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Whiskey Springs #1
Open Tab
Fallon Foster serves up more than the most potent drinks at Murphy’s Law, the local pub in Whiskey Springs, Vermont. Fallon is the keeper of the town’s secrets. She’s heard tales of broken hearts, torrid affairs, closet cases, and the dreams of hopeful romantics. With a sensitive ear and a warm bed, Fallon is a legend in her small town. One thing still eludes her—love.
Happily married, a new baby, and a burgeoning career, Riley Main’s life was on course. One drunk driver turned her world upside down. A widow before the age of thirty, Riley’s life has fallen out of balance. A gentle suggestion from her husband’s grandmother convinces Riley to embark on a journey across the country. With her two-year-old son, Owen, Riley makes her way from sunny San Diego to the chilly little Vermont town of Whiskey Springs. A blown fuel pump in the middle of a snow storm puts Riley on a collision course with a charming pub owner named Fallon Foster. Nothing will be the same again for anyone.
Rich with a colorful cast of characters that will make you laugh and cry; Open Tab is a new kind of romantic adventure from best-selling lesbian fiction author JA Armstrong. Welcome to Whiskey Springs.
Happily married, a new baby, and a burgeoning career, Riley Main’s life was on course. One drunk driver turned her world upside down. A widow before the age of thirty, Riley’s life has fallen out of balance. A gentle suggestion from her husband’s grandmother convinces Riley to embark on a journey across the country. With her two-year-old son, Owen, Riley makes her way from sunny San Diego to the chilly little Vermont town of Whiskey Springs. A blown fuel pump in the middle of a snow storm puts Riley on a collision course with a charming pub owner named Fallon Foster. Nothing will be the same again for anyone.
Rich with a colorful cast of characters that will make you laugh and cry; Open Tab is a new kind of romantic adventure from best-selling lesbian fiction author JA Armstrong. Welcome to Whiskey Springs.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2018
248 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
December 2, 2019
Nice read!
A bit repetitive in some parts but still wholeheartedly readable...
A bit repetitive in some parts but still wholeheartedly readable...
July 15, 2018
3.5 Stars. I thought this was pretty good but not great. This is currently available for Kindle Unlimited. I’m not always the biggest fan of love triangles. I didn’t really mind that here, but I had trouble with the style the book was written in. This book spends a lot of time telling you what the characters are thinking. I felt sometimes those thoughts were pretty repetitive. I found myself craving any actual dialogue. Armstrong also head hops quite frequently so sometimes it would take me a minute to realize we were in a new characters head. Because there were so many inner thoughts the book felt more “tell” than I normally prefer. For instance we are more told that a character is falling for another because another side character notices. It is not because we are actually seeing the sparks between them.
The main storyline is pretty good. As a Vermonter I like visiting Whiskey Springs. I am a little on the fence about reading the next book. I do want to know what happens next and the characters are likeable. I’m just not sure that I do well with this writing style.
The main storyline is pretty good. As a Vermonter I like visiting Whiskey Springs. I am a little on the fence about reading the next book. I do want to know what happens next and the characters are likeable. I’m just not sure that I do well with this writing style.
May 4, 2018
This book does NOT make sense at all! The relationships are very strange, I don’t feel any love between the 2 main characters. I’m even confused who the main characters are because you would think it’s about Riley and Fallon but for me it was Andi & Fallon, which is ok. But what’s not OK, is the ending where Andi breaks up with fallon who she’s supposedly in love with, to find out later that she’s also getting a divorce! I like this writer but this book is not her best unfortunately.
The italics writing bothered me a lot too. Overall it’s 1.5 rounded up to 2 because I like the writer :)
The italics writing bothered me a lot too. Overall it’s 1.5 rounded up to 2 because I like the writer :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2019
Open Tab is the first book in J.A. Armstrong’s new Whiskey Springs series. I got it as a freebie and I had seen the book explode all over Goodreads when it came out so I figured why not. Armstrong has plenty of devoted fans although I am having some troubles with the way she tells a story. I could not get past book one of her By Design series, but that was written some time ago so maybe she has improved.
The cover is very catchy and clever, you can’t see past the boobs. I don’t know who those boobs belong to, maybe Andy pouring herself a drink, but I’m sure it can’t be Fallon. The location of Whiskey Springs is nice. I like that small town vibe. I also think the pub is a great setting.
