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Middle Ground
When a handsome out-of-towner shows up claiming to be part owner of her inn, Meyer Ellison thinks she's being pranked. But sure enough, the proof is tucked away in a forgotten document in the office she really needs to tidy.
Jackson Vaughan knew his grandmother well. At least, he thought he did. But when he suddenly inherits her ownership half of some podunk inn he's never heard of before, he realizes that her scheming knows no bounds.
The town of Fraisier Creek has a way of sucking people in, but Jackson is determined to find a way out of this new obligation and get back to the city. The only problem? Meyer won't cooperate. At all. She doesn't want Jackson anywhere near her precious inn.
As the tension between the two business partners mounts, trouble lurks. When Meyer and Jackson are sent an anonymous threat, their battle for power doesn't seem to matter all that much anymore. Not when they're forced to put their differences aside to rely on each other. Even though it's the last thing they want to do.
Jackson Vaughan knew his grandmother well. At least, he thought he did. But when he suddenly inherits her ownership half of some podunk inn he's never heard of before, he realizes that her scheming knows no bounds.
The town of Fraisier Creek has a way of sucking people in, but Jackson is determined to find a way out of this new obligation and get back to the city. The only problem? Meyer won't cooperate. At all. She doesn't want Jackson anywhere near her precious inn.
As the tension between the two business partners mounts, trouble lurks. When Meyer and Jackson are sent an anonymous threat, their battle for power doesn't seem to matter all that much anymore. Not when they're forced to put their differences aside to rely on each other. Even though it's the last thing they want to do.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2024
9 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Bobbi Maclaren
5 books50 followersBobbi Maclaren is an indie author from a small town in Ontario, Canada. When she isn't writing, she can be found reading, wrangling her mischievous black cat, or booking her next trip to a new country. She also loves fall, dresses with pockets, and her emotional support water bottle. To stay up to date, follow her on social media @bmaclarenwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
September 21, 2024
4.25/5
I really enjoyed this book! The slow burn was so worth it. When this got 🌶️, they got 🥵
I could see myself in Meyer. She is a small town girl and things around her have always been a certain way. She thrives in feeling like she can control her surroundings. Meyer grows so much as a character when she finally lets Jackson in.
Jackson is a city guy who is forced to go to the country and help out at the inn he has inherited half off. At first I thought that there was no way that I could like him as a character but he is truly a great guy with a tough exterior.
The suspense twist was totally unexpected and not at all what I had thought. 🤯
I really enjoyed this book! The slow burn was so worth it. When this got 🌶️, they got 🥵
I could see myself in Meyer. She is a small town girl and things around her have always been a certain way. She thrives in feeling like she can control her surroundings. Meyer grows so much as a character when she finally lets Jackson in.
Jackson is a city guy who is forced to go to the country and help out at the inn he has inherited half off. At first I thought that there was no way that I could like him as a character but he is truly a great guy with a tough exterior.
The suspense twist was totally unexpected and not at all what I had thought. 🤯
September 26, 2024
Meyer’s is a small town girl through and through . Everything in her life has a certain place and way of being handled, which is exactly how she likes it . Being in control is kinda her thing . So when city boy Jackson comes into town because he inherited half of the town inn, cue the enemies to lovers trope lol ! Mix in a meddling grandma, great banter, slooooow burn workplace romance, with a dash of romantic suspense and you have such a good book ! I can’t wait to see what book 2 has in store for us .
This book can be read as a complete stand alone .
This book was given to me for honest review by Luna Literary Management .
This book can be read as a complete stand alone .
This book was given to me for honest review by Luna Literary Management .
November 2, 2024
“I don't know who let you believe that you’re difficult to care about, but I’d like to have a word with them. Because let me tell you, Meyer, it’s the easiest thing I've ever done."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was a really cute read for me. The stubbornness of Meyer, mixed with Jackson’s very different upbringing made for a couple with quite a few cute moments.
I’m typically not a cutesy small town reader but the description of this one, the mystery and bit of suspense drew me in.
Cute read and would recommend if you’re looking for some feel good, small town vibes.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was a really cute read for me. The stubbornness of Meyer, mixed with Jackson’s very different upbringing made for a couple with quite a few cute moments.
I’m typically not a cutesy small town reader but the description of this one, the mystery and bit of suspense drew me in.
Cute read and would recommend if you’re looking for some feel good, small town vibes.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5
November 8, 2024
The amount of time it took me to read this book is not a reflection of my enjoyment, I've just been in a slump. I really adored this book and enjoyed the characters. Watching Meyer's stubbornness and Jackson's hotshot personality and then their love story develop was just so refreshing. I thought Meyer was unnecessarily difficult at times but I think I'm like that too so its relatable haha. I enjoyed the suspense but some of it didn't make sense. Overall it was a light, fun read.
Middle Ground is out now and even though my review is late, I want to thank Bobbi Maclaren and Luna Literary for the ARC
Middle Ground is out now and even though my review is late, I want to thank Bobbi Maclaren and Luna Literary for the ARC
August 24, 2024
M I D D L E G R O U N D
🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓
i just had the pleasure of beta reading middle ground by bobbi maclaren. omg meyer and jackson are everything. 🤌🏼
meyer ellison recently took over running dogs day inn in fraisiers creek, canada, after her mum stepped back. after only a few months, she finds out that the inn was in fact half owned by a beloved family friend, and since their passing, she now shares the inn with their grandson, jackson vaughn. jackson is a charming city boy, looking to break down meyer's walls.
it starts with snarky dislike to lovers and soon becomes a romantic suspense with heaps of spice and small town swoon.
definitely look out for this one when it releases!
🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓
i just had the pleasure of beta reading middle ground by bobbi maclaren. omg meyer and jackson are everything. 🤌🏼
meyer ellison recently took over running dogs day inn in fraisiers creek, canada, after her mum stepped back. after only a few months, she finds out that the inn was in fact half owned by a beloved family friend, and since their passing, she now shares the inn with their grandson, jackson vaughn. jackson is a charming city boy, looking to break down meyer's walls.
it starts with snarky dislike to lovers and soon becomes a romantic suspense with heaps of spice and small town swoon.
definitely look out for this one when it releases!
October 2, 2024
I read this book in one sitting. This book was everything I could ever ask for. Meyer doesn't adapt to change well so when Jackson comes to her Inn stating that he has shared ownership, she makes it her mission to ensure that he returns to the city he came from. Yet when an unknown cause threatens them, they find themselves having to work together and finding that maybe finding company in each other wouldn't be the worst thing to happen. I loved how Meyer and Jackson fit perfectly with one another. The writing was easy to get into and the mystery subplot kept me on my toes alongside the slow-burn romance between the two. The chemistry between the two was a joy to read as it felt believable, as well as their banter causing me to laugh out loud. This was the first book I've read for the author, and I know it won't be my last.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literacy for giving me a free copy in return for an honest review.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literacy for giving me a free copy in return for an honest review.
September 24, 2024
After reading Bobbi’s debut novel last spring, I knew she’d be such a special author. Her story telling abilities always make me feel like I’m really there in the pages.
And that’s exactly how I found myself wanting to be lost in Fraisier Creek. Meyer and Jackson were two totally different people in their everyday lives, but as cliche as it sounds, they made the perfect pair. I loved how even though Meyer was well aware of her difficulties dealing with change (and dealing with Jackson), she was very aware that the more he was around the more she enjoyed his partnership. I think Jackson needed Meyer to help him slow down from his fast paced life and I love that it took his meddling grandmother to be the one to make sure it happened. The suspense in this was perfect and kept me in the edge of my seat the entire time. I really didn’t know what the twist would uncover until it did and I was 😳.
