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Lake Bliss #2
Just for Appearances
Hot man for hire . . .
Rachel Clarke is a single mom with three boys, and she needs help. Now. Unfortunately, her only option is John MacDonald—her high school sweetheart and the disgraced hometown hero who's just returned to Lake Bliss. He's perfect for the job. He cooks, he cleans, and he's amazing with kids. He's also still far too sinfully hot for Rachel's comfort . . .
Rachel is just as gorgeous as John remembers. But in order for his new youth activity center to be a success, John needs Rachel's help to earn the town's trust back. In exchange, he'll take care of her boys for the summer while she works. Except keeping their relationship strictly business is harder than he imagined. But summer can't last forever, and when it ends, so will their arrangement-and John's time in Lake Bliss.
Contains mature themes.
Rachel Clarke is a single mom with three boys, and she needs help. Now. Unfortunately, her only option is John MacDonald—her high school sweetheart and the disgraced hometown hero who's just returned to Lake Bliss. He's perfect for the job. He cooks, he cleans, and he's amazing with kids. He's also still far too sinfully hot for Rachel's comfort . . .
Rachel is just as gorgeous as John remembers. But in order for his new youth activity center to be a success, John needs Rachel's help to earn the town's trust back. In exchange, he'll take care of her boys for the summer while she works. Except keeping their relationship strictly business is harder than he imagined. But summer can't last forever, and when it ends, so will their arrangement-and John's time in Lake Bliss.
Contains mature themes.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2015
16 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Rutland
2 books46 followersJenna Rutland lives in a small Michigan community with her husband. She has two grown children and two granddaughters.
While her days are spent working as a medical transcriptionist, her nights are filled writing contemporary romance—stories of love, laughter and happily ever after. Guess which occupation is more fun?
She is a member of RWA and Maumee Valley Romance Authors, Inc. Jenna takes pleasure in spending time with her family. She also enjoys reading, gardening and loves the challenge of a new recipe.
Jenna welcomes the chance to connect with writers and readers.
http://www.jennarutland.com
If you're interested in ARCs, interviews, and/or blog tour information please contact my publicist Elana Johnson at elana@entangledpublishing.com
While her days are spent working as a medical transcriptionist, her nights are filled writing contemporary romance—stories of love, laughter and happily ever after. Guess which occupation is more fun?
She is a member of RWA and Maumee Valley Romance Authors, Inc. Jenna takes pleasure in spending time with her family. She also enjoys reading, gardening and loves the challenge of a new recipe.
Jenna welcomes the chance to connect with writers and readers.
http://www.jennarutland.com
If you're interested in ARCs, interviews, and/or blog tour information please contact my publicist Elana Johnson at elana@entangledpublishing.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 6, 2015
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. After much consideration I changed my review from 4 stars to 5 stars. I'll explain in a bit.
I loved this book. The whole "single mom and a guy that loves her kids" trope tugs at my heartstrings. Rachel was a single mother who has received a job promotion that required more of her time. The kids were out of school for the summer so she needed someone to help watch them for her. John was her first love back in high school, but they both had said things they didn't mean and left true feelings unsaid which resulted in their falling out and John leaving for an out of state school. She had remained friends with his mother, who recommended that John could help her out for the summer.
He, of course, ended up being perfect in every way. The kids fell in love with him and he went above and beyond helping out around the house. He cooked, did laundry and had a genuinely good time with the kids. He enjoyed spending time with them and I loved seeing that in a man.
The tension between these two was so thick you could cut it with the proverbial knife. They both had feelings for the other but neither one of them was willing to acknowledge it, even to themselves. They both purposely held back their emotions in order to protect themselves. Rachel was afraid that if she let him into her heart he would still end up leaving at the end of the summer and end up taking a piece of her with him. John couldn't forget that she seemingly let go of him so easily all those years ago when he had thought she had loved him and he didn't want to be fooled again.
I originally gave 4 stars because I wished they had gotten their acts together sooner than they did. I would've enjoyed seeing them spend more time as a couple without all the angst. Then I realized that this was the way the author wanted the story. It's not the story of their happily ever after, it's the story of their struggle to join together in the first place. It deserves the 5 stars because it does an excellent job of not only telling that story but also developing a depth to Rachel and John's emotions that made me hurt for them and also want to smack them and yell at them a few times. I could sympathize with everything they went through, just as if it was my own life. When a writer can hijack my feelings like that, I have no other choice but to give them 5 stars and tell everyone they need to read it!!!
I loved this book. The whole "single mom and a guy that loves her kids" trope tugs at my heartstrings. Rachel was a single mother who has received a job promotion that required more of her time. The kids were out of school for the summer so she needed someone to help watch them for her. John was her first love back in high school, but they both had said things they didn't mean and left true feelings unsaid which resulted in their falling out and John leaving for an out of state school. She had remained friends with his mother, who recommended that John could help her out for the summer.
He, of course, ended up being perfect in every way. The kids fell in love with him and he went above and beyond helping out around the house. He cooked, did laundry and had a genuinely good time with the kids. He enjoyed spending time with them and I loved seeing that in a man.
The tension between these two was so thick you could cut it with the proverbial knife. They both had feelings for the other but neither one of them was willing to acknowledge it, even to themselves. They both purposely held back their emotions in order to protect themselves. Rachel was afraid that if she let him into her heart he would still end up leaving at the end of the summer and end up taking a piece of her with him. John couldn't forget that she seemingly let go of him so easily all those years ago when he had thought she had loved him and he didn't want to be fooled again.
I originally gave 4 stars because I wished they had gotten their acts together sooner than they did. I would've enjoyed seeing them spend more time as a couple without all the angst. Then I realized that this was the way the author wanted the story. It's not the story of their happily ever after, it's the story of their struggle to join together in the first place. It deserves the 5 stars because it does an excellent job of not only telling that story but also developing a depth to Rachel and John's emotions that made me hurt for them and also want to smack them and yell at them a few times. I could sympathize with everything they went through, just as if it was my own life. When a writer can hijack my feelings like that, I have no other choice but to give them 5 stars and tell everyone they need to read it!!!
May 4, 2015
While this a "Bliss" title it pushes the limits for Entangled's "cleaner" romance line. This felt much more like it should be a "Red-Hot Bliss" as the focus of the book was on the main characters' desires to hook up. Honestly it was just lacking a few more sentences and then it would have been a better fit as a Red-Hot Bliss.
Wish the heroine's children had played a bigger part and that more time had been spent on the couple's relationship and issues instead of just focusing on their desire to sleep together. Several issues about their past and future were never fully addressed or resolved. If I could go back I would have skipped this one and picked a different title.
Content: door stays open for a long time before finally closing on the sex scenes, innuendo, disrobing.
Wish the heroine's children had played a bigger part and that more time had been spent on the couple's relationship and issues instead of just focusing on their desire to sleep together. Several issues about their past and future were never fully addressed or resolved. If I could go back I would have skipped this one and picked a different title.
Content: door stays open for a long time before finally closing on the sex scenes, innuendo, disrobing.
