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Watercress Falls #5
Pleasing You
There’s a fine line between love and hate, and we’re stuck on the wrong side. I call a truce. Now to convince her to stop fighting our undeniable attraction and give us a chance.
♥ ♥ ♥
Gracie Strong is the most infuriating woman I’ve ever met. She’s also stunningly gorgeous and makes my blood boil with lust.
I don’t know what I ever did to make her hate me so much, but she can’t seem to say anything nice to me. That’s fine. I’ve never had much luck with women anyway. It’s easier if I hate her, too.
But then I saw her interacting with my son, and I realize I don’t really know her at all.
I never pictured Gracie as a teacher or someone who’s great with kids. But she’s both of those things. It’s a side of her I’ll never be able to unsee. It’s a side that makes all the hateful things she says to me fade away like they never happen.
My son adores her. I just might adore her, too.
♥ ♥ ♥
Love is the last thing I’m looking for, but I can’t seem to resist the smart-mouth, stubborn woman who goes out of her way to make my life miserable like it’s a contact sport. Gracie’s never been in love, and I’ve been burned in unforgivable ways. Trying to love each other just might be the biggest mistake we make.
With desire and chemistry far greater than our shared hatred, nothing can stop the explosive reaction building between us.
Pleasing You is a dual POV steamy full-length STANDALONE romance filled with lots of sexy times in the bedroom (or in the back room of a bar), profanity, and love with a HEA ending!
♥ ♥ ♥
Author Notes: This is Gracie’s and Parker’s story. Get ready to stay up all night laughing, crying, and swooning. A hate to love, single dad, grumpy hero, stubborn heroine, small-town romance with a slow burn to love. This one has all the feels and enough steam to fog up your windows. This fictional small town and all the families that built it will steal your heart and keep you coming back for more.
The books in the Watercress Falls series are all standalone novels and can be read in any order. But if you love family drama and the subtle build of future romances, I suggest you read them in order, starting with Restoring You.
Buy today!
Previously published as Forgiving Hearts with no change to the book interior. Same great story, new great look!
♥ ♥ ♥
Gracie Strong is the most infuriating woman I’ve ever met. She’s also stunningly gorgeous and makes my blood boil with lust.
I don’t know what I ever did to make her hate me so much, but she can’t seem to say anything nice to me. That’s fine. I’ve never had much luck with women anyway. It’s easier if I hate her, too.
But then I saw her interacting with my son, and I realize I don’t really know her at all.
I never pictured Gracie as a teacher or someone who’s great with kids. But she’s both of those things. It’s a side of her I’ll never be able to unsee. It’s a side that makes all the hateful things she says to me fade away like they never happen.
My son adores her. I just might adore her, too.
♥ ♥ ♥
Love is the last thing I’m looking for, but I can’t seem to resist the smart-mouth, stubborn woman who goes out of her way to make my life miserable like it’s a contact sport. Gracie’s never been in love, and I’ve been burned in unforgivable ways. Trying to love each other just might be the biggest mistake we make.
With desire and chemistry far greater than our shared hatred, nothing can stop the explosive reaction building between us.
Pleasing You is a dual POV steamy full-length STANDALONE romance filled with lots of sexy times in the bedroom (or in the back room of a bar), profanity, and love with a HEA ending!
♥ ♥ ♥
Author Notes: This is Gracie’s and Parker’s story. Get ready to stay up all night laughing, crying, and swooning. A hate to love, single dad, grumpy hero, stubborn heroine, small-town romance with a slow burn to love. This one has all the feels and enough steam to fog up your windows. This fictional small town and all the families that built it will steal your heart and keep you coming back for more.
The books in the Watercress Falls series are all standalone novels and can be read in any order. But if you love family drama and the subtle build of future romances, I suggest you read them in order, starting with Restoring You.
Buy today!
Previously published as Forgiving Hearts with no change to the book interior. Same great story, new great look!
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2024
57 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Aria Bliss
28 books358 followersAria Bliss writes edgy, emotionally charged contemporary romance with spice, humor, drama, and big feels. Readers love her work for her engaging storytelling, relatable characters, steamy romance, and emotional depth. She has a soft spot for single dads, second chances, forbidden romance, and grumpy bad boys with sweet centers that are impossible not to love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 5, 2023
This is a Small Town Romance, and this is the 5th book in the Hearts of Watercress Falls series. I have read and reviewed the other books in this book series. You do not have to read the other books in this series before reading this book, but the other books are really good too. I think this is my favorite book in this series so far. These characters are my favorite, and I love this hate to love thing this book has going on. The characters in this book have been in some of the other books in this series, and I was waiting for these characters romance. Parker's son was just so cute and sweet, and his ex-wife is just the worst. Parker has trouble letting people in his life, and Gracie is a very loud strong welled woman. I think they were everything the other one needed. The ending was just so much fun and cute at the same time. There is a lot of cussing in this book, so if that bothers you I think you should skip this book. Both the main characters of this book have a potty mouth, but that did not bother me. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Misadventure Press) or author (Aria Bliss) via Booksirens, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
October 19, 2023
Another amazing spicy romance with a HEA.
I am so addicted to Aria Bliss's writing.
This story is about Gracie who's never been in love even the thought of it scares her. She's an elementary school teacher who is amazing with children. She has 9 siblings and is loud and sassy .