And that’s exactly how I found myself wanting to be lost in Fraisier Creek. Meyer and Jackson were two totally different people in their everyday lives, but as cliche as it sounds, they made the perfect pair. I loved how even though Meyer was well aware of her difficulties dealing with change (and dealing with Jackson), she was very aware that the more he was around the more she enjoyed his partnership. I think Jackson needed Meyer to help him slow down from his fast paced life and I love that it took his meddling grandmother to be the one to make sure it happened. The suspense in this was perfect and kept me in the edge of my seat the entire time. I really didn’t know what the twist would uncover until it did and I was 😳.
October 4, 2024
4.75
Releasing on September 30, 2024
Meyer could come off as prickly or rude to the people she was wary of, but she was fiercely protective and present for those who mattered to her. Growing up in a small town, everyone still saw her as the kid she used to be and didn't take her seriously enough when she took over the inn from her mother. This made her even more determined to prove herself to everyone, but she was terrified of failing and proving that she wasn't cut out for it. Change was something that she didn't do well with, and she needed that sense of control over her life and the inn desperately. When Jackson's involvement threatens everything she's planned and worked for her entire life, she lashes out and fights him every step of the way to hold on to any shred of control she can. Having to not only prove herself to the whole town but also to Jackson now, who had a fancy degree and was from the city, made her feel like she wasn't enough and was failing before she had even started.
Jackson had a lot going on in his personal life, and his workaholic lifestyle was really taking a toll on his health, but he had no idea how to stop. When his grandmother's last request leads him to Fraisier Creek, making him half owner of the Dog Days Inn, he doesn't know what to think of it and initially wants nothing to do with the small town that's located in the middle of nowhere. However, he decides to give it the six months that his grandmother asks him to while he's forced to take a break from work.
As the story progresses, Jackson slowly but surely starts feeling a sense of belonging in this small town and starts forming relationships with the people in town. The quiet of the town, the banter with Meyer, and planning how to develop the inn spark his interest while also not making it feel like work or making him feel like it's too much. Coming up with new ideas to better the inn with Meyer brings a sense of excitement that he was missing in his life.
The romance between Meyer and Jackson took its time to develop, which was really good because we could see these characters slowly falling into a routine and getting to know each other even if they weren't interested in a partnership at first. Things picked up for them when the person targeting Meyer started getting bolder and the two put aside their personal differences and worked together. This led to them sharing parts of themselves that they had kept hidden from everyone. Both had a lot to work on and figure out as individuals, but being together kind of helped them see things from a new perspective.
I really loved the banter between Meyer and Jackson. The way Jackson pushed her buttons and her reactions to him were so hilarious. What I also loved was how her reactions didn't irritate him, but he grew to love them and feel amused when he was able to get under her skin the way he did. Jackson was really patient with Meyer. Meyer took a long time to see Jackson for who he truly was instead of sticking to the version of him she had created in her head when he first came to town. I loved the way Jackson observed her, wanting to know everything about her, constantly kept proving that he was on her side, and he gained her trust. She was also scared to look at her feelings too closely because she thought her behavior towards him would surely push him away, or if he knew too much of what went on in her head, he'd leave.
The suspense part of the book had me absolutely hooked, and the threats and incidents only kept getting more intense and dangerous, which had me at the edge of my seat, and the reveal at the end also aligned with everything very well. I have to say that the balance between the romance, the self-discovery of Meyer and Jackson as individuals, and the suspense were all worked on very well, and as a reader, you get a good understanding of all aspects without feeling rushed, left out, or neglected.
I loved the side characters and how supportive they were, how they welcomed Jackson, and how they were the voice of reason for Meyer. I'm looking forward to Pippa and Well's book next.
One thing I personally felt could've made this a 5-star read for me, and I think it's just minute things really was that when the reveal happened, I kind of wished that whole situation and the drama were prolonged more and things had gotten more tense between all the parties involved before being concluded, especially given how well the danger and suspense had been incorporated throughout the book. I just felt like I needed that situation at the end to get a bit more tense. But again, that's just a me thing.
Thank you to Bobbi Maclaren and Luna Literary for providing me with the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Releasing on September 30, 2024
Meyer could come off as prickly or rude to the people she was wary of, but she was fiercely protective and present for those who mattered to her. Growing up in a small town, everyone still saw her as the kid she used to be and didn't take her seriously enough when she took over the inn from her mother. This made her even more determined to prove herself to everyone, but she was terrified of failing and proving that she wasn't cut out for it. Change was something that she didn't do well with, and she needed that sense of control over her life and the inn desperately. When Jackson's involvement threatens everything she's planned and worked for her entire life, she lashes out and fights him every step of the way to hold on to any shred of control she can. Having to not only prove herself to the whole town but also to Jackson now, who had a fancy degree and was from the city, made her feel like she wasn't enough and was failing before she had even started.
Jackson had a lot going on in his personal life, and his workaholic lifestyle was really taking a toll on his health, but he had no idea how to stop. When his grandmother's last request leads him to Fraisier Creek, making him half owner of the Dog Days Inn, he doesn't know what to think of it and initially wants nothing to do with the small town that's located in the middle of nowhere. However, he decides to give it the six months that his grandmother asks him to while he's forced to take a break from work.
As the story progresses, Jackson slowly but surely starts feeling a sense of belonging in this small town and starts forming relationships with the people in town. The quiet of the town, the banter with Meyer, and planning how to develop the inn spark his interest while also not making it feel like work or making him feel like it's too much. Coming up with new ideas to better the inn with Meyer brings a sense of excitement that he was missing in his life.
The romance between Meyer and Jackson took its time to develop, which was really good because we could see these characters slowly falling into a routine and getting to know each other even if they weren't interested in a partnership at first. Things picked up for them when the person targeting Meyer started getting bolder and the two put aside their personal differences and worked together. This led to them sharing parts of themselves that they had kept hidden from everyone. Both had a lot to work on and figure out as individuals, but being together kind of helped them see things from a new perspective.
I really loved the banter between Meyer and Jackson. The way Jackson pushed her buttons and her reactions to him were so hilarious. What I also loved was how her reactions didn't irritate him, but he grew to love them and feel amused when he was able to get under her skin the way he did. Jackson was really patient with Meyer. Meyer took a long time to see Jackson for who he truly was instead of sticking to the version of him she had created in her head when he first came to town. I loved the way Jackson observed her, wanting to know everything about her, constantly kept proving that he was on her side, and he gained her trust. She was also scared to look at her feelings too closely because she thought her behavior towards him would surely push him away, or if he knew too much of what went on in her head, he'd leave.
The suspense part of the book had me absolutely hooked, and the threats and incidents only kept getting more intense and dangerous, which had me at the edge of my seat, and the reveal at the end also aligned with everything very well. I have to say that the balance between the romance, the self-discovery of Meyer and Jackson as individuals, and the suspense were all worked on very well, and as a reader, you get a good understanding of all aspects without feeling rushed, left out, or neglected.
I loved the side characters and how supportive they were, how they welcomed Jackson, and how they were the voice of reason for Meyer. I'm looking forward to Pippa and Well's book next.
One thing I personally felt could've made this a 5-star read for me, and I think it's just minute things really was that when the reveal happened, I kind of wished that whole situation and the drama were prolonged more and things had gotten more tense between all the parties involved before being concluded, especially given how well the danger and suspense had been incorporated throughout the book. I just felt like I needed that situation at the end to get a bit more tense. But again, that's just a me thing.
