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Built to Last
Olivia Bennett is on the tenure track at Cornell University, the resident expert on Southern women writers. After moving to upstate New York from Atlanta, she falls in love with and purchases an old, run-down farmhouse. The only catch: she knows nothing about renovating a house, taking care of land, or snow. Joss Bauer is a New York native who grew up in her family’s construction business. She has a soft spot for old houses, but no patience for overpaid debutantes who want to play at country living. When Olivia hires Joss to do the renovations on her new home, the sparks fly, in more ways than one. It turns out both women have a lot to learn about life, love, and the meaning of home. But when a scandal threatens Olivia’s professional reputation, it puts her priorities and her newfound love on the line.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2016
42 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Aurora Rey
34 books283 followersAurora Rey is a college dean by day and a life coach award-winning author of queer romance author the rest of the time, except when she’s cooking, baking, riding the tractor, or pining for goats. She grew up in a small town in south Louisiana, daydreaming about New England. She keeps a special place in her heart for the South, especially the food and the ways women are raised to be strong, even if they're taught not to show it. After a brief dalliance with biochemistry, she completed both a B.A. and an M.A. in English.
She is the author of the Cape End Romance series and several standalone contemporary lesbian romance novels and novellas. She is has been a finalist for the Lambda Literary, RITA®, and Golden Crown Literary Society awards, but loves reader feedback the most. She lives in Ithaca, New York with her dog and whatever wildlife has taken up residence in the pond.
She is the author of the Cape End Romance series and several standalone contemporary lesbian romance novels and novellas. She is has been a finalist for the Lambda Literary, RITA®, and Golden Crown Literary Society awards, but loves reader feedback the most. She lives in Ithaca, New York with her dog and whatever wildlife has taken up residence in the pond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 8, 2017
Ok read! very challenging story,felt way too much like a reality show/series where someone was showing others on paper the tools and the mechanic of the 'how's' to repair and restore an old house. Then the next in this storyline the author had both leading ladies dealing with their relationship on another level by them having angry dialogue back and forth then switching up right away and both falling in love immediately then they hit the sack(bed)ever so often. Questionable chemistry and relationship structure but i did enjoy the family dynamic and stereotyping was a huge issue and also at least the ending was better than expected
May 1, 2019
This was my first Aurora Rey book and I loved it.
The sweet story between Professor Olivia, and construction goddess Joss was so lovely to read. Olivia is doing up a house she bought with the help of Joss, and their dynamic to begin with was a fantastic addition to building their relationship. It really made a point that you shouldn’t label or stereotype people you meet, and should give everyone a chance.
Together, Joss and Olivia build a little home for Olivia, with so many cute moments that will just melt your heart. All the while they are unconsciously building a home for them together. Olivia is such an infectious character you really will find yourself getting carried away with her because she is so excited by all things DIY, cooking, and Joss. Joss is a little more masculine in her approach, taking pride in her work that makes her such an admirable character, and she was definitely my favourite.
I adored every minute of this story and it left me feeling all warm and fuzzy, even when the drama hit because these characters gave me so much hope for happiness.
A great read, very enjoyable, and highly recommended.
The sweet story between Professor Olivia, and construction goddess Joss was so lovely to read. Olivia is doing up a house she bought with the help of Joss, and their dynamic to begin with was a fantastic addition to building their relationship. It really made a point that you shouldn’t label or stereotype people you meet, and should give everyone a chance.
Together, Joss and Olivia build a little home for Olivia, with so many cute moments that will just melt your heart. All the while they are unconsciously building a home for them together. Olivia is such an infectious character you really will find yourself getting carried away with her because she is so excited by all things DIY, cooking, and Joss. Joss is a little more masculine in her approach, taking pride in her work that makes her such an admirable character, and she was definitely my favourite.
I adored every minute of this story and it left me feeling all warm and fuzzy, even when the drama hit because these characters gave me so much hope for happiness.
A great read, very enjoyable, and highly recommended.
June 2, 2019
2.5 stars
Ok so I had quite a bit of issues with the book. First and foremost, I didn’t like the main character Joss pretty much as soon as she was introduced. At the very beginning she decided she wasn’t going to like the other protagonist, Olivia, because she works as a professor and is from the south. She was quick to judge and quick to dismiss someone based on their job and where they’re from.
