Starlight

Speakeasy Taproom #7

by Christine DePetrillo

He doesn’t trust women. She only trusts dogs. Why can’t they keep their paws off each other?

Darren Reade builds stone walls in Vermont--and around his heart. Women don’t stick around, so it’s better to put up No Trespassing signs and focus on raising his adopted son. Darren is willing to do whatever it takes to help the boy cope with his mother’s death. But doing it alone is a challenge.

Grace Hollings indulges her love of old-school jazz by singing nights at the Speakeasy Taproom, and spends her days training service dogs, connecting small humans with smart pooches. Of course she’d planned to be married already, but a failed engagement has taught her that dogs make better company than men.

One evening, Grace and Darren don’t exchange names, but they do engage in a single night neither of them will forget. Is once all there is? Or can they train their hearts to trust what they’ve built under the starlight?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Adult, Amazon

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2021

About the author

Christine DePetrillo can often be found hugging trees, conversing with dragonflies, and walking barefoot through sun-warmed soil. She finds joy in listening to the wind, bathing in moonlight, and breathing in the fragrances of things that bloom. If she had her way, the sky would be the only roof over her head.

Her love of nature seeps into every story she tells. As does her obsession with bearded mountain men who build, often smell like sawdust, and know how to cherish the women they love. Today she writes tales meant to make you laugh, maybe make you sweat, and definitely make you believe in the power of love.

She lives in Vermont with her husband and cat who defend her fiercely from all evils.

Find Christine’s other titles at www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com. Connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/christinedepetrilloa..., on Instagram at @christinedepetrillo, and at the Small Town Hearts Facebook Group.

Reviews

[ItaPixie]

Darren was sure to not meet Speakeasy's graceful and attractive singer ever again after their hot encounter the night of his birthday, but he was so, oh so, wrong. Grace couldn't keep the birthday boy she met at Speakeasy out of her mind even during her days training service dogs. They meet again when Darren has to find a service dog for his son Kolton who suffers with anxiety and depression and he comes face to face with Grace. They have a good relationship and their bond is really strong and it also includes Kolton but will they have the courage to trust someone else again?

Darren is selfless and he has adopted Kolton in a heartbeat, he took everything life gave him in stride. Grace is a sweet and strong woman, she has suffered so much for her condition but she never surrendered, actually she put everything she had into her work as a dog trainer to help others and into her singing.
I'm glad Darren and Grace found each other because they were the missing pieces to make their lives full and whole again.

Starlight is a heartwarming read, I've shed some tears but the smile it put on my face at the end was really really bright.

I recommend to read this well written story but be aware of some triggering aspects of these characters' lives.

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰]

Grace + Darren

Darren is a stone mason and a single dad of his adopted 10 year old son Kolton.
But Kolton has a bunch of problems that they just can't solve on their own. The school suggests a service dog for the poor boy.
Enter Grace. She runs the service dog training facility in town. She's also singing two nights a week at the Speakeasy Taproom. And she's also the one-night stand Darren can't forget.

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN! ☺

═════════════════




Adorable!
Such a sweet and heartbreaking love story!
So full of cute puppies and adorable moments. And sparky and sexy moments.
I just loved reading this.
Those three plus the dog are just the perfect family.
But of course Darren already tried this happy end thing twice and it ended tragically both times. So he's not really very hopeful and trusting of this thing with Grace.
I loved reading this. Beautiful love story!

And like I say in all my World of True North reviews ... I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!

I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!

Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!

STARLIGHT was such a beautiful + adorable + moving romance! I loved reading it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Darren - he'll be sold out in no time!


💜 💜

[Kate]

I was looking for a single dad romance and a fellow GR friend read this and it was a 5 star read, so I thought why not?

For me personally the beginning (sample) was awful, off-putting for two reasons 1.) The H made a callous remark about his adopted son and 2.) I wasn't expecting a ONS/insta infatuation. If I didn't have KU I would have discarded this and it would have been a tragedy.

Grace, Darren, Kolton & Mika belong together. Through circumstance they have created a found family and they are a adorable. We have cute puppies. Who doesn't love puppies? A little boy who deserves only good times, happiness and love. Two scarred characters that need to find their happily ever after after their tragic pasts.

