223 True Love Ln.

Cherry Falls #7

by Tory Baker

We were supposed to be lovers—of the pretend variety.
That’s it.
But that’s not exactly what happens.

I concentrated on getting my life where I wanted it. My bar is in great shape now. I’ve got a decent sized ranch that’s operating in the green and a home I love. There’s just one thing missing.

Lily Velasquez was always meant to be mine. I just wanted the time to be right so I could give her everything she deserved.
Too bad, that while I was building a home for the future I had in mind, Lily began dating someone else.

I truly thought I had lost my chance, but when Lily walks into my bar with a crazy proposition it is like divine intervention.

Now, she wants me to pretend to be her man.

I don’t hesitate to agree.

But what Lily doesn’t know is that I am her man.
And I won’t stop until I’ve claimed her in every way possible.

Welcome to Cherry Falls, where steamy romance is always on the menu. Tory is bringing you a hot Alpha named Beau who thought he lost his chance at happily ever after but gets a second chance when he least expects it. As always with a Tory book you’re going to get a safe read, insta-love hotness, and an alpha hero that’s over the top, with eyes only for his woman.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Friends To Lovers, Fiction, Adult

94 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2021

About the author

Tory Baker is a mom of two teenagers and a dog mom to one wild and active Weimaraner, Remi. She lives in a small coastal town on the east coast of sunny Florida. Oftentimes you’ll find her outside soaking up the rays with at least three drinks surrounding her, a wandering imagination, and a notebook in hand where she’s jotting down a plot for her next story. She’s a lover of writing happily ever afters with Alpha heroes and sassy heroines.

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Reviews

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Lily wishes she had stayed away from internet dating, a few lunch dates and now she needs some way to show him she really isn’t interested. Her plan is asking Beau (a man she has always had a crush on) to pretend to be her boyfriend. Getting him to agree wasn’t easy but when he agrees it’s not long before wishing for more. Could this be all pretend or something more like forever?

Beau has wanted Lily for a long time but things could be complicated by the fact her brother is a friend. But when Lily approaches him with a favour he knows that his days of being fancy free and single are well and truly over, he taking his chance to be with her forever and when it looks like she’s in more danger than he ever imagined he’s ready to protect his woman come he’ll or high water. Is this really his chance at happily ever after?

The first chapter in this book was a little confusing so give it a chance, these two characters were created for one another he’s the rough to her smooth and together they are perfect. Not really too much drama and I’m very intrigued by Graham I’m hoping he’s getting a book. Great read perfect length for a bedtime treat. Recommended read.

[Amyb1975 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Honey, you’re mine, I’m yours. This is only going to get better."

I know that when I read a Tory Baker book that I'm going to experience 2 people who fall in love and have a happy, steamy and fun time doing it. There may be some hiccups along the way, but her characters are strong and fight for what they want. I was actually a little surprised in this one because it starts off with Beau being a bit hesitant towards Lily and her idea. However, he quickly changed his tune and was all in. Neither virgins, which I loved actually, no real mention of either past but no confirmation that either were not with anyone else physically since meeting, no abuse, no OW drama, epilogues at 9 months and 2 years.

[♡Tonya♡]

Heroine dates other people after knowing hero

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's time for the weekly Cherry Falls book - by the end of the year, they'll have taken up 25% of my goal. Honestly, I have been looking forward to each week's book because I know that it will be silly, light (for the most part), and have an HEA.

Honestly, this book was just delightful. Our heroine decides that she needs a fake relationship to show this guy she met on a dating app that she was serious when she said she wasn't interested as he's turned into a stalker, so she approaches our hero and he agrees. What she doesn't know is that he's been pining for her for ages. (She was pining, too... but his pining is just so swoony.) So, this had one of my favorite things in an insta-lovey book like this: an actual (v brief) conversation about birth control and a follow up after with the H basically telling her he'd go along with whatever she wanted because IT'S HER BODY. Hallelujah! I have read too many of these where it's not even a thing or the BC convo doesn't happen because the H has decided he's gonna knock her up without asking. (Once upon a time, I literally gave a book one star for that shit. I'm all for an alpha, but have a conversation.) Consent, y'all. It's sexy. And while they ultimately didn't use it, they decided together in the moment and again after. There is the storyline about the stalker which was there to drive the plot, but was a fairly small thing and when it came to a head, there were no worries... of course we were also 75% in. 🤣