Joss doesn’t like academics? Perhaps I’m a bit biased due to the fact that I am a teacher who lives in the south, however that seems like an unusually petty reason to not like a person. A predigest against academics, how absurd, how asinine. Yes eventually Joss develops feelings for her but she does despite who Olivia is and not because of it.
Joss goes through a small character arc and improves somewhat. Eventually they worked things out and moved forward with their relationship. The romance was believable and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it bloom.
The entire thing seemed overly long. Towards the middle I began to get bored and skim through it instead of actually reading. A couple of scenes could’ve been cut with no problem.
Perhaps I’m being overly critical but overall this book was “meh”. Would I read it again? Nope. Would you like it? Possibly.
Ok so I had quite a bit of issues with the book. First and foremost, I didn’t like the main character Joss pretty much as soon as she was introduced. At the very beginning she decided she wasn’t going to like the other protagonist, Olivia, because she works as a professor and is from the south. She was quick to judge and quick to dismiss someone based on their job and where they’re from.
Joss doesn’t like academics? Perhaps I’m a bit biased due to the fact that I am a teacher who lives in the south, however that seems like an unusually petty reason to not like a person. A predigest against academics, how absurd, how asinine. Yes eventually Joss develops feelings for her but she does despite who Olivia is and not because of it.
Joss goes through a small character arc and improves somewhat. Eventually they worked things out and moved forward with their relationship. The romance was believable and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it bloom.
The entire thing seemed overly long. Towards the middle I began to get bored and skim through it instead of actually reading. A couple of scenes could’ve been cut with no problem.
Perhaps I’m being overly critical but overall this book was “meh”. Would I read it again? Nope. Would you like it? Possibly.
March 6, 2016
Olivia Bennett is an academic specialising in Southern women writers. While working studiously towards tenure at Cornell University, she buys a rundown house on the outskirts of town. Between semesters, she jumps into house repairs, but is smart enough to hire the capable and gorgeous Joss Bauer and her family construction business to do the renovations.
Joss and Olivia have an instant attraction to one another. Joss, however, has a problem with academics after an ex-girlfriend ditched her for a career interstate. And Olivia comes from a family used to prioritising work at the expense of everything else. No matter how strong the attraction, overcoming their collective history will be a challenge for both women.
This is a clever romance with plausible characters and enough challenges to be interesting, but not so many as to be ludicrous for them to overcome. I really enjoyed spending time with Olivia, although I found Joss to be a little juvenile at times, and sometimes even a little irritating.
There were some laugh out loud moments, which is always a blessing with romantic stories, and some cleverly handled situations for the characters. The plot worked well, and the pace was effective. I did skip over some of the sex scenes, as while they would be normal for a new couple, they did get in the way of the story a bit towards the end and told us less about the relationship of the characters.
The ending felt a little rushed. There was certainly an appropriate resolution, but it felt like there was a bit more to tell for the characters. Perhaps this was simply an expectation, considering the pace of the book prior to the last few chapters.
I really did enjoy the book, and I look forward to reading the author’s next one.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Joss and Olivia have an instant attraction to one another. Joss, however, has a problem with academics after an ex-girlfriend ditched her for a career interstate. And Olivia comes from a family used to prioritising work at the expense of everything else. No matter how strong the attraction, overcoming their collective history will be a challenge for both women.
This is a clever romance with plausible characters and enough challenges to be interesting, but not so many as to be ludicrous for them to overcome. I really enjoyed spending time with Olivia, although I found Joss to be a little juvenile at times, and sometimes even a little irritating.
There were some laugh out loud moments, which is always a blessing with romantic stories, and some cleverly handled situations for the characters. The plot worked well, and the pace was effective. I did skip over some of the sex scenes, as while they would be normal for a new couple, they did get in the way of the story a bit towards the end and told us less about the relationship of the characters.
The ending felt a little rushed. There was certainly an appropriate resolution, but it felt like there was a bit more to tell for the characters. Perhaps this was simply an expectation, considering the pace of the book prior to the last few chapters.
