They were only faking it….
A landscape designer for his family’s construction firm, Joe Walker, is nearing completion on one of the most important projects of his career—gardens for spec homes that if they wow, Walker Construction will survive. When a freak accident sidelines him with a broken leg, the firm hires a competitor. Her ideas are radically different, but his stalker ex arrives to play nurse, and Joe needs more than gardening help.
After six-years working in English manor gardens, horticulturist Kara Sudbury returns to River’s Edge to help in her grandparents’ struggling garden center. She’s thrilled when Jackson Walker hires her to execute his injured cousin’s designs. Ignoring Joe is difficult because he’s as sexy now as he was in high school and even more stubborn. But when Joe asks Kara to play the role of girlfriend, they strike a deal that will help Joe handle his tenacious ex and put Sudbury’s Nursery back in the black. Kara’s up for the subterfuge…for a price, but then the pretense feels real, and Kara is reminded that every rose has its thorns.
PJ's Thoughts:
Nan Reinhardt takes readers back to River's Edge for another heartfelt journey to love. This time it's a fake relationship story - one of my favorite romance tropes - with a bit of professional competition thrown into the mix.
I enjoyed the friendship that blossomed between Joe and Kara that eventually developed into deeper feelings. The banter between them sparkles, including humor that is always prevalent in a River's Edge story, but nicely balanced by emotional depth.
Family is a strong theme is this story, on both Joe's and Kara's sides, eliciting both laughter and tears as with families in real life. I've enjoyed getting to know the Walkers and am looking forward to more of them getting their own stories.
Community is also central to the River's Edge stories. It's always fun to catch up with members of this close-knit community as well as featured couples from earlier books. For fans of the series, it's an opportunity to take a peek into the ongoing happily ever afters of favorite couples while those new to River's Edge should be able to jump in with Make it Real without missing a beat.
If you enjoy closed-door small-town romance with an enjoyable blend of humor and heart, strong community ties, and a heartfelt happily ever after, I enthusiastically recommend visiting Nan Reinhardt's River's Edge. Why not begin with Make it Real.
I’m starting this book next. Love this small town!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like just a book I would enjoy. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds like it will be an engaging and enjoyable read. Thank you for the review.
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