally ignited the pages. It involves a tattoo parlour, a sparrow tattoo and a first time in a tattoo chair. Holy smoking pages, it came out of nowhere and we know exactly how Madison felt, the tattoo endorphins are REAL! This book is one of the better novella sized romances we have read in a while. A wonderful story to slip into when you just want to shut the world out and experience a low angst romance with a brooding hero and a quirky heroine.
‘I was recovered. She was worth it. I Was worth it.’
Life and love were both equal doses of pleasure and pain.’
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come and say hi, at:
✲ TotallyBookedBlog
✲ TBB on Facebook
✲ TBB on Instagram
✲ TBB on Twitter
✲ TBB on Pinterest
April 11, 2021
I felt like this book had a waaaay different vibe than any of the other Cherry Falls books. There was a more serious tone to the story what with Duke’s past.
So basically Duke sees Maddy working alone at the coffee shop with a rush of customers and decides to stay all day and help her. They end up going out to eat afterward. He likes her, she likes him, but she’s kinda hesitant because he gets hit on an extreme amount by basically every other girl they come across. The thing is... he hasn’t been with anyone in over 10 years but he feels a connection with Maddy so he wants to try.
He has a pretty terrible past, though. He wants to tell her everything before he sleeps with her. And when he does, she doesn’t reject him. They go to his tattoo studio, he gives her her first tattoo and she decides she wants to lose her virginity right then and there on the table she was just tattooed on. Oooo-kay then.
The lead up to the big reveal was all great and everything but the whole I love yous being said and the first time together didn’t feel super special to me. The whole connection fizzled out by the end for some reason.
I dunno, this book didn’t feel like it belonged in this series at all to me. I could’ve sworn that the name Duke was mentioned in another book or 2. I can’t remember the specific details but I’m not quite sure they matched the Duke in this book. Can’t recall to say otherwise.
Anyway, it was fine. I could appreciate that Duke found someone who would accept his past. I’m glad he ended up with Maddy in the end.
3⭐️
POV: Dual 1st person
So basically Duke sees Maddy working alone at the coffee shop with a rush of customers and decides to stay all day and help her. They end up going out to eat afterward. He likes her, she likes him, but she’s kinda hesitant because he gets hit on an extreme amount by basically every other girl they come across. The thing is... he hasn’t been with anyone in over 10 years but he feels a connection with Maddy so he wants to try.
He has a pretty terrible past, though. He wants to tell her everything before he sleeps with her. And when he does, she doesn’t reject him. They go to his tattoo studio, he gives her her first tattoo and she decides she wants to lose her virginity right then and there on the table she was just tattooed on. Oooo-kay then.
The lead up to the big reveal was all great and everything but the whole I love yous being said and the first time together didn’t feel super special to me. The whole connection fizzled out by the end for some reason.
I dunno, this book didn’t feel like it belonged in this series at all to me. I could’ve sworn that the name Duke was mentioned in another book or 2. I can’t remember the specific details but I’m not quite sure they matched the Duke in this book. Can’t recall to say otherwise.
Anyway, it was fine. I could appreciate that Duke found someone who would accept his past. I’m glad he ended up with Maddy in the end.
3⭐️
POV: Dual 1st person
March 23, 2021
"Now that I got you, I’m not letting go for anything.”
Duke and Maddy's story pulled me right in and kept me wanting more. We see how Duke struggled with a past addiction, how it developed and the consequences of his actions. He's been clean for 10 years when he meets Maddy. I felt for Duke and rooted him on throughout the story. Not many people know or understand what happens to a person or their families when addicted to drugs but I thought this writing duo did a fantastic job of portraying, not only the aspects of what it's like to be an addict but their thoughts and feelings towards how other people react knowing this. This is one of my favorite works by the duo and I thought they did an amazing job all around. Virgin h, celibate H for 10 years, no other mention of his past, no OM/OW drama, just some women flirting with him in the beginning, epi at 1 year and 20 years.