[Wendy'sThoughts]

4 Woof, Woof Special Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
There happens to be something very special about this Speakeasy Taproom Series, in my opinion. All of the books I have read so far focus on real challenges that happen in the real world. Things all of us can relate to. We have people recovering from stress or heartbreak, we have those who made serious mistakes, had to do the punishment, and now are trying to start anew, and we have parents who are handling the loving care needed for the children they are bound to, some with issues of their own. This take on romance with realism is a huge bonus because it shows us ways to cope and also a means to enjoy happy endings.

We have a woman who has devoted her life to raising dogs who assist those in need. Primarily, she works with children and these dogs become more than just a means to assist, they become everything to them. She is excellent in her work and all who are lucky enough to have one of her service dogs know it. She also is a talented jazz singer and when she is not waiting tables at the Speakeasy, she also sings her smooth jazz a couple of nights a week.

Our fella is a man who has felt pain. He loves his adopted son, stays the course for him, now that the boy's mom has passed, only gives himself time to work as a stonemason and maybe have a beer once in a while with a friend. No interest in women, they have only caused pain.

These two happen to connect at the Speakeasy...He was surprised as hell that his interest woke up and she decided to indulge with a little after-hours fun. It was only supposed to be a crazy one night for each...

But in BOOK LAND, we all know how that never happens. This has heart and caring, wonderful dogs and our much wished for HEA.

Touchstone (Speakeasy Taproom #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heartwood (Speakeasy Taproom #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Homecoming (Speakeasy Taproom, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sideways (Speakeasy Taproom, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wildflower (Speakeasy Taproom, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Firefly (Speakeasy Taproom, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Starlight (Speakeasy Taproom, #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Stargazer (Speakeasy Taproom, #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Safeguard (Speakeasy Taproom, #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Darcy]

I really liked this one, loved how Darren and Grace met and how both of them knew it was special and they didn't hold back. Loved it even more that when they saw each other again it wasn't too awkward and they took advantage of knowing each other to keep the relationship going. As they started to date it was so clear they were great together, loved how Kolton often got in on the dates and the positive impact Grace made on him.

I really didn't expect things to blow up and for sure now how they did. That scene when it all was slipping away from Grace was brutal! The aftermath just as brutal! I was glad that Darren played hardball and got what he needed, sadly it didn't magickly fix things. I really worried that things wouldn't get fixed between them. It took a bit of time and a leap of faith for them both, but in the end things ended the way they should have for everyone involved.

[Arielle]

Gahhh this one made me cry it was so good 🥺 RTC tomorrow!
---
Thissssss!!!! This is the kind of romance I LIVE FOR. It had steam, it had passion, it had an entire spectrum of emotions, it had service puppies, it had the most adorable family dynamic. IT WAS EVERYTHINGGGGG. The best part about all of these series in The World of True North is catching glimpses of these characters in previous books, wondering if/when you'll get their story. Darren and his son Kolton were mentioned a few times in Firefly and of course Grace was too as she worked with Melody at Speakeasy.

Getting to learn about Darren and Kolton's story was so emotional. I won't go into it as you will find out yourselves pretty early on but the fact that Darren takes care of Kolton like he does and loves THAT DEEP is a beautiful, beautiful thing. The boy suffers from intense bouts of trauma and anxiety and it was recommended to Darren by Kolton's school that they try getting a service dog from a local place in town.

When he shows up to find Grace, the woman he recently spent a passionate birthday night with, as one of the two employees who trains the dogs, the two are both surprised and excited to have been thrown into one another's paths again.

My favorite part about this book was how instantaneously Kolton took to Grace. Because of the genuine person she was AND because she has worked with many people with different and special needs at that point, she knew just how to immediately interact with Kolton. Melted my freaking heart, let me tell you.

The drama portion of this book really was through no fault of Darren or Grace's which was nice, even if it still impacted them and their relationship for a small bit of time. The string of events that led them back together, though? THAT is what made me cry, and in the best way. I am so happy that this series is coming to a finish on such a strong note. I have been so happy to be introduced to so many new authors because of this World of True North project and am so excited for this to be out for everyone to read!

Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this in exchange for my honest review!♥

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[lowkeyreader]

This is the first book I've read by the author and I was captivated by the story from the first page. Darren & Grace’s journey wasn’t easy because they have their own baggage and issues, and it pulls right at your emotions. I absolutely adored their characters. They have such great chemistry. And I loved how she fits into Darren and Kolton's lives. This is an emotional but sweet read that you'll definitely enjoy.