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book with it second chance at love theme. The characters had wonderful chemistry. Their scenes together were amazing and enjoyable to read. The story had a bit of intrigue and humor which added to the enjoyment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

[Georgia Mouzouros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretend lovers was never going to be a thing between these two, from page one you knew that they are destined to be with each other. You could feel the chemistry and the want between them. Beau has always wanted Lily but wasn’t quite ready for her, Lily didn’t think he was interested so she tried to move on... 2 bad dates later ans she’s looking to Beau for help... Beau is not about to loose this opportunity she’s presented him with! Sparks fly between them in this little town and soon they are as real as the potential threat that looms around them! Tory doesn’t disappoint, safe and sweet with the heat we expect ❤️
2 epilogues 9 months ans 2 years
Very little inconsequential OM drama( if that)
Not Virgins( wasn’t really discussed )but no other ever mentioned.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Enjoyed Beau and Lily, the fake relationship and that intense connection. Their journey pulled me in. A quick read, great characters, and I'm going to be digging in to other books from this series.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! I couldn't put this one down. I absolutely love it!! This was a nice quick, short read.

Beau and Lily have known each other for a little while, neither figured the other was interested in dating. Lily comes to Beau bar, The Tipsy Cow and asks him if he'll pretend to date her. He tells her he wants to make it seam real to everyone so he kisses her. They call and talk on the phone throughout the week, then make plans for Saturday when they both have off work. Lily is the owner of Kissme Sweet Shop, she heads to the bar on a Friday night with two of her friends. Beau and Lily want to make it known around town they are dating. He tells her when he has a break he'll come dance with her. After they dance Lily and her friends decide to head home, she lets Beau know before she leaves. The next day Lily asks Beau if they can spend the day at his ranch instead of going out, he tells her that fine but he thought she wanted to make their relationship public knowledge. Lily stops by the store before she heads to Beau's ranch, while he gets the horses ready for them to ride. While they ride the horses they talk about Lily's ex Chad who has been harassing her and why she needs Beau to pretend to date her. When they get the horses settled back in the barn Lily tells Beau maybe this was a bad idea. Beau tells her that he could have prevented this if he would have let her know his feeling towards her. Lily tells him she likes him too, so Beau picks he up and carries her into his home. They prepare dinner as they talk, then watch a few movies. After Lily falls asleep Beau carries her to his bed and gets in beside her. When Lily wakes the next morning she finds Beau out on the porch, she sits in his lap, and they kiss. Beau tells Lily it would be so easy to slide her panties to the side, unzip his pants, and take her bare, she tells him she wants that, so he does. After Lily goes home, she gets a phone call from her parents, they ask her about her and Beau, news travels fast in a small town. Over the next week Beau brings Lily lunch or she'll bring lunch to his office. When Saturday night comes they both have the night off, so they head out of town to a restaurant. Lily finds Chad the guy who's been harassing her there, she tells Beau. When the waitress comes they order their food, soon Beau has to excuse himself and heads to the restroom. When he comes out he finds Chad standing and waiting for him, he says some things about Lily and Beau tries to ignore him. When Beau feels the wind behind him he ducks, his hand goes out and he grabs his throat. Chad calls for help and alerts the manager, soon the local sheriff is there. Beau tells Lily he'll probably be arrested and to call Graham. Beau tells Lily to take his truck and go back to his ranch and wait for him. Graham tells Lily to do what Beau told her and he'll take care of everything. Beau isn't arrested he just being held while they do an investigation. When Graham arrives he finds out that all the charges are dropped and Beau can go home. Beau calls Lily on the way they want to build a case against Chad. When Beau and Graham arrive at his ranch he tells them to come see him tomorrow so they can collect all the evidence Lily has. After Graham leaves Beau and Lily head to bed, she pleasures him and then they make love. Lily tells Beau she loves him, he tells her he loves her. The next day Lily's parents and brother Vincent come to the ranch, Beau and Lily tell them about Chad and the real reason they started dating. After her parents leave they head to see Graham to get a restraining order and give him everything Lily has on Chad. Six weeks later, they go shopping, Lily's mind is all over the place. She tells Beau she needs to head to the pharmacy. Beau tells her to pick up three pregnancy test. When they get home Beau puts away the groceries while Lily head to the restroom to take her pregnancy test. They find out that Lily's ex Chad has other charges out on him, a woman went missing and the evidence leads back to him. The timer goes off and they both head to find out they are pregnant. Nine months later, Lily has a boy they name Hudson. They has a small ceremony in the back yard of the ranch not long after they found out Lily was pregnant. Two years later, they are trying to have another child, this time they want a girl, if not they want to keep trying. They fall asleep locked in each other’s arms, right where they'll always be.

