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Book two in the Sweetbriar Lake series of standalone novels.
Chris White can take his big, chiseled muscles and shove it… at least to the room down the hall. After her apartment building goes up in flames, Tori Calloway finds herself shacked up with her brother’s best friend and the man she’s spent the better part of her twenties hating with every fiber of her being.
Chris knows how to throw a punch that’ll drop a man to his knees, but sparring with Tori is a whole different game. He was just a boy when he lost her the first time, and he’s not about to make the same mistake twice. Toe to toe with his fiercest competitor yet, he won't go down without a fight.
Chris White can take his big, chiseled muscles and shove it… at least to the room down the hall. After her apartment building goes up in flames, Tori Calloway finds herself shacked up with her brother’s best friend and the man she’s spent the better part of her twenties hating with every fiber of her being.
Chris knows how to throw a punch that’ll drop a man to his knees, but sparring with Tori is a whole different game. He was just a boy when he lost her the first time, and he’s not about to make the same mistake twice. Toe to toe with his fiercest competitor yet, he won't go down without a fight.
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Published December 4, 2017
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About the author
Rebecca Jenshak
49 books7,042 followersRebecca Jenshak is a new adult romance author.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 29, 2018
I really don't understand why this has such a high rating.
Tori and Chris were both the kind of people who would cut of their noses to spite their faces. I didn't see what was supposed to be so attractive about them except for the obvious (big muscles on a hard body for Chris). They've wasted a decade apart for no apparent reason other than pride and an inability to apologize.
Not attractive qualities in a lover. A little too weak and cowardly for my taste.
Throughout the story, Tori gives Christ at 3 or 4 separate chances to make a go of it and he f*cks up each time. Not for any malicious reason but because he has no idea that he is supposed to be in a relationship... You know, where you communicate with your partner. Like 'I'll see you for dinner', or 'I gotta run, but I'll call you later'. Simple obvious stuff like that.
He also spent the last 10 years calling Tori names and rubbing her face in his nameless floozies.
Tori who starts the story with such a stick up her *ss and a strong will, becomes a spineless doormat after they finally have sex.
Really this was about as romantic as a couple school yard bullies trading insults.
Oh yeah, and a big pet peeve of mine
Safety not great
Tori and Chris were both the kind of people who would cut of their noses to spite their faces. I didn't see what was supposed to be so attractive about them except for the obvious (big muscles on a hard body for Chris). They've wasted a decade apart for no apparent reason other than pride and an inability to apologize.
Not attractive qualities in a lover. A little too weak and cowardly for my taste.
Throughout the story, Tori gives Christ at 3 or 4 separate chances to make a go of it and he f*cks up each time. Not for any malicious reason but because he has no idea that he is supposed to be in a relationship... You know, where you communicate with your partner. Like 'I'll see you for dinner', or 'I gotta run, but I'll call you later'. Simple obvious stuff like that.
He also spent the last 10 years calling Tori names and rubbing her face in his nameless floozies.
Tori who starts the story with such a stick up her *ss and a strong will, becomes a spineless doormat after they finally have sex.
Really this was about as romantic as a couple school yard bullies trading insults.
Oh yeah, and a big pet peeve of mine
Safety not great
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2017
4.5 Stars
"I made the mistake of letting you push me away. I'm not making that mistake again."
Rebecca Jenshak writes the perfect sweet and steamy romance novels! I was so excited to return to Sweetbriar Lake and see what Rebecca has in store for the cast of characters living in this small town. If you love am enemies to lovers romance then you will definitely enjoy Spar! I fell in love with Chris and on top of it all he is a boxer too! Spar is Book 2 in the series, but each book is a standalone and can be read separately; although Sweat, Book 1, does introduce you to the group of friends of Sweetbriar Lake. If you are looking for a good, yummy, and sexy romance novel with light drama pick up this series STAT!
"I made the mistake of letting you push me away. I'm not making that mistake again."
Rebecca Jenshak writes the perfect sweet and steamy romance novels! I was so excited to return to Sweetbriar Lake and see what Rebecca has in store for the cast of characters living in this small town. If you love am enemies to lovers romance then you will definitely enjoy Spar! I fell in love with Chris and on top of it all he is a boxer too! Spar is Book 2 in the series, but each book is a standalone and can be read separately; although Sweat, Book 1, does introduce you to the group of friends of Sweetbriar Lake. If you are looking for a good, yummy, and sexy romance novel with light drama pick up this series STAT!