[Frida]

Darren and Grace share a night of steamy romance that transcends into an unforgettable memory. Their paths cross again, leading to a series of encounters that prompt them to confront the possibility of opening their hearts once more. I found myself enchanted by Darren and Grace, two remarkable individuals who form an exceptional couple.

What drew me into the story was the depth of their life experiences. Darren, a devoted single dad to ten-year-old Kolton, navigates parenthood amid the challenges of his son's anxiety and depression. Grace, who possesses remarkable resilience, is currently undergoing the process of rebuilding her life following the departure of her fiancé due to infertility. Her character is a delightful blend of sweetness, strength, and a heart of gold.

Grace, a jazz singer and service dog trainer, adds a touch of charm to the narrative with her wit, boldness, and dedication. Her multi-faceted persona, coupled with Darren's grumpy yet endearing demeanor, creates a perfect harmony. Both characters carry scars from their past, which they choose to reveal only to each other, fostering a genuine connection.

The unfolding of their story feels incredibly authentic, capturing the complexities of love, loss, and healing. The introduction of Kolton, along with his heartwarming connection to service dog Mika and Grace, adds another layer of warmth to the narrative. The palpable growth of the connection between Darren and Grace from the outset resonated with me, making their journey feel exceptionally real.

In essence, Darren and Grace's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. The sincerity of their connection, combined with the genuine emotions portrayed, makes this tale a truly heartwarming experience. The pacing was off, and some parts felt stretched out, earning it 3.25 stars.

[Ruthie Taylor]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the seventh book in the series - I recommend all the books in the Sarina Bowen True North world - whether at the Speakeasy, Vino e Veritas, and the Busy Bean... you are in for a treat if you haven't started them yet.

I really enjoyed this story, which brings together so many lovely elements - Darren is a special man who is bringing up a very traumatised boy, Kolton, as his own. Grace is a very talented jazz singer, continuing her grandmother's legacy on a few evenings a week at the Speakeasy, as well as working as a trainer of support dogs.

It is impossible not to be drawn into the growing attraction of Grace and Darren, even if they both are very reluctant to get involved due to their previous poor experiences. The care with which both of them work to help Kolton to grow in confidence, and how they do that is working, until a huge spanner is thrown into all their lives. I will say no more, but it is an engaging storyline.

A really good addition to the series.

[Claudia Fosca Stahl]

Oh man, this book! So. Good! Starlight is a wonderful story. I loved everything about it from the very first page. I just couldn’t stop reading it and I didn’t want it to end. It’s sweet and heartwarming and steamy, and so wonderfully Vermonty.

Darren and Grace have an epically steamy one night stand on Darren’s birthday after her performance at Speakeasy. Only they can’t seem to be able to forget how amazing it was. And when they meet again and then keep seeing each other, they have to decide if risking their hearts once again is worth it.

I loved Darren and Grace. They are truly wonderful people and they make a great couple. Darren is a single dad completely dedicated to his ten year old son Kolton, who due to a traumatic experience when he was five has severe anxiety and depression. He’s a bit grumpy and closed off.

Grace is a sweet, strong woman with a heart of gold. She’s a talented jazz singer and a dedicated service dog trainer. She sings and waitresses at Speakeasy and also runs a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for kids. She is witty and fun and extremely bold.

Grace and Darren have been hurt in the past, and they both keep that hurt hidden from others. Except from each other. I loved how tangible their connection is from the beginning and how it grows. I loved Kolton, and how he connects with Mika and Grace. I loved how the story unfolds and how it feels so real.

Starlight is a wonderfully emotional story with so many touching moments, and so beautifully written. I think this is the kind of book that makes you fall in love with romance. It is definitely a great addition to the Speakeasy series and the World of True North. I loved everything about it and I highly recommend it.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰]

ARC received for an honest review

ARC received for an honest review

Yaaaaass b*tches! We're back in the True North-verse, and I can't get enough!

Grace + Darren + kiddo + puppers = happy Janeane!

Starlight is full of heartwarming, sweet and sexy moments.
And there are some heartbreaking and anger-inducing moments

I love a single dad story, and Kolton will break and steal your heart all in one go.

I loved the connections between them all from the moment we meet each and every one of them.

But don't get me started on exes and oh-nos that had me wanting to throw my kindle across the room.

Another wonderful addition to the Speakeasy Taproom series - I wish this series would go on forever.


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[Annia Lennox (DaydreamingThroughBooks)]

This had more of an emotional impact on me than I was expecting. I teared up a little toward the end.