What I don’t like is how the author tells her story. There is incessant head hopping. We get every body’s inner voice. Sometimes we switch from one pov to the next within the same paragraph and it makes reading very disjointed. And then there is the endless exposition. In the middle of dialogue we get these whole chunks of inner thoughts and/or backstory. It halts everything and makes me very antsy to be honest.
So in that regard, Armstrong still pretty much writes like she always did. Much tell, not much show.
What also bothered the crap out of me was Fallon’s supposedly growing attraction for Riley while at the same time she was enthusiastically fucking Andy six ways from sunday. It continued throughout the whole book. I could not ship Filey (Fallon/Riley) as long as there was an active Fandy (Fallon/Andy) in the game. It just did not work for me.
I’m bowing out and leave it at this one but like I said, just because the author is not a good match for me shouldn’t mean you can’t have fun with this series. Try it out.
f/f explicit
Themes: small town, the token lesbian, extra-marital affairs, once bitten twice shy, I can’t really understand Andy’s last action.
3 stars
The cover is very catchy and clever, you can’t see past the boobs. I don’t know who those boobs belong to, maybe Andy pouring herself a drink, but I’m sure it can’t be Fallon. The location of Whiskey Springs is nice. I like that small town vibe. I also think the pub is a great setting.
What I don’t like is how the author tells her story. There is incessant head hopping. We get every body’s inner voice. Sometimes we switch from one pov to the next within the same paragraph and it makes reading very disjointed. And then there is the endless exposition. In the middle of dialogue we get these whole chunks of inner thoughts and/or backstory. It halts everything and makes me very antsy to be honest.
So in that regard, Armstrong still pretty much writes like she always did. Much tell, not much show.
What also bothered the crap out of me was Fallon’s supposedly growing attraction for Riley while at the same time she was enthusiastically fucking Andy six ways from sunday. It continued throughout the whole book. I could not ship Filey (Fallon/Riley) as long as there was an active Fandy (Fallon/Andy) in the game. It just did not work for me.
I’m bowing out and leave it at this one but like I said, just because the author is not a good match for me shouldn’t mean you can’t have fun with this series. Try it out.
f/f explicit
Themes: small town, the token lesbian, extra-marital affairs, once bitten twice shy, I can’t really understand Andy’s last action.
3 stars
August 14, 2018
I wanted my toast buttered on both sides but then when it falls buttered side down I get grumpy. I don't really know how to rate Open Tab because, while I like that it wasn't what I expected and wasn't predictable, I'm not sure I liked what it was. Or maybe I did. I just don't know.
Fallon runs and owns a restaurant/bar on the outskirts of Whiskey Springs. She's having a affair with Andi, a married women and Fallon's childhood crush. They know they're not in love with each other. The husband knows about it and has his own affairs. Actuallly, it seems everyone knows and everyone is very adult about it (so I don't know why I'm struggling with it). Then Riley comes to town with her toddler, Owen. Her husband was killed in a car accident and she needs to be away from what she knew before. It's not long before she knows about the affair too.
I like the way Armstrong writes and really liked her By Design series because each book was short, sexy, humorous and complete. They were great inbetweeners in a non-taxing way. This one was a lot more taxing. I need to read the second in the series to see if it leaves me as dissatisfied.
Giving Open Tab the benefit of the doubt, I'm rating it 3.5 stars if for no other reason than I liked that it was different.
Fallon runs and owns a restaurant/bar on the outskirts of Whiskey Springs. She's having a affair with Andi, a married women and Fallon's childhood crush. They know they're not in love with each other. The husband knows about it and has his own affairs. Actuallly, it seems everyone knows and everyone is very adult about it (so I don't know why I'm struggling with it). Then Riley comes to town with her toddler, Owen. Her husband was killed in a car accident and she needs to be away from what she knew before. It's not long before she knows about the affair too.
I like the way Armstrong writes and really liked her By Design series because each book was short, sexy, humorous and complete. They were great inbetweeners in a non-taxing way. This one was a lot more taxing. I need to read the second in the series to see if it leaves me as dissatisfied.
Giving Open Tab the benefit of the doubt, I'm rating it 3.5 stars if for no other reason than I liked that it was different.
January 16, 2018
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 Stars.
First off - while the cover is intriguing and sexy - but it certainly is not Fallon, the proprietor & owner of Murphy’s Law. Murphy’s is the small town’s Pub filled with locals and occasional tourist/skier.
