Her Unexpected Engagement
Checkerberry Inn #2
Kyra Jacobs
Publication Date: October 31, 2016
Genres: Adult, Entangled: Bliss, Contemporary Romance
Sometimes you’ve got to fake it ‘til you make it…
Stephanie Fitzpatrick wanted out of the spotlight after her pro-golfer husband was caught on camera cheating. But when she returns to Michigan for a job interview and some much-needed R&R, a fib told by her well-meaning sister has her looking for a temporary fiancé, or she can kiss her new start good-bye.
Desperate to hide the truth, she goes to the one man who can help—her former best friend.
Miles Masterson is relieved to see the Checkerberry Inn beginning to thrive once more. Not only does it ease his mind about his grandmother’s financial future, but also about his decision to finally escape town. But then one all grown up and sexy as hell friend from the past shows up needing rescue. Now the temptation to change the “temporary” arrangement into something more is making it harder to think about leaving.
Each book in the Checkerberry Inn series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Stephanie froze. She knew those melted
chocolate eyes nearly as well as she knew her own. Had laughed, cried, giggled,
and shouted at them countless times when they were kids. But the boyish charm
of the face around them was gone, replaced by strong cheekbones and a jawline
dusted with a five o’clock shadow. Had they kept in touch over the years, his
change in appearance might not have been as noticeable.
Strike that—had he kept in touch over the years. She’d
made the effort a handful of times that first year after she and Liam had
married and moved to Florida. Tried reaching out on his birthday and Christmas
the year after. But the response she got from Miles was always the
same—nothing. A decade of resentment at being blown off threatened to
resurface, and she retracted her offered hand before it went and did something
crazy all on its own…like smack the bejeezus out of him.
“Miles? W-what
are you doing here?”
“Well, unlike
some people, I was unlucky enough to grow roots in this lovely town.”
Grimacing, he eased his way back to standing and pressed a hand to the small of
his back. “Question is, what are you
doing here?”
That was a good
question…and one she planned to take up with her younger sister shortly. First
the fib about her being engaged—something she wasn’t dealing with quite
yet—then sending Stephanie here, knowing darned will she’d likely cross paths
with Miles? What was that girl up to?
“I came up for
a…business meeting…I have on Monday. My family talked me into a week-long
visit.” She narrowed her eyes. “Had I known it’d be here, though, I might have
passed.”
He flinched, and
she almost felt bad about the jab. Almost.
“Well, had I
known you were coming, I might have hired that exterminator after all.” His
gaze shifted to the floorboards, then back to hers. “Don’t worry, though. The
cockroaches are only big enough to eat infants and small children.”
Stephanie felt a
smile tugging at her lips and was helpless to resist. That was Miles. Always
able to break through her bad moods. But she wouldn’t give in. “Yeah, well,
you’re still a jerk.”
“And you still
look ridiculous in a ball cap, but who’s keeping score?”
She pulled off
her sunglasses to throw him a dark look. He ignored it and pulled her into an
impromptu hug. His body was firmer than she remembered, and he’d finally
deviated from a daily regimen of Ivory soap, but otherwise he was the same old
Miles. Stephanie tried to squirm free, and had as much success with that as she
had the other hundred times he’d done it. Which was zero. She conceded with a
sigh and leaned into him, hating that it felt as right as it did.
Like she was home
again and never should have left.
Cute friends to lovers romance! Miles and Stephanie are childhood friends sho drifted apart after she got married. Miles has a reputation for being a playboy, but that's only because he lost his chance with the only woman he ever loved - Stephanie. Now that she's back in town, old feelings resurface and soon pretend relationship is all too real. It was a quick read and perfect for an afternoon if you're looking fore something light.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.
Kyra Jacobs is an extroverted introvert who writes of love, humor and mystery in the Midwest and beyond. When this Hoosier native isn’t pounding out scenes for her next book, she’s likely outside, elbow-deep in snapdragons or spending quality time with her sports-loving family. Kyra also loves to read, tries to golf, and is an avid college football fan.
Be sure to stop by her website www.KyraJacobs.wordpress.com to learn more about her novels and ways to connect with her on social media.
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