Thank you to Bobbi Maclaren and Luna Literary for providing me with the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2024
Arc Review 🍓
Thank you to Bobbi MacLaren & Luna Literary Management for giving me the opportunity to be an arc reader for this release & providing me with this advanced trader reader copy of Middle Ground in exchange for an honest review! 🤍
Overall Rating: 4/5⭐️
Spice Rating: 2/5 🌶️
As a first read of Mclaren’s for me, this was such an enjoyable read! I’m a sucker for a small town romance, especially when it’s a slowburn, it takes place in canada and it brings together such opposites like Jackson & Meyer! Both characters were relatable, and both so stubborn where they needed to be, i felt like i was right in the room with them the entire time i was reading.
Not only is this book wholesome & cute and spicy (very hallmark in the best ways), and everything you would ever want in a romance, but I throughly enjoyed that there was some latter & suspense elements to it - a very much who-done-it vibe the entire time where you’re trying to figure out who was doing all these crazy things around the town & to meyer & jackson — and i’m i didn’t see that plot twist coming at all! Books like this once where there’s such good romance, relationship, character growth and a bit of mystery to keep me in my toes is one I always know I love and will remember for a years to come.
I highly recommend adding this book to your reading lists when release day comes around, you won’t wanna miss mr. sexy suit who’d do anything for his girl, jackson!
🍓 city boy x small town girl
🍓 he falls first
🍓 “just once to get it out of our systems”
🍓 reluctant business partners
🍓 one night stand
🍓 suspense + spice
🍓(mostly one sided) dislike to lovers
I recieved in ARC copy of Peer Reviewed and all thoughts & comments on this review are my own!
Middle Ground is out on Sept. 30th, 2024!
Thank you to Bobbi MacLaren & Luna Literary Management for giving me the opportunity to be an arc reader for this release & providing me with this advanced trader reader copy of Middle Ground in exchange for an honest review! 🤍
Overall Rating: 4/5⭐️
Spice Rating: 2/5 🌶️
As a first read of Mclaren’s for me, this was such an enjoyable read! I’m a sucker for a small town romance, especially when it’s a slowburn, it takes place in canada and it brings together such opposites like Jackson & Meyer! Both characters were relatable, and both so stubborn where they needed to be, i felt like i was right in the room with them the entire time i was reading.
Not only is this book wholesome & cute and spicy (very hallmark in the best ways), and everything you would ever want in a romance, but I throughly enjoyed that there was some latter & suspense elements to it - a very much who-done-it vibe the entire time where you’re trying to figure out who was doing all these crazy things around the town & to meyer & jackson — and i’m i didn’t see that plot twist coming at all! Books like this once where there’s such good romance, relationship, character growth and a bit of mystery to keep me in my toes is one I always know I love and will remember for a years to come.
I highly recommend adding this book to your reading lists when release day comes around, you won’t wanna miss mr. sexy suit who’d do anything for his girl, jackson!
🍓 city boy x small town girl
🍓 he falls first
🍓 “just once to get it out of our systems”
🍓 reluctant business partners
🍓 one night stand
🍓 suspense + spice
🍓(mostly one sided) dislike to lovers
I recieved in ARC copy of Peer Reviewed and all thoughts & comments on this review are my own!
Middle Ground is out on Sept. 30th, 2024!
September 26, 2024
The start was quite slow for me. The story didn't really pull me in until all those troubles came and they started sleeping together. Then it got interesting. I liked the plot twist at the end. Can't say I expected that.
There was a war inside Meyer, between staying independent and letting Jackson in and help with the inn. I loved it when she finally gave in. You could see Jackson was all in from the start tho. And I liked that about him. He never swayed and was always there for her.
There was a war inside Meyer, between staying independent and letting Jackson in and help with the inn. I loved it when she finally gave in. You could see Jackson was all in from the start tho. And I liked that about him. He never swayed and was always there for her.
September 29, 2024
“Middle Ground” has all the makings of a slow-burn romance. The tension and quick-witted banter between Meyer and Jackson made me chuckle a few times. I also enjoyed Jackson's internal thoughts during his interactions with Meyer. Meyer is the strong-willed, outspoken FMC in this story and very well matched for Jackson’s personality. An underlying story of suspense brings the story out and makes “Middle Ground” entertaining to read. I enjoyed it.
September 15, 2024
Sweet like strawberry wine 🍓
Except with a little more hostile banter.
Cue the enemies to lovers trope. My fav.
Workplace romance… forced workplace romance.
Enter a meddling grandma.
And a charming inn in a small town.
Suspense… ish. Yes.
Meyer, little prickly pear
Jackson, rich boy “hotshot” in a suit
No real bad vibes from the book.
It was cute.
Except with a little more hostile banter.
Cue the enemies to lovers trope. My fav.
Workplace romance… forced workplace romance.
Enter a meddling grandma.
And a charming inn in a small town.
Suspense… ish. Yes.
Meyer, little prickly pear
Jackson, rich boy “hotshot” in a suit
No real bad vibes from the book.
It was cute.
October 15, 2024
3.5 stars ! arc review !
TROPES:
🍓he falls first
🍓“just one night”
🍓forced proximity
🍓suspense story arc
🍓reluctant business partners
imagine if your favorite person on earth dies and leaves you a small town inn. it seems sad but it’s what happened to jackson ! he takes his late grandma wish and packed his stuff to live six months in fraisier creek with the intention to meet his new partner.
“basically the whole town had a vendetta against me when i first got here.”
meyer ellison is our beloved partner and soon-to-be dog days inn’s owner but also the woman who has no idea what is about to happen ! she’s 100% dedicated to her work, she wants to prove that she can handle everything and that’s she’s enough. poor woman thinks nobody takes her seriously but everybody in town is proud of her and her work.
“my girl, i’ve been proud of you since the moment i found you.”
well this book was fun !! i understand that in the beginning he was like that because of his loss while meyer acted this way because she thought he would sell the inn and to them ending up being business partners (against their wish) who dislikes the other… fun !!!! let the games begin !
“i think me buying you flowers contradicts the narrative you’ve constructed about me in that pretty head of yours, and you find that disconcerting because it means you might be wrong.”
but i actually loved when they finally got together especially when meyer let her guards down with jackson <3 the in between was funny okay, the whole “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” PLEASEE and “you need a better password” no wonder sherlock. but meyer’s mom having a bookclub? i wasn’t expecting that !
okay the suspense plot. in my opinion, bobbi was able to work with it !!! if you pay attention you’re able to guess the who, why and how ! it’s sad to know that cherie knew they would be incredible together but she ended up not seeing them together :( but i’m so glad that jackson fought every little war with meyer because in the end, it’s worth it. he helped her so much just like she listened to him.
“that you and me belong together. that our strengths are complimentary. that slowing down was exactly what i needed.”
thank you luna literary management and bobbi for sending me an arc <3 bobbi please give me wells and pippa. i beg.
TROPES:
🍓he falls first
🍓“just one night”
🍓forced proximity
🍓suspense story arc
🍓reluctant business partners
imagine if your favorite person on earth dies and leaves you a small town inn. it seems sad but it’s what happened to jackson ! he takes his late grandma wish and packed his stuff to live six months in fraisier creek with the intention to meet his new partner.
“basically the whole town had a vendetta against me when i first got here.”
meyer ellison is our beloved partner and soon-to-be dog days inn’s owner but also the woman who has no idea what is about to happen ! she’s 100% dedicated to her work, she wants to prove that she can handle everything and that’s she’s enough. poor woman thinks nobody takes her seriously but everybody in town is proud of her and her work.