April 14, 2015
This was a sweet story and very fun to read. The story goes like this .... John and Rachel knew each other back in the day. They more than knew each other, they were madly in love as teen, or as madly as nay teen can be lol. John up and took off. No warning. So clearly that left Rachel brokenhearted and this small town they live in very disappointed in him. And now it's present day and John is back and trying to start up a youth center. Rachel is now a single mom to three kids. Feelings and 'things' in general were left unresolved so now they HAVE to resolve them. WHY, you ask? Because they need each other. And I don't mean physically or sexually. You see, the town LOVES Rachel, but John ... not so much. SO he needs what I call image control! And Rachel ... well, she's a single mom to three kids ~~~ HEEEEEEEEEELP!!! (lol) So they strike up a deal....John is gonna babysit and Rachel is gonna pimp him to the town. No feelings, no involvement .. just business. Ah ha .... cue, our romance tale :) lol
I loved the ease in which this story was written. It wasn't angsty and dramatic, instead the author chose to give us a fun-loving, heartwarming tale and second chances and love reunited. It was refreshing and I loved it!
ARC provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley for an honest review.
I loved the ease in which this story was written. It wasn't angsty and dramatic, instead the author chose to give us a fun-loving, heartwarming tale and second chances and love reunited. It was refreshing and I loved it!
ARC provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley for an honest review.
April 7, 2015
The first book in this series has always been one of my favourites from the Bliss imprint. And having waited quite a while for this, I was very much looking forward to returning to Lake Bliss. Second-chance love is a trope I'm fond of, and with a romance between the town's once golden-boy and the town's sweetheart on the cards, it enticed.
"I've never forgotten you...Can you say the same"
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this as much as Just for the Summer which was a real shame. I had such high hopes; Rachel and John have that chemistry that comes with having a past, and there were some lovely moments between them, but on the whole I struggled to connect with them until pretty much near the end. The introduction of Rachel's ex-husband brought a love triangle feel, which I'm not keen on, her decisions frustrated and if I'm honest, I was hoping that the kids would have had more time in the spotlight.
On this occasion, Just for Appearances just wasn't for me. That's not to say that you won't enjoy it.
2.5 stars.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
"I've never forgotten you...Can you say the same"
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this as much as Just for the Summer which was a real shame. I had such high hopes; Rachel and John have that chemistry that comes with having a past, and there were some lovely moments between them, but on the whole I struggled to connect with them until pretty much near the end. The introduction of Rachel's ex-husband brought a love triangle feel, which I'm not keen on, her decisions frustrated and if I'm honest, I was hoping that the kids would have had more time in the spotlight.
On this occasion, Just for Appearances just wasn't for me. That's not to say that you won't enjoy it.
2.5 stars.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
April 9, 2015
Really enjoyed this one! The characters really dug their way in to my heart. The kind loving way John handles Rachel's kids was beautiful and I felt badly for both John and Rachel as the truth of the past ending to their relationship is revealed. Single mom Rachel Clarke is in desperate need of help and it appears the only one who can give her the help is old flame John MacDonald. Now if she can just balance going back to work, the guilt of leaving her kids, and the attraction that is obviously still there for John. Oh yeah, and a royal pain of an ex...ugh
This is a good one and I definitely recommend it.
This is a good one and I definitely recommend it.
April 14, 2015
Originally posted on my blog: Tangled Up In Books
I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating.
There's nothing like a good second chance romance and Just for Appearances was just that. It was very sweet and full of surprises. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. I mean, I expected it would probably be cute and sweet and I'd enjoy it but not to the point where I hardly did anything else until it was finished. Thankfully it was short enough that I could gobble it up in one sitting.
I love when books are set in small towns. Lake Bliss seems like one of those quaint, peaceful communities where everyone knows each other and they really care about one another. It's these types of settings that have me really get lost in the atmosphere of a book and daydream about what it would be like to be a part of something like that. The grass is always greener, am I right?
With the whole single mom angle I felt very connected with Rachel's character. Though she has a whole lot more on her plate with her three boys compared to my one, still it was easy to like her and really understand her and her feelings. On top of being a great mom with three very sweet and well behaved boys I really admired the fact that she wanted to do something with herself and got this really great job in an effort to be less dependent on her ex, who by the way is a real piece of work.
And then there was John who was such a good, good, good guy. Like, I cannot stress enough how good of a guy he is. He has such a big heart and he's amazing with kids and like, the fact that he came back to a town that basically turned their backs on him when he was a teenager to build a community center for kids? I mean, come on! What kind of person would be that thoughtful and that and giving under those circumstances? That's a rare type of person and I was definitely in full on swoon mode over him!
All of that said there were a couple things that bothered me when they came up. One just seemed strange and didn't seem like it fit while the other just bothered me personally and might not be a big deal to others. So the thing that didn't fit was the reason that everyone is holding a grudge against John. It was something that happened when he was a junior in high school for crying out loud and I guess I shouldn't give the specifics for spoiler type reasons but it just made no sense to me that that an entire town would get their panties in a bunch over something that wasn't even bad. I will honestly stress that he did nothing illegal or morally wrong or anything of that nature. So a couple of the times he was out in public and dealing with someone in a restaurant or in a hospital they would start making snotty comments about him leaving I would nearly lose it. It was just so childish and stupid of these people and I couldn't stand it. Luckily there were only a couple instances and I'd forget about them when they were over and I read on but after finishing they're still there and make me mad.
The other thing is just personal for me. If I understand how it was laid out, when Rachel was a freshman in college she needed to make some extra cash and so she put out a tutoring add which John's parents answered. He was a junior in high school. And the tutoring led to them dating. He was only a junior and let me say that as the mother of a high school senior and him being a year older than John was probably at the time I would have a problem if I found out he was dating a college chic. Is it a double standard? I don't know, maybe? I'd like to think if I had a daughter instead I would still feel the same way. I guess I just felt less comfortable about their past than I had originally once I read that. But seeing as how this book isn't set back then and they are now both very together and great adult characters I didn't allow it to effect how I felt about them in the present. Maybe it's silly, but it's just the overprotective mom in me I suppose.
Overall it was a very sweet and quick read. The characters were fun and the setting was peaceful. I notice that I have the first book in this series on my Kindle so I'm excited to make time for it one of these days. I liked what I saw of Dani and Matt when they made appearances in this book so I look forward to reading how they got together.
Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating.
There's nothing like a good second chance romance and Just for Appearances was just that. It was very sweet and full of surprises. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. I mean, I expected it would probably be cute and sweet and I'd enjoy it but not to the point where I hardly did anything else until it was finished. Thankfully it was short enough that I could gobble it up in one sitting.
I love when books are set in small towns. Lake Bliss seems like one of those quaint, peaceful communities where everyone knows each other and they really care about one another. It's these types of settings that have me really get lost in the atmosphere of a book and daydream about what it would be like to be a part of something like that. The grass is always greener, am I right?
With the whole single mom angle I felt very connected with Rachel's character. Though she has a whole lot more on her plate with her three boys compared to my one, still it was easy to like her and really understand her and her feelings. On top of being a great mom with three very sweet and well behaved boys I really admired the fact that she wanted to do something with herself and got this really great job in an effort to be less dependent on her ex, who by the way is a real piece of work.
And then there was John who was such a good, good, good guy. Like, I cannot stress enough how good of a guy he is. He has such a big heart and he's amazing with kids and like, the fact that he came back to a town that basically turned their backs on him when he was a teenager to build a community center for kids? I mean, come on! What kind of person would be that thoughtful and that and giving under those circumstances? That's a rare type of person and I was definitely in full on swoon mode over him!