Widow, Riley and her two yr old son Owen are relocating to Whiskey Springs, VT. Fallon rescues them when they are stranded in a snowstorm. I generally like slow burn romances but this was glacial.
The pub is where we meet a number of characters, including Fallon’s mom, Ida and older, married Andi with whom Fallon has a secret-not so secret affair. I could’ve done with less of their trysts. However, I did love Andi’s character. She’s a bit complicated, a mom, a confidant, and she comes to think of Riley as a daughter. Like I said complicated. You know Fallon & Riley will get their HEA but I really hope to see Andi get hers.
The book ends abruptly (“You can’t end it here!”)with the only consolation is that the next book (Cigar Club) is coming out Feb 2018. I plan to stay tuned.
First off - while the cover is intriguing and sexy - but it certainly is not Fallon, the proprietor & owner of Murphy’s Law. Murphy’s is the small town’s Pub filled with locals and occasional tourist/skier.
Widow, Riley and her two yr old son Owen are relocating to Whiskey Springs, VT. Fallon rescues them when they are stranded in a snowstorm. I generally like slow burn romances but this was glacial.
The pub is where we meet a number of characters, including Fallon’s mom, Ida and older, married Andi with whom Fallon has a secret-not so secret affair. I could’ve done with less of their trysts. However, I did love Andi’s character. She’s a bit complicated, a mom, a confidant, and she comes to think of Riley as a daughter. Like I said complicated. You know Fallon & Riley will get their HEA but I really hope to see Andi get hers.
The book ends abruptly (“You can’t end it here!”)with the only consolation is that the next book (Cigar Club) is coming out Feb 2018. I plan to stay tuned.
January 20, 2018
A good start to a new series
I love JA Armstrong's stories and this falls right in. Its a slow burn that really doesnt burn at all...it mainly sets the wood in the fireplace. There is a little adultery but consensual adultery, cute kids, likable characters and a promise of a good series.
I love JA Armstrong's stories and this falls right in. Its a slow burn that really doesnt burn at all...it mainly sets the wood in the fireplace. There is a little adultery but consensual adultery, cute kids, likable characters and a promise of a good series.
September 17, 2018
“Open Tab (Whisky Springs #1)” is a more enjoyable book if you listen to the sequel (“Cigar Club”) immediately after “Open Tab”.
As a stand-alone, “Open Tab” is frequently engaging, yet frequently exasperating, if not completely annoying. As a Kindle book, I may have given up on “Open Tab”, and moved on to another in my too quickly growing list of books that interest me. That would have been a shame for me, because after listening to Book #2, I’m really looking forward to Book #3 (“Night Cap”) when it becomes available as an audiobook. What kept me engaged was the very enjoyable narration, and the terrific assortment of secondary characters.
30yo widow MC Riley and her 2yo son Owen are delightful. Riley’s sister (left back in California thank goodness) is controlling and annoying. In Whiskey Springs, Vermont, MCs Fallon and Andi are difficult to like. For 99% of the book, Fallon and Andi have a Friends With Benefits relationship. Andi is married (to a man) and has college-aged sons. Fallon is the town token lesbian, and is well-known for one-nighters with coed tourists, though that’s getting a bit old for her now that she’s in her 30s. Naturally, this being a small town, virtually everybody knows about their relationship, though they think they’re discreet.
Riley is admired and desired by everyone, including Fallon, although everyone assumes she’s straight. I swear to god, It’s a wonder that any of us lesbians ever date IRL; lesbian literature seems determined to train us to be attracted in a serious way only to women we assume are straight, and only to play bouncy-bouncy in bed with other lesbians or the openly bicurious.
Anyway, there are lots of side characters in “Open Tab” - family members, bar patrons, bar employees, etc. etc. Part of the difficulty with “Open Tab” is that the thing that makes the series terrific also makes the first book difficult to embrace: this isn’t a clear cut love story focusing on two people; all of the characters all have their own quirks and personalities, and the interactions between them are historically complex, currently complex, and evolve toward an uncertain…and likely complex future.
Six hours and 26 minutes into the 6:44 book, Fallon made such a WTF decision that I just about lost it. Really? Sigh. People can be such jerks…to themselves as well as to others.
