Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Tour Review & Giveaway - - The Sweetheart Fix

The Sweetheart Fix
by Miranda Liasson
Blossom Glen - Book 2
Publisher: Entangled Amara
Release Date: November 29, 2022
Reviewed by PJ
 


Juliet Montgomery absolutely loves her small town of Blossom Glen, Indiana, and everyone loves her. Except for the fact that she’s a couples counselor who suffered a very public breakup that no one can forget. And now her boss asks her to take a step back…which is exactly when the town’s good-lookin’ and unusually gruff mayor offers her an unexpected job.

Jack Monroe absolutely loves being the mayor of his small town. Except when he actually has to talk to people. Can’t he just fix the community problems in peace? Like right now, he’s mediating the silliest dispute two neighbors could possibly have. When the town sweetheart steps up and solves everyone’s problems in five minutes flat, Jack realizes what this town really needs…is a therapist.

Juliet is able to soothe anyone—other than the surly mayor, it seems. But there’s a reason they say opposites attract, because all of their verbal sparring leads to some serious attraction. Only, just like with fireworks, the view might appear beautiful—but she’s already had one public explosion that’s nearly ruined everything…how can she risk her heart again? 

PJ's Thoughts:

When I pick up a book by Miranda Liasson, I always feel like I'm about to make new friends, in a place I'd be happy to visit. Her fictional communities are warm and welcoming but also realistic. I grew up in a small town. There are pros and cons to everyone knowing your business and Liasson explores both. But it's her characters that shine. Whether it's the lead couple, their friends and families, two neighbors feuding over a tree on their property line, or a lonely old man who has forgotten what it feels like to be a part of the community, Liasson give each of them the care and attention they deserve. And, in doing so, she makes me care about all of them. 

I wouldn't call Jack and Juliet enemies but they certainly start out as adversaries. I love how they challenge each other. The banter between them is terrific. Each of them has reasons for being wary of relationships but that doesn't stop the attraction between them from growing, especially as they spend time together at City Hall and start peeling back those layers that hide the hurts and vulnerabilities acquired over the years. I enjoy how their friendship evolves and solidifies before they take that next step into romantic feelings, though the zing of attraction is there from the start. I also appreciate that the author takes her time with them, leading them to fully confront the emotional baggage they carry before allowing them to claim their happy ending. They're so good together. I laughed, cried, and sighed with happiness with them every step of the way.

It was fun to see all the characters from book one again in this book as well as meet a few new ones. There are no secrets in Blossom Glen as Jack and Juliet are quick to discover. Everyone has a stake in their relationship and isn't above offering advice...in the most loving and helpful way, of course. I enjoyed watching Leo and Tessa (The Sweetheart Deal) preparing for parenthood, as well as catching up with other members of their families. And I am already eager to discover what the future will hold for youngest sister, Viv. Will she head overseas again or will love, family, and a new purpose in life hold her closer to Blossom Glen? Only time will tell.

If you enjoy small-town romance with fully-developed, relatable characters, low steam but deep passion, humor, and heartwarming happy endings, give The Sweetheart Fix (and book one, The Sweetheart Deal) a try. They both have my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Have you read Miranda Liasson yet?

What do you enjoy about small-town romance?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 8 will receive a print copy of The Sweetheart Fix and The Sweetheart Deal.

U.S. only
Must be 18
Void where prohibited







17 comments:

  1. Yes, I have read a few of Miranda's books and they are very enjoyable. I like small town romance as it makes me feel warm and fuzzy. One series that stands out is the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr.

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  2. Miranda's books are captivating. Small town romance is beautiful, meaningful and reminds me of life when I was young.

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  3. Reading Miranda's books is a pleasure. Reading about small town romance gives me such an escape since I have only lived in large cities.

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  4. I like small town romances because of all the secondary characters who insert themselves into the lives of the lead characters.....I have lived in small towns and that factor is pretty true. I have not read any of Ms Liasson's books. You have made me realize I am missing something. Thanks for the review and introduction to the series.

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  5. I haven't read Mirand's stories yet, but since I love small town romances I want to.

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  6. I love Miranda's books, and have not yet read these! I love small town romance because I was born and raised in a small town and these type of books make me feel like I'm home!

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  7. Patricia Bennett BarberDecember 7, 2022 at 1:41 PM

    Yes I have and love her books.
    Small town romances are great because if they see someone not doing right to the other, they will get on the phone and tell your granny, and mom ...lol

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  8. I have not read this author yet. Small town stories people always watch out for their neighbors. PattyB43

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  9. It's been. a long time since I've read one of her books. They are always wonderful! Small town romances are great because of the cast of characters who all work like a family in the best (and sometimes worst) of ways

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  10. No, I have not read any of Miranda's books, but I have a bunch on my to read list. Rita Navarre

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  11. I read and loved The Sweetheart Deal and look forward to reading The Sweetheart Fix! Small town romance is great because someone always has your back (ands someone is always in your business! )

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  12. I have read Miranda's books and it feels like I've gone home. She does capture the warm small town feeling as well as the frustrating my life is a fishbowl feeling. I grew up in a small town, traveled the US with my military husband, and ended up retiring in the small town he grew up in.

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  13. No, I have not yet. I love small town books because I have always lived in cities, big and small. For me, a small town unique so I am intrigued by the small town interactions, good and bad, about it.

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  14. I have always enjoyed her books and this looks like another winner! I really enjoy small town books, because I live in a small town. Thanks for the chance to win this one.

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  15. Yes I have and enjoy her books, and I love the small-town romances, nice review, thank you

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  16. I read Sea Glass Summer by ML and really enjoyed it. I'm excited for another author to glom, especially one that writes small town romances! Thanks for the rec, PJ.

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  17. I’ve read a couple of Miranda Liaison’s earlier books, and quite enjoyed them! I love the small-town thing, so thank you for the recommendation!
    —flchen1

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