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Dogwood Cove #2
Rumours and Romance
Jackson Holt, the sexy new veterinarian in Dogwood Cove, and I both have a problem with an obvious solution. I’ve got a busy bakery to run, and a new cafe to open, but my friends and family think I’m a workaholic who needs to find love. Jackson has an offer to be a partner at the vet clinic, as long as he shows his boss he’s in town to stay. A fake relationship is the perfect way for both of us to get what we want. Two birds, one little white lie of a stone. Jackson has no intention of falling in love, and I don’t have time for anything real. It should be easy to end things when we don’t have to pretend anymore… right? We promised we wouldn’t fall for each other. Turns out that was the biggest lie of all.
285 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2021
383 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
April 29, 2022
Oh, my word I just love the fake dating trope! Now throw in a grumpy handsome vet and an independent, witty baker, sign me up.
Mila is busy running her bakery in Dogwood Cove, she is smart, sassy, and certainly doesn't need a man to complete her. Jackson is the new guy in town. He is the new veterinarian and hopes to take over the existing practice in town when the old vet retires. Now here comes the catch, Jackson needs to prove that he really wants to stay here, settle down and plant roots here in the cute little family town. A deal is struck between Mila and Jackson and let the fake dating commence! This was funny, sweet, cute, had the heat and wonderfully fun witty banter!
~~Michele McMullen~~
Mila is busy running her bakery in Dogwood Cove, she is smart, sassy, and certainly doesn't need a man to complete her. Jackson is the new guy in town. He is the new veterinarian and hopes to take over the existing practice in town when the old vet retires. Now here comes the catch, Jackson needs to prove that he really wants to stay here, settle down and plant roots here in the cute little family town. A deal is struck between Mila and Jackson and let the fake dating commence! This was funny, sweet, cute, had the heat and wonderfully fun witty banter!
~~Michele McMullen~~
November 6, 2024
so sweet <3
September 21, 2021
Bakery owner, Mila has lived in Dogwood Cove her whole life and is so career-driven than she doesn’t have time for much else, let alone dating. She stumbles across an injured dog on the side of the road and not only wants to get him help, but wants a companion, too. When she takes her new furry friend to the vet, she meets new vet in town, Jackson, who also happens to be the sexy stranger who’s been frequenting Mila’s bakery.
After a bad breakup, Jackson needed a fresh start, so he got a job at a small vet practice on Vancouver Island is the small town of Dogwood Cove. He wants to become partner at the practice, but the older gentleman who owns the vet clinic is old-fashioned and is hesitant to sell half of his business to a bachelor.
Being in a small town, Jackson & Mila keep running into each other and strike up a friendship. As it turns out, Mila’s family has been hounding her about settling down & focusing less on work and more on love. So Jackson & Mila strike up a plan to fake date to get her family off her back and make Jackson more appealing to his potential business partner.
It’s just a simple deal between two friends. What’s the worst that could happen?
Rumours & Romance by Julia Jarrett is book 2 in the Dogwood Cove series. This was such a sweet & fun romance! I loved that Jackson was a vet and Mila was a bakery owner—their careers made them so charming. I also appreciated how they defied societal norms with them both not wanting kids, which was extremely refreshing. We got a different type of HEA & I loved that. This is low angst/drama and an all-around feel good romance. Highly recommend for fans of small town romances! 4/5 stars.
Thank you to Julia Jarrett for my review copy.
After a bad breakup, Jackson needed a fresh start, so he got a job at a small vet practice on Vancouver Island is the small town of Dogwood Cove. He wants to become partner at the practice, but the older gentleman who owns the vet clinic is old-fashioned and is hesitant to sell half of his business to a bachelor.
Being in a small town, Jackson & Mila keep running into each other and strike up a friendship. As it turns out, Mila’s family has been hounding her about settling down & focusing less on work and more on love. So Jackson & Mila strike up a plan to fake date to get her family off her back and make Jackson more appealing to his potential business partner.
It’s just a simple deal between two friends. What’s the worst that could happen?
Rumours & Romance by Julia Jarrett is book 2 in the Dogwood Cove series. This was such a sweet & fun romance! I loved that Jackson was a vet and Mila was a bakery owner—their careers made them so charming. I also appreciated how they defied societal norms with them both not wanting kids, which was extremely refreshing. We got a different type of HEA & I loved that. This is low angst/drama and an all-around feel good romance. Highly recommend for fans of small town romances! 4/5 stars.
Thank you to Julia Jarrett for my review copy.
March 19, 2022
Rumours and Romance is Book 2 of Julia Jarrett’s Canadian based Dogwood Cove series and is a fake relationship/friends to lovers romance read.
