Lakesides and Longing

Michigan Millionaires #6

by Kimmy Loth

★★★★★ This book is so beautiful and made my heart flutter - Reviewer
★★★★★ I started this book and got sucked in and could not put it down. - Reviewer
★★★★★ I so fell in love with this story in all it’s romantic, quirky and humorous glory. - Reviewer

Forbidden Romance. Brother’s best friend. One hot summer all alone.

I left home at 18 and never looked back. It’s not that my home was horrible or anything, it’s just that my cheating scumbag of a husband didn’t approve of my family.

He’s gone and now my brother’s way overprotective and visits me at least once a month and has all my neighbors texting him if they think something is wrong.

I keep telling him I’m fine.

Even if I can’t drive anymore because of my panic attacks.
Even if I wake up screaming every night.
Even if someone breaks into my house.

That was one too many things for him so now he’s left his meathead bff to watch over me and I can’t stand the man.

But one night we fall asleep together watching movies and suddenly everything is different. The problem is if my brother finds out, he might kill us both.

Genres: Romance

204 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2021

About the author

Romance pen name for author Kimberly Loth

Reviews

[Mandee Kirkpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. ❤️ The way that they help heal each other is amazing and I am here for it!!

[livsbookcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a fun quick read! i loved their love story! seeing the way he stood up for her and was always there for her when she needed him no questions asked was so sweet! i was swooning the whole time! so glad she was able to get back to her normal self!!

[afrosheeba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very mid book. Idk I saw this on an insta ad and it was very much giving spicy summer romance and that’s not at all what happened. Spice is very much not a requirement for me but the plot just didn’t give.

I have follow up questions first, why did we never find out how old anyone is? Second, DID EMERY BUILD THAT DAMN HOUSE???

Lukas is an absolute ass and I really don’t care if one of the series books is about him. To be so overbearing but then PUNCH your best friend in the face is insanity. Because if you can trust your best friend around your sister then why are you friends.

And pleaseeeeee Paige literally throwing Tria out on the curb over a Facebook post?!?!? Maam you don’t deserve Blake or that dog. Asking for a big to do wedding after putting him through hell. Please fuck off.

Honestly the story is there it just needed to be longer. I mean they had so much to argue over and we couldn’t even get a teeny tiny bit of enemies to lovers??? Not even enemies. Dislike at best but still.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story! The ending was odd to me, and there are so many character names to keep straight. I loved the middle build, but it felt a little disjointed at times.

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found some issues with the editing. The ending was rushed. Liked most of it just those issues made it a lower score for me.

[Lavender O'Delle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. And no spice.

[Agustina Zanelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENGLISH:

Paige hasn’t been the same since the death of her husband, a terrible accident in which she was driving. Feeling overwhelmed and guilty, she’s been isolated in her home, away from everyone and being afraid to drive again. Her brother Lukas is worried about her and he can’t convince her to leave her house, so they come to an agreement: his friend Blake will stay with her for the summer since he's looking for a new place to stay and start over after his ex broke his heart. She’s superstitious and he’s pragmatic, so they couldn't be more different. But as they spend time together, they can't help but develop feelings, even when Blake fears getting involved with Lukas' sister and losing that friendship forever.

Thank you so much to the author for the book!
I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book, the plot was entertaining and it was a light reading that hooked me from beginning to end. I love the housemates' subject, and even more so when it comes to opposites that attract. And a forbidden romance, since Blake feels that he’s betraying his friend by getting close to his sister. So I got deeply hooked on the story, it was a really addictive read.

The characters of this book are very interesting and complex. Blake is very sweet and considerate, very protective. He has some beautiful gestures that made me sigh. On the other hand, I loved Paige because she’s such a complex character, going through post-traumatic stress that causes her constant nightmares, mistrust and fear. I really enjoyed accompanying her in this recovery process, how Blake helps her to heal. I loved the interactions between the protagonists, sometimes they were very funny and sometimes full of drama.

