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Blueberry Springs #5
Vodka and Chocolate Drops
One woman. One cheating ex. One life do-over.
Amber Thompson always thought she wanted a superstar boyfriend—until he kicked her to the curb on the eve of his big break.
When Amber’s best friend, Scott Malone, comes running in to save her once again, she realizes he’s the man she truly wants. The only problem? Scott isn’t interested in pursuing a woman on the rebound.
Determined to prove she’s ready to commit, Amber comes up with a plan to woo Scott, only to have it derailed by explosive family secrets. With her assumptions about everything—including herself—dismantled, she finds herself torn between a need for answers and protecting her mother’s past. But Amber knows if she has any hope of a meaningful relationship with Scott, she needs to figure out who she is—and that means unearthing even more secrets.
Will Amber find what she’s looking for? And if she does, will she find it in time to help her win the man of her dreams?
Amber Thompson always thought she wanted a superstar boyfriend—until he kicked her to the curb on the eve of his big break.
When Amber’s best friend, Scott Malone, comes running in to save her once again, she realizes he’s the man she truly wants. The only problem? Scott isn’t interested in pursuing a woman on the rebound.
Determined to prove she’s ready to commit, Amber comes up with a plan to woo Scott, only to have it derailed by explosive family secrets. With her assumptions about everything—including herself—dismantled, she finds herself torn between a need for answers and protecting her mother’s past. But Amber knows if she has any hope of a meaningful relationship with Scott, she needs to figure out who she is—and that means unearthing even more secrets.
Will Amber find what she’s looking for? And if she does, will she find it in time to help her win the man of her dreams?
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First published September 10, 2015
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607 people want to read
About the author
Jean Oram
87 books948 followersMy newsletter subscribers just got a FREE book. Are you getting fun stuff from me? If not, subscribe here for exclusive freebies, giveaways, and new release info: http://www.jeanoram.com/FreeBook
Jean Oram grew up in an old schoolhouse in a Canadian town, population 100 (cats and dogs not included). She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author of feel-good, heartwarming romances that make readers smile.
Jean lives in Canada with her husband, two kids, cat, dog, and the pesky neighbourhood rabbits that hop through her garden like it's an open salad bar. She can often be found outdoors or reading a book. (And of course at her laptop writing your next irresistible read!)
Subscribe to Jean's newsletter and get a taste of her small town comedies that will have you laughing while falling in love: www.JeanOram.com/signup
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
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January 4, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/4/2018)! 💝
February 13, 2020
2 ½ *stars REALLY
AMBER WAS RIGHT ABOUT ONE THING “BEING AN ADULT SUCKS”, SHE’S EXTREEMLY JUVINILLE AND SILLY I DIDN’T LIKE HER. DAUGHTER AND MOTHER ARE BOTH IMMATURE, THE NUT DIDN’T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE. ANGST & REPETATIVE. ;O
AMBER WAS RIGHT ABOUT ONE THING “BEING AN ADULT SUCKS”, SHE’S EXTREEMLY JUVINILLE AND SILLY I DIDN’T LIKE HER. DAUGHTER AND MOTHER ARE BOTH IMMATURE, THE NUT DIDN’T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE. ANGST & REPETATIVE. ;O
March 29, 2018
This is a sweet read. There are more secrets in this book than should be possible in Blueberry Springs. Amber really should have realised that Russell was lying to her much sooner. Scott is so sweet and patient and he and Amber make a great couple. Also nice that Gloria and John reconnect. Family is important and it is great that Amber finally gets to see her family reunited.
September 15, 2015
Amber Thompson always dreamed of leaving the small town of Blueberry Springs (where everyboy knows your name and business) and living an anonymous life in a big city. Fate had other plans for Amber. After her newscaster boyfriend dumps her just as he is releasing a book about her, she begins to see small town life differently. She also starts seeing Scott Malone, her BFF since grade school, in a new light.
Amber has so much upheaval going on in her life. So many secrets have been kept from her for her entire life. When they were revealed, with no explanations or answers, Amber's world is turned upside down. She is determined to find all the answers. As she seeks the truth, Amber begins to see herself in a new light. To understand what she really wants in life, who she really is, and how to love herself. It is a tumuluous journey but Amber triumphs in the end.
I like the way Amber and Scott's relationship evolved throughout the story. No matter how long he had to wait, Scott needed Amber to be 100% positive she was truly in love with him. That she hadn't turned to him simply because he was there. I loved him being strong enough to wait for "forever".