Despite my initial frustrations, “Open Tab” turned out to be a remarkably insightful and thoughtful study into the nature of loneliness, and that of the many types of love. There is a terrific mix of generations, and their interactions, and their observations on the nature of loneliness and love from many viewpoints and hopes and fears. Behaviors IRL certainly are often self-destructive, and “Open Tab” does a great job addressing how we can recognize destructive behaviors, and, perhaps with the help of friends, survive and move on to better situations.
I’m very glad I listened to “Open Tab”, and I recommend it with 4*. Set aside time to listen to Book #2 immediately after, while you have the characters and their situations fresh in your mind!
As a stand-alone, “Open Tab” is frequently engaging, yet frequently exasperating, if not completely annoying. As a Kindle book, I may have given up on “Open Tab”, and moved on to another in my too quickly growing list of books that interest me. That would have been a shame for me, because after listening to Book #2, I’m really looking forward to Book #3 (“Night Cap”) when it becomes available as an audiobook. What kept me engaged was the very enjoyable narration, and the terrific assortment of secondary characters.
30yo widow MC Riley and her 2yo son Owen are delightful. Riley’s sister (left back in California thank goodness) is controlling and annoying. In Whiskey Springs, Vermont, MCs Fallon and Andi are difficult to like. For 99% of the book, Fallon and Andi have a Friends With Benefits relationship. Andi is married (to a man) and has college-aged sons. Fallon is the town token lesbian, and is well-known for one-nighters with coed tourists, though that’s getting a bit old for her now that she’s in her 30s. Naturally, this being a small town, virtually everybody knows about their relationship, though they think they’re discreet.
Riley is admired and desired by everyone, including Fallon, although everyone assumes she’s straight. I swear to god, It’s a wonder that any of us lesbians ever date IRL; lesbian literature seems determined to train us to be attracted in a serious way only to women we assume are straight, and only to play bouncy-bouncy in bed with other lesbians or the openly bicurious.
Anyway, there are lots of side characters in “Open Tab” - family members, bar patrons, bar employees, etc. etc. Part of the difficulty with “Open Tab” is that the thing that makes the series terrific also makes the first book difficult to embrace: this isn’t a clear cut love story focusing on two people; all of the characters all have their own quirks and personalities, and the interactions between them are historically complex, currently complex, and evolve toward an uncertain…and likely complex future.
Six hours and 26 minutes into the 6:44 book, Fallon made such a WTF decision that I just about lost it. Really? Sigh. People can be such jerks…to themselves as well as to others.
Despite my initial frustrations, “Open Tab” turned out to be a remarkably insightful and thoughtful study into the nature of loneliness, and that of the many types of love. There is a terrific mix of generations, and their interactions, and their observations on the nature of loneliness and love from many viewpoints and hopes and fears. Behaviors IRL certainly are often self-destructive, and “Open Tab” does a great job addressing how we can recognize destructive behaviors, and, perhaps with the help of friends, survive and move on to better situations.
I’m very glad I listened to “Open Tab”, and I recommend it with 4*. Set aside time to listen to Book #2 immediately after, while you have the characters and their situations fresh in your mind!
January 16, 2018
The great thing about JA Armstrong's books (as for most books in series) is the character development. She somehow manages to pull you into their lives and makes you care about them. It's the same situation with this book.
The main couple in the story is presumably Fallon and Riley but there's a whole host of secondary characters like Andi whose stories I'd like to see too. And I do love lesfic featuring cute kids. The story is as in the blurb- Fallon the pub owner and Riley the single Mom with a tragic backstory meet and fall for each other SLOWLY (with a capital every letter). Andi with whom Fallon is having an affair seems quite likeable and I was a little worried whether I got my MCs mixed up.
This is a lot more slow burn than other Armstrong books (the MCs of her other series all got together by the end of the first book). It's also a lot longer, more angst-y and less predictable. I'm willing to settle for the long run with this series just because of the character development which is far more after the first book than in the other series. So I expect The final payoff to be good as the series goes on. The promise of book 2 within a month is also a definite plus - definitely looking forward to that.
P.S. the blurb says 'romantic adventure' - I was a little bit mislead by that. The author probably meant that romance itself is an adventure.
The main couple in the story is presumably Fallon and Riley but there's a whole host of secondary characters like Andi whose stories I'd like to see too. And I do love lesfic featuring cute kids. The story is as in the blurb- Fallon the pub owner and Riley the single Mom with a tragic backstory meet and fall for each other SLOWLY (with a capital every letter). Andi with whom Fallon is having an affair seems quite likeable and I was a little worried whether I got my MCs mixed up.