December 7, 2017
Spar is a second chance, enemies to lovers romance that is full of ups and downs.
Chris and Tori have a lot of conflict at the beginning of this story. There is some animosity towards each other and it's clear they have a past. These two get into some heated verbal sparring at times.
You can tell that Tori is guarded when it comes to her older brother's best friend and you know that it has to do with their past but are not sure exactly at the beginning of this what happened to make her dislike him so much.
Chris is a bit alpha when it comes to Tori but at the same time he's got his work cut out for him. Breaking down Tori's barriers isn't easy and these two definitely have some ups and downs. Their chemistry is definitely there and it's a matter of whether they will act upon it or if they will repeat the same mistakes of the past.
I really enjoyed this second installment in this series and will definitely read more.
Chris and Tori have a lot of conflict at the beginning of this story. There is some animosity towards each other and it's clear they have a past. These two get into some heated verbal sparring at times.
You can tell that Tori is guarded when it comes to her older brother's best friend and you know that it has to do with their past but are not sure exactly at the beginning of this what happened to make her dislike him so much.
Chris is a bit alpha when it comes to Tori but at the same time he's got his work cut out for him. Breaking down Tori's barriers isn't easy and these two definitely have some ups and downs. Their chemistry is definitely there and it's a matter of whether they will act upon it or if they will repeat the same mistakes of the past.
I really enjoyed this second installment in this series and will definitely read more.
December 3, 2017
The Sweetbriar Lake series comes alive again as you read about the highs and lows of Tori and Chris' tumultuous relationship. Elle and Ryan (from Sweat) as well as Clair and Jake all do what they can to help Tori and Chris figure things out. And do they ever need the help!
Neither of the star crossed lovers are good at communicating and this creates all sorts of misunderstandings. And so they have to learn.
Lots of steam in this book but there is so much more. Fun read, but also eye opening. The ups and downs between Tori and Chris reveal how assumptions people make can be their biggest stumbling blocks. Made me look at myself. When a book does that, you know it's special.
December 5, 2017
I love this sweet, loveable series of this quaint little town in Sweetbrier Lake. This is the second book and it's just as wonderful as the first.
Chris has loved Tori all his life. He had one opportunity to let her know in his past and he blew it by walking away. Leaving her heartbroken and untrusting of the male race.
When he finally sees his opening to try one more time he takes it but is it enough for Tori to stay?
I enjoy everything this author writes and she's just getting started.
Chris has loved Tori all his life. He had one opportunity to let her know in his past and he blew it by walking away. Leaving her heartbroken and untrusting of the male race.
When he finally sees his opening to try one more time he takes it but is it enough for Tori to stay?
I enjoy everything this author writes and she's just getting started.
Read
November 7, 2017Book Two in the Sweetbrair Lake Series. This second chance romance is a complete standalone featuring carry over characters from Sweat, Book One.
January 11, 2018
Love the series! Waiting for next one now 😍
December 4, 2017
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I was so excited to find out Spar was about Chris and Tori! Chris was one of my favorite side characters from Sweat, and I wanted to know more about him!
After a fire in Tori's apartment building leaves her homeless for a while, she has to lean on her brother's best friend, Chris, for a place to live. A miscommunication from years ago have kept Chris and Tori on shaky ground with each other. They are not friends, but they are not exactly enemies either. Just stuck somewhere in between. They both have a thin line separating love and hate. Now having to share a living space, Chris is determined to be back in Tori's good graces and back in her life for good. Will Chris be able to succeed?
I loved these characters! Chris was a super hot alpha male and I loved him and how he cared for his family and friends, and especially Tori! Tori was such a great character, I liked how independent she was, but still let Chris take care of her when he could. I also loved when she gave Chris advice on how to deal with his brother, Travis. It gave you a deeper glimpse into how Tori felt and why it was so important for her to be independent and do things herself. Now my hope is that Claire and Jake manage to work through everything and that they may be the next SweetBriar Lake couple to get a novel! *Fingers crossed* I want a HEA for Claire and Jake! I recommend this book for those who like second chance romance!!!
I was so excited to find out Spar was about Chris and Tori! Chris was one of my favorite side characters from Sweat, and I wanted to know more about him!