[KMH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, it had a vibe of a fake marriage of convenience, without the marriage part.
I loved both characters, and that you were introduced to them both in the beginning, that you got to see their interactions and get to know them together but then you also got a look into their pasts too, as they talk and get to know each other.
The way the first chapter opened had me confused at first but then as I read on I and it was easy to understand what was happening, that she needed some help from him, and that he was happy to do so, that he was ready to be the protective alpha who was ready to stand up for her, but that didnt make her a damsel in distress, no she was still a strong character.
They were like opposites that complemented each other well.
There relationship came together effortlessly and eventhough it was supposed to be a fake relationship you could feel the chemistry lighting up the pages and to me it never felt like they were having a fake relationship but that it was real from the beginning, and that they already knew each other from the beginning, having lived in the town at the same time.
With the addition of the drama from the female characters side bulked up the story and had that element of suspense before the happy ending.
Each interaction made you fall more in love with both characters, there wasnt anything to dislike about either of the characters.
They were both wrote perfectly.
The storyline was sweet, and what I have come to expect from this author.
It was like a country romance, with its ranch/cowboy/bar owner main male character, and I loved that the main female character worked in a sweet shop called kissme... you wouldn't necessarily think they would be put together but the author did such a good job of it.
I loved the mention of the previous stories characters which I enjoyed the joining of the stories which make this series good to read, they may be standalones but still part of the series.
I am always excited and happy to read any new book by the author, she is one of my automatic one click buy and she still will be after this!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was a little bit too boring for me. I started wanting to skim through at about 30% in. But that’s not even the whole issue...

My big complaint is that I felt like I came in in the middle of a story. Two lines in and Lily’s already asking Beau to be her fake boyfriend. This is supposedly a second chance romance but there was no backstory of them whatsoever. Only a few lines casually mentioned that they may have known who the other was in the past and may have sorta been intrigued by the other. No other indication that either Beau or Lily had a crush on the other at any point in the past. Definitely not what the description of this story made it out to seem.

So yeah, I felt a bit jipped on this story. I expected one thing and didn’t get that whatsoever. The fake relationship plot was super weak.

Also... I get this series is based in Cherry Falls and some characters from other books make appearances, but Sheriff Graham was mentioned in a few of the previous books... along with his wife. Now we’re in book 8 and he’s not married and has an eye on a woman named Faith? Maybe this is the supposed wife he has, but damn... go in order at least!! This makes it confusing and I really don’t like inconsistencies. It’s possible this author wrote about Graham before he married the woman and she was the wife from the previous books, but whoever decided the order that these would be placed in this series should’ve done a better job. Ugh, /end rant.

Hopefully the next Cherry Falls book will be more enjoyable for me because unfortunately this one just didn’t work out in my favor.

2⭐️

POV: Dual 1st person

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily is tired of being lonely. The one man she really wants, Beau, has shown no interest in her and is a friend of her brother. Lily goes to a dating app and has a couple of lunch dates with Chet but she isn't interested in him. Chet however is interested in her and won't leave her alone, constantly calling her. Lily decides that her best move is to pretend that she has another boyfriend and that might chase Chet of. Lily goes to Beau's bar and asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend and to her surprise he agrees.

Beau has been interested in Lily for a long time but wasn't brave enough to make any move. When Lily asks him to be her fake boyfriend, he is determined to do everything he can to make it real. He insists on kisses from Lily all the time. Lily is ready to forget pretend and drag him into bed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CeeJay Daisy]

♥️🌼223 True Love Lane🌼♥️
I hear novellas “aren’t realistic”...how no one can fall in love that fast...well...I’m probably the wrong person to ask about that...but this author’s novellas aren’t about insta-love, anyway...they are believable relationships...they have good, solid characters with tons of chemistry...and they are so, so good...♥️🌼
Beau and Lily have known, loved and wanted each other for years...they’ve just let life keep them from pulling the trigger...but Lily’s not leaving a relationship with Beau to chance any longer...she’s gonna make it happen....and Beau’s not gonna let his opportunity pass...♥️🌼
I have watched Tory Baker become one of the best of the hot little novella...223 True Love Lane is her contribution to the Cherry Falls Romance series...and it’s a good one...♥️🌼