Parker and his son just moved to get away from his ex-wife. He purchases a house and eventually the bar he bartends at.
It's a great story about passion, family, steamy romance and loads of fun and some drama. A must read.
I am so addicted to Aria Bliss's writing.
This story is about Gracie who's never been in love even the thought of it scares her. She's an elementary school teacher who is amazing with children. She has 9 siblings and is loud and sassy .
Parker and his son just moved to get away from his ex-wife. He purchases a house and eventually the bar he bartends at.
It's a great story about passion, family, steamy romance and loads of fun and some drama. A must read.
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May 17, 2023A note to readers: This was one of the hardest books I ever wrote. In large part because Gracie Strong carries so many of my burdens and personality traits. It's hard writing a character that's a lot like myself. Crass, judgemental, quick to make wrong assumptions, and stubborn as all get out. I always expect the worst of people before I even give them a chance. So does Gracie. But we're both working on those flaws.
I don't expect all of you to like Gracie. I tried to give her so many redeemable qualities that would present her true heart to readers, but at the end of the day, she is a flawed heroine. She's far from perfect and makes mistakes. A lot of them. Let's face it, that's real life.
Readers tend to be harsher on flawed heroines than flawed heroes, and that's okay. It's reality. I knew that going into this journey and I chose it anyway. That's why I gave Gracie a man like Parker.
If you choose to read this story, I hope you keep that in mind. I hope you can see past Gracie's mistakes and understand they come from real-life experiences. Because everyone deserves a happily-ever-after. Even Gracie Strong.
I don't expect all of you to like Gracie. I tried to give her so many redeemable qualities that would present her true heart to readers, but at the end of the day, she is a flawed heroine. She's far from perfect and makes mistakes. A lot of them. Let's face it, that's real life.
Readers tend to be harsher on flawed heroines than flawed heroes, and that's okay. It's reality. I knew that going into this journey and I chose it anyway. That's why I gave Gracie a man like Parker.
If you choose to read this story, I hope you keep that in mind. I hope you can see past Gracie's mistakes and understand they come from real-life experiences. Because everyone deserves a happily-ever-after. Even Gracie Strong.
March 16, 2022
Book three in the series brings Gracie and Parker's story. The author brings a sweet love/hate romance with them getting off to a rough start. It's well written with descriptive scenes,moves fluidly and is a great story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 14, 2022
Parker and Gracie had a love/hate relationship. They both thought the other very attractive, but Parker had unwittenly been rude to Gracie and it hurt her feelings, so much she decided she hated him. He had no clue what he had done until she told him much later. When his son ended up in her 4th grade class, he tried really hard to be civil, but she sure made it difficult. He kept trying and eventually broke through. Most of his issues centered around his ex-wife.
The characters were both likeable and I enjoyed reading about them.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were both likeable and I enjoyed reading about them.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2022
Gracie is unapologetically loud and outspoken, as the sixth child in a family of ten, it is how she made herself visible. Parker has a reason for the unpleasant words he said on their first meeting, but he cannot remember them. These two dance around the really intense love/hate thing in this engrossing tale. Well written with a less-than -perfect heroine, set in a small town, you will love this story.
March 15, 2022
What a sweet and well written story. I just loved the storyline and the characters in it. What a great treat
April 8, 2023
Sparkling, snarky enemies-to-lovers!
I had so much fun with this book! Gracie and Parker have been exchanging insults and barbs ever since they first met when he rebuffed her drunken advances. Now that his son is in her fourth-grade class, they find they have more in common than they ever expected and all the growly, acid-laced banter was really just foreplay.
Like Book 4, this one starts at the blind kissing booth at the Memorial Day festival, but their experience there is nothing like Sam and Leann's. Jumping ahead to the beginning of the school year, neither one can get that moment out of their heads, even though it ended with hateful words on both sides.
Gracie is full of sass and refuses to be silenced, while Parker has had his fill of unpredictable women and has trouble seeing that there's more to Gracie than what she outwardly displays. Seeing her with her students really opens his eyes to her other qualities, and I absolutely loved his single-mindedness once he gets a true read on her character and personality.
In a refreshing (and welcome) change to the usual main character attributes, Parker is just shy of six foot and only a few inches taller than Gracie. The tattoo he got before he even moved to town is a very clever twist on her family name. Zach was a delightful addition to the mix, and I appreciated that the drama with his mother wasn't unnecessarily drawn out.
I really loved how they each fought against the feeling of being physically attracted to someone they thought they hated, and how that passion - once properly directed - really fueled their extraordinarily steamy encounters. Their first misunderstanding could have been huge, so I fell hard for Parker when he immediately grasped what had upset her and didn't let her storm away until they'd settled it. Most of all, I loved that they remain snarky and combative all the way to their HEA and beyond. That epilogue scene was exquisite perfection!
As the final book in this small-town series, it's probably my favorite because Parker is one of the best book boyfriends I've ever read. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I had so much fun with this book! Gracie and Parker have been exchanging insults and barbs ever since they first met when he rebuffed her drunken advances. Now that his son is in her fourth-grade class, they find they have more in common than they ever expected and all the growly, acid-laced banter was really just foreplay.
Like Book 4, this one starts at the blind kissing booth at the Memorial Day festival, but their experience there is nothing like Sam and Leann's. Jumping ahead to the beginning of the school year, neither one can get that moment out of their heads, even though it ended with hateful words on both sides.