This is a lot more slow burn than other Armstrong books (the MCs of her other series all got together by the end of the first book). It's also a lot longer, more angst-y and less predictable. I'm willing to settle for the long run with this series just because of the character development which is far more after the first book than in the other series. So I expect The final payoff to be good as the series goes on. The promise of book 2 within a month is also a definite plus - definitely looking forward to that.
P.S. the blurb says 'romantic adventure' - I was a little bit mislead by that. The author probably meant that romance itself is an adventure.
January 17, 2018
Here we go. A new series by J.A. Armstrong. A sweet read, like always. And, also as usual, not a single character is less than wonderful. Of course Fallon and Riley will have their HEA, but I hope that Andi will find love and happiness in this series. We'll see.
February 4, 2018
3.5 stars. I have mixed feelings after finishing this book. On one hand it was quite original but on other I disliked how most of the focus was on Fallon and Andi and then it ends basically on a cliffhanger.
Because of how much focus was on Andi I ended up rooting for her more than Riley simply because
Overall too much angst for my liking but a solid read nonetheless if ya don't mind a cliffhanger though the continuation is promised for release this month (Feb 2018).
Because of how much focus was on Andi I ended up rooting for her more than Riley simply because
Overall too much angst for my liking but a solid read nonetheless if ya don't mind a cliffhanger though the continuation is promised for release this month (Feb 2018).
January 21, 2018
This was really good. I'm surprised I haven't read a single one of this author's other books. Anyway...really good. Totally enjoyed it. However, if you are someone that doesn't like a cliffhanger...better wait til book number 2 comes out! I don't think I've ever read a book with such an abrupt ending-without some kind of resolution.
March 15, 2018
This has a very different feel to other J.A. Armstrong books I've read. It's a pure romance. I'm glad I waited to read this until the second book was out, because I definitely wasn't ready for the end. 3.5 stars because it hasn't yet captured me the way her other books have. Although I still recommend it, and maybe it's just my mood.
July 7, 2021
Underrated book
January 27, 2018
Good story so far, can't wait for the next part (I want Fawon and Riley together now! ;)
June 8, 2018
So, I wasn't planning on reading this book based on the cover (yes, I sometimes judge books by their cover) but after reading so many good reviews from my Goodreads friends I figured I would give it a try and I'm glad I did because I really liked it :)
I just wish the book were a bit longer...
I just wish the book were a bit longer...
February 18, 2018
Let me preface this by saying I'm a HUGE fan of all the J.A. Armstrong books. That said, I was constantly amazed by how well the characters were developed in this story, the first in a new series. It's not a true "romance" novel, but more of a general character study. We meet the citizens and newcomers of Whiskey Springs, Vermont, where most congregate or at least pass through the local watering hole, Murphy's Law.
As it is the first in a series of books, don't expect a neatly-tied HEA (happily-ever-after) for anyone just yet.
But, if you're in the mood to immerse yourself in a richly woven beginning, pick this one up immediately. And try to be patient for the next installment - it'll be rough, but I'm betting it'll be well worth the wait.
As it is the first in a series of books, don't expect a neatly-tied HEA (happily-ever-after) for anyone just yet.
But, if you're in the mood to immerse yourself in a richly woven beginning, pick this one up immediately. And try to be patient for the next installment - it'll be rough, but I'm betting it'll be well worth the wait.
January 22, 2018
What a start!
What a great start of a new series! It is a bit different to all her other books and it took me a while to feel comfortable with this new style. I really loved that this story took place in a small town and that there are so many awesome characters involved. The banter and the interesting relationships alone is more than worth to read this new series. I don't know where this is all going because the end leaves some possibilities open and I’m therefore very curious about the sequel.
What a great start of a new series! It is a bit different to all her other books and it took me a while to feel comfortable with this new style. I really loved that this story took place in a small town and that there are so many awesome characters involved. The banter and the interesting relationships alone is more than worth to read this new series. I don't know where this is all going because the end leaves some possibilities open and I’m therefore very curious about the sequel.