“my girl, i’ve been proud of you since the moment i found you.”
well this book was fun !! i understand that in the beginning he was like that because of his loss while meyer acted this way because she thought he would sell the inn and to them ending up being business partners (against their wish) who dislikes the other… fun !!!! let the games begin !
“i think me buying you flowers contradicts the narrative you’ve constructed about me in that pretty head of yours, and you find that disconcerting because it means you might be wrong.”
but i actually loved when they finally got together especially when meyer let her guards down with jackson <3 the in between was funny okay, the whole “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” PLEASEE and “you need a better password” no wonder sherlock. but meyer’s mom having a bookclub? i wasn’t expecting that !
okay the suspense plot. in my opinion, bobbi was able to work with it !!! if you pay attention you’re able to guess the who, why and how ! it’s sad to know that cherie knew they would be incredible together but she ended up not seeing them together :( but i’m so glad that jackson fought every little war with meyer because in the end, it’s worth it. he helped her so much just like she listened to him.
“that you and me belong together. that our strengths are complimentary. that slowing down was exactly what i needed.”
thank you luna literary management and bobbi for sending me an arc <3 bobbi please give me wells and pippa. i beg.
October 1, 2024
This was a cute read !
I love the character dynamics and how they grew into a relationship over time. He took care of her and she took care of him. He cared for her, and as much as she didn’t want to: she cared for him also.
Meyer was a hard ass until Jackson walked into her life and softened her up. She was definitely giving Black Cat main character lol
I love the character dynamics and how they grew into a relationship over time. He took care of her and she took care of him. He cared for her, and as much as she didn’t want to: she cared for him also.
Meyer was a hard ass until Jackson walked into her life and softened her up. She was definitely giving Black Cat main character lol
October 1, 2024
[ARC Review]
Wow, Middle Ground by Bobbi Maclaren was everything I didn’t know I needed!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
First, a huge thank you to the author, Bobbi Maclaren, and to Luna Literary for sending me this ARC—I’m beyond grateful to have had the chance to read this early. This is my honest review in exchange for the ARC, and I’m thrilled to say the book officially releases today, September 30th!
The slow burn was spot on. The witty banter between the characters kept me grinning, and when things finally heated up… oh boy, it got HOT! Maclaren really knows how to dial up the spice without losing that emotional connection. It was definitely worth the wait.
And can we talk about the suspense? I absolutely did not see that twist coming! Just when I thought I had things figured out, Maclaren pulled the rug out from under me in the best possible way. The unexpected suspense added an extra layer of excitement to an already gripping storyline.
This book is the perfect balance of romance, humor, and heart-pounding tension. I couldn’t put it down. If you’re looking for a read that builds perfectly, leaves you wanting more, and totally delivers in the end, this one’s for you.
Thank you again, Bobbi Maclaren, and Luna Literary, for this incredible read—I highly recommend it to everyone!
Wow, Middle Ground by Bobbi Maclaren was everything I didn’t know I needed!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
First, a huge thank you to the author, Bobbi Maclaren, and to Luna Literary for sending me this ARC—I’m beyond grateful to have had the chance to read this early. This is my honest review in exchange for the ARC, and I’m thrilled to say the book officially releases today, September 30th!
The slow burn was spot on. The witty banter between the characters kept me grinning, and when things finally heated up… oh boy, it got HOT! Maclaren really knows how to dial up the spice without losing that emotional connection. It was definitely worth the wait.
And can we talk about the suspense? I absolutely did not see that twist coming! Just when I thought I had things figured out, Maclaren pulled the rug out from under me in the best possible way. The unexpected suspense added an extra layer of excitement to an already gripping storyline.
This book is the perfect balance of romance, humor, and heart-pounding tension. I couldn’t put it down. If you’re looking for a read that builds perfectly, leaves you wanting more, and totally delivers in the end, this one’s for you.
Thank you again, Bobbi Maclaren, and Luna Literary, for this incredible read—I highly recommend it to everyone!
September 30, 2024
5 ⭐️♾️
I had the best time creating these and reading Bobbi’s latest small town romance; it has all my favourite tropes; he falls first, romantic suspense, small town, a sprinkling of dislike to lovers (mostly on Meyer’s side), but she had every right to dislike city boy, Jackson Vaughan, after he shows up at the Dogs Day Inn, one day, claiming to be part owner of the establishment.
This had all the angst and tension, between two people who should not be falling for each other, but end up falling anyway, as they’re forced to work and spend time together.
Jackson and Meyer were such intriguing characters, they really brought out a different side to each other, and the plot twist that I didn’t see coming, had my jaw on the floor. I loved all the small town vibes in Fraisier Creek, even with strange occurrences that kept occurring.
Alsoo, Wells and Pippa, their best friends, um, what’s going on there?! 👀 I’ve got my fingers crossed that we’ll be heading back to Fraisier Creek for their story! 🤭❤️
Thank you Bobbi and Luna Literary Management for the e-arc! 💖
Tropes
🍓 he falls first
🍓 forced proximity
🍓 dislike to lovers (mostly one-sided)
🍓 romantic suspense
🍓 only one night
🍓 workplace romance (they’re reluctant business partners)
I had the best time creating these and reading Bobbi’s latest small town romance; it has all my favourite tropes; he falls first, romantic suspense, small town, a sprinkling of dislike to lovers (mostly on Meyer’s side), but she had every right to dislike city boy, Jackson Vaughan, after he shows up at the Dogs Day Inn, one day, claiming to be part owner of the establishment.
This had all the angst and tension, between two people who should not be falling for each other, but end up falling anyway, as they’re forced to work and spend time together.
Jackson and Meyer were such intriguing characters, they really brought out a different side to each other, and the plot twist that I didn’t see coming, had my jaw on the floor. I loved all the small town vibes in Fraisier Creek, even with strange occurrences that kept occurring.
Alsoo, Wells and Pippa, their best friends, um, what’s going on there?! 👀 I’ve got my fingers crossed that we’ll be heading back to Fraisier Creek for their story! 🤭❤️
Thank you Bobbi and Luna Literary Management for the e-arc! 💖
Tropes
🍓 he falls first
🍓 forced proximity
🍓 dislike to lovers (mostly one-sided)
🍓 romantic suspense
🍓 only one night
🍓 workplace romance (they’re reluctant business partners)
October 17, 2024
Bobbi Maclaren writes such excellent small town romances with such endearing characters. “Everything is personal in a small town.”
This “anemone”-to-lovers story is so adorable! What a page turner, wanting to see how Meyer and Jackson co-run the Dog Days Inn together as their rivalry heats up. This books is packed full of fun and interesting things: a book club in a retirement condo - will leave you to find out exactly what kind of books they read aloud at meeting 🤣; a creepy mystery stalker - but won’t spoil what happens (but do check out the CWs before starting the book).
So glad I got to read an eARC of this book - read it in one sitting (on a plane, so uninterrupted reading time!)
This “anemone”-to-lovers story is so adorable! What a page turner, wanting to see how Meyer and Jackson co-run the Dog Days Inn together as their rivalry heats up. This books is packed full of fun and interesting things: a book club in a retirement condo - will leave you to find out exactly what kind of books they read aloud at meeting 🤣; a creepy mystery stalker - but won’t spoil what happens (but do check out the CWs before starting the book).
So glad I got to read an eARC of this book - read it in one sitting (on a plane, so uninterrupted reading time!)
