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Cottage Grove #2
More Than A Fling
Julia Caldwell has long since mastered the art of seduction in order to catch the only thing on her radar; one night stands. Having two failed marriages under her belt, she’s learned to keep her feelings in check and remain aloof, not wanting to get caught up in another pesky relationship only for it to end eventually in heartache. As the manager of a prestigious Hair Salon in Nashville, she succeeds in keeping the opposite sex at arms-length except when it suits her and her needs. That is until she lands on Cottage Grove soil. Dean Parker has just as many failed marriages against him, and with being a divorce lawyer it eventually has him thinking that’s why his conquests always fall through, due to his occupation. After seeing his two childhood friends rekindle their flame and earning the happily ever after he so desperately craves, he decides to give up. That it’s not worth the heartache he’s been put through. Until he meets the snarky spitfire who gets under his skin. Throwing the two of them together in the same town for the wedding of their best friends, Julia isn’t against having another fling, even if it is with Dean, but he definitely has other plans of making it more than that. Amongst their non-defined affair, lurking somewhere in the darkness is a shadow from one of their pasts who will stop at nothing to make sure that happily ever afters stay where they belong, in the fairy tales.
228 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2015
6 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Amber Nation
13 books571 followersAmber Nation currently resides in Southern Indiana with her husband and two daughters. Amber writes Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Romance Comedy novels. She loves hoarding paperback books, shopping, concerts, road trips, and watching her daughters sport it up on the basketball court or in gymnastics.
Her personal motto is to always believe in yourself and above all else, be you!
Follow Amber on Instagram @ber2885, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ambernationauthor and on Pinterest at Ber2885.
Her personal motto is to always believe in yourself and above all else, be you!
Follow Amber on Instagram @ber2885, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ambernationauthor and on Pinterest at Ber2885.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 31, 2016
3.5 Stars
I was sure this story would be a 3 stars story. I liked the couple but I wasn't over the moon about them. I'm not totally against but it has to be a good really story to be believable and this one didn't fulfill that condition.
But approx. after 85% my heart broke with them, because no one should
I was sure this story would be a 3 stars story. I liked the couple but I wasn't over the moon about them. I'm not totally against but it has to be a good really story to be believable and this one didn't fulfill that condition.
But approx. after 85% my heart broke with them, because no one should
September 29, 2020
Dean (Baylor and Eden’s best friend from high school)
Julia (Eden’s best friend)
Julia and Dean’s introduction was comical at best. He stared at her assets rather than her eyes, setting the scene for any future interactions. As they prepare for Baylor and Eden’s upcoming nuptials wedding, the two studiously avoid each other bringing their snarky bests to the surface, undeniably attracted. Their bantering exceeded expectations and they were combustible together.
Both twice divorced, Julia has a tough exterior and doesn’t let many people into her heavily guarded heart with the exception of Eden, for her, she has a soft inner core.
Julia calls Bentley over. He didn’t hesitate, in fact he smugly placed himself between us. Just as I was getting a moment of civility between Julia and myself, he had to ruin it by being alive. F@#&ing pest.
I cautiously watched as she motioned him to bend over towards her and she gently placed her hands on his cheeks. A burst of red hot anger radiated through my veins because the playboy was getting the softer side of Julia. Right then, I was torn between feeling remorse for punching him in the face, because of the aftercare he was receiving and wishing I had done something a helluva lot worse. “I can’t believe someone slammed a door on your face.” She continued rubbing her finger alongside his nose. “You’re going to have a nice shiner come morning, but at least the makeup worked well for the pictures.” He pulled out of her embrace and turned towards me with a lifted brow.
Julia and Dean suffered at the hands of their exes and there were times Julia was truly trying, hiding behind her indifference. True love prevailed at the end.
Julia (Eden’s best friend)
Julia and Dean’s introduction was comical at best. He stared at her assets rather than her eyes, setting the scene for any future interactions. As they prepare for Baylor and Eden’s upcoming nuptials wedding, the two studiously avoid each other bringing their snarky bests to the surface, undeniably attracted. Their bantering exceeded expectations and they were combustible together.
Both twice divorced, Julia has a tough exterior and doesn’t let many people into her heavily guarded heart with the exception of Eden, for her, she has a soft inner core.
Julia calls Bentley over. He didn’t hesitate, in fact he smugly placed himself between us. Just as I was getting a moment of civility between Julia and myself, he had to ruin it by being alive. F@#&ing pest.
I cautiously watched as she motioned him to bend over towards her and she gently placed her hands on his cheeks. A burst of red hot anger radiated through my veins because the playboy was getting the softer side of Julia. Right then, I was torn between feeling remorse for punching him in the face, because of the aftercare he was receiving and wishing I had done something a helluva lot worse. “I can’t believe someone slammed a door on your face.” She continued rubbing her finger alongside his nose. “You’re going to have a nice shiner come morning, but at least the makeup worked well for the pictures.” He pulled out of her embrace and turned towards me with a lifted brow.