Duke and Maddy's story pulled me right in and kept me wanting more. We see how Duke struggled with a past addiction, how it developed and the consequences of his actions. He's been clean for 10 years when he meets Maddy. I felt for Duke and rooted him on throughout the story. Not many people know or understand what happens to a person or their families when addicted to drugs but I thought this writing duo did a fantastic job of portraying, not only the aspects of what it's like to be an addict but their thoughts and feelings towards how other people react knowing this. This is one of my favorite works by the duo and I thought they did an amazing job all around. Virgin h, celibate H for 10 years, no other mention of his past, no OM/OW drama, just some women flirting with him in the beginning, epi at 1 year and 20 years.
September 2, 2023
WOW!! Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.
Duke meets Maddy when he goes to Perks for a cup of coffee, she is working alone trying to take care of all the angry customers. All of Maddy's co-workers called in sick and the one that showed up had an emergency that he had to leave. Duke steps around the counter and starts to pick up broken pieces that fell to the floor. As Duke steps up to the register Maddy notices some of the woman he takes orders from try to flirt with him. As they take care of the customers, the espresso machine breaks down, Maddy tells one customer that Duke is the owner and he owns several chains. Duke starts to help Maddy clean up, she tells him he doesn't have to help he's already done so much. She offers to pay him but he refuses, so she tells him she'll give him coffee for life. As they are cleaning up Maddy finds out that Duke owns the Cherry Bomb a tattoo parlor in town. Duke tells Maddy he wants her number and to ask her out on a date. Duke gets several calls and messages from his friend and business partner Ozzie, but he ignores them. Duke is to busy helping out Maddy, he like her quick wit, to her body and he feels so comfortable with her. Duke tells her that his parents own Cherry Street Market and he would help them out. Maddy tells Duke she goes to USC she'll soon finish up her MBA. Duke asks her if she's hungry, she tells him she can make him something to eat. Duke tells her he'd like to see more of her maybe a date and a movie. He asks her if she wants to grab something to eat tonight, she asks him if he's sick of her yet. He tells her he doesn't think he could ever get sick of her. They decide to finish cleaning then head to the Virgin Street Diner. As soon as they walk in a woman is calling Dukes name, Maddy tells him he is popular with the ladies. They find out they both grew up in Cherry Falls, Duke tells Maddy he left for a few years but came back. Maddy give the waitress her order but she's ignored, so Duke tells the waitress he'll have what his wife is having just home the hot sauce, and peppers. Duke tells her he's her boss then her husband all in a day, she tells him they work well together. Maddy starts babbling to Duke, she does that when she get nervous, but Duke tells her he could listen to her talk all day. After their food arrives Maddy lets Duke take the first bite but then he asks her if she's going to eat, she tells him she wanted him to eat first in case the waitress poison the food. Maddy asks Duke how he got into tattooing, they talk a little about his past, and some of Duke's tattoos. Duke tells Maddy he'll take her home but when they step up to his motorcycle she tells him she not getting on that thing. So Duke tells her he'll walk her home she doesn't live far. The next day at the tattoo parlor Ozzie tells Duke how worried he was about him. Ozzie tells him after his ten years of work he doesn't want Duke to be dragged back into the gutter. Duke tells Ozzie about Maddy, but they are interrupting by Ozzie's mom Pearl, she brought them breakfast. Ozzie's mom Pearl, whacks Duke on the back of his head, he asks her what that was for, she tells him he was missing the day before and they were worried about him. When Pearl finds out Duke was missing because of a girl, she tells him she must be someone special. Duke tells Pearl about Maddy, she tells him to follow his heart, this could be the real deal. Pearl tells him he's a good man, he's made some mistakes, but he's moved past them, she tells him to let go of the past. Later Duke finishes up with a client, Ozzie tells him he's has a deceiver, he goes and finds his cup of coffee waiting for him. Duke looks for her but Maddy is gone, Ozzie tells him she left a note. Duke