After a fire in Tori's apartment building leaves her homeless for a while, she has to lean on her brother's best friend, Chris, for a place to live. A miscommunication from years ago have kept Chris and Tori on shaky ground with each other. They are not friends, but they are not exactly enemies either. Just stuck somewhere in between. They both have a thin line separating love and hate. Now having to share a living space, Chris is determined to be back in Tori's good graces and back in her life for good. Will Chris be able to succeed?
I loved these characters! Chris was a super hot alpha male and I loved him and how he cared for his family and friends, and especially Tori! Tori was such a great character, I liked how independent she was, but still let Chris take care of her when he could. I also loved when she gave Chris advice on how to deal with his brother, Travis. It gave you a deeper glimpse into how Tori felt and why it was so important for her to be independent and do things herself. Now my hope is that Claire and Jake manage to work through everything and that they may be the next SweetBriar Lake couple to get a novel! *Fingers crossed* I want a HEA for Claire and Jake! I recommend this book for those who like second chance romance!!!
December 1, 2017
Ohh My Sexy Chris!!!
ARC Generously Provided by the Author
Spar is the second book in the Sweetbriar Lake Series by Rebecca Jenshak. This book is about Chris and Tori who we met previously in Sweat, this is a second chance romance and those are my FAVORITES, so since I read Sweat i have been so excited to read this one and let me tell you, Rebecca did an amazing job!! I loveee this story so much!!!
Tori and Chris are two persons with strong personalities and they are a bit stubborn, they had to see each other in person everyday and they have to act like they hate each other, because a situation they had in the past.
Also they have the same friends and for differents circumstances they have to interact more and more and of course the sparkle appear again or maybe it never dissapear! ;) .... Tori and Chris story is funny and romantic, I really enjoyed to read it and once I started reading i couldn't stop until i finished the book ( YES, is that good)
So if you want to know more about the story of Chris and Tori you really NEED to read this book as soon as is LIVE!!!! Alsoo this book will leave you intrigued about another secondary characters, that I'm pretty sure you will ask for their books!
Congratulations Rebecca for this amazing book!! Can't wait to read more of your stories!!!
ARC Generously Provided by the Author
Spar is the second book in the Sweetbriar Lake Series by Rebecca Jenshak. This book is about Chris and Tori who we met previously in Sweat, this is a second chance romance and those are my FAVORITES, so since I read Sweat i have been so excited to read this one and let me tell you, Rebecca did an amazing job!! I loveee this story so much!!!
Tori and Chris are two persons with strong personalities and they are a bit stubborn, they had to see each other in person everyday and they have to act like they hate each other, because a situation they had in the past.
Also they have the same friends and for differents circumstances they have to interact more and more and of course the sparkle appear again or maybe it never dissapear! ;) .... Tori and Chris story is funny and romantic, I really enjoyed to read it and once I started reading i couldn't stop until i finished the book ( YES, is that good)
So if you want to know more about the story of Chris and Tori you really NEED to read this book as soon as is LIVE!!!! Alsoo this book will leave you intrigued about another secondary characters, that I'm pretty sure you will ask for their books!
Congratulations Rebecca for this amazing book!! Can't wait to read more of your stories!!!
April 25, 2019
Not a lot here
I’m not sure what the author was going for here. There wasn’t anything for the characters to overcome. The story starts out with the male MC seeming like he’s pining for the female, but then he takes home the easiest skank at the bar (without getting her name). So I keep to find out this big dramatic reason behind their inability to be together. There isn’t one. He’s supposedly been “in love” with this girl for 15 years. But instead of being a man, committing to her, and actually trying to treat her well, it’s pretty much revealed that he tells himself he’s a good guy then goes and screws other women. Finally it’s revealed that they hooked up once in their mid twenties, when he immediately bailed. His inner dialogue makes it seem like he did it for her. Except that nothing in the book supports that. He wasn’t pining. He lived his life screwing anything that walks, and treats her like a non entity until the day he decides he’s ready for them to be together. Then since he decreed it so, they are. The entire story is boring and the separation is so pointless that you can’t even appreciate it for drama. There wasn’t any, he just wanted to sleep with a bunch of other women before settling down with her. So romantic (insert eye roll).