Julia and Dean suffered at the hands of their exes and there were times Julia was truly trying, hiding behind her indifference. True love prevailed at the end.
June 4, 2015
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
More Than A Fling by Amber Nation is book two in the Cottage Grove series. This is More Than your normal romance book, Nation has a lesson hidden deep inside if your willing to listen. This book is a bit of a second chance novel and a lot of learning to let go and love yourself.
My heart went out to Julia. She has all these defense mechanism in place to protect herself for getting hurt. You know there are some deep scars, they she is carrying around and you want to help her. Nation did a great job with the emotional descriptions, allowing the readers to felling the her pain and bitterness (somewhat).
Dean, who could not love him? Well Julia at first! He was a sweetheart through and through that still knew how to get things done. *WINK WINK*
You don't want to miss More Than a Fling, you need to see why Amber Nation, is on her way to the top! This is indie greatness at it's finest.
More Than A Fling by Amber Nation is book two in the Cottage Grove series. This is More Than your normal romance book, Nation has a lesson hidden deep inside if your willing to listen. This book is a bit of a second chance novel and a lot of learning to let go and love yourself.
My heart went out to Julia. She has all these defense mechanism in place to protect herself for getting hurt. You know there are some deep scars, they she is carrying around and you want to help her. Nation did a great job with the emotional descriptions, allowing the readers to felling the her pain and bitterness (somewhat).
Dean, who could not love him? Well Julia at first! He was a sweetheart through and through that still knew how to get things done. *WINK WINK*
You don't want to miss More Than a Fling, you need to see why Amber Nation, is on her way to the top! This is indie greatness at it's finest.
April 30, 2020
Amber Nation completely sucks you in to the lives of Julia and Dean. Who have met before through their best friends who are engaged to get married. These are two people who are constantly at each other's throats. When life and the upcoming wedding throw the two together word and sparks fly! When they are apart they learn that some secrets and parts of their past is not so easily avoidable.
The one thing I hate about writing an review is that I don't want to let any spoilers out, which is really super hard! What I can tell you about this amazing book is that you will want to delve deeper into the story. Amber makes her characters so real that you feel connected to them. They feel like old friends.
I truly want my own Dean….he makes me swoon….Julia is a character who is strong, independent woman. Amber Nation is truly very gifted author.
The one thing I hate about writing an review is that I don't want to let any spoilers out, which is really super hard! What I can tell you about this amazing book is that you will want to delve deeper into the story. Amber makes her characters so real that you feel connected to them. They feel like old friends.
I truly want my own Dean….he makes me swoon….Julia is a character who is strong, independent woman. Amber Nation is truly very gifted author.
June 13, 2018
Wow!
Wow, Julia and Dean have been through so much in their separate lives before meeting. When they meet, it's not Insta anything other then mutual love of tormenting the other. Soon they both realize that's only the icing on the cake. Lots of turns and unforseen circumstances in their way to a happily ever after.
Wow, Julia and Dean have been through so much in their separate lives before meeting. When they meet, it's not Insta anything other then mutual love of tormenting the other. Soon they both realize that's only the icing on the cake. Lots of turns and unforseen circumstances in their way to a happily ever after.
June 24, 2018
Loved Julia and Dean
Loved the story of Julia and Dean. Plus it gives small glimpses of what is to come in book 3! A great story and a great read. I love this sweet series with a small amount of heat
Loved the story of Julia and Dean. Plus it gives small glimpses of what is to come in book 3! A great story and a great read. I love this sweet series with a small amount of heat
September 22, 2018
I loved Dean and Julia's story. The hate/love relationship made for great chemistry. Such a great book.
October 13, 2018
Dean and Julia have amazing chemistry and their banter was great.
When their two best friends decide to get married, they are pushed together as best man and maid of honor what could go wrong?
When their two best friends decide to get married, they are pushed together as best man and maid of honor what could go wrong?
October 14, 2018
My heart broke into a million pieces for the main characters! I won't spoil it but ugh tissues needed!
November 12, 2015
Original review posted at Travel with Books and Coffee
PROLOGUE. This is all it takes for me to love this book. Okay I lied. I love Dean and Julia since the first book. I knew then that the next book is about them, and I am so excited to read it. The pain of waiting for the next book is excruciating, I keep stalking the author's social media account for the updates and stuff.
Dean and Julia met in the most awkward moment in the first book. That makes the readers to feel excited for the second book, to see how they end up together.