Full disclosure, I am not a fan of either of these tropes.
Full disclosure, I loved Mila and Jackson’s unconventional love story!
Well done Julia, well done.
The main characters in Rumours and Romance, are both intensely career oriented and focused on reaching every single one of their goals. I liked that about them. It was refreshing and very much relatable. I also particularly liked that both new their wants and needs and were unapologetic for it - bucking social norms is never easy and it takes a special person to do it. These aspects of their character added so much to the storyline and to the growing relationship between them.
Mila and Jackson are going to become one of your favorite book couples because watching two mature, open and honest individuals wrap their heads around their blossoming feelings and own their hearts makes, Rumours and Romance the unputdownable romance read that it is. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books in what has come to be one of my favorite small town romance series.
I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy.
Full disclosure, I am not a fan of either of these tropes.
Full disclosure, I loved Mila and Jackson’s unconventional love story!
Well done Julia, well done.
The main characters in Rumours and Romance, are both intensely career oriented and focused on reaching every single one of their goals. I liked that about them. It was refreshing and very much relatable. I also particularly liked that both new their wants and needs and were unapologetic for it - bucking social norms is never easy and it takes a special person to do it. These aspects of their character added so much to the storyline and to the growing relationship between them.
Mila and Jackson are going to become one of your favorite book couples because watching two mature, open and honest individuals wrap their heads around their blossoming feelings and own their hearts makes, Rumours and Romance the unputdownable romance read that it is. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books in what has come to be one of my favorite small town romance series.
I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy.
April 18, 2022
A fun read, with lots of great banter, witty dialog, steam, and chemistry! Mila and Jackson, the baker, and the vet. Both are career-driven with little time for much else. Besides, neither has the best track record in relationships. But, as with well-meaning friends, they want you to be happy as well. For appearance’s sake, a “fake” relationship is agreed to, but how fake is it?
Dogwood Cove is a delightful small town, I am enjoying the books to date.
Thank you to the Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Dogwood Cove is a delightful small town, I am enjoying the books to date.
Thank you to the Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
November 3, 2021
This book was really good! The two main tropes are ones I adore: fake relationship and friends to lovers. Mila and Jackson were honestly perfect together. I loved that they were both career focused and had a common goal for the fake relationship. I also loved watching that fake relationship become real. I enjoyed this romance from start to finish and I definitely want more Dogwood Cove!
January 7, 2024
3.5
so so cute! i loved jackson and mila <3
can’t wait for their crumbs in the next books
so so cute! i loved jackson and mila <3
can’t wait for their crumbs in the next books
September 22, 2021
I LOVE a good fake dating story and Julia nailed it with Rumours and Romance!
Jackson and Mila were the PERFECT characters for this story. Julia crafted incredibly down to earth and relatable lead characters and it felt like I was walking right along beside them in their journey. Both were feeling pressures from work or friends that they "should be in a relationship" and found each other just at the right time to get into a fake relationship. The plot and timing of how their story progressed was right as I would expect it to be for this situation and did not feel forced or rushed at all.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the appearances made by former series favorites and the bread crumbs dropped along the way for series stories to come. Great job, Julia!
Jackson and Mila were the PERFECT characters for this story. Julia crafted incredibly down to earth and relatable lead characters and it felt like I was walking right along beside them in their journey. Both were feeling pressures from work or friends that they "should be in a relationship" and found each other just at the right time to get into a fake relationship. The plot and timing of how their story progressed was right as I would expect it to be for this situation and did not feel forced or rushed at all.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the appearances made by former series favorites and the bread crumbs dropped along the way for series stories to come. Great job, Julia!
September 1, 2021
Rumors and Romance (Dogwood Cove Series Book #2) 5 Stars!
When his eyes danced I saw stars in my heart!
Rumors and Romance was one creamy apple nut muffin perfection that I couldn't stop tasting. When Sexy ass Vet Doctor Holt comes into town with a stoic frown on his face Mila makes it her mission to herself and her impeccable baking skills to make that man smile again.
Lines get crossed when Jackson's new boss wants him to commit to Dogwood cove before offering him a promotion and Mila's friends become overbearing about her lack of love life. Jackson and Mila agree on a "mutual' fake dating agreement to convince the town of Dogwood Cove that Jackson is ready to commit, and Mila has a life outside of the bakery only complicating the feelings that were already steaming.
This trope includes fake dating, a climb him like a tree (which I would gladly) sexy god of a vet, mixed with emotional torture, enough sexual tension to make you catch your breath and of course a lovable rescue dog to melt your heart.
The romance between Mila and Jackson was erotically passionate and read as seamless as a hot small town summer day.