Gracie is full of sass and refuses to be silenced, while Parker has had his fill of unpredictable women and has trouble seeing that there's more to Gracie than what she outwardly displays. Seeing her with her students really opens his eyes to her other qualities, and I absolutely loved his single-mindedness once he gets a true read on her character and personality.
In a refreshing (and welcome) change to the usual main character attributes, Parker is just shy of six foot and only a few inches taller than Gracie. The tattoo he got before he even moved to town is a very clever twist on her family name. Zach was a delightful addition to the mix, and I appreciated that the drama with his mother wasn't unnecessarily drawn out.
I really loved how they each fought against the feeling of being physically attracted to someone they thought they hated, and how that passion - once properly directed - really fueled their extraordinarily steamy encounters. Their first misunderstanding could have been huge, so I fell hard for Parker when he immediately grasped what had upset her and didn't let her storm away until they'd settled it. Most of all, I loved that they remain snarky and combative all the way to their HEA and beyond. That epilogue scene was exquisite perfection!
As the final book in this small-town series, it's probably my favorite because Parker is one of the best book boyfriends I've ever read. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 14, 2024
Pleasing You in an angsty, emotional story set in the small town of Watercress Falls, Montana, where everybody knows everybody and everything about you. The Strong family is a large family with ten kids, so they play a prominent role in the town. Gracie Strong, an elementary school teacher, falls in the middle of the brood and is loud and brash so she can be seen and heard. Parker Hudson and his son Zach are new to Watercress Falls but have fit in well. They moved there to get away from Parker’s psycho ex-wife. Parker is the owner of the local bar and hangout. Zach’s best friend is Quincy Strong, so Parker and Zach spend a lot of time with the Strong family. Zach and Quincy are in Gracie’s classroom and Zach and Gracie have a special student-teacher bond. Parker and Gracie not so much. They have carried on a hate relationship for over a year, which started as a misunderstanding one night when Gracie was drunk in Parker’s bar. Secretly, they have lusted after each other the whole time, and gradually Parker and Gracie began to see each other in a different light and started a tenuous friendship for Zach’s sake.
The story was beautifully written about the chemistry laden, intense, enemies to lovers relationship between Parker and Gracie. The plot was solid, the pace was appropriate to plot, the setting seemed peaceful considering the plot, and the characters interesting and multi-layered. I enjoyed the characters and getting to know more about them. Parker and Gracie both had wounds from the past they needed to work through which gave them room to grow and change. The supporting characters, while sometimes difficult to keep up with since there are so many family members and friends, provided insight into the main characters and humor. Readers may be shocked by the ex-wife’s behavior. The book cover model is HOT! He looks like the main character, Parker. I definitely recommend this book to readers that enjoy steamy, slow burn, entertaining drama set in a small-town with a HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story was beautifully written about the chemistry laden, intense, enemies to lovers relationship between Parker and Gracie. The plot was solid, the pace was appropriate to plot, the setting seemed peaceful considering the plot, and the characters interesting and multi-layered. I enjoyed the characters and getting to know more about them. Parker and Gracie both had wounds from the past they needed to work through which gave them room to grow and change. The supporting characters, while sometimes difficult to keep up with since there are so many family members and friends, provided insight into the main characters and humor. Readers may be shocked by the ex-wife’s behavior. The book cover model is HOT! He looks like the main character, Parker. I definitely recommend this book to readers that enjoy steamy, slow burn, entertaining drama set in a small-town with a HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 25, 2023
✔Contemporary romance
✔Small town romance
✔Hate to love
✔Single dad
✔Grumpy hero
✔Stubborn heroine
✔Slow burn to love
✔Enough steam, feels and emotional baggage to fill the room
✔Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development
Pleasing You is the fifth book in Hearts of Watercress Falls. The storytelling is powerful, raw, amazing and captivating with so much depth and heart. It's an intense, all consuming book. Pleasing You is a dual POV steamy STANDALONE romance filled with lots of sexy times, stubbornness, slow-burn, hate to love, desire and chemistry far greater than their mutually shared hatred and love with a HEA ending. This is Gracie and Parker’s story. Gracie is an elementary school teacher, she is great with kids, she comes from a family of ten, she is loud and sassy but she's never been in love, even the thought of it scares her. Parker and his son just moved in order to get away from his ex-wife. He eventually purchases the bar he bartends at. Parker's son is cute and adorable who adores Gracie so much. Parker and Gracie had a love/hate relationship. Both are stubborn, strong-willed, independent, complex - layered. These two are explosive, perfectly imperfect and a rollercoaster of emotions. I feel like they were challenging each other through dialogues, talks and banter. Neither of them liked being vulnerable nor admit the attraction especially with their past and not being ready to trust easily. There is something about their connection that feels real, touching and genuine. Parker and Gracie are snarky, sparkling enemies to lovers. They fought against the feeling of being physically attracted to someone they thought they hated, yet that feeling only intensified their encounters.
If you love hate to love, single dad, grumpy hero, stubborn heroine, small-town romance with a slow burn to love, passion, family, steamy romance and loads of fun and some drama, this book is for you.