finds out that Maddy took his license and photo copies it for all her co-workers so that he will have free coffee for life. Maddy also leaves her phone number for Duke, he sends her a message to thank her. Maddy sends him a message back telling him they should do it again, after Duke sends her a message she asks him if he'd like to come to her place so she can cook for him, he tells her it's a date. Trinity, Maddy's best friend helps her get ready for her date with Duke. Trinity leaves when Duke shows up at Maddy's, he brought her flowers. After they eat Duke tells her he's cleaning up and tells her to find a movie for them to watch. After they talk Duke tells her he really wants to kiss her, she nods her head. They begin kissing, then Maddy is straddling his lap. Duke strips Maddy of her shirt and she undoes her bra. Then Duke pulls away he tells her he needs to go, then he tells her he needs to rephrase that, if he doesn't go he'll have her spread out on her bed. Maddy tells him she's okay with that, but Duke tells her he wants that more than anything. Duke tells Maddy he needs to know about him before they take that big leap, and he's not ready to tell her yet but that's his problem he has to figure that out. He asks her if he can see her again, she tells him okay they can set another date. They head out on their second date, this time Duke brings his car. They head to the high school where it all started, Duke packed a picnic for them to eat. They start eating as Duke tells her about his past and where he went when he left Cherry Falls, what brought him back and what happened along the way. When Duke is finished Maddy tells him what really happened to her mom, she tells hims she's never told anyone. Maddy asks Duke all the what if's and then thanks him for telling her his truths. Maddy tells Duke he came out alive, and he's living his life, he's free and he's living his life that's the best story there is. When they leave the high school, Maddy tells him she's ready for her first tattoo, so they head to the tattoo parlor. Duke tells Maddy he wished he had another story to tell her one where he's the hero, but his story is true. Maddy tells Duke that his story is of triumph and its the bravest one. Duke asks her what tattoo she wants and where does she want it. The tattoo take Duke a little over an hour to complete, Maddy tells him she likes that he put his mark on her. Then she asks him if he can lock the door, when he does Maddy strips out of her clothes. She tells him not to say no to her, or not here or not now. She tells him she wants to be with him he asks her if she's sure. Maddy tells him she wants him to be here first and her last. Duke takes off his clothes, then pleasures her, then then make love. Duke tells her he's falling in love with her and she tells him she loves him. Duke tells her now that he's had her he's not letting her go. One year later, Maddy gets ready for her graduation, while Trinity helps her out. Maddy has taken over the books and marketing planning at the Cherry Bomb and now they are booked into next year. They have a party for Maddy at the tattoo parlor, where Trinity planned the party. The Virgin Street Diner Carter while Perks supplied the coffee. Pearl insisted on cleaning up and told Duke and Maddy to go home and rest. Maddy tells Duke she wants to take the urns back to Perks so they don't have to do it in the morning. They both stop by their table the one where Duke first asks Maddy out, he pulls her in for a hug and kisses her. Then Duke drops to one knee and asks her to marry him, she tells him yes. Twenty years later, Maddy give Duke his coffee and tells him this is free coffee number seven thousand three hundred. Their daughter Matilda asks Maddy if that's a real number or if she makes it up, Maddy tells her it's real. Soon their sons Aiden and Elijah come down stairs fully dressed followed by a sleepy Bennett. Duke take Bennett back upstairs to get ready they have a busy day. Matilda asks why she counts the coffee, Maddy tells her they made a deal when we first met that she would make Duke free coffee for life. So she counts those days because every one of them has been good, every one a blessing, just like she keeps track of anything she loves and is grateful to have. Matilda tells Maddy she keeps track of her brothers. When Duke comes back downstairs with Bennet he asks what's going on so Maddy tells him nothing, Boss. They're just keeping track of all the important things they love. Duke tells Matilda to keep counting because he's surrounded by all five of his greatest loves.
