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The Investigating LOVE Series #1
Just Partners
My glittering career as a TV detective implodes when I am suddenly blacklisted from Hollywood.
Desperate for a fresh start, I return to Pinecrest, Montana, where my late father's detective agency barely survives under the management of my childhood crush, Lincoln Suco.
Lincoln and I form an uneasy alliance when a baffling case falls into our laps.
"Just Partners," we agree, ignoring the sparks between us.
But as we dive into a world of small-town secrets and unexpected dangers, maintaining professional boundaries proves harder than cracking the case. The years between us seem to vanish, and I can see Lincoln struggling to keep things strictly business with us.
With my big-city dreams in shambles and Lincoln's past casting long shadows, I have to decide if Pinecrest—and a future with Lincoln Suco—might offer more than I ever imagined.
Could "Just Partners" be only the beginning of our story?
"Just Partners" is the first book in the captivating "Investigating Love Series" that follows the journey of Cassandra Love and Lincoln Suco from reluctant colleagues to something far more complex and heartwarming.
Desperate for a fresh start, I return to Pinecrest, Montana, where my late father's detective agency barely survives under the management of my childhood crush, Lincoln Suco.
Lincoln and I form an uneasy alliance when a baffling case falls into our laps.
"Just Partners," we agree, ignoring the sparks between us.
But as we dive into a world of small-town secrets and unexpected dangers, maintaining professional boundaries proves harder than cracking the case. The years between us seem to vanish, and I can see Lincoln struggling to keep things strictly business with us.
With my big-city dreams in shambles and Lincoln's past casting long shadows, I have to decide if Pinecrest—and a future with Lincoln Suco—might offer more than I ever imagined.
Could "Just Partners" be only the beginning of our story?
"Just Partners" is the first book in the captivating "Investigating Love Series" that follows the journey of Cassandra Love and Lincoln Suco from reluctant colleagues to something far more complex and heartwarming.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2024
28 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Evie Sterling
21 books180 followersThrough her fiction works, Evie Sterling seeks to provide readers with an escape into a world of genuine emotions and heartfelt experiences. Evie hopes to connect with readers who share her passion of clean romance and those who seek to be moved by stories that touch heart and soul.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
January 2, 2025
3.5★
Just Partners by Evie Sterling is the first book in The Investigating Love series. I had a good time reading this one. The mystery element throughout this novel kept me intrigued even though I had an idea who the culprit might’ve been. A fun, easy and enjoyable read.
Just Partners by Evie Sterling is the first book in The Investigating Love series. I had a good time reading this one. The mystery element throughout this novel kept me intrigued even though I had an idea who the culprit might’ve been. A fun, easy and enjoyable read.
August 27, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Before Just Partners, I had never read anything by Evie Sterling. Therefore, I wasn’t too sure what I was getting myself into. With a quick glance at the synopsis, I thought this would be a cute, quick read that I’d probably enjoy. Unfortunately, this book ended up not being for me.
Just Partners by Evie Sterling follows two characters: Cassandra (Cassie), an actress living in New York who’s career is on the line, and Lincoln (Link), Cassie’s dad’s best-friend who’s currently running her deceased father’s PI practice in her hometown. When Cassie finally gets around to looking into the mail she’s received around her father’s estate and notices that her father’s old partner, Link, is writing a novel about being a PI, capitalizing on many of her father’s famous quotes, Cassie decides to return to her hometown to confront him. When she notices that Link has started to let the bills pile up and her dad’s practice go under, she gets sucked back into the investigation game to help save it. With her acting career sinking, will Cassie ever return back to an industry that’s eating her alive? Will her childhood crush on Link finally evolve into something more?
From the beginning, I had a hard time getting into this book. It opens up very chaotically. It was very fast-paced, giving you little about your main characters. I felt like I was suppose to already know them in order to justify some of their actions. We are given little knowledge of why Cassie’s career is sinking and Link is immediately introduced as a sleeze-bag. I kept feeling like I was missing something as the POVs changed too quickly for me to keep up.
I think dad’s best-friend is just not a trope I like. It also made it really difficult to enjoy Cassie and Link’s budding relationship, especially when I was struggling to figure out the age gap for so long. You do figure out near the END of the book, that it’s a 12-year age gap. With knowing that age gap, it did make some weirdness around the ages of her parents that just didn’t add up. It felt like the author game up with the precise age difference, after they had already established other age facts within the book and forgot to go back and correct them. Or they’re just okay with a minor having a kid with an older man. Not sure there.
The investigating part of the story was really fun. It was really interesting and different from anything I’ve read, so I did really enjoy that. There isn’t much world-building or anything - so it’s quick into the cases. I also enjoyed that we see a realistic timeline of these two working themselves out. We end without them being together, which is great because Cassie hasn’t been back in town long, after being away for six years, and really needs more time to figure out where she is in life (which Lincoln does too) and rushing into a relationship would feel very unlike her character.
I did initially think this was a stand-alone series, so I was incredibly disappointed when it ended on a weird cliff-hanger and they hadn’t established themselves as anything, but friends. But now knowing the series continues to follow Cassandra and Lincoln - I do enjoy the ending a bit more now, but it still fell a little flat to me.
Overall - this book isn’t bad, but it’s just not one for me. I can appreciate what it’s trying to do and do recommend this to people who enjoy age-gap, dan’s best-friend, slowburn romances that aren’t full of sexual content.
Before Just Partners, I had never read anything by Evie Sterling. Therefore, I wasn’t too sure what I was getting myself into. With a quick glance at the synopsis, I thought this would be a cute, quick read that I’d probably enjoy. Unfortunately, this book ended up not being for me.
Just Partners by Evie Sterling follows two characters: Cassandra (Cassie), an actress living in New York who’s career is on the line, and Lincoln (Link), Cassie’s dad’s best-friend who’s currently running her deceased father’s PI practice in her hometown. When Cassie finally gets around to looking into the mail she’s received around her father’s estate and notices that her father’s old partner, Link, is writing a novel about being a PI, capitalizing on many of her father’s famous quotes, Cassie decides to return to her hometown to confront him. When she notices that Link has started to let the bills pile up and her dad’s practice go under, she gets sucked back into the investigation game to help save it. With her acting career sinking, will Cassie ever return back to an industry that’s eating her alive? Will her childhood crush on Link finally evolve into something more?
From the beginning, I had a hard time getting into this book. It opens up very chaotically. It was very fast-paced, giving you little about your main characters. I felt like I was suppose to already know them in order to justify some of their actions. We are given little knowledge of why Cassie’s career is sinking and Link is immediately introduced as a sleeze-bag. I kept feeling like I was missing something as the POVs changed too quickly for me to keep up.
I think dad’s best-friend is just not a trope I like. It also made it really difficult to enjoy Cassie and Link’s budding relationship, especially when I was struggling to figure out the age gap for so long. You do figure out near the END of the book, that it’s a 12-year age gap. With knowing that age gap, it did make some weirdness around the ages of her parents that just didn’t add up. It felt like the author game up with the precise age difference, after they had already established other age facts within the book and forgot to go back and correct them. Or they’re just okay with a minor having a kid with an older man. Not sure there.
The investigating part of the story was really fun. It was really interesting and different from anything I’ve read, so I did really enjoy that. There isn’t much world-building or anything - so it’s quick into the cases. I also enjoyed that we see a realistic timeline of these two working themselves out. We end without them being together, which is great because Cassie hasn’t been back in town long, after being away for six years, and really needs more time to figure out where she is in life (which Lincoln does too) and rushing into a relationship would feel very unlike her character.
I did initially think this was a stand-alone series, so I was incredibly disappointed when it ended on a weird cliff-hanger and they hadn’t established themselves as anything, but friends. But now knowing the series continues to follow Cassandra and Lincoln - I do enjoy the ending a bit more now, but it still fell a little flat to me.