Dean is always the gentleman, maybe that's one of the reasons why he got two failed marriages. Which is kinda sad because for me he's the best guy in the world. He did everything to make his marriages work but I guess girls love bad boys better than good guys like Dean.
Julia is once a sweet, romantic girl but guys doesn't see that. Guys always take her for granted and that makes her who she is today, a cynical bitch. Failed marriages will always break a girl's heart, and will eventually start building walls around her to keep anyone from getting a little close to her heart.
Their relationship didn't start as friendly and sweet but rather hate and full of banter. They love to set each other on edge and get in each other's skin. Which is kinda cool in a way because you know that they're real.
I love how the author build their characters, realistic and their emotions are true to the heart. It's a roller coaster of emotions. Shielding their hearts from another pain. Covering their sorrow through their bitchy face.
I cannot put this book down. Every page turned is another fight between Julia and Dean. One page they hate each other, on the next page they dream of kissing the other one.
Dean stopped believing in love. Julia stopped praying for happily ever after. But fate has something planned for them. The more they spit hateful comments on each other, the more they want to be in each other's arms. It's not a pretty sight but they can't help it, they're in love.
Well, not all relationships are smooth sailing, they're fighting what their hearts wants and keep pretending that they repel each other. Which is kinda sweet and romantic. And they will do everything to be with each other.
I can't believe that I can love another book more than the first one. And I'm sure as hell that I will love the third book more. I can't wait!
"I am leaving you."
Four words.
"I want a divorce."
Four more words.
The asshole sidled up behind her and tucked her under his arm as she continued, "I'm having his baby."
Those were the four words that I'd let her say.
PROLOGUE. This is all it takes for me to love this book. Okay I lied. I love Dean and Julia since the first book. I knew then that the next book is about them, and I am so excited to read it. The pain of waiting for the next book is excruciating, I keep stalking the author's social media account for the updates and stuff.
Dean and Julia met in the most awkward moment in the first book. That makes the readers to feel excited for the second book, to see how they end up together.
Dean is always the gentleman, maybe that's one of the reasons why he got two failed marriages. Which is kinda sad because for me he's the best guy in the world. He did everything to make his marriages work but I guess girls love bad boys better than good guys like Dean.
Julia is once a sweet, romantic girl but guys doesn't see that. Guys always take her for granted and that makes her who she is today, a cynical bitch. Failed marriages will always break a girl's heart, and will eventually start building walls around her to keep anyone from getting a little close to her heart.
Their relationship didn't start as friendly and sweet but rather hate and full of banter. They love to set each other on edge and get in each other's skin. Which is kinda cool in a way because you know that they're real.
She took just a brief second to peruse my body, so quick that she probably didn't think I noticed. But I noticed, oh yeah I did.
I love how the author build their characters, realistic and their emotions are true to the heart. It's a roller coaster of emotions. Shielding their hearts from another pain. Covering their sorrow through their bitchy face.
I cannot put this book down. Every page turned is another fight between Julia and Dean. One page they hate each other, on the next page they dream of kissing the other one.
This was why I didn't let people in. They took advantage of you and left you even more messed up than how they found you.
Dean stopped believing in love. Julia stopped praying for happily ever after. But fate has something planned for them. The more they spit hateful comments on each other, the more they want to be in each other's arms. It's not a pretty sight but they can't help it, they're in love.
"This has to be the second best thing I have ever had in my mouth."
"And pray tell, what precedes my pot pie."
"You."
Well, not all relationships are smooth sailing, they're fighting what their hearts wants and keep pretending that they repel each other. Which is kinda sweet and romantic. And they will do everything to be with each other.
I heard her release a deep sigh, was it a sigh of contentment? I wasn't sure. But then she said four little words that had my heart soaring in my chest, all the ache and pain forgotten. It made me appreciate the number four again, the curse had finally been broken. "I miss you, Dean."
I can't believe that I can love another book more than the first one. And I'm sure as hell that I will love the third book more. I can't wait!
June 10, 2015
"Life was full of unexpected chances, and you never knew if it'd be the right moment if you didn't face it head on."
Amber Nation has done it again!! I really liked Dean and Julia in More Than A Memory, but now I LOVE them! The dynamic between the two of them is great. They fight each other so much, but underneath it all, they are so alike.
After they have both had two fail marriages, both Dean and Julia don't see themselves ever falling in love again. Funny thing about fate...
"That man invoked some serious feelings that hadn't been dredged up in years."
"Something about her made me want her with every fiber of my being."
When their two best friends decide to get married, they are pushed together as best man and maid of honor. Of course, they aren't too thrilled about it...on the outside. On the inside, they secretly pine after each other and I loved watching it unfold!