Vodka and Chocolate Drops is a sweet romance. I love romances that leave sex scenes to the imagination. There is heat between Amber and Scott. The chemistry and electricity are obvious. Secondary characters are interesting. I'd love to see Gloria get her own story. The story flows easily and kept my attention. There is romance, humor, and light angst in the story.
Characters from previous Blueberry Springs books appear in this latest addition to the series.
While the characters appear in each book, they are all stand alone stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed Vodka and Chocolate Drops and definitely recommend it. Actually, I recommend all of Jean Oram's sweet romance stories.
Amber has so much upheaval going on in her life. So many secrets have been kept from her for her entire life. When they were revealed, with no explanations or answers, Amber's world is turned upside down. She is determined to find all the answers. As she seeks the truth, Amber begins to see herself in a new light. To understand what she really wants in life, who she really is, and how to love herself. It is a tumuluous journey but Amber triumphs in the end.
I like the way Amber and Scott's relationship evolved throughout the story. No matter how long he had to wait, Scott needed Amber to be 100% positive she was truly in love with him. That she hadn't turned to him simply because he was there. I loved him being strong enough to wait for "forever".
Vodka and Chocolate Drops is a sweet romance. I love romances that leave sex scenes to the imagination. There is heat between Amber and Scott. The chemistry and electricity are obvious. Secondary characters are interesting. I'd love to see Gloria get her own story. The story flows easily and kept my attention. There is romance, humor, and light angst in the story.
Characters from previous Blueberry Springs books appear in this latest addition to the series.
While the characters appear in each book, they are all stand alone stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed Vodka and Chocolate Drops and definitely recommend it. Actually, I recommend all of Jean Oram's sweet romance stories.
May 13, 2019
This was a freebie on Amazon. #5 in the series, but can be read as a stand alone (as I did). Characters from the other books make appearances. Trope is friends to lovers. Also, lots of family secrets. This is a clean read. No graphic sex.
So, we have a heroine who is a scrapper. She's always getting herself in trouble & has a very low self esteem. The hero is her long time friend, who has loved her for a long time, but is content to see her float from man to man without trying to change things. Her last boyfriend wrote an unflattering book that's based on her, but names have been changed. She does some impulsive things & ends up in trouble. She comes to discover that the hero is the man for her, but he keeps telling her "it's not time yet". Dumb & more than a little frustrating to read.
This reads like a step above fan fic. It was ok, but zero desire to continue with the series. I would think you'd try to entice readership with your best book. If this is it, then no thanks!
So, we have a heroine who is a scrapper. She's always getting herself in trouble & has a very low self esteem. The hero is her long time friend, who has loved her for a long time, but is content to see her float from man to man without trying to change things. Her last boyfriend wrote an unflattering book that's based on her, but names have been changed. She does some impulsive things & ends up in trouble. She comes to discover that the hero is the man for her, but he keeps telling her "it's not time yet". Dumb & more than a little frustrating to read.
This reads like a step above fan fic. It was ok, but zero desire to continue with the series. I would think you'd try to entice readership with your best book. If this is it, then no thanks!
November 19, 2018
I had the misfortune to stumble blindly into this series without reading any of the previous novels. While I don't think you particularly need to read the others to understand the gist of this, it might be helpful. I didn't like this book at all. There was literally no saving grace here. Amber starts digging in her past to uncover the secrets of why she will always be a small town girl and can't keep a relationship. She comes up with more bones than she can handle while attempting to juggle her love life and her social life. Its actually a mess, along with every character in here.
January 7, 2018
I would've given this book 3 stars were it not for multiple grammatical errors and the sickly sweet ending. I like fluff every now and then, but this one got too fluffy.
January 9, 2018
3 great effort stars
This was a really lovely read. The characters felt real and were relatable. The main obstacles the MC had to face didn't seem far-fetched and it was a relatively quick and easy read. It wasn't so intriguing that I couldn't put the book down, but it filled my time nicely.
Scott was a dream come true book boyfriend. He was incredibly supportive, sensitive and most importantly, completely sensible. His decision was so responsible and I wish all book boyfriends had his sense. I really wish his character had been upheld up to the final page.
If ever there was a mother I detested more than Gloria in a contemporary romance, I dare you to find her. Selfish doesn't even begin to describe her. Every time she opened her mouth, all I wanted to do was scream and shake her. Who was Gloria trying to protect by keeping Amber's father a secret from her? If she had just been honest from the beginning, Amber could have avoided a lot of the emotional damage she suffers from.