Duke meets Maddy when he goes to Perks for a cup of coffee, she is working alone trying to take care of all the angry customers. All of Maddy's co-workers called in sick and the one that showed up had an emergency that he had to leave. Duke steps around the counter and starts to pick up broken pieces that fell to the floor. As Duke steps up to the register Maddy notices some of the woman he takes orders from try to flirt with him. As they take care of the customers, the espresso machine breaks down, Maddy tells one customer that Duke is the owner and he owns several chains. Duke starts to help Maddy clean up, she tells him he doesn't have to help he's already done so much. She offers to pay him but he refuses, so she tells him she'll give him coffee for life. As they are cleaning up Maddy finds out that Duke owns the Cherry Bomb a tattoo parlor in town. Duke tells Maddy he wants her number and to ask her out on a date. Duke gets several calls and messages from his friend and business partner Ozzie, but he ignores them. Duke is to busy helping out Maddy, he like her quick wit, to her body and he feels so comfortable with her. Duke tells her that his parents own Cherry Street Market and he would help them out. Maddy tells Duke she goes to USC she'll soon finish up her MBA. Duke asks her if she's hungry, she tells him she can make him something to eat. Duke tells her he'd like to see more of her maybe a date and a movie. He asks her if she wants to grab something to eat tonight, she asks him if he's sick of her yet. He tells her he doesn't think he could ever get sick of her. They decide to finish cleaning then head to the Virgin Street Diner. As soon as they walk in a woman is calling Dukes name, Maddy tells him he is popular with the ladies. They find out they both grew up in Cherry Falls, Duke tells Maddy he left for a few years but came back. Maddy give the waitress her order but she's ignored, so Duke tells the waitress he'll have what his wife is having just home the hot sauce, and peppers. Duke tells her he's her boss then her husband all in a day, she tells him they work well together. Maddy starts babbling to Duke, she does that when she get nervous, but Duke tells her he could listen to her talk all day. After their food arrives Maddy lets Duke take the first bite but then he asks her if she's going to eat, she tells him she wanted him to eat first in case the waitress poison the food. Maddy asks Duke how he got into tattooing, they talk a little about his past, and some of Duke's tattoos. Duke tells Maddy he'll take her home but when they step up to his motorcycle she tells him she not getting on that thing. So Duke tells her he'll walk her home she doesn't live far. The next day at the tattoo parlor Ozzie tells Duke how worried he was about him. Ozzie tells him after his ten years of work he doesn't want Duke to be dragged back into the gutter. Duke tells Ozzie about Maddy, but they are interrupting by Ozzie's mom Pearl, she brought them breakfast. Ozzie's mom Pearl, whacks Duke on the back of his head, he asks her what that was for, she tells him he was missing the day before and they were worried about him. When Pearl finds out Duke was missing because of a girl, she tells him she must be someone special. Duke tells Pearl about Maddy, she tells him to follow his heart, this could be the real deal. Pearl tells him he's a good man, he's made some mistakes, but he's moved past them, she tells him to let go of the past. Later Duke finishes up with a client, Ozzie tells him he's has a deceiver, he goes and finds his cup of coffee waiting for him. Duke looks for her but Maddy is gone, Ozzie tells him she left a note. Duke finds out that Maddy took his license and photo copies it for all her co-workers so that he will have free coffee for life. Maddy also leaves her phone number for Duke, he sends her a message to thank her. Maddy sends him a message back telling him they should do it again, after Duke sends her a message she asks him if he'd like to come to her place so she can cook for him, he tells her it's a date. Trinity, Maddy's best friend helps her get ready for her date with Duke. Trinity leaves when Duke shows up at Maddy's, he brought her flowers. After they eat Duke tells her he's cleaning up and tells her to find a movie for them to watch. After they talk Duke tells her he really wants to kiss her, she nods her head. They begin kissing, then Maddy is straddling his lap. Duke strips Maddy of her shirt and she undoes her bra. Then Duke pulls away he tells her he needs to go, then he tells her he needs to rephrase that, if he doesn't go he'll have her spread out on her bed. Maddy tells him she's okay with that, but Duke tells her he wants that more than anything. Duke tells Maddy he needs to know about him before they take that big leap, and he's not ready to tell her yet but that's his problem he has to figure that out. He asks her if he can see her again, she tells him okay they can set