Overall - this book isn’t bad, but it’s just not one for me. I can appreciate what it’s trying to do and do recommend this to people who enjoy age-gap, dan’s best-friend, slowburn romances that aren’t full of sexual content.
August 13, 2024
At first I thought the 'dad's best friend' trope was a bit unthinkable but I was so wrong. I enjoyed it! The book was fun and the story was rich and heartwarming. The book is written in the first person POVs of Link and Cassie. I like the dual POV in a romance. It works so well. The characters were great but Link did frustrate me because we've got no idea what went on with on with Phineas. I'm hoping there will be a sequel soon!!! I recommend this if you like a romance without spice!
January 8, 2025
This was a sweet, suspenseful, and fun read. Cassandra Love and Lincoln Suco are a charming pair, and I enjoyed their banter throughout the book. I enjoyed the mystery, and the twists and turns kept me engaged. The last chapter or so had me invested in what is to come with Link and Cassie, as well as why Cassie is being targeted. I will definitely read "Just Friends," the second book in the series, to be up to date when "Just Complicated" releases.
August 11, 2024
5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Another absolutely amazing book by Evie!
Now, I have read quite a few by this author and this one is completely different than other ones she has done.
This is a suspenseful sweet romance!
You get a taboo age gap, father's best friend, private investigators, drive bys, and so much drama.
I am obsessed and the chemistry/tension between the main characters is so so so good!
You get:
• Sweet Romance
• Suspence
• Dual POV
• Tension
• Slow Burn
• Age Gap
• Dad's Best Friend
I can't wait to read the rest of this series! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
Another absolutely amazing book by Evie!
Now, I have read quite a few by this author and this one is completely different than other ones she has done.
This is a suspenseful sweet romance!
You get a taboo age gap, father's best friend, private investigators, drive bys, and so much drama.
I am obsessed and the chemistry/tension between the main characters is so so so good!
You get:
• Sweet Romance
• Suspence
• Dual POV
• Tension
• Slow Burn
• Age Gap
• Dad's Best Friend
I can't wait to read the rest of this series! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
August 21, 2024
*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher; the review is my own.*
I wanted something cute and relatively short when I opened this up on my Kindle, and I sort of got that. The book was all right, but I just didn't love it. That said, there wasn't really anything wrong with it, and I'm sure there will be other readers who enjoy it more than I did.
Cassie (24) and Link (36) have known each other since she was a teenager, but thankfully there was never anything between them prior to this book. Yes, she harbored a massive crush on him, but he was unaware of it. I'm not big on the age-gap trope, which to me can easily feel kind of . . . icky. Cassie and Link spend this whole book reminding themselves of the difference in their ages and that Link was her father's best friend and co-worker, which didn't do anything to lessen that weirdness for me. That said, their actual age difference wasn't given until near the end of the book; in fact, at one point, Link points out that he's two years younger than Cassie's mother (at least that's who I assume Sophie is), and Cassie reminds herself that he's a notable amount younger than her father. That brought on an additional level of weirdness because that would mean that Cassie was born when her mother was 14. So what's going on here?
I'm sorry--I tend to fixate on knowing characters' ages.
Aside from that, I didn't find Link particularly likable. He always appeared to be putting on a front (even to the reader and possibly to himself). To be honest, he reminded me of Joe Jr. in While You Were Sleeping, though a much more physically attractive version of Joe Jr. Through his thoughts, it was clear that he genuinely cared for Quinn and Cassie, but he was rather flippant about, well, everything. Cassie was more likable, but I still didn't love her.
There were a few things I got nitpicky about, but most of them didn't interfere with the story itself. However, Link lost any and all credibility as a PI when he referred to a pistol grip as a "handle."
I recognize my review hasn't been overly positive thus far. But I can appreciate the good things about this book. As the first in a series, it successfully portrayed the internal struggle both Cassie and Link have about their feelings. With how little time Cassie had been back in town after being away for six years, it would have been very odd and a little creepy if the two of them had jumped right into a romantic relationship. This book established a friendly though not inappropriate history while also clearly indicating that both characters are adults and viewing each other in that light. It also showed that, despite my lukewarm feelings about Link, he does have good intentions and can be counted on when things really matter. The story was pretty light and easy to read.
How it ends:
Note: Nothing bad.
I wanted something cute and relatively short when I opened this up on my Kindle, and I sort of got that. The book was all right, but I just didn't love it. That said, there wasn't really anything wrong with it, and I'm sure there will be other readers who enjoy it more than I did.
Cassie (24) and Link (36) have known each other since she was a teenager, but thankfully there was never anything between them prior to this book. Yes, she harbored a massive crush on him, but he was unaware of it. I'm not big on the age-gap trope, which to me can easily feel kind of . . . icky. Cassie and Link spend this whole book reminding themselves of the difference in their ages and that Link was her father's best friend and co-worker, which didn't do anything to lessen that weirdness for me. That said, their actual age difference wasn't given until near the end of the book; in fact, at one point, Link points out that he's two years younger than Cassie's mother (at least that's who I assume Sophie is), and Cassie reminds herself that he's a notable amount younger than her father. That brought on an additional level of weirdness because that would mean that Cassie was born when her mother was 14. So what's going on here?
I'm sorry--I tend to fixate on knowing characters' ages.
Aside from that, I didn't find Link particularly likable. He always appeared to be putting on a front (even to the reader and possibly to himself). To be honest, he reminded me of Joe Jr. in While You Were Sleeping, though a much more physically attractive version of Joe Jr. Through his thoughts, it was clear that he genuinely cared for Quinn and Cassie, but he was rather flippant about, well, everything. Cassie was more likable, but I still didn't love her.
There were a few things I got nitpicky about, but most of them didn't interfere with the story itself. However, Link lost any and all credibility as a PI when he referred to a pistol grip as a "handle."
I recognize my review hasn't been overly positive thus far. But I can appreciate the good things about this book. As the first in a series, it successfully portrayed the internal struggle both Cassie and Link have about their feelings. With how little time Cassie had been back in town after being away for six years, it would have been very odd and a little creepy if the two of them had jumped right into a romantic relationship. This book established a friendly though not inappropriate history while also clearly indicating that both characters are adults and viewing each other in that light. It also showed that, despite my lukewarm feelings about Link, he does have good intentions and can be counted on when things really matter. The story was pretty light and easy to read.
How it ends:
Note: Nothing bad.
September 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
Cassie Love’s acting career as a TV detective has taken a recent hit and she can’t seem to understand why. While she takes time to figure out what happened and what her next move will be, she heads back to her home town to tie up some loose ends with her late father’s PI business which puts her back in the presence of her childhood crush Lincoln. While they work together to solve a case, it becomes harder and harder to deny their attraction to one another. But with the age difference, Lincoln being her father’s former partner, and Lincoln keeping secrets of his dark past, can they overcome the obstacles?
This started out slow for me because it felt like I started reading in the middle of the story instead of the beginning. In other words, I felt like I learned details out of order. For one thing, if I hadn’t read the synopsis of the book, I wouldn’t have known that Cassie is from Montana and that is where she goes when visiting her hometown. This is revealed much later in the book. We learn that Cassie had a crush on her dad’s old business partner but don’t know what the age difference is until literally 80% into the book. Don’t get me wrong an age gap storyline is right up my alley but at the same time knowing this specific detail helps me understand if I should be rooting for the characters or not, especially given Link is also her dad’s best friend and business partner.
I feel like lately when I write reviews I use the phrase “suspend my disbelief” so often. And I get that happens with fiction but sometimes I really think the authors are asking a lot from their audience in this regard. Like first of all, it seems like such a stretch for Cassie to need to hire a PI to figure out why she’s not getting jobs in Hollywood, not to mention to think someone “higher up” is to blame for her career tanking. Also since when is it a PIs job to wrangle cows? I get that it’s Montana but surely there’s other people you call in for something like that. I found myself annoyed, too, when they go to interview Mrs. Harper and afterwards Link asks Cassie where she learned to ask good questions like that. First of all, it sounds condescending to ask that, but even if it weren’t intended as such, her questions were basic. Like “what makes you think he did it?” And “why after all this time?” These are not groundbreaking questions.