Oh Amber. I had so much hope for her character development and it was going so well until it wasn't. I'm not going to delve too much into my issues about this because it forms a major part of the story-line but she basically developed in reverse. The best point of her development was around the 60% mark. And then at the 98% mark, her confidence essentially evaporated and she was as insecure as she had been at the 1% mark. I was really hoping for a strong female character who stays strong right until the last page. Hopefully, the next book in this series delivers on this but I am doubtful.
This would have been a 4 star review had it not been for the ending. The ending did not do this book (which was really great until the last 2 chapters) any justice. It was so rushed and didn't tie in well with the overall feel the book gave off.
This was a really lovely read. The characters felt real and were relatable. The main obstacles the MC had to face didn't seem far-fetched and it was a relatively quick and easy read. It wasn't so intriguing that I couldn't put the book down, but it filled my time nicely.
Scott was a dream come true book boyfriend. He was incredibly supportive, sensitive and most importantly, completely sensible. His decision was so responsible and I wish all book boyfriends had his sense. I really wish his character had been upheld up to the final page.
If ever there was a mother I detested more than Gloria in a contemporary romance, I dare you to find her. Selfish doesn't even begin to describe her. Every time she opened her mouth, all I wanted to do was scream and shake her. Who was Gloria trying to protect by keeping Amber's father a secret from her? If she had just been honest from the beginning, Amber could have avoided a lot of the emotional damage she suffers from.
Oh Amber. I had so much hope for her character development and it was going so well until it wasn't. I'm not going to delve too much into my issues about this because it forms a major part of the story-line but she basically developed in reverse. The best point of her development was around the 60% mark. And then at the 98% mark, her confidence essentially evaporated and she was as insecure as she had been at the 1% mark. I was really hoping for a strong female character who stays strong right until the last page. Hopefully, the next book in this series delivers on this but I am doubtful.
This would have been a 4 star review had it not been for the ending. The ending did not do this book (which was really great until the last 2 chapters) any justice. It was so rushed and didn't tie in well with the overall feel the book gave off.
October 23, 2017
[I won this book in a drawing on the author’s website. In no way did that influence my opinions. I am voluntarily reviewing it]
“Deciding who to fall in love with is like deciding where and when lightening is going to strike. You don’t get to choose things”.
Amber Thompson of Blueberry Springs is the stuff of gossips everywhere. Dumped by her wanna be writer boyfriend who used her to get his story written, she finds herself at loose ends all the while hoping the news finishes its cycle and she can get back to life...and chocolate.
As the dust begins to clear Amber finds herself a bit lost, and her mother’s revelations aren’t helping. Growing up is hard, and maturing might even be harder still as new revelations and feelings of love towards her best friend get harder and harder to ignore. The question is “now what?”.
This is one of the sweetest romances I have read in a very long time. I read it in two sittings, quickly getting caught up in the delightful story and routing for Amber and her family and friends. Pure escapism. Highly recommended
“Deciding who to fall in love with is like deciding where and when lightening is going to strike. You don’t get to choose things”.
Amber Thompson of Blueberry Springs is the stuff of gossips everywhere. Dumped by her wanna be writer boyfriend who used her to get his story written, she finds herself at loose ends all the while hoping the news finishes its cycle and she can get back to life...and chocolate.
As the dust begins to clear Amber finds herself a bit lost, and her mother’s revelations aren’t helping. Growing up is hard, and maturing might even be harder still as new revelations and feelings of love towards her best friend get harder and harder to ignore. The question is “now what?”.
This is one of the sweetest romances I have read in a very long time. I read it in two sittings, quickly getting caught up in the delightful story and routing for Amber and her family and friends. Pure escapism. Highly recommended
January 8, 2018
Secrets galore!!!
This book is full of secrets!!!
It starts with Amber's boyfriend, Russell breaking up with her the day before he hit it big in the literary world. She feels betrayed by what she learns about him and their relationship. She has a best friend, Scott who has always been there for her.
Right at the beginning Amber discovers that who she thought was her father might not have been. She is bombarded with secrets regarding her mums life which causes her to question her existence.
The book explores the reality of reunions where feelings such as jealousy, inadequacy and anger arise.
The love story between Amber and Scott is good but the back story of their life wasn't explained very well and it felt like you had jumped into the middle of a story instead of the beginning.
I gave the book 5 stars as I found it really good and realistic. Didn't want to put it down as I wanted to find out the answers to the questions Amber had regarding her and her mums life. It was 2am by the time I had finished.
Follow Amber as she searches for her answers.
Fabulous read!!!
This book is full of secrets!!!
It starts with Amber's boyfriend, Russell breaking up with her the day before he hit it big in the literary world. She feels betrayed by what she learns about him and their relationship. She has a best friend, Scott who has always been there for her.