"I wanted to go to her. I wanted to drag her down into the darkest part of the hallway and devour her. I wanted to make her mine. If only we didn't hate each other."
"To me, he was the epitome of sex, it was just too bad he completely killed the mood whenever he opened his mouth."
There is a very thin line between love and hate, and seeing Dean and Julia stradle that line was awesome. I love a good dual POV. You see both sides of the story and what they are feeling at the same time. You got to see these two chracters struggle with not only their feelings for each other, but the battle of overcoming their pasts.
Yes, they both had their fair share of failed marriages, but it went beyond that. Amber tells this story so well! It wasn't an instant "get you into bed" situation. This story had so many layers!
All they wanted was a "fling", but they got much more than that.
One touch, one kiss, one look...and they were goners.
"I thought that one measly romp between the sheets would be enough to get our fill of one another, but it seemed I was only lying to myself."
I could not get enough of Dean and Julia!! Their bantering was so entertaining and their love for one another made me swoon. I found myself getting emotional during the pivotal part of the story. They each had personal demons they tried to get rid of, but what was unknown to them was they needed each other to overcome their fears.
"Are you wanting to throw in the towel or throw down the gauntlet?"
THAT LINE!!! That line right there defined this whole story for me!!
I truly loved this story!! I was so happy to go back to Cottage Grove and see everyone again. And I'm so thankful more stories are coming:)
I might have fallen for Dean and all his snarky ways. The way all he had to do was say, "You like me." His story was a sad one, but Julia holds my heart. Her story pulled at my heartstrings so much and I just wanted to hold her-be her friend.
Well done, Amber!!! I can't wait for the next visit to Cottage Grove:)
"What we had together was definitely worth More Than A Fling."
Amber Nation has done it again!! I really liked Dean and Julia in More Than A Memory, but now I LOVE them! The dynamic between the two of them is great. They fight each other so much, but underneath it all, they are so alike.
After they have both had two fail marriages, both Dean and Julia don't see themselves ever falling in love again. Funny thing about fate...
"That man invoked some serious feelings that hadn't been dredged up in years."
"Something about her made me want her with every fiber of my being."
When their two best friends decide to get married, they are pushed together as best man and maid of honor. Of course, they aren't too thrilled about it...on the outside. On the inside, they secretly pine after each other and I loved watching it unfold!
"I wanted to go to her. I wanted to drag her down into the darkest part of the hallway and devour her. I wanted to make her mine. If only we didn't hate each other."
"To me, he was the epitome of sex, it was just too bad he completely killed the mood whenever he opened his mouth."
There is a very thin line between love and hate, and seeing Dean and Julia stradle that line was awesome. I love a good dual POV. You see both sides of the story and what they are feeling at the same time. You got to see these two chracters struggle with not only their feelings for each other, but the battle of overcoming their pasts.
Yes, they both had their fair share of failed marriages, but it went beyond that. Amber tells this story so well! It wasn't an instant "get you into bed" situation. This story had so many layers!
All they wanted was a "fling", but they got much more than that.
One touch, one kiss, one look...and they were goners.
"I thought that one measly romp between the sheets would be enough to get our fill of one another, but it seemed I was only lying to myself."
I could not get enough of Dean and Julia!! Their bantering was so entertaining and their love for one another made me swoon. I found myself getting emotional during the pivotal part of the story. They each had personal demons they tried to get rid of, but what was unknown to them was they needed each other to overcome their fears.
"Are you wanting to throw in the towel or throw down the gauntlet?"
THAT LINE!!! That line right there defined this whole story for me!!
I truly loved this story!! I was so happy to go back to Cottage Grove and see everyone again. And I'm so thankful more stories are coming:)
I might have fallen for Dean and all his snarky ways. The way all he had to do was say, "You like me." His story was a sad one, but Julia holds my heart. Her story pulled at my heartstrings so much and I just wanted to hold her-be her friend.
Well done, Amber!!! I can't wait for the next visit to Cottage Grove:)
"What we had together was definitely worth More Than A Fling."
June 10, 2015
"More Than A Fling" is the second book in Amber Nation's Cottage Grove series and can be read as a standalone but like all series, I feel like I would be missing something if I wouldn't have read Book 1 first. I just like to know what my characters have been up to their entire lives. LOL
In "More Than A Memory" we met Baylor and Eden. We also met their two best friends, Julia and Dean. Each funnier than I can describe, they've been burned by love so their thoughts on relationships are a little jaded to say the least.
Julia is crazy snarky. She's definitely strong-willed and takes no prisoner with her words or actions. Twice divorced, love has brought her nothing but heartache and pain (emotional and physical). Now that Eden has selected a wedding date, there is nothing she can do about the time she has to spend with Dean.