I’m not sure what the author was going for here. There wasn’t anything for the characters to overcome. The story starts out with the male MC seeming like he’s pining for the female, but then he takes home the easiest skank at the bar (without getting her name). So I keep to find out this big dramatic reason behind their inability to be together. There isn’t one. He’s supposedly been “in love” with this girl for 15 years. But instead of being a man, committing to her, and actually trying to treat her well, it’s pretty much revealed that he tells himself he’s a good guy then goes and screws other women. Finally it’s revealed that they hooked up once in their mid twenties, when he immediately bailed. His inner dialogue makes it seem like he did it for her. Except that nothing in the book supports that. He wasn’t pining. He lived his life screwing anything that walks, and treats her like a non entity until the day he decides he’s ready for them to be together. Then since he decreed it so, they are. The entire story is boring and the separation is so pointless that you can’t even appreciate it for drama. There wasn’t any, he just wanted to sleep with a bunch of other women before settling down with her. So romantic (insert eye roll).
December 9, 2017
4 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Sweat (Sweetbriar Lake #1)
This is Tori and Chris’s story. Tori hates Chris or that is what she tells herself. But when her apartment building goes up in flames and she needs a place to stay she ends up with Chris. Chris is her brother’s best friend and they have been around each other forever. Something happens in there past to hurt Tori and she is determined to keep him at arm’s length. Chris wants her and the chemistry they have together has a strong pull but in order to move forward with her he will have to break down all the walls she has build around her heart. The banter back and forth these two shares can be funny and sad at times. But in the end, will he be able to prove he deserves a chance with Tori or has all his sparring with her just been a lost cause?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Sweat (Sweetbriar Lake #1)
This is Tori and Chris’s story. Tori hates Chris or that is what she tells herself. But when her apartment building goes up in flames and she needs a place to stay she ends up with Chris. Chris is her brother’s best friend and they have been around each other forever. Something happens in there past to hurt Tori and she is determined to keep him at arm’s length. Chris wants her and the chemistry they have together has a strong pull but in order to move forward with her he will have to break down all the walls she has build around her heart. The banter back and forth these two shares can be funny and sad at times. But in the end, will he be able to prove he deserves a chance with Tori or has all his sparring with her just been a lost cause?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
December 4, 2017
Spar fits this in a way that Tori and Chris attack and defend against each other. Fighting the attraction that has been between them for years will come to a head but will Tori let the past repeat itself or move forward?
Rebecca you did it again with this one, this series is off to a great start! This one had a little more angst between Tori and Chris but you pulled it together beautifully. You have an independent woman with an alpha male of sorts but they are perfect together and bring out the best of each other. Sweetbriar is becoming one of the places that I don't mind escaping to for a bit. It's a small town that doesn't really seem to be in everybody's business but are close like friends. My favorite part is the writing with both main characters P.O.V. If there is more to Sweetbriar, I can't wait cause I see a Jake and Claire story.
**Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads, ARC provided in return for an honest review**
Rebecca you did it again with this one, this series is off to a great start! This one had a little more angst between Tori and Chris but you pulled it together beautifully. You have an independent woman with an alpha male of sorts but they are perfect together and bring out the best of each other. Sweetbriar is becoming one of the places that I don't mind escaping to for a bit. It's a small town that doesn't really seem to be in everybody's business but are close like friends. My favorite part is the writing with both main characters P.O.V. If there is more to Sweetbriar, I can't wait cause I see a Jake and Claire story.
**Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads, ARC provided in return for an honest review**
January 9, 2018
How is this possible? to fall in love with characters that are fictional? And I think I loved the setting as much as them! lol. Sweetbriar Lake is idealic. I mean, if you like the modest, custom built homes in a lake side community type thing (yes I do). Then the dynamics between the characters, 3 brothers, 3 best friends dating the brothers. It all adds up for some challenges and some fun shenanigans. Each character is different and unique and well developed.
Rebecca Jenshak knows how to tell a good story. It's well thought out, well developed.
Chris our main alpha is sooooo freaking hot! Very alpha, huge heart, handy around the house, basically my dream guy and the reason noone else is good enough! haha!
Tori, the main heroine and Chris' love interest. Smart, caring. She takes care of those around her. Not unlike Chris.
Rebecca Jenshak knows how to tell a good story. It's well thought out, well developed.