There is a lot of drama and emotions in this book, so much tension between the main characters. The romance is really intense and beautiful, it's a clean romance with some truly gorgeous scenes. And the ending was beautiful, so sweet and romantic. I loved this story and the epilogue left me wanting to read the next book.







ESPAÑOL:

Paige no ha sido la misma desde la muerte de su esposo, un terrible accidente en el que ella conducía. Sintiéndose abrumada y culpable, se ha ido aislando cada vez más en su casa, lejos de todos y con temor a volver a conducir. Su hermano Lukas está preocupado por ella y es incapaz de convencerla de que abandone su casa, por lo que ambos llegan a un acuerdo: su amigo Blake se quedará con ella durante el verano, ya que él está buscando un lugar en donde quedarse y empezar de nuevo después de que su ex le rompiera el corazón. Ella es supersticiosa y él es pragmático, por lo que no podrían ser más diferentes. Pero a medida que pasan tiempo juntos, no pueden evitar desarrollar sentimientos, incluso cuando Blake teme involucrarse con la hermana de Lukas y perder su amistad para siempre.

¡Muchísimas gracias a la autora por el libro!
Recibí este ebook a cambio de una reseña honesta.

Me gustó mucho este libro, tiene una trama entretenida y ligera que te engancha de principio a fin. La temática de compañeros de casa me encanta, y más aún cuando se trata de opuestos que se atraen. Y un romance prohibido, puesto que Blake siente que está traicionando a su amigo al acercarse a su hermana. Así que me enganché profundamente en la historia, fue una lectura realmente adictiva.

Los personajes de este libro me parecieron muy interesantes y complejos. Por un lado, Blake es muy dulce y considerado, muy protector. Tiene algunos gestos hermosos que me dejaron suspirando de amor. Por otro lado, Paige me encantó porque es un personaje muy complejo, pasando por un estrés postraumático que le causa constantes pesadillas, desconfianza y miedos. Me gustó mucho acompañarla en este proceso de recuperación, cómo Blake la va ayudando a sanar. Me encantaron las interacciones entre los protagonistas, a veces muy divertidas y otras repletas de drama.

Hay mucho drama y emociones en este libro, mucha tensión entre los personajes principales. El romance es realmente intenso y hermoso, es un romance limpio con algunas escenas verdaderamente preciosas. Y el final fue bellísimo, tan dulce y romántico. Me encantó esta historia y el epílogo me dejó con muchas ganas de leer el siguiente libro.

[Ana-Maria Derzsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦

Michigan Millionaires – Blake more specifically for me has been a really sweet romance with a happy ending. The story begins with Blake looking for a new beginning after having his heartbroken by his ex, little did he knew where life would bring him to.

Along with the story we get to know Paige who at first seems like a complete case of a nut job, believing in the horoscope, never leaving her home before consulting it, believing in essential oils and so many other things that are completely opposite of Blake – who believes in today’s science and for sure doesn’t give a duck about the horoscope. His first impression about Paige is very hilarious and I legit started giggling because I could imagine the look on his face when he first met her.

Paige does have her own issues, especially after losing her husband she’s left with a lot of PTSD that’s burning inside of her and her nightmares and the deep secrets she’s keeping no one knows about. I kind of felt sorry for her and what she’s gone through – she does seem to be a strong person and doesn’t let everything push her down, but at the same time, I loved the fact she started trusting in Blake and opening up slowly to him. I liked the fact she was portrayed a little bit as a hippie and an artist and she gave me such a great vibe and the place where she lived the way it is described was amazing. I would love to see that place in real.

The characters that weren’t on my liking were Abby and Avery who even tho they were old enough they still acted like catty girls from high school – never growing from their jealousy and stupid acting. Another character that got me confused was Emery – at first, I thought he’s a very kind and gentle person, but in fact, he was the opposite and he for sure wasn’t the right guy for Paige. He didn’t deserve to die tho but he also didn’t deserve Paige – that’s for sure.