Oh Dean! You sexy little rascal! As a divorce attorney, he has decided that love just isn't in the cards for him. He knows he wants it, he watches Eden and Baylor with a longing for the same.But two divorces has left him gun shy.
When circumstances force Dean and Julia to face their real feelings for one another, you can only imagine the sexual heat and intensity from these two! There is a feelings rollercoaster that must be traveled, some drama to wade through but Nation has this way of not overwhelming you and just letting you enjoy the road to a happily ever after.
Check out how Dean and Julia deal with their feelings, turning it into "More Than A Fling," available now! You won't regret it!
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In "More Than A Memory" we met Baylor and Eden. We also met their two best friends, Julia and Dean. Each funnier than I can describe, they've been burned by love so their thoughts on relationships are a little jaded to say the least.
Julia is crazy snarky. She's definitely strong-willed and takes no prisoner with her words or actions. Twice divorced, love has brought her nothing but heartache and pain (emotional and physical). Now that Eden has selected a wedding date, there is nothing she can do about the time she has to spend with Dean.
Oh Dean! You sexy little rascal! As a divorce attorney, he has decided that love just isn't in the cards for him. He knows he wants it, he watches Eden and Baylor with a longing for the same.But two divorces has left him gun shy.
When circumstances force Dean and Julia to face their real feelings for one another, you can only imagine the sexual heat and intensity from these two! There is a feelings rollercoaster that must be traveled, some drama to wade through but Nation has this way of not overwhelming you and just letting you enjoy the road to a happily ever after.
Check out how Dean and Julia deal with their feelings, turning it into "More Than A Fling," available now! You won't regret it!
Find Me At:
♥ Blog - A Love Affair With Books
♥ Facebook - A Love Affair With Books
♥ Twitter - A Love Affair With Books
♥ Tsu - A Love Affair With Books
♥ Pinterest - A Love Affair With Books
August 13, 2016
Check out this review and others at
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk
www.Twitter.com/Twinsietalk
www.Tsu.co/Twinsietalk
Newsletter : http://eepurl.com/brwkPv
More Than a Fling by Amber Nation
I received this book for an honest review.
DEAN!! YES!! I was so excited for this book. He is cocky, arrogant, hawt and just puuuuurfect for me. Julia is so sassy, feisty and the perfect woman to keep this lawyer on the defense!
When Dean and Julia meet there was instant chemistry. They both called it like they saw it and I loved it. This book throws our two favorite besties together for Eden and Baylor’s wedding. The instant they are together the digs and banter starts. I swear I am laughing and then screaming KISS ALREADY!!! They are so perfect for each other but they drive everyone crazy by denying it.
When Eden and Baylor leave for their honeymoon, we see Julia and Dean actually spending time together and realizing that they LIKE each other. I love that Dean keeps teasing Julia by saying “Ahh you like me“ because, in fact, they more than like each other. The chemistry is crazy and Julia is freaking out. We don’t know YET why she is so closed off to love. She tells Dean a lot about her past but not the WHY never again. Something happens that sends Julia running for the hills. But my future baby daddy Dean won’t give up. OMG I was SWOONING at him and all l the stuff he does……the texts, the Christmas gift……Yes full on love with this man.
When Julia’s past comes back to haunt her, Dean is freaking out because he needs his woman and he needs her ASAP!!!
I seriously can’t tell you how much I loved this character but I gotta tell ya…baby brother Bentely’s book….it looks like it is going to be a good one too…..
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk
www.Twitter.com/Twinsietalk
www.Tsu.co/Twinsietalk
Newsletter : http://eepurl.com/brwkPv
More Than a Fling by Amber Nation
I received this book for an honest review.
DEAN!! YES!! I was so excited for this book. He is cocky, arrogant, hawt and just puuuuurfect for me. Julia is so sassy, feisty and the perfect woman to keep this lawyer on the defense!
When Dean and Julia meet there was instant chemistry. They both called it like they saw it and I loved it. This book throws our two favorite besties together for Eden and Baylor’s wedding. The instant they are together the digs and banter starts. I swear I am laughing and then screaming KISS ALREADY!!! They are so perfect for each other but they drive everyone crazy by denying it.
When Eden and Baylor leave for their honeymoon, we see Julia and Dean actually spending time together and realizing that they LIKE each other. I love that Dean keeps teasing Julia by saying “Ahh you like me“ because, in fact, they more than like each other. The chemistry is crazy and Julia is freaking out. We don’t know YET why she is so closed off to love. She tells Dean a lot about her past but not the WHY never again. Something happens that sends Julia running for the hills. But my future baby daddy Dean won’t give up. OMG I was SWOONING at him and all l the stuff he does……the texts, the Christmas gift……Yes full on love with this man.