another date. They head out on their second date, this time Duke brings his car. They head to the high school where it all started, Duke packed a picnic for them to eat. They start eating as Duke tells her about his past and where he went when he left Cherry Falls, what brought him back and what happened along the way. When Duke is finished Maddy tells him what really happened to her mom, she tells hims she's never told anyone. Maddy asks Duke all the what if's and then thanks him for telling her his truths. Maddy tells Duke he came out alive, and he's living his life, he's free and he's living his life that's the best story there is. When they leave the high school, Maddy tells him she's ready for her first tattoo, so they head to the tattoo parlor. Duke tells Maddy he wished he had another story to tell her one where he's the hero, but his story is true. Maddy tells Duke that his story is of triumph and its the bravest one. Duke asks her what tattoo she wants and where does she want it. The tattoo take Duke a little over an hour to complete, Maddy tells him she likes that he put his mark on her. Then she asks him if he can lock the door, when he does Maddy strips out of her clothes. She tells him not to say no to her, or not here or not now. She tells him she wants to be with him he asks her if she's sure. Maddy tells him she wants him to be here first and her last. Duke takes off his clothes, then pleasures her, then then make love. Duke tells her he's falling in love with her and she tells him she loves him. Duke tells her now that he's had her he's not letting her go. One year later, Maddy gets ready for her graduation, while Trinity helps her out. Maddy has taken over the books and marketing planning at the Cherry Bomb and now they are booked into next year. They have a party for Maddy at the tattoo parlor, where Trinity planned the party. The Virgin Street Diner Carter while Perks supplied the coffee. Pearl insisted on cleaning up and told Duke and Maddy to go home and rest. Maddy tells Duke she wants to take the urns back to Perks so they don't have to do it in the morning. They both stop by their table the one where Duke first asks Maddy out, he pulls her in for a hug and kisses her. Then Duke drops to one knee and asks her to marry him, she tells him yes. Twenty years later, Maddy give Duke his coffee and tells him this is free coffee number seven thousand three hundred. Their daughter Matilda asks Maddy if that's a real number or if she makes it up, Maddy tells her it's real. Soon their sons Aiden and Elijah come down stairs fully dressed followed by a sleepy Bennett. Duke take Bennett back upstairs to get ready they have a busy day. Matilda asks why she counts the coffee, Maddy tells her they made a deal when we first met that she would make Duke free coffee for life. So she counts those days because every one of them has been good, every one a blessing, just like she keeps track of anything she loves and is grateful to have. Matilda tells Maddy she keeps track of her brothers. When Duke comes back downstairs with Bennet he asks what's going on so Maddy tells him nothing, Boss. They're just keeping track of all the important things they love. Duke tells Matilda to keep counting because he's surrounded by all five of his greatest loves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2021
When Maddie is having a bad day at the coffee shop a sexy stranger steps in to help her through it. Duke hates seeing her struggling so without thinking about it he steps in and helps her work the line she has. After it has settled down she is gracious for the help and offers him free coffee but all he wants is for her to agree to go out with him. Things go well between them and Maddie become more to Duke. He wasn't looking for anything because he was still trying to get his life back on track but now that he has Maddie he doesn't want to lose her. Will he lose her once he tells her about his past? Can they move towards a future together?
This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to an y book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to an y book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2021
This was an emotional read for me because I have people in my life that have battled addiction and won so I can relate to these characters. Madison was having an overwhelming day at the coffee shop she works at because none of her coworkers decide to show up and it was the morning rush. Just when she’s at her wits end Duke comes to save her, in the form of helping run the store. Duke is smoking hot and covered in tats, basically the complete opposite of Maddy. I love how Maddy accepts Duke and all of his past. Because of his addiction Duke thinks he’s unlovable and people won’t look past his transgressions but he’s never met a woman like Maddy. This story had me in tears, in a good way, and I just kept flipping pages on my Kindle to see how it ended. I highly recommend this book!