I know this book is the first in what will become a series so there’s certain things I understand we won’t learn until later, such as why Link got himself involved with Phineas, but I felt like we could’ve done with a bit more backstory on our main characters. There were pieces I think it feels silly to save for later books, such as why Cassie hates being called Cassie even though her POVs literally all label her as Cassie. Or Link’s relationship to his parents which was briefly mentioned. That being said, I happened to enjoy Link and Cassie’s tension. It’s weird because I hate having my buttons pushed but watching these two push each other’s buttons was entertaining. I also enjoyed Link and Quinn’s sibling-like bond and in general how Link was protective of both Cassie and Quinn even if he’s not being fully truthful and also is at least partly to blame for any threat to their safety.
I did like what a quick and easy read this was, but overall felt like it was just good and not great. I will, however, be on the lookout for the next book to see where the story takes us.
Cassie Love’s acting career as a TV detective has taken a recent hit and she can’t seem to understand why. While she takes time to figure out what happened and what her next move will be, she heads back to her home town to tie up some loose ends with her late father’s PI business which puts her back in the presence of her childhood crush Lincoln. While they work together to solve a case, it becomes harder and harder to deny their attraction to one another. But with the age difference, Lincoln being her father’s former partner, and Lincoln keeping secrets of his dark past, can they overcome the obstacles?
This started out slow for me because it felt like I started reading in the middle of the story instead of the beginning. In other words, I felt like I learned details out of order. For one thing, if I hadn’t read the synopsis of the book, I wouldn’t have known that Cassie is from Montana and that is where she goes when visiting her hometown. This is revealed much later in the book. We learn that Cassie had a crush on her dad’s old business partner but don’t know what the age difference is until literally 80% into the book. Don’t get me wrong an age gap storyline is right up my alley but at the same time knowing this specific detail helps me understand if I should be rooting for the characters or not, especially given Link is also her dad’s best friend and business partner.
I feel like lately when I write reviews I use the phrase “suspend my disbelief” so often. And I get that happens with fiction but sometimes I really think the authors are asking a lot from their audience in this regard. Like first of all, it seems like such a stretch for Cassie to need to hire a PI to figure out why she’s not getting jobs in Hollywood, not to mention to think someone “higher up” is to blame for her career tanking. Also since when is it a PIs job to wrangle cows? I get that it’s Montana but surely there’s other people you call in for something like that. I found myself annoyed, too, when they go to interview Mrs. Harper and afterwards Link asks Cassie where she learned to ask good questions like that. First of all, it sounds condescending to ask that, but even if it weren’t intended as such, her questions were basic. Like “what makes you think he did it?” And “why after all this time?” These are not groundbreaking questions.
I know this book is the first in what will become a series so there’s certain things I understand we won’t learn until later, such as why Link got himself involved with Phineas, but I felt like we could’ve done with a bit more backstory on our main characters. There were pieces I think it feels silly to save for later books, such as why Cassie hates being called Cassie even though her POVs literally all label her as Cassie. Or Link’s relationship to his parents which was briefly mentioned. That being said, I happened to enjoy Link and Cassie’s tension. It’s weird because I hate having my buttons pushed but watching these two push each other’s buttons was entertaining. I also enjoyed Link and Quinn’s sibling-like bond and in general how Link was protective of both Cassie and Quinn even if he’s not being fully truthful and also is at least partly to blame for any threat to their safety.
I did like what a quick and easy read this was, but overall felt like it was just good and not great. I will, however, be on the lookout for the next book to see where the story takes us.
August 19, 2024
I love her stories, so I decided to give this one a chance even though the age gap (especially parent's friends) is not really my thing, but I absolutely loved it!
Cassie is an actress who got blacklisted from Hollywood for an unknown reason. She is now struggling financially and feels guilty for not being their for her dad. She refuses to finalize the estate process and continues to seep in her despair. Until one day, she had no choice but to go back because of an article her Dad's partner was featured in. She knew her Dad's private investigator partner really well. She even had a childhood crush on him. She's stubborn and determined and perfect for stepping in and being the PI her father taught her to be. But how much is her life in danger.
Lincoln aka Link
He definitely comes off as a womenizer that gets around at the beginning. He is older than Cassie. He's great at sweet talking and getting himself out of trouble.
He is PI who is trying to save the company his late best friend started, but he keeps getting delt terrible hands left and right. He seems really close to the criminals he encounters and makes you really wonder what his life was like. His character really annoys me at the beginning, which is all due to Evie's amazing writing, and he makes you start cheering for him even more. Link owes a lot of people money and it could just end up getting them all hurt or worse.
The business is failing, Cassie is angry, Link is hopeless, and Quinn is trying her best to find jobs for them. Cassie is actually really smart and good at cracking cases, and her experience with her dad and her acting career really come in handy. Spending time with her dad really helped strengthen her skills growing up. Link is extremely attracted to her and knows he shouldn't be. He fights with himself the entire time and slips up a few times. He wants her to stay. He wants a partner in every way possible. Then, when she was considering running back to New York, a job that will change everything is given to them.
This story is a slow burn that does not catch fire fully. This seems to be a series, and I really am looking forward to book two. I loved the action and excitement throughout the book. I just couldn't put the book down.
You start doubting everyone and questioning what is really going on. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Cassie is an actress who got blacklisted from Hollywood for an unknown reason. She is now struggling financially and feels guilty for not being their for her dad. She refuses to finalize the estate process and continues to seep in her despair. Until one day, she had no choice but to go back because of an article her Dad's partner was featured in. She knew her Dad's private investigator partner really well. She even had a childhood crush on him. She's stubborn and determined and perfect for stepping in and being the PI her father taught her to be. But how much is her life in danger.
Lincoln aka Link
He definitely comes off as a womenizer that gets around at the beginning. He is older than Cassie. He's great at sweet talking and getting himself out of trouble.
He is PI who is trying to save the company his late best friend started, but he keeps getting delt terrible hands left and right. He seems really close to the criminals he encounters and makes you really wonder what his life was like. His character really annoys me at the beginning, which is all due to Evie's amazing writing, and he makes you start cheering for him even more. Link owes a lot of people money and it could just end up getting them all hurt or worse.
The business is failing, Cassie is angry, Link is hopeless, and Quinn is trying her best to find jobs for them. Cassie is actually really smart and good at cracking cases, and her experience with her dad and her acting career really come in handy. Spending time with her dad really helped strengthen her skills growing up. Link is extremely attracted to her and knows he shouldn't be. He fights with himself the entire time and slips up a few times. He wants her to stay. He wants a partner in every way possible. Then, when she was considering running back to New York, a job that will change everything is given to them.
This story is a slow burn that does not catch fire fully. This seems to be a series, and I really am looking forward to book two. I loved the action and excitement throughout the book. I just couldn't put the book down.
You start doubting everyone and questioning what is really going on. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
October 27, 2024
Just Partners by Evie Sterling ★★★½☆
In Just Partners, Evie Sterling kicks off the Investigating Love series with an intriguing premise: Cassie returns to her hometown to save her late father’s PI agency, which is now a mess thanks to her dad’s former partner, Lincoln “Link” Suco. What follows is a mix of mystery, small-town dynamics, and simmering tension between Cassie and Link, who goes from her dad’s best friend to potentially something more.
Pros
•Fun Cast of Characters: Cassie, Link, and Quinn are easy to root for, each with distinct personalities that add to the story’s charm.