Julia Jarrett always blows me away with her ability to write amazing romance books that captivate the heart and stimulate the senses she does her research and it shows! I loved Dogwood Cove and I'll be back there again soon for Book #3
When his eyes danced I saw stars in my heart!
Rumors and Romance was one creamy apple nut muffin perfection that I couldn't stop tasting. When Sexy ass Vet Doctor Holt comes into town with a stoic frown on his face Mila makes it her mission to herself and her impeccable baking skills to make that man smile again.
Lines get crossed when Jackson's new boss wants him to commit to Dogwood cove before offering him a promotion and Mila's friends become overbearing about her lack of love life. Jackson and Mila agree on a "mutual' fake dating agreement to convince the town of Dogwood Cove that Jackson is ready to commit, and Mila has a life outside of the bakery only complicating the feelings that were already steaming.
This trope includes fake dating, a climb him like a tree (which I would gladly) sexy god of a vet, mixed with emotional torture, enough sexual tension to make you catch your breath and of course a lovable rescue dog to melt your heart.
The romance between Mila and Jackson was erotically passionate and read as seamless as a hot small town summer day.
Julia Jarrett always blows me away with her ability to write amazing romance books that captivate the heart and stimulate the senses she does her research and it shows! I loved Dogwood Cove and I'll be back there again soon for Book #3
August 26, 2021
I received an ARC of this book and this review is my own honest opinion.
Rumours and Romance is a delicious mix of fake dating, banter and hot sexy chemistry.
Jackson is new in town and Mila instantly likes him when she spots him in her bakery.
When they begin talking they realise they have something in common, he needs to prove he’s settled in Dogwood Cove for his ambition of becoming a partner in his job and she needs to get her friends off her back about being single, so they decide to fake date.
They soon realise that fake dating is hard and their feelings are crossing the boundary.
But, nothing is ever plain sailing and when Jackson jumps to conclusions about something he sees, he puts his relationship with Mila in jeopardy.
This book is an easy lighthearted read, the chemistry is amazing and the steamy scenes are just that, steeaammy!
Rumours and Romance is a delicious mix of fake dating, banter and hot sexy chemistry.
Jackson is new in town and Mila instantly likes him when she spots him in her bakery.
When they begin talking they realise they have something in common, he needs to prove he’s settled in Dogwood Cove for his ambition of becoming a partner in his job and she needs to get her friends off her back about being single, so they decide to fake date.
They soon realise that fake dating is hard and their feelings are crossing the boundary.
But, nothing is ever plain sailing and when Jackson jumps to conclusions about something he sees, he puts his relationship with Mila in jeopardy.
This book is an easy lighthearted read, the chemistry is amazing and the steamy scenes are just that, steeaammy!
September 10, 2021
This is book 2 in the Dogwood Cove series and it is the perfect continuation as we get to know more about Mila, Ethan’s sister. She is even more spunky then we thought especially after she meets nee hot vet Jackson and has a hard time forming words. Mila has a huge heart and you see it more after her rescue of Milo who clearly helps her follow her heart. Julia Jarrett does not disappoint with book 2 in this small town romance. Just like book 1 this book has a message about something that all woman face and I am fully glad Juli brought this in to show it’s ok to feel this way and not feel guilty. Jackson and Mila are a match made in Heaven and you can feel it from their first real run in.
September 23, 2021
Small town. Sweet. Steamy. Oh and dogs! I mean, do I need to say more? This book was an amazing addition to the Dogwood cove series. Milla and Jackson have the same life goals but both have been hurt in the past. There are a lot of trust issues to overcome with them both. However good communication might help them in the long run. The steamy parts of this book are absolute fire. Julia Jarrett can definitely write an amazing story. I find myself sucked in immediately every time! I can’t say enough good things about this book.
December 28, 2021
Title: Rumours and Romance
Author: Julia Jarrett
Hero/Heroine: Jackson & Mila
Trope: Small Town/Fake Relationship
THE GOOD 😀
I do love a small town romance, and when you throw in the fake relationship trope? Absolute perfection. Having visited Dogwood Cove before in Always and Forever, I was really looking forward to reading about the other characters.
Our lovely heroine Mila is Ethan’s sister from Always and Forever, and when she meets the new vet, Jackson, she finds herself crushing hard.
After the demise of his relationship, Jackson moves to Dogwood Cove for a fresh start. Meeting Mila and forming a friendship was not part of the plan, and when they both agree to fake date for various reasons, things become intense pretty quickly between them.
I adore the fake dating trope, and it was done really well in this book. The dynamic between Jackson and Mila was great, and I loved how the strength of their friendship made the transition into dating so seamless. I also loved how headstrong Mila was; wanting to extend her bakery into a cafe, she was determined not to let anything or anyone stand in her way.