I really did enjoy the book, and I look forward to reading the author’s next one.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
March 8, 2016
My feelings of this book are a bit up and down. Mainly I struggled to truly connect to the book and its characters however there were moments that had pulled me in where I was enjoying the read and thinking this isn't so bad. I personally didn't feel the chemistry between the two. Olivia was likeable, kind, charming and sexy. However Joss is another matter for me, it took me about half way through the book to like her enough to enjoy the remainder of the read. She was judgemental and rude. Even when they started to date Joss constantly thought the worse of Olivia. The romance started as an instant attraction but I didn't feel the progression from it being physical to ‘I love you’. Joss had doubts and then she didn't, I just found it didn't flow well for me.
The story dragged a bit and I found myself skipping some of the sex scenes to get things moving quicker. I liked the storyline which isn't particularly unique but found that was what kept me interested to keep reading (can’t help but love a renovation and romance with the contractor). The big scandal created little angst for me. I think that could have been done better as well.
The ending left a few things that I would have liked resolved in regards to Olivia’s work, even though I understand why this may have been left out but it just felt unresolved for me.
This book was mediocre and I know I haven’t given a glowing review however I didn't struggle to finish the book (that’s a win) and was interested to know what happened in the story. So it wasn't awful but it wasn't one for great praise. I think this will appeal to some and not others.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
The story dragged a bit and I found myself skipping some of the sex scenes to get things moving quicker. I liked the storyline which isn't particularly unique but found that was what kept me interested to keep reading (can’t help but love a renovation and romance with the contractor). The big scandal created little angst for me. I think that could have been done better as well.
The ending left a few things that I would have liked resolved in regards to Olivia’s work, even though I understand why this may have been left out but it just felt unresolved for me.
This book was mediocre and I know I haven’t given a glowing review however I didn't struggle to finish the book (that’s a win) and was interested to know what happened in the story. So it wasn't awful but it wasn't one for great praise. I think this will appeal to some and not others.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
July 17, 2016
I like romances in combination with home/house renovation or construction, and I also like strong female characters that women with a tool belt and power tools usually are, so there was no question whether I would pick up this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book did not disappoint, but I was not too thrilled either. The leads each got their half of the book to be likable or to be irritating. An interesting approach, but not really my idea of well-done characterization. The sub-plot about Olivia's professional scandal was forced and unconvincing, and what is even worse -- it remained a moot point.
Nonetheless, the book is a pleasant read and a good way to spend a couple of hours, so 3 stars for that.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
The book did not disappoint, but I was not too thrilled either. The leads each got their half of the book to be likable or to be irritating. An interesting approach, but not really my idea of well-done characterization. The sub-plot about Olivia's professional scandal was forced and unconvincing, and what is even worse -- it remained a moot point.
Nonetheless, the book is a pleasant read and a good way to spend a couple of hours, so 3 stars for that.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
April 8, 2016
This is the second book I’ve read by Aurora Rey, the first being her debut novel Winter’s Harbor.
Our leading ladies are Olivia Bennett and Joss Bauer. Olivia is a university professor who purchases an old farmhouse in need of renovations. Joss is the contractor who Olivia hires to fix up the farmhouse.
As with Winter’s Harbor, I struggled to immerse myself into the story. Usually I’d read this length book in a couple of days, however it took me a week to read this one. I honestly don’t know why I couldn’t connect with the characters in Built to Last. At some point in the book both characters seemed to annoy me for one reason or another.
I think Ms Rey’s work is improving book by book and I look forward to reading her future work.
Even though I couldn’t fully connect with the novel, Built to Last was still a nice read in which plenty of other reviewers have enjoyed. Overall, I’d give it 3.5 stars.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Our leading ladies are Olivia Bennett and Joss Bauer. Olivia is a university professor who purchases an old farmhouse in need of renovations. Joss is the contractor who Olivia hires to fix up the farmhouse.
As with Winter’s Harbor, I struggled to immerse myself into the story. Usually I’d read this length book in a couple of days, however it took me a week to read this one. I honestly don’t know why I couldn’t connect with the characters in Built to Last. At some point in the book both characters seemed to annoy me for one reason or another.
