Summary
Amelia Kirkland’s been head-over-heels for Teague Sullivan forever. Not that she’s ever let him know—as her brother’s best friend, he’s officially off-limits. That’s even more true once they become partners in rehabbing a historic inn. She can’t risk what she’s building with her brother and her friends just to fulfill a lifelong crush. Can she?
When Teague left the Special Forces, he didn’t know what would come next. Until his best friend, Alex, won an inn as a lottery prize and made him a partner. It’s his shot at getting everything he’s always wanted. Except for Alex’s beautiful sister. Amelia’s friendship was a lifeline while he was deployed, but that’s a line he can’t cross. He owes his friend too much to betray his trust. Now, though? Working and living with her every day? He wants more.
If their secret romance is discovered, it could ruin everything before the inn has a chance. But does their one shot at happiness require them to break all the rules?
Review
I was equally excited and afraid to read this book. There was a lot of potential in the first book in the series, but it missed the mark–not by much though. This one could have gone either way. But this time, the author offered a story close to perfection.
I wasn’t a big fan of how fast the feelings between Amelia and Teague evolved–it felt like a chapter or two were missing to have a more natural evolution. But the characters themselves, and the way they express their feelings… THAT I loved very much. Even their friendship before they become a couple was absolutely adorable. I loved that they had a deep connection that was just slightly different than between siblings, just enough to blur the line.
Teague’s story was heartbreaking. We learn bit by bit what his childhood was like, and how he felt during his time in Special forces. Compared to how he acts with his friends, it made him a very interesting character. I feel like he didn’t get a full closure, though. As for Amelia, she’s the baby who’s growing up. But she too has some past trauma.
What I enjoyed the most? The writing. The various images, inspired by Amelia’s passion for plants and Teague’s past in the army, created a colorful picture of their story–a word fabric, if you will, of interwoven metaphors. The content was a strong as the form though, and there were several beautiful scenes, not only between Amelia and Teague, but also between them and their close friends.
Strong emotions, well defined characters, and a compelling writing style–as I said, close to perfection.
Quickie
- Series: Love lottery #3 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #small town romance #friends to lovers #best friend’s little sister #age gap
- Triggers: mention of war violence (nothing explicit), past domestic violence
- Main couple: Amelia Kirkland & Teague Sullivan
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + Teague’s absolute devotion to Amelia
- – I didn’t see the shift from friendship to romantic love until it was said it was already true years before… what?
Stalker mode
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