It starts with a hook-up which isn’t my favorite thing, but I still ended up really liking it. The romance was good. Darren and Grace had really good chemistry. They also were interesting characters. Grace is a singer and has a passion for service dogs which I loved. Darren has a 10 year old adopted son who is dealing with trauma. He cares so much for his son. He also has some hang-ups about past relationships.

There were a lot of predictable conflicts and reveals, but they still worked. I wish the reveals happened a little earlier because the resolution was a bit rushed. Full disclosure: I almost always want more resolution and epilogue-type stuff.

This was a happy surprise and I’m glad I picked it up. Definitely recommend it.

[Alicia]

It feels naive in the current environment for me to shriek "But you can't DO THAT", but I am pretty sure the major donor to a non-profit can't just roll in and seize all the assets and sell them off without a lot of paperwork and tax implications.

I liked Grace and I liked a small-town romance where the two main characters do have several opportunities to meet. But fucking hell, no wonder the kid has anxiety when everyone keeps telling his adoptive father that he's a saint to take on a "difficult" child who "isn't even your own".

[April ♥"LOS" ♥]

This is such a sweet story, and the fact that it involves a young boy, who suffers from anxiety and his beloved service dog, just makes it all the more heartwarming.

[Sarah Lacy]

Made me ugly cry, giggle, and smile! Fell inlove with Colton 😫💕 So many roller coasters, but was definitely worth the ride 🥰🥰🤙🏽💕10/10!!💯

[Valerie Connors]

Im sad to say that I expected more from this story. The romance arc was okay, but I felt more invested in the service dog organization storyline, even if it was predictable. This would be good for someone who doesn’t want a lot of surprises and is looking for a HEA.

[Jessica Alcazar]

There is nothing I enjoy more than reading a romance fiction journey that mirrors true to life experiences and challenges. It makes the story relatable and believable for me and gives me hope. When I was young, I read romance fiction in more of a dreamlike sense than a it could happen sense and it’s because of stories that mirror real life and of course my own personal growth and maturity that I can now read them not as an illusive concept but a concrete one that happens to many! Starlight gave that to me. Christine DePetrillo made choices in the plot and the characters of this story that elevated them to true to life for me and it was just delightful!

I’m not going to tell you very much about the story itself because it's so genuinely good that I really want everyone to go in as blind as me. Well, you’ve probably read the blurb so not as blind as me but stop there. The growth, dynamics, friendships, passion, chemistry, emotions, all the things that this well thought out storyline is made up of is a huuuuge *happy sigh* with such a satisfactory HEA that you will want more words. I want more words. I want all their future words.

I don’t know where Christine has been hiding, but she’s on my radar now and I’ll be doing a bit of stalking! GO DO THE THING (right now)

Available now and in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon: https://geni.us/AmazonStarlight

[Crystal Stafford]

This was such a good story! Speakeasy Taproom Series is relatively new to me. I have only read two before Starlight and this was my first read by Christine DePetrillo. I love finding new authors who write what I like and do it well and this book was it! I adored the storyline, the pacing, the characters, and the setting.

The beginning of this book was just what I want in a romance; meet-cute that turns into sexy times. Darren and Grace seem literally meant for each other when they first meet. Darren is the Birthday Boy and Grace is the beautiful Jazz singer at Speakeasy. They have great chemistry and both feel that spark. And they both certainly enjoy the heck out of each other and under the stars to make it even better. They are both pretty spellbound but decide on one night, no names, nothing personal. Darren is a single father who had adopted his son after the death of his ex. He is a mason, business owner, good guy with good friends and a great and exceptionally cute kid, Kolton. He may seem like he has it all together but every day with Kolton is a ticking time bomb. Kolton is emotionally sensitive and suffers from panic and anxiety attacks. Darren has devoted his life and time to be the best father he can be and help Kolton be happy and healthy. Some days are better than others and on the hard days he just wants to make it all go away and can't. Enter Grace. Grace is known to Darren as Sasha Soul, Jazz singer by night but a service dog trainer by day. She is easy going and caring and loves animals and helping people find their lifelong friend and helper. She and her brother Greg, run a Non Profile Shelter to train dogs and to place them with needing families. Some damage was done to their building and they need a local mason stat. This is where Grace and Darren's second meet cute happens and it is just as good. Darren see's the value in the service dog for Kolton and also wants another chance with Grace.