I think Ms Rey’s work is improving book by book and I look forward to reading her future work.
Even though I couldn’t fully connect with the novel, Built to Last was still a nice read in which plenty of other reviewers have enjoyed. Overall, I’d give it 3.5 stars.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
March 19, 2016
Olivia is a lecturer who buys a house that needs serious renovation, in steps Joss who's family own a construction business. Sparks fly as the two women work together to renovate Olivia's house. Joss automatically assumes Olivia is a typical southern debutante but she soon realises she's more than that.
Apart from a few subplots such as an issue for Olivia at work this book mainly focuses on the two women. I did enjoy this one. I don't think it's quite a 4 star for me but it was an enjoyable read none the less.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley.
Apart from a few subplots such as an issue for Olivia at work this book mainly focuses on the two women. I did enjoy this one. I don't think it's quite a 4 star for me but it was an enjoyable read none the less.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley.
June 19, 2016
Very slow but well written. Nice characters but nothing special. Got bored at around 50% of the book and the only exciting thing was supposed to be a scandal at the university which really made no sense at all and I felt it was a bit rushed. We didn't even know who or why it happened so there was really no reason for it which in the end made the book quite predictable and boring. The only good thing was I liked the characters a lot .. 2.5 rounded up to 3 because of how well written it was.. Just needed some more spice for my taste :)
December 12, 2017
This is my first novel by Aurora Rey and it was a pleasant read.
The characters are likeable and the story flows on a steady rhythm. But there wasn't that much ups and downs to really be exciting. It wasn't bad, but there was something missing.
I like very much stories with strong and handy women with craftman professions. It was a nice romance with some great love scenes.
Overall a really nice romance. My rating 3,5 stars
The characters are likeable and the story flows on a steady rhythm. But there wasn't that much ups and downs to really be exciting. It wasn't bad, but there was something missing.
I like very much stories with strong and handy women with craftman professions. It was a nice romance with some great love scenes.
Overall a really nice romance. My rating 3,5 stars
January 18, 2024
Enjoyable, but never warmed to Olivia, the main character, which meant I wasn’t wholly engaged.
May 5, 2016
Built to last
The second book by this author. Great dialog with witty banter. The two main characters, Joss (a contractor) and Olivia (a college professor) meet when Olivia is buying an old farm house and needs an inspection done. Sparks fly! Not necessarily all good sparks. I loved the descriptions and could see the work being done on the old place to give it a new shine. Nothing like an old farm house that needs repairs to make or break a relationship.
I kept thinking about the soap "Guiding Light" with Olivia and her money and Joss with her construction. (Like Olivia Spencer and Joshua Lewis). The Farm house, the banter and arguments.
The book wrapped up rather quickly, but had a very nice and believable conclusion.
Looking forward to more stories by Aurora Rey.
The second book by this author. Great dialog with witty banter. The two main characters, Joss (a contractor) and Olivia (a college professor) meet when Olivia is buying an old farm house and needs an inspection done. Sparks fly! Not necessarily all good sparks. I loved the descriptions and could see the work being done on the old place to give it a new shine. Nothing like an old farm house that needs repairs to make or break a relationship.
I kept thinking about the soap "Guiding Light" with Olivia and her money and Joss with her construction. (Like Olivia Spencer and Joshua Lewis). The Farm house, the banter and arguments.
The book wrapped up rather quickly, but had a very nice and believable conclusion.
Looking forward to more stories by Aurora Rey.
February 19, 2018
If you're a below average musician who dreams of a career in the music industry you have a few choices. You can do session work, you can manage a band, you could switch to bass guitar or if the only person who thinks you're any good is your mum, you could play christian rock.
Put a cross or a fish on the cover and christians will buy it.
Honestly that's what this book feels like. It's the christian rock of lesbian fiction. It's average...it's sweet...it's mildly entertaining.
It might have been saved by a kick-ass narrator (I listened to the audiobook), but I'm sorry to say, the narrator like the book was only OK.
I don't read a lot of LGBT fiction. I've read enough to have an idea of it but my opinions are from the perspective of a heterosexual male so I may not be the best judge. That said I do have a recommendation...but it's a lot steamier than this one.