June 5, 2018
A pretty decent storyline with rating bordering 3.5 to 4. Interesting characters, Fallon, Riley & Andi. Surely a HEA for Fallon & Riley at the end of this series - I hope! I must admit I can’t really get my head around the relationship that Fallon has with Andi where at the same time she is seeking a relationship with Riley, albeit a few chapters down the road. Their tryst (Fallon & Andi) can be a bit much for me and that is really because I just can’t reconcile Fallon wanting a relationship with Riley - that’s just me. Ending was a cliffhanger which may not sit well with some readers...
July 15, 2018
Loved it!
The first book of Armstrong's new series is excellent. If you've read her other series then I know you will love this.
It's full of friendship, love and characters you will instantly fall in love with. Her series should be read in order. It's like missing an important episode of your favourite T.V. program.
Read with a cup of coffee. Put your feet up and enjoy!
The first book of Armstrong's new series is excellent. If you've read her other series then I know you will love this.
It's full of friendship, love and characters you will instantly fall in love with. Her series should be read in order. It's like missing an important episode of your favourite T.V. program.
Read with a cup of coffee. Put your feet up and enjoy!
January 19, 2018
Good start, know it’s a series, but glad the next installment will be only a month away. I liked the characters and the build up so far. Feel like I was left dangling in the breeze. Wish there was some sort of conclusion. Not an ending, but a little bit more of a completed process. Come on February get here so I can find out what happens next
March 18, 2022
I must admit I am a fan of J.A. Armstrong The Whiskey Springs series is about the budding and growing relationship between Fallon Foster and Riley Main with 2-year-old son Owen. It takes in far more than that. I liked the relationships with the town's people I met along the way. At times it was a bit of a task keeping it all on track but it worked and the story is wonderful J.A. has a way of helping me love the Main and supporting characters and I feel warm and I miss them the second I finish the last page. In this case, it was not the last page it was the words I hope you enjoyed this book. The narration was great. Enjoy the book.
February 1, 2018
I’m not really sure why I chose to read this book because I VERY seldom read novellas. They’re too damn short and it annoys me. Anyway, I wanted something quick and easy and the summary sounded good. It didn’t take long until I got sucked into the story and the most unusual dynamic between the 3 main characters. I’m still not quite sure how I feel about some aspects of the story but I ABSOLUTELY can’t wait to see how the story proceeds. If that ambiguous review doesn’t stimulate your interest then just take my word for it. It’s a good read.
April 30, 2020
Wsell this was a little gem. I must say that from the cover I thought it would be more erotic then it was. The story was lovely and very believable. The characters were great and fitted so well in the story even the background characters. I loved the slow burn and build up in the relationship. This is a very good read when your feeling low.
March 19, 2020
Fantastic characters and sweet plot!!!
Fallon, Riley and Andi are fantastic characters and I’m not sure who I love more. Perhaps I adore all the characters because they are so indecisive with matters of the heart. Perhaps fear and past relationships keep the two main characters apart. Yet, slowly Fallon and Riley realize how much they need each other. Are they going to be together? Are they going to love each other with passion? Perhaps I should read the second installment and find out. Well done JA Armstrong!!!
Fallon, Riley and Andi are fantastic characters and I’m not sure who I love more. Perhaps I adore all the characters because they are so indecisive with matters of the heart. Perhaps fear and past relationships keep the two main characters apart. Yet, slowly Fallon and Riley realize how much they need each other. Are they going to be together? Are they going to love each other with passion? Perhaps I should read the second installment and find out. Well done JA Armstrong!!!
December 9, 2021
Great read, slow burn with a lot of good sens and great characters. I will start the second of the serie right away !
March 1, 2018
Armstrong has a different writing style than I’m used to, so it takes me a bit to get into her stories, but I really liked the characters in this first installment of 'Whiskey Springs.' Rather than much forward momentum, this story is really written as a series of internal monologues that occur in the middle of conversations between all the different characters. I don’t remember if this style is true of the other series I’ve tried, but it’s a different way of writing, for sure. There is a lot of telling in terms of the romance and we’re left to trust Fallon’s mom (Ida) and Fallon’s lover (Andi) when they infer in their internal trains of thought that there are sparks/feelings developing between Fallon and Riley. We, the readers, don’t really get to see any indication of that until about 80% where the two finally have some flirtatious banter and their internal thoughts finally seem to have some recognition of feelings that are more than just friendship. Up until this point, I really wanted to see whatever it was Ida and Andi were seeing, but it was never shown to us.