Chris our main alpha is sooooo freaking hot! Very alpha, huge heart, handy around the house, basically my dream guy and the reason noone else is good enough! haha!
Tori, the main heroine and Chris' love interest. Smart, caring. She takes care of those around her. Not unlike Chris.
August 2, 2018
Second Chance
Hero, Chris = 5/5
Heroine, Tori = 3/5
Secondary Characters = 4/5
Chemistry = 4/5
Sex = 4/5
Plot = 4/5
Mystery = 1/5
Action = 1/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 1/5
Stars = 4 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes
I enjoyed the plot with this book. Second chance romances are awesome! All of the characters are enjoyable for the most part. Tori, however, was obnoxious occasionally. Hot and cold, would not talk out her feelings. I was so irritated with her when she stubbed up after her girls night out trip. The one where Chris showed up.
I did enjoy the first book and this one in this series. I hope we get more of this series because I would love to read about everyone from Sweetbriar. (Claire, Jake, Charlie & Travis)
Hero, Chris = 5/5
Heroine, Tori = 3/5
Secondary Characters = 4/5
Chemistry = 4/5
Sex = 4/5
Plot = 4/5
Mystery = 1/5
Action = 1/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 1/5
Stars = 4 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes
I enjoyed the plot with this book. Second chance romances are awesome! All of the characters are enjoyable for the most part. Tori, however, was obnoxious occasionally. Hot and cold, would not talk out her feelings. I was so irritated with her when she stubbed up after her girls night out trip. The one where Chris showed up.
I did enjoy the first book and this one in this series. I hope we get more of this series because I would love to read about everyone from Sweetbriar. (Claire, Jake, Charlie & Travis)
December 6, 2017
Welcome back to Sweetbriar Lake. This is second in the series. It can be read as a stand-alone. One of my favorite kind of reads is a book with a full cast of characters. This story focuses on Chris and Tori. Both have interesting backstories that revolve around each other since they both were raised in the same small town (Chris is best friends with Tori’s older brother). You get (OMG) steam and conflict which held my attention. This couple’s friends and family provide added flavor to the story and kept me engaged. My only question when reading this book was why Chris and Tori made everything so difficult (eye roll, haha). I wasn’t always clear on their motivation. I still enjoyed and plan to read more in the series. I need to stay updated on other players (wink wink). Definitely a good read...
December 6, 2017
Cute Small Town Romance!
I had mixed feelings while I was reading this book. It was a very cute small town, second chance romance but I felt that Tori and Chris were acting very immature at times and that drove me crazy. My only other problem was at times I felt the book jumped around and felt very rushed at parts. I did love all the secondary characters as well though and I really loved the chemistry between Tori and Chris. Overall I enjoyed the book but I just wish it didnt feel so rushed.
I had mixed feelings while I was reading this book. It was a very cute small town, second chance romance but I felt that Tori and Chris were acting very immature at times and that drove me crazy. My only other problem was at times I felt the book jumped around and felt very rushed at parts. I did love all the secondary characters as well though and I really loved the chemistry between Tori and Chris. Overall I enjoyed the book but I just wish it didnt feel so rushed.
December 3, 2017
This is book 2 in the series and I loved it just as much as the first!
Tori was a brilliant and independent leading lady but Christ as definitely the one for her! I loved the pace in this book and it had me hooked from the first page.
I’m excited to see if there is another book in this series and I’m really hoping if there is, its Claire’s and Jake’s *fingers crossed* - also would love a story for Charlie and Travis <3
Tori was a brilliant and independent leading lady but Christ as definitely the one for her! I loved the pace in this book and it had me hooked from the first page.
I’m excited to see if there is another book in this series and I’m really hoping if there is, its Claire’s and Jake’s *fingers crossed* - also would love a story for Charlie and Travis <3
December 12, 2017
Reviewed on behalf of KU Book Reviews.
February 7, 2018
Loved this book!
Read on flight back from Miami!
Read on flight back from Miami!
February 18, 2018
Awesomeness‼‼‼
Excellent story line & kept you wanting to know more of what was going to happen or take place... Pure Awesomeness‼‼‼
Excellent story line & kept you wanting to know more of what was going to happen or take place... Pure Awesomeness‼‼‼
August 24, 2019
I really wish there was more to this series. So many characters who can get books and then I’d read it!!
Read
March 15, 2021DNF lost interest
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