March 23, 2021
4.5 Cherry Bombs🍒
Wow, a fantastic feel good romance story that is sweet and one for the ages❣️Maddy is flat strapped at her day job when a complete stranger - who is all kinds of sexy - offers to help her😳 Duke is immediately attracted to Maddy from the minute he offers to help her in the coffee shop, when it is clear she’s flustered from being understaffed in the shop...and that is the beginning of a beautiful love story❤️
I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review😁
Wow, a fantastic feel good romance story that is sweet and one for the ages❣️Maddy is flat strapped at her day job when a complete stranger - who is all kinds of sexy - offers to help her😳 Duke is immediately attracted to Maddy from the minute he offers to help her in the coffee shop, when it is clear she’s flustered from being understaffed in the shop...and that is the beginning of a beautiful love story❤️
I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review😁
March 26, 2021
This was a great book to curl up with, this is the first one I have read but I will be checking out the rest of this author's books. I was sucked right into this book and could not wait to see what happened next; I would definitely recommend it I did not want to stop reading.
March 25, 2021
Duke and Maddy were so made for each other
Duke is a wonderful H. He's a man that turned his entire life around and just wants to be seen for who he is. Maddy is so perfect for him, caring, quirky, understanding and loving. I love that Duke hadn't been with anyone else in 10 years, no interest in hooking up for no reason, and he certainly could have with all the offers. It was kindof creepy that so many women threw themselves at him in such a small town, after 10 years of him dismissing every one of them, you'd think they'd manage to scrounge up an ounce of respect. Maddy is quick witted and some of their convos were pretty funny. Turns out she's got a little bit of a secret as well. All turns out well and it's a well deserved hea❤
Duke is a wonderful H. He's a man that turned his entire life around and just wants to be seen for who he is. Maddy is so perfect for him, caring, quirky, understanding and loving. I love that Duke hadn't been with anyone else in 10 years, no interest in hooking up for no reason, and he certainly could have with all the offers. It was kindof creepy that so many women threw themselves at him in such a small town, after 10 years of him dismissing every one of them, you'd think they'd manage to scrounge up an ounce of respect. Maddy is quick witted and some of their convos were pretty funny. Turns out she's got a little bit of a secret as well. All turns out well and it's a well deserved hea❤
March 28, 2021
This week's Cherry Falls book is all about Duke, who co-owns the local tattoo shop, and Madison, who works at the local coffee shop. This is one of the few that I think deserves a content warning, so here goes: CW for talk about drug use, addiction, and death from overdose. Most people wouldn't need that, most likely, but it took me by surprise and as someone who has had someone in their life succumb to that, it would have been nice to know. It wouldn't have stopped me from reading it, but I would have been better prepared. That said, it was approached well; it was a main part of the past of one of our protagonists and the way it was brought about was organic and respectfully handled. As usual, a very sweet read and I'm looking forward to next week's book!
March 31, 2021
Duke had a difficult past and he is tired of being judged because of it. He is not looking for a relationship.
Madison is tired of being judged by her appearance. Between her work at the café and her studies, he has no time for relationships.
However, a broken-down coffee machine later, everything changes.
I like Duke honesty and Madison’s craziness. I think they make a great couple. I laughed a lot with Maddie.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Madison is tired of being judged by her appearance. Between her work at the café and her studies, he has no time for relationships.
However, a broken-down coffee machine later, everything changes.
I like Duke honesty and Madison’s craziness. I think they make a great couple. I laughed a lot with Maddie.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2021
A beautiful story
This is a lovely, heartbreaking (in a good way) redemptive story between two people who’ve been touched and changed by tragic circumstances. Duke and Maddy have a connection from the minute they meet. Duke falls for Maddy quickly but can’t and won’t take the next step with her until she knows his truth. He’s terrified of losing Maddy because of his past but he’s about to learn just how big Maddy’s capacity to love is.
This series continues to be excellent. I loved this story for the realness and redemption within it.
This is a lovely, heartbreaking (in a good way) redemptive story between two people who’ve been touched and changed by tragic circumstances. Duke and Maddy have a connection from the minute they meet. Duke falls for Maddy quickly but can’t and won’t take the next step with her until she knows his truth. He’s terrified of losing Maddy because of his past but he’s about to learn just how big Maddy’s capacity to love is.
This series continues to be excellent. I loved this story for the realness and redemption within it.
April 9, 2021
Maddy and Duke’s story was yet another hit from this duo. There was a lot more substance and story in this than I had anticipated. I read this as a stand-alone and had no problem following this. The character development for these two was great and it flowed oh so well. I loved it!
April 25, 2021
I liked the characters in this book, Maddy and Duke were great together and their back stories are so tragically matched which makes them the perfect balance for each other. I liked how Duke was all in from the start and tried to be the good guy and do right by Maddy.
The only bad thing about this book was the poor editing. The wrong words used in places, unclear who was speaking and general grammar errors. I’m sure these will get picked up in future revisions.
The only bad thing about this book was the poor editing. The wrong words used in places, unclear who was speaking and general grammar errors. I’m sure these will get picked up in future revisions.
July 20, 2021
3.25✯
°Virgin heroine
°Hero's been celibate for 10 years
°Switching POVs
°Insta attraction->love
°He's 28, she's 21
°No OW/OM drama (several women flirted with the hero but he was not interested)
°No separation
°No cheating
°No push/pull
°No intimate scenes with OP
°The hero is an ex-drug addict and has been clean for 10 years; the heroine has ADHD
°Epilogue: 1 year and 20 years later
°Virgin heroine
°Hero's been celibate for 10 years
°Switching POVs
°Insta attraction->love
°He's 28, she's 21
°No OW/OM drama (several women flirted with the hero but he was not interested)
°No separation
°No cheating
°No push/pull
°No intimate scenes with OP
°The hero is an ex-drug addict and has been clean for 10 years; the heroine has ADHD
°Epilogue: 1 year and 20 years later
February 1, 2022
Bad Day Turns Around
Maddie is overwhelmed at her service job, so Duke steps in to help. They both carry wounds from their respective pasts, but do their best to deal with one another with integrity and respect. Even in this shorter format, the characters allowed an insight into issues that rarely get to be a part of romance, and to have them handled conscientiously, was a treat.
Maddie is overwhelmed at her service job, so Duke steps in to help. They both carry wounds from their respective pasts, but do their best to deal with one another with integrity and respect. Even in this shorter format, the characters allowed an insight into issues that rarely get to be a part of romance, and to have them handled conscientiously, was a treat.
March 31, 2023
Smart Couple
I like this book because it shows that a man doesn't take advantage of the girl/woman he loves and gives her all of himself, no matter how bad he felt. It shows bravery and determination. She shows apart of herself also. I will recommend this book to my girls and guys on Goodreads cause their the best. It's a nice ,sweet, short, sexy story. Five stars for all of the above plus a good tells book, but there were some editing Glitches.
I like this book because it shows that a man doesn't take advantage of the girl/woman he loves and gives her all of himself, no matter how bad he felt. It shows bravery and determination. She shows apart of herself also. I will recommend this book to my girls and guys on Goodreads cause their the best. It's a nice ,sweet, short, sexy story. Five stars for all of the above plus a good tells book, but there were some editing Glitches.
March 24, 2021
A cute romance story.
A cute romance read! Madison and Duke had a fun first meeting which turns to a first date. Their romance was quick, sweet and steamy. I enjoyed their journey to a deserving HEA. Another enjoyable addition to the Cherry Falls series that doesn’t disappoint.
A cute romance read! Madison and Duke had a fun first meeting which turns to a first date. Their romance was quick, sweet and steamy. I enjoyed their journey to a deserving HEA. Another enjoyable addition to the Cherry Falls series that doesn’t disappoint.