Great characters and a wonderful setting make this a feel good story that’s not to be missed. Very much looking forward to reading the next in the series.
THE BAD ☹️
Not a bean.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Feel good small town romance with some fantastic characters (and a dog)
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Julia Jarrett
Hero/Heroine: Jackson & Mila
Trope: Small Town/Fake Relationship
THE GOOD 😀
I do love a small town romance, and when you throw in the fake relationship trope? Absolute perfection. Having visited Dogwood Cove before in Always and Forever, I was really looking forward to reading about the other characters.
Our lovely heroine Mila is Ethan’s sister from Always and Forever, and when she meets the new vet, Jackson, she finds herself crushing hard.
After the demise of his relationship, Jackson moves to Dogwood Cove for a fresh start. Meeting Mila and forming a friendship was not part of the plan, and when they both agree to fake date for various reasons, things become intense pretty quickly between them.
I adore the fake dating trope, and it was done really well in this book. The dynamic between Jackson and Mila was great, and I loved how the strength of their friendship made the transition into dating so seamless. I also loved how headstrong Mila was; wanting to extend her bakery into a cafe, she was determined not to let anything or anyone stand in her way.
Great characters and a wonderful setting make this a feel good story that’s not to be missed. Very much looking forward to reading the next in the series.
THE BAD ☹️
Not a bean.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Feel good small town romance with some fantastic characters (and a dog)
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 29, 2022
Jackson Holt is the new vet in town, and everyone’s up in his business, in that small town way of theirs. Mila Monroe runs the town bakery, and she doesn’t have time for a man, instead preferring to focus on the expansion of her bakery. Mila and Jackson have chemistry, no one can deny that. They start fake dating to get people off their backs, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to fall in love. Turns out that was a lie…
Oh. My. Gosh. I adored this book so much!! Mila and Jackson’s story was fun, lighthearted, and sexy, with the perfect amount of angst. I loved the small town atmosphere in Dogwood Cove; it was downright hilarious to see just how interested everyone was in Jackson and Mila’s relationship. Mila and Jackson were absolutely perfect for each other, even when they were both denying feelings or that they even wanted a relationship.
Mila. I liked that she wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself, and that she was driven and had goals. I also thought she was super funny and just a tiny bit awkward, which I was able to relate to. Jackson. Oh my gosh, I loved this man. His backstory is so sad, and I just wanted to give him all the hugs. I’m happy that he was able to let go of his past and find happiness with Mila. I completely recommend!
Oh. My. Gosh. I adored this book so much!! Mila and Jackson’s story was fun, lighthearted, and sexy, with the perfect amount of angst. I loved the small town atmosphere in Dogwood Cove; it was downright hilarious to see just how interested everyone was in Jackson and Mila’s relationship. Mila and Jackson were absolutely perfect for each other, even when they were both denying feelings or that they even wanted a relationship.
Mila. I liked that she wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself, and that she was driven and had goals. I also thought she was super funny and just a tiny bit awkward, which I was able to relate to. Jackson. Oh my gosh, I loved this man. His backstory is so sad, and I just wanted to give him all the hugs. I’m happy that he was able to let go of his past and find happiness with Mila. I completely recommend!
December 16, 2021
Another 5 star read in the Dogwood Cove series!
This story made my heart so happy. Mila's independent, driven, and fun, and I could just relate to her character in so many ways. And Jackson... whew! A hot hero who loves animals? Yes please! They are so perfect together, even if it takes fake dating for them to realize it for themselves ;)
If you're in search of a feel-good small town romance with plenty of steam and swoony moments, look no further than Rumours and Romance!
This story made my heart so happy. Mila's independent, driven, and fun, and I could just relate to her character in so many ways. And Jackson... whew! A hot hero who loves animals? Yes please! They are so perfect together, even if it takes fake dating for them to realize it for themselves ;)
If you're in search of a feel-good small town romance with plenty of steam and swoony moments, look no further than Rumours and Romance!
January 7, 2023
Rumours and Romance was a fantastic fake relationship/friends to lovers read! Loved Mila and Jackson their banta and chemistry amazing! Love the small-town of Dogwood Cove and it's characters! Awesome ending and extended epilogue!
April 8, 2022
Fake relationships are becoming a new favorite for me in the romances world and this one was AMAZING! Jackson is a vetnarian moving in and Mila is the baker! Both of them have had rough relationships in the past and aren't looking for love but Jackson needs to make it known that he is here to stay so he will be offered partner at the clinic! Enter fake relationship time! Perfect! Needless to say it's hard not to fall in love especially when having a friends with benefits thing going! Plenty of steamy sexy time! This is definitely one of my favorites fake dating books I've read and recommend picking this one up.