January 19, 2025
no because obsessed is an understatement. this book was sooo cute!! jackson and meyer are everything to me and their chemistry was just *chef's kiss* !! their dynamic from the beginning to the end was perfect, and i love me a small town romance. cherie never getting to see them together broke me just a lil but we love a little happy tears in this house!! the romantic suspense was especially fun, and the whole book was just a fun ride. i love bobbi's writing and me and my girlie mylla read this around the same time so overall just a cutesy, bantery, slow burn. loved it <3
September 20, 2024
Ummmm hi, yes, hello THIS BOOK IS ADORABLE. But yet manages to have an edge of mystery and some suspense as well?? Insert mind-blown emoji here.
I was able to read this early copy thanks to Luna Literary Management and Bobbi but this review is given freely and reflects my own opinions. Another disclosure: one of our MCs has a congenital heart defect that impacts their overall engagement and life choices in the story (trying to stay spoiler free!) but I just want to say, as the mother of a congenital heart defect little ... this 1,000,000% hit me in the best kind of way. There are all kinds of people who live in this world and to see something that is so similar to my child's diagnosis and to see it mentioned in this story was a "Oh my gosh! (Blank) is just like my kid!" So ... MANY heartfelt thanks and recognition to someone who managed to write about this in a way that felt authentic and respectful.
This is one of those books that brings you in from the jump - you're immediately curious about the mysterious will stipulations left for our MMC, Jackson. He's trying to figure out how to best move forward after some upheavals in his professional career so a wild-goose-chase to the middle of nowhere seems like a decent enough distraction.
Enter: Meyer. She's young, she's ambitious, she's got some things to prove. So she doesn't need anyone - mysterious side partner or otherwise - coming in to tell her how to run the inn she's held near and dear to her heart for her entire life. She's driven, she's focused, and she will not change what makes her who she is just for the comfort of others.. but the imposter syndrome hits hard and the things that start happening under her watch as part-owner of her beloved inn are making her feel like perhaps treating someone as her enemy is not the best use of her time.
If you like:
- dislike to reluctant hook-ups where one person refuses to accept that they are way, way more
- a side of mystery with your devoted MMC as someone appears to be wreaking havoc on the previously innocuous inn
- sassy, snarky, 'prickly pear' FMCs who embrace that prickle with their whole chests .. only to be completely un-prickled when they see that their sort of prickly could actually be someone else's love kryptonite..
.. you'll really like this story. I'll be coming back to read more of Bobbi's stories, that's for sure!
I was able to read this early copy thanks to Luna Literary Management and Bobbi but this review is given freely and reflects my own opinions. Another disclosure: one of our MCs has a congenital heart defect that impacts their overall engagement and life choices in the story (trying to stay spoiler free!) but I just want to say, as the mother of a congenital heart defect little ... this 1,000,000% hit me in the best kind of way. There are all kinds of people who live in this world and to see something that is so similar to my child's diagnosis and to see it mentioned in this story was a "Oh my gosh! (Blank) is just like my kid!" So ... MANY heartfelt thanks and recognition to someone who managed to write about this in a way that felt authentic and respectful.
This is one of those books that brings you in from the jump - you're immediately curious about the mysterious will stipulations left for our MMC, Jackson. He's trying to figure out how to best move forward after some upheavals in his professional career so a wild-goose-chase to the middle of nowhere seems like a decent enough distraction.
Enter: Meyer. She's young, she's ambitious, she's got some things to prove. So she doesn't need anyone - mysterious side partner or otherwise - coming in to tell her how to run the inn she's held near and dear to her heart for her entire life. She's driven, she's focused, and she will not change what makes her who she is just for the comfort of others.. but the imposter syndrome hits hard and the things that start happening under her watch as part-owner of her beloved inn are making her feel like perhaps treating someone as her enemy is not the best use of her time.
If you like:
- dislike to reluctant hook-ups where one person refuses to accept that they are way, way more
- a side of mystery with your devoted MMC as someone appears to be wreaking havoc on the previously innocuous inn
- sassy, snarky, 'prickly pear' FMCs who embrace that prickle with their whole chests .. only to be completely un-prickled when they see that their sort of prickly could actually be someone else's love kryptonite..
.. you'll really like this story. I'll be coming back to read more of Bobbi's stories, that's for sure!
September 27, 2024
ARC Review of Middle Ground by Bobbi Maclaren💻📝📉🧁🍷☕️👀💘🫀💐🔥📚
I cannot even begin to express how much I actually loved this book, the minute I picked it up, I was hooked and I honestly could not stop reading until I finished it, I genuinely needed to know what was actually going on and how everything was going to pan out.
I loved Meyer and Jackson, individually and together, how they fitted together even considering how different they were, Meyer being a small town girl and things around her have always been a certain way, as she thrives when she feels like she can control her surroundings, feeling safer that way.
And Jackson is a city guy who is forced to leave the big city after inheriting 50% of an Inn in the country.
I loved them too much, their banter was just iconic, I enjoyed seeing them fighting their urges together and being there for each other even when Meyer was continually trying to stay away from him, she couldn’t stop herself from caring about Jackson.💘
Absolutely Grateful to Bobbi and Luna Literary for the ARC and the opportunity to read this beautiful story. It was great!
🧁Tropes🧁
✨One Night Stand to "Get it out of their systems"
✨He Falls First
✨Slow Burn
✨Romantic Suspense
✨Reluctant Business Partner
✨Open Door Romance
✨(Mostly One Side) Dislike to Lovers
🩵My favorite Quotes🩵
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“If you’re insisting on staying here alone, then I’m making sure the house is clear first. And that all your windows are locked.”
“My house wasn’t broken into,”
“Anything else, Ellison, I’ll let you fight me until you run out of breath. But your safety is not something I’m willing to argue about.”
“There’s a lot of uncertainty in the future, not knowing if the person that has been terrorizing us will leave us alone, but with Jackson by my side, I feel like I can conquer anything.”
‼️Book coming out September 30th and I'm already ecstatic for everyone to read it and love it as much as I did‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5
@ReadingLaurasLibrary
#Happyreading
I cannot even begin to express how much I actually loved this book, the minute I picked it up, I was hooked and I honestly could not stop reading until I finished it, I genuinely needed to know what was actually going on and how everything was going to pan out.
I loved Meyer and Jackson, individually and together, how they fitted together even considering how different they were, Meyer being a small town girl and things around her have always been a certain way, as she thrives when she feels like she can control her surroundings, feeling safer that way.
And Jackson is a city guy who is forced to leave the big city after inheriting 50% of an Inn in the country.
I loved them too much, their banter was just iconic, I enjoyed seeing them fighting their urges together and being there for each other even when Meyer was continually trying to stay away from him, she couldn’t stop herself from caring about Jackson.💘
Absolutely Grateful to Bobbi and Luna Literary for the ARC and the opportunity to read this beautiful story. It was great!
🧁Tropes🧁
✨One Night Stand to "Get it out of their systems"
✨He Falls First
✨Slow Burn
✨Romantic Suspense
✨Reluctant Business Partner
✨Open Door Romance
✨(Mostly One Side) Dislike to Lovers
🩵My favorite Quotes🩵
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“If you’re insisting on staying here alone, then I’m making sure the house is clear first. And that all your windows are locked.”
“My house wasn’t broken into,”
“Anything else, Ellison, I’ll let you fight me until you run out of breath. But your safety is not something I’m willing to argue about.”
“There’s a lot of uncertainty in the future, not knowing if the person that has been terrorizing us will leave us alone, but with Jackson by my side, I feel like I can conquer anything.”