[Samantha]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Beau and Lily have secretly loved each other for a while. Because neither of them ever said anything, they spend more time apart that they should. Beau thought that he was getting his life in order before he told her how he felt. She never said anything because she thought he only liked her like a little sister. Lily decides to try to meet someone else. This ends poorly and she needs to find away to get him to leave her alone. She gives Beau the chance he finally needs. She can pretend that he is her boyfriend but there will not be any pretending on his part. They finally realize the truth about each others feelings. A happy future together is finally a reality

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tory Baker’s 223 True Love Ln. is a steamy new romance in her Cherry Falls series that takes us along on the journey toward a happily-ever-after for Beau and Lily, who have denied their mutual attraction until a personal situation in Lily’s life brings them together. And when they do, the chemistry is felt from one end of town to the other. Beau is an alpha in the sweetest, dreamiest way, and he unapologetically has tunnel vision for sassy, sweet shop owner Lily while she only has eyes for the hot, older rancher and bar owner. The addition of side characters like the town sheriff and Lily’s protective tattoo artist brother make this a good, quick read with the promise of more HEA’s to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back in Cherry Falls home of steamy Alpha men who have eyes only for their ladies. This book is part of a multi author series. Each book can be read as a standalone, read one, read all. I haven't read all the books in this series yet but the ones I have read have been fun entertaining reads. If you like steamy, short instalove stories grab this book. I loved Lily and Beau's story.

Lily asks Beau to be her fake boyfriend to discourage Chad a guy she went on a few dates and won't leave her alone. Only Beau knows there's no way anything will stay fake. Beau's older than Lily but Lily is thrilled to be with Beau. Now if only they can get the Chad issue solved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tory Baker is the latest to join the Cherry Falls party and she is a welcome player in the sandbox! Beau owns a bar in Cherry Falls and lives on a working ranch in the outskirts of town, and has noticed the beautiful Lily - ten years his junior - for a long time. When she has trouble with a guy she only went out with a few times, the owner of the town's sweet store approaches the tatted up cowboy to be her fake boyfriend. It isn't long before both are looking to turn the thing between them a reality. These two have chemistry in spades, and Beau is as swoon-worthy as Lily is sweet. Cherry Falls is fast becoming my favourite place to visit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Auro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily needs Beau to pretend he`s her boyfriend to fend off an unwanted suitor. Beau has had feelings for Lily for far too long and is more than willing to play along. He is such a sweet and caring man... definitely made me swoon more than once! I love that there was no hesitation, or games on either of their parts.
Once their feelings were out in the open - both were honest and open. It made it an easy and enjoyable read (Sometimes it just becomes too frustrating when the main characters are just too stubborn for their own good). This story was sweet, easy to read, and with plenty of chemistry and steam throughout!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilly goes on a couple dates with a guy and he becomes a problem when she ends things. So she turns to Beau to help her out with her problem. Beau is a bartender and a family friend that Lilly has always had feelings for. She asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend to get rid of the guy she went on a couple dates with and won't stop bothering her. He agrees and soon what starts out as pretend quickly turns into something very real between them. Can Lilly show Beau that they can have something more than friendship?

This is an amazing story that will draw you in from this first chapter on. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A-reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like the blurb and actual book were a little different. Lily has a stalker ex so she decided to ask Beau to be her pretend boyfriend to discourage stalker. Beau has wanted Lily for a long time and he resists at first but then decides he’s in and doesn’t let it be a pretend relationship, he wants Lily as his real everything. Their sexy times are hot, and frequent. Beau has a run in with the stalker at a restaurant while on a date with Lily. Police are called and Beau asks her to call his friend, Graham who is an officer in his town. The stalker disappears and is not heard from again. A positive pregnancy test, wedding, and lots of I love yous. Epilogue nine months later with a baby boy and two years later trying to get pregnant again.