The book is a full romance story, you get the one house / one-bed trope with plenty of small romantic scenes that will make you giddy. You get to know them slowly as the story develops, and you also see them slowly fall in love which was really cute. At first, I did felt the pace of the story was a little bit slow, but then after the middle of the book things started to take a faster pace and it was a really great change.

What I didn’t quite liked and wasn’t a big fan of things was the fact that everyone was in everyone’s business and everyone needed to know what x or y is doing and they were all extremely friendly. When things like this happen in a book gives me the feeling things are a little bit forced, because, in reality, I’d feel very weird if someone would want to know what I do and when I do it. Perhaps is just a personal opinion and everyone else is just fine with this – but personally, I felt that happiness and that friendliness a little bit too pushed.

Overall Blake has been a cute romance that is worth reading if you’re in for some butterflies and hope in the happily ever after stories.

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[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the Michigan Millionaires series up until this book. I’d give it one star, except that I was rooting for Blake. Paige is barely okay as a character - not great and certainly not someone who deserved Blake. He’s written as this big, confident and lovable guy, but pines away for an awful woman who has lead him on and strung him along for years. Why does he love her? Who knows?? There are ZERO things written about Debbie’s character that should cause anyone to want to be with her. Seems like she goes through relationships like people change their shoes and keeps Blake in her back pocket for whenever she is in between the other men she dates or marries. Awful.

I did like how Blake and Paige’s relationship progressed. Slow and believable. Trust was built over time and each of them opened up slowly to each other. Honestly it was kind of a breath of fresh air that it wasn’t like 1 week of knowing each other and they were instantly in love and ready to get married.

The editing in this book left MUCH to be desired. There were inconsistencies with the death of Blake’s parents, the death of Paige’s husband, several times where words or punctuation were missing from sentences.

I also did not care for Lukas being so overprotective - enough to punch Blake in the face without even understanding the situation. And Blake. I mean, I get that his friendship with Lukas was important to him, but more important than his love/relationship for Paige? No way. Blake would have put Debbie above his frat brothers, but he puts Lukas above Paige? Yuck.

Then the third act breakup…ugh. I HATE that trope so much. Paige was such a brat. And Blake was so distraught over what happened (stupid Debbie) that he completely dismissed his own feelings and Paige’s betrayal of his trust and feelings. Paige just made a HUGE and WRONG assumption, refused to talk to Blake or hear him out, and kicked him out. So dumb. Seems like something that people in their early 20s would do, not in their 30s. She never even apologized to Blake for breaking his heart and assuming the worst without even talking to him. UGHHH.

She went through a MAJOR tragedy (actually, several) and never went to therapy afterwards??? Blake didn’t get therapy after his tragedies either??

Anyway. This was so disappointing but you can’t win them all.

On to the next one. Hopefully Grayson’s story is better.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lakesides and Longing is a part of Kimberly Loth’s Michigan Millionaires romance series, and if you’ve been reading these stories, you’re not going to want to miss this one. Lakesides and Longing can be read as a stand-alone novel, but once you read this book you’re going to want to read the previous books. All Blake wants is to lay low for a few months, heal from another Debbie situation, but what he gets is exactly what he needs.
Lakesides and Longing is that perfect summer romance that you’re going to want to read as it will be the perfect novel to wind down summer with. The author brings two characters together who would have never known how much they needed each other. Blake, while successful in his work, is apparently unsuccessful in his on/off relationship with Debbie. One would think that the way she handles things that he’d get a clue, but love is blind. LOL! He’s quick to turn up his nose to Paige because of her eccentrics, but I love reading how they grow on each other a day at a time. The relationship grows at a good pace which I really like. There is no rushing or insta-anything. There is the initial attraction on both sides, but nothing that is sped through.
My only real complaint about this story is on Paige’s part. I get that she’s had a sketchy past due to her dead husband, but for her to make a snap judgment on Blake, I didn’t like it. There is no chance to explain or anything. She immediately shuts him out based on a social media post! I’d have understood of the image was recent, but the fact that it wasn’t... I can't help being disappointed in Paige. Now, I kinda understand him apologizing to her, but I really think that her not apologizing especially since it was her issues that created this problem..it’s a miss.
I’m rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. This book is so beautiful and made my heart flutter and everything. LOL! I really need some similar romance in my life. LOL! I’m probably nit-picking a bit but Paige was in the wrong and should have apologized for her snap judgment. I understand insecurities, but she should have at least talked to him first instead of believing what she saw on social media. If you enjoy the Michigan Millionaires series you’re going to love this book. I can’t wait for the next.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the seventh book in the Michigan Millionaires series. It can be read as a standalone book, but couples from the previous books are in this book also.