•Multiple POVs: The alternating perspectives between Cassie and Link add depth, giving readers a fuller picture of their complicated dynamic and individual motivations.
•Engaging Series Setup: The idea of fixing up a struggling PI agency in a small town opens up so many possibilities. It’s a promising setup for future books!
Cons
•Chaotic Start: The book kicks off with an intense scene, but it feels like we’re dropped in the middle of a story without much context. I found myself lost a few times, as if there were missing chapters or a prequel I hadn’t read.
•Lack of Background Detail: Some scenes could have benefitted from more backstory. Certain plot points felt rushed, leaving gaps in understanding that disrupted the flow.
Spoilers Below
(Skip this part if you want to avoid spoilers!)
•The story ends on a cliffhanger, with lingering questions about Link’s involvement with Phineas. I’m hoping book two dives deeper into this mystery!
Final Thoughts
Overall, Just Partners is a solid start for those who enjoy small-town romance with a side of mystery. Fans of the “dad’s best friend” and “enemies to friends” tropes will appreciate the tension between Cassie and Link. While the pacing could use some fine-tuning, the series has promise, and I’m curious to see where Evie Sterling takes it next!
In Just Partners, Evie Sterling kicks off the Investigating Love series with an intriguing premise: Cassie returns to her hometown to save her late father’s PI agency, which is now a mess thanks to her dad’s former partner, Lincoln “Link” Suco. What follows is a mix of mystery, small-town dynamics, and simmering tension between Cassie and Link, who goes from her dad’s best friend to potentially something more.
Pros
•Fun Cast of Characters: Cassie, Link, and Quinn are easy to root for, each with distinct personalities that add to the story’s charm.
•Multiple POVs: The alternating perspectives between Cassie and Link add depth, giving readers a fuller picture of their complicated dynamic and individual motivations.
•Engaging Series Setup: The idea of fixing up a struggling PI agency in a small town opens up so many possibilities. It’s a promising setup for future books!
Cons
•Chaotic Start: The book kicks off with an intense scene, but it feels like we’re dropped in the middle of a story without much context. I found myself lost a few times, as if there were missing chapters or a prequel I hadn’t read.
•Lack of Background Detail: Some scenes could have benefitted from more backstory. Certain plot points felt rushed, leaving gaps in understanding that disrupted the flow.
Spoilers Below
(Skip this part if you want to avoid spoilers!)
•The story ends on a cliffhanger, with lingering questions about Link’s involvement with Phineas. I’m hoping book two dives deeper into this mystery!
Final Thoughts
Overall, Just Partners is a solid start for those who enjoy small-town romance with a side of mystery. Fans of the “dad’s best friend” and “enemies to friends” tropes will appreciate the tension between Cassie and Link. While the pacing could use some fine-tuning, the series has promise, and I’m curious to see where Evie Sterling takes it next!
August 5, 2024
Oh my goodness, what a fun read this was! First of all, the chemistry between Link and Cassie was absolutely fantastic. I adored their witty banter--- banter that would certainly make Veronica Mars proud! I must admit though, when I noticed that 'father's best friend' was one of the tropes, I had a moment of hesitation. I'm all for an age gap to a degree, but when that's thrown in there too, I start to question it... but honestly, there was absolutely no ick felt with this story for me. Yes, Link is Cassie's dad's best friend and former business partner... but he was also quite a bit younger, only 12 years older than Cassie, so it didn't bother me personally in this one. I found I enjoyed every second with them together and could definitely relate to Quinn's enjoyment in their interactions too. They definitely drew me in and kept me intrigued right through to the end. Their story is definitely a slow burn though... and in fact, it really was only barely getting started in this book setting the foundation for future books. While the primary mystery of the book was wrapped up in the end, there are definitely still some questions left unanswered. As such, if you want stories that will completely be wrapped up in the end, you may want to wait until the series is complete! Personally, it has me all that much more excited to read the next book to get more answers... and to see more romance from these two! I truly cannot wait!
Just Partners is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Just Partners is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
August 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️
I always love what Evie writes! She has given us standalones, interconnected series, inter-themed series, but she has never given us a true series. That is until Just Partners. It was different to read a book by Evie that has a HEA, but not the one you would expect.
Cassie and Lincoln have known each other for a long time, he being her dad’s best friend and business partner. He was also her first and only crush for the longest time. They drifted apart when Cassie’s acting career took off, but are forced back together when Cassie returns back to Montana after her father’s passing. Cassie decides to stay and help with a case, she has nothing to go back to New York for anyways, her acting career is not happening at the moment. Lincoln is determined to keep things professional, but feelings creep in nonetheless.
This story is filled with everything you love from Evie, but also included is some suspense and mystery surrounding both of them. Cassie is determined to find out why her acting career just tanked and Lincoln has his own mysteries surrounding him. Both unfold as the story progresses, but in doing so it pushes these two closer and closer to each other.
This book took me a little longer to get into than most of Evie’s, but suspenseful romance is not a normal genre for me. Once I got into the thick of the story, I was hooked and had to keep reading. Evie expanded her skills as an author and I can’t wait to read more about these two. The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, per se, but it definitely leaves the story open for more as this series continues.
As always review trigger warnings before reading.
Tropes:
💼Enemies To Lovers
💼Age Gap
💼Father's Best Friend
💼Forbidden Love
💼Sweet Romance
💼Slow Burn
💼Opposites Attract
I always love what Evie writes! She has given us standalones, interconnected series, inter-themed series, but she has never given us a true series. That is until Just Partners. It was different to read a book by Evie that has a HEA, but not the one you would expect.
Cassie and Lincoln have known each other for a long time, he being her dad’s best friend and business partner. He was also her first and only crush for the longest time. They drifted apart when Cassie’s acting career took off, but are forced back together when Cassie returns back to Montana after her father’s passing. Cassie decides to stay and help with a case, she has nothing to go back to New York for anyways, her acting career is not happening at the moment. Lincoln is determined to keep things professional, but feelings creep in nonetheless.
This story is filled with everything you love from Evie, but also included is some suspense and mystery surrounding both of them. Cassie is determined to find out why her acting career just tanked and Lincoln has his own mysteries surrounding him. Both unfold as the story progresses, but in doing so it pushes these two closer and closer to each other.
This book took me a little longer to get into than most of Evie’s, but suspenseful romance is not a normal genre for me. Once I got into the thick of the story, I was hooked and had to keep reading. Evie expanded her skills as an author and I can’t wait to read more about these two. The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, per se, but it definitely leaves the story open for more as this series continues.
As always review trigger warnings before reading.
Tropes:
💼Enemies To Lovers
💼Age Gap
💼Father's Best Friend
💼Forbidden Love
💼Sweet Romance
💼Slow Burn
💼Opposites Attract
September 13, 2024
I was really excited for this book, I love cop/ detective romance books and age gap books so I was all in. The detective love story I got. Cassie, down on her luck actress, goes back to her hometown and her dad’s PI firm that is now run by Lincoln, her dad’s partner. Together Cassie and Lincoln try to solve a case while Cassie is also trying to solve the case of while she was blacklisted in Hollywood. During all this Cassie and Lincoln try to stay professional and not let their feelings for each other out.
The age gap however is where the book struggled for me.
I feel like the author couldn’t decided how much of an age gap she wanted to do. We know Lincoln used to be Cassie’s dad’s partner and he was her “childhood crush”, however the book goes back and forth. The only time we find out how big the age gap is when Cassie states he’s 12 years older than her and she’s 24. And this is said 82 percent into the book. So that’s makes Lincoln 36. However in the first couple pages he says the bounty he hunting he has 20 years on him so I thought Lincoln was like 40 Plus. Which 40 plus would make sense if he’s was a 24 years olds father partner. However Lincoln is actually much younger than Cassie’s father. At another point he says when him and Cassie were kids like as if they’re the same age at around the same time.Then he says he watched Cassie “blossom into a beautiful young woman” and calls Cassie, “Robby’s little girl”. Lincoln is also really immature, borrowing money from bad people, not being able to pay the bills, ect. That doesn’t charactization doesn’t really fit an older man who’s was her dad’s partner.