All of that said there were a couple things that bothered me when they came up. One just seemed strange and didn't seem like it fit while the other just bothered me personally and might not be a big deal to others. So the thing that didn't fit was the reason that everyone is holding a grudge against John. It was something that happened when he was a junior in high school for crying out loud and I guess I shouldn't give the specifics for spoiler type reasons but it just made no sense to me that that an entire town would get their panties in a bunch over something that wasn't even bad. I will honestly stress that he did nothing illegal or morally wrong or anything of that nature. So a couple of the times he was out in public and dealing with someone in a restaurant or in a hospital they would start making snotty comments about him leaving I would nearly lose it. It was just so childish and stupid of these people and I couldn't stand it. Luckily there were only a couple instances and I'd forget about them when they were over and I read on but after finishing they're still there and make me mad.
The other thing is just personal for me. If I understand how it was laid out, when Rachel was a freshman in college she needed to make some extra cash and so she put out a tutoring add which John's parents answered. He was a junior in high school. And the tutoring led to them dating. He was only a junior and let me say that as the mother of a high school senior and him being a year older than John was probably at the time I would have a problem if I found out he was dating a college chic. Is it a double standard? I don't know, maybe? I'd like to think if I had a daughter instead I would still feel the same way. I guess I just felt less comfortable about their past than I had originally once I read that. But seeing as how this book isn't set back then and they are now both very together and great adult characters I didn't allow it to effect how I felt about them in the present. Maybe it's silly, but it's just the overprotective mom in me I suppose.
Overall it was a very sweet and quick read. The characters were fun and the setting was peaceful. I notice that I have the first book in this series on my Kindle so I'm excited to make time for it one of these days. I liked what I saw of Dani and Matt when they made appearances in this book so I look forward to reading how they got together.
Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!
April 23, 2015
How parents hurt their kids in divorces or separations its numbers are too large to count. For John MacDonald it was overwhelming. It burned bridges that his son never even knew would be crossed someday.
To be mean John’s dad took full custody away from his mom. To make life easier on his mom John cut down on visiting his mom to save his mom from his dad’s wrath. Once he had custody he for the most part ignored John like he did before the divorce. He just took custody out of spite. No unusual. When he noticed John’s grades were tanking he hired a tutor.
This tutor Rachel Clarke tutored John in Math and English as time went on they got closer. He took her to his senior prom where they made love after in her dorm room. His dad found out because he went home and told his father he didn’t want to go to USC or UCLA he wanted to go to UW. So, that’s when his father knew they were more than tutor and student. Mr. MacDonald went to her and told her she could hold him back to end up in a small town in nowhere or let him move on to have a real future. She needed to tell him she didn’t love him and never did or he would never leave.
That crushed John (her too to have to say those words was like a knife to the heart.) She thought it was the right thing to do. You make sacrifices for those you love. When Rachel went off to school after that horrible day it ripped her heart out. She soon met her now ex-husband and thought she really loved him now she knows that was not the case at all. Soon after she quit school to work two jobs full time in order to pay for him to go to law school and once he got in to this high power firm he dumped her basically. He never saw the children because the firm he worked with had him abroad more than in the states, hell it was few months before he saw the twins and 9 months before he saw their third son. Fast forward to her youngest being 5 years old and the twins being 7 years old and its summer now. That’s the bad part, Rachel has gotten herself a job, and she no longer wants money from her ex for herself for the children fine but not for her. The bad part is that it is starting in a week not in September like she thought and she has no one to watch the children.
That left her needing a sitter. Now she had become best friends with John’s mom and her boys thought of her as grandma. She had told her she knew of someone and would bring them by. While she was out gardening a truck drives into her driveway. She can’t see who it is due to the sun. When they get out and speak she nearly drops to her knees and all she can think of is murdering John’s mom. Because there stood John himself right there in her front yard, the thing is she never thought she would see him again. She ask what he’s doing there and he responds by saying his mom said she was in need of help and a nanny and he was there to help. That in fact he had a proposition for her where she could help him too.
See how these two maneuver a past that at first neither wants to deal with. Eventually, they have no choice. See how they react to the hurt, pain and time lost to a misunderstanding and communication glitch. I give this book 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
To be mean John’s dad took full custody away from his mom. To make life easier on his mom John cut down on visiting his mom to save his mom from his dad’s wrath. Once he had custody he for the most part ignored John like he did before the divorce. He just took custody out of spite. No unusual. When he noticed John’s grades were tanking he hired a tutor.
This tutor Rachel Clarke tutored John in Math and English as time went on they got closer. He took her to his senior prom where they made love after in her dorm room. His dad found out because he went home and told his father he didn’t want to go to USC or UCLA he wanted to go to UW. So, that’s when his father knew they were more than tutor and student. Mr. MacDonald went to her and told her she could hold him back to end up in a small town in nowhere or let him move on to have a real future. She needed to tell him she didn’t love him and never did or he would never leave.
That crushed John (her too to have to say those words was like a knife to the heart.) She thought it was the right thing to do. You make sacrifices for those you love. When Rachel went off to school after that horrible day it ripped her heart out. She soon met her now ex-husband and thought she really loved him now she knows that was not the case at all. Soon after she quit school to work two jobs full time in order to pay for him to go to law school and once he got in to this high power firm he dumped her basically. He never saw the children because the firm he worked with had him abroad more than in the states, hell it was few months before he saw the twins and 9 months before he saw their third son. Fast forward to her youngest being 5 years old and the twins being 7 years old and its summer now. That’s the bad part, Rachel has gotten herself a job, and she no longer wants money from her ex for herself for the children fine but not for her. The bad part is that it is starting in a week not in September like she thought and she has no one to watch the children.
That left her needing a sitter. Now she had become best friends with John’s mom and her boys thought of her as grandma. She had told her she knew of someone and would bring them by. While she was out gardening a truck drives into her driveway. She can’t see who it is due to the sun. When they get out and speak she nearly drops to her knees and all she can think of is murdering John’s mom. Because there stood John himself right there in her front yard, the thing is she never thought she would see him again. She ask what he’s doing there and he responds by saying his mom said she was in need of help and a nanny and he was there to help. That in fact he had a proposition for her where she could help him too.
See how these two maneuver a past that at first neither wants to deal with. Eventually, they have no choice. See how they react to the hurt, pain and time lost to a misunderstanding and communication glitch. I give this book 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
April 14, 2015
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I am so happy to be back in Lake Bliss with author Jenna Rutland and another couple determined to stay just friends for the summer. Just For Appearances reunites young lovers in a totally unusual way and leaves them discovering everything they ever wanted but refuse to admit. Smart, funny, and sensual I loved this story of a single mom realizing that she needs more in her life and a man realizing that he is worthy of everything he ever wanted.
I admire Rachel Clarke for her absolute dedication to her three boys and for wanting to take on a full time job to get out from underneath her ex-husband’s alimony. I also wanted to give her a little shake for allowing him to manipulate her for way too long but I also understood that she was hoping for the life she always wanted. There was no denying the sparks when her ex-boyfriend John McDonald shows up and offers his services as her “Manny” for the summer. John needs Rachel’s help in convincing the town he turned his back on that the community center he’s building for at risk children is a good thing for everyone but memories are long and John leaving Lake Bliss to play football in California his senior year is something many haven’t forgotten including Rachel.
I love how comfortable these two were with each despite the years apart and how easily John slipped into her life with her sons. He was upfront that he was only there through the summer and they made sure the boys realized it and they tried their damndest to remain professional but between the lingering glances, the teasing banter, and the outright blatant teasing it became clear these two were destined to see if they were still as good together as they’d once been.