Blake has been in an on again, off again, relationship with a manipulative woman. She is marrying someone else and he is heartbroken over it, while his friends feel it is for the best. Blake goes to stay on Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan with his good friend Lukas.

Lukas gets a call that his reclusive sister, who lives alone deep in the woods of Northern Michigan after her husband's death in a car accident when she was driving, had a break-in during the night at her home. Lukas needs to bring Paige home, with him, where she will be safe but she doesn't want to leave her isolation. He sends Blake to stay with Paige to be sure she is safe.

Blake is a high level scientist, practical, pragmatic and fact driven. Paige is a free-spirit, artist who believes in crystals and horoscopes. The two try to be civil to each other without really understanding the other. As the days go by, they learn more truths about the others painful pasts. They learn to be supportive of each other and start developing feelings. Paige is afraid of betrayal and unfaithfulness. Blake is afraid of trust and damaging his close friendship with Page's brother. Can these two opposites find common ground and build something together?

[Lisa Rector · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. The story started out fantastic and grabbed me for just about over third of the way. Trope of sharing the same house, and bed because she has nightmares. Cliche but cute. Then the story got stale. The hang up being they can’t get involved because of the overly protective brother and then the FMC jumping to conclusions and assuming that the MMC slept with his former hangup. Those were weak plot devices, so the story just unraveled in the end. And I felt like the writing slacked off too, with the scenes becoming unimaginative. Totally could have cut the girls from her artist group. Those pages in Vegas were a waste of time. The chapters toward the end just grew shorter and less gripping. The epilogue was the worst. It didn’t do a good job at wrapping up the story or introducing the next characters in the next book. Instead of an epilogue, it should have been a continuation and ending of the current story because their getting together in the prior chapter was weak and without chemistry. With this author, her books are sometimes good, sometimes not. I rolled the dice with this one and lost. P.S. this book has gone through so many title, author, and cover changes that i’m over it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake is trying to get over Debbie and figure out what he wants to do next with his life. He decides to spend the summer in Mackinac with his friends, but when Lukas asks him to stay with his younger sister Paige instead things get complicated. Paige lost her husband 2 years ago in a car accident and has become a recluse. Things spark between her and Blake and life becomes so much more interesting for the both of them. It's a great love story of finding love of heart ache and knowing what is really right for you. It's a truly sweet read. I volunteered to read this book.

[Astrid Rudloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an ARC.
This is the seventh book of the Michigan Millionaires series. The books are standalones, but should be read in order. This is a series where you'll meet the stars of the previous books. To me this feels like meeting old friends after a long time, especially in this case. This is probably the book I've waited the longest for, but it was worth the wait.
The protagonists are cute and reliable. They have to deal with their pasts first to be able to see what the future might have in store.
I recommend the whole series.

[Sharon Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about an overprotective brother looking out for his little sister. When Paige thinks someone broke into her house he goes to get to try help. Blake gets roped in to staying for summer to help her out with whatever she needs. As time goes on he realises that he likes Paige but she's forbidden as she's the sister of a mate. They try not to fall for each other but who can help it when you're alone and isolated mostly. Big brother has a few opinions about it. Love a forbidden love story.