The age gap however is where the book struggled for me.
I feel like the author couldn’t decided how much of an age gap she wanted to do. We know Lincoln used to be Cassie’s dad’s partner and he was her “childhood crush”, however the book goes back and forth. The only time we find out how big the age gap is when Cassie states he’s 12 years older than her and she’s 24. And this is said 82 percent into the book. So that’s makes Lincoln 36. However in the first couple pages he says the bounty he hunting he has 20 years on him so I thought Lincoln was like 40 Plus. Which 40 plus would make sense if he’s was a 24 years olds father partner. However Lincoln is actually much younger than Cassie’s father. At another point he says when him and Cassie were kids like as if they’re the same age at around the same time.Then he says he watched Cassie “blossom into a beautiful young woman” and calls Cassie, “Robby’s little girl”. Lincoln is also really immature, borrowing money from bad people, not being able to pay the bills, ect. That doesn’t charactization doesn’t really fit an older man who’s was her dad’s partner.
August 24, 2024
This story was a completly different vibe from other books I've been reading from this author, but it wasn't a bad change. In this story we can see more of a mystery rom-com with a hint of romance (the romance kind of fades to the back, and it is most perceived by the mais character's thoughts than their real actions).
Cassie is an actress that suddenly has been discarted by the industry, and she doesn't know why. All she knows and finds out is that something very wrong and fishy is going on, and she is dettermined to find out what! She goes back to Montana, where her dad's best friend still runs their PI business and ends up being added to the team and helping solve a case. What she didn't expect was to enjoy so much returning both to the family and friend business and to Linc.
Linc is a PI, with a business that is failing, and that has some secrets with a shady past that he wants to hide. When Cassie returns we wants her gone. First to protect her, and then because he is attracted to his best friend's daughter.
Both main characters are independent and strong minded, so they bicker every step of the way. The banter between main characters was spot on, and the way they could drive each other crazy was quite funny.
We got a lot of mystery, and have several questions unaswered, so now we have to wait for book two, to see if some of them get solved for us.
I hope to have a little bit more romance in the next one.. they could use some romance to burn some of their attraction.
Cassie is an actress that suddenly has been discarted by the industry, and she doesn't know why. All she knows and finds out is that something very wrong and fishy is going on, and she is dettermined to find out what! She goes back to Montana, where her dad's best friend still runs their PI business and ends up being added to the team and helping solve a case. What she didn't expect was to enjoy so much returning both to the family and friend business and to Linc.
Linc is a PI, with a business that is failing, and that has some secrets with a shady past that he wants to hide. When Cassie returns we wants her gone. First to protect her, and then because he is attracted to his best friend's daughter.
Both main characters are independent and strong minded, so they bicker every step of the way. The banter between main characters was spot on, and the way they could drive each other crazy was quite funny.
We got a lot of mystery, and have several questions unaswered, so now we have to wait for book two, to see if some of them get solved for us.
I hope to have a little bit more romance in the next one.. they could use some romance to burn some of their attraction.
August 4, 2024
When Cassandra Love goes home to settle the matter of her father’s estate, she’s not prepared to room with Lincoln Suvo.
She’s had a crush on Link ever since the boy came into her and her father’s life.
When he became partners with her father at his Investigation firm she was elated. However, because she could never visualize Link looking at her the way she looked at him, she decided to run to New York and pursue acting.
And for awhile-she was successful. Until she wasn’t.
Feeling like she’s been blacklisted, Cassandra goes home with the intention of returning to the big city once she’s settled the estate.
That’s not quite the way it works out.
After getting roped into a case that just came in she has been shot at, run off the road,her rental car is riddled with bullets as well s destroyed by defensive driving, her clothes that she’s been wearing have been torn and ruined, as well as her strappy cute sandals riddled with mud.
Will Lincoln and Cassie (nickname she hates) make it through the week she’s determined to stay?
Or will they each meet their maker by the bad guys?
And who stole the old woman’s necklace?
For the answers to these questions and many more -read this quirky, exciting and action packed story.
She’s had a crush on Link ever since the boy came into her and her father’s life.
When he became partners with her father at his Investigation firm she was elated. However, because she could never visualize Link looking at her the way she looked at him, she decided to run to New York and pursue acting.
And for awhile-she was successful. Until she wasn’t.
Feeling like she’s been blacklisted, Cassandra goes home with the intention of returning to the big city once she’s settled the estate.
That’s not quite the way it works out.
After getting roped into a case that just came in she has been shot at, run off the road,her rental car is riddled with bullets as well s destroyed by defensive driving, her clothes that she’s been wearing have been torn and ruined, as well as her strappy cute sandals riddled with mud.
Will Lincoln and Cassie (nickname she hates) make it through the week she’s determined to stay?
Or will they each meet their maker by the bad guys?
And who stole the old woman’s necklace?
For the answers to these questions and many more -read this quirky, exciting and action packed story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2024
My rating - ⅘ ⭐️’s
Tropes:
💼Enemies to lovers age gap
🔎Fathers best friend
💼Forbidden love
🔎Sweet romance
💼Slow burn
🔎Opposites attract
Just partners is a whirlwind of emotions, thrill, and romance. Everything about the chemistry between Link and Cassie was truly special and something i haven't seen in other books i've read. They had an extremely strong bond built with shared scars from the past and years of trust being builded. I absolutely loved Quinn and her shameless sassy ways and the way Link was always protective of his girls. Needless to say, the storyline was absolutely incredible! I was at the edge of my seat the entire time wondering if they would find the necklace and catch the guilty, and seeing just how far that Phineas would go and the reasons behind his effect on the town was so fear inducing. I absolutely loved this read! The only second thought I would give for this book is that the slow burn was a bit too slow for my liking. I feel that although the chemistry was portrayed well, it just didn't fit my romance criteria personally but more of a general fiction including romance. Overall, this book has to be one of my favorites i've read in a while and i cannot wait to see what Evie Sterling has in store next!
Tropes:
💼Enemies to lovers age gap
🔎Fathers best friend
💼Forbidden love
🔎Sweet romance
💼Slow burn
🔎Opposites attract
Just partners is a whirlwind of emotions, thrill, and romance. Everything about the chemistry between Link and Cassie was truly special and something i haven't seen in other books i've read. They had an extremely strong bond built with shared scars from the past and years of trust being builded. I absolutely loved Quinn and her shameless sassy ways and the way Link was always protective of his girls. Needless to say, the storyline was absolutely incredible! I was at the edge of my seat the entire time wondering if they would find the necklace and catch the guilty, and seeing just how far that Phineas would go and the reasons behind his effect on the town was so fear inducing. I absolutely loved this read! The only second thought I would give for this book is that the slow burn was a bit too slow for my liking. I feel that although the chemistry was portrayed well, it just didn't fit my romance criteria personally but more of a general fiction including romance. Overall, this book has to be one of my favorites i've read in a while and i cannot wait to see what Evie Sterling has in store next!
August 17, 2024
3 ⭐
0 🌶️
Tropes- Childhood crush, age gap, Dad’s best friend, enemies to lovers, slow burn, mutual pining
Just Partners is the story of Cassie- a hollywood star who is being kicked to the curb, and Link- a PI in small town Minnesota who used to be PI partners and BFF’s with Cassie’s dad.
When Cassie finally stops ignoring the paperwork about her deceased father’s estate and is confronted with the book that Link, her childhood crush, has been writing about Link and her dad’s PI company, she makes her way back to her hometown, only to get sucked back into the investigative game.