March 31, 2021
I freaking loved this story. It was sweet, steamy,sad, romantic as heck and safe as well. 😍😍😍 I loved the characters and how they were kind of normal people with hard pasts and difficulties in their life. Duke battled with his past and Madison with the past that involved her mother. Real people with real problems that found their soulmate and got their HEA.😍😍😍👍👍👍
June 13, 2021
Another winner from Cherry Falls
Another wonderful read from the dynamic duo. There’s a wonderful banter between the MCs. Maddy and Duke have issues but they were perfect for each other. It pulls to your heartstrings and you root for the Maddy and Duke. The other side characters are great, specially Pearl. Highly recommend this wonderful story.
Another wonderful read from the dynamic duo. There’s a wonderful banter between the MCs. Maddy and Duke have issues but they were perfect for each other. It pulls to your heartstrings and you root for the Maddy and Duke. The other side characters are great, specially Pearl. Highly recommend this wonderful story.
March 29, 2021
Duke and Madison
A beautiful story of survival and coming through a terrible storm. Duke is such a strong character and I absolutely love how Maddie has such a relatable story. This book is a story lots of people need to read thank you for this.
A beautiful story of survival and coming through a terrible storm. Duke is such a strong character and I absolutely love how Maddie has such a relatable story. This book is a story lots of people need to read thank you for this.
March 31, 2021
LOVED it!!!!!
Duke and Madison’s story brought ALL the emotions. OMG...I am completely enamoured with both of them. What an amazing couple with such an enormous love. And the fast forwards??? Be still my heart!! LOVED IT!!!!
Duke and Madison’s story brought ALL the emotions. OMG...I am completely enamoured with both of them. What an amazing couple with such an enormous love. And the fast forwards??? Be still my heart!! LOVED IT!!!!
April 5, 2021
WOW! So Good!
Well written story and well developed characters! Those are the most important things to me in a book! I couldn't put this book down and read it late into the night! Loved it!
Well written story and well developed characters! Those are the most important things to me in a book! I couldn't put this book down and read it late into the night! Loved it!
April 20, 2021
Letting the Past Go
When Duke sees Maddy struggling he can't help the surge he feels for her. What goes from him helping her out turns into them both letting the past go to forge a future together.
When Duke sees Maddy struggling he can't help the surge he feels for her. What goes from him helping her out turns into them both letting the past go to forge a future together.
May 2, 2021
Lots of Feels in This One
Madison is rescue at work by good Samaritan, Duke, when she is left to work the local coffee shop by herself. This is sexy tattoo artist has a dark past but the moment he meets Madison has him finally looking to the future. I loved this emotional tale.
Madison is rescue at work by good Samaritan, Duke, when she is left to work the local coffee shop by herself. This is sexy tattoo artist has a dark past but the moment he meets Madison has him finally looking to the future. I loved this emotional tale.
May 18, 2021
Have You Ever...
Read a book and it was just okay. I mean it wasn't horrible but you still enjoyed. I enjoyed Duke more than Madison. Duke had depth, not that Madison didn't. I think I didn't enjoy their chemistry.
Read a book and it was just okay. I mean it wasn't horrible but you still enjoyed. I enjoyed Duke more than Madison. Duke had depth, not that Madison didn't. I think I didn't enjoy their chemistry.
July 21, 2021
This felt very different to a lot of the others. It felt far more story focussed rather than... they met, they had sex ( a lot ) and fell in love... got married yada yada yada... I liked this difference!
I liked both Madison and Duke!
I liked both Madison and Duke!
March 19, 2022
So Tender
I loved this book! It covered sensitive subjects in such a beautiful way. It addressed them and the emotions that went along with them. Add that to truly lovable characters and it’s a total win!💖💖💖💖💖
I loved this book! It covered sensitive subjects in such a beautiful way. It addressed them and the emotions that went along with them. Add that to truly lovable characters and it’s a total win!💖💖💖💖💖
August 13, 2022
Loved
Loved Duke and Maddy. He doesn't believe he deserves love after his past and wants that with Maddy. She doesn't have time for love, but Duke changes that. These two were sweet and meant for each other.
Loved Duke and Maddy. He doesn't believe he deserves love after his past and wants that with Maddy. She doesn't have time for love, but Duke changes that. These two were sweet and meant for each other.
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