I just loved Darren and Grace's chemistry. They are so awesome together and they get along so well. They get each other and want things to work. Their story wouldn't be so perfect with Kolton though. I loved him so much! He pulled at my heartstrings so many times. I just wanted to reach through the words and give him a big hug because I too know what it's like to grow up around addiction. That wasn't a huge focus in this story but it was easy for me to understand him on a deeper level. But the happy moments seem to outweigh the bad when Grace is in the Reade's men's lives! When you see the way they all get along and interact like a family it is so heartwarming. And Kolton's special friend Mika, the sweet girl, is opening him up in ways Darren never imagined. Or is it the amazing woman by his side who is responsible for the change? SO many good moments but we can't get away without some sadness and hurts. When the lows hit it was devastating but DePetrillo mended it all back together perfectly. She seriously had me crying when Grace and Kolton have their special moment at the end.

The beginning, the middle, and the end were all perfect. the supporting characters were really special as well. I really hope Greg and Nate get their own books someday! The pacing of this book was great and I couldn't put it down. and everything is better when you let the starlight in.

[Deb Schwartz]

Darren Reade has had his share of ups and downs when it came to his love life, what he wanted now was a normal life for him and his son Kolton. This hero captured my heart from the beginning of Starlight. Darren has so much going for him, his Business Reade Masonry with his best friend Nate, an amazing son who is cute as a button. What more could a man need to be happy?


Grace Hollings own of Kinds Kanines that train service dogs for children, grand daughter of famous jazz singer Betty Hollings. Grace thought she had everything she needed to be happy, well her life is about to change in major ways.
I have nothing but complete awe for this heroine. Grace had her world turned upside down, it might have made her stubble a bit, but she got back up on her feet and went after what she wanted. Could it be too late?


There is so much heat between Darren and Grace down at the Speakeasy, that I had to set Starlight down to take a breath.*snickers* Darren has sworn off anything and everything woman related. So imagine his surprise when a curvy, vivacious woman with a quick witt and a name like Sasha Soul turns his head. Grace thought she was damaged goods after being dumped because of her inability to give a man what he wants most in this world, so she kept to herself. That was until he walked in. I swoon every time I imagine each scene between these characters, they are so magical. Author Christine DePetrillo at times transported me back in time within her descriptions of the Speakeasy, Grace’s outfits and the atmosphere.


The supporting characters are are just wonderful even the villains of Starlight aided in making Starlight a huge hit for this reader. Miss Lilly is an amazing champion with all of her wisdom and love. Kolton is as perfect as a ten year old boy could be. Now Greg and Nate these handsome devils need their stories told.


Over all Starlight of the Speakeasy Taproom Series is not a story to miss. Very strong character building, amazing plot building and educational subject that I researched after reading Starlight , that I learned so much about. Now if you will excuse me I am off to pick up more of the Speakeasy Taproom Series.


Rated 5 stilettos and a Recommended Read by Deb!

Read More. . . https://www.romanceswithalittlekick.c...

[WycEd Reader]

Check out our full post for STARLIGHT on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the seventh book in the series. I recommend all the books in the Sarina Bowen True North World – whether at the Speakeasy, Vino & Veritas, or the Busy Bean – you are in for a treat if you haven't started them yet.

I really enjoyed this story, which brings together so many lovely elements – Darren is a special man who is bringing up a very traumatised boy, Kolton, as his own. Grace is a very talented jazz singer, continuing her grandmother's legacy on a few evenings a week at the Speakeasy, as well as working as a trainer of support dogs.

It is impossible not to be drawn into the growing attraction of Grace and Darren, even if they both are very reluctant to get involved due to their previous poor experiences. The care with which both of them work to help Kolton to grow in confidence, and how they do that is working, until a huge spanner is thrown into all their lives. I will say no more, but it is an engaging storyline.

A really good addition to the series.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews]

Starlight is the seventh book in the Speakeasy Taproom series. This is Christine DePetrillo's contribution to this multi-author series.

This standalone romance is extra sweet and amazingly moving. It starts off with a one night stand, but soon the two are reunited.

Darren and Grace spend time together as Darren needs a service dog for his son. Darren's son Kolton is wonderfully written, with a believable background and all of his issues illustrated with knowledge and care. He won over my heart from the start.

I love the dog aspect of this story. There's a history behind Grace's business and a lot of wonderful things have happened as a result of Grace's work. She is truly helping the world to be a better place.

It's beautiful seeing the way Kolton takes to his dog to be. I had tears in my eyes over this. Both happy and sad tears.