I had a hard time reading this book. The beginning of it was very chaotic to me and I think that was because there was a lot to get through so the pacing was very fast, but I kept having to go back and reread sections to even know who was narrating.
I did appreciate all the adventure and drama, but it was more like shallow world building? It felt kinda forced. I was also bummed this ended on a cliff hanger and none of my questions were answered, but that’s on me because I didn’t realize this was a standalone.
There is not much to Cassie and Link’s budding romance either. Most of it is just their internal dialogue discussing their pining but not much chemistry
0 🌶️
Tropes- Childhood crush, age gap, Dad’s best friend, enemies to lovers, slow burn, mutual pining
Just Partners is the story of Cassie- a hollywood star who is being kicked to the curb, and Link- a PI in small town Minnesota who used to be PI partners and BFF’s with Cassie’s dad.
When Cassie finally stops ignoring the paperwork about her deceased father’s estate and is confronted with the book that Link, her childhood crush, has been writing about Link and her dad’s PI company, she makes her way back to her hometown, only to get sucked back into the investigative game.
I had a hard time reading this book. The beginning of it was very chaotic to me and I think that was because there was a lot to get through so the pacing was very fast, but I kept having to go back and reread sections to even know who was narrating.
I did appreciate all the adventure and drama, but it was more like shallow world building? It felt kinda forced. I was also bummed this ended on a cliff hanger and none of my questions were answered, but that’s on me because I didn’t realize this was a standalone.
There is not much to Cassie and Link’s budding romance either. Most of it is just their internal dialogue discussing their pining but not much chemistry
August 10, 2024
I have read a lot of this author's work, and this book is a bit of a departure. AND I LOVE IT! It reminds me of those sitcoms where two main characters have intense attraction but for various reasons, don't feel they can pursue them. The banter is spot on, there are humorous cases and some with a bit more danger attached. Our MMC have their own shrouded mysteries as well which tease us for the second book in the series.
The blub tells you all you need to know going on in so let me just assure you, this is well worth your time. It's a relatively light PI team with a wonderful side kick assistant who I can't wait to learn more about in the books (yes, I hope we are in for more than one more) ahead.
The passion and attraction come across clearly without any graphic details. The sparing between Cassandra and Lincoln is hilarious. So is the fact they truly care about each other. Whether they can admit to each other yet is a different story.
This book is worth reading for the mad cap caper involving a runaway bull alone. Fortunately, we are lucky enough to be given so much more.
Strong recommendation from me for a writing branching into a somewhat new arena in her portfolio!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The blub tells you all you need to know going on in so let me just assure you, this is well worth your time. It's a relatively light PI team with a wonderful side kick assistant who I can't wait to learn more about in the books (yes, I hope we are in for more than one more) ahead.
The passion and attraction come across clearly without any graphic details. The sparing between Cassandra and Lincoln is hilarious. So is the fact they truly care about each other. Whether they can admit to each other yet is a different story.
This book is worth reading for the mad cap caper involving a runaway bull alone. Fortunately, we are lucky enough to be given so much more.
Strong recommendation from me for a writing branching into a somewhat new arena in her portfolio!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2024
Just Partners: A Small Town Investigative Sweet Romance: The Investigating LOVE Series by Evie Sterling
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Just Partners by Evie Sterling, is the first book I’ve read from this author. Just partners was something I wasn't expecting, it took me by surprise.
I usually don’t read stories with suspense or mystery in them, but I surprisingly enjoy how well written this was in Just partners.
There is suspense and mystery surrounding the two main characters, through this book we see how their journey on discovering these mysteries pushes them to get closer with each other. We see how the events happening in their life have a domino effect on everything else that surrounds them. Evie did an amazing job on this plot. I've heard of her work before and I'm happy I was finally able to read some of it. This book doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but it does leave you wishing for more of Cassie and Lincoln. Must read book, I definitely recommend it.
If you like this, then this book is for you:
💼Enemies To Lovers
💼Age Gap
💼Father's Best Friend
💼Forbidden Love
💼Sweet Romance
💼Slow Burn
💼Opposites Attract
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Just Partners by Evie Sterling, is the first book I’ve read from this author. Just partners was something I wasn't expecting, it took me by surprise.
I usually don’t read stories with suspense or mystery in them, but I surprisingly enjoy how well written this was in Just partners.
There is suspense and mystery surrounding the two main characters, through this book we see how their journey on discovering these mysteries pushes them to get closer with each other. We see how the events happening in their life have a domino effect on everything else that surrounds them. Evie did an amazing job on this plot. I've heard of her work before and I'm happy I was finally able to read some of it. This book doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but it does leave you wishing for more of Cassie and Lincoln. Must read book, I definitely recommend it.
If you like this, then this book is for you:
💼Enemies To Lovers
💼Age Gap
💼Father's Best Friend
💼Forbidden Love
💼Sweet Romance
💼Slow Burn
💼Opposites Attract
August 21, 2024
ARC Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5’s
This fun, entertaining and exciting read is book one in a new series called the “Investigating Love Series.” It follows our main characters Cassandra Love and Lincoln Suco from reluctant colleagues to something much more! I have read multiple books by Evie Steeling lately and they have all been so good and engrossing. She has become an auto buy author for me! This one was full of mystery and witty banter. I am a sucker for banter in books! I haven’t read many age gaps, but this one was done really well and I didn’t mind it at all…in fact I really enjoyed the complex attraction between them. Great book, looking forward to more in this series!
Enjoyable content:
🩵 Enemies To Lovers
💼 Age Gap
🩵 Forbidden Love
💼 Father's Best Friend
🩵 Sweet Romance
💼 Opposites Attract
🩵 Slow Burn
Quote: "MY THOUGHTS GO BACK TO OUR MOMENT AGAINST THE WALL. I SAW THE MAN HE WAS TRYING TO AVOID, BUT I WAS MUCH MORE FOCUSED ON HOW CLOSE HE WAS. I HADN'T HATED IT; IN FACT, IT WAS WORRISOME HOW MUCH THE OPPOSITE WAS TRUE."
Spice: None
Thank you to the author Evie Sterling for the advanced electronic copy of the book!
This fun, entertaining and exciting read is book one in a new series called the “Investigating Love Series.” It follows our main characters Cassandra Love and Lincoln Suco from reluctant colleagues to something much more! I have read multiple books by Evie Steeling lately and they have all been so good and engrossing. She has become an auto buy author for me! This one was full of mystery and witty banter. I am a sucker for banter in books! I haven’t read many age gaps, but this one was done really well and I didn’t mind it at all…in fact I really enjoyed the complex attraction between them. Great book, looking forward to more in this series!
Enjoyable content:
🩵 Enemies To Lovers
💼 Age Gap
🩵 Forbidden Love
💼 Father's Best Friend
🩵 Sweet Romance
💼 Opposites Attract
🩵 Slow Burn
Quote: "MY THOUGHTS GO BACK TO OUR MOMENT AGAINST THE WALL. I SAW THE MAN HE WAS TRYING TO AVOID, BUT I WAS MUCH MORE FOCUSED ON HOW CLOSE HE WAS. I HADN'T HATED IT; IN FACT, IT WAS WORRISOME HOW MUCH THE OPPOSITE WAS TRUE."
Spice: None
Thank you to the author Evie Sterling for the advanced electronic copy of the book!
September 3, 2024
Great mystery
I love this book so much. This is such a different story from this author but in a great way. Love the mystery aspect and Linc and Cassie trying to figure out who has been stealing jewelry and why they seem to be after them.
Cassie was an actress but it seems like she can't seem to get back on the job she was on before. After dealing with a family death, she comes back to work but doesn't seem to be anyone hiring her. When she keeps getting letters about her dad's P.I. business, she decides to go there to see what's going on, even though her dad's partner, Lincoln, is the last person she wants to see.