While they easily fit together and enjoyed time together the looming deadline created some tension especially when they both realized they were developing feelings and when Rachel’s ex-husband dropped by to add insult to injury. They both made some mistakes, they both jumped to some conclusions they shouldn’t have along the way but in the end it all came down to the fact that neither one had ever really forgotten the other and how good it could be when they were together.
While this is a sweet romance, don’t let that stop you from checking this one out because sometimes getting “there” is half the fun especially when there is a lot of teasing, verbal foreplay, and a whole lot of working up to that perfect moment. From beginning to end I loved this couple and their story!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I am so happy to be back in Lake Bliss with author Jenna Rutland and another couple determined to stay just friends for the summer. Just For Appearances reunites young lovers in a totally unusual way and leaves them discovering everything they ever wanted but refuse to admit. Smart, funny, and sensual I loved this story of a single mom realizing that she needs more in her life and a man realizing that he is worthy of everything he ever wanted.
I admire Rachel Clarke for her absolute dedication to her three boys and for wanting to take on a full time job to get out from underneath her ex-husband’s alimony. I also wanted to give her a little shake for allowing him to manipulate her for way too long but I also understood that she was hoping for the life she always wanted. There was no denying the sparks when her ex-boyfriend John McDonald shows up and offers his services as her “Manny” for the summer. John needs Rachel’s help in convincing the town he turned his back on that the community center he’s building for at risk children is a good thing for everyone but memories are long and John leaving Lake Bliss to play football in California his senior year is something many haven’t forgotten including Rachel.
I love how comfortable these two were with each despite the years apart and how easily John slipped into her life with her sons. He was upfront that he was only there through the summer and they made sure the boys realized it and they tried their damndest to remain professional but between the lingering glances, the teasing banter, and the outright blatant teasing it became clear these two were destined to see if they were still as good together as they’d once been.
While they easily fit together and enjoyed time together the looming deadline created some tension especially when they both realized they were developing feelings and when Rachel’s ex-husband dropped by to add insult to injury. They both made some mistakes, they both jumped to some conclusions they shouldn’t have along the way but in the end it all came down to the fact that neither one had ever really forgotten the other and how good it could be when they were together.
While this is a sweet romance, don’t let that stop you from checking this one out because sometimes getting “there” is half the fun especially when there is a lot of teasing, verbal foreplay, and a whole lot of working up to that perfect moment. From beginning to end I loved this couple and their story!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
April 8, 2015
Check out my full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Just for Appearances is the second book in the Lake Bliss series by Jenna Rutland but can be read as a standalone. This is a contemporary romance with a second chance love story as its theme, one that I've often enjoyed reading because there's history between the lead characters and they finally get their shot at having their happily ever after this time around. Both Rachel and John were great characters and even though they both met and married, and subsequently divorced, other people after their own romance ended, nothing quite came close to how they felt for one another during their first go-around. This story was sweet and left me very much satisfied by the end.
While this was an advanced reader's copy (ARC), I did want to note two things that caught my attention: 1. Matt's surname is spelled "Regan" instead of "Reagan" (a minor thing) and 2. I didn't get how John never met Matt when he and Rachel were first together, especially since Matt and Rachel have known each other since they were kids and they're very close friends plus both men belonged to the same small town during that time. Of course, it's possible that Matt may have been in a different college than Rachel, so she never got to introduce him while she was originally seeing John. These aren't really extremely bothersome things; I just happened to notice them while reading.
All in all, this was an enjoyable story and one that I was able to finish in one sitting. I consider an added bonus the appearance of Dani and Matt Reagan and being to read about what they've been up to after their own story was told in the first book, Just for the Summer. Unlike Matt's ex-wife, whose concern for Matt was at least something nice about her, there was absolutely nothing going for Rachel's ex. I do wonder if the next book in the series will be about Jack, Rachel's brother, because he seems like an interesting character who needs his story to be told. ^.^ While not necessary, I recommend you read book one before reading Just for Appearances. Four stars! ♥
Release Date: 14 April 2015
Note: This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Just for Appearances is the second book in the Lake Bliss series by Jenna Rutland but can be read as a standalone. This is a contemporary romance with a second chance love story as its theme, one that I've often enjoyed reading because there's history between the lead characters and they finally get their shot at having their happily ever after this time around. Both Rachel and John were great characters and even though they both met and married, and subsequently divorced, other people after their own romance ended, nothing quite came close to how they felt for one another during their first go-around. This story was sweet and left me very much satisfied by the end.
While this was an advanced reader's copy (ARC), I did want to note two things that caught my attention: 1. Matt's surname is spelled "Regan" instead of "Reagan" (a minor thing) and 2. I didn't get how John never met Matt when he and Rachel were first together, especially since Matt and Rachel have known each other since they were kids and they're very close friends plus both men belonged to the same small town during that time. Of course, it's possible that Matt may have been in a different college than Rachel, so she never got to introduce him while she was originally seeing John. These aren't really extremely bothersome things; I just happened to notice them while reading.
All in all, this was an enjoyable story and one that I was able to finish in one sitting. I consider an added bonus the appearance of Dani and Matt Reagan and being to read about what they've been up to after their own story was told in the first book, Just for the Summer. Unlike Matt's ex-wife, whose concern for Matt was at least something nice about her, there was absolutely nothing going for Rachel's ex. I do wonder if the next book in the series will be about Jack, Rachel's brother, because he seems like an interesting character who needs his story to be told. ^.^ While not necessary, I recommend you read book one before reading Just for Appearances. Four stars! ♥
Release Date: 14 April 2015
April 15, 2015
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review***
Rachel Clarke is a single mom with three boys and she just got a job promotion that needed a lot of her time but she also needed to be with her boys. She was conflicted and didn’t know what to do. The kids were out of school for the summer so she needed someone to help watch them for her since his ex-husband is no help to her. Her friend and her ex-boyfriend’s mother, Carol, suggests her son, John as a possible babysitter for the boys for the summer so Rachel can take this job opportunity.
Rachel is unsure- she broke things off with him because his father pressed her hard and said he would because a football star if she wasn’t around so she did what he said and ended things without giving him a reason . John was unsure about coming into Rachel’s life with her children but he ended up coming into their lives and he was great. The kids loved him and he gave 110% around the home. He cooked, did laundry and had a perfectly good time with the kids. He enjoyed spending time with them and did what their real dad wouldn’t or couldn’t do.
As for Rachel and John, the tension was so thick, you could really read it in the book, it was like seeing it. They both had feelings for the other but neither one of them was willing to admit it, even to themselves. They both purposely held back their emotions in order to protect themselves. John couldn't condone that she clearly let go of him so quickly years ago when he had thought Rachel had loved him and he didn't want to be made a fool of again. Rachel was afraid that if she let him back into her heart he would still end up disappearing at the end of the summer and taking a piece of her heart with him and she would be incomplete.
Will they have their HEA or will they never be together. The twists kept me on the seat of my pants. The emotional pulls in this story made my stomach hurt at times. The author knows how to get you involved and make you root for John and Rachel. I just wish she had made my stomach hurt a little less. Their journey was rocky and the pain from the past was rough but I will say she knows how to get you and your feelings involved right from the start.
