Just Between Us: A Marriage of Convenience Small Town Romance

Franklin Notch #3

by Sarah Everly

Andy Stewart might be my only chance for independence As the sheltered youngest daughter of absent parents, my brothers have done everything for sent me to a college I failed out of, paid my rent, kept my health insurance current. And every attempt to repay their generosity ends in failure. Not this time. I’m finally supporting myself when I lose my job the same day I learn I need surgery. My options are limited. Nonexistent, even. Then, I get a proposal. Andy, the only son of the most prominent family in town, says he needs my help. He wants to marry me and in four years, after I've graduated with a degree and his business isn't reliant on outside investors, we'll amicably part ways. It's the perfect fake marriage until the illusion of being in love turns all too real. I've been waiting sixteen years for Nora McDonaghue to look my way. I fell in love with Franklin Notch’s darling the moment I slammed into her at a basketball game. And her brother promptly punched me in the face for daring to touch her. Now, with the rivalry between her brother and I buried, I have my chance. But, just like before, my luck couldn’t be worse. I find her sobbing and make a completely insane proposal. One I’m shocked she accepts. My dreams are close to coming true when my childhood crush says "I do," and now I need to convince her to stay. Just Between Us is a small town marriage of convenience romance and the third, standalone installment in the Franklin Notch Series. If you adore secret pining, protective brothers, and fake marriages, you'll love this feel-good romance.

Genres: Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Contemporary, Small Town Romance

276 pages, Paperback

Published August 25, 2023

Reviews

[Virginie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5 Un peu en dessous des deux précédents. J'ai trouvé que les raisons évoquées par l'héroïne pour revenir en arrière ne faisaient pas grand sens. Mais c'était quand même cute.
Tropes : *small town *faux couple *mariage de convenance *proximité forcée

[Naomi Kovach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favourite book so far this series.
Andy had been in love with Nora since childhood but her older brother hates him so he’s always stayed away. Nora thinks he’s a cutie but she’s too shy to say anything.
After a doctor’s appointment saying she needs surgery, showing up late to work and getting fired, Nora hides to cry and Andy stumbles upon her to propose a solution: marry him for his healthcare insurance and in return, she can make him look like the mature, settled down businessman he needs to be to be take seriously.
Having to fool everyone into thinking they’ve been secretly dating to eloping, Nora and Andy realize the true feelings they really have for each other and end up growing so well together.

[Ellie Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, cute but could have done with a bit longer to flesh out the relationship. Liked Nora and Andy, trashcan was the highlight 🥰

[Haylee H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, I liked the book. I wish it was longer so there was more time to spend on the story as it felt incredibly rushed. I don't know if it was poorly written, edited or just a lot of typos making it into an ebook but that sure took away from it.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first 60% or so better than the rest, I think. I’m a sucker for marriages of convenience, so it was a given I’d probably like this. It was completely light and fluffy and I was able to set aside the differences between college dropout Nora and successful businessman and entrepreneur Andy fairly easily. Nora struggles some with feeling like a failure and indebted to her brothers, and then to Andy, but it didn’t bother me to read about so much as it could have. In real life a situation like theirs would probably make my skin crawl. It’s one of those examples of something working well in a romance novel that wouldn’t ever play in life. Maybe back in the 1950s, but not today. The thing that was harder to believe was Andy, successful businessman, etc. can’t find it within himself to simply ask the girl he’s liked for more than a decade out on a date? What? For myself, I didn’t care too much about Nora’s brothers and how they were taking the news, and I also didn’t care too much about Nora’s anxiety over people knowing the truth of their relationship, which is kind of interesting because usually when characters are lying and keeping secrets it bothers me. I think in the case of romances though, if the two main characters are both in on the secret and it’s only others who don’t know the truth, it doesn’t bother me so much and I can go either way: the characters keep their secret to the grave and no one outside the two of them is ever the wise or the characters own up and tell everyone the truth. This book went one of those two ways and I was okay with it. But I would have been okay with the other way as well.

[KimMacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Between Us is another wonderful book in the Franklin Notch series by Sarah Everly. I was so happy to be immersed back in the small town life of Franklin Notch with the McDonaghue family. This book is Nora's love story, and although unconventional, it is a heartwarming story of finding love when you least expect it.

In this small New England town, you can liken the McDonaghue/Stewart war to the Capulets & Montagues. These families do not, nor have they ever, gotten along. Andy Stewart has pined for Nora McDonaghue from the very first moment he me her when they were just children. With her two older and very protective brothers, Len and Cal, there is no chance for him to pursue Nora, and so he silently longs for her from the sidelines, until everything changes. Nora has just lost her job, found out she needs surgery, and is days away from an eviction notice. In walks Andy.....with a mutually beneficial arrangement that may rock her whole family but will give her everything that she needs and wants. The one thing that she didn't count on, was how her feelings for Andy would blossom into something more, and now she is not sure how to move forward with her feelings intact.