[Jessie Kellerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me

This was a cute and super quick read. No spice, all cutesy!

It moved really fast which simultaneously was really nice but also kind of a bummer cause I wanted to see more of the development between the characters. There were several moments where it was like “what did I miss that happening?” etc but in reality it was just due to things jumping forward so quickly without all of the in between.

I’m more used to getting all the details and development so this was definitely an interesting change of pace for me, but I enjoyed it!

[Erin Trump · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored Blake & Debbie’s story. They both had a lot of healing they had to do from their previous relationships. They were such opposites, but they were so perfect together. Their opposites made them work so well together. Blake was smart, intelligent, strong, and kind, he made Debbie feel safe and that was such a huge thing for her. Blake gave Debbie the comfort to be able to start healing from her trauma & that was beautiful. This was such a slow burn, but full of laughs, awkward moments, new friendships and peace.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet read, with characters that have their own quirks and are completely lovable! Blake and Paige are kind of thrown together and I enjoyed how things clicked and worked for them. They each have their own history, a path they've walked, and things they've dealt with. It's a bit of a slow burn, clean read that pulled me in to their world and I enjoyed every second.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Annissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books, in this series, are amazing romances. They are truly romances and not spicy at all, it is about the fall of true love. [What we all want true love to be] So far each of these have been my "favorite" of the series, I can't pick a favorite because they are all great! And none of them maKe me roll my eyes and think ... unrealistic, which is beyond fantastic. Highly recommend this series!

[Laurie Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love seeing Blake get his HEA. He is not with Debbie and is spending time with Lukas when he meets Paige for the first time. Lukas is worried about her being alone in a big house so he asked Blake to stay and keep Paige safe. During their time together Blake starts to realize that things with Debbie were not great and he wants so much more with Paige but worries about what Lukas will do.

[Ruby McDemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is sweet and adorable. I really enjoyed reading this book.. While I was reading this story the world just fell away and I could really picture the world of this story. Blake and Paige are two people who couldn't be more different from each other, but they are so perfect together. This is a great story and I couldn't have loved it anymore.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake and Paige are absotively posolutely an adorable couple. I like Paige so much better than Debbie. Even when I first heard Blake and Debbie's story, I wasn't a fan. I'm so glad he matched with someone as awesome and quirky as Paige. And I love hearing about the other guys and wives and dogs and kids!!!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lakeside setting was the perfect backdrop for a heartfelt romance filled with longing and self-discovery. The writing really captured the beauty of summer, making me feel like I was right there on the water. The story moved at a nice pace, with just enough drama to keep things interesting without being overdone.

[Bookish Serendipity Shannon williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

I love this entire series. Each book is so amazing! I loved Blake’s book. Filled with tension and twists, this is a must read! I love watching the guys meet their girl and then seeing how it changes them and how their relationships evolve!

[Judith Spence · Rating 3 out of 5]

hmmmm

I’m giving this 3 stars bc i just finished it a week ago and can’t remember whether i liked it or not. I don’t think its fair to give lower to a book bc of that but I think if I had really liked it I would rmbr it. Sorry

[Maddy Routley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Blake & Paige
I was really looking forward to Blake’s story. It was a little bit choppy & Paige was too weird for me.
I liked that she covered a 4th of July trip in this one and that Blake didn’t end up Debbie as originally planned for the series.

[Catie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I’ve been on a rant in each review of this series that it’s awful, but I will admit that it’s getting better. This one was a cute little romance (the end was pretty corny, but whatever) that I didn’t mind at all so clearly the writing has improved as time goes on.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance where the characters feel real and have pasta and things to get over before they can be together.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story but could use a bit more development & the ending is kinda abrupt, more a 3.5 star read but I round up for GR

[Anja de Rijk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tegen gekomen op FB tussen de video´s, als reclame, leest lekker weg. Blij dat ik dit boek heb opgezocht.