‼️Book coming out September 30th and I'm already ecstatic for everyone to read it and love it as much as I did‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5
@ReadingLaurasLibrary
#Happyreading
October 1, 2024
Actual reactions I verbally expressed aloud during reading:
“THERE'S A CAT OMG THERE'S A CATTTTT!!!”
(Any book with a cat automatically gains points from me)
“THE GUY KNOWS HOW TO CLEAN! FINALLY A RICH DUDE THAT HAS COMMON SENSE!!!”
(Love a guy that is rich in multiple aspects)
I'm not usually that into small town romances but I love work romances and this is a very nice combination of the two tropes. I have yet to read an arc or a small town romance in general that I liked this much from the start. The characters were so real and relatable too. I like the variety of emotions I experienced while reading this and how I was able to enjoy all the characters without being forced to pick a side. This book was also a very fast paced read in my opinion despite it being a slow burn romance. I think it was just THAT entertaining so I was able to read it more quickly. I also adore how romantic the mmc is and how much effort and care he was willing to put into things despite it being something he was just randomly thrown into. He's not the stereotypical cold rich guy and I really appreciated that fresh perspective. I also really liked the plot twists; they weren't too overly dramatic, but added a nice edgy touch that kept the story interesting. I will say I wish certain characters would have had more development and had more of a description to their personalities because some of them felt like they were barely in the story at all but I do think the author did an amazing job with the descriptions, back stories, and character development for the main characters and the fmc's mother. She was actually probably my favorite character within the whole book tbh. And for you guys out there who love a nice spice scene, the spice in this book is absolute perfection. It's cute, sweet, and humorous but also super romantic with a cliché bite to it and although it was very straightforward, it wasn't too much. Just enough. And the ending was so beautiful and wholesome...
Overall, I think this is one of my favorite reads of the year and I highly recommend you guys to check it out!
“THERE'S A CAT OMG THERE'S A CATTTTT!!!”
(Any book with a cat automatically gains points from me)
“THE GUY KNOWS HOW TO CLEAN! FINALLY A RICH DUDE THAT HAS COMMON SENSE!!!”
(Love a guy that is rich in multiple aspects)
I'm not usually that into small town romances but I love work romances and this is a very nice combination of the two tropes. I have yet to read an arc or a small town romance in general that I liked this much from the start. The characters were so real and relatable too. I like the variety of emotions I experienced while reading this and how I was able to enjoy all the characters without being forced to pick a side. This book was also a very fast paced read in my opinion despite it being a slow burn romance. I think it was just THAT entertaining so I was able to read it more quickly. I also adore how romantic the mmc is and how much effort and care he was willing to put into things despite it being something he was just randomly thrown into. He's not the stereotypical cold rich guy and I really appreciated that fresh perspective. I also really liked the plot twists; they weren't too overly dramatic, but added a nice edgy touch that kept the story interesting. I will say I wish certain characters would have had more development and had more of a description to their personalities because some of them felt like they were barely in the story at all but I do think the author did an amazing job with the descriptions, back stories, and character development for the main characters and the fmc's mother. She was actually probably my favorite character within the whole book tbh. And for you guys out there who love a nice spice scene, the spice in this book is absolute perfection. It's cute, sweet, and humorous but also super romantic with a cliché bite to it and although it was very straightforward, it wasn't too much. Just enough. And the ending was so beautiful and wholesome...
Overall, I think this is one of my favorite reads of the year and I highly recommend you guys to check it out!
September 22, 2024
“I know it’s hard, but maybe try to meet him halfway. Some kind of middle ground. If he’s the type of guy I suspect he is, he’ll follow you there.”
I love a good romance book, and boy did this tick all of the boxes for me as a reader. This was such a cute and cozy read with a little bit of mystery snd suspense thrown in, and I absolutely adored it. Tropes include enemies to lovers, reluctant business partners, he falls first, and lots of witty banter between the two main characters.
Meyer Ellison is set to start running the Dog Days Inn after her mother passes the business along to her. Little does she know that she actually has a business partner, who inherited his half of the business from his late grandmother. Meet Jackson Vaughan, hotshot businessman from the city and currently on leave after a medical episode at his high-stress analyst job. The pair enter into an unlikely and reluctant partnership, and Meyer does everything in her power to get rid of Jackson, all the while they both fall more and more for each other as they continue to work together.
The book was well written, sweet, and fully of banter. There were a few spicy scenes and I loved that they were only sprinkled throughout the end of the book, but still full of passion and intensity. The connection and relationship development felt organic and natural, and the author does a fantastic job of connecting us to the characters. There is an element of suspense and threat to the main characters and I felt myself sitting on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out the mystery and waiting with baited breath to see how the story would play out. All in all, I loved this book, and I will reread this!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love a good romance book, and boy did this tick all of the boxes for me as a reader. This was such a cute and cozy read with a little bit of mystery snd suspense thrown in, and I absolutely adored it. Tropes include enemies to lovers, reluctant business partners, he falls first, and lots of witty banter between the two main characters.
Meyer Ellison is set to start running the Dog Days Inn after her mother passes the business along to her. Little does she know that she actually has a business partner, who inherited his half of the business from his late grandmother. Meet Jackson Vaughan, hotshot businessman from the city and currently on leave after a medical episode at his high-stress analyst job. The pair enter into an unlikely and reluctant partnership, and Meyer does everything in her power to get rid of Jackson, all the while they both fall more and more for each other as they continue to work together.
The book was well written, sweet, and fully of banter. There were a few spicy scenes and I loved that they were only sprinkled throughout the end of the book, but still full of passion and intensity. The connection and relationship development felt organic and natural, and the author does a fantastic job of connecting us to the characters. There is an element of suspense and threat to the main characters and I felt myself sitting on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out the mystery and waiting with baited breath to see how the story would play out. All in all, I loved this book, and I will reread this!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2024
Thank you Bobbi and Luna Literary for the ARC of Middle Ground! What an enjoyable read, and such a unique storyline!
Middle Ground follows Jackson and Meyer as they navigate an unexpected business partnership. Meyer Ellison recently takes over ownership of Dog Days Inn, a local inn located in small town Fraisier Creek. Her mom has passed down the business to her after owning it for several years. Unbeknownst to Meyer, her mom had a secret business partner. This partner recently passed and left her shares of the inn to her grandson, Jackson Vaughan.
Enter Jackson. Hot shot, workaholic, city boy. A health scare that has forced him to take time off of work coincides with his discovery of his new business, so he takes off for Fraisier Creek to see just why his grandmother chose him for this.
Middle Ground takes Meyer and Jackson both on a journey of self-discovery and belonging. Meyer is against Jackson from the very start, wanting to prove to herself and everyone around her that she can do this on her own. Jackson pushes her buttons every step of the way, and before you know it, he is falling hard and fast.
The romance takes a bit to blossom but the pay off is so, so sweet. A major threat to the inn and to the couple forces them to set aside their differences and work together to stay safe and stop whoever is out to get them, for reasons they are unaware of.
This book has so many wonderful tropes:
Small town
He falls first
Suspense
“Just one night”
Dislike/enemies to lovers
The spice was spicing, the banter was fun, and the entire book was enjoyable from start to finish! Truly enjoyed this one, and you can too on September 30!
4.7/5 ⭐️
Middle Ground follows Jackson and Meyer as they navigate an unexpected business partnership. Meyer Ellison recently takes over ownership of Dog Days Inn, a local inn located in small town Fraisier Creek. Her mom has passed down the business to her after owning it for several years. Unbeknownst to Meyer, her mom had a secret business partner. This partner recently passed and left her shares of the inn to her grandson, Jackson Vaughan.