September 19, 2023
3.25⭐️
Me gustó que de principio a final los dos mantuvieron su postura sobre tener hijos.
Me gustó que de principio a final los dos mantuvieron su postura sobre tener hijos.
February 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Listened on audio 🎧
Listened on audio 🎧
September 15, 2021
Rumours and Romance is the second book in the Dogwood Cove series by Julia Jarrett.
Mila, the heroine in this book, is Ethan and Summer's (hero and heroine from book 1) sister and best friend.
Mila knows what she wants in life and what she doesn't, and she doesn't let other people's opinions affect this. That was something I admired about her. Another thing was how much she fought and worked for what she wanted.
There is a new vet in town! Jackson was hot and sweet,
Jackson and Mila understood each other, what they wanted career-, relationship- and future wise. I enjoyed their conversations and banter.
The story is told in dual pov, which is needed because you need both sides to the story.
It is a faced paced story that reads very smoothly and easily.
Also, a big shout-out to pets Harley and Milo for all the cuteness.
Rumours and Romance has all the good ingredients a small town/fake dating romance needs. Topped off with lots of emotions, fun, and steam, it's mixed into an easy, light story.
I received an ARC from the other and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Mila, the heroine in this book, is Ethan and Summer's (hero and heroine from book 1) sister and best friend.
Mila knows what she wants in life and what she doesn't, and she doesn't let other people's opinions affect this. That was something I admired about her. Another thing was how much she fought and worked for what she wanted.
There is a new vet in town! Jackson was hot and sweet,
Jackson and Mila understood each other, what they wanted career-, relationship- and future wise. I enjoyed their conversations and banter.
The story is told in dual pov, which is needed because you need both sides to the story.
It is a faced paced story that reads very smoothly and easily.
Also, a big shout-out to pets Harley and Milo for all the cuteness.
Rumours and Romance has all the good ingredients a small town/fake dating romance needs. Topped off with lots of emotions, fun, and steam, it's mixed into an easy, light story.
I received an ARC from the other and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
September 22, 2021
Read my review at https://novelsalive.com/2021/09/22/4-...
October 4, 2021
I received this ARC in return for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.
This is book 2 in the amazing Dogwood Cove and it’s the perfect continuation from Always and Forever, if you haven’t read that yet then please go grab it, it is seriously an amazing book that you will devour.
One of the things that I loved about this book is that we still saw so much of Ethan and Summer, they were still a huge part of the story. Nothing annoys me more than never seeing characters again during a serious, so I really enjoyed this. I’m also really looking forward to seeing them along with Jackson and Mila more in book 3.
🖤Small Town
🖤Steamy
🖤Hot vet
🖤Independent strong heroine
🖤Fake Dating
🖤Angst
I really loved Mila, I love a strong independent woman who is happy in her own skin. She has goals and she is working her a*se off to achieve them.by.her.self. I love that.
Jackson is a man (very hot man) who has been ripped apart by someone he trusted, he is in no way on the lookout for anything romantic.
Sound like the perfect couple to me , let’s have a game of let’s pretend and try not get hurt 🙈😆😍
This pair have so much chemistry, it is seriously off the charts steamy and it really works with the book. They are majorly attracted to one another but fight like crazy not to act on it. Everyone else can see the connection whether they think they are faking it or not.
Loved this storyline, it was so much fun and such a great easy read that I devoured.
Love all of the characters including the sweet pets. Loved the setting of course, it’s a small town, what’s not to love.
Julia you did it again, amazing book ❤️
This is book 2 in the amazing Dogwood Cove and it’s the perfect continuation from Always and Forever, if you haven’t read that yet then please go grab it, it is seriously an amazing book that you will devour.
One of the things that I loved about this book is that we still saw so much of Ethan and Summer, they were still a huge part of the story. Nothing annoys me more than never seeing characters again during a serious, so I really enjoyed this. I’m also really looking forward to seeing them along with Jackson and Mila more in book 3.
🖤Small Town
🖤Steamy
🖤Hot vet
🖤Independent strong heroine
🖤Fake Dating
🖤Angst
I really loved Mila, I love a strong independent woman who is happy in her own skin. She has goals and she is working her a*se off to achieve them.by.her.self. I love that.
Jackson is a man (very hot man) who has been ripped apart by someone he trusted, he is in no way on the lookout for anything romantic.