When Julia’s past comes back to haunt her, Dean is freaking out because he needs his woman and he needs her ASAP!!!
I seriously can’t tell you how much I loved this character but I gotta tell ya…baby brother Bentely’s book….it looks like it is going to be a good one too…..
June 10, 2015
Five star read.
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Julia Caldwell has two failed marriages underneath her belt and she has long since mastered the art of seduction in order to catch the only thing in her radar; one night stands.
She succeeds at keeping the opposite sex at a distance except when it suits her and her needs.
Dean Parker is a divorce lawyer with just as many failed marriages against him.
With his two best friends rekindling their relationship he is searching and craving his own happily ever after.
Julia and Dean are thrown together for their best friends wedding and Julia isn't against having a fling with Dean but Dean definitely has other plans of making it more.
There is a shadow lurking in the darkness from one of their pasts who will stop at nothing to see that their happily ever after stays where it belongs in the fairy tales.
A fast paced enjoyable read I had a hard time putting this book down.
Dean and Julia both have a snarky humor and it clearly shows in the way they tend to interact with each other.
I personally felt like Julia was a little too harsh at certain times with Dean but Dean proved he could hold his own when it came to her. I didn't read the first book in the series (will have to remedy that seeing as I want to know more about Eden and Baylor) but we see quite a bit from these two seeing as they are getting married and you could just tell that both of them wanted what was best for Julia and Dean.
Loved the ending think it was perfect for these two.
Reviewed by Heather S.
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Julia Caldwell has two failed marriages underneath her belt and she has long since mastered the art of seduction in order to catch the only thing in her radar; one night stands.
She succeeds at keeping the opposite sex at a distance except when it suits her and her needs.
Dean Parker is a divorce lawyer with just as many failed marriages against him.
With his two best friends rekindling their relationship he is searching and craving his own happily ever after.
Julia and Dean are thrown together for their best friends wedding and Julia isn't against having a fling with Dean but Dean definitely has other plans of making it more.
There is a shadow lurking in the darkness from one of their pasts who will stop at nothing to see that their happily ever after stays where it belongs in the fairy tales.
A fast paced enjoyable read I had a hard time putting this book down.
Dean and Julia both have a snarky humor and it clearly shows in the way they tend to interact with each other.
I personally felt like Julia was a little too harsh at certain times with Dean but Dean proved he could hold his own when it came to her. I didn't read the first book in the series (will have to remedy that seeing as I want to know more about Eden and Baylor) but we see quite a bit from these two seeing as they are getting married and you could just tell that both of them wanted what was best for Julia and Dean.
Loved the ending think it was perfect for these two.
Reviewed by Heather S.
June 7, 2015
Review of More Than a Fling (Cottage Grove #2) by Amber Nation
Review done for Hooked on Books
4 out of 5 stars
Dean Parker is finished believing in love. Being a divorce lawyer and divorced two times himself, he doesn’t think he will ever find his happily ever after.
When his best friend and fiancé finally pick a wedding date, he tries to be excited for him. They are his friends after all and they deserve to be happy. His biggest problem, however, is the annoying maid of honor: Julia Caldwell. He can’t stand her.
Julia is no stranger to heartbreak. She has two abusive husbands in her past. She now has a steel wall around her heart. She doesn’t want a relationship, just distractions.
When she sees her nemesis Dean Parker again, she is not impressed. She believes he is just a womanizer, and she wants nothing to do with him.
When their friends go on their honeymoon, Dean and Julia realize that there is so much more between them besides their bickering. There is a spark that they both try to deny.
Having lost at love before, they both are scared of their feelings. One night changes everything for them.
This was a really good story. It is hard to believe in love again but Dean fought with everything he had to try to get Julia to believe.
Julia and Dean were really great characters and I enjoyed reading their love story.
Review done for Hooked on Books
4 out of 5 stars
Dean Parker is finished believing in love. Being a divorce lawyer and divorced two times himself, he doesn’t think he will ever find his happily ever after.
When his best friend and fiancé finally pick a wedding date, he tries to be excited for him. They are his friends after all and they deserve to be happy. His biggest problem, however, is the annoying maid of honor: Julia Caldwell. He can’t stand her.
Julia is no stranger to heartbreak. She has two abusive husbands in her past. She now has a steel wall around her heart. She doesn’t want a relationship, just distractions.
When she sees her nemesis Dean Parker again, she is not impressed. She believes he is just a womanizer, and she wants nothing to do with him.
When their friends go on their honeymoon, Dean and Julia realize that there is so much more between them besides their bickering. There is a spark that they both try to deny.
Having lost at love before, they both are scared of their feelings. One night changes everything for them.