The Midnight Hunt by L.L. Raand is quite a hoot. Give it a go.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Put a cross or a fish on the cover and christians will buy it.
Honestly that's what this book feels like. It's the christian rock of lesbian fiction. It's average...it's sweet...it's mildly entertaining.
It might have been saved by a kick-ass narrator (I listened to the audiobook), but I'm sorry to say, the narrator like the book was only OK.
I don't read a lot of LGBT fiction. I've read enough to have an idea of it but my opinions are from the perspective of a heterosexual male so I may not be the best judge. That said I do have a recommendation...but it's a lot steamier than this one.
The Midnight Hunt by L.L. Raand is quite a hoot. Give it a go.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 27, 2016
Loved it!
Joss was too quick to judge and often jumped to wrong conclusions. Olivia gets under her skin and the flirtations aren't helping. Joss is gorgeous and takes Olivia's breath away. Actually, this applies to both. The house reconstruction, working side by side, day after day, things start to heat up. A budding friendship starts to form. Joss is a little old-fashioned and has a strong opion and principles about dating. Forging a relationship seems impossible. Their feelings and priorities are put to the test. Can Joss act on her feelings? Both has their share of heartbreak, love and loss. Not everything runs smoothly. One act of compassion and an accusation turned the world of Olivia upside down. Can Olivia break free from her control issues? Building a strong foundation is hard work and demands commitment and time. Is this all worth it? The characters came to life for me and that makes the story extra enjoyable. I could identify with both the main characters. Joss family is awesome, full of love, no judgement and family means everything. This in contrast to the family of Olivia. They do everything for the outside world, everything is about ambition and status. Olivia and her parents have nothing in common. This book leaves me feeling good and it melted my heart. A must for all lovers of romance.
Joss was too quick to judge and often jumped to wrong conclusions. Olivia gets under her skin and the flirtations aren't helping. Joss is gorgeous and takes Olivia's breath away. Actually, this applies to both. The house reconstruction, working side by side, day after day, things start to heat up. A budding friendship starts to form. Joss is a little old-fashioned and has a strong opion and principles about dating. Forging a relationship seems impossible. Their feelings and priorities are put to the test. Can Joss act on her feelings? Both has their share of heartbreak, love and loss. Not everything runs smoothly. One act of compassion and an accusation turned the world of Olivia upside down. Can Olivia break free from her control issues? Building a strong foundation is hard work and demands commitment and time. Is this all worth it? The characters came to life for me and that makes the story extra enjoyable. I could identify with both the main characters. Joss family is awesome, full of love, no judgement and family means everything. This in contrast to the family of Olivia. They do everything for the outside world, everything is about ambition and status. Olivia and her parents have nothing in common. This book leaves me feeling good and it melted my heart. A must for all lovers of romance.
May 20, 2016
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. There were points in the book that I liked a lot, but overall I just couldn't love it. The relationship between the two characters never seemed real to me, and the first reaction from Joss followed her throughout the book, as she constantly continued making assumptions. Either Olivia or Joss was the least liked characters as they didn't listen or understand the other. Everything else was ok but the relationship between these two characters just didn't work for me, but I love other works by this author, just not this one. It was an ok read, but I will not reread.
February 8, 2019
I finished the book with a smile on my face.
May 31, 2018
I loved this book! My first Aurora Rey read but definitely not my last. I can’t wait to read more by her. Such a sweet romance. Oooh and delicious sexy times. :)
April 12, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4
April 3, 2016
Olivia Bennett is an English college professor and just bought an old house in Ithaca. She hires contractor Joss Bauer to do the work on her house. Olivia is attracted to Joss and vice versa but Joss doesn't like the fact that Olivia is a professor, she was burned by an academic in the past and still carries negative feelings about it.
I couldn't say that I liked both main characters because they each annoyed me during parts of the book at one point or another. However, I did like the supporting characters and would've liked to have read more about them.
As much as I didn't like the conflicts which arose within the book, I have to admit that it was quite realistic problems and arguments the couples would have.