Both characters are so damn likeable. Darren uprooted his life instantly to care for Kolton. Meanwhile Grace spends her life helping people who need service dogs. Both are selfless and likeable.

And together, they work well. They not only have great sexual chemistry, but they balance one another well in life. They definitely help the other to be the person they want to be. It's perfect.

This is a story with lots of things to make you smile. There's puppies, sweet moments, and plenty of spark between the two. But there's also some moments that will leave you angry and depressed. Don't fret though, as the ending is absolutely heart warming.

I love Starlight. Everything about this Christine DePetrillo book had me riveted and charmed. This book is a fabulous addition to this small town Vermont series.

[Reading to Escape]

I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book.... I know no matter the words I use, I probably will not do this book justice. Starlight is book seven in the Speakeasy Taproom series but is a complete standalone. It was the first book I have read by this author so I was very excited to dive in, and I know without I doubt I will now need to go read more.

Grace is a sort of jack of all trades if you will. She is a waitress, as well as a singer at the Speakeasy, but her passion lies with her non-profit, in which she finds and trains dogs to be service animals and pairs them with the people they will bond with and help.

Darren is a single dad with a history of really complex and emotionally difficult relationships. His heart has shut down romantically and he has stayed away from women until the day he is forced to go out with his friend for his birthday and he sees Grace singing at the Speakeasy Taproom.

I absolutely adored these characters from the start. Darren and Grace had such great chemistry from their initial interactions and as time went on my heart was fully invested in cheering them on as they progressed toward their HEA. I loved the amazing work Grace was doing with her program and the passion she had with the animals and kids. I loved how easily she fit into Darren and Kolton's lives. This book brought out all the feels and I know it will be one that stays with me for some time!

[Laetitia]

Darren meets Grace at the Speakeasy on his birthday and they end up having one of the best nights of their lives. For the next several days, neither Darren nor Grace could stop thinking about each other but they never exchanged names. By day Grace works as a service dog trainer for kids with several different issues and a couple nights a week she sings and waitresses at Speakeasy. Darren is a single dad with a son, Kolton with severe anxiety. Through one of Kolton's teachers, Darren learns of Grace's work which is where they officially meet. Grace and Darren had great chemistry and they couldn't help but flirt a little. Darren was such a great father to Kolton, all he wanted was for his son to be happy and thrive. As Grace started training a puppy for Kolton, her and Darren started spending more time together. Their relationship was so easy and drama free, Kolton took to Grace so easily and they became a unit. So when things went bad, it went to shit very quickly. It was sad seeing how bad Kolton's anxiety got and everyone tried to make things better for him. The aftermath was sad and depressing for everyone but Darren found a way to fix everything. Darren and Kolton deserved Grace in their lives, because she made them happy and they've been through enough pain as it is. Grace found in Darren and Kolton the family unit she always wanted besides her brother. I loved this story and the bonus scene was just icing on the cake.

[Sabrina]

I loved this story! Such great characters and a wonderful plot. Grace spends her nights singing old-school jazz at Speakeasy and during the day she trains service dogs. She loves both of her jobs. Her singing is a tribute to her grandmother who was a famous jazz singer and working with dogs to help children in need is so fulfilling and something she is very great at. Her luck in love not so great. Her failed engagement made her realize that she may not get the family she always wanted but at least dogs are better company. But then she meets Darren and things change. They have one night together and think that is it, but neither can get the other out of their head. And fate brings them together when she hires Darren's company to do work on their property. Darren has been even more unlucky in love. A tragedy broke up his first marriage and then just when he thought he found love again with another woman and her adorable son, she allows an addiction to take her life. Darren adopts her son and their bond is just as strong as if Kolton was his own. His number priority is to Kolton. And when his son may be in need of a service dog to help with his anxiety, he never imagined that the woman who sang so beautifully would be the same who can help his family now. Darren and Grace are wonderful together and with Kolton they are a perfect family. But things are moving so fast and both fear that things are too good to be true. Then there is another matter that threatens it all. Absolutely adored this story. The characters were really wonderful all around and the story had me turning page after page, unable to put it down. Definitely a favorite for me of the series! Can't wait for more.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly]

It's time for sultry Grace to find her man. The waitress/singer has a gift for entertaining the Speakeasy folks AND for training service dogs to help kids. She also never expects the guy she spent a sizzling night with to show up at her training facility to do a little work on the place. To be fair, their paths likely would have crossed even if she didn't need his masonry skills given his son's anxiety issues.