There was a lot more Andi and Fallon time here and I really liked them together despite the fact that their relationship was an affair. By the end of this, my heart was breaking for both of them because it's obvious that they deeply care for one another. I’m not really sure I see where Riley and Fallon are going because, right now, I’m busy wearing Andi-goggles. She was my favorite character and I just want her to find some damn happiness. I guess we’ll find out in ‘Cigar Club,’ but I think it’s going to take a lot of convincing to get me to jump off the Andi/Fallon bandwagon. That said, I liked Riley just fine; I just don’t see where she fits into Fallon’s romantic life.
There was a lot more Andi and Fallon time here and I really liked them together despite the fact that their relationship was an affair. By the end of this, my heart was breaking for both of them because it's obvious that they deeply care for one another. I’m not really sure I see where Riley and Fallon are going because, right now, I’m busy wearing Andi-goggles. She was my favorite character and I just want her to find some damn happiness. I guess we’ll find out in ‘Cigar Club,’ but I think it’s going to take a lot of convincing to get me to jump off the Andi/Fallon bandwagon. That said, I liked Riley just fine; I just don’t see where she fits into Fallon’s romantic life.
August 6, 2018
I flat out loved this book and all the characters. I actually listened to this book through Audible and Jill Smith did a fantastic job as the narrator! I already got the 2nd book in this series to listen to on my commute to work and I’ll definitely be looking out for more books she has narrated. Back to the actual story though. The town and community support each other wonderfully. The chemistry between everyone in town is undeniable and is very sweet. This isn’t picture perfect and I didn’t like or condone what a certain pair was doing, but it’s not my life and they are consenting adults. The author had to come up with a little twist. Plus, it was no secret. I don’t want to give anything away but this is a slow burn but enjoyable. It’s a nice change to not have the main leads jump into bed after the second time meeting. The story is developing and you’re right there with them watching things develop. I can’t wait to head to work tomorrow to listen to the 2nd book!😉
March 20, 2020
Sorry this was not a good read for me. I might be an outlier, but here we go.
It's all info dumping and telling, and jumping from one Point of view to another with such speed at times I had not got a clue who was talking. The first 10% offered nothing in terms of the story and could just have been cut. I almost didn't read beyond this point. There are lots of internal monologues that just tell us the story and tell us what other people are thinking.
BUT, when the dialogue exchanges started it was lovely.
I also have to say that I am never a fan of people having affairs, no matter the justification, but Andi was so nice. I like her. Fallon is Miss perfect, except she shags her way through anyone that is available. Fallon and Andi certainly have chemistry and they care, but what the hell?
Riley. Hmm are they? Aren't they? And why?
Owen is super. Stole the whole show.
Finally the ending. Abrupt without any kind of resolution. no warm and fuzzy.
It's all info dumping and telling, and jumping from one Point of view to another with such speed at times I had not got a clue who was talking. The first 10% offered nothing in terms of the story and could just have been cut. I almost didn't read beyond this point. There are lots of internal monologues that just tell us the story and tell us what other people are thinking.
BUT, when the dialogue exchanges started it was lovely.
I also have to say that I am never a fan of people having affairs, no matter the justification, but Andi was so nice. I like her. Fallon is Miss perfect, except she shags her way through anyone that is available. Fallon and Andi certainly have chemistry and they care, but what the hell?
Riley. Hmm are they? Aren't they? And why?
Owen is super. Stole the whole show.
Finally the ending. Abrupt without any kind of resolution. no warm and fuzzy.
January 23, 2018
.
This was a pretty cute story. I really loved all characters and their relationships. The little family the main characters already created was too adorable for words. I have a very soft spot for Andi and I hope she will find someone to fall in love with in the next book. I was a little disappointed with how it ended kind of in the middle of the story but since the next book is coming out next month it's not that bad. What I disliked was the amount of pov jumps, sometimes I could barely figure out in whose head we currently are since the pov changed with pretty much every paragraph. Also this is very subjective but there were too many sex scenes for my taste.
This was a pretty cute story. I really loved all characters and their relationships. The little family the main characters already created was too adorable for words. I have a very soft spot for Andi and I hope she will find someone to fall in love with in the next book. I was a little disappointed with how it ended kind of in the middle of the story but since the next book is coming out next month it's not that bad. What I disliked was the amount of pov jumps, sometimes I could barely figure out in whose head we currently are since the pov changed with pretty much every paragraph. Also this is very subjective but there were too many sex scenes for my taste.
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