I wanted to enjoy this book more than I did but was slightly disappointed, I enjoyed the first half of the book but thought it dragged in the latter half. Overall, a nice light read for an afternoon.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-ee
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't say that I liked both main characters because they each annoyed me during parts of the book at one point or another. However, I did like the supporting characters and would've liked to have read more about them.
As much as I didn't like the conflicts which arose within the book, I have to admit that it was quite realistic problems and arguments the couples would have.
I wanted to enjoy this book more than I did but was slightly disappointed, I enjoyed the first half of the book but thought it dragged in the latter half. Overall, a nice light read for an afternoon.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-ee
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2019
A good read.
As a retired do-it-yourselfer I always enjoy reading about other people hiring the proper help to do a project. I never did that. A university professor hires a capable renovator to fix up her old farm house. Conflict ensues, then romance sets in, they work on the house together, and all ends well. A feel good story.
As a retired do-it-yourselfer I always enjoy reading about other people hiring the proper help to do a project. I never did that. A university professor hires a capable renovator to fix up her old farm house. Conflict ensues, then romance sets in, they work on the house together, and all ends well. A feel good story.
May 3, 2021
I loved the process of building a home while living in it. The author shared some interesting insight on what that would be like but in a romantic fashion.
Jae's SRC:
character with everyday job
character is a teacher/professor
Jae's SRC:
character with everyday job
character is a teacher/professor
June 12, 2021
Traditionally classed runs away to find more casual and then meets the casually classed who is traditional minded....
Then comes along insecurities and sexual misconduct which could have been solid causes for some nice relationships drama but in my view wasn't done well enough.
Bottomline, this story dynamics was lackluster.
Then comes along insecurities and sexual misconduct which could have been solid causes for some nice relationships drama but in my view wasn't done well enough.
Bottomline, this story dynamics was lackluster.
January 28, 2023
Really enjoyed this read
August 30, 2016
Built to Last by Aurora Rey.
When I first bought this I'd been waiting patiently for this since Aurora's debut novel Winters Harbor in which i was captivated from the first chapter. I was not disappointed with ‘Built to Last’ in the least.
Authors Synopsis
Olivia Bennett is on the tenure track at Cornell University, the resident expert on Southern women writers. After moving to upstate New York from Atlanta, she falls in love with and purchases an old, run-down farmhouse. The only catch: she know s nothing about renovating a house, taking care of land, or snow . Joss Bauer is a New York native who grew up in her family’s construction business. She has a soft spot for old houses, but no patience for overpaid debutantes who want to play at country living. W hen Olivia hires Joss to do the renovations on her new home, the sparks fly, in more ways than one. It turns out both women have a lot to learn about life, love, and the meaning of home. But when a scandal threatens Olivia’s professional reputation, it puts her priorities and her new found love on the line.
My Synopsis
Aurora tells the love story of Joss Bauer & Olivia Bennett. Olivia buys an old Farmhouse and hires Joss, the local contractor, to restore it to its former glory. There is an instantaneous attraction between these two women. Although there is the minor issue of Olivia being a academic, Southern Belle that come from money… all thing that seem to irritate Joss. But Olivia has her sights on Joss and she’s can make anyone love her right?
My Review
I was captivated from the start and ended up finishing the story in one sitting. I loved the characters, especially Joss. There was something about Joss that made me want to get to know her more, become her friend. She is definatley someone I can relate to in lots of ways. When I was finished I was left fantasizing about Olivia & Joss's future of Farmhouse, Goats and Children.
I give it 5 stars.
Patiently waiting Aurora Rey next release in February.
NB:
I decided to finish my review on ‘Built to Last’ after reading Aurora Rey’s Blog entry this morning…
This to is worth a read: https://aurorarey.com/2016/08/29/how-...
When I first bought this I'd been waiting patiently for this since Aurora's debut novel Winters Harbor in which i was captivated from the first chapter. I was not disappointed with ‘Built to Last’ in the least.