Lincoln has been dealing with a rough patch with the PI business since losing his partner and is just trying to make ends meey. When Cassie comes back, grown up and not the teenager anymore, he seems to be having conflicting emotions. He is a serial playboy but knows can't or shouldn't do anything with Cassie.
When a case comes up and they have to work together, their feelings seem to be going hack and forth. Such a great book and still more mysteries to solve. Can't wait for more in this series!
I love this book so much. This is such a different story from this author but in a great way. Love the mystery aspect and Linc and Cassie trying to figure out who has been stealing jewelry and why they seem to be after them.
Cassie was an actress but it seems like she can't seem to get back on the job she was on before. After dealing with a family death, she comes back to work but doesn't seem to be anyone hiring her. When she keeps getting letters about her dad's P.I. business, she decides to go there to see what's going on, even though her dad's partner, Lincoln, is the last person she wants to see.
Lincoln has been dealing with a rough patch with the PI business since losing his partner and is just trying to make ends meey. When Cassie comes back, grown up and not the teenager anymore, he seems to be having conflicting emotions. He is a serial playboy but knows can't or shouldn't do anything with Cassie.
When a case comes up and they have to work together, their feelings seem to be going hack and forth. Such a great book and still more mysteries to solve. Can't wait for more in this series!
January 29, 2025
This was the first book of the Investigating Love series. Cassie Love, a rising star in Hollywood finds herself back home to address some unfinished business after her dad dies. She gets back home and realizes she is forced to stay longer than originally planned while also confronting her feelings after her dad’s best friend/partner. Lincoln, a private investigator, took over his partners business and also realizes that his best friends little girl is a fully grown adult that he may have developed feelings for. Can the two work together while hiding their feelings?
I thought this book was okay. I don’t love the idea of a grown man having feelings or crushing on his dead best friend’s daughter that he watched grow up. It’s just not a trope I can enjoy, at all. I get the age gap trope but the whole dads best friend/best friends daughter thing isn’t my vibe. The storyline otherwise was good. I was more so invested in finding out about Lincoln’s secrets and past than I was in his feelings for Cassie. There is definitely a cliff hanger and so I didn’t get the answers I was looking for but I guess that’s what’s comes with reading a series.
I thought this book was okay. I don’t love the idea of a grown man having feelings or crushing on his dead best friend’s daughter that he watched grow up. It’s just not a trope I can enjoy, at all. I get the age gap trope but the whole dads best friend/best friends daughter thing isn’t my vibe. The storyline otherwise was good. I was more so invested in finding out about Lincoln’s secrets and past than I was in his feelings for Cassie. There is definitely a cliff hanger and so I didn’t get the answers I was looking for but I guess that’s what’s comes with reading a series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2024
3.5* - Rounded up to 4...
Cassandra (Cassie) and Lincoln (Link) are thrown together again when Cassie returns home to Montana after she can't get a new role as an actress. And right when she gets back to town, Link picks up a new case in the PI business he shared with Cassie's father before he passed away. Now Link gets Cassie to help him in an attempt to get her to move back home and join the PI firm, but as they investigate, the have to navigate a growing attraction, as well as dangers from Link's past meshing with dangers from their active case.
This is book 1 in a series, and ends with a lot of questions about what is happening in both Link and Cassie's lives, and leaves the reader wondering whether they can be "Just Partners" or if emotional complications can grow to make them more, while the threats from their past are also looking over their heads.
A great mystery story that certainly packs a good amount of banter and action... I'm definitely looking forward to book 2!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassandra (Cassie) and Lincoln (Link) are thrown together again when Cassie returns home to Montana after she can't get a new role as an actress. And right when she gets back to town, Link picks up a new case in the PI business he shared with Cassie's father before he passed away. Now Link gets Cassie to help him in an attempt to get her to move back home and join the PI firm, but as they investigate, the have to navigate a growing attraction, as well as dangers from Link's past meshing with dangers from their active case.
This is book 1 in a series, and ends with a lot of questions about what is happening in both Link and Cassie's lives, and leaves the reader wondering whether they can be "Just Partners" or if emotional complications can grow to make them more, while the threats from their past are also looking over their heads.
A great mystery story that certainly packs a good amount of banter and action... I'm definitely looking forward to book 2!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2024
I read this book in a day. I really tried not to put this book down. Evie has done it again with a great book.
Age Gap
PI/Actress
Father's Best Friend/Business Partner
Friends to Enemies to Lovers
Evie has known Link for a long time and had a crush on him while growing up. She is brought back to her hometown over issues with her father's estate and his company and business partner. She didn't realize how much she missed while being gone in NY for her acting career.
Link is trying his best to keep things professional and keep her safe from himself and other dangers. He knows about the crush she had on him before she left for NY. His feelings are becoming stronger for her the longer he is with her. He is trying to get her to move back home and take her father's place like she needs too.
Will Cassie stay and run the business with Link? Will her acting career bounce back from being sabotaged? Will the two of them give in to their feelings? Let's finish reading to find out?
Age Gap
PI/Actress
Father's Best Friend/Business Partner
Friends to Enemies to Lovers
Evie has known Link for a long time and had a crush on him while growing up. She is brought back to her hometown over issues with her father's estate and his company and business partner. She didn't realize how much she missed while being gone in NY for her acting career.
Link is trying his best to keep things professional and keep her safe from himself and other dangers. He knows about the crush she had on him before she left for NY. His feelings are becoming stronger for her the longer he is with her. He is trying to get her to move back home and take her father's place like she needs too.
Will Cassie stay and run the business with Link? Will her acting career bounce back from being sabotaged? Will the two of them give in to their feelings? Let's finish reading to find out?
August 10, 2024
Cassie is having a hard time getting jobs as an actress in New York. With money running low and the multiple reminders calling her back to Montana to sort out her father’s estate, she finally decides to return home.
Link (Lincoln) was her father’s business partner and they used to co-partner as private investigators. While back home, Cassie ends up partnering with Link to resolve a case. Their close proximity together retriggers long-hidden feelings between the new “partners”.
While trying to find the culprit, Cassie is also busy trying to figure out the reason behind her acting jobs suddenly drying up. Link is also hiding a secret from Cassie, which I as a reader can’t wait to find out too.
At the end of the book, the partners are thrown into a new mystery to solve and with more time together in close proximity, the next book in the series is guaranteed to be even more fun! Quinn is also an interesting side character which I believe will add further colour to the series’ next books.
There are still so many questions unanswered and interesting possibilities between Cassie and Link; and I look forward to following them on their journey.
Link (Lincoln) was her father’s business partner and they used to co-partner as private investigators. While back home, Cassie ends up partnering with Link to resolve a case. Their close proximity together retriggers long-hidden feelings between the new “partners”.
While trying to find the culprit, Cassie is also busy trying to figure out the reason behind her acting jobs suddenly drying up. Link is also hiding a secret from Cassie, which I as a reader can’t wait to find out too.
At the end of the book, the partners are thrown into a new mystery to solve and with more time together in close proximity, the next book in the series is guaranteed to be even more fun! Quinn is also an interesting side character which I believe will add further colour to the series’ next books.
There are still so many questions unanswered and interesting possibilities between Cassie and Link; and I look forward to following them on their journey.
November 7, 2024
Yucky innuendos and objectifying women
Positives: The banter and rivalry between Cassie and Link is hilarious! The story moves along and keeps you engaged.
Negatives: Link is a player, and women are described and subjectified as 'conquests.' Plenty of innuendos; hinting at picking up women for one night stands; having "needs" like it's natural to see women as only existing to satisfy those needs. "I remember this one time we were out at Lucky’s trying to get… well, you know. And he spotted this woman from across the room. Even I hadn’t clocked her yet, but Robby had that eye."
Ewe! Just Ewe! These continued mentions do not make this book wholesome. Even though everything else about this story is great, the low moral values of the MMC and his objectifying women spoils this book for me.