Their love story is adorable, and you just cannot help but route for them as they navigate their marriage of convenience. As always, Sarah Everly has given us a light-hearted enjoyable story with a happily ever after that leaves you feeling cozy and warm! Please give us more from Franklin Notch!

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora and Andy, the lead characters, have been attracted to each other for years (since childhood) but, because Nora’s brother hated Andy, neither of them made a move. In the previous story in the series, that tension has been ameliorated and, now, Andy is debating how to ask for a date when he hears Nora crying in a room after the local business meeting. Finding out she’s been fired and desperately needs health insurance, he offers her a marriage of convenience, claiming that she’ll be providing him with networking charm that he lacks. Now he just needs to swing this so that they have a real relationship, not this murky thing built on lies…

This story is dual POV, well written, and an interesting, engaging contemporary romance. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop and was amused at the premise that two people can care for each other and stuff it all up because they’re trying not to upset the other person. I enjoyed Andy’s genuine care for Nora, as well as the more intense emotions. I enjoyed Nora’s determination to maintain what independence she could. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Franklin Notch has quickly become one of my favorite go-to places to visit! The entire cast is full of characters who are flawed, yet entirely human and relatable. I’ve been anxiously awaiting Nora McDonaghue’s story after falling in love with her brothers (and the women who made them fall HARD!).

A marriage of convenience story comes with high expectations for me, and Sarah Everly hit every single one. I love how they have a history together going all the way back to high school. It’s the anticipation of knowing Andy has had a thing for Nora all these years, yet never acted on it. He’s worked hard to become a man she deserves – and one she truly needs. The fact that he approaches her brothers says a lot about his intentions (even if Nora doesn’t know the truth behind it!). Nora has a vulnerable heart that aches to be loved and I adore that Andy is the one to give her that. He did frustrate me to one extent for having to always be the “nice guy”, but ultimately, he redeems himself.

I hope to see a lot more of Franklin Notch — and Bunny’s gnomes!

I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly could not put this book down until I finished. Sarah's writing is always so captivating.

Nora and Andy both have feelings for each other, but end up married as an "agreement" that helped them both in their immediate situations, however they soon come to explore their real emotions as they progress.

I had suspected where the storyline with Payton was going, but felt like I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting for it to happen, and Sarah did not disappoint in her delivery. I was heartbroken for Nora reading it, to then be left on a cliffhanger not knowing how it ended until later just added to the story.

I did love how much work Andy put in at the end to show he would truly do anything for Nora, showing his true feelings once and for all.

I would have loved a longer epilogue, but ultimately I loved the book and would definitely recommend it.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Just Between Us was fantastic story and it was a page turner the suspense was incredible. I enjoyed reading it. I was hooked on the first page. It was based on a Romen and Julia story between a feuding families. Andy and Nora meet each other when they were kids. Their love was forbidden. Both of brothers Len and Cal were very overly protective of her. They wanted to run away so they can be together but their families were not having it. For them to be together they decided to do some tragedy . I can’t wait to read another book from this author in the near future.
I highly recommend this book and you won’t regret reading it. I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a honest review. Trina Jones

[Linda Olinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute small town love story about two people drawn to one another but both too wary to make the first move. Set in Franklin Notch, a small town in the White Mountains of NH Nora is stuck in a dead end job. While Andy is from one of the town’s wealthiest families. He has made a name for himself as a athletic trainer and is busy opening a chain of gyms around America. But he’s still in love with Nora, and she finds him very attractive!
A series of events brings them together in a marriage of convenience.
But can there be more?
I really enjoyed this book with all its up abs downs.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy has been in love with Nora for years, but just doesn't have the nerve to tell her how he feels. Nora is a shy retiring woman who everyone loves, she makes everyone comfortable and can always find ways to include everyone. There's one major problem and that is the Stewarts and the McDonaghues have never got along and her brother Cal has some major issues with Andy. Andy and Nora come up with a plan when she loses her job. But as the saying goes honest is always the best policy. Can these two overcome the obstacles that constantly come their way. Can Nora believe she is entitled to a hea. I loved how the story plays out and its totally believable. Its good to be back in Franklin Notch with all the adorable characters. I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC copy and this is my own personal and honest opinion and review of the book. I'm certain you'll love it as much as me. Although this is part of a series it can be read as a standalone

[Ulli Zaiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series set in small-town Franklin Notch. It's Nora's and Andy's story.
I enjoyed reading this book: it's a sweet story of two people who are attracted to each other but don't dare to give in to their feelings. I couldn't really understand why Nora was fine with a fake relationship at first and then did 180-turn after feelings became developing but other than that I definitely enjoyed reading it.