Which is to say, it's almost like these two were meant to meet and make a connection.

As for Darren, he's an amazing dad who's trying his hardest to help his son deal with a very traumatic event. His night with Grace was beyond anything he was expecting and meeting up with her again only made the sparks between them grow. Watching his son blossom with Grace's help (and the pup's help!) is everything he wanted. So when things unravel (in the most terrible way), he has a really hard time dealing with it.

By the by, Grace's ex fiancé is TERRIBLE. Just the worst. Gross.

Big doggo energy, a kiddo who is working on finding his balance, a lady who can sing, and a man who's very good with his hands. Found family love! I'm in!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Jen]

Note: An ARC was provided by Heart Eyes Press.

Christine DePetrillo is a new-to-me author, and my first read from her was one I quite adored. Starlight is the seventh book in the multi-author Speakeasy series that's part of Sarina Bowen's World of True North book universe. A small town romance with the single parent trope AND a service dog? Yes, please! Darren Reade and Grace Hollings shared a one-night stand on his birthday, and it turned out to be a birthday to remember for both of them. But he's wary of women, choosing instead to make his adopted son, Kolton, has top priority. When the suggestion of getting an emotional service dog for the boy is made, Darren has no idea that it would lead him back to the woman he hasn't forgotten since his birthday--Grace, who just happens to be a service dog trainer! These two had such a strong connection, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey they went on, not only in becoming a couple, but becoming a family with Kolton and Mika, the service dog. There's a wee bit of drama, but it fit in well with the story and necessary for realizations to be made. Starlight was a 4.5-starred addition to the Speakeasy series!

[Vera Blaz]

A one night stand is supposed to be just one night. No do overs. No meet ups. One and done. Except if you’re Darren Reade and Grace Hollings AKA Sasha Soul. Their connection was instant and their chemistry was sizzling. Darren was gruff and strong with a heart of gold. His adopted son suffered great trauma and he would do just about anything to help Kolton deal with his anxiety, even get a service dog. It was more than fate that Grace ran the non profit that trained service dogs to assist their humans. Grace’s past upsets the tenuous balance that Darren, Kolton, and Grace have. It was heartbreaking how it all played out, but it showed just how far Grace and Darren were willing to go to patch the fracture that occurred. They were both skating by in life before they met. Now they were living life the way they were meant to. Everyone’s hearts, including Kolton’s, ceased hurting when Darren and Grace got their HEA. This is my first book by the author and it definitely won’t be my last.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[KristieReadsBooks]

Another fantastic addition to the Speakeasy series. I loved this book. Christine gives us a beautiful story filled with dedication and love with some bumps and not so nice people along the way.

Darren is a single dad who is doing his best raising an adopted son who has witnessed some horrible things in his life. His goal is to make his sons life the best it can be.

Grace is a service dog trainer by day and Jazz singer at the Speakeasy at night. She loves both of her jobs and is dedicated to bringing happiness to people.

Darren and Grace have a chance meeting that turns into chemistry very quickly. They know they won’t see each other again so they both have the best night of their life.

Funny how fate steps in sometimes. Turns out Darren and Grace can help each other more than they know.

I requested an arc and I am leaving my honest review.

[Kari Hansen]

Darren is a man who has loved twice with devastating outcomes however the one good thing to come from it is his adopted son Darren. Between his career, his friends and his son he doesn’t need anything else until one evening with Grace has him wondering what if.

Grace has a difficult romantic past of her own but has found her niche training service dogs and honoring her grandmother by singing at Speakeasy a couple nights a week which is where she met Darren. They both agreed to one night but when his son needs one of the dogs she trains their worlds collide and they realize that there is so much more to life than the way they have been living it.

Neither Grace nor Darren were looking for love or a relationship but they take us on an emotional journey as they help each other and Darren heal from the past.

[Laura]

3.5 stars
This is an entertaining, fun read. Darren and Grace are interesting, intriguing, complex, wounded, relatable, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path (for the most part) that it took to get to their HEA. Darren is swoon-worthy. Book boyfriend!!! I loved his son; some of the sweetest and most heart-wrenching moments in this book involve Darren’s son. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story. A couple of characters from other books made cameos or were mentioned. I love the speakeasy and when scenes take place there. I was hoping for more from the climatic event and it’s aftermath than what we got.

I enjoyed the audio version of this book and the narrators – they did a great job.