Enter Jackson. Hot shot, workaholic, city boy. A health scare that has forced him to take time off of work coincides with his discovery of his new business, so he takes off for Fraisier Creek to see just why his grandmother chose him for this.
Middle Ground takes Meyer and Jackson both on a journey of self-discovery and belonging. Meyer is against Jackson from the very start, wanting to prove to herself and everyone around her that she can do this on her own. Jackson pushes her buttons every step of the way, and before you know it, he is falling hard and fast.
The romance takes a bit to blossom but the pay off is so, so sweet. A major threat to the inn and to the couple forces them to set aside their differences and work together to stay safe and stop whoever is out to get them, for reasons they are unaware of.
This book has so many wonderful tropes:
Small town
He falls first
Suspense
“Just one night”
Dislike/enemies to lovers
The spice was spicing, the banter was fun, and the entire book was enjoyable from start to finish! Truly enjoyed this one, and you can too on September 30!
4.7/5 ⭐️
September 30, 2024
This is my first book from Bobbi Maclaren and Middle Ground was enjoyable and the suspense element of the book was so unexpected but so good. This was a cute read and I enjoyed the banter between both the Jackson and Meyer. I loved the small things that they did and how their relationship blossomed despite the unlikely circumstances. As a reader- I felt for Meyer-she was kept in the dark about a lot of things but the best thing was that Jackson was always honest with her (and she really needed this).
I gave this book 4⭐ and 1.5 🌶️
This book follows - Jackson Vaughan, who unexpectedly inherits half of an inn in the small town of Fraisier Creek after his grandmother passes away. With a six-month ultimatum from her, he reluctantly arrives, hoping to escape back to the city as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Meyer Ellison is ready to take over the inn from her retiring mother, determined to keep things running smoothly. But when Jackson shows up, claiming his share, Meyer feels her plans unraveling. Tensions flare as both struggle for control over the inn, each unwilling to yield to the other.
However, their rivalry takes a backseat when they receive an anonymous threat that could jeopardize their futures at the inn. Forced to put aside their differences, Jackson and Meyer must work together to uncover the mystery behind the threats. As strange occurrences escalate, they find themselves leaning on each other.
If you like small town, suspense, dislike to lovers, reluctant business partners, forced proximity, slow burn, and he falls first then you may like Middle Ground.
I gave this book 4⭐ and 1.5 🌶️
This book follows - Jackson Vaughan, who unexpectedly inherits half of an inn in the small town of Fraisier Creek after his grandmother passes away. With a six-month ultimatum from her, he reluctantly arrives, hoping to escape back to the city as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Meyer Ellison is ready to take over the inn from her retiring mother, determined to keep things running smoothly. But when Jackson shows up, claiming his share, Meyer feels her plans unraveling. Tensions flare as both struggle for control over the inn, each unwilling to yield to the other.
However, their rivalry takes a backseat when they receive an anonymous threat that could jeopardize their futures at the inn. Forced to put aside their differences, Jackson and Meyer must work together to uncover the mystery behind the threats. As strange occurrences escalate, they find themselves leaning on each other.
If you like small town, suspense, dislike to lovers, reluctant business partners, forced proximity, slow burn, and he falls first then you may like Middle Ground.
October 1, 2024
Jackson Vaughan is in for the shock of is life when he learns his late grandma Cherie is part owner in a little bed and breakfast in the small town of Fraisier Creek called the Dog Days Inn and he inherits half of it. He’s even in for more of a shock when he learns his new business partner is Meyer Ellison, the small town girl who grew up at the Dog Days Inn and has dreamed off taking it over all her life. Jackson pledges to stay in Fraisier Creek for 6 months to honor his grandma, but it turned out there was a rhyme and a reason why Cherie lead Jackson to the Dog Days Inn.
This was such a cute and sweet small town romance, and I loved the romantic suspense element to it throughout the whole book. Fraisier Creek definitely gave me Gilmore Girls/ Virgin River vibes even tho it is in Canada great for a fall read! but I seriously want to go to the Dog Days Inn and have some Strawberry Wine!
Meyer was such a relatable FMC to me with her imposter syndrome I was so rooting for her and just wanted to give her a hug. I really saw a lot of myself in her wanting to just feel and be good enough for everyone in her life. I also love her friendship with Pippa. Jackson, being hard on the outside but soft on the inside, I love a MMC when he takes care of the FMC and he def did his fair share of taking care of Meyer!
If you like…
🍓small town
🍷enemies to lovers
🍓slow burn
🍷romantic suspense
🍓banter
🍷strawberry wine & pie
🍓hands on the headboard
🍷cute side characters and adorable friendships
Then you will want to put this book on your TBR!
This was such a cute and sweet small town romance, and I loved the romantic suspense element to it throughout the whole book. Fraisier Creek definitely gave me Gilmore Girls/ Virgin River vibes even tho it is in Canada great for a fall read! but I seriously want to go to the Dog Days Inn and have some Strawberry Wine!
Meyer was such a relatable FMC to me with her imposter syndrome I was so rooting for her and just wanted to give her a hug. I really saw a lot of myself in her wanting to just feel and be good enough for everyone in her life. I also love her friendship with Pippa. Jackson, being hard on the outside but soft on the inside, I love a MMC when he takes care of the FMC and he def did his fair share of taking care of Meyer!
If you like…
🍓small town
🍷enemies to lovers
🍓slow burn
🍷romantic suspense
🍓banter
🍷strawberry wine & pie
🍓hands on the headboard
🍷cute side characters and adorable friendships
Then you will want to put this book on your TBR!
September 26, 2024
This was my first book by this author and definitely won't be my last! I love romance suspense and this one did not disappoint! It is a (mostly) one sided enemies to lovers, reluctant business partners, city boy vs small town girl, he fell first, slow burn kind of story that is full of suspense, sweet moments, banter and spice! Meyer is a sweet small town girl that everyone loves except one person, who is trying to ruin her dreams. Jackson is a sexy city boy that is following his grandmothers wishes by slowing down and trying out the small town life while taking ownership of half the Inn. What he didn't realize is that he would also have to win over the town and Meyer for him to survive. I loved the two of them together! You can feel the tension between them through the pages but when their walls come crashing down at creek, *fans face*! One night turns into him being her safe space to land. I loved the meaning behind her strawberry tattoo and I wish the recipe for her pie was included with the book! The mystery and suspense was perfectly mixed into the story and I did not see the twist coming! Meyer's mom and her book club make me laugh out loud! I loved all of the other side characters and I really hope we get some of their stories in the near future!! This is an absolute must read!
October 9, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
🍓Tropes: One Night Stand to “Get it out of their systems”, He Falls First, Romantic Suspense, Reluctant Business Partner, On Page Spice, (Mostly one side)Dislike to Lovers.
🥧: I loved this booked!! Meyer was such a strong and hardworking woman. She inherited her mothers inn and was determined to make her mom proud and carry on her legacy, only to be slapped in the face with the reality that Jackson owned half of the inn because he inherited a share from his grandmother…. This came as a terrible surprise to both. Meyer was determined to do this on her own & Jackson was determined to show he truly was in this to help but with her guard up and him looking like a douchey rich guy from the city she was convinced he was just wanting to sell. The more she fought him, the harder he would try to make her see that he really did care about the inn (and her). The more they worked together, their connection was truly undeniable & despite her resistance Jackson was so caring and did not falter. I loved their dynamic 🥹; Cherie knew what she was doing and this was exactly what both Meyer and Jackson needed. It was an absolute sloooow burn that felt agonizing at points but when the spice came in 🤤😍 that was amazing and made it worth it.