My rating: 4.45 stars ****
Rachel Clarke is a single mom with three boys and she just got a job promotion that needed a lot of her time but she also needed to be with her boys. She was conflicted and didn’t know what to do. The kids were out of school for the summer so she needed someone to help watch them for her since his ex-husband is no help to her. Her friend and her ex-boyfriend’s mother, Carol, suggests her son, John as a possible babysitter for the boys for the summer so Rachel can take this job opportunity.
Rachel is unsure- she broke things off with him because his father pressed her hard and said he would because a football star if she wasn’t around so she did what he said and ended things without giving him a reason . John was unsure about coming into Rachel’s life with her children but he ended up coming into their lives and he was great. The kids loved him and he gave 110% around the home. He cooked, did laundry and had a perfectly good time with the kids. He enjoyed spending time with them and did what their real dad wouldn’t or couldn’t do.
As for Rachel and John, the tension was so thick, you could really read it in the book, it was like seeing it. They both had feelings for the other but neither one of them was willing to admit it, even to themselves. They both purposely held back their emotions in order to protect themselves. John couldn't condone that she clearly let go of him so quickly years ago when he had thought Rachel had loved him and he didn't want to be made a fool of again. Rachel was afraid that if she let him back into her heart he would still end up disappearing at the end of the summer and taking a piece of her heart with him and she would be incomplete.
Will they have their HEA or will they never be together. The twists kept me on the seat of my pants. The emotional pulls in this story made my stomach hurt at times. The author knows how to get you involved and make you root for John and Rachel. I just wish she had made my stomach hurt a little less. Their journey was rocky and the pain from the past was rough but I will say she knows how to get you and your feelings involved right from the start.
My rating: 4.45 stars ****
April 15, 2015
2.5 "It didn't really work for me" Stars
*I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I liked the idea behind this book, but in actuality didn’t love it. It felt like there was a lot going on, but at the same time nothing ever happened… it was confusing as hell.
We have Rachel, a single mother of 3 boys after divorcing her somewhat of a douche husband. He pays alimony because he’s pretty much loaded but she doesn’t want to depend on him so she is starting a new job. For the duration of the summer break she needs a nanny who’ll keep up with her very active little rascals and still give her peace of mind so she can do her work well.
Unexpectedly the guy she fell for in high school comes back to town to open some type of youth activity center and oh-won’t-you-look-at-that: he just happens to be available to help her out during the whole summer since that is the time this center will need to be built.
Manny it is! (You know Man + Nanny = Manny ) ;)
Old feelings come back, they win over internal struggles, yadi yadi yada… you know.
I felt like a lot of things were just thrown in to make the plot last longer. Most of them were left unresolved or unexplained which deprived me of feeling closer with the story. For example, some random girl making a play for him, her ex husband suddenly wanting to get back together, the issues behind their break-up, and even his relationship with his dad. But what really really bugged me was his constant mention of being undeserving of her that stemmed from his daddy issues…
This book is well written, not much for sexy scenes, it’s more of those frantic kissing, fade to black…and the next morning. I just couldn’t feel with the characters, they lacked depth and everything else could have done with something more too.
It could have been a great book. But it just wasn’t.
*I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I liked the idea behind this book, but in actuality didn’t love it. It felt like there was a lot going on, but at the same time nothing ever happened… it was confusing as hell.
We have Rachel, a single mother of 3 boys after divorcing her somewhat of a douche husband. He pays alimony because he’s pretty much loaded but she doesn’t want to depend on him so she is starting a new job. For the duration of the summer break she needs a nanny who’ll keep up with her very active little rascals and still give her peace of mind so she can do her work well.
Unexpectedly the guy she fell for in high school comes back to town to open some type of youth activity center and oh-won’t-you-look-at-that: he just happens to be available to help her out during the whole summer since that is the time this center will need to be built.
Manny it is! (You know Man + Nanny = Manny ) ;)
Old feelings come back, they win over internal struggles, yadi yadi yada… you know.
I felt like a lot of things were just thrown in to make the plot last longer. Most of them were left unresolved or unexplained which deprived me of feeling closer with the story. For example, some random girl making a play for him, her ex husband suddenly wanting to get back together, the issues behind their break-up, and even his relationship with his dad. But what really really bugged me was his constant mention of being undeserving of her that stemmed from his daddy issues…
This book is well written, not much for sexy scenes, it’s more of those frantic kissing, fade to black…and the next morning. I just couldn’t feel with the characters, they lacked depth and everything else could have done with something more too.
It could have been a great book. But it just wasn’t.
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
John hadn’t wanted to leave Lake Bliss all those years ago. Leaving Rachel broke his heart, but in the end, he really had no other choice.
Now, years later Rachel is a single mom with three young boys, one divorce behind her, a useless ex-husband and a lot of wasted years to make up for. She has just gotten that well deserved promotion and she’d be working a lot of hours. She needed help, but why did that help have to be in the shape of the now grown up boy she’d loved so long ago.
John had taken his life back, doing the thing he loved the most – creating recreational centers for kids. But his past glory days are long gone according to the good citizens of Lake Bliss. He’s going to need some help getting the townsfolk behind him again. The one person who might be able to help him with that is Rachel. She’s been convinced that John can look after her kids during this summer vacation. And he is good with the boys, and he takes care of everything needed for them. It’s obvious that the boys love him and the feeling is returned. But Rachel cannot let go of the past. To do that she’d have to trust John again and she’s not sure if she can.
Just For Appearances is more than a charming story. It is an involved tale of love lost and perhaps found again, if they can let go of what was and grab onto what is now. Rachel and John’s relationship is complicated, touching, sexy and realistic. It’s not easy to trust again, but the rewards are unbelievable.
Love happy endings? Want a deeper story? Then check out Just For Appearances. It’s well worth your time.
*I received an e-ARC of Just For Appearances from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
John hadn’t wanted to leave Lake Bliss all those years ago. Leaving Rachel broke his heart, but in the end, he really had no other choice.
Now, years later Rachel is a single mom with three young boys, one divorce behind her, a useless ex-husband and a lot of wasted years to make up for. She has just gotten that well deserved promotion and she’d be working a lot of hours. She needed help, but why did that help have to be in the shape of the now grown up boy she’d loved so long ago.
John had taken his life back, doing the thing he loved the most – creating recreational centers for kids. But his past glory days are long gone according to the good citizens of Lake Bliss. He’s going to need some help getting the townsfolk behind him again. The one person who might be able to help him with that is Rachel. She’s been convinced that John can look after her kids during this summer vacation. And he is good with the boys, and he takes care of everything needed for them. It’s obvious that the boys love him and the feeling is returned. But Rachel cannot let go of the past. To do that she’d have to trust John again and she’s not sure if she can.
Just For Appearances is more than a charming story. It is an involved tale of love lost and perhaps found again, if they can let go of what was and grab onto what is now. Rachel and John’s relationship is complicated, touching, sexy and realistic. It’s not easy to trust again, but the rewards are unbelievable.
Love happy endings? Want a deeper story? Then check out Just For Appearances. It’s well worth your time.
*I received an e-ARC of Just For Appearances from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
April 4, 2015
I was gifted a copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion and a review.
This is the second book in the lake bliss series, where say i wasn't all that fond of it this book i really enjoyed, It was very well written and at an easy pace to enjoy.
In this book we meet Rachel Clarke she is a hard working single mum with three rambunctious boys, and know she just needs a little help. But she has a dilemma and she only has one option and that is John MacDonald her high school sweetheart and the some what of a disgraced home town hero who has just returned to Lake Bliss. He is just perfect for the job. He can cooks, he cleans, and he's so amazing with children. He's also still far too delicious and sizzling hot for her own comfort...