✔Small town romance
✔Hate to love
✔Single dad
✔Grumpy hero
✔Stubborn heroine
✔Slow burn to love
✔Enough steam, feels and emotional baggage to fill the room
✔Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development
Pleasing You is the fifth book in Hearts of Watercress Falls. The storytelling is powerful, raw, amazing and captivating with so much depth and heart. It's an intense, all consuming book. Pleasing You is a dual POV steamy STANDALONE romance filled with lots of sexy times, stubbornness, slow-burn, hate to love, desire and chemistry far greater than their mutually shared hatred and love with a HEA ending. This is Gracie and Parker’s story. Gracie is an elementary school teacher, she is great with kids, she comes from a family of ten, she is loud and sassy but she's never been in love, even the thought of it scares her. Parker and his son just moved in order to get away from his ex-wife. He eventually purchases the bar he bartends at. Parker's son is cute and adorable who adores Gracie so much. Parker and Gracie had a love/hate relationship. Both are stubborn, strong-willed, independent, complex - layered. These two are explosive, perfectly imperfect and a rollercoaster of emotions. I feel like they were challenging each other through dialogues, talks and banter. Neither of them liked being vulnerable nor admit the attraction especially with their past and not being ready to trust easily. There is something about their connection that feels real, touching and genuine. Parker and Gracie are snarky, sparkling enemies to lovers. They fought against the feeling of being physically attracted to someone they thought they hated, yet that feeling only intensified their encounters.
If you love hate to love, single dad, grumpy hero, stubborn heroine, small-town romance with a slow burn to love, passion, family, steamy romance and loads of fun and some drama, this book is for you.
May 24, 2023
This book was absolutely awesome. I LOVED it so much. It's the perfect hot for each other but also two people who can't stop arguing with each other. And she is a schoolteacher who is bad at love but has the biggest heart for kids.
In this story we meet Parker, who is a single dad and divorced from his crazy ex. He is a new transplant in town and runs the small-town bar, he met Gracie and had a bad reaction to her flirting and since then she argues with him and hates him. Meanwhile he quietly lusts for her, but she won't give him the time of day. That is until the first day of school when he meets his son's new teacher, Ms. Strong, and that's when the fireworks start.
I love a good lust vs hate romance and this one was so much fun that I could not put it down. Gracie is kind and sweet to everyone but Parker. He has said some things that have hurt her and so she avoids him at all costs and when she can't she gives him hate you eyes. Meanwhile Parker is afraid of a relationship after his crazy ex and so his favorite thing is to argue with Gracie. I adored how these two are with each other. They are so perfect for each other that the only people who don't know that are them.
This is a sexy and passion filled story with lots of flirty lines and eyes. A big family, Gracie is the middle kid in a family of 10 and a town that she adores and who adore her. We get to know her family and I loved watching them root for Parker and give advice to Gracie. They had her back at all times and I loved how they were with Parker and his son.
I could not put this book down. I totally adored Gracie and loved Parker so much for her. A side character I loved was Gracie's brother Noah and I hope the author writes a story for him.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this story we meet Parker, who is a single dad and divorced from his crazy ex. He is a new transplant in town and runs the small-town bar, he met Gracie and had a bad reaction to her flirting and since then she argues with him and hates him. Meanwhile he quietly lusts for her, but she won't give him the time of day. That is until the first day of school when he meets his son's new teacher, Ms. Strong, and that's when the fireworks start.
I love a good lust vs hate romance and this one was so much fun that I could not put it down. Gracie is kind and sweet to everyone but Parker. He has said some things that have hurt her and so she avoids him at all costs and when she can't she gives him hate you eyes. Meanwhile Parker is afraid of a relationship after his crazy ex and so his favorite thing is to argue with Gracie. I adored how these two are with each other. They are so perfect for each other that the only people who don't know that are them.
This is a sexy and passion filled story with lots of flirty lines and eyes. A big family, Gracie is the middle kid in a family of 10 and a town that she adores and who adore her. We get to know her family and I loved watching them root for Parker and give advice to Gracie. They had her back at all times and I loved how they were with Parker and his son.
I could not put this book down. I totally adored Gracie and loved Parker so much for her. A side character I loved was Gracie's brother Noah and I hope the author writes a story for him.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2023
Oh my, Aria Bliss, have you hacked my life?
This has been my favourite story in Aria Bliss’ Watercress Falls series! I've been reviewing ARCs for this author and she's fast becoming one of my faves. Book four, Pleasing You, is not a plot I’ve read before (and this is the second or third time this author has very pleasantly surprised me), but it was very well written, as usual.
It’s like Bliss is in my head. At first I didn’t really like Gracie. She was contrary for contrary sake, it felt like. Then as the story went on, I realized this character is me and many of the characteristics of myself I don’t like. I am the middle of six children and just like Gracie, I had to yell to be heard, and I also have a naturally challenging personality. Like Gracie, I can be abrupt and difficult. People who know me accept me, but I certainly can rub people the wrong way. And, I constantly feel like I’m too much, or not enough. Luckily, I’m very fortunate to have found someone who is so easy going we work!
Parker is kind of my dream guy and I think he’s the perfect foil for Gracie. He’s a strong personality and she can allow him to be the boss. He’s very close to being a GOATBB (Greatest of All Time Book Boyfriend) for me.
My kryptonite is the single dad trope and this is the second single dad of the series (but very different from the first book).