Authors Synopsis
Olivia Bennett is on the tenure track at Cornell University, the resident expert on Southern women writers. After moving to upstate New York from Atlanta, she falls in love with and purchases an old, run-down farmhouse. The only catch: she know s nothing about renovating a house, taking care of land, or snow . Joss Bauer is a New York native who grew up in her family’s construction business. She has a soft spot for old houses, but no patience for overpaid debutantes who want to play at country living. W hen Olivia hires Joss to do the renovations on her new home, the sparks fly, in more ways than one. It turns out both women have a lot to learn about life, love, and the meaning of home. But when a scandal threatens Olivia’s professional reputation, it puts her priorities and her new found love on the line.
My Synopsis
Aurora tells the love story of Joss Bauer & Olivia Bennett. Olivia buys an old Farmhouse and hires Joss, the local contractor, to restore it to its former glory. There is an instantaneous attraction between these two women. Although there is the minor issue of Olivia being a academic, Southern Belle that come from money… all thing that seem to irritate Joss. But Olivia has her sights on Joss and she’s can make anyone love her right?
My Review
I was captivated from the start and ended up finishing the story in one sitting. I loved the characters, especially Joss. There was something about Joss that made me want to get to know her more, become her friend. She is definatley someone I can relate to in lots of ways. When I was finished I was left fantasizing about Olivia & Joss's future of Farmhouse, Goats and Children.
I give it 5 stars.
Patiently waiting Aurora Rey next release in February.
NB:
I decided to finish my review on ‘Built to Last’ after reading Aurora Rey’s Blog entry this morning…
This to is worth a read: https://aurorarey.com/2016/08/29/how-...
January 5, 2021
Built to Last
Southern college professor Olivia finds the home of her dreams and needs to remodel. Growing up in a different environment then her current situation fits her more than her past. Joss is contractor Olivia finds to do the changes to the home. Upon meeting Olivia she has bias and set to dislike her immediately. As they work together through the house they also work on seeing each other for who they are, not initial prejudices.
Both characters grow during the books. It has some angst, steamy scenes and unmistakable chemistry. I definitely look forward to more of Aurora Rey in the future.
Southern college professor Olivia finds the home of her dreams and needs to remodel. Growing up in a different environment then her current situation fits her more than her past. Joss is contractor Olivia finds to do the changes to the home. Upon meeting Olivia she has bias and set to dislike her immediately. As they work together through the house they also work on seeing each other for who they are, not initial prejudices.
Both characters grow during the books. It has some angst, steamy scenes and unmistakable chemistry. I definitely look forward to more of Aurora Rey in the future.
November 4, 2016
Nice
This was great love story. I thought the characters and storyline were written well and easy to read. I recommend this book.
This was great love story. I thought the characters and storyline were written well and easy to read. I recommend this book.
March 31, 2018
Lovely story.....loved the characters and plot....till the very end.
December 11, 2018
The book was ok. Cute storyline. My only critique is the narrator. She has such a over dramatized southern accent that it annoyed me listening to her and caused the 3 star rating.
November 24, 2017
So the romance was pretty good, a bit angsty for me. Most of the angst was over the educational "class" differences and just wrong assumptions there. The first sex scene was just flat out confusing. I decided after listening to it 3 times that she must have put a strap-on on, but the description had it sound like she could feel through it or that she really did have a cock. This was so confusing, distracting, and just wrong. So that was a flop in the hotness, or turn on department. The story and the families, along with the work situation, were good though the last question of her work was left hanging. I guess they will figure it out in time. And the subsequent sex scenes were not so confusing and unexplained. I still didn't think they were hot/great but just nice for the characters. So over all a cute romance.
February 28, 2019
More thorough review to come, but the highlights here for me were the way the connection between the women grew over time, and that the "black moment" was organic and not at all contrived but rather played absolutely into the characterizations of the characters from step one. More, I had to chuckle a lot at the academia bits because, wow, yeah, I don't miss that at all and am so glad I stopped before I went any further. ;)
Listened to this on audiobook, and while the performer's voice for male characters felt a bit overdone, I quite enjoyed her southern-belle tone for Olivia, and all the characters were really clear without attribution, which is a solid performance.
Listened to this on audiobook, and while the performer's voice for male characters felt a bit overdone, I quite enjoyed her southern-belle tone for Olivia, and all the characters were really clear without attribution, which is a solid performance.
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