This was a really good story. It is hard to believe in love again but Dean fought with everything he had to try to get Julia to believe.
Julia and Dean were really great characters and I enjoyed reading their love story.
June 12, 2015
Third times the charm…
Julia Caldwell and Dean Parker have quite a bit in common – mutual friends, the same number of divorces, and a healthy wariness for “happily ever after”. Brought together for a wedding, the sparks fly immediately between them but the tension-filled snipes aren’t exactly filled with warmth or affection. Forced togetherness, however, sees the fine line between love and hate start to blur. By the time their friends are on their honeymoon, Julia and Dean are ready to try a “no strings attached” affair. Well, one of them was….
Part of a series, or read as a standalone, this romance has cornered the market on heat and snarkiness. Julia first came across as aloof and a bit cool but that perception changed quickly as her relationship with Dean built. Julia, especially, had reasons for her ‘no commitment’ rule but her crusty exterior didn’t last long under Dean’s relentless pursuit. Unlucky with his own choices in the past, Dean could still see a future with a wife and family where Julia could not. I wasn’t sure at the beginning but as the story progressed, Julia quickly endeared herself and Dean remained the strong, sexy hero throughout. Sarcasm and gruffness waged against tenderness and love in a fast-paced, sexy read that entertained from cover to cover. Can’t wait to read more – bring on Bentley’s story!
~Diane
Julia Caldwell and Dean Parker have quite a bit in common – mutual friends, the same number of divorces, and a healthy wariness for “happily ever after”. Brought together for a wedding, the sparks fly immediately between them but the tension-filled snipes aren’t exactly filled with warmth or affection. Forced togetherness, however, sees the fine line between love and hate start to blur. By the time their friends are on their honeymoon, Julia and Dean are ready to try a “no strings attached” affair. Well, one of them was….
Part of a series, or read as a standalone, this romance has cornered the market on heat and snarkiness. Julia first came across as aloof and a bit cool but that perception changed quickly as her relationship with Dean built. Julia, especially, had reasons for her ‘no commitment’ rule but her crusty exterior didn’t last long under Dean’s relentless pursuit. Unlucky with his own choices in the past, Dean could still see a future with a wife and family where Julia could not. I wasn’t sure at the beginning but as the story progressed, Julia quickly endeared herself and Dean remained the strong, sexy hero throughout. Sarcasm and gruffness waged against tenderness and love in a fast-paced, sexy read that entertained from cover to cover. Can’t wait to read more – bring on Bentley’s story!
~Diane
June 24, 2015
Third times the charm…
Julia Caldwell and Dean Parker have quite a bit in common – mutual friends, the same number of divorces, and a healthy wariness for “happily ever after”. Brought together for a wedding, the sparks fly immediately between them but the tension-filled snipes aren’t exactly filled with warmth or affection. Forced togetherness, however, sees the fine line between love and hate start to blur. By the time their friends are on their honeymoon, Julia and Dean are ready to try a “no strings attached” affair. Well, one of them was….
Part of a series, or read as a standalone, this romance has cornered the market on heat and snarkiness. Julia first came across as aloof and a bit cool but that perception changed quickly as her relationship with Dean built. Julia, especially, had reasons for her ‘no commitment’ rule but her crusty exterior didn’t last long under Dean’s relentless pursuit. Unlucky with his own choices in the past, Dean could still see a future with a wife and family where Julia could not. I wasn’t sure at the beginning but as the story progressed, Julia quickly endeared herself and Dean remained the strong, sexy hero throughout. Sarcasm and gruffness waged against tenderness and love in a fast-paced, sexy read that entertained from cover to cover. Can’t wait to read more – bring on Bentley’s story!
~Diane
Julia Caldwell and Dean Parker have quite a bit in common – mutual friends, the same number of divorces, and a healthy wariness for “happily ever after”. Brought together for a wedding, the sparks fly immediately between them but the tension-filled snipes aren’t exactly filled with warmth or affection. Forced togetherness, however, sees the fine line between love and hate start to blur. By the time their friends are on their honeymoon, Julia and Dean are ready to try a “no strings attached” affair. Well, one of them was….
Part of a series, or read as a standalone, this romance has cornered the market on heat and snarkiness. Julia first came across as aloof and a bit cool but that perception changed quickly as her relationship with Dean built. Julia, especially, had reasons for her ‘no commitment’ rule but her crusty exterior didn’t last long under Dean’s relentless pursuit. Unlucky with his own choices in the past, Dean could still see a future with a wife and family where Julia could not. I wasn’t sure at the beginning but as the story progressed, Julia quickly endeared herself and Dean remained the strong, sexy hero throughout. Sarcasm and gruffness waged against tenderness and love in a fast-paced, sexy read that entertained from cover to cover. Can’t wait to read more – bring on Bentley’s story!