Right at the beginning Amber discovers that who she thought was her father might not have been. She is bombarded with secrets regarding her mums life which causes her to question her existence.
The book explores the reality of reunions where feelings such as jealousy, inadequacy and anger arise.
The love story between Amber and Scott is good but the back story of their life wasn't explained very well and it felt like you had jumped into the middle of a story instead of the beginning.
I gave the book 5 stars as I found it really good and realistic. Didn't want to put it down as I wanted to find out the answers to the questions Amber had regarding her and her mums life. It was 2am by the time I had finished.
Follow Amber as she searches for her answers.
Fabulous read!!!
January 25, 2018
Amber Thompson moves back to Blueberry Springs awhile ago with her author boyfriend. He finished the book and told Amber they were over. He was being interviewed and was asked if the book was about Amber. He was also asked if his beautiful editor was his new girlfriend. Amber was furious with how he had treated her. Scott Malone was there to help her. Scott moved to Blueberry Springs when they were in elementary school and have been best friends since. The whole town knows he is in love with Amber, except Amber.
This is a heart warming good book. Amber finds out that her mother has been keeping all kinds of secrets from her. Amber has asked multiple times who is her father, but her mother will not tell her. Her mother has some other big surprises that come out. Amber is also dealing with her feelings for Scott. Scott is such a patient and great guy. You can’t help but love him. This is a good book, and I strongly encourage you to read it.
This is a heart warming good book. Amber finds out that her mother has been keeping all kinds of secrets from her. Amber has asked multiple times who is her father, but her mother will not tell her. Her mother has some other big surprises that come out. Amber is also dealing with her feelings for Scott. Scott is such a patient and great guy. You can’t help but love him. This is a good book, and I strongly encourage you to read it.
December 11, 2020
This is the first book that I have read by Jean Oram. I really enjoyed this friends to fiancee book. Blueberry Springs, like most small towns, can harbor secrets. This book is the story of Amber, who never knew her father, but wants her mother to tell her. Amber, who just got dumped by her boyfriend, is tired of the secrets, even though she has one herself. Scott, her best friend, has always been there for her. He has a secret of his own. As Amber tries to figure out who her father is, her mother dumps another secret on her. It was fun to see read how the ball of yarn unraveled and came to a great ending. It will be fun visiting Blueberry Springs again by reading the first four books.
October 14, 2025
No More Secrets!
Oh what a tangled web we weave... it's a well known poem and could describe what has been happening in Amber's life pretty much from around her birth. Secrets have been kept which have left her questioning whether she's ever been "enough" for anyone. When her current boyfriend breaks up with her having used her shamelessly, she hardly knows what to do, but she's had enough of "secrets" and decides to seek out answers. It makes gor a challenging time both in her life and the lives of others.
Oh what a tangled web we weave... it's a well known poem and could describe what has been happening in Amber's life pretty much from around her birth. Secrets have been kept which have left her questioning whether she's ever been "enough" for anyone. When her current boyfriend breaks up with her having used her shamelessly, she hardly knows what to do, but she's had enough of "secrets" and decides to seek out answers. It makes gor a challenging time both in her life and the lives of others.
December 29, 2017
Amber felt like nothing after the break up and now Russell was on his way up. He had used her, right up to the last minute, and secretly moving out.
Scott helps her pick up the pieces,and his love, shows her that this is the man she wants. Till her mother's past is known and that could destroy everything Amber has some more hard lessons to learn as she matures
Good plot , good characters, as you feel what Amber is going thru.
Readers can always look for Jean's books to be good reading.
Scott helps her pick up the pieces,and his love, shows her that this is the man she wants. Till her mother's past is known and that could destroy everything Amber has some more hard lessons to learn as she matures
Good plot , good characters, as you feel what Amber is going thru.
Readers can always look for Jean's books to be good reading.
April 4, 2019
Love these sweet romance books
Love these best friends turned lovers stories. Scott and Amber have know each other since they were 6. He has loved her since then. She was his friend. Throughout the years she has been through a lot of ups and downs. He is a police officer now. He responds to her house after an ex boyfriend episode. Their ups and downs are so cute. This is a funny, emotional, and wonderful story in this fabulous small town.
Love these best friends turned lovers stories. Scott and Amber have know each other since they were 6. He has loved her since then. She was his friend. Throughout the years she has been through a lot of ups and downs. He is a police officer now. He responds to her house after an ex boyfriend episode. Their ups and downs are so cute. This is a funny, emotional, and wonderful story in this fabulous small town.