All in all, I’m very impressed with this author’s inventiveness. And hello, he both falls first, and there is no breakup, just a little wobble as Gracie needs time to come to terms with her feelings for Parker and to allow herself to believe she’s worthy of his love and trust. Superb!
Now get out of my head, woman!
This has been my favourite story in Aria Bliss’ Watercress Falls series! I've been reviewing ARCs for this author and she's fast becoming one of my faves. Book four, Pleasing You, is not a plot I’ve read before (and this is the second or third time this author has very pleasantly surprised me), but it was very well written, as usual.
It’s like Bliss is in my head. At first I didn’t really like Gracie. She was contrary for contrary sake, it felt like. Then as the story went on, I realized this character is me and many of the characteristics of myself I don’t like. I am the middle of six children and just like Gracie, I had to yell to be heard, and I also have a naturally challenging personality. Like Gracie, I can be abrupt and difficult. People who know me accept me, but I certainly can rub people the wrong way. And, I constantly feel like I’m too much, or not enough. Luckily, I’m very fortunate to have found someone who is so easy going we work!
Parker is kind of my dream guy and I think he’s the perfect foil for Gracie. He’s a strong personality and she can allow him to be the boss. He’s very close to being a GOATBB (Greatest of All Time Book Boyfriend) for me.
My kryptonite is the single dad trope and this is the second single dad of the series (but very different from the first book).
All in all, I’m very impressed with this author’s inventiveness. And hello, he both falls first, and there is no breakup, just a little wobble as Gracie needs time to come to terms with her feelings for Parker and to allow herself to believe she’s worthy of his love and trust. Superb!
Now get out of my head, woman!
March 15, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Firstly, let me say that I am a fan of this author's last book and I was really looking forward to Grace and Parker's story. I am a sucker for single Dad stories and this one looked right up my alley.
I have to say, Parker was wonderful. In fact, he was the reason why I kept reading this book. Grace on the other hand … not so likeable.
I really loved the fact that Grace knows herself - she knows she is a little crass and outspoken. But those who know her know that he heart is in the right place and it's a BIG heart.
My issue was with Grace's defensiveness, lack of awareness and implausible behaviour. At times I got why she didn't want to give Parker a chance, but then she would take something he said or did out of context repeatedly, not really learning from her negative mindset until right at the end. It was hard to read. I'm all for a brash heroine, but not a bullish one. I really wanted to like her, but she just kept losing me.
That said, I adored the kids in this book - I think they are all well-written and the dialogue between them and the adults is cute and realistic. Grace redeems herself a little with her interactions with Parker's son.
I'll give the next book in this series, because I really think my dislike of this book is an anomaly. But this book is a 2.5 stars from me (rounded up to 3).
Firstly, let me say that I am a fan of this author's last book and I was really looking forward to Grace and Parker's story. I am a sucker for single Dad stories and this one looked right up my alley.
I have to say, Parker was wonderful. In fact, he was the reason why I kept reading this book. Grace on the other hand … not so likeable.
I really loved the fact that Grace knows herself - she knows she is a little crass and outspoken. But those who know her know that he heart is in the right place and it's a BIG heart.
My issue was with Grace's defensiveness, lack of awareness and implausible behaviour. At times I got why she didn't want to give Parker a chance, but then she would take something he said or did out of context repeatedly, not really learning from her negative mindset until right at the end. It was hard to read. I'm all for a brash heroine, but not a bullish one. I really wanted to like her, but she just kept losing me.
That said, I adored the kids in this book - I think they are all well-written and the dialogue between them and the adults is cute and realistic. Grace redeems herself a little with her interactions with Parker's son.
I'll give the next book in this series, because I really think my dislike of this book is an anomaly. But this book is a 2.5 stars from me (rounded up to 3).
August 6, 2024
This is an Enemies to Lovers story and it does not disappoint. Gracie is the town gossip and known for getting bored with relationships easily and never really giving anyone a chance. When she meets the new bartender and single dad, Parker, while at the local bar drinking, she kisses him and he insults her and that’s the beginning of their hatred for each other. They develop an instant disdain for each other and every time they interact it’s an agreement. But when Gracie becomes Parker’s Son, Zachary”s, teacher, he watches her interact with him and starts to see her in a new light. Then he decides he doesn’t actually hate her at all and wants to have a relationship with her. Unfortunately Parker not only has to knock down Gracie’s walls, he also has to contend with a crazy ex who he moved to get away from finding him and causing havoc in the new life he is creating in Watercress Falls.
This was a great book, I love a good enemies to lovers story and this one does not disappoint. I loved the transformation of Gracie in this book too, she comes to some serious realizations about herself while she is trying to figure out how she truly feels about Parker. I love a good small town close knit family story and Gracie’s family is a good one to read about. Loved this book and this entire series so far. Great read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a great book, I love a good enemies to lovers story and this one does not disappoint. I loved the transformation of Gracie in this book too, she comes to some serious realizations about herself while she is trying to figure out how she truly feels about Parker. I love a good small town close knit family story and Gracie’s family is a good one to read about. Loved this book and this entire series so far. Great read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 28, 2022
What happens when you allow your own traumas to impact how you treat others? That's what happens for Gracie and Parker. They are both shaped by their experiences so fully it causes them to respond to each other out of fear and to protect their own hearts.
In this small town romance Gracie is the middle child of 10 children, she fells the needs to be loud, and quick witted to stand out but also to protect herself. She hasn't allowed herself to think she could find her happily ever after, and does this as a defense mechanism. In comes Parker, a new resident to the small town, trying to escape his own horrific past. Their first interactions impact them both so fully they create enemies out of one another.
When Gracie becomes Parker’s sons teacher, they have to find a way to coexist. As they both face their pasts and the real reasons for their dislike the line between love and hate becomes more blurred.
This was a fast and fun read, the characters are realistic and to be honest as I started I was skeptical. But quickly I became immersed in this quaint setting, with some of the most relatable characters I have read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this small town romance Gracie is the middle child of 10 children, she fells the needs to be loud, and quick witted to stand out but also to protect herself. She hasn't allowed herself to think she could find her happily ever after, and does this as a defense mechanism. In comes Parker, a new resident to the small town, trying to escape his own horrific past. Their first interactions impact them both so fully they create enemies out of one another.
When Gracie becomes Parker’s sons teacher, they have to find a way to coexist. As they both face their pasts and the real reasons for their dislike the line between love and hate becomes more blurred.
This was a fast and fun read, the characters are realistic and to be honest as I started I was skeptical. But quickly I became immersed in this quaint setting, with some of the most relatable characters I have read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 27, 2022
Growing Up ? . . .
When Gracie Strong gets her feelings hurt, she decides to hate Parker Hudson forever. They snipe at each other and everyone can see the hostility. But once he discovers she is his son’s teacher, they need to have a more professional attitude toward each other. And when Gracie tones down her hostility and acts nice to Parker, she sees him adjust his behavior as well. Will this change in attitude let each of them see the real person behind their façade? Will they perhaps realize that maybe they are actually attracted to each other and not the enemies they thought they were?
I thought their antagonism was more appropriate for a kindergarten schoolyard disagreement. And her advice to her brother, Noah, at the bar about what women “really” want was something I hope doesn’t convince anyone. She needs to speak to her own needs – as a woman who has never fallen in love – and not try to speak for all women. She was way off base. But grab your copy and see if her advice was enough to convince Parker to give her a try.
When Gracie Strong gets her feelings hurt, she decides to hate Parker Hudson forever. They snipe at each other and everyone can see the hostility. But once he discovers she is his son’s teacher, they need to have a more professional attitude toward each other. And when Gracie tones down her hostility and acts nice to Parker, she sees him adjust his behavior as well. Will this change in attitude let each of them see the real person behind their façade? Will they perhaps realize that maybe they are actually attracted to each other and not the enemies they thought they were?
I thought their antagonism was more appropriate for a kindergarten schoolyard disagreement. And her advice to her brother, Noah, at the bar about what women “really” want was something I hope doesn’t convince anyone. She needs to speak to her own needs – as a woman who has never fallen in love – and not try to speak for all women. She was way off base. But grab your copy and see if her advice was enough to convince Parker to give her a try.
March 28, 2022
Forgiving Hearts continues the story of the Strong family’s next generation. Gracie Strong is a teacher at the local school. She has grown up in Watercress Falls. Her siblings are finding love and settling down in life. While Gracie loves kids and gets along great with her nieces and nephews, she doesn't see herself with kids in the future.
Parker Hudson is a single dad. He has recently purchased the local bar and has a side business for custom carpentry projects. He moved to Watercress Falls to escape his past and give his son, Zack, a better life.
Gracie doesn’t make a great impression on Parker during their first encounter. She lets his words have power over her feelings for him. It takes a year before either of them actually take a chance to understand the other. Gracie met Zack when he started school. She requested for him to be in her class without the knowledge of who his father was. This is the turning point for Gracie and Parker to discover more about each other.
. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Parker Hudson is a single dad. He has recently purchased the local bar and has a side business for custom carpentry projects. He moved to Watercress Falls to escape his past and give his son, Zack, a better life.
Gracie doesn’t make a great impression on Parker during their first encounter. She lets his words have power over her feelings for him. It takes a year before either of them actually take a chance to understand the other. Gracie met Zack when he started school. She requested for him to be in her class without the knowledge of who his father was. This is the turning point for Gracie and Parker to discover more about each other.
. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2023
Thank you to Aria Bliss and Book Sirens for the ARC of this relaunch. Pleasing you is a hate to lovers story about two passionate people who redirect their ire for each other into understanding and love. I love a single dad MC. Hate to Lovers is one of my least favorite tropes and unfortunately this one was not the exception. The plot felt slow and redundant. The shift the FMC took seemed unprompted and unbelievable for someone who’s main personality trait was being stubborn.
I found some of the conflict to be unnecessary and too easily wrapped up. I also felt that the conflict with the MMC’s past partner was handled too casually. Essentially he was fleeing an unsafe partner and that was never addressed. It was handled with an air of “what a pain in the ass”. It made me wonder how gender roles and attitudes about masculinity played into that framing.
I love Aria Bliss books generally and while this one didn’t work for me, I am excited for what’s next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found some of the conflict to be unnecessary and too easily wrapped up. I also felt that the conflict with the MMC’s past partner was handled too casually. Essentially he was fleeing an unsafe partner and that was never addressed. It was handled with an air of “what a pain in the ass”. It made me wonder how gender roles and attitudes about masculinity played into that framing.
I love Aria Bliss books generally and while this one didn’t work for me, I am excited for what’s next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2023
Thank you to Author Aria Bliss and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC for not only this book, but the first 5 in the Watercress Falls series. All opinions shared are my own.
This time, the FMC is Gracie Strong; best friend of the last FMC Leann Langdon and sister of book 3 FMC Mary-Beth Strong. I had my suspicions she would be this book's FMC and I LOVE that we got an MMC in Parker (owner of their local bar) with whom she's had several books worth of increasing tension and 'hostility'. Their 🔥 did not disappoint and I was rooting for them from the first page.
Getting to see Gracie as a third grade teacher was such a lovely progression for her character and discovering that Parker is a single Dad only made me love him more. The Author did a brilliant job at explaining their pasts and working through their individual trauma to reach a passionate and healthy love story.
I'm genuinely sad that the next book in the series hasn't been published yet and will most definitely continue to read the series!
This time, the FMC is Gracie Strong; best friend of the last FMC Leann Langdon and sister of book 3 FMC Mary-Beth Strong. I had my suspicions she would be this book's FMC and I LOVE that we got an MMC in Parker (owner of their local bar) with whom she's had several books worth of increasing tension and 'hostility'. Their 🔥 did not disappoint and I was rooting for them from the first page.
Getting to see Gracie as a third grade teacher was such a lovely progression for her character and discovering that Parker is a single Dad only made me love him more. The Author did a brilliant job at explaining their pasts and working through their individual trauma to reach a passionate and healthy love story.
I'm genuinely sad that the next book in the series hasn't been published yet and will most definitely continue to read the series!
March 22, 2022
Wonderful stand alone novel but also the best book in the series so far!! I loved to see an heroine who is willing to be honest about her self issues.
Gracie and Parker see sparks from the beginning. Each person bringing their own baggage to the explosive beginning leading to huge misunderstanding. Isn't that so like life. Parker is so much more willing to realize his own short comings and baggage that he brings along. Gracie has to deal with her own self worth issues, but she does it in such a realistic way.
I loved this story, I hated to stop for work. Several late nights but well worth it. I enjoy series where I can follow the characters. This series may bring they back, but it is done in such a way that you can still read each story as a stand alone (although I do suggest reading them all). I can't wait for the next book. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am I leaving a review.
Gracie and Parker see sparks from the beginning. Each person bringing their own baggage to the explosive beginning leading to huge misunderstanding. Isn't that so like life. Parker is so much more willing to realize his own short comings and baggage that he brings along. Gracie has to deal with her own self worth issues, but she does it in such a realistic way.
I loved this story, I hated to stop for work. Several late nights but well worth it. I enjoy series where I can follow the characters. This series may bring they back, but it is done in such a way that you can still read each story as a stand alone (although I do suggest reading them all). I can't wait for the next book. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am I leaving a review.
March 26, 2022
Gracie and Parker's story is the fifth book in the Watercress Falls series and can be enjoyed as a standalone though the books are connected so you will recognize some of the previous book’s characters if you have read them. Gracie and Parker are hot together but their road to happiness is not a smooth one. It's about as smooth as a washboard dirt road and just as bumpy. Gracie has to be one of the most stubborn book characters I've come across, when she commits to a grudge, she does not let it go easily but she loves her family and friends fiercely. Parker reacted badly to something Gracie did while she was drunk and from then on, they've been enemies. Parker's son is in Gracie's class and the two need to find a way to get along. These two learn there is a fine line between love and hate. Steamy and well written, can't wait for Lizzy's story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2022
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review. This is a standalone in the series so you'll see familiar characters from earlier books in the series. I loved Parker and Zachary, and their father-son relationship was just so sweet. Unfortunately I didn't find Gracie likeable and as much as she claims her reason to be mean and crass is cos of her large family, it felt like just an excuse. Her behaviour was a tad too juvenile for a 32-yo; think Zachary's reaction to things was more matured than her and he has so much more reason to act up! Although the story flowed well, it felt a little draggy to me and lost my attention a few times and I started skipping to get to the end. For me, reading about Zachary and Parker's protectiveness and love for him is what made the story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2022
I absolutely loved this enemies to lovers book Gracie and Parkers chemistry was off the charts 🔥 the story is very well written and had me completely hooked I couldn't put it down.
When Parker and Gracie first meet they don't get off to the best start at all resulting in a year long fued. They constantly snipe at each other and the hostility between the pair is evident to all around them it was really entertaining and fun to read.
The only fault I had with this book was toward the beginning when CJ was drunk and talking to Gracie I just couldn't take it serious at all it did make me cringe...
"Pished"
"Popsh and mamas'sh"
"Pleashe"
"I thought we were in lobe"
If it was over text then that's fair but speaking it just made me cringe 😫
It had the perfect amount of 🌶 I would definitely recommend this book 💙💙
When Parker and Gracie first meet they don't get off to the best start at all resulting in a year long fued. They constantly snipe at each other and the hostility between the pair is evident to all around them it was really entertaining and fun to read.
The only fault I had with this book was toward the beginning when CJ was drunk and talking to Gracie I just couldn't take it serious at all it did make me cringe...