[CS · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the blurb and the way it painted a picture of Beau happy to have a chance with Lily when she asked for help with her pesky ex.
The storyline wasn’t quite that direct with Beau resisting and making some excuses as to why it was a bad idea.
Almost zero pushback from Lily’s brother and parents when they were told about the relationship. This fake romance never really felt fake as Beau really was ready to settle down with Lily.
A bit of drama with her ex, but pretty much smooth sailing for this couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
I thought that this was a great book Beau and Lily were fantastic together. I loved the connection and the chemistry between Beau and Lily. I loved how possessive Beau was of Lily but still let Lily live her own life, he just kept on a close eye on her (she really loved it too). Lily is sweet and sassy and loves to keep Beau on his toes. There is some drama in this book but nothing between Beau and Lily; this drama actually brings them closer together. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it and Ms. Tory as an awesome author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Lily and Beau. They are good friends. but secretly are in love with each other. When Lily asks Beau to pretend to be her boyfriend so another man will take a hint and leave her alone, Beau plans to make it real. Lily wishes Beau saw her as more than a friend and when he suggests it is real between them, she agrees. I really enjoyed this book, i liked Beau and thought he was great, he loved Lily and was very protective of her. i love how he wanted to be with her and knew she was the one. I think Beau was a great guy. Lily was lucky to have someone care for her. Good one.

[Leslee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily and Beau have know each other for a little while, Cherry Falls is a small town. But the older bar owner didn't think he had any business asking out the younger baker. Lily admired Beau but assumed that he only saw her as an acquaintance at best. When she asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend to get a stalker off her back, he doesn't hesitate. But right from the start it is apparent that this isn't pretend. Once that detail is out of the way they slowly spend more time together building a relationship. These two are a solid, hardworking pair that quickly aim at starting their life together. It was so sweet, another fun read from the lovely Tory Baker!

[Vinessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily has a stalker and needs the help of Beau, a rancher and a bar owner. Oh and friends with her younger brother.
But he can only say no for so long before dreams of forever with the love of his life flush before his eyes, then seeing her with someone else makes his molers hurt. So he relents into a fake relationship that he quickly lets her know is not fake.
But this Chad guy is still in the shadows waiting and sneaky. This is a quick dirty and loving read.
Lily and Beau are great together. Loyal and commited. Chad watch out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weakest of the series so far. I would give zero stars if I could. First if you don’t read the introductory paragraph you have no idea what the hell is going on and even still first couple chapters were just awkward to piece together the H and h’s previous relationship. Then there is the ridiculous dialogue coupled with the fact that the “H” responds to learning about the heroines stalker ex with the wisdom “I wouldn’t stop if you said no either.” Uh WTF? And why does this grown ass woman not take herself to the police for a restraining order first thing when the ex is calling nonstop and stalking her. Instead a fake new boyfriend is going to fix things? Nope!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story! It is a fairly quick and short read with a mix of brother's friend and fake to so much more plot. Beau and Lily have always been attracted to each other but neither has acted. He is trying to build for the future and has not been able to make a move on Lily. Lily has only ever wanted Beau, but he shows no interest. Tired of being alone she finds someone else. However, he is not what she wants and now she can not get him to leave her alone. She has a proposal for Beau that will help get the unwanted suitor off her case. This is a good story from beginning to end. I love the characters!!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Love Lane is where it’s at.

I loved this story. It was entertaining and enjoyable even though it had a stalker issue. The characters were interesting and likable. Chad was crazy and I hope he got the comeuppance that he so deserved. Lily and Beau were wonderful together. I loved that they both had feelings for the other but just hadn’t acted on them yet. Lily seemed very take charge and focused while still being sweet and caring. Beau was definitely an alpha but so sweet with Lily. It was a pleasure to read about. I loved Beau and Lily’s happy ever after. I recommend reading this book.

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beau has known that Lily was meant to be his. He’s worked to make things perfect so he can finally claim her. Lily has been in love with Beau, her brother’s best friend for some time but she thinks he’s not interested so decides to join a dating app to test the waters. The guy she dates off the app won’t leave her alone so she asks Beau to pretend to be her boyfriend and to her surprise he agrees. Beau knows the time is right and he will make their fake relationship very real as he has no plans to let a Lily go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Bonanno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tory Baker is fast becoming a must read author for me and this book only adds to that distinction. Ms. Baker has a way of drawing you into her books from the 1st page to the last. Her characters are so delightful that you can't help cheer for their happily ever after. Beau and Lily's story is one of starting out as a fake relationship but quickly realizing that you want so much more. This book has everything that you could want; comedy, action, drama and hot romance. This fantastic book is part of A Cherry Falls Romance series and you don't want to miss is; as well as the other books in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.