I also couldn't get past that he is her dad's age. I don't mind age gaps, but my mind couldn't accept this big of one as being healthy for a relationship.
I did not finish this book.
Positives: The banter and rivalry between Cassie and Link is hilarious! The story moves along and keeps you engaged.
Negatives: Link is a player, and women are described and subjectified as 'conquests.' Plenty of innuendos; hinting at picking up women for one night stands; having "needs" like it's natural to see women as only existing to satisfy those needs. "I remember this one time we were out at Lucky’s trying to get… well, you know. And he spotted this woman from across the room. Even I hadn’t clocked her yet, but Robby had that eye."
Ewe! Just Ewe! These continued mentions do not make this book wholesome. Even though everything else about this story is great, the low moral values of the MMC and his objectifying women spoils this book for me.
I also couldn't get past that he is her dad's age. I don't mind age gaps, but my mind couldn't accept this big of one as being healthy for a relationship.
I did not finish this book.
August 12, 2024
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. I really enjoyed this book. I was on pins and needles trying to solve this mystery right along with the characters. Ms. Cassandra Love was back home to handle some things with her father’s estate. L&S Investigations was a partnership between Cassie’s father and Lincoln Suco. Cassie has been sticking her head in the sand about the business and property left to her.
Linc needed a win. They needed money coming in. This next job is a must win. His partner’s daughter had grown up. He could not help but admire the woman that she had become while being a successful actress. Cassie missed the excitement that came from solving a case. She had her father’s instincts and Linc could use all the help he can get.
This case is not all that is going on. Something is going on with Cassie’s acting career. A known criminal maybe involved in their new case. A criminal that Linc would rather stay far away from. Ms. Sterling gives readers a lot to think about with this one. Let’s not forget the heated looks between Cassie and Linc. Will something come out of this? We have a mystery to solve.
Linc needed a win. They needed money coming in. This next job is a must win. His partner’s daughter had grown up. He could not help but admire the woman that she had become while being a successful actress. Cassie missed the excitement that came from solving a case. She had her father’s instincts and Linc could use all the help he can get.
This case is not all that is going on. Something is going on with Cassie’s acting career. A known criminal maybe involved in their new case. A criminal that Linc would rather stay far away from. Ms. Sterling gives readers a lot to think about with this one. Let’s not forget the heated looks between Cassie and Linc. Will something come out of this? We have a mystery to solve.
August 12, 2024
Something I'm not used to read, and I loved it.
Im not much into crime/suspend/mistery or the like romance, but by Evie's hand I had quite the introduction.
I'm also not a fan of age gap romance, ESPECIALLY when they met the other one as a kid. But here the gap isn't quite big, and he met her as a teenager/new adult, so I'm in. So in that I'm frustrated with the end... I know I shouldn't, is in the title after all 🤣
...But there is always the next time (and if the title is telling something, I know I will keep frustrated in that front 😆 but pleasantly so).
A slowburn romance with sizzling chemistry that is released via bantering. Action, mistery, drama, crime solving, bad guys. Age gap, prohibited love, father's best friend, old crush, though guy with a cinnamon roll heart, strong friendships and more. This is os quite a begging of a series and I want more of it.
Its being a while since I had read a sequential series, so I'm definitely out of my comfort zone here and I'm loving it (I know I can trust Evie Sterling books).
Im not much into crime/suspend/mistery or the like romance, but by Evie's hand I had quite the introduction.
I'm also not a fan of age gap romance, ESPECIALLY when they met the other one as a kid. But here the gap isn't quite big, and he met her as a teenager/new adult, so I'm in. So in that I'm frustrated with the end... I know I shouldn't, is in the title after all 🤣
...But there is always the next time (and if the title is telling something, I know I will keep frustrated in that front 😆 but pleasantly so).
A slowburn romance with sizzling chemistry that is released via bantering. Action, mistery, drama, crime solving, bad guys. Age gap, prohibited love, father's best friend, old crush, though guy with a cinnamon roll heart, strong friendships and more. This is os quite a begging of a series and I want more of it.
Its being a while since I had read a sequential series, so I'm definitely out of my comfort zone here and I'm loving it (I know I can trust Evie Sterling books).
August 17, 2024
**After one of the worst reading slumps of my life, I devoured this book in just two days!** Cassie is a washed-up actress—so out of luck that no one will even hire her to play a dead body! To make matters worse, her late father's detective agency keeps flooding her mailbox with bills and problems she can't ignore. Desperate, she heads back home to tackle at least one of her many messes. But she didn't plan on running into her dad's old partner—and her long-lost crush—Lincoln Suco. As they dive into one unsolved case after another, it turns out that maybe her old crush isn't so old after all...
What can I say? I loved this book! It's the perfect blend of romance and mystery. The banter between the main characters is *chef's kiss*, and that ending... AHHH, I can't wait for the next book!!
Ten stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
♥️Age Gap
♥️ Father's best friend
♥️ Enemies to lovers
♥️ Forced proximity
♥️ Small town romance
♥️ Unsolved cases
What can I say? I loved this book! It's the perfect blend of romance and mystery. The banter between the main characters is *chef's kiss*, and that ending... AHHH, I can't wait for the next book!!
Ten stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
♥️Age Gap
♥️ Father's best friend
♥️ Enemies to lovers
♥️ Forced proximity
♥️ Small town romance
♥️ Unsolved cases
August 31, 2024
Rounded up from 4.5 stars
Just Partners by Evie Sterling is book one in The Investigating Love Series. It is a dual POV, told through the eyes of Cassie and her decreased father's best friend, Link. I'm not usually a fan of age gap romances but Evie did a great job with this story and I didn't mind the age gap at all.
I am a big fan of romance combined with mysteries and Just Partners did not disappoint. I loved the trio of Cassie, Link and Quinn, the characters fit well together and the banter between them provided an entertaining dose of comedic relief.
There were 3 mysteries to be solved in the novel, which meant there was never a dull moment. Two of the mysteries were not resolved so the book was kind of left on a cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the second book in the series to find out more about Cassie and Link's situations!
Thank you @eviesterling.sweetromance and
@haylingbookstorm for providing this e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Just Partners by Evie Sterling is book one in The Investigating Love Series. It is a dual POV, told through the eyes of Cassie and her decreased father's best friend, Link. I'm not usually a fan of age gap romances but Evie did a great job with this story and I didn't mind the age gap at all.
I am a big fan of romance combined with mysteries and Just Partners did not disappoint. I loved the trio of Cassie, Link and Quinn, the characters fit well together and the banter between them provided an entertaining dose of comedic relief.
There were 3 mysteries to be solved in the novel, which meant there was never a dull moment. Two of the mysteries were not resolved so the book was kind of left on a cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the second book in the series to find out more about Cassie and Link's situations!
Thank you @eviesterling.sweetromance and
@haylingbookstorm for providing this e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 5, 2024
I loved the chemistry and banter between Cassie and Link. They make a great detective duo, and the slow burn tension alongside their investigation was entertaining. It had the forbidden love / off limits vibes, even though Cassie has had a long time crush on her father's best friend, a lot has changed over the years and although the attraction is there, they are trying to keep things professional.
This is a closed door slow burn romance, with a mystery driven plot focussing on crimes in the small town they've been hired as P.I's to investigate, but also the ongoing drama surrounding Cassie's failing acting career.
There's also added tension from Link's shady associates that have him embroiled in guilt and secrets.
This is a suspenseful and entertaining plot, and the start of a cosy investigative series following Link and Cassie.
This is a closed door slow burn romance, with a mystery driven plot focussing on crimes in the small town they've been hired as P.I's to investigate, but also the ongoing drama surrounding Cassie's failing acting career.
There's also added tension from Link's shady associates that have him embroiled in guilt and secrets.
This is a suspenseful and entertaining plot, and the start of a cosy investigative series following Link and Cassie.
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