"Pished"
"Popsh and mamas'sh"
"Pleashe"
"I thought we were in lobe"
If it was over text then that's fair but speaking it just made me cringe 😫
It had the perfect amount of 🌶 I would definitely recommend this book 💙💙
April 17, 2022
This is the fifth book in this series and is Parker and Gracie’s story. Parker is a single to his son and has moved to the small town for a fresh start away from his past, and Gracie may be loud and outspoken, which is understandable as she is from a large family, and she needed to be heard, but she has a huge heart. These two do not have the best of first meetings, and they mutually dislike each other. When Gracie is Parker’s sons fourth year teacher, he does not know what he has send to be disliked, but he sees her in a new light after witnessing her with his son. This is a well written story which is sweet, and with secrets, drama, family, and love, which leads to a steamy page turner. I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2023
Parker is the new owner of Stocks and Stables, the town bar and Gracie is the loud girl in the Strong family who's not shy in letting her feelings known. Parker and Gracie get off on the wrong foot and it's been bickering and fighting for the last year. That all starts ro change when Parker's son's new teacher is Ms. Strong, a.k.a. Gracie. Who knew Parker had a son….and who knew Gracie was an elementary school teacher. Both Parker and Gracie find they don't really know the other one, but can they get past their fighting to get anywhere? And, there's a fine line between fighting and flirting.
After reading about the Langdon family, going to Gracie and starting the Strong family is great. I can't wait for more to come. Love Watercress Falls! I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my review.
After reading about the Langdon family, going to Gracie and starting the Strong family is great. I can't wait for more to come. Love Watercress Falls! I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my review.
June 11, 2023
Well, this has been quite a journey! Aria Bliss re-released these five books and asked for reviews. This is my review not just of this book, but of the series, up to this point ( she ain't done).
One of the things that most impressed me is that she uses the same tropes as other authors but puts her individual spin on them. She has two second chance stories in this collection. They are different from each other.
She writes strong, sensitive, loving men. They need to be. The women, no matter how accomplished they may be elsewhere in their lives, are whiny and insecure in the romance department..
In this book Gracie is loud, brash, a great teacher, but afraid of relationships. Parker is all the above and patient.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One of the things that most impressed me is that she uses the same tropes as other authors but puts her individual spin on them. She has two second chance stories in this collection. They are different from each other.
She writes strong, sensitive, loving men. They need to be. The women, no matter how accomplished they may be elsewhere in their lives, are whiny and insecure in the romance department..
In this book Gracie is loud, brash, a great teacher, but afraid of relationships. Parker is all the above and patient.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 17, 2022
Once again Aria Bliss provides us with a wonderful story! This story revolves around Gracie and Parker. Gracie is a grade school teacher with a heart of gold to her family, but relationships with men cause her to have her guard up. Parker is relatively new to town and his only significant relationship ended in divorce, but provided him with his wonderful son. What starts off as anger and frustration with one another ignites into passion for each other! I loved how Gracie's brothers try to protect her and how her extended family want to make sure Parker's intentions are pure and true. This is a great addition to an enjoyable series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 3, 2022
Gracie and Parker have a rocky start because t seems like they just come across wring to one another. Gracie ends up being Parker's son Zach's teacher and things start to change between them. Parker sees a side of Gracie that he hadn't seen before which draws him in. Gracie brings Zach and Parker into her family and even with her struggles with handline their relationship Parker shows her that he is still there for her. Will Gracie see that he is the perfect man for her?
This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2022
I was really surprised at how much I liked this book because I hadn’t read any others in the series and is about a big family. The many members of the family were mentioned, but there were only a few that were important to the story line and were easy to keep track of.
It’s a really good small town, single dad romance. There is the crazy ex, a little of the green eyed monster, and a whole lot of everyone up in Parker and Gracie’s business. The romance is fueled by good chemistry that they let burn awhile before letting the steam out. The passion not over the top. When they have their moments, it’s at the right time.
I really enjoyed this book that I received in advance so I could read it and provide my voluntary review.
It’s a really good small town, single dad romance. There is the crazy ex, a little of the green eyed monster, and a whole lot of everyone up in Parker and Gracie’s business. The romance is fueled by good chemistry that they let burn awhile before letting the steam out. The passion not over the top. When they have their moments, it’s at the right time.
I really enjoyed this book that I received in advance so I could read it and provide my voluntary review.
April 24, 2022
amusing and…
I just love it when sparks fly and there are fireworks going on between Parker and Gracie. Understanding both their motivations for reluctance, they just can´t resist the mutual attraction. Watercress Falls´ community has an opinion of their own about their situation and they don´t feel shy to voice it and interfere and thus contribute to the amusing elements of this book. Parker´s son Zach is such a sweet kid you simply can´t understand how his mother can neglect him and hurt his feelings, it made me want to shake some sense into her. Father and son deserve better and fortunately find it in courageous, stubborn Gracie.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I just love it when sparks fly and there are fireworks going on between Parker and Gracie. Understanding both their motivations for reluctance, they just can´t resist the mutual attraction. Watercress Falls´ community has an opinion of their own about their situation and they don´t feel shy to voice it and interfere and thus contribute to the amusing elements of this book. Parker´s son Zach is such a sweet kid you simply can´t understand how his mother can neglect him and hurt his feelings, it made me want to shake some sense into her. Father and son deserve better and fortunately find it in courageous, stubborn Gracie.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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