Rachel is still as gorgeous as John has always remembered. But in order for his new youth activity centre to be a success, John needs a lot of help in the form of Rachel's to earn this town's trust back. And in exchange, he will take care of her boys for the summer while she goes to works. Except there is just this one tiny thing getting in there way their relationship! its suppose to be strictly business and it is so much harder than he could have ever imagine.
But this summer can't last forever as much as they want it to, and when it ends, so will their arrangement or will it truly ever end as well as John's time in Lake Bliss
very enjoyable book i liked the characters especially John's mum aka matchmaker :)
4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
This is the second book in the lake bliss series, where say i wasn't all that fond of it this book i really enjoyed, It was very well written and at an easy pace to enjoy.
In this book we meet Rachel Clarke she is a hard working single mum with three rambunctious boys, and know she just needs a little help. But she has a dilemma and she only has one option and that is John MacDonald her high school sweetheart and the some what of a disgraced home town hero who has just returned to Lake Bliss. He is just perfect for the job. He can cooks, he cleans, and he's so amazing with children. He's also still far too delicious and sizzling hot for her own comfort...
Rachel is still as gorgeous as John has always remembered. But in order for his new youth activity centre to be a success, John needs a lot of help in the form of Rachel's to earn this town's trust back. And in exchange, he will take care of her boys for the summer while she goes to works. Except there is just this one tiny thing getting in there way their relationship! its suppose to be strictly business and it is so much harder than he could have ever imagine.
But this summer can't last forever as much as they want it to, and when it ends, so will their arrangement or will it truly ever end as well as John's time in Lake Bliss
very enjoyable book i liked the characters especially John's mum aka matchmaker :)
4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
April 14, 2015
After wasting 10 years in a one-sided marriage to which she sacrificed her education and youth, Rachel finally has the opportunity to make a career for herself, to stand on her own two feet and make her own life. But with 3 boys under the age of 8, she needs someone to help take care of them for the summer. With the help of some innocent meddling on the part of her friend Carol, who enlists her son John to watch her boys, Rachel has the ideal opportunity to fulfill her dreams. But the history between her and John, and her own insecurities get in the way. Because she was the who pushed him to leave all those years ago.
John was forced to leave his hometown by his father, to pursue a career in football, dashing the hopes of the townsfolk of a star athlete belonging to Lake Bliss. But the dream was never his own and when it didn't become a reality, he finally followed his own path, moving from town to town, living his own adventures and creating recreational centers for the children of those towns.
Now back in Lake Bliss after all these years has awoken memories and feelings he had for Rachel. She needs his help with her kids and he needs her help to restore the faith and trust of the townspeople in him as he sets up his recreational centre. Can they mutually benefit from this and come out of this deal hurt-free or will their feelings complicate their already complicated lives. Get yourself a copy of this book and find out because I'm not telling. ;-D
Free copy provided in exchange for an honest review
John was forced to leave his hometown by his father, to pursue a career in football, dashing the hopes of the townsfolk of a star athlete belonging to Lake Bliss. But the dream was never his own and when it didn't become a reality, he finally followed his own path, moving from town to town, living his own adventures and creating recreational centers for the children of those towns.
Now back in Lake Bliss after all these years has awoken memories and feelings he had for Rachel. She needs his help with her kids and he needs her help to restore the faith and trust of the townspeople in him as he sets up his recreational centre. Can they mutually benefit from this and come out of this deal hurt-free or will their feelings complicate their already complicated lives. Get yourself a copy of this book and find out because I'm not telling. ;-D
Free copy provided in exchange for an honest review
April 13, 2015
Dang!!! I’m such a sucker for love stories and happily ever-afters, for guys who can work as nannies in all their sexy hide and independent woman who try not asking for help, yet want to be taken care of and doted.
“Just For Appearances” John MacDonald is helping Rachel Clarke take care of her sons for the summer as she starts a new job, and in return John needs Rachel’s help promoting John’s idea of building Lake Bliss Youth Center. Just for appearances they are employer and employee.
But they have a history between them. They have unresolved issues between them and they have unanswered questions that need closure. Yet the desire, passion and love is one thing that remained constant between them, and that is one thing now that has them in each other’s arms. Then again at the end of summer, will love be enough to hold John to Rachel and Lake Bliss, and is Rachel strong enough to nurse a broken heart the second time round.
This is just one of most sweetest love stories I’ve read recently. Jenna Rutland gives John and Rachel an amazing characterization of the most adorable couple. Rachel as the single mother raising three boys is just pure golden and John with his open heart, support and intuition is perfect as the nanny and a confidant to the boys and their needs.
Jenna does a super fine job with the narration and the flow of the story. It’s charming, its emotional, its witty and one heck of a romantic read for everyone!
Received an ARC from Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley for an honest review.
“Just For Appearances” John MacDonald is helping Rachel Clarke take care of her sons for the summer as she starts a new job, and in return John needs Rachel’s help promoting John’s idea of building Lake Bliss Youth Center. Just for appearances they are employer and employee.
But they have a history between them. They have unresolved issues between them and they have unanswered questions that need closure. Yet the desire, passion and love is one thing that remained constant between them, and that is one thing now that has them in each other’s arms. Then again at the end of summer, will love be enough to hold John to Rachel and Lake Bliss, and is Rachel strong enough to nurse a broken heart the second time round.
This is just one of most sweetest love stories I’ve read recently. Jenna Rutland gives John and Rachel an amazing characterization of the most adorable couple. Rachel as the single mother raising three boys is just pure golden and John with his open heart, support and intuition is perfect as the nanny and a confidant to the boys and their needs.
Jenna does a super fine job with the narration and the flow of the story. It’s charming, its emotional, its witty and one heck of a romantic read for everyone!
Received an ARC from Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley for an honest review.
April 22, 2015
While I found the initial premise a little convenient, in the end it didn't disrupt my enjoyment of this book at all.
Rachel - being a mother myself WITH the help of their father, I'm in awe of the woman's ability to raise three children, no, three BOYS alone. She's done her best and understandably is a little overwhelmed as she tries to get back into the work force. Everyone needs a little help and she's not ashamed to admit it, even when it ends up coming to her in the form of gorgeous John MacDonald.
John - I liked his motivation for coming to Lake Bliss and the fact that he was incredibly up front from the beginning that he's only there temporarily. I liked his redemption in the eyes of the town, and his reasons for caring what they thought of him - because he was trying to get a community center built to help kids out.
These two together were spectacular. I loved the way they fought the attraction to one another as long as they could. While the curveball toward the end in the form of Rachel's ex was a bit over the top and conveniently timed, I didn't really mind it. It's category romance and no one does Category like Entangled does these days (not even my beloved Harlequin Presents).
I loved the setting of Lake Bliss and the small-town feeling that the Bliss books all have. This definitely won't be a miss for all those who enjoy such settings.
Give this book a shot. I have to track down the first one in the series, so that should tell you how much I really enjoyed this book.
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel - being a mother myself WITH the help of their father, I'm in awe of the woman's ability to raise three children, no, three BOYS alone. She's done her best and understandably is a little overwhelmed as she tries to get back into the work force. Everyone needs a little help and she's not ashamed to admit it, even when it ends up coming to her in the form of gorgeous John MacDonald.