Sound like the perfect couple to me , let’s have a game of let’s pretend and try not get hurt 🙈😆😍
This pair have so much chemistry, it is seriously off the charts steamy and it really works with the book. They are majorly attracted to one another but fight like crazy not to act on it. Everyone else can see the connection whether they think they are faking it or not.
Loved this storyline, it was so much fun and such a great easy read that I devoured.
Love all of the characters including the sweet pets. Loved the setting of course, it’s a small town, what’s not to love.
Julia you did it again, amazing book ❤️
September 29, 2021
"Rumours and Romance" by Julia Jarrett, book #2 of the Dogwood Cove series, was a super cute small town romance with just the right amount of steam. Characters from the first book make return appearances in this one, but it reads as a complete standalone.
After breaking off his engagement and learning that the head of the pet shelter where he worked had been accused of embezzlement, veterinarian Jackson Holt was in need of a fresh start. His new job at a vet clinic in the small town of Dogwood Cove, which offered the possibility of a partnership, seemed like a perfect fit. The only catch was that his new boss wanted to see Jackson setting down roots in the community before he'd make him a partner. Still getting over the end of his engagement, Jackson wasn't yet ready to date, but his new friend, local bakery owner Mila Monroe, came up with the perfect solution to his dilemma: a fake relationship. She hoped that the arrangement would be mutually beneficial by convincing her brother and friends to stop worrying about her workaholic tendencies, allowing her to focus on expanding the bakery. It had been her mother's dream to open a full-service cafe serving breakfast and lunch in the empty space next door to the bakery, and Mila was on the verge of making it a reality.
I loved the adorable friendship that developed between Mila and Jackson before their relationship turned romantic. They were so sweet and funny as they got to know each other, especially when Mila teased Jackson about the "geriatric" bran muffins he ordered every morning and made it her mission to get him to try new things. As their feelings for each other grew and the fake relationship evolved into a friends with benefits scenario and then more, Jackson really struggled with his fear of being hurt again after the way his engagement had ended. I empathized with his fears, but at the same time, I wish he had talked to Mila about his feelings sooner.
Overall, I very much enjoyed "Rumours and Romance" and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans, especially those who enjoy small town romance and/or the friends-to-lovers trope. This was the first book I've ever read by Julia Jarrett, but it certainly won't be the last.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
After breaking off his engagement and learning that the head of the pet shelter where he worked had been accused of embezzlement, veterinarian Jackson Holt was in need of a fresh start. His new job at a vet clinic in the small town of Dogwood Cove, which offered the possibility of a partnership, seemed like a perfect fit. The only catch was that his new boss wanted to see Jackson setting down roots in the community before he'd make him a partner. Still getting over the end of his engagement, Jackson wasn't yet ready to date, but his new friend, local bakery owner Mila Monroe, came up with the perfect solution to his dilemma: a fake relationship. She hoped that the arrangement would be mutually beneficial by convincing her brother and friends to stop worrying about her workaholic tendencies, allowing her to focus on expanding the bakery. It had been her mother's dream to open a full-service cafe serving breakfast and lunch in the empty space next door to the bakery, and Mila was on the verge of making it a reality.
I loved the adorable friendship that developed between Mila and Jackson before their relationship turned romantic. They were so sweet and funny as they got to know each other, especially when Mila teased Jackson about the "geriatric" bran muffins he ordered every morning and made it her mission to get him to try new things. As their feelings for each other grew and the fake relationship evolved into a friends with benefits scenario and then more, Jackson really struggled with his fear of being hurt again after the way his engagement had ended. I empathized with his fears, but at the same time, I wish he had talked to Mila about his feelings sooner.
Overall, I very much enjoyed "Rumours and Romance" and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans, especially those who enjoy small town romance and/or the friends-to-lovers trope. This was the first book I've ever read by Julia Jarrett, but it certainly won't be the last.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 24, 2021
RUMOURS & ROMANCE is a decent Fake-Relationship + No-Strings-Sex story. I love books set in the Canadian BC islands (since I partially grew ip there) and this author's books are always filled with small town (small ISLAND?) charm.
Mila is driven, ambitious, sweet, and funny! She was a great character that was instantly likable. I love a female lead who just doesn't want children. It's so refreshing and very much needed in today's romances.
And Jackson was so very swoony! These two have instant attraction, but are also build a sweet friendship and I love that! And the animals in this story actually serve a purpose and are a great addition to the story of Mila and Jackson.
This book also features great female friendships and family relationships as well as a disabled side character. YAY!
My only qualms with this book were:
(1) Plastic surgery shaming. I really dislike this trend in Contemporary Romance. This always goes hand-in-hand with a villainous female character who is written as shallow and desperate. Listen, at some point we have got to let women do whatever the hell they want with their own bodies to feel more confident without assuming they are shallow and vapid.