~Diane
May 8, 2015
First lets talk about Julia. She's a firecracker, the type of girl with dirty mouth and an attitude that you wouldn't want to mess with; I LOVE her over-the-top attitude, even if she was a bit overboard mean to Dean at times. Julia has scars, quite a few from her past actually, that made her the way she is. Scars are hard to move past, until you find someone that will help you allow them to fully heal. *Cough, cough* Dean.
Now let's talk Dean. He is one fine specimen! A divorce lawyer that has been dealt a shitty couple of hands in the relationship department himself. The banter between him and Julia not only cracked me up, but made for explosive sexual tension. These two loved to hate one another, that's for sure! Dean is the type of man that goes after what he wants, no matter the possibilities of what could happen, but he was packed full of a good heart and loving manners.
More than a Fling is book two in the Cottage Grove series and I highly recommend it! I'm hoping Amber will throw a little more of these two in another book in the future because I loved them so much. Great job again, lady!!
Now let's talk Dean. He is one fine specimen! A divorce lawyer that has been dealt a shitty couple of hands in the relationship department himself. The banter between him and Julia not only cracked me up, but made for explosive sexual tension. These two loved to hate one another, that's for sure! Dean is the type of man that goes after what he wants, no matter the possibilities of what could happen, but he was packed full of a good heart and loving manners.
More than a Fling is book two in the Cottage Grove series and I highly recommend it! I'm hoping Amber will throw a little more of these two in another book in the future because I loved them so much. Great job again, lady!!
June 7, 2015
I loved Dean and Julia's story. It was refreshingly different from the usual boy meets girl and they instantly fall in love. Their relationship starts from a more hate:hate place. It is the verbal sparring and the strength of both of the characters that make this story.
The verbal sparring is used by both to push the other away. Both have been hurt in the past by bad break-ups. Julia certainly uses it as an armour to stop people from getting too close.
There is a fine line between love and hate or in this case lust and hate, which leads to more, and with the sparks flying between them you know it is going to be epic when they give in. The question is though, will this be just a fling or will this turn into something more?
Plenty of hurdles find their way into Dean and Julia's path, which makes it an unpredictable and nail biting read. You will run the gauntlet of emotions as these two try to navigate the course of love and life.
I absolutely loved Amber Nation's style of writing. It was engaging and natural as well as emotional and full of surprises.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
The verbal sparring is used by both to push the other away. Both have been hurt in the past by bad break-ups. Julia certainly uses it as an armour to stop people from getting too close.
There is a fine line between love and hate or in this case lust and hate, which leads to more, and with the sparks flying between them you know it is going to be epic when they give in. The question is though, will this be just a fling or will this turn into something more?
Plenty of hurdles find their way into Dean and Julia's path, which makes it an unpredictable and nail biting read. You will run the gauntlet of emotions as these two try to navigate the course of love and life.
I absolutely loved Amber Nation's style of writing. It was engaging and natural as well as emotional and full of surprises.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
June 2, 2016
I enjoyed the Love/Hate back and forth between Dean and Julia. There was heat there from the beginning it just took a little bit for it to move into the love side. Dean was ready from the time Julia said go to be her everything. They both are twice divorced but Dean is the one who hasn't given up on finding his forever. Julia was understandably hesitant to go all in. I usually hate when the main characters are separated for an extended amount of time, Amber Nation made this work with Dean's little messages and song dedications. There was some heartache and a HEA.
May 2, 2015
What to expect?
Understanding, acceptance, love, banter, and freedom. You will fall in love with the thought of Julia and Dean and will PM Amber for more. More Than a Fling is MORE than a regular HEA it defines pursuit by ways of embedding yourself into that persons every thought regardless of how wrong it may be in their eyes but the heart is in controll.
On June 9th be ready for this hilarious sexy relationship of melody and decisions.
Understanding, acceptance, love, banter, and freedom. You will fall in love with the thought of Julia and Dean and will PM Amber for more. More Than a Fling is MORE than a regular HEA it defines pursuit by ways of embedding yourself into that persons every thought regardless of how wrong it may be in their eyes but the heart is in controll.
On June 9th be ready for this hilarious sexy relationship of melody and decisions.
June 22, 2015
Another amazing book by Amber Nation! I absolutely love this series and book 2 was just as great as book 1! :) I adored Julia's personality and although there were moments I wanted to punch Dean, I loved him too. I love books that cause my emotions to be all over the place and Amber's books always deliver. Now, I'm ready for Bentley's story! :)
Great read! HIGHLY recommended! <3
Great read! HIGHLY recommended! <3
August 5, 2015
I love Dean and wondered how this would work between he and Julia and now I know.
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