John - I liked his motivation for coming to Lake Bliss and the fact that he was incredibly up front from the beginning that he's only there temporarily. I liked his redemption in the eyes of the town, and his reasons for caring what they thought of him - because he was trying to get a community center built to help kids out.
These two together were spectacular. I loved the way they fought the attraction to one another as long as they could. While the curveball toward the end in the form of Rachel's ex was a bit over the top and conveniently timed, I didn't really mind it. It's category romance and no one does Category like Entangled does these days (not even my beloved Harlequin Presents).
I loved the setting of Lake Bliss and the small-town feeling that the Bliss books all have. This definitely won't be a miss for all those who enjoy such settings.
Give this book a shot. I have to track down the first one in the series, so that should tell you how much I really enjoyed this book.
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2015
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Kim
Ten years ago, Rachel Clarke and John MacDonald were high school sweethearts, until Rachel sacrificed her heart for John’s future. Now, Rachel is a divorced mother of three energetic boys, who is finally ready to get on with her life.
She just accepted her first full time job in years. She just needs a nanny to take care of the boys for the summer and so far is not having any luck finding anyone. That’s where John comes in. His mother, Carol, has been serving as surrogate grandmother for the boys and she suggests John for the job. In return, Rachel will help John improve his reputation with the people of Lake Bliss, so that they will back the kids center he’s going to build.
Just for Appearances has all the makings to be a really good, wonderful story. It just falls short with unaddressed details and issues, being predictable, and not truly original. It’s been two years since Jenna Rutland debuted her first novel, Just for the Summer. I was on pins and needles waiting for this book. I have to admit that I feel a little let down that this book doesn’t come anywhere close to the the caliber of the first book. With the three boys being the catalyst for John and Rachel coming back together, I really thought they would have played a bigger role in the story than they did.
**Received a copy from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
by Kim
Ten years ago, Rachel Clarke and John MacDonald were high school sweethearts, until Rachel sacrificed her heart for John’s future. Now, Rachel is a divorced mother of three energetic boys, who is finally ready to get on with her life.
She just accepted her first full time job in years. She just needs a nanny to take care of the boys for the summer and so far is not having any luck finding anyone. That’s where John comes in. His mother, Carol, has been serving as surrogate grandmother for the boys and she suggests John for the job. In return, Rachel will help John improve his reputation with the people of Lake Bliss, so that they will back the kids center he’s going to build.
Just for Appearances has all the makings to be a really good, wonderful story. It just falls short with unaddressed details and issues, being predictable, and not truly original. It’s been two years since Jenna Rutland debuted her first novel, Just for the Summer. I was on pins and needles waiting for this book. I have to admit that I feel a little let down that this book doesn’t come anywhere close to the the caliber of the first book. With the three boys being the catalyst for John and Rachel coming back together, I really thought they would have played a bigger role in the story than they did.
**Received a copy from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
April 4, 2015
Just For Appearances
This story was given to me in exchange for an honest review by Net Galley.
Rachel Clarke is the mother of three young boys with an ex-husband that is never around. She has recently gotten a new job and needs a lot of help. She is having a hard time doing everything and cant find a babysitter for the boys. Her mother suggests she give John MacDonald a try. Now she and John have a history, they were high school sweethearts before she broke things off so he could purse his dreams of playing football.
He is trying to open a youth centre in town but needs some help, the townsfolk are not receptive because their football hero has already left town on them once. Rachel has lived her forever, people admire her. He will help her for the summer if she helps him. They agree to help one another.
It is a perfect relationship, he proves how valuable his help is in the house, he cooks, he cleans and he spends time with the boys. The attraction they had in high-school is starting to reappear.
Jenna Rutland does a great job with this story. It is a light and easy read. I was able to read it in one night and I enjoyed every page. It has all the aspects of a good love story. Two people fighting their attraction to one another, three adorable boys, lots of outside activities and some really hot love scenes.
I am a sucker for second changes and happy ever afters. I would give this story a 4/5.
April 19, 2015
Rachel Clarke is a single mom who wants to re-join the workforce. She no longer wants to be dependent on the alimony from her ex-husband. With three boys she'll need a full time nanny. In walks John MacDonald. Rachel's high school sweetheart and he's asking for the nanny job. In exchange for being the nanny to her boys, John wants Rachel to help him earn back the trust of the townspeople. In high school, instead of staying and bringing the football team to a state championship, John left to go live with his father in California. We all know how important high school football is to a small town. He wants to build a youth activity center but needs the support of the town to do it. Once he gets the approval and builds it, he'll be leaving to build other centers in other towns. The old sparks are still there between them but will they act on that old spark knowing he'll be leaving at the end of the summer? How is he NOT going to get attached to her boys?
Very entertaining story! I couldn't stop reading until I was completely done. John is the whole package. He's responsible, sexy, has a body to die for and did I say he was sexy? This book is full of fantastic characters and small town life. I love it! This is my first book by Jenna Rutland and it will definitely not be my last.
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Very entertaining story! I couldn't stop reading until I was completely done. John is the whole package. He's responsible, sexy, has a body to die for and did I say he was sexy? This book is full of fantastic characters and small town life. I love it! This is my first book by Jenna Rutland and it will definitely not be my last.
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2015
John and Rachel's story starts back in high school. They were certain it was love even then. They were destined for greater things. At least, he was. His father talked her into breaking up with him and sending off to football greatness.
Now, both divorced and back in Lake Bliss, they find the attraction is still alive. Sparks literally fly around them when they are in the same room. He asks her to let him be her nanny. Her three sons love this idea too. Can she keep her hands off him if she is his employer?
His mom is one of her dearest friends and thinks this is the best solution for both of them. John has never stopped loving her. He has no clue even today, why she sent him away. She wants to tell him but it has been so long. Would it even matter?
When her ex returns and wants her back - can she choose the right man for her future and her kids? Such an engaging story that keeps you interested. My only complaint was the abrupt sort of ending. Full of surprises though!
***This ARC copy was given Free from Netgalley.com and the publisher for review purposes. My honest opinion does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.
Now, both divorced and back in Lake Bliss, they find the attraction is still alive. Sparks literally fly around them when they are in the same room. He asks her to let him be her nanny. Her three sons love this idea too. Can she keep her hands off him if she is his employer?
His mom is one of her dearest friends and thinks this is the best solution for both of them. John has never stopped loving her. He has no clue even today, why she sent him away. She wants to tell him but it has been so long. Would it even matter?
When her ex returns and wants her back - can she choose the right man for her future and her kids? Such an engaging story that keeps you interested. My only complaint was the abrupt sort of ending. Full of surprises though!
***This ARC copy was given Free from Netgalley.com and the publisher for review purposes. My honest opinion does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.
October 29, 2015
Rachel loved John so much, she told a lie to set him free. Now she's divorced with three sons and in need of a last minute nanny for the summer.
John was crushed when his girlfriend Rachel broke up with him soon after they made love for the first time. Years have passed, but he's never forgotten her. Since his mother took on the role of surrogate grandmother to Rachel's boys, he learns of the nanny dilemma. One look at Rachel and all those old feelings came rushing back. What he didn't know was the same thing happened to her.
Over the course of the summer, Rachel and John get to know each other again. Rutland creates an epic level of sexual tension as the two fumble their way through the hot summer nights. The burn is slow, but completely necessary for the development of Rachel and John as individuals as well as a couple.
I had trouble thinking about how the summer could possibly end well for our lovers, but Rutland gives us all the perfect happily ever after.