(2) Not lot happened. I kept waiting for a big plot point to drop. Something to create real conflict, but there was just a misunderstanding and then a fairly easy resolution. Because this is a Fake Relationship trope I was waiting for that moment when the jig is up. What will the fallout be when the lie is exposed? In this book there just isn't any. 🤷🏻
RUMOURS AND ROMANCE is an easy read with a lot of good parts and not too much drama. If you're looking for an easy read with seriously hot steamy scenes then you might love this book!
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: cheating ex, past death of parents, plastic surgery shaming by main characters
FEELS-O-METER: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a light read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
Mila is driven, ambitious, sweet, and funny! She was a great character that was instantly likable. I love a female lead who just doesn't want children. It's so refreshing and very much needed in today's romances.
And Jackson was so very swoony! These two have instant attraction, but are also build a sweet friendship and I love that! And the animals in this story actually serve a purpose and are a great addition to the story of Mila and Jackson.
This book also features great female friendships and family relationships as well as a disabled side character. YAY!
My only qualms with this book were:
(1) Plastic surgery shaming. I really dislike this trend in Contemporary Romance. This always goes hand-in-hand with a villainous female character who is written as shallow and desperate. Listen, at some point we have got to let women do whatever the hell they want with their own bodies to feel more confident without assuming they are shallow and vapid.
(2) Not lot happened. I kept waiting for a big plot point to drop. Something to create real conflict, but there was just a misunderstanding and then a fairly easy resolution. Because this is a Fake Relationship trope I was waiting for that moment when the jig is up. What will the fallout be when the lie is exposed? In this book there just isn't any. 🤷🏻
RUMOURS AND ROMANCE is an easy read with a lot of good parts and not too much drama. If you're looking for an easy read with seriously hot steamy scenes then you might love this book!
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: cheating ex, past death of parents, plastic surgery shaming by main characters
FEELS-O-METER: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a light read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
October 9, 2021
Just didn't buy the reason for the fake relationship in this one, and I quite enjoy the fake trope when written with the right setup.
October 15, 2021
Thank you to Julia Jarrett for the ARC of this sweet book! I have adored every book she’s shared with me, and I will continue to read them all because they’re so well-done, engaging and wonderful.
They’re also steamy! And they usually have a small town involved, which I love.
This one did NOT disappoint. I loved the characters and their independence. Neither wants children, and I think a lot of times when people don’t want kids they’re misunderstood or shamed. In reality, it’s just a choice.
I thought this book was sweet, funny, and so romantic. Julia’s books can be devoured quickly, but they stay with you for long after. I am still reeling from Jackson and Mila’s story!
If you haven’t read anything by this author yet, hop to it!
P.S. I’ve got to know, is brown sugar in coffee a thing?!
P.P.S. I happen to like bran muffins, thank you very much! 🤪
They’re also steamy! And they usually have a small town involved, which I love.
This one did NOT disappoint. I loved the characters and their independence. Neither wants children, and I think a lot of times when people don’t want kids they’re misunderstood or shamed. In reality, it’s just a choice.
I thought this book was sweet, funny, and so romantic. Julia’s books can be devoured quickly, but they stay with you for long after. I am still reeling from Jackson and Mila’s story!
If you haven’t read anything by this author yet, hop to it!
P.S. I’ve got to know, is brown sugar in coffee a thing?!
P.P.S. I happen to like bran muffins, thank you very much! 🤪
November 24, 2023
*Audiobook review update*
This was my first book of Julia's a few years ago and the one that had me coming back to Dogwood Cove time and time again. Mila and Jackson are special characters for me so I was very happy to experience their journey in audiobook form, and very pleased with how Heather and Neill brought them to life. The narration was wonderful and brought me right back to all those feelings I had while visiting Dogwood Cove for the first time <3<3<3
***
Small towns and baked goods and sex pants, Oh My!
Rumours and Romance is book 2 in the Dogwood Cove series by #juliajarrett
This is a delightful fake-relationship romance that feels like a fun and cozy Hallmark movie, but with a decent amount of sex. Think of that...hallmark-y charm & good feels, and lots of orgasms. It's basically my Christmas wish 🥰
Mila is a workaholic with big dreams and well-meaning but pushy friends & family who can't seem to understand why she isn't looking for love. When Jackson, new to Dogwood Cove & looking for a fresh start, meets Mila, they quickly fall into an easy friendship. After Jackson realizes his future goals may be contingent on proving he can commit to small town living, Mila may have the perfect way to help him and at the same time get her friends off her case.