The suspense and twist?! Totally unexpected 🤯 definitely give this book a read, you won’t regret it!
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
🍓Tropes: One Night Stand to “Get it out of their systems”, He Falls First, Romantic Suspense, Reluctant Business Partner, On Page Spice, (Mostly one side)Dislike to Lovers.
🥧: I loved this booked!! Meyer was such a strong and hardworking woman. She inherited her mothers inn and was determined to make her mom proud and carry on her legacy, only to be slapped in the face with the reality that Jackson owned half of the inn because he inherited a share from his grandmother…. This came as a terrible surprise to both. Meyer was determined to do this on her own & Jackson was determined to show he truly was in this to help but with her guard up and him looking like a douchey rich guy from the city she was convinced he was just wanting to sell. The more she fought him, the harder he would try to make her see that he really did care about the inn (and her). The more they worked together, their connection was truly undeniable & despite her resistance Jackson was so caring and did not falter. I loved their dynamic 🥹; Cherie knew what she was doing and this was exactly what both Meyer and Jackson needed. It was an absolute sloooow burn that felt agonizing at points but when the spice came in 🤤😍 that was amazing and made it worth it.
The suspense and twist?! Totally unexpected 🤯 definitely give this book a read, you won’t regret it!
September 28, 2024
This was a cute, and mysterious, romance. I loved the banter between the MC’s. Although Meyer is SO friggen stubborn, Jackson’s softness complimented her throughout the story.
BLURB:
When a handsome out-of-towner shows up claiming to be part owner of her inn, Meyer Ellison thinks she's being pranked. But sure enough, the proof is tucked away in a forgotten document in the office she really needs to tidy.
Jackson Vaughan knew his grandmother well. At least, he thought he did. But when he suddenly inherits her ownership half of some podunk inn he's never heard of before, he realizes that her scheming knows no bounds.
The town of Fraisier Creek has a way of sucking people in, but Jackson is determined to find a way out of this new obligation and get back to the city. The only problem? Meyer won't cooperate. At all. She doesn't want Jackson anywhere near her precious inn.
As the tension between the two business partners mounts, trouble lurks. When Meyer and Jackson are sent an anonymous threat, their battle for power doesn't seem to matter all that much anymore. Not when they're forced to put their differences aside to rely on each other. Even though it's the last thing they want to do.
BLURB:
When a handsome out-of-towner shows up claiming to be part owner of her inn, Meyer Ellison thinks she's being pranked. But sure enough, the proof is tucked away in a forgotten document in the office she really needs to tidy.
Jackson Vaughan knew his grandmother well. At least, he thought he did. But when he suddenly inherits her ownership half of some podunk inn he's never heard of before, he realizes that her scheming knows no bounds.
The town of Fraisier Creek has a way of sucking people in, but Jackson is determined to find a way out of this new obligation and get back to the city. The only problem? Meyer won't cooperate. At all. She doesn't want Jackson anywhere near her precious inn.
As the tension between the two business partners mounts, trouble lurks. When Meyer and Jackson are sent an anonymous threat, their battle for power doesn't seem to matter all that much anymore. Not when they're forced to put their differences aside to rely on each other. Even though it's the last thing they want to do.
October 3, 2024
Middle Ground was a great little small town romance. Jackson learns that he inherited half of the Dog Days Inn, and decides to heed his grandmother's dying wish and spend six months in the small town of Fraisier Creek to give it a chance. Meyer, on the other hand, doesn't take well to learning that she only owns half of the business, and sees his arrival as a threat to her beloved inn.
I found Meyer annoying at first to be honest, I didn't understand her need to hate Jackson just for the sake of hating him, and it seemed childish, but she grew on me and redeemed herself in my eyes 😆
Jackson was just overall great. He was patient with Meyer, indulging in her sass and foul mood, and teasing her enough to get under her skin, permanently.
One thing that bothered me was the fact that Jackson was technically on a six month leave for medical reasons, and the subject of his health was barely even mentioned.
The little bit of suspense was enjoyable. There were subtle clues throughout the book that it was not completely unpredictable, but it was a nice addition to the plot.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you love small town romance, dislike to love, forced proximity, he falls first, and spice.
*I was given an early copy of this book to review*
I found Meyer annoying at first to be honest, I didn't understand her need to hate Jackson just for the sake of hating him, and it seemed childish, but she grew on me and redeemed herself in my eyes 😆
Jackson was just overall great. He was patient with Meyer, indulging in her sass and foul mood, and teasing her enough to get under her skin, permanently.
One thing that bothered me was the fact that Jackson was technically on a six month leave for medical reasons, and the subject of his health was barely even mentioned.
The little bit of suspense was enjoyable. There were subtle clues throughout the book that it was not completely unpredictable, but it was a nice addition to the plot.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you love small town romance, dislike to love, forced proximity, he falls first, and spice.
*I was given an early copy of this book to review*
October 11, 2024
Jackson and Meyer's Banter was Fun😂😂
Meyer was so determined to hate him, and she even tried to annoy him... So that he will leave everything and run to City😂... But Jackson was determined 🤭
The side characters were also nice and fun..i specially liked pippa, aticus and declan🤎
Meyer and Pippa's bond was nice 🤎
Small town books have something special in them 🥺🤎
And Jackson my boy was obsessed with Meyer from the beginning, but he couldn't let it show 🤭🤭
There Chemistry was nice🙈❤🔥
Meyer was Stubborn in the beginning (which was little annoying 🫠).. But overall I understood her feelings to prove herself 🫶
I liked it that Jackson was patient with Meyer and he let her open up to him slowly 🤎🫶
The suspense in the book was nice and i was looking forward to find out the culprit🥸... But the ending wasn't that satisfactory.. (I think my standard of suspense and thrillers is very high🫠🫠)
I liked Meyer's Cat 'Fish'🤭🤭... He was fun 😝
And Meyer's mom and her book club meetings were nice😂
And i know we only heard of Jackson's grandma through him and Meyer's mom... But her character sounds like fun🫶
Overall this was a nice Story... And if you love He falls first, small town, a little suspense and one night to get it out of your systems... Then do try this 🤭
Meyer was so determined to hate him, and she even tried to annoy him... So that he will leave everything and run to City😂... But Jackson was determined 🤭
The side characters were also nice and fun..i specially liked pippa, aticus and declan🤎
Meyer and Pippa's bond was nice 🤎
Small town books have something special in them 🥺🤎
And Jackson my boy was obsessed with Meyer from the beginning, but he couldn't let it show 🤭🤭
There Chemistry was nice🙈❤🔥
Meyer was Stubborn in the beginning (which was little annoying 🫠).. But overall I understood her feelings to prove herself 🫶
I liked it that Jackson was patient with Meyer and he let her open up to him slowly 🤎🫶
The suspense in the book was nice and i was looking forward to find out the culprit🥸... But the ending wasn't that satisfactory.. (I think my standard of suspense and thrillers is very high🫠🫠)
I liked Meyer's Cat 'Fish'🤭🤭... He was fun 😝
And Meyer's mom and her book club meetings were nice😂
And i know we only heard of Jackson's grandma through him and Meyer's mom... But her character sounds like fun🫶
Overall this was a nice Story... And if you love He falls first, small town, a little suspense and one night to get it out of your systems... Then do try this 🤭
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