Thanks so much to Entangled Publishing and Jenna Rutland for providing me with a copy of Just for Appearances in exchange for an honest review.
John was crushed when his girlfriend Rachel broke up with him soon after they made love for the first time. Years have passed, but he's never forgotten her. Since his mother took on the role of surrogate grandmother to Rachel's boys, he learns of the nanny dilemma. One look at Rachel and all those old feelings came rushing back. What he didn't know was the same thing happened to her.
Over the course of the summer, Rachel and John get to know each other again. Rutland creates an epic level of sexual tension as the two fumble their way through the hot summer nights. The burn is slow, but completely necessary for the development of Rachel and John as individuals as well as a couple.
I had trouble thinking about how the summer could possibly end well for our lovers, but Rutland gives us all the perfect happily ever after.
Thanks so much to Entangled Publishing and Jenna Rutland for providing me with a copy of Just for Appearances in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2015
A second chance romance between, John and Rachel, whom dated in high school and ended abruptly. Fast forward ten years with failed marriages, John returns home for the summer to Lake Bliss. Rachel is just starting a new job and needs a nanny for her three boys, perfect job Nanny McHeartbreaker.
I really enjoyed the characters, they pulled at my heartstrings. John was the perfect man, cooks, cleans, active with the boys and loves Rachel, but only for the summer. He is quite adamant that he is only here for the summer. Rachel, has given up her life to raise these three little boys, and now starting her career. Can this love be only for summer, and give John up like the last time.
I really enjoyed this book, great interaction between the charcters, and even John's mom playing matchmaker. I recommend this book for a light summer read. I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review
I really enjoyed the characters, they pulled at my heartstrings. John was the perfect man, cooks, cleans, active with the boys and loves Rachel, but only for the summer. He is quite adamant that he is only here for the summer. Rachel, has given up her life to raise these three little boys, and now starting her career. Can this love be only for summer, and give John up like the last time.
I really enjoyed this book, great interaction between the charcters, and even John's mom playing matchmaker. I recommend this book for a light summer read. I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review
October 3, 2015
ARC from NetGalley for honest review.
3.5 Stars.
My main issue is that she was a single mom to three boys and he was their nanny but there wasn't a lot of time spent with the kids in the book.
There just wasn't enough to this book for me. There should have been more time with kids and more details all together.
I felt a little disconnected to the H/h. I don't know if it was just me but I couldn't really get fully invested with them like I usually do with the characters.
I wanted to LOVE it! But I couldn't.
I'm a lover of books with single parents in them but they have to have the kids involved in the book. They don't have to be there on every page or even every chapter but they definitely have to be there.
3.5 Stars.
My main issue is that she was a single mom to three boys and he was their nanny but there wasn't a lot of time spent with the kids in the book.
There just wasn't enough to this book for me. There should have been more time with kids and more details all together.
I felt a little disconnected to the H/h. I don't know if it was just me but I couldn't really get fully invested with them like I usually do with the characters.
I wanted to LOVE it! But I couldn't.
I'm a lover of books with single parents in them but they have to have the kids involved in the book. They don't have to be there on every page or even every chapter but they definitely have to be there.
April 14, 2015
Such a sweet sincere story! I loved John in the entire book. He was so sweet, loving with Rachel's boys and dove right in to helping her and them. Rachel was an amazing mom who was a little overwhelmed with a new job and no childcare for the summer. A little matchmaking on John's mom's part and voila instant nanny. The connection between John and Rachel was as strong as it was when they were in school together. They were so cute and yet hot with their perusal of each other. This was a very realistic story but with a fairytale ending. I only wish two things different...a little more discussion about how they ended things in the past and a little more of their HEA. I wanted to know what happened next.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.
April 9, 2015
John and Rachel fell in love as teenagers. Their relationship did not end well. Feelings were hurt. Hearts were broken. As adults each is trying to find their way. Rachel now the single mother of three boys, John is looking for help in order to open a youth center. Unfortunately, John has not left a good impression on the town because of his abrupt departure years ago and needs help from Rachel who had her heart broken by John. Ultimately an agreement is made, John will help Rachel if Rachel helps him. What starts as a necessity may lead to more. Just for Appearances was given to me for an honest review. I thought the story was a little slow in some areas and somewhat chaotic in others but still a heartwarming read.
April 13, 2015
4 stars
Just for Appearances was a sweet, fun and heartfelt read.
I enjoyed the characters, both John and Rachel were likable and very relatable. Enjoyed seeing them reconnect and open their hearts to each other.
John and Rachel have a second chance at love, will they find a way to make it work this time?
If your looking for a sweet romance then I highly recommend Just for Appearances and the Lake Bliss series.
Thank you to Entangled Bliss via Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Just for Appearances was a sweet, fun and heartfelt read.
I enjoyed the characters, both John and Rachel were likable and very relatable. Enjoyed seeing them reconnect and open their hearts to each other.
John and Rachel have a second chance at love, will they find a way to make it work this time?
If your looking for a sweet romance then I highly recommend Just for Appearances and the Lake Bliss series.
Thank you to Entangled Bliss via Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
April 9, 2015
What a wonderful story of love reunited. Rachel has her hands full as a single mom and her high school sweetheart has to mend some relationship fences. After John left the Town in what they perceived as a lurch while in high school, he and Rachel join forces to repair his image and to help Rachel balance work with taking care of her three boys. Although they thought it would be temporary, the happily ever after in this book is definitely heartwarming! This is a well written story, I enjoyed the story line very much. Lots of romance and a tiny bit of steam.
April 12, 2015
Just for Appearances was cute and sweet. John and Rachel dated when in High school. He was the Football star quarterback and she was the nerd who kept him in school and on the field, but She had to make the sacrifice and let him go so he could follow his dreams.
now a decade later he needs her to help him win over the town and she needs him to care for her boys so she can make it to work. An unlikely pairing will put these two back in each others paths. Divorces, hurt, failed dreams, will being put in each others ways set them on the path to happily ever after or just more heartache?
now a decade later he needs her to help him win over the town and she needs him to care for her boys so she can make it to work. An unlikely pairing will put these two back in each others paths. Divorces, hurt, failed dreams, will being put in each others ways set them on the path to happily ever after or just more heartache?
April 14, 2015
A very enjoyable read.
I liked John and Rachel and their second chance love. It was great seeing them opening up to each other little by little. They both had things holding them back, but it was good that they gave each other a chance.
I hated her ex though, what a jerk, and I was so glad she got a second chance at being with someone else. Not only for her, but for her children.
Really cute.
*Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
I liked John and Rachel and their second chance love. It was great seeing them opening up to each other little by little. They both had things holding them back, but it was good that they gave each other a chance.
I hated her ex though, what a jerk, and I was so glad she got a second chance at being with someone else. Not only for her, but for her children.
Really cute.
*Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
May 2, 2015
I'm such a sucker for a romance with kids involved. Especially when the guys are as good with the kids as John is.
I read this when I was suffering from a romance OD, but it was still fresh enough to not make me want to roll my eyes and give up. It still suffers from the too-drawn-out angst and the "girl is a spitfire" trope, but the writing is good enough to overlook things that might tire you out in other less well written romances.
I read this when I was suffering from a romance OD, but it was still fresh enough to not make me want to roll my eyes and give up. It still suffers from the too-drawn-out angst and the "girl is a spitfire" trope, but the writing is good enough to overlook things that might tire you out in other less well written romances.
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