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicollette Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok

I stuck this plot line out to the end because I liked the characters
It’s a second chance, rags to riches, fake marriage, impending chronic illnesses plot line. Medium spicy

There are some copy editing issues that need to be fixed and were distracting
So,times here were inconsistencies in the plot line or jumps between scenes/timelines that did not make sense to me. Sometimes the story felt slow with too much detail and other times not enough detail and too fast.

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute, quick little story where everything worked out eventually the way you wanted. 
Nora and Andy were sweet and worked well together, although this is one of the instances where I wish they never faked it. They both felt too genuine for faking a marriage for the reasons they did. 

It was interesting to meet some new characters, it mixed it up a bit from the previous books. And there were some really sweet moments throughout the booked and I particularly enjoyed the last chapter. 

[BD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marriage of convenience trope isn’t my favorite, yet I read two books based on that in a week. Ha! The relationship between Andy and Nora was sweet, but I felt like I knew more about her than about him, and the whole story felt rather rushed. Since this was the 3rd book in a series, perhaps reading the previous books would have filled in some of the gaps. But overall it was a quick and enjoyable read.

[Natasha Bovee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great couple from Franklin Notch. Nora and Andy have been eyeing each other for years and when Andy finally gets the courage to ask her out he goes ALL out! A marriage of convenience between people who secretly have feelings for the other was fun. They had some good twists and turns to get to their happily ever after, but I loved watching it all unfold.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling softly has never hit me so hard. Everly speaks from the heart. Life happens to everybody and Just Between Us takes that scenario and runs with it. Nora and Andy push every button. From emotional to irresistible to unpredictable, their story is an enchanting glimpse into the delightful surprises that we never see coming, but are better for having experienced.

[Catherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was well thought out and written with such detail and emotion.
The relationship journey was intriguing, it blossomed so organically- loved it.
Was laughing about Trashcan and the mischievous brothers.
The jealousy was perfection.
The characters all had depth and were each quirky in their own way.
Overall a great read

[Cathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet romance. I enjoyed the writing style. Andy is the perfect book boyfriend and Nora was realistic in her choices. I have not read any previous books in the series, but didn't feel like I was behind with any major plot develooments. Overall, a very enjoyable read. I voluntarily reviewed am ARC of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

touching
I loved everything about Nora and Andy´s story, in spite of all the tragedy (but that´s part of life as well, though we all could do without), the overprotective brothers made me smile and want to hit them at the same time and the sweet feelings between the main protagonists made my heart melt.
I recieved this book as a review copy.

[Diane Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fair. Cute continuation of the characters you meet in the first two books in the series. I liked the story, I liked the initial “fake marriage”, I even was fine with the third act breakup- but the reason why the MFC was saying they needed to stay apart? Dumb. Otherwise it would have gotten 4 stars.
Oh! And this one had more typos than expected.

[Mariah Storey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and romantic

I really enjoyed this romantic and sweet story. It had just the right amount of drama without being excessive. I appreciated how the author managed the love triangle aspect. All the characters were endearing and relatable. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a great romantic read.

[Jo Dutton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This makes no sense

Sorry but the last third of this book totally ruined it for me. I don’t understand why them actually loving each other was a huge problem. If anything it fixed all their problems. It was as though the author just needed to invent an obstacle for no reason. Pants.

[Vera-Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 Stars

This was enjoyable, but I truly hate the miscommunication trope, and I felt like that's what was happening the whole book. I did like Andy and Nora, and of course Trashcan. I loved that this took place in New Hampshire sort of near where I live. I just didn't hate or absolutely love this. It was enjoyable and romantic, and now I can be done.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story!

This was a cute story about a marriage of convenience. I loved how Andy was already in love with Nora and how he took care of her. Nora was very sweet and caring. There were a lot of sweet moments between Andy and Nora with and a little bit of heat.

[Layla W · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5!! Felt a little let down by this one, was super excited for Nora and Andy’s story but feel it was just a bit rushed and lacklustre compared to Len and Cal’s books. Really enjoying the series overall and love Sarah’s writing

[Courtney G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it as well as the 2 books before it in the series, but there were several typos (spelling and grammatical errors) that the others didn’t have. I found it very annoying and it interrupted my flow and took me out of the book while reading. I deducted a star for that reason.

[Jewnifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe a 3.5. I got this free on stuff your kindle day. I would read it on my kindle but doesnt give me the I want the paperback book. Its a fake dating trope, small town, he falls first. The characters fell a little flat but it was good writing.

[Mimie Be · Rating 3 out of 5]

C’est mignon, dommage que le point de départ soit si peu crédible.
En même temps, c’est souvent le cas avec les histoires de mariages arrangés.
Sinon j’ai bien aimé les personnages et leurs relations entre eux.