It was very easy for me to connect not just to the characters, but to the locations in this story. Between the small-town gossip mill, community Canada Day celebrations and the shout out to BC's wine country 😉, I felt very much at home in this story 🥰 Dogwood Cove may just be my new 'If only I could live there' dream location. Ok, maybe my second as I still desperately need my snow at Christmas time ❄️
"Here's the thing, Jackson, we're both human. Which means we're going to fuck up sometimes."
Julia has written so many great lines, funny and sweet moments, and introduced me to some wonderful terms (those are indeed 'Sex Pants' ❤️🔥) I appreciate how she incorporated realistic relationship questions and issues into the story without creating too much chaos.
This story is pretty low on the angst but still has some drama and 'OMG I can't believe you just did/said that' moments. I laughed and swooned and yelled at the main characters more than once, so I will definitely be visiting Dogwood Cove again.
💙💜💚
This was my first book of Julia's a few years ago and the one that had me coming back to Dogwood Cove time and time again. Mila and Jackson are special characters for me so I was very happy to experience their journey in audiobook form, and very pleased with how Heather and Neill brought them to life. The narration was wonderful and brought me right back to all those feelings I had while visiting Dogwood Cove for the first time <3<3<3
***
Small towns and baked goods and sex pants, Oh My!
Rumours and Romance is book 2 in the Dogwood Cove series by #juliajarrett
This is a delightful fake-relationship romance that feels like a fun and cozy Hallmark movie, but with a decent amount of sex. Think of that...hallmark-y charm & good feels, and lots of orgasms. It's basically my Christmas wish 🥰
Mila is a workaholic with big dreams and well-meaning but pushy friends & family who can't seem to understand why she isn't looking for love. When Jackson, new to Dogwood Cove & looking for a fresh start, meets Mila, they quickly fall into an easy friendship. After Jackson realizes his future goals may be contingent on proving he can commit to small town living, Mila may have the perfect way to help him and at the same time get her friends off her case.
It was very easy for me to connect not just to the characters, but to the locations in this story. Between the small-town gossip mill, community Canada Day celebrations and the shout out to BC's wine country 😉, I felt very much at home in this story 🥰 Dogwood Cove may just be my new 'If only I could live there' dream location. Ok, maybe my second as I still desperately need my snow at Christmas time ❄️
"Here's the thing, Jackson, we're both human. Which means we're going to fuck up sometimes."
Julia has written so many great lines, funny and sweet moments, and introduced me to some wonderful terms (those are indeed 'Sex Pants' ❤️🔥) I appreciate how she incorporated realistic relationship questions and issues into the story without creating too much chaos.
This story is pretty low on the angst but still has some drama and 'OMG I can't believe you just did/said that' moments. I laughed and swooned and yelled at the main characters more than once, so I will definitely be visiting Dogwood Cove again.
💙💜💚
September 30, 2021
I enjoy reading her romance story. It gives me such a happy and lovable emotion. This was another great story. I love the spark and the connection they have. Both characters knew what they wanted in their lives and what they were seeking. I think that is something important to have in a relationship but also to have for yourself. We also get to see different type of relationships and outcomes from it.
September 24, 2021
This is an enjoyable small-town /fake relationship romance and the second in the Dogwood Cove Series.
Jackson and Mila are the main characters in this book, and I loved these two so much. They are authentically themselves; they know what they want from their lives and are not swayed by societal norms.
They are drawn to each other and develop a strong friendship that evolves into more. Despite being career oriented they find ways to see each other, even if it means getting up with Mila at the crack of dawn to go to her bakery. There is so much give and take in their relationship, yet past experiences have the power to derail their burgeoning romance.
Julia created a heart-warming, realistic, fun, and steamy romance that lifted my spirits and kept me engaged from start to finish. A definite add for any TBR. Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jackson and Mila are the main characters in this book, and I loved these two so much. They are authentically themselves; they know what they want from their lives and are not swayed by societal norms.
They are drawn to each other and develop a strong friendship that evolves into more. Despite being career oriented they find ways to see each other, even if it means getting up with Mila at the crack of dawn to go to her bakery. There is so much give and take in their relationship, yet past experiences have the power to derail their burgeoning romance.
Julia created a heart-warming, realistic, fun, and steamy romance that lifted my spirits and kept me engaged from start to finish. A definite add for any TBR. Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2021
Julia's Best Book So Far!! Small Town story with plenty of heat. Book 2 in her Dogwood Cove series and expands the charming island world she's been creating. It's a feel-good romance between the hot new Vet and a bakery owner. The way that they grow together and develop their relationship is sweet, mature, and compelling. Can't wait to revisit Dogwood Cove in the next book in her series!
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