January 10, 2018
Amber had been troubled by secrets all her life so she started digging for answers. First on her list was to find out who her father was. While doing this, Amber only focused on finding the information she wanted and not how that information would affect others. Amber was VERY immature. I didn't like her at all. She made it hard to enjoy the story since it was all about her anyway.
January 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this even though I've not read any of the others in the series - it can be read as a standalone as other people's circumstances are briefly explained so you know what's happened previously etc. A sweet, funny story that was just what I needed in this dreary January! Would read more from this series & author
January 21, 2018
A good story
This was a story of discovering who you are. Amber lives in a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone. She finds out there are secrets her mom is keeping and when she gets what she wants she is no longer sure she can handle it. I wanted to go to the end to find out the secrets but stayed strong and waited. Can you read it and wait for the ending?
This was a story of discovering who you are. Amber lives in a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone. She finds out there are secrets her mom is keeping and when she gets what she wants she is no longer sure she can handle it. I wanted to go to the end to find out the secrets but stayed strong and waited. Can you read it and wait for the ending?
October 6, 2025
Amber came across with all the maturity of a twelve year old.
Scott was patronising with his "you're not ready" crap.
There's a whole plot around finding Amber's father and sister (given up for adoption by Amber's mother), and never once was a DNA test mentioned. That was downright weird.
I forced myself to finish this. The characters just irritated the heck out of me.
Scott was patronising with his "you're not ready" crap.
There's a whole plot around finding Amber's father and sister (given up for adoption by Amber's mother), and never once was a DNA test mentioned. That was downright weird.
I forced myself to finish this. The characters just irritated the heck out of me.
October 29, 2025
This book was different and how it was written in the friends to lovers troupe. The female heroine was pretty strong willed, but she had a lot of stuff going on. She almost was written as if she was a scatterbrain, but I felt like she had a lot of good qualities. The main male character was just very much in love and very solid.
January 1, 2018
Blueberry Springs is one of my favourite book towns - so the story got a star bump for that. I enjoyed reading more about Amber and Scott, their short story from the Valentine event needed to carry on.
January 5, 2018
This book #5 in the Blueberry Springs series.
It was Officer Scott Malone and Amber's story. It was a story of love and reuniting a family.
Next book is Tequila and Candy Drops. Nichola and Todd.
It was Officer Scott Malone and Amber's story. It was a story of love and reuniting a family.
Next book is Tequila and Candy Drops. Nichola and Todd.
January 19, 2018
Forever love
That's what the entire story is about. First Amber's mother has to admit her forever love and the name of her father. Then Amber has to admit she is forever in love as well. Worth reading!
That's what the entire story is about. First Amber's mother has to admit her forever love and the name of her father. Then Amber has to admit she is forever in love as well. Worth reading!
February 13, 2018
Cute
I've read most of the Blueberry Springs novels, and they are all lighthearted, fun, and adorable. The stories are predictable, but I actually really like the people in Blueberry Springs, and look forward to catching up in each novel.
I've read most of the Blueberry Springs novels, and they are all lighthearted, fun, and adorable. The stories are predictable, but I actually really like the people in Blueberry Springs, and look forward to catching up in each novel.
May 15, 2019
Sweet.
Blueberry Springs sure loves a friends to lovers romance. Amber is having a rough time with her mom keeping secrets, her ex abusing her trust and her best friend who appears to be more sexy, generous and caring than she is willing to admit.
Blueberry Springs sure loves a friends to lovers romance. Amber is having a rough time with her mom keeping secrets, her ex abusing her trust and her best friend who appears to be more sexy, generous and caring than she is willing to admit.
March 15, 2020
Wow!!! I absolutely loved Scott and Ambers story. Amber has some pretty big hurdles to leap in her quest to find her true love, but find herself as well. Scott loves her unconditionally, but is waiting for her to "be ready for forever." Follow these two as the find their HEA.
October 14, 2025
Hate the title (why does drinking get put into books so often?) but the story was nice. Sweet story about family, friends, and telling the truth. Jean Oram writes really nice stories that I just want to read. I'll be looking up more Blueberry Springs books.
January 3, 2018
Heartwarming romance.
February 3, 2018
Brain Candy
Great love story and life lessons. Feel like I really know the characters and Blueberry Springs. Would read more from Oram.
Great love story and life lessons. Feel like I really know the characters and Blueberry Springs. Would read more from Oram.
February 3, 2018
Sweet series
I love this sweet little series set in a small town with all kinds of surprises , fun and love.
I love this sweet little series set in a